Freeride Fiesta is a unique freeride event at La Soledad in Guadalajara, Mexico, the only bike park of its kind on the continent.
As the 2024 Freeride Fiesta wraps, we chat to event co-founder Johny Salido about this unique event.
Photos by Valentin Popineau.
A whole host of Endura riders were sending it at Freeride Fiesta in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico last week. Johny Salido and Reed Boggs were joined by new Endura signings Dan and Elias Ruso, Kurtis Downs, Dylan Colbern, and Leo Smith. Elias Ruso won the “El Mexicano – Spirit Award” for his incredibly positive vibe throughout the event.
We spoke to the riders, including festival co-founder and freerider Juan Diego “Johny” Salido, about the dos and don’ts of organising a festival for some of the most talented freeriders on the planet, and asked them what makes this MTB event so special.
What are the main three things to do and not to do when it comes to organising a successful freeride event?
The most important thing is to focus on the riders’ experience. Then, the build of the course is crucial, it has to be unique and simply sick. And last but not least, always take care of those who are supporting you.
What you absolutely don’t want to do is to do everything yourself – instead, have a team around you to help. Don’t make promises that you cannot deliver. And don’t try to control every element.
What makes out the special vibe of Freeride Fiesta that draws so many athletes to it?
The Mexican vibe we bring to the event, it draws our community together during a time of the year that is quiet.
What does Freeride Fiesta mean to the MTB community in Mexico?
It’s a good platform for kids to feel inspired, by showing that it’s possible and doable no matter what your background is.
This event is very different, it’s not your normal day to day riding. By building this course, it’s growing the bike community.
What makes Freeride Fiesta so special to the riders?
Kurtis Downs says: “It’s the first event of the year, there’s no pressure on performance and it gets me in the right mindset for up-and-coming events. To perform and push my boundaries in Freeride my mindset is important. I am always trying to evolve our sport, whether that being new tricks, combinations, or encouraging and inspiring others.
What I love about Freeride Fiesta is it connects our community together.”
For Reed Boggs, Freeride Fiesta is nothing but GUD times: “Big jumps, sick crew of riders, & tequila bar for after riding… What more could you want!? Freeride Fiesta is amazing. A week full of riding with a diverse crew of riders from around the world. I especially like that it’s a jam style event – YOU decide when to throw your best run or tricks down!”
The Ruso bros Dan and Elias have travelled all the way from Germany. The long journey is totally worth it for them, as “there is no other event where you are fully embraced as part of the family like this – the Salido family are gems. The community of people makes this event so special, whether they’re sending it hard to push themselves, or taking it easier. This is the best version of MTB holidays!”
Cami Nogueira agrees: “The community is so special. Everyone is stoked when someone does something sick. It’s a big family, we support each other in the good and not so good times ♥️.“
Dylan Colbern confirms: “This is an event that feels like a family and community gathering compared to a competitive event– you get all the benefits of riding big jumps without the pressure to perform. The support from the other riders and knowledge I gain is uncomparable.”
The event was being held for the fourth year at La Soledad Bike Park. The one and only bike park in Latin America with 23 m long jumps. Leading up to the main event day, the riders had one week to get to know and practice on the ramps as well as to demonstrate their best tricks to the public. Entertainment like freestyle rappers, music, BMX motorcycles, meet and greets, good food, and of course Tequila Fortaleza contributed to the great atmosphere. Freeride Fiesta set the event year 2024 off to a fantastic start.
