May 25, 2022

iRIDE Ambassador - Rod Bardsley

Rod is an iRIDE and Specialized Brand ambassador, with a background in just about every form of riding. He has a histroy in racing, representing NZ at 2 Dh world champs and most recently being crowned NZ eMTB national champ in 2020.

Read below to find out more about the man known as the 'Rod Father"...

What you’ve done / where you’ve come from?

Bike mechanic for 35 years. co-owned Cycle Services, Cuba st. in the late "90's and raced DH for a few years and at 2 world champs. mechanic in London after that then 5 years mtb guiding in Chamonix and Morzine France. Before coming back to NZ wrenching again, guiding, riding tuition, and writing for Spoke Magazine since 2010.

What are you riding? (bikes)

- 2022 Specialized Levo expert

- 2022 Kenevo SL expert.

Favourite ride?

I have lots of favourite rides but big mountain single track with lots of natural features for jumps and manuals is when I'm happiest.

Best experience on a bike?

Best experience... Santa Cruz bicycles flying me to Molini, Italy to ride the new Nomad 2 over the mountains into France with Cedric Gracia and a whole bunch of international journos, then riding in Finale for a week afterwards.