Who is Joel Tunbridge?
Some people call me Ranga, Ringa, Ringhole, Djrunga but mainly Runga. Really I’m just some dude who lives in Queenstown and ridesbikes.
Who do you ride for?
Vertigo Bikes Queenstown and Giant NZ
Where are you happiest?
Well, probably riding my bikes
What’s been your favourite race/contest venue?
Crankworx Rotorua and Whistler
What are your favourite trails?
Gorge Road and Dream Track here in Queenstown
What are your strengths?
Looking at Facebook memes for hours!
What are your weaknesses?
Butter chicken pies
What’s been your worst crash over the years?
I broke both my arms at once when I was 13, mum had to wipe my ass, haha.
Which bike from over the years conjures up the best memories?
Once I had this mongoose hardtail, it was my first mountain bike. I use to just jump off flat drops on it, One day I jumped off one that was that was maybe as tall as me at the time. I ended up twisting the BB spindle, my dad wouldn’t buy me a new one so I had to run it, both of the cranks would be bent down when they were level. When pedalling you would bobble up and down!
What bikes are you riding right now?
Giant Glory, Giant Reign and my clapped out jump bike
Who’s your favourite rider?
Anyone who can bust out flat spins
What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?
A bit of hunting is not too bad, I love exploring around in the bush.
What are you listening to right now?
Jimmy Recard by Drapht
What’s your favourite bike movie?
Sam Hill Tribute on YouTube
What’s your favourite non-bike movie/TV show?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
What’s your favourite non-bike website?
Met Service
What makes you happy?
Massive house parties!
If you weren’t a mountain biker, what would you be doing?
Mixing tunes at the local
If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?
I would make 26 the standard size, also remove any other stupid sizing in the industry that only exists as a business venture.
What are your goals or aspirations for the future?
I guess I am a more of a racer but I like big jumps, Hardline or Loose Fest would be awesome!
When you hang up your racing/ riding shoes, how do you want to be remembered?
Just like bender, a hucker.
What does the future hold for Joel Tunbridge?
Hopefully big jumps!
Words – Parallax Media
