About Woolley Fest
Now in only its second year, Woolley Fest is a rider-built event making a strong impression across the Pacific Northwest, a region known for some of the biggest jump lines. Held on August 8 and 9 in a two-day public format, the event welcomed fans of all ages to cheer on the riders. According to the Woolley Fest website, the event “was founded with the goal of supporting core freeride culture and sharing this experience with the local riding community.” – and, we couldn’t be prouder having Arlie representing us there.
Why He Rides
When a young fan asked Arlie, “How are you doing this?” the question also seemed to
ask, “Why do you do this at all?” Arlie’s answer was simple: “I’m just so passionate about
it.” Arlie describes how having trust in the people around him at the event made him feel confident in himself and in completing such a legendary line. The riders had three days to figure the course out and get comfortable. Then on public days, a jam style approach allowed riders to throw down and get rowdy, right in front of the adoring fans.
Two to make it true
Arlie had been practicing his next trick to add to repertoire while at Reese Wallace’s
backyard and was ready to throw it in competition. A flip no hander (a trick where Arlie
takes both hand off his bars whilst doing a back flip). WOW!
Ambassador / Influencer / Professional Athlete
The Woolley Fest is the perfect place to hang with friends and capture ‘content’. These
days, being a rider means being a creator too, and Arlie's found his own rhythm with that
balancing act. Camera rolling or not, riding always comes first for him, the content is what
happens after. When he reviews his own footage, it's less about likes and more like
watching game tape: a chance to spot the line he should have taken, the moment he
hesitated, the small tweaks that turn a good run into a great one. It's this mix of ambition
and self-critique that's shaping where he's headed, chasing a bigger online following
without ever losing sight of getting better on the bike.
Massive thanks and appreciation to the HESH crew and community for orchestrating all
that is Woolley Fest. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.
Info: heshmtb.com
Instagram: @woolleyfest
Bike: Alpine Trail XR
All photograph credits: @izzylidsky | izzylidskyart.com |
