Natural Selection Bike: The New Freeride Event Redefining Creativity a

Mountain biking has always been about more than the ride, it’s about freedom, creativity, and the chance to flow with nature. That’s exactly what Natural Selection Bike celebrates. This new freeride event isn’t just a competition, it’s a shift back to riding in sync with Mother Nature. Picture big mountain terrain meeting raw rider creativity on New Zealand’s stunning Mt. Dewar, overlooking Queenstown.

Natural Selection Bike might be new by name, but it is rooted in the legacy of the legendary Proving Grounds events, founded by Todd Barber, now COO of Natural Selection Bike. “We’re evolving freeride competition by letting nature guide us,” said Barber. “With Queenstown’s dynamic terrain and a commitment to sustainability, we’re showing what’s possible when we work with the land, not against it.” This isn’t your typical competition. Natural Selection Bike doesn’t stick to a script or man-made lines. Instead, the terrain blends untouched natural features with carefully enhanced elements shaped by the world-class team at Elevate Trail Building. Think rolling mountains, massive drops, and endless line choices, each one daring riders to push their skills and passion to the absolute edge. This is freeride at its purest.

For the Riders, By the Riders

Not only is Natural Selection Bike unique in its course, it is also opening a world of possibility to the athletes who compete in it. It's a chance for women and men riders to showcase their love for the sport through the display of their grit, artistry and appreciation for the earth they ride on. Local riders even get their shot at the spotlight through the Dream Track qualifiers. This event gives rising talent a chance to grab one of four coveted spots to compete alongside freeriding legends, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone bold enough to seize it. Natural Selection Bike isn’t about who crosses the finish line first, no, this competition is all about the story told as the riders flow with the natural terrain. It’s judged on a “CREDO” criteria: Creativity, Risk, Execution, Difficulty, and Overall Impression. Giving the athletes the chance to push their limits like never before. And when riders are pushing those limits, they rely on gear that won’t let them down. That’s why so many freeriders trust Tannus Armour for flat protection. With Tannus, riders can focus on their creativity and execution, knowing that their tires are as prepared as they are.

When and Where to Watch

Mark your calendars! The event will kick off on February 8-9 with the Dream Track qualifiers leading into the finals on February 15th. If you’re lucky enough to make it to Queenstown, tickets are available to watch the action live. For the rest of us, the event will stream on Red Bull TV and YouTube starting March 5, 2025 (March 6 for New Zealand).

Sustainability at the Core

For an event that is all about riders and nature working in unison, it only makes sense that the event would be a pioneer to its commitment to environmental sustainability. Partnering with TreeSpace, the organizers aim to reforest Mt. Dewar and ensure that all event operations produce zero landfill waste, everything will either be recycled or composted to achieve this goal. To top it all off, the event will be powered by a battery storage unit that is charged at a local hydroelectric facility. This sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly events, proving that freeriding and sustainability can ride hand-in-hand.

Mt. Dewar the Dream Venue

Mt. Dewar was carefully picked from a handful of locations by a select group of mountain biking legends. You can see their consideration and reasoning in this video.

What makes Mt. Dewar truly unique is its dual focus on thrill and sustainability. The course design leverages the landscape’s natural features while minimizing environmental impact. It’s a stage that is changing the sport as much as the competition itself. And we are beyond excited to see what history is made here at Mt. Dewar!

The Future of Freeriding

Whether you’re a die-hard mountain biking enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the tenacity of pushing limits, Natural Selection Bike is set to be a game-changer in the freeriding space. Here at Tannus, we’re beyond stoked to support what this event stands for. Natural Selection Bike is paving the way for what it means to make a sustainable event, by putting mother nature and the riders at the forefront of it all. It’s not just about competition; it’s about breaking boundaries, telling stories, and inspiring all of us to go further in our own passions and potential.

Additional Posts...

Tannus Armour Review: 7 Things Riders Should Know Before Buying

If you have been researching Tannus Armour, you have probably come across some different opinions about what it does, how it installs, and whether it is worth it. Most of that confusion comes from riders comparing completely different bikes, riding styles, and expectations.

Tannus Armour is built for one simple purpose: helping tube-based bikes prevent flats before they happen. That means commuters, e-bike riders, kids’ bikes, mountain bikes running tubes, city bikes, and everyday riders who are tired of dealing with punctures, pinch flats, and roadside tube changes.

Let’s walk through the biggest questions riders usually have before buying.
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Why Tannus Armour is the Best Flat Protection for E-Bikes: A Deep Dive into Tire Reliability

E-bikes have revolutionized transportation, but their weight and speed make them "puncture magnets." In this deep dive, we explore how Tannus Armour solves the unique "physics of the flat" that plagues heavy e-mobility. Featuring a 3,000-mile cross-country case study and a technical breakdown of the patented Aither micro-cell polymer, we show how a 15mm foam shield can eliminate 90% of punctures.

Learn why standard tires fail under e-bike loads and how Tannus Armour provides a critical "run-flat" safety net for commuters. We also share expert installation pro-tips, including tube sizing and the "rebound rule" to ensure your ride remains smooth, stable, and, most importantly, unstoppable. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a coastal cruiser, discover the "fit and forget" secret to total tire confidence.
The End of the Flat Tire? Airless vs. Pneumatic: What You Need to Know

Tired of the "dreaded hiss" ruining your morning commute? This guide breaks down the high-tech shift from traditional air-filled tires to the Tannus Airless revolution. Using patented Aither 1.1 micro-bubble polymer, Tannus has engineered a tire that is 100% puncture-proof, thermally stable from -20°C to 60°C, and lasts up to 10,000 km.

We debunk common myths about weight and grip, while highlighting why airless tech is the ultimate "fit and forget" solution for E-bikers and urban cyclists. Whether you're looking to save time on roadside repairs or reduce your environmental footprint with 100% recyclable materials, find out if making the switch to airless is the right move for your ride.
Why Tannus Armour Requires a Smaller Inner Tube

Installing Tannus Armour for the first time can feel counterintuitive, especially when the instructions tell you to run a smaller inner tube than your tire size. But that size-down rule is exactly what makes Armour work. The liner takes up space inside the tire, changing how the tube inflates and how the whole system behaves on the trail. A smaller tube prevents folds, friction, bead issues, and the mysterious flats riders sometimes blame on the insert itself. When the tube matches the reduced internal volume, Armour can do its job: absorbing impacts, blocking punctures, and keeping the ride smooth and predictable. If you want easier installation, better flat protection, and long-term reliability, choosing the correct tube size is the key to making Tannus Armour perform the way it was designed to.