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The Recap
Back at the end of August, MTB legend and ION rider Hannah put on her annual freeride festival, Hangtime. Now in its fifth year, the women's freeride festival returned to the legendary Blue Steel jump line in Bellingham, Washington, bringing together more than 60 invited riders for two days of progression, mentorship, and some seriously big riding. The RE ZRO® team had a catch up with Hannah after the event to find out her inspirations for Hangtime, and how the weekend went.
What started in 2021 as a gathering of fewer than 20 riders has grown into one of the most unique events in mountain biking. Hangtime isn't a competition in the traditional sense - there's no pressure of scores or standings hanging over the weekend. Instead, riders take on the line together, push each other, celebrating the accomplishments of the weekend.
Hannah said “I wanted to create an event that would provide a fun and welcoming space for riders to progress, learn, and connect with other riders.”
This year's edition brought together women ages 14 to 48, from all over the world, a reminder of just how wide the event's reach has become. Alongside the seasoned pros were the next generation, younger, up-and-coming athletes invited to learn directly from the OG’s, working through bigger features under the guidance of riders they've grown up watching. And this year stayed true to the event’s roots, being centred on community spirit and encouraging fellow MTB women to push themselves in the sport they all love.
“The name “Hangtime” came from the events’ main goals - hitting big jumps and catching hangtime on the bike, but also spending time hanging out and connecting with other riders, and strengthening our community.”
The weekend closed out in true Hangtime fashion: with the community front and center. Whether it was watching Ana Julia Gutierrez take the Best Trick win, or seeing veteran rider Amy Shenton send it over her own kids (again), the energy at Blue Steel made clear why this event has become a must-go on the women's freeride calendar.
The rider behind the trail
After this year's event, we had a catch up with Hannah to find out more about her inspiration behind Hangtime.
Hannah Bergemann is widely regarded as one of the top MTB freeriders in the world. A Redbull Formation athlete, Fest Series rider, and soon to be returning to Redbull Rampage; she's built a career defined by fearless riding and a genuine commitment to lifting up the women's side of the sport.
“I was inspired to create Hangtime after getting invited to the first Formation event and recognising the need for more spaces for women in mountain biking & specifically freeride.” Said Hannah.
Since launching Hangtime in 2021, Hannah has watched that vision play out, watching as her fellow riders grow and improve as the event expands over time.
“It’s been really cool to see the progression of riders in real time at the event and also how it’s been able to provide a platform for athletes to take their riding to the next level and attend bigger events.” Hannah added.
Hangtime is a significant event for women in the MTB scene. For those younger or newer riders to be in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment is the ultimate confidence booster - allowing them to push their limits while surrounded by women who genuinely want them to reach their goals. And for those OG’s and returners, using the event as a launchpad for other legendary jumps and competitions, while knowing the group are cheering them on for each trick.
“Several OG hangtime athletes are now competing in Rampage, hitting huge Fest Series jumps, creating epic media projects and lots more. Makes me super happy to see how much the riders love the event and to be able to give back to the community and sport in this way!”
Hannah ended on that positive note, and even though we weren’t there, the positive energy is palpable. We can’t wait to see what next year brings for Hannah and Hangtime.
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