Rennie recovers from long-jump crash

By Steve Medcroft

Last week, outside the opal mining town of Cooper Pedy on the road to Oodnadatta, Australia, Nathan Rennie launched a Santa Cruz V-10 off a 12-meter ramp in an attempt to reach the world record bicycle long distance jump of 116 feet. He was towed to the ramp by motorcycle at 96 kilometres per hour but unfortunately crashed on landing after overshooting the ramp to 121 feet.

Rennie sustained only minor injuries in the crash and is in recovery. "I have a small separation on my left shoulder as well as a few cuts and bruises but its fine; I'm all okay," Rennie said this week.

The record was deemed unofficial by Guinness World Records because of the crash, so the question is, will he try again. "Yes, I do plan to go for the record again but not for a little while. Maybe a year or so." Instead of more jumps, Rennie says he'll spend the rest of the off-season "training for next year." But not without a few "beach and beer sessions as well."