Why Do People Compete for Nothing?

Whether its for Olympic gold or mere bragging rights… People all-across the world, put their bodies on the line every day - In competition. If you can name it, somebody’s probably made sport of it… Cheese rolling, slapping contests, bull riding! … And whereas the few up top of huge organisations like Formula 1, NBA or the Champions League are well compensated for their risks and sacrifice… Most go either almost, or entirely unrewarded. Yet they keep coming back - So, why? In pursuit of an answer, I came to the Oparau 8 Hour Cross Country - New Zealand’s biggest Dirt Bike endurance race ever! In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, 200 riders would race from 8am to 4pm across 30km of rain-soaked and rugged farmland, for… You guessed it! - Little-to-no reward. It was for them, that I had just one question: Why?
SOCIAL MEDIAS
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/ sowmanfilms
/ sowmanfilms
/ sowmanfilms
CREDITS
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Written, Shot, Edited & Narrated by:
Ash Sowman
Starring/Helmet Cameras:
Brad Groombridge ( / brad.groombridge )
Cody Cooper ( / codycoopermx )
Wil Yeoman ( / wil_yeoman96 )
Tommy Watts ( / tommywatts_912 )
Seton Head ( / setonhead )
Ashton Whyte ( / ashton_733 )
Production Sponsors:
Whyteline (www.whyteline.co.nz)
KEA Trailers (keatrailers.co.nz)
Forestland Motorcycle Club (www.foresttrailevents.net)
Photographer:
Madison Clarke
Event Commentary:
Neil Ritchie
Extra Hands:
Brad Groombridge
Kiri Clarke
Kirri Gardener
Hospitality:
Brad & Kiri
Land Owners:
The Scott Family
Other video, photo & audio sources (in order of appearance):
Muhammed Ali knocks out George Foreman - HBO (www.hbo.com)
Cristiano Ronaldo bicycle kick - UEFA ( • CRISTIANO RONALDO OVER... )
WRC Rally Finland jump - Tom Pieri ( • Best Of FLAT OUT WRC R... )
Michael Jordan three pointer - Netflix (www.netflix.com)
Cheese Roll - Urban Pictures UK ( • Injuries at annual che... )
Severe weather warning - 1news (www.1news.co.nz)
Saturday sign in chaos - Andy McGechan (www.bikesportnz.com)
Cody Cooper montage - Kawasaki NZ (kawasaki.co.nz)
Cody Cooper chasing James Bubba Stewart - The Great Outdoors (www.tgomotocross.com)
Tarawera 100 podium champaign - Blue Wing Honda ( • Cody Cooper with Honda... )
Kawasaki KX450 cooling system - Kawasaki ( • The All-New 2024 Kawas... )
F1 cooling system - Renault Sport F1 ( • Video )
F1 car on fire - FORMULA 1 ( • FP1 Highlights | 2023 ... )
24 hours of Spa - Top Gear ( • Chris Harris Drives Th... )
Cooper Scott photo - Andy McGechan (www.bikesportnz.com)
Cooper & James pitstop photo - James Scott ( / j.scott_108 )
Walk from Cape Reinga to Bluff - Tim Voors (timvoors.nl/projects)
Tractors with no suspension - NZ Today (nztoday.co.nz)
Hamish Carter triathlon gold - Olympics ( • Men's Triathlon | Athe... )
WWII combat footage - Netflix (www.netflix.com)
Egyptian war carving - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_...)
Ukrainian helicopter - UNITED24 ( • MI-8 in Azovstal & Zmi... )
Destruction in Gaza - WBNS 10TV ( • Drone video shows dest... )
Monkeys fighting - BBC ( • Animal fights: Snub-no... )
Battle of Hogwarts - Warner Brothers (www.warnerbros.com)
Call of Duty clip - Tomographic ( • Clean House - The Most... )
Jarhead solider reminiscing - Universal Pictures (www.universalpictures.com)
D-Day landing - DreamWorks Pictures (www.dreamworks.com), Paramount Pictures (www.paramountpictures.com)
Vietnam helicopter strafe - Paramount Pictures (www.paramountpictures.com)
Cavalry charge - HBO (www.hbo.com)
Slow-mo motocross start - Racer X (racerxonline.com)
James & Cooper post-race photo James Scott ( / j.scott_108 )
My apologies if this list is missing one or two accreditations. Some of the video, photos and audio files were only available from illegitimate sources who hadn’t provided credit.
CHAPTERS
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0:00 Why Do People Compete for Nothing?
1:04 Intro
1:22 Severe Weather Warning
2:05 Team Kawasaki
3:49 Race Start!
6:24 Team Yamaha
7:41 The Sun Finally Returns…
8:46 Pit Chaos!
9:41 Cody’s Trial by… Mud
12:58 The Scotts
15:03 Wil’s Rain Dance
17:07 Brad’s Nightmare Lap
19:25 Mid-race Dramas
22:53 Battle for the Lead!
24:35 James’ Double Stint
26:35 Tommy goes Sicko Mode
28:01 Final Lap
30:18 Race Finish!
31:22 Why People Compete for Nothing
35:42 Credits/End Screen

[@roninsdog261]

This guy is so far and above ANYTHING being offered up as sports journalism or for that matter, journalism in general, that he should be number one on ESPN or Fox sports but maybe it's because he isn't that makes him so good. Never give into the machine Ash.

[@Roller71]

MOTOLOGY, same breed different jockey.

[@larryjr558]

glazer

[@TheKitchenTechnician]

I’m 65 years young and will be entering Canada’s hardest and longest off road enduro, the Corduroy next year…again. I went over the allotted extra hour last time, so I didn’t get the hallowed finishers medallion. I was having too much fun helping other people out of the God Forsaken mud! It had rained for forty days and forty nights before the event… well three days and 60 mm, but it felt like forty. Why am I doing it? To prove to the only person who cares that I can, me.

[@Anyonewhos]

Good luck! And well done regardless.. I hope it's a event for you and you don't have any crashes👍

[@Ariautoace]

You're a beast! ❤😊

[@chasebirch7257]

My dad is 60 and still riding mx, it’s great to see older people still kicking ass!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

60 here and just started riding after 20 years off. Badly out of shape, and heavily modifying a YZ250 2-stroke, (lowered a bit, got rid of the Batman school of art stock front fender), I went out to my old favorite whooped out trail in Michigan, got sloppy and broke a rib or two 6 weeks ago, (good now). OK, I will get in better shape for spring (Michigan) before i hit that whooped out trail again. But I can say this. I have not been hurt on a dirt bike for 25 years, and it made me feel young again. :) Why am I doing it? Because the rest of the crappy world and its problems and ours, just go away when we ride. There is a therapeutic element. Doug in Michigan

[@babar69110]

this is a perfect sentence, and for lots of situations. thanks, I will keep it !!!!! at 67 I raced y first rally raid ;)

[@KidKat__]

Such an awesome video. Originally I was just here for the Tomac vs. Herlings videos you've been posting, but this is just so beyond any other type of sports documentary. Your storytelling had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, keep on doing you. Great job Ash.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I didn't like the premise of the title or the beginning, so I didn't listen to him. I don't think doing something for personal achievement (and money hopefully), is doing something for "nothing". Maybe he flip flopped in the vid,---but could you imagine how primitive mankind would still be (and we are again really), with out personal achievement? Nope, don't like the premise.

[@dualiti_]

​@@EarthSurferUSAIt's partially the Aussie way of speaking (sorta tongue in cheek - poking fun at the answer 'why not?'); its also rhetorical because the whole premise of the video is "this is why" - skip forward to 3:50 and watch the race start. He answers the question with the whole documentary. Its about all of what you said. You agree with him. At the end he expands on the feeling people get from being laser focused on something where nothing else matters. But you're nailing his answer. Human's naturally have that drive to push forth and do things like this. That's what he was getting at.

[@MCDMedianz]

Unreal man! We need some of this awesome story telling in the Enduro GP scene!🤔

[@ashsowman]

When does my flight leave?

[@zipazzz]

you know whatt - I am not even into bikes, dont own one, riden them maybie twice in my life. But your story telling is just next level. I wach anything you post and genuinely get excited when im recommended one of your videos. Great job with these man. DOnt ever stop

[@airindiana]

I wasn’t into dirt bikes at all then about 18 months ago watched a video on one, then another, then just another. And the idea to get one came into mind, and the idea grew. Now I have one (a husky enduro) and it’s addictive. Beware, once you try it it gets into the skin.

[@zipazzz]

Can't do bikes. Have an electric skateboard with some chunky tires and managed to get me in the ER twice. I am also based in the outskirts of London. I need smth with a roof. So bought a cheap Range Rover from the countryside with offroad tires while my daily was in repairs for 3 weeks. That was enough for me to start looking for offroad trails around me. I get it's not the same, but managing to control a vehicle in a way where you manage to go somewhere where others can't is a nice feeling as well. And if I ever do get a bike this is the only type of bike I love. offroad/ cross/ enduro

[@airindiana]

@@zipazzz I totally get it. I love the adventure feeling out in the woods and wilds. I can see off roading cars and trucks will be the same thing. I’m in the north of UK. I travel all over though with my little husky on a trailer. I tend to do enduro fun stuff. No racing yet, I thought about doing my full licence to go green laning but so far there’s so much actual off road play days and events I’ve not felt the need to just yet. I do fancy laning in wales though. My aim is to do dusk til dawn enduro in Wales in August. I’ll be in way over my head as a newb, but I’m sure it’ll be something worth trying.

[@zipazzz]

@@airindiana Im sure you will be just fine. People like you that have the drive always succeed. My next bucket list item is the North Coast 500. And now that my daily S500 (5.5 v8) is up and running again will try to get an excuse(mainly to myself) why I need to go all the way up there :D in the winter.. with an overpowered rwd mercedes.. :D

[@emmettwestwood8796]

Such awesome footage bro, not often at all you get to see events like this documented so well. exceptional content, well done

[@min0nminecraft3r87]

Damn bro. Im not one to show emotion, i never cry. Never. But as i finished watching this i felt a single tear run down my cheek. Followed by another and then 3 more after that. And then the tears stopped. This hits home to not just me, but us and my veteran grand father who faught in Tropic Thunder. All i can say after watching this is thank you.

[@user-bq4un2zx1s]

I stopped racing 50 years ago, but your video gives me the urge again. But I see racers haven’t changed! Great people.

[@07Amaro]

Man, stumbling upon your motocross videos feels like discovering a hidden gem in the vast KZbin universe! I remember the first time I clicked on one of your videos-it was like being transported to the heart of the motocross action. The roaring engines, the flying dirt, and the incredible edit created a cinematic experience right on my screen. It's not just about the race; it's about the artistry that you carry on the way you tell us a story! Your commitment to the sport is inspiring! Keep shredding those videos, and thanks for sharing these incredible motocross journeys with us. Can't wait to see what epic tales you'll write on the dirt next! 🤘🏁

[@EarthSurferUSA]

How can I tell a guy didn't ride/race. He digs the pretty colors. :)

[@07Amaro]

Bro, I have rode since I was 4 years old. Wtf are you on about? ahahah I can tell by your comment that your IQ doesn't go past 90.. It's alright my guy. Not all of us could be bright and actually well spoken @@EarthSurferUSA

[@DEAD-LAST]

I race in a mid level class and just started in the beginning of 2021. I road recreationally in my younger years then quit for over 20. I found Hare Scrambles a couple years ago and not looking back. I do it for me, my mental and physical well being, the friends and great people I meet. I'm 42 and have no delusions of going anywhere with it. On the other hand, when I am racing I feel like I am on the BIG STAGE and everyone is in my way and must be passed, I feel like a F'n Rockstar. Every man and or woman on the planet if competitive NEEDS to feel this way every now and again, even in a low level setting. I could come in 5th out of 18 and feel a sense of accomplishment like no other, I feel like a complete badass, because, well...anyone that can push the limits on a damn dirtbike in a race against nature and other racers IS, in my book...a total badass. Great video!! "Despite the Pulled groin and Blistered asshole".....lmao.

[@perrinbrown2336]

Onya ash i don't think anyones ever filmed a race that well or with that much heart! Totally epic! World class!👍

[@ashsowman]

Thanks Pezza, hope you're well mate

[@locochoco5959]

This is 10/10 content in all categories, seriously impressive. Better than TV specials.

[@ivanafeelcool9143]

Your explanation at the end talking about war and how soldiers miss being in combat because of the one track mindedness is the exact reason we all love some form of competition that requires all of ones focus. In the end it is ultimately the purest form of freedom in my eyes. There's nothing to think or worry about in the grand scheme of the world or our personal lives when racing except for what is at hand. Those long in the act but brief in life moments are the truest sense of freedom for me. Everything gets shut out of my mind except for what is in front of me. It's truly beautiful and a blessing to be able to have those moments. I haven't raced or even ridden in years and now this has reminded me of why I did it. I am going to get back at it. Thank you Ash for this beautiful piece, you have a special gift.

[@mxracer158]

Bro you knocked it out of the park on this one. As a rider / racer/vet, it really hur home as how it speaks to our core. Great job.

[@mullins6429]

That’s gotta be right up there with the best enduro video I have seen. Awesome stuff 👍🇦🇺

[@Jabari.777]

Chef's kiss. This absolutely couldn't have been put together better. Must hand it to him I haven't seen a video this well produced in a minute. Outstanding job Ash!!!

[@user-rw3cj4rc1j]

This has got be the best dirt bike video I've seen! Amazing story line and photography. These New Zealand events deserve this level of film making. Great work!

[@kerrybutler1149]

Off the hook editing!! You just get better and better bro!! Thankyou 🙏

[@mouttremblay6828]

Mate, you're doing YTube such a favor with the immense quality of your work!!! Please keep on feeding us with it, and thank you for all the array of intense emotions!!

[@georgewarshington1230]

"despite his pulled groin and blistered asshole" me leaving my uncle's house

[@donovanpiper320]

How you don't have your own TV show yet is beyond me... absolutely phenomenal video

[@HootMaRoot]

An amazing video, motocross needs more ppl like you to report/document specialist races like this

[@robertsouthee6030]

Mate that was awesome. No words can describe why. We do it for a feeling and only someone who rides knows. Keep up the great work. You get better every time 🤘

[@Clewis333]

Great storytelling. Would 100% watch this as a series. Makes me wanna visit to new Zealand

[@bobrockmann7521]

Yes! Finally a new vid. Following since the YZ 250 build and i've got to say, you really upped your game with every new production since. Great stuff. Thanks for the good entertainment. 👍

[@guloggarry5380]

He may take long to make a new post but every minute of waiting is worth it, I love watching these videos cause there inspiring and sometimes gets to the root of many people’s problems that’s why I love watching these videos never stop Ash!

[@Expendable1]

I love when I come across one of Ash's videos. Every one is an epic story and told so well.

[@Bossie21]

Just like you motocross documentary's, another masterpiece. really pasioned about what you do it makes it so damn good. Can't imagine the hours of work you put into these videos. Please never stop making them and continue doing what you do best as long as you can and like to.

[@olly2884]

Seriously impressive again 👍 been following since the herlings videos.. can literally watch multiple times and it always has the same effect. I ride mx, trials and road/track..love everything two wheeled.. you should look into the isle of man tt 👌 would be wildly appreciated by ALOT!! Look forward to the next one 👍

[@ASH_GTI]

I race sxs and have since I was 7. I’m 19 now and it is my life. The joy of getting in the seat and putting an off-road car to its limit is like nothing else. No prize needed

[@Roostfactor1]

I have watched a few of your videos now and must say the video, narraating, editing, etc is astonishing! This is the most enjoyable viewing ever!!!

[@raxel0001]

Awesome thank you Ash! You have the story tellers gift. Please don't stop!

[@lukem20001]

It’s always an instant PLAY when I see your posts. You tell it, it that calm yet intense way that always has me wondering what is going to happen. I pray for your full success in this field of story telling man. It’s just great. !!!!

[@stevenlebrun557]

My expectations for this video got absolutely blown out the water. Absolutely awesome video. Loved it

[@goldentrunnell7450]

This reminds me of something I read once a long time ago, "the closer a man is to death, the more alive he feels". Logically our brain tells us to strive for comfort, deep down something else tells us to get as close to death as possible. Great video.

[@therealstevedye_121]

Coming from a lifelong rider and a professional writer of some 25 years -- currently unemployed, kids, go to trade school -- you have a rare and special gift for storytelling. Without the narration, no way in hell I'm watching a stupid long hare scramble. God knows I've ridden enough of them.

[@KristofSX]

this video gave me chills.....great job !

[@edknight5888]

I absolutely love these videos they're amazIng and the production quality is on point bro.

[@tombird9727]

Top level video this one brother. Sick racing and stitched together so well 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@gjBackBone]

I love these, I'm on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Thank you for making this epic content Ash!

[@take5th]

I am 66. I have ridden motocross, run three marathons. In my older age, I realize I’ll never be able to do those things again, as I now have lung issues, and looking back I’m glad I answered the questions I’ve had about myself. In fact, I consider life success as being able to get yourself in a position to challenge your existing boundaries. Not smashing through them, necessarily, but just generating the opportunity to have that choice. I still ride, and started because something in my brain, after watching motocross, desired to experience it. Probably a reptile brain thing, but a good outlet for that.

[@LiamBurnett-by9xm]

These videos are getting better and better just an absolute beautiful video!!!

[@brockhamsik8923]

Unreal video. Always make sure I have more then enough time to watch your content. Love it

[@Kaldorey]

Oh my god, that's the first time I see cross country endurance. This kind of race looks so much better to ride to me than hard enduro !! Despite the hard conditions, I'd 100% go for horizontal mud over vertical rocks. Y'all are freaking warmachines, and still standing on two legs after everything. Respect.

[@Ariautoace]

Some tears rolled down my face.

[@AntaresSQ01]

That ending... I wasn't sure about the narrative style, right up until that reveal... Amazing...

[@sarah-janelowrie2571]

Another great story told Ash. Thanks for letting me feel like I was there fighting the war. Scotts are relatives of mine. Jack Scott married my Grans sister Dot. I spent a Christmas in Oparau at the Scotts in 1998. Great to see Brad on top once again. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to bringing us mx action in such a great form. You Ash are the man. Cheers.

[@SGresponse]

I am a core member of a summer festival team. It's not against other people, but still - challenging yourself to survive and thrive doing unfamiliarly hard work almost 24/7 for a week or so. I know the feeling. War. War never changes.

[@carrickdemin]

A true masterpiece of storytelling and sports journalism.

[@woodoo1]

Brilliant video ash, was not expecting the ending but the parallels are there to see and that analogy is fair.

[@Askor200]

What a storyteller!

[@samcooper4984]

I've been hanging for this one. Love your work mate

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

This is some of you best work yet ash , love your content bro.

[@adamschroder4092]

Absolutely awesome video. Fantastic work

[@martinholmstrom1305]

most likely the best right now on youtube that explains what can't really be explained for our sport. Incredible video, reminds a bit of the Novemberkåsan war that we have in Sweden. Nice vid!

[@JeanGilbertLouisAriose]

Great work!!

[@mylesp-c1859]

Been hanging out for your next video. Didn’t disappoint at all. Amazing quality and great story telling along with it

[@abritablondeabike]

Worth the wait, Ash. Just brilliant. 👍 😊😊❤

[@abritablondeabike]

Is this you Ash??.

[@Emil-Antonowsky]

Outstanding again, brother. Epic.

[@enduro-parts-aus]

Wow , amazingly put together 👏

[@MrBrandonh98]

Excellent video! Nicely done!

[@haydens312]

What an amazing video man, great job.

[@yo-mx9re]

Awesome work Ash. It's been a while, but well worth it once again. Respect.

[@mrjoe2837]

the effort you put in you videos is just astaunding, after whatching the hole thing I sit here in wow and need to tell you how great you are. luv 🏁

[@frederikstampe4162]

Just love how your able to make such a simple story so interesting. Big fan :)

[@davidrendell6009]

What a fantastic vid, I have raced quads in enduros here in the UK since 2006 and done 4x. 8hour races.... Just awesome times!!! You forget the pain and suffering but not the stories from those races. Thanks for the vid

[@justinhanks545]

Me commenting on anything is as rare as the quality of this content, keep doing what you do man this is another amazing video. Don't sell out to anything or anyone promise me

[@teddsellerno7625]

goosebumps at the end bro. your content is perfection!

[@morganp7238]

Competition is a form of cooperation. It shows you what is possible, how to match it, and eventually allows you to surpase it.

[@Tiptoez007]

Definitely the coolest video I've seen in a long time!! Amazing!!

[@wyatt_fairchild_]

Good to see you back, been waiting for an upload for a while.

[@VenomRoadRacing]

Knocked it out of the park like always. Thanks Ash

[@robmooremtb]

that was an amazing video . excellent story telling . fantastic production value .

[@nath.7297]

well worth the wait high praise for this one very good

[@KellyParkinson23]

I love your videos ash, there always absolute bangers. They've made me really want to do races like this!

[@highlandcycles]

Absolutely brilliant movie mate! You put into video and words what I have felt for decades! Cheers!!

[@ryanf6170]

Great video mate luved it !!

[@pj3635]

What a masterpiece video . By far the best motorsports video produced this year from any source

[@brianmartindale2221]

Excellent! One of the best endurance documentaries I've seen

[@Busted.axle.productions]

That was epic mate excellent cinematography and a excellent storywell done

[@lws9417]

Bro been dropping the highest level of motocross documentarys and I'm hooked amazing subbed look forward to more

[@707rudo]

Sick edit mate, cant wait to go for a ride!

[@mvp91]

Dude you gotta be the best narrator for motorsports in any kind :D I just freakin love your videos! Well Done!

[@PinkuStyle]

Man being a multi time highschool champ in sports to college to automotive racing simply to be better than others and yourself

[@Hossdelux]

That "twist" at the end hit me like a ton of bricks while I was watching your video playing some chill games. You are very right. I am for all things on wheels. Started with pedal bikes, then road bikes then offroad and now cars.

[@bertamusprime618]

Anyone racing in these conditions are complete savages! I found myself clenching my hands and teeth in nervousness while watching. Amazing footage!

[@stoyan.velinov]

How have I missed this upload??? This is spectacular!

[@inrptn]

Best moto doc I've ever seen and better than many non-moto docs. Enduro is very lucky to have you as an ambassador of the sport!

[@Postalguy1]

Earned a sub. Was looking at what bikes to get as I’m looking at them and this got me subscribed

[@Hamish-ev2im]

never fail to make me laugh and/or smile you are by far my favourite youtuber and you will most likely stay like that keep up the great vids ash

[@randomstuff3199]

One of the best motorcycle videos on youtube! Cheers from Aus.

[@rguack]

Great job!

[@sooyster4033]

Wow. I hadn't expected your answer, but I was enthralled.

[@TheYazukaa]

you have a serious talent for doing documentary's. another great vid Ash!

[@sixfootadventures2318]

"Despite his pulled groin and blistered arsehole". Best line I've heard in a video for a while 😂

[@SomeGuy8796]

Incredible coverage and outstanding journalism regarding the explanation of 'why we do it" .. Well Done Sir!!

[@WildNZ]

How good! Found your channel recently and loving the content man.

[@liammarlow6052]

Wicked video mate! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@late828]

Amazing documentary on the race. This was the first video from this channel for me (that i`ve never even heard before), but i`m going to subscribe and watch a lot of this channel!

[@LCM4x4]

After four months its good to have another video!! Great job Ash