DIRT ISSUE 141 – NOVEMBER 2013
Words by Jacob Gibbins. Photos by Jacob Gibbins
I had been told (mainly by his friend and fellow rider Sam Reynolds) that he was a super chilled guy who just loved riding bikes, making huge jumps and partying. He sounded like the kind of person I could get on with.
We first met when I went out to his home of Norway this July to his comp and brainchild, the Hillbilly Huckfest. It was a contest unlike any other and it was his baby from start to finish – concept, building, right through to riding. It was one of the best events I have been to. Different in every way, and better in a lot of them to boot, and this is very much in keeping with the man. Don’t do what life says you should, do what you want to and f–k the rest.
He is a guy who has a thirst for life, doesn’t mind living in a little caravan if it means he can park it at the bottom of some of the best mountains in the world, he can party with the best of them and would do anything for his friends, of which unsurprisingly there are lots, all over the world.
Don’t let the tattoos on his hands or his Samson–like hair make you jump to conclusions though. Down to earth, asks for nothing, but deserves it all. Mads Makken Haugen.
Dirt: How did riding bikes start for you?Makken: It was so random how I got into it, but I’m really glad I did. I had knee surgery when I was younger, the doctor said that cycling would be good for it, so I started because of that and loved it. I’ve been riding for ten years now. Pretty stoked on that.
Has it always been bikes?It’s never been just bikes. I’ve do so many sports man. Skate, snowboard, motocross and so on. They are all adrenalin related though.
Where have you called home?I don’t know any more man. I just call Norway home now.
Norway, ever see you moving away?Never, I love Norway! There’s nothing like it. I’ve been around places now, and there’s no other place got girls and people like in Norway. I’m so into it.
What’s the story with the caravan?I just want it easy. I don’t want to stress about rent or a landlord, so I bought a little egg, ha ha. The thing is, it was the smallest I could find, but it makes me feel sooo rich! It makes me feel really good about myself.
Do you enjoy coming up with new events and courses, pushing the limits?Oh yeah for sure. I like new and unknown territory. I enjoy the feeling of not knowing. It’s really exciting for me.>>
