Born and raised in Kathmandu, RJ grew up in a modest household—his mother worked as a maid, and his father was a construction laborer. At 13, he discovered a discarded BMX bike and began practicing tricks with friends. His passion deepened when he saw mountain bikers riding trails near his school. Unable to afford a proper bike, RJ built his first mountain bike at 16 using scavenged materials: a steel frame, plumbing pipes, and a $2 motorcycle shock. He learned bike geometry and mechanics through YouTube tutorials and online forums, teaching himself to weld and modify parts .
Early Life and Self-Made Beginnings
RJ Ripper
Achieving Growth
Rajesh Magar, better known as RJ Ripper, is Nepal’s premier mountain biker and a rising force in the global action sports scene. From the streets of Kathmandu to the world’s toughest downhill trails, RJ has carved out a name for himself through unmatched determination, creativity, and sheer skill.
RJ's self-built bike held up during his first race at Hattiban, a downhill course near Kathmandu, where he finished 8th overall. His breakthrough came when he won the Nepal National Downhill Championship at just 16, a feat he repeated in 2016 and 2017. In 2019, he secured Nepal’s first-ever gold medal in downhill mountain biking at the South Asian Games, clocking 1:49.33 at the Shahid Park Trail in Gokarna.
Racing Success and Recognition
RJ's talent caught the attention of Mandil Pradhan, a mountain bike guide and owner of H&I Adventures. Mandil introduced RJ to international racing and guided tours, providing him with a professional bike and mentorship. Through these experiences, RJ honed his skills and gained exposure to global mountain biking communities. In 2018, RJ was named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, recognizing his achievements and potential in the sport .
International Exposure and Mentorship
Today, RJ is an ambassador for Yeti Cycles and Fox Shox, and he continues to work as a mountain bike guide with H&I Adventures. He leads tours in Nepal's Mustang Valley, sharing his passion and knowledge with riders from around the world .
Current Endeavors and Sponsorships
RJ's story was documented in the short film "RJ Ripper," directed by Joey Schusler. The film showcases his journey from building a bike from scrap materials to becoming a national champion and international ambassador for mountain biking. It highlights his resilience, ingenuity, and the transformative power of sport.
RJ Ripper's story is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the universal appeal of mountain biking. From the streets of Kathmandu to the peaks of the Himalayas, RJ continues to inspire riders worldwide.
For a visual insight into RJ's journey, watch the documentary:
