John Oldale has a glint in his eye… a glint of mischief. And he’s massive, 6 feet 5 inches of danger! Having said that he’s only ever been super mellow when I’ve been around him, but I’ve seen photos of nights out in Barcelona where he has led the unwary (or just the stupid!) astray.
I’ve hung out with him on a pristine Scottish beach, dossed down on his floor in Fort William, and also witnessed a laid back professionalism that is his hallmark. We first came across him when he worked for Fox (head, clothing) looking after the brand and its athletes, but recently he has made the switch over to Marin bikes, fronting up some UK ‘radness’. Here’s his Endtroducing…
Photos: Ben Winder
Who is John Oldale?
A 6 foot 5, coffee drinking, two wheel loving beast of a man.
Where do you live?
In a little village just outside of Marlborough, pub ratio is good!
What’s your job title?
General dog’s body for Marin in the UK.
What do you do?
Everything from cleaning vans after events to ordering bikes for our ever increasing range of dealers.
How long have you worked for Marin?
Four months.
How did you land the job?
Not really sure to be honest, was looking for a change, heard about it through the infamous cycle industry and well, here we are…
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Packing medical boxes on a factory line, so I could earn enough for a flight to go and ride Sheep Hills in the late 90s.
Where’s your favourite place?
Hmm… that’s a tough one, I have been lucky enough to of been to so many cracking places, but it would probably have to be anywhere that is in a remote part of a mountain range on a sunny day.
Where’s your favourite place to ride?
Has got to be Rotorua in New Zealand, but after a few years away from the UK, I am really into Disney biking at trail centres.
When are you happiest?
Good day in the saddle followed by a hearty meal and a few drinks with good mates.
What makes you angry?
People who can’t be bothered, and whiners.
What makes you happy?
Trail riding through bluebells in the spring (yes that is my legit answer).
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Hang a left at the top of a certain chairlift in a popular mountain resort in France.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?
Don’t listen to me.
What are your extravagances?
Coffee, whisky and trainers. One of those is often a result of one of the others.
Who do you admire?
Anyone that is out there making it happen for themselves against all odds.
What’s the most important thing in your life?
Without a doubt family and friends, closely followed by amazing memories from bike based adventures.
What would you never throw away?
An external hard-drive full of photos through the years from when I was 18.
