How were you first introduced to Dirt?
“Probably in a trail car park after a ride when me and a group of mates used to swap MTB magazines. We use to read them cover to cover then swap to the next one (Sorry didn’t help your sales figures, but times were tough)”
What has Dirt taught you over the years?
“Mixing business with pleasure is a fine cocktail for a better life”.
What would be the first question you would ask Dirt?
“Is this really your HQ? When you’re nervous and fresh faced to the mountain bike industry turning up to the Monmouth office expecting to see the huge glossy epic Dirt Manor, you’re confronted with that office… It’s amazing- particularly keen of the life size Britney Spears you have in there currently!
Press releases or journalism?
“Time and a place for both. With the readers gluttonous desire for content and news, it’s difficult for you to have a 100% journalist written pieces. Some brands are also producing some amazing Press releases too”
Who have been your favourite riders of the past 20 years?
“I have to say Dirt cover star (Issue 20) Nigel Page, he may get embarrassed, but working with him I see he’s a true legend, stupidly fast on a bike and so much passion. Not only his riding, but all the riders he works with.
He has brought through and inspired so many athletes and is the reason that we have been able to have the calibre of athletes on our products over the years. You go for a pint at the end of a race weekend with Pager and you will end up in the best party too”.
What Rider has most pushed the boundaries over the past 20years?
“For me it’s got to be Shaun Palmer pushed every boundary to the limit and beyond, he’s inspired a generation, one of the reasons why mountain biking has the attitude it does today. Also, got to say Sam Hill pushed and continues to take the art of riding fast to a whole new level”.
What has been your favourite or most memorable race?
“Fort William every year is special, but this year’s Valberg EWS was special. Witnessing Sam Hill win our first EWS on the Nukeproof Mega was just incredible. Seeing Sam and Jacy work first hand to create the win is just incredible”.
What does the next 20 years bring for Mountain biking?
“More riding- Riding is becoming so much more accessible for everyone, as long as people are enjoying riding on whatever bike they have then the sport is in a good place”.
What life lessons has Mountain biking taught you?
“Works not hard work if you’re enjoying it. it’s cliché but find a job you love and it makes work easier and life much more enjoyable”.
What’s been the most questionable thing to come out of Mountain biking
“Pagey’s stories- some of them are just F***ing disturbing”
Who doesn’t get the credit they deserve in the industry?
“The Trail Builders- no amount of credit could be too much for them, they are the life blood of mountain biking – Be it the organised trail crews creating bike parks or individuals that create the unmarked gems in your local woods they all deserve massive credit.
We may have become accustomed to turning up to groomed trail and riding but are fortunate to have such an amazing network in the UK of official and un-official trails thanks to the builders”.
