Share

Interviews

Brian Finestone Interview | Endtroducing

There’re few who would argue that Whistler isn’t the greatest bike park on Earth, and the reason why it has become the epicentre of mountain biking isn’t because of the mountain, location, lifts or anything like that, it’s simply because of the quality of trail building. Trails like the ones at Whistler don’t just happen, and they don’t just maintain themselves either (especially when they’re ridden five million times a year like ‘Crank it up’), someone has to make it all happen, and Brian Finestone is that man…

From Dirt Issue 126 – August 2012

Words by Ed H. Photo by Ed H.

With a title like ‘Park Manager’ you might imagine some guy sat behind a desk with a pile of paperwork, but the reality is that Brian spends most of his time out on the hill with his motley crew. We’re not talking about an army either, incredibly there are less than 10 of them taking care of the entire bike park. Knowledge and skill are obviously rife. So, if you’re ever in Whistler and spot Brian I reckon you should buy him a drink, for one he’s as sound as anything, and secondly all he wants to do is give you the best riding in the World. Oh, and if you’re there in winter the same applies. Dirt or snow, it doesn’t matter, this guy knows how to turn it into something special, and here’s his endtroducing… Who is Brian Finestone?

BF is the eye in the sky at Whistler Parks, summer and winter.

Where do you live?

Whistler. 

What’s your job title?

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager.

What do you do?

Save the world one jump at a time.

How long have you been working for Whistler Blackcomb?

20 years.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

Licking envelopes. 

Where’s your favourite place?

The beach. 

Where’s your favourite place to ride?

WMBP. 

When are you happiest?

Riding with my son. 

What makes you angry?

Haters. 

What makes you happy?

Riding any one of my seven bikes.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t like something? Change it. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?

See above, pass it on.

What are your extravagances?

Bikes and snowboards. 

Who do you admire?

My son.

What’s the most important thing in your life?

My family. 

What would you never throw away?

Time.

What’s your greatest fear?

Death.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Stretch.

What’s the last thing you do at night?

Let the dog out. 

What would be your dream meal be?

Fish over a campfire on a beach with an empty right point (surf). 

What things do you always carry with you?

Phone, keys, wallet.

Do you have any regrets?

Nope.

What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learnt?

Do something you love every day. 

If you could have dinner with three famous people (dead or alive) who would they be?

Bob Marley, Einstein and Beethoven.

Who is your favourite rider?

Finn Finestone.

What’s your favourite bike product of all time?

LiL Shredder Prodigy Bike.

What’s your least favourite bike product of all time?

Kids bikes on the market are junk.

What’s your favourite motto or saying?

No bad days. 

What saying do you use too much?

Where are my f–ing keys.

What bike are you riding at the moment?

Giant Glory.

What was the last magazine you read?

I usually just look at the pictures.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Eclectic mix of reggae, salsa, ska, metal and punk. 

What one thing would you change about yourself?

I’d upgrade to an aftermarket spine, bad backs blow!

What are your weaknesses?

Buying toys and eating cookies.

What does the future hold for you?

Hopefully a long, long journey. 

What does the future hold for mountain biking?

The future of mountain biking can be seen in BMX, those guys are leading the way.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as the guy who worked hard, never took no for an answer and made the world a better place by keeping it fun.

Share

Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions.

production