From Dirt Issue 111 – May 2011
Intro by Ed Haythornthwaite. Photo by Aileen Coupland
If you’ve ever wondered what lunatic is responsible for dreaming up and putting on events such as the Fort William Endurance Downhill, then wonder no more, because Frazer Coupland is your man. After starting No Fuss Events he has gone on to run some of the best events this country has ever seen. They’re not just great because they ‘work’, they’re also great because there always seems to be a welcome light–hearted vibe going on. It also appears that nothing fazes the man. I mean take the forthcoming Macavalanche, which is going to involve 70 riders being heli–dropped at the top of Glencoe whilst their bikes are taken up by snowcats! Logistical nightmare or what? But like I said, it doesn’t seem like anything is going to stop this man from paying homage to the Megavalanche on home soil. All we reckon is that we need more people like Frazer Coupland. Who is Frazer Coupland?He is an athlete, an athlete who has repeatedly failed to fulfil his potential because of his weakness of mind and his lust for great times, fun and banter.
Where do you live?Currently in Fort William, the heart of the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
What’s your job title?Often referred to as Mr Ben, people just wait and see which jacket I am wearing to see what job I am doing today.
What do you do?I once heard an events guy refer to himself as an ‘events designer’ and I thought ‘what a t***’. So what do I do? I try and get a bunch of like–minded folk together to do things they love doing and have a good time.
How long have you been running No Fuss Events?Since it was established in October 2004.
How did you end up doing it?It was a weakness and a lust for a great time that got me into this. The idea was conceived in the beer tent at the Fort Bill World Cup.
What are the best and worst bits about putting on an event?The best bits? Well that’s easy; getting out and about sussing out venues and routes and seeing what is possible. The worst bits? Well I guess after an event when Chloe (one of the No Fuss team) tells us we didn’t make money or how much that last event (party) cost us.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?Never had a bad job, although working for my Dad was always a wee bit harder, he had me sussed, so it was harder to fleece him.
Where’s your favourite place?Easy! Fort William. I love this place, it has everything.
Where’s your favourite place to ride?That varies with the seasons and with age I guess. Currently I am partial to a wee run down the red run at Nevis range, or the trails in Glen Nevis are always great.
When are you happiest?At home with my wife and kids, with a wee Benromach Organic after a big day out on my bike with my mates.
What makes you angry?Schoolboy errors annoy me (I try not to allow it to get to me but I have been out of school a long time).
What makes you happy?Family and friends, they are the most important thing to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?On reflection this would have to be ‘shut up’! Although it has never felt like that at the time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?Advice isn’t really my business, so it’d probably be the stock answer “I’ll get on with it”.
What are your extravagances?Don’t really think I have any, although I would do–without rather than have bad gear.
Who do you admire?My business partner Spook and my wife. They both know exactly when to intervene and kick the feet from underneath me. Keeping everyone out of trouble.
What’s the most important thing in your life?My wife and kids. Oh, and the brand.
What would you never throw away?My dressing up box.
What’s your greatest fear?Getting caught at the dressing up box.
What was your luckiest escape?It’s too raw, I am not ready to discuss that.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?Cup of tea followed by two or three more.
What’s the last thing you do at night?Piss…before going to bed.
What would be your dream meal?Prawn cocktail, and that’s just for starters.
What things do you always carry with you?A guilty complex.
Do you have any regrets?Not really. I have forgotten dates and stuff over the years that I really wish I hadn’t, but that is life rather than a regret I think.
What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learnt?Always have your back to the wind when you go for a pee.
If you could have dinner with three famous people (dead or alive) who would they be?Barry Sheene, Lady Gaga and Rudolph Hess.
Who is your favourite rider?That boy from Skye (Danny MacAskill) never fails to impress!
What’s your favourite bike product of all time?My Orange Five. It’s amazing, it makes me feel like really, really fast…oh and cool.
What’s your least favourite bike product of all time?Lycra, it is really not for me!
What’s your favourite motto or saying?Not sure really but I do love it when folk fit a swear word in the middle of another word like absoufu****lutlly. It really makes me laugh.
What saying do you use too much?Fantastic! Apparently.
What bike are you riding at the moment?Orange Five.
What was the last magazine you read?Honestly it was the Men’s Running, but I kinda read them all but do not regularly read any. If that makes any sense?
What are you listening to at the moment?Chloe busting my arse about stuff I have not done.
What one thing would you change about yourself?I need to learn to say no and ask for more money. This is advice straight from Chloe.
What are your weaknesses?I have a few, too few to mention.
What does the future hold for you?If I don’t get my diary sorted out then a heart attack is a possibility. Seriously though, as No Fuss expands and we launch events in Wales and elsewhere I forecast good times ahead.
What does the future hold for mountain biking?I believe the sport is strong, and my thoughts are that people are going to be looking for bigger mountain routes and greater adventures.
How would you like to be remembered?He had a good innings.
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