Wise Words is our new interview series talking to some of mountain biking’s most switched on people.
We’ll ask our short list of questions to a heap of influential, inspiring and outspoken people that we feel are driving the direct of mountain biking today. Some will make you think, some will make you laugh, some will be plain dumb, some will inspire you to better yourself and your riding. We hope!
Third out of the gate is Mr. Olly Wilkins, a man who is as well known for his antics off the bike as he is for designing parts for them.
Olly Wilkins is part of the incredibly gifted Surrey-based bike handlers that can make the most difficult trails look fairly straightforward.
Dividing his time between being a pro bike slinger, designing bicycle components and winning Instagram, Olly can turn his hand to pretty much anything bike-related.
What would you most recommend all mountain bikers do in the next year?
Well, I hope they all go mountain biking.
What thing or things have you bought yourself in the last year that had the biggest effect on your life as a mountain biker?
Hmmmm. Oh I got a new bike bag with wheels and everything. Been running boxes for years. This thing is a revelation!
What unusual habits do you have?
I’m a bit superstitious. Super weird. I have to get through jumps first time or else that day is a ‘careful day’ where I shouldn’t try anything. I also put wood in my shoes. Ah man I’m gonna stop here. Hahaha.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear?
Chill out on the long reach thing. Try a normal length bike and remember how fun riding actually is. You’re better than this guys. Moving that thing around is the best part.
What have you wasted the most time on in your life as a rider ?
Trying to scrub like a moto. I’m just not making any progress here. It doesn’t look the same at all.
I’m invested now. I can’t give up. Must keep trying…
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling for inspiration?
Eric B and Rakim – Don’t Sweat the Technique.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
When girls look at you riding and think you would be good to reproduce with.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
Well I’m kinda over hearing about how long bikes need to be. Regurgitated ultra strong opinions on geometry are super boring. The fact is, the average preacher rides at a level where I don’t feel there are many gains to be made from a longer bike. For sure be good at biking before you start worrying about that shit.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
I’m gonna campaign against pro-riders and Vlogging. Don’t make me Vlog. I’ll only offend you all. Don’t make me have to get a YouTube account and say ‘Hello YouTube’ and ‘subscribe below’ every three seconds. I’ll bloody do it if i have to but I don’t want to okay?
Lets focus on quality over quantity. I feel like my brain is getting dummerer.
If I read any more ‘top ten blah’ or ‘you’ll never guess what…blah’ then I think my hair will fall out and my eyes will sink into my face.
Together we can do better than Charlie Bit My Finger with our bicycles. I know it.
Perceive, believe, achieve.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Ric Mclaughlin and Rob Weaver. Salty as fuck.
