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 direction 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!
This week’s Wise Words is being tackled by none other than Miss Hannah Barnes.
Hannah made a name for herself by riding horrendous distances on a bicycle with a smile on her face. Working as a nurse in Fort William in between representing one of the World’s largest bike companies, Hannah has proved that you can be a full time bike rider while keeping a foot in the door elsewhere.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
Asking this to Bjarne Salen, a Swedish videographer who I spent the last 2 week with on a filming trip, his words ; “Hannah has a beautiful personality who cares about everyone around her. Doesn’t matter if you are a bike rider, athlete, or doing a ‘normal job’ because everyone is important. She is positive and wants everyone around her to be happy. And she loves to have a cup of tea after a fun session on the bike.”
That’s much easier than trying to answer it about myself!
What thing or things have you bought in the last year that had the biggest effect on your life as a mountain biker / cyclist / person that works in the bike industry?
Although not in the past year, a dropper seat post is something which for me makes the biggest difference in my everyday riding, and influences riding style too. I remember the days of doing the Megavalanche and pondering over the decision of seat height. How times have changed!
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
Nothing too unusual I don’t think. But then again, everyone has their own version of normal.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Work hard and be kind and supportive to everyone in the sport. For me racing was and is great to be part of, a great environment, awesome people, healthy competition, that nervous excitement, the fun, the pain of digging deep, and the sense of satisfaction when you ride that gnarly section or just complete a 10 hour day of racing. I also found a small percentage of harsh people, or they found me, with a lot to say, generally online. That is totally demoralising and hurtful when you just do your best. Life really is too short to take any of that on board.
Just do your best, don’t compare, be yourself, keep growing, keep learning, and support the people around you. Ride what truly makes you happy. Whether that is racing, or pushing yourself minus the clock and pressure, with friends, riding every day or just when you can fit it in around busy life. It is your sport and your life, so tailor it to exactly what works for you and have fun.
If you could go back and re-ride one day from your life so far, where/what/when/who would it be? Would you change anything?
One would have to be a great two day door to door ride which Brodie and I did two summers ago when we were based in Le Chable, Switzerland. We rode into Italy’s Aosta Vally then back into Switzerland in a big loop. It was an incredible route, and even included staying in a mountain hut! I just love the sound of cow bells, that high alpine air and never ending single-track.
Would I change anything? I would love for Brodie & Lumi to travel with me sometimes, but otherwise life is good.
What have you wasted the most time on in your life as a rider or bike industry career that you wished you’d given up years ago?
I have a love/meh relationship with social media. It is so important in this modern world, for athletes, musicians, entrepreneurs, brands, cafes, etc. everything and everyone now. It is great to connect, inspire and make the world a smaller and more connected place.
However, I really don’t like to be on my phone too much, which makes me feel distracted and not ‘present’. Finding that balance is key.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
I have not had too many times of struggling or lack of inspiration, or at least have been far too busy to worry about it. I always remember just how lucky I am to do what I do. I also feel very grateful to be able to still do some work as a nurse in between my mountain biking life and commitments. Both are really rewarding in very different ways, I love that balance.
I’m inspired by small things and those small things make me happy. Going for a good ride, Scotland and living where we live, playing a nice tune on my fiddle, having a good laugh at Gogglebox, being in the garden on a nice day, Brodie & Lumi, yoga. A simple and happy day-to-day life is where it’s at. These days I’m so busy and away from home a lot, especially at this time of year, so when I am home I appreciate these things even more.
Getting out for a good ride, rain or shine, always makes me feel better if I need a boost, mentally and physically.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the past year?
If pushed for an answer, my brother’s moustache.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
I would love to see more and more people on bikes; kids, men and women of all ages. This is happening every year and great to see! I would also love to see women have increasing and more important roles within the industry.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Fanie Kok, some man for one man and founder of Specialized’s Soil Searching programme.
