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 then the happiest rider out there, Ines Thoma.
Ines is one of the small group of riders that have taken a promising cross country career, swapped it for enduro and taken it by the scruff. When the sky darkens, the rain pours or the odds are against her, expect Ines to navigate her way to the podium in her own inimitable style.
If Ines isn’t smiling, you know something is up.
Photo by Boris Beyer.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
I sent the question to an anonymous friend. His name is Ludo May.
“Let’s start by the conclusion, HAPP-INES! Ines is always full of positive energy, ready to laugh and here to share some good vibes. She is passionate about riding her bike and in life in general. I never get bored of sharing some great moments with her”
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?
Last Christmas we fulfilled my long-term dream and got us a Rocket R58 espresso machine. It gives me so much joy and energy. It doesn’t help to reduce my caffeine consumption but I just love it.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
I like to ride and race in bad weather, cold temperatures, muddy and slippery conditions. It’s more exciting and less predictable.
Photo by Boris Beyer.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Hear: you can achieve (almost) everything you want. You just have to believe and keep going. I have had some unbelievable moments in racing, when I wanted something so bad, that it surprisingly worked out. Like my podium finishes in the EWS races. Or any tight switchback corners. You have to want it to 100%. If your mind is strong, it works. If you only try half-hearted, no chance.
Ignore: Pretty much every advice that starts with “You must…”. Humans are unique and individual. To say you have to set up your bike like this, roll your bars like that or set up your cleat in only this one way doesn’t make no sense. Individual body geometries and riding styles play a big role as well.
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 day from my life? Oh dear.
I would go back to the XC World Champs in Rotorua when I was 16. I broke my chain and missed a medal. Turned out it would be my only World Champs as enduro is not UCI affiliated. My chain not breaking would be the only thing I would change.
Trail riding-wise I would repeat our Mt. Cartier day in Revelstoke last year. That was an unbelievable good trail.
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?
Driving. I wish we would have changed to teleportation years ago.
Photo by Markus Greber.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
I have goals, dreams and I like to suffer (not in a strange way). That works quite well for motivation normally.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
Hitting the right spot landing a jump.
Photo by Max Schumann.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
When I pass people on a climb these days at home in the alps, they don’t look you in the eyes and say “hello” like some years ago. Now they check your bike first to see if you ride an e-bike. That’s totally strange and feels disrespectful.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
More German riders to playing a role in the DH and Enduro at world cup level.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Valli Höll.
