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!
Wise Words this week comes from none other than Glyn O’Brien, a stone cold legend of mountain biking.
Only if you’ve been living under a rock will you have failed to see Glyn O’Brien’s name pop up every now an again. A World Cup racer from the late 90s through to the mid naughties, fireman, race organiser, racer, trailbuilder, the list goes on.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
That bollox O’Brien! It would probably have a few bad words attached to it but that normally that means people like you around these parts. Being super competitive would get dropped in there but at the end of the day when you get to know me I’m happy just sipping on a cup of tea.
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?
The best thing I have put on my bike since a dropper post is a Rapid Racer Products front Proguard. These things are the snizzle and have transformed my winter/wet day rides. I am not that keen riding with goggles when I’m not racing and they are a pain in the hole anyway when it’s wet. So now I can stay out longer because my eyes aren’t stinging with all the crap in them and I can actually see where I am going. Winner.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
I’m obsessed with stickers. Everything needs a sticker or it’s just not right. I have toned it down a bit the past few years but if I catch ya leaving anything about that has a flat surface its getting bombed.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
This one is for the kids and most adults. First and foremost ride your bike for fun, no matter what bike you are on just aim to have a laugh, when you are relaxed things happen so much easier. Also learn how to jump as early as possible.
There is so much crap out there just believe in yourself and do what you think is cool. Most people are just winging it anyway.
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?
That’s a tough one. Had a few crackers in my day but one that sticks out was back in 2012. It’s hard to beat Whistler for some biking memories. This particular day we had a solid crew inc Dave Mayers, Ben Reid, Steve Bell and the Athertons. We somehow wangled our way to the top lift and smashed it down Ride don’t Slide for the first time. We were all stoked but the only thing I would change is Beller complaining about how dusty it was. Only joking I wouldn’t change a thing.
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 don’t think I have voluntary wasted any time. The only thing I would love to eliminate are queues, uplift queues, queues for the bank…. whatever… a waste of time.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
Most of the time I’m world champ at the motivation game. If I’m struggling, I know just to go away and do something else, when the time is right it will come to me and everything gets done. Or I just drink tea and the answer is normally at the bottom of the cup.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
Simple… building jumps and sending it. Just started a new project today so things are about to get happy soon.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
That one time Joe Ward beat me at an EWS stage in Finale. Pretty sure I won’t get to live that one down.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
I would like to see every football pitch in these lands being replaced by a pumptrack or a set of dirt jumps. Kids need to be taught the right lessons in life. A little bit ambitious but always think big.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Baltic Ben Reid or the Eyeball John Lawlor should have a few good stories for you.
