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 to you from none other than John Oldale.
If you don’t know John Oldale then he is the man behind all of Marin Bike’s marketing wherever you might find yourself in the World, looking after riders like Nikki Whiles, Mark Matthews and Vero Sandler to name but a few.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
Probably something along the lines of ‘loveable tw*t’
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?
Gravel bike. Believe the hype these things are rad. It has completely changed what is fun right from the back door.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
Despite being British and a motorbike rider I still run my rear brake lever on the right. Can’t get my head round rear brake on the left.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Go spend some money on a coaching session, especially one that helps you with bike set up. Don’t always fall for the propaganda round certain bikes and set ups, different people like different styles of bikes and not all bikes work for everyone. If possible, try and ride a variety of bikes and make your own mind up about what puts a smile on your face.
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?
There’s way too many to pick a single day. But any day that involves a high Alpine ridgeline trail with mates is up there. Or more recently I got to ride in Ashland, Oregon with some of my co-workers. Several shuttled 2-hour descents followed by Hazy IPAs at the end of the day is right up there.
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?
Trying to appease grumpy/miserable people. These days I just try to keep them out of my line of sight/friendship circle.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
Get out for a couple of hours on the GasGas trials bike. Clears the mind and gets me stoked.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
Downhill bikes, there’s just something about riding one that I love. Just wish it was more accessible in Wiltshire.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
Honestly… I would love to of seen Brendan win Rampage. I don’t want to jump on the bandwagon, but I genuinely think, all things considered, he should have won.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
Make downhill great again.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Ben Winder, Tony Seagrave and Loic Delteil.
