Wise Words is our 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 come to you from none other than Bernat Guardia.
With a World Cup career that spanned fourteen years and numerous visits into the top 10, Bernat Guardia is no slouch on a bike. Since hanging up his racing boots, he’s joined Intense Cycles after a short stint with their factory team, taking care of the iconic US brand’s European ambassador programme.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
That’s a tricky one, I think as a rider that’s very creative on his lines, that is fast and smooth on a bike and likes to have fun while doing it.
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?
My daughter’s first mountain bike, it feels great to share a passion with the little one.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
I don’t like my front brake to bite too hard or have too much power, so I usually ran shitty pads or even spray a bit of lube on the rotor. Please don’t do this at home.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Work on a strong skills base and position on your bike before trying to go too big too early. They should ignore their friend pushing them to do stuff way beyond their level.
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?
Thinking on my racing career World Champs in 2000 as a junior were I had a good chance to take a medal, but I did throw it all away crashing because I was pushing way too hard. Still hurts today when thinking about it.
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?
Narrow bars, 26in wheels, small sized bikes…
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
Going on a bike ride or grabbing a shovel and dig something new it always brings me back on track.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
It has to be riding a good trail with good friends.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
I’m not sure, gravel bikes? Just joking…
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
A 16kg eBike with 170mm of travel and a motor that really performs, have a good range and has internal gear. Maybe that’s not a single thing.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Shaun Palmer.
