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 Katy Curd.
Katy Curd is a member of a long list of very fast British riders that cut their teeth in World Cup 4X and downhill before moving on to coaching and fostering the next generation of talent that may well go on to do the same.
Photos by James Vincent.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
“Dedicated, fun, kind, loyal” – Karen Maidment’s kind words.
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?
Wall mount bike hooks, a dream for garage organisation.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
Will always be wearing white shoes and need my grips worn down to the point that most people would throw them out.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Ride a hardtail. Forget about the biggest, most expensive bike, these bikes will only allow for gaps in your skills to be glossed over. We always see the riders on hardtails progress the fastest. The most simple bike will teach you the most. You have to learn to ride what the bike can’t handle so your skills and movements progress rapidly and you learn to become a smooth rider because of it.
Ignore every Tom, Dick and Harry’s advice on set-up. Its all 100% individual. Get out there, test out what works for you and learn about your own riding style and bike.
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?
16th birthday riding dirt jumps at my local spot, Bath trails. Surrounded by friends, riding bikes and nothing else mattered. Completely lost in the moment of the day. 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 feel like I have wasted time. I have made mistakes, learnt from them and they have definitely help me get to where I am today.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
Get outside. Walk the dogs, run, ride, whatever. Just simply being outside changes my whole mind set.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
Dirt jumps. Sailing through a set of trails, floating from one jump to the next, being super smooth. Nothing beats it.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
Sam Copp breaking his leg, delete this please.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
More girls on bikes, riding, racing, whatever brings a smile but just introducing more females to riding bikes and the joy and freedom it can bring.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Evie Richards, Vicky Balfour.
