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 comes to you from Georgia Astle.
Having tried her hand at pretty much every gravity discipline going, from representing Canada at the downhill World Championships as a Junior, to Enduro World Series and Crankworx events, and being at the sharp end of the lot, Georgia Astle has turned her attentions to the rapidly evolving womens’ freeride scene. She’s at the sharp end of that too.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
I hope they think that I’m easy going and fun to be around. As a rider I am pretty reserved and have a very calculated attitude to hitting new things.
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?
Finding a comfy saddle was a game changer for me.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
I run my brake levers at different angles with unique amounts of lever throw.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Riding flat pedals will teach you good habits as an intermediate rider, like keeping your heels down and how to properly pop. I wish I had spent longer on them before moving to clips.
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 are a few “best days ever” that I would happily do over again. A lot of first sessions unlocking jumps with friends, laps down freshly cut trails, and the top of the podium feels.
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?
Not exactly something that I’d wish I’d given up, but there were many years where I rode disciplines or races that I wasn’t fully into just to fit the bill. I definitely don’t regret that because bikes are bikes and always a good time. However, now having this opportunity to be a part of the growing women’s freeride scene makes me so happy. Especially seeing younger girls having this platform as a viable option for the future.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
I get inspired from seeing people going after what they love and striving for that same feeling.
This is something I struggle with on my own to be honest. I am most motivated through others around me and the high hype atmospheres.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
Hitting something new that makes me a little nervous and smashing it first go.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
I can’t think of anything I’d like to erase personally. There’s been lots of growth in the sport and I don’t have too many unhappy memories to note.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
I would like to see girls have a shot at Rampage.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Kirsten Van Horne.
