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 none other than Tim Holch.
Tim Holch is the man behind the wholesale change in Merida’s latest full suspension mountain and ebike offerings, his work has brought the brand into the forefront of the aggressive trail market. Tim doesn’t say much, but it’s usually pretty solid chat when he does. Handy on a bike too.
Photos by Paul Box.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
“He loves riding on two wheels, no matter which two-wheeler he has underneath him. He likes it rough and hates super-fluid flow stuff. Suffering is a part of him. He’s always up for a beer after a ride.”
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?
I bought myself a laser this year to adjust the handlebars so that they are completely in line with your tyre. This thing saves lives.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
What is unusual these days? Maybe that I like road bikes too? Motorcycles as well… I will ride pretty much anything and everything on two wheels.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
The advice to hear? Remember to just have fun, it’s not a race… But if it’s a race, you should stay focused and try to catch someone who is faster than you.
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?
I think it would be my first time in Finale Ligure in around 2014 or so. That was a hell of a ride. Absolutely scary at that time, but also full of fun and adrenaline. A bike like our current One-Sixty would be a nice addition instead of my Nukeproof Mega at that time with a sh*tty shock. But I think I would not ride so much better with my skill level at that time.
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 wish I had given up on filling out Excel sheets at work to keep them up to date. Why do we have so much of this?
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
I just think about what’s ahead. Plan some adventures, no matter how big or small they are and then eagerly await it.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
It’s all about the stunning nature views for me. You can’t beat a bit of adrenaline either… and a good pinch of suffering.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
I would like to erase discussions about headset cable routing. It works like a charm, but the internet forum experts must always discuss this to death.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
I would get rid of sh*tty brakes on everyday bikes. I would like to see tyres and inner tubes which keep the pressure for ages.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
Hellhommus (Erik Nohlin).
