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 at you from none other than Dave Spielmann.
Even if you only count the MTB employment, Mr. David Spielmann’s CV is an impressive one. Dave can boast experience as IMBA CEO, co-owner of Bike School Engadin, qualified guide, events and partnerships manager at Specialized, guide trainer for SwissCycling, infrastructure and information at the Swiss non-motorised traffic department SchweizMobil and currently deputy CEO and head of offer and experience development at Lenzerheide. Dave’s lunch lap involves some of the trails we rode on our trip to Bike Kingdom, so he’s a rider at heart.
Photos by Filip Zuan.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
That’s difficult, you’d have to ask them. I just hope they wouldn’t say I slow them down too much.
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?
A 225 mm AXS dropper post. With my long legs, the longer the drop the better and 225 mm is the maximum that still fits my frame. And AXS… well, it’s simply the best I’ve ever had on my bike. Easy, reliable, great functionality, zero issues, and yes, no cables to deal with.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
I love to ride alone. For years I spent so much time riding with others, guests, students, or on a professional basis, that I honestly got tired of sharing every ride. For a couple of years now I’ve really enjoyed being out there on my own.
Over the last two years, though, I’ve started to enjoy riding with friends again, but I’m quite picky. If I’m not sure it’ll be a good match, I simply don’t go.
Another unusual habit is that my time to ride is very limited these days. So I head out whenever I can sneak in a couple of hours, or even just a few minutes, to hop on the bike. That doesn’t always fit with anyone else’s schedule, so going solo often makes the most sense.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Always look ahead and forget keep your weight back (this is not applying if your are a pro, riding with no dropper ).
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?
What a question. I’m lucky to have had some incredible days on the trails. Two come to mind immediately: riding with the legend Thomas Vanderham on my home soil in the Engadin, showing him my trails. Or an unforgettable, quiet October day in Davos with Soil Searching heart Fanie Kok. I remember fragments of rides, those moments where you’re flying, where flow and joy take over. Life, and riding, is really about those moments.
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?
Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve wasted much time. Maybe experimenting with early tubeless setups, back when the sealant liked to leak through the sidewalls.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
I go for a ride.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
Climbing helps me process things; descending clears my mind. That combination is essential for my mental health and happiness.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
The constant introduction of new standards and the stubborn belief among big bike companies that the bike boom will last forever.
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
That Bike Kingdom becomes the place to ride mountain bikes in Europe.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
My young friend and personal slopestyle superstar, Lucas Huppert.
