On episode #218 We are chatting to Markus Stitz about the release of his new book called Great British Gravel Rides, founding Bikepacking Scotland, competing in the Silk Road Mountain Race and the Highland Trail 550, plus lots lots more.

Markus has travelled the world on two wheels and has documented much of it on his way. We chat about his upbringing in Germany and what got him interested in bikes at an early age. Markus tells us about how living in New Zealand sparked his love for bikepacking and travel adventure. We get into this and much more with Markus including exciting plans he has for the near future.

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the show!

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This episode is proudly sponsored by ALLTA

Here at MTB Tribe we are super excited to introduce you all to our new brand – ALLTA.

ALLTA is a range of mountain bike clothes and accessories dedicated to make mountain biking easier. Our gear is designed to be practical, stylish and environmentally friendly. Our best-selling Trail Changing Robe will keep you warm and dry while you are getting changed in and out of your riding gear and our other pieces work just as well on the streets as on the trails.

We’re a small Irish based brand, but our range is growing steadily with the support of a fantastic group of mountain bikers across Ireland and the UK.

You can check us out at www.rideallta.com or on Instagram @ride.allta

On episode #217 we chat to Daz about his experiences racing through the years across many different disciplines, how he fell into the bike scene, spent a small fortune on bikes, got sponsored by Yeti, raced against the likes of Steve Peat and Rob Warner, was on the cover of bike mags and how he eventually burned out. All this plus much more!

Thanks for tuning in, enjoy the show!

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For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

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This episode is proudly sponsored by ALLTA

Here at MTB Tribe we are super excited to introduce you all to our new brand – ALLTA.

ALLTA is a range of mountain bike clothes and accessories dedicated to make mountain biking easier. Our gear is designed to be practical, stylish and environmentally friendly. Our best-selling Trail Changing Robe will keep you warm and dry while you are getting changed in and out of your riding gear and our other pieces work just as well on the streets as on the trails.

We’re a small Irish based brand, but our range is growing steadily with the support of a fantastic group of mountain bikers across Ireland and the UK.

You can check us out at www.rideallta.com or on Instagram @ride.allta

On episode 208 we welcome Nathan ‘The Lizard’ McComb back on the show to chat about the reopening of his super popular guiding business Enduro Malaga, his farming business over the pandemic, dealing with the trail building police, getting plastic surgery after a clothing mishap on the trails and super exciting plans for future development of Enduro Malaga.

Plus, get 10% OFF your trip with Enduro Malaga!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Tune in and find out more. Enjoy the show!

On episode #118 it was great to get Andrew on the show from his very popular YouTube channel McTrail Rider.

I reached out and got Andrew as he was just back home form his epic European road trip with Enduro Malaga and BKXC. He was kind enough to say yes and make time to come on the show and tell his story about starting a YouTube channel full-time, filming everyday you ride, riding the best trails Europe has to offer, why he loves his Deviate bike so much and what he has planned for the future of his channel.Plus much much more.

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #111 we welcome back Robert from Freewheelin.ie to chat about the Irish race scene over the 2019 racing season.

We have interviews from Harry Byrne, Brendan Conroy, Beefy Mullan, Hannah Harvey, Callum Morris and Peter Davison. Plus much more information on the 2019 season and a quick look into the 2020 season!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

In episode #109 we chat to Nathan McComb, a.k.a 'The Lizard'. We talk about his trials background, his move to MTB and how he got so fast, ending with him standing on many podiums. Plus his new Enduro Malaga MTB Holiday business, what they offer, pricing, trails etc etc. Plus loads more interesting info.

This episode (#50) first aired on Thursday 23rd August 2018

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #108 we chat with Jason Murphy. Jason is the driving force behind the Shronaboy Farm Bike Trails in Killarney, Co.Kerry. We chat about building trails, hosting race events and planning exciting things for the near future. Plus much much more!

Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the show!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #107 we chat with Ollie Robertson the founder and owner of Surrey Hills Clothing Co. about building a MTB clothing brand, why he started it, how he got local riders wearing his gear and what he has planned for the near future.

Plus much much more!

For extra information and the show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode 207 we have got Adam Copley back on the podcast to chat about his new Trail Collective group, what he has been up to over the last several months, how his racing season has been going, what his new bike is like, how his MTB cliententel have swapped the gym for the trails and to find out more about his new free 6 week MTB Masterclass.

Tune in and find out how to get enrolled and join for free!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Enjoy the show.

On episode #105 we chat with Yaroslav Alpizar Yari about everything MTB.

On episode #104 we chat with Euan Wilson, owner and founder of H+I Adventures. H+I Adventures offer MTB tours in the most spectacular destinations across the globe, from Scotland, Nepal and Norway, to Switzerland, Morocco and the Yukon in Canada. And that is just to name a few. These guys have the best destinations on the planet.

We chat with Euan about leaving your job and following your passions, finding the best destinations on the planet, offering the best service possible, pushing the bounders of expectation and loving what you do. Plus much more!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #103 we are chatting with Julie Cornelius founder of World Ride, the Non-Profit travel company that's getting ladies out riding across the globe.

Julie has been getting ladies on bikes and out on the trails since her collage days working part time in bike shops. It was from these experiences that has guided Julie to do what she loves and is so passionate about... getting ladies on bikes, enjoying the experience and coming back for more.

So sit back and find out how Julie is helping local female mountain bikers get on bikes, and just not in her home town of Moab but in Nepal and soon to be Guatemala too.

For more information and the show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #102 I am joined by the 3 time Irish Elite Downhill MTB Champion Jacob Dickson. If you want to know what it takes to be at this level on the world circuit and be a professional mountain biker, then this is the episode for you.

We chat to Jacob about those early race days, being a professional racer, riding for the Giant Off Road Team, competing in the UCI, injury, podiums and knocking Glyn O’Brien off at the Red Bull Fox Hunt (all caught on camera by the way!) plus much much more.

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Its episode #101 we chat with Jamie Carruthers from his Mtb Trail Hub YouTube channel about everything Morzine. Jamie has just filmed a three part series on everything you need to know about riding, staying and eating in Morzine and Les Gets.

So tune in and find out how to best plan that trip to Morzine, where to stay, where to ride, how to find empty trails, get your bike fixed, where to ride if you are a first timer and how to navigate the mountain plus much more insider information.

For more information and the show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Its episode 100! and what better way to celebrate than to get Robert back on the show from Freewheelin.ie and do a mid-season review of the Irish race scene. We chat race results, attendance numbers, winners, losers, standouts, how Ireland will preform in the Trophy of Nations and what’s at stake over the next few months plus much much more!

Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!

For more information and to access the show notes please visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #99 we are chatting to Irish Ripper and Irish Junior DH National Champion, Ronan Dunne. Surprisingly Ronan has only been riding mountain bikes for around four years but has already made a name for himself in both the downhill scene and enduro scene here in Ireland, with the 2nd fastest time behind Greg Callaghan in the opening round of the Irish Downhill Mountain Bike Series

We chat about racing, podiums, sponsorship, downhill versus enduro and his 45 foot gap jump in his back garden! Plus much more.

Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!

For more information and the show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #98 we revisit an old classic episode #28 which first aired 22-03-2018 with Brian Kennedy from his YouTube Channel BKXC. We chat about how Brian got the idea for his channel, how it grew so quickly and why it has been received so well. Brian has build his YouTube Channel up over the last couple of years to 130K followers (288K Now!). We chat about all this plus much more!

For more information visit the show note at: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #97 we are chatting to Matt Hartell the founder and owner of Epic Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures about why Matt decided to start a new mountain bike adventure company (he has another one). We chat about why Matt decided on Pisgah North Carolina, what his company can offer you as a rider, what to expect from the trail networks, how to book your trip, what the local scene is like and why you will have the ride of your life. Plus much more!

For more information visit the show notes at: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #96 we’re reviewing the Nukeproof Mega 275C Pro Carbon with Robert from Freewheeling.ie

We chat about Robert’s first impressions, how the bike handled in different conditions, how the bike was downhill happy, how the GX Eagle 12 speed gearing preformed and how Robert’s thoughts on price versus value, plus much more.

Also, stick around to the end of the show where we review the Nukeproof Horizon Pro Sam Hill flat peddles.

For more information and links visit the show notes at:

www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode 206 we are chatting with world renowned DJ and radio host Mark McCabe about being bitten by the MTB bug over the Covid lockdown, how he got interested in mountain biking, what he loves so much about it, the future of MTB in Ireland, his first race experience and of course what it is like playing music in front of thousands of people, plus tonnes more!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the show.

On episode #95 we are chatting with Moses King and Simon Blake, part of the crew behind organising the first enduro race in Rwanda. We chat about organisation, trails, popularity and how the scene in East Africa has evolved over the last couple of years. Plus much more!

For more information visit the show notes at: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #94 we are chatting with Hannah Harvey about joining the Chain Reaction Cycles Race Team Belfast, how she got started in mountain biking, racing, results, motivation and what the future holds for Hannah and her race schedule. Plus much more!

For more information visit the show notes at:www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #93 we welcome back Tom and Hugo from their trail adventure company Trail Unknown. We chat about their first E-Bike guided trip, their presentation at the London Bike Show, their new bike packing coast to coast trip and partnership new with Specialized. Plus loads more!

Also the guys have been very kind to offer 10% OFF your first trip for MTB TRIBE PODCAST listeners. Simply tune in or read more to find out how. Enjoy the show!

To find out more visit the show notes at: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #92 we are chatting with Alastair Beckett about founding the mountain bike design and solutions company Redburn Design and about co-founding and building the very cool new mountain bike brand called Forbidden. Plus much more!

To find out more visit the show notes at: mtb-tribe.com

On episode #91 it was awesome to get Matt the owner and founder of Old Town Outfitters on the show for a chat about mountain biking in Guatemala. We chat about how he has grown his company from a few bikes and running guided trips from his hotel room to having fifteen plus staff offering the best trail rides in Guatemala.

To find out more and access the show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #90 we are chatting to the Irish National Ladies Enduro Champion Leah Maunsell about life, family, racing, sponsors, bikes and ladies in mountain biking. It was awesome to get Leah on the podcast and have a chat about how things have been going this season for her regarding racing both at home and on the EWS tour. Leah has had an awesome start to her racing season with wins at the Grass Roots Enduro in Cork, the Vitus First Tracks Enduro at Ravensdale and wins at the first two rounds of the Gravity Enduro. The girl is ripping for sure. Leah started her racing journey at an early age but with her father and brother both being very good riders and racers, she was soon building on her skill base and had no option but to get faster or get left behind.

Leah started racing XC and got to the front, fast winning 4 National Championships in her first 5 years. Once the enduro scene started to become popular Leah soon adopted to the new race format and quickly got stuck in. She has now won the Irish National Enduro Championship title 5 times and in 2017 was the Irish National Champion in both Enduro and Downhill. Leah had a 3rd overall finish on the EWS curcuit last season but she only attended a few of the events because of school commitments. This season she plans to attend all of the European stages and possibly make her way to the California stage in Northstar at the end of August.

Tune in and hear Leah’s story of racing, podiums and future plans. Enjoy the show!

Find out more at: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #89 we are chatting with Davide Conti about reaching out to help Hans Ray with his awesome non-profit charity called Wheels4LIfe. But Davide's story that got him to that point is a pretty crazy one. Since starting mountain biking around eight years ago Davide has defiantly had his fare share of adventures, some good, some not so good but all an adventure in one way or another. What Davide has seen on his biking trips to Central and South America lit a spark in him to do more to help these communities he and his friends were visiting via their mountain bike trips. After searching for his next adventure Davide came across the Hans and Carman Ray charity called Wheels4Life. It instantly struck a cord with him and he knew straight away that through his love of mountain biking and travelling he could help these communities by getting involved in the Wheels4Life charity. He reached out to Hans and after a number of emails they had a plan in place and how Davide could help. And help he sure did.

Davide is now taking this one step further and is nearing the end of his plan to raise 4000 NZ Dollars to deliver a number of bikes to a much needed community in Colombia. He has only a month left to raise the much needed funds. So tune in, hear Davide’s crazy story and find out how you can help him by donating some much required funds to his awesome Wheels4Life Colombia charity.

To help and get involved visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode 88 we are chatting to the Legend and Master himself, Mr Glyn O’Brien. Glyn was a supporter of the podcast from the very beginning and was kind enough to come on the show way back on episode 10 (listen here). Glyn is super keen to help and support the Irish race scene anyway he can and has been doing just that for a number of years. So it was great to get him back on the show for another chat. On that first chat with Glyn we talked about how he got started in mountain biking, what the scene was like then, racing, rampage and a load more. So for this chat I wanted to know more about the race scene in Ireland and Northern Ireland, how it has been growing, the changes that have been made over the last couple of years, how the Vitus First Track Enduro series has been received so far this year and how the new Vitus First Tracks Enduro team is working out.

We also touch on the recent trail closures effecting Northern Ireland, what this means, why this has happened and how we as forest loving mountain bikers can help. There is a good positive outcome here so please tune in and have a listen. We all need to play our part and help however we can. We also get into the Vitus bike range, plans for Whistler and other races Glyn has planned for later in the year, how he still enjoys racing and is still super competitive. However in saying that, I think Glyn is just so stoked to see the Irish race and mountain bike scene grow and be healthy. If people are getting on bikes and getting healthy, both mentally and physically, Glyn has a smile on his face.

Find out more at: www.mtb-tribe.com

On episode #87 we are chatting with Jack O’Hare the owner and founder of the very cool trail construction company Summit Trails. Jack reached out to me after listening to episode #73 with his good friend Jasper Da Seymour. Jack and Jasper both live in Tasmania and if you tuned in to Jasper’s episode you will know how mountain biking is blowing up in Tasmania with trail centres like Blue Derby and Maydena Bike Park, just to mention a few. These trail networks have become so popular that communities have been reborn due to the number of mountain bikers coming to ride and enjoy what these trails have to offer.

So it was a complete pleasure to get Jack on the show and tell us about how these awesome trails came to be and what it takes to own and run a successful trail construction business. We chat about how Jack got into the trail building industry, companies he worked with, why he stepped out to form his own company, Summit Trails, the many balls you have to juggle to make something like this work and why Jack loves it so much. Plus much much more!

Continue reading here: https://www.mtb-tribe.com/

On episode #86 we welcome back Ben Plenge from The Strength Factory to chat about injury recovery. How to approach and best recover from a bad injury, how and when to get back into the gym and why a profressional trainer like Ben can really help get you back on the bike faster and fitter than you left it. Also get 50% OFF your first months subscription of Ben’s monthly STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING MTB PROGRAMME using the below promo code!

We had Ben on the show back on episode #51 chatting about why going to the gym makes you a better mountain biker. We chatted a little at that time about my collar bone injury and how the gym can possibly help to prevent such an injury and after the show we talked about Ben coming back on the show when I had recovered to chat about just that... How to recover from a mountain bike injury, or any injury really. In that episode #51 Ben gave me some points and tips about how to help get better faster, keep my chin up and get to mending yourself straight away, not to sit around feeling sorry for yourself.

In this episode we get into that in more depth and chat about when to get back to the gym, how to do this correct, can you get back before you are 100% mended, when to know to stop and how to help with diet and mind-set, plus much more. So if you have had that time-out injury in the past or you are in a recovery period from an injury or simply want to be prepared (God forbid) for that dreaded day, pop on the headphones and check it out. Hope it doesn't hurt to much!

On episode 205 it is my pleasure to be chatting with Kenna McKenna about her background in the MTB scene, her list of impressive achievements, how she has helped her husband build a very successful MTB guiding company in Scotland called Go Where Scotland over the last 13 years and how her public work in diversity and inclusion has carried over into her love for mountain biking, plus lots more!

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the show!

For episode 85 we are joined once again by a great friend of the podcast, Robert from Freewheelin' We caught up to chat about and review the last couple of months of the Irish racing calendar.

Robert is a wealth of information when it comes to the Irish and Northern Irish race scene. He attends all but a couple of the race events, he knows the players and is always hassling them for an interview in one form or another. This time he was sticking a microphone in their faces and ask them a few questions about their season so far, their state of mind and goals for the rest of the season. Robert was very kind to come on the podcast and share his interviews with the show. We hear form Greg Callaghan, Kelan Grant, Killian Callaghan, Leah Maunsell and Ronan Dunne.

So tune in and have a listen to the movers and shakers of the Irish race calendar thus far, plus much more.

Enjoy the show!

I love the e-bike debate, both Robert and myself after doing episode number 82, where we reviewed the 2019 Vitus Escarpe 29 VRX, decided to publish a further episode about an e-bike he recently reviewed on his website. The discussion ended up more of a chat about e-bikes in general than an actual review. We both came to the conversations not knowing each other's views or opinions regarding the introduction of e-bikes into mountain biking.   Robert recently spent several weeks riding Vitus E-Summit which the guys from Chain Reaction Cycles kindly lent him. Robert reviewed his experience on his website, and after reading the article, I thought that it would be interesting to get him on the podcast to chat about his first experience on an e-bike. We talk about the differences between an e-bike and a regular bike, how they handle differently, what trails they are suited for, the benefits, the drawbacks, uses and market prices.

On todays episode and number Eighty Three we are chatting to Andrew Coburn about winning the Mountain Bike NI Scout Leader Award, staying stoked on the trails and how mountain biking changed Andrew’s life for the better. Plus a few funny stories from when Andrew started mountain biking.

When reading through the annual email sent from Mountain Bike NI regarding the yearly award winners (these are awards voted by riders for things like best trail, best MTB accommodation, best MTB cafe etc...etc.) I discovered that the Scout Leader Award had been won this year by Andrew. I was stoked to hear this because Andrew is in love with mountain biking and if anybody deserves the award it is Andrew. I have never hit the local trails with Andrew but I knew he was somewhat of a character and would be a great guy to have a chat with and get on the podcast. After all, its characters like Andrew that make this mountain bike hobby so much fun and when these guys are around, there never seems to be a dull moment.

This is not so much an episode but a story of how having an interest, a social group of friends and an awesome community around you can help change your life forever.

Its episode number Eighty Two and we are teaming up with Robert from the very cool and insightful online MTB website called Freewheelin'. This is somewhat of a first for the podcast as we have never done a bike review before so it was great to get Robert on the show and talk us through his latest review, the 2019 Vitus Escarpe VRX. Robert was kindly asked by Chain Reaction Cycles to take the bike for a number of weeks, put it through its paces, test it out, write a review on his thoughts and post it on his website (see below for website review). So after having Robert on the show back in Episode 079. We got chatting and decided why not come back on the podcast and tell us all about his experience with riding and reviewing the 2019 Escarpe.

On episode number Eighty we are chatting with Meave Baxter about her racing career since the 90’s, her wins, her loses, how things have changed over the years, how to stay safe on the trails and what she has planned for the 2019 season.

We chat to Meave about what the racing scene was like at that time and how things have changed since then. Meave tells us some great stories of the people she looked up to, people she raced against, how her first race was done on a full rigid bike and how she made her own body protection from old foam camping matts. Plus much more.

Get Show Notes here: https://chtbl.com/track/7E49E/traffic.libsyn.com/mtb-tribe/080_Irish_MTB_Racing_Legend_Meave_Baxter_Part_1_FINAL.mp3

On episode number Seventy Nine we are chatting with Robert Lynn who is the founder and owner of the very cool online website and magazine called Freewheelin’. Robert is super keen on the Irish MTB scene and is really passionate about the awesome growing mountain bike scene we have in Ireland, including the North. Robert follows the Irish race scene closely and covers all the race meetings bringing us all the best information and results from the meetings and events. The websites slogan ‘2 Wheels – 1 Passion ‘. is certainly true and Robert is super passionate about what he covers and puts on the website. He covers everything from the grassroots to the international events and has a keen interest in the up and coming youth talent, and we have a lot in Ireland.  

So, it was great to get Robert on and fill me in on what is going on and what we can look forward to in the 2019 season. And to be honest I knew you guys and girls would also like to know what is happening so I got Robert on the podcast to have a chat about the Irish race scene, who to look out for, where the events will be happening, what new teams to keep an eye on and the movers and shakers on the EWS. We get into a lot of detail about the characters who are putting Ireland on the map for producing great racers, why this is happening, how the trail networks are helping, updates on funding for new trail networks and what the racing scene holds for us in 2019.

So tune in, get up to date on the Irish race scene and find out what events you may want to enter or even just show your support by spectating.

On todays episode and number Seventy Eight we are chatting with Chris Dower about how to become a bike mechanic, what that comprises of, why bike mechanics will never be out of work and how you can build it into a great career.

So for anybody looking to fix bikes for a living, or get their foot in the door of a bike store then this is the episode for you. We chat about being a bike mechanic from the grassroots up, what to expect and why you will never be out of a job! Plus much much more. Enjoy!

On episode number 077 we are chatting to the owner and founder of MTB apparel company Pinned Attire. I firstly want to say that Ryan has a crazy inspiring story behind why he started Pinned Attire and donates 100% of profits to the Air Ambulance. YES 100%. Ryan is a true philanthropist; a truly committed, generous and selfless individual. It is a pleasure to have him on the show.

Ryan has been running his Pinned Attire company for around two years and through hard work, sleepless nights and load of hours spent behind the computer, plus a number of other things, the brand is going from strength to strength. I was once told by a person who runs a number of successful brands that it is now easier to buy a brand than build one. So what Ryan has achieved with Pinned Attire is fantastic, all the hard work has paid off and that is what it takes, hard work. There are no short cuts, no magic pills and there is no luck involved. Its hard work, late nights and grind that makes anything a success. We chat with Ryan about how he has build the brand, what the brand means to him and what keeps him pushing forward, for lets face it, no income. He has not made a penny from Pinned Attire. Yes he has made a profit but to him it is more important to support his local Air Ambulance service (see below for links). So if you need some new riding gear this season check out Pinned Attire, its for an awesome cause which any of us could need at any time on the trails.

Tune in, check it out and let Ryan tell you the story behind Pinned Attire.

On todays episode and number Seventy Six we are chatting to Thomas, the founder and owner of a very cool Uk distribution company called Cyclorise. Cyclorise distribute bike accessories and components from the USA and South Africa. They also distribute brands from the UK including their own self-started accessory brand called Lourí. The birth of Cyclorise was a very fast one, it came from a pretty simple idea for a product to a full blown distribution company within a number of days. Thomas will say he runs a small distribution company which is growing a little everyday, but I think he has positioned himself in just the right place. We all know how fast the mountain biking industry is moving these days and how things change on a daily bases, something which Thomas is well aware of.

Thomas has worked most of his life in the mountain bike industry and for some of the biggest players. He has done everything from working on the shop floor to buying the merchandise that you see on the racks. Thomas loves working in the mountain bike industry, loves the products, loves the communities and has a real passion for what he does. His background and passion for riding has really helped him source accessories and components that riders want, are practical and help you enjoy your ride better. Cyclorise distribute brands such as; Revgrips, SMOOVE Lube, GÜP Industries, Sahmurai Sword, Lourí, Fork Cork, Timber, Nox Sox and his range is growing. We chat about how this all started, how he finds the brands he believes in, how the business to business model works, how you can best get the products and future accessories and components he is working on. Plus much much more.

On episode 204 we are chatting to Lynne Armstrong about how she got into the bike scene, working alongside Danny MaCaskill on ‘The Clan’ travelling stunt show, founding the Air Maiden Women's Freeride Festival, moving to live in Whistler and the future of women in MTB, plus much more.

For more information and show notes visit: www.mtb-tribe.com

Enjoy the show!

Today on episode Seventy Five we catch up with the guys after a tough enduro race in Uganda. Its the second Elgon Enduro which has been a great success. The race has grown from a few competitors last year to international participants this year. Tom Shopland is from the UK and runs his own guiding company in the UK called Trail Unknown. We had Tom on the podcast a few weeks ago on episode 071 (listen here). At the time of recording the podcast Tom had no idea in 3 weeks he would be racing in Uganda, but after searching through the back catalogue of the podcast he came across the episodes we had done from East Africa (see below) and it just happened that Tom’s sister was in East Africa at this time, he was intrigued.

One thing lead to another and Tom ended up in Uganda. Awesome! Adrian Rass is from Switzerland and just happened to get in contact with Will about helping with race and course preparation for the enduro. Adrian ended up staying for a number of weeks, racing and having a blast before heading on the rest of his African adventure the whole way down to South Africa (he also showed how fast the Swiss are on a bike!).   We had a laid back, fun chat about how the race went, what the conditions were like, how the course has changed from last year, funding, competitor numbers, how MTB is advancing in East Africa, how Tom came to be there and how curly Adrian's hair is. Plus much more.

On todays episode number Seventy Four we are chatting with MTB Freelance Journalist Lauran Jenkins. Lauren has been a Journalist for a number of years and has always had an interest in writing from an early age. When friends would be at a party Lauren would excuse herself, go home and write a blog. But when Lauren found her passion for mountain biking in 2012 she quickly combined that with her passion for writing and her career was born. Lauren quickly got involved in the industry and even though she was still at university finishing her journalism degree she found herself spending more time at the Dirt Magazine offices. We chat about her early days trying to get her foot in the door, what kind of articles and jobs she was doing, how she got involved with Pinkbike and the great people she has had the pleasure to work with.

Lauren started her mountain biking experience on a downhill bike and a downhill track! Now if that isn't being thrown in at the deep end I don’t know what is. However, after many tears and frightening moments Lauren build her skill level so she could cope with whatever the trail had to offer, she was even on a DH team. Lauren now rides a more friendly enduro bike and keeps the downhill stuff for special occasions. We chat with Lauren about what gear she uses and delve into ladies specific bikes, gear, clothing and how the industry is changing to cater for these things. We chat about a number of great interviews Lauren done in St. Moritz with ladies that work or play in the mountain bike industry and how they feel the ladies scene has changed over a number of years, mostly for the better.

So if you want to know more about how to get involved with journalism in the mountain bike industry or simply want to know what kind of schedule a MTB journalist keeps, plug in and let Lauren tell you all about it.

On episode number Seventy Three we are chatting with Jasper Da Seymour, founder of jdaseymourphotography.com.au. I was first put in contact with Jasper after he had done a photo shoot with Tom Redfern, founder and owner of Broken Riders who was on the podcast back on episode 038 (listen here). It has taken a while to get Jasper on the show but he is a super busy man, has lots of projects on the go and is always pushing and promoting his photography and filmography business. Jasper is from Tasmania just of the coast of Australia and I have to say, after watching Jaspers films of the local area the trail networks look amazing. Jasper seems to have really caught the passion that the Tasmania scene flows with, its young, exciting and full of energy.  

We chat about how the scene has grown over the last few years, how the local councils are getting involved in helping produce and build trails with the purpose of bringing more people into the area and helping local communities and business. And it seems to be working. We also chat about how Jasper got started in photography and filmography and how he found his true passion in the mountain bike scene. We chat about some of the projects he has worked on, how these came about, what the brands are like to work with and some of the characters in the industry.  

I really enjoyed my chat with Jasper. He is a super fun guy, has a really good sense of humour and is super passionate about his work. So put your feet up, find out what the Tasmania mountain bike scene is like and have a laugh with Jasper.