THE TEAM
Name: Nico Sharman
Age: 17
Favourite Spot: Innerleithen
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?
When I realised that mountain biking was more than just a sport was the countless hours and work that I put in for races and started to take over my life. Along with my time riding my bike, I've met amazing people gone to amazing places and will change my life for the better.
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail?
I've had a few big crashes in my time so nerves can be high before tackling trails but my number one work around which I always have is the knowledge of that I can do this and past experiences. I know that I am good even if I've had serious crashes, but I know what I'm capable of.
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
If i could ride with anyone it would have to be Ronan Dunne he seems like good crack.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
Clearing Whistlers D1 and crab apple hits had to be a high point and biggest achievement of mountain biking will never forget that day.
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
My relationship with Onridge is fresh but since a fellow team member told me about I was invested. I love the guys who organise onridge and talking to them and team members.
Name: Lucas Skinner
Age: 15
Favourite Spot: Descend Bike Park
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?After my first race, I realised how much I enjoy the sport and that I’d love to make a career out of it!
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail?
Deep breaths on the start line
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
Danny Hart is a local legend, renowned as one of the most naturally talented downhill mountain bikers in history.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
Achieving 3rd place at Eastgate TT2.
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
Great! Lovely people and really fun to ride with. The team day out was great!
Name: Sammy G
Age: 12
Favourite Spot: Fort Bill & Inners
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?
I can't remember when I fell in love with the sport as I have always loved being on 2 wheels.
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail?
I think positively about the trail ahead & physically prepare by getting warmed up & fist bump my riding buddies.
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
It would have to be Jackson Goldstone , he's a class rider that could teach me a thing or two.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
Winning all 5 back to back NDH (Northern Downhill) races this year.
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
Awesome brand & kit with great people. My teammates are great lads who are awesome riders.
Name: Leon Watkins
Age: 14
Favourite Spot: Descend Bike Park
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?When I got my first proper mountain bike around 1 year and a bit a go a vitus nucleus 27vr.
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail?
Sometimes watch videos of people and what lines they are taking and also, I listen to music a lot to calm me down so I don’t get nervous which could mess me up.
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
The people I used to ride with still ride now so all of them but if we’re talking present I would love to ride with Ronan dune.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
I have a couple of moments one being when I done my first race and I came 12/42 I think that’s a good setting start into the races and also when I done this 40 foot jump I had been wanting to do for a while and I made it.
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
I would say just with talking to them so far you guys seem like really nice people and I’m looking forward to riding with you guys today!
Name: Jack Loveridge
Age: 21
Favourite Spot: Windhill or FLYUP 417 bike park
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?I can’t say there’s been a stand out moment, growing up racing motocross meant I was always around something with two wheels. From the moment I could walk I was on a bike so I can definitely factor that in. I would say I started to realise there was potential in my riding when a friend of mine who has raced for a long time followed me down a run at Cwmcarn, we got to the bottom and he said to me “yeh you should race mate”.
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail? Mentally I will run through the trail in my head a few times trying to highlight areas I need to attack or certain features I can use to my advantage like pulling up to clear a root section mid run. Physically I train in the gym, ride motocross, ride dirt jumps or skateparks and normally before a run I’ll do a warm up cycle including a few sprints.
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
I would say Remy Morton I just think his style is so nice, the trails he builds look like rollercoasters of fun and I think I could learn a lot from him especially the fact he is riding chainless so much.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
My most recent podium at FLYUP or clearing the whole of the new rocket line at okeford .
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
Onridge has provided me with a group of great people who are all so passionate about riding their bikes and having fun whilst doing it. These values i have always shared I really believe that in having fun the progression will surpass anything that’s expected of you. To add on to that they have some sick garments and looking good never felt so good!
Name: Enzo
Age: 14
Favourite Spot: Innerleithen
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?
I realised mountain biking was more than just a sport when it was all I thought about and it was all I wanted to do. There’s nothing else that I enjoy apart from biking!
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail?Before I tackle a challenging trail I will sometimes walk down it and look at what I’m getting my self into, other than that I take a deep breath and just send it!
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
If I could ride with anyone it would be Danny Hart because I admire everything about him! The way he rides, what he has done, how he became pro etc.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
My proudest moment in mountain biking so far has been being sponsored by theonridge by far! I love everything about them like what they stand for and the clothing in general .
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
The relationship with the team is great! Everyone gets along and supports eachother lots, it’s a great environment.
Name: Dan Price
Age: 30
Favourite Spot: Golfie
1. What moment made you realize mountain biking was more than just a sport for you?The moment for me was when I had just discovered what riding was like in the Tweed Valley. The thought of somewhere I would never have stepped foot in, if it had not been for mountain biking. The freedom, the escape and the view being at the top of NewYork NewYork is just something words can’t describe.
2. How do you prepare mentally and physically before tackling a challenging trail?
I try to visualise something similar that I have done before. If I can do that, and this feature is similar then it is within my skill set! And if not … wet paper towel fixes everything.
3. If you could ride with anyone (past or present), who would it be, and why?
Honestly, I just like riding bikes with my friends. There’s just no better feeling than rolling into the carpark, getting the bikes setup, kit on and just heading out into the woods for the day.
4. What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?
Clearing Danny Harts Mainline first jump, this feature was the bane of my life for 2 years, every attempt I made to clear it I cased. After my trip from Morzine I hit the jump and cleared it, now every time!
5. How would you describe your relationship with the Onridge brand and team?
My relationship with onridge has been nothing but professional and rewarding!