Ray Samson

Ray Samson may be Blake Samson's brother, but he certainly has his own style, personality and is talented enough to deserve some separate recognition especially after his recent victory at KOD - I felt it was about time I told you more about him.

This is Ray Samson.We all know you as Ray's brother and it's super sick to see you shred the gnar together. Do you enjoy riding together or does it sometimes just get a bit much? Have you always ridden together?
I never get bored of riding with my bro, we are always pushing each other and trying to bet each other in comps. We have always ridden together and started dirt jumping a pretty much the same time. So it's awesome to have a bro you can ride with and against.



Blake seems to be having a killer season - and with his new move to Ashton Diamondback are you hoping to catch a bit more attention now that you are the only Samson on DMR - has it felt like you have been in his shadow a bit?
Ya Blake is doing really well this year and since he has moved to Ashton Diamondback I have been able to get a bit more attention and I was a little in his shadow, so I am happy that he has moved, but it was cool to have two brothers on the same team.

How has 2010 been so far and what are your 3 top moments so far and the 3 funniest moments?
2010 has been amazing so far, been so busy with comps, photo shoots and practicing. My 3 top moments so far are winning the first round of the King Of Dirt at The Track in Cornwall, being able to get to more European comps and not having to worry too much about working and getting some jumps built on the island so I don't have to travel far to ride. The 3 funniest moments have all been in Cornwall watching my friend Ben riding and smashing mostly after being off the bike for ages. Sam Ren's Adventure Poo on a rock at a beach and being caught by some old people. And then going out to sweat box and disco pogoing on the stage and getting loose can't remember much, but I had a painful stomach from laughing all night.


With your new DMR 898 rig - are you loving it and what's so trick about your bike?
The 898 is amazing it's a lot lighter than the old Transition with a shorter back end so everything is a lot easier to do and is by far the best bike I have ridden.


Can you tell us about your lifestyle a bit - Home, work, family, life in general?
My lifestyle is pretty normal I live at home still which is cool because moving out is way too expensive and if I did I would have to get a full time job which would suck, so I don't have a job at the moment. I'm just enjoying riding and the sunny weather, if I am not riding or building jumps I try get to the beach as much as possible and just generally enjoy being young and have fun before I get to older and settle down.


How long have you lived in the UK?
My family and I moved to the UK in 2001 and have lived on the Isle of Wight ever since.

How long have you been riding bikes?
I have been riding bikes since I could walk, but only got into dirt jumping around 6 years ago, and I have never looked back.


Any embarrassing stories about Blake you wanna share and get one up on him with?
There are to many, but he was beaten up by his ex girlfriend not too long ago in the middle of town, he is probably going to punch me for telling people that.

How was Switzerland and being stuck there due to crap weird weather things? Have you guys built a freeride park at the spacious airport with all the freetime? - What did you get up to to help pass the time?
Ya being stuck in Thun, Switzerland was a bit of a bummer at first, but we made the most of it, luckily we found out before heading for the airport. We actually had an awesome time, rode some sweet trails over looking the Alps and went and did some sight seeing and generally acted like Chinese tourists taking pictures of everything, but it passed the time quick and I was a bit sad to leave as I really enjoyed it there and the people are amazing.


The dirt scene seems quite tight and it's sick to see you all riding together - does it ever get a bit competitive on the jumps with all this talent in one place - people trying to out do one another?
This year the dirt scene is really tight with so many new riders coming up with crazy stunts and it's putting loads of pressure on the top riders. Even at small comps the level of riding is insane, but it never gets out of hand and we all enjoy a bit of pressure and we are still friends in the end.

Your favourite place to ride?
My favorite place to ride? That's a tough question, but it would probably be between Wisley and our Step up.

What are the 5 most important things/habits/interests in your life?
God for sure, my Family, Friends, Riding my bike, try and get as far as I can in mountain biking and give something back to the sport.

Hopes for 2010 and 2011?
Be able to ride my bike loads and not have to worry about anything else and pushing myself as far as I can and see what happens. Life is a blank canvas.


Any people you want to say thanks too?
I would like to thank my bro for pushing me to get where I am, thank all my sponsors - DMR and people who have helped and supported me. My Parents for helping me get to comps.