The man with the hair - Dylan Tremblay Interview

Mar 2, 2008

Who has slept on a beach, had a romantic meal on a roof, built trails in the middle of no where, had no income during the summer, and still has the passion and drive to ride his bike everyday, all day? Dylan Tremblay is a big name in the industry, and has been through it all. A textbook rider since day 1, let's see what Dylan had to say when we put the mic in his face.

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Dylan Tremblay, I like to ride bikes.

Hello Dylan, welcome to the show. What companies are you representing this season?
I’m still working on a few things. As of now, I have Transiton bikes, RaceFace Components, Hayes Brakes, Straitline Components, Adidas, 661, Idun, Lizard skins, Industry nine, Manitou, Dakine, Cytosport and SDG supporting me with product this year.

And which one of their products are you riding this season?
I will be running Transition Frames, the TOP, Double, and Preston. As for components; RaceFace cranks, headset, bar and stem, Straitline pedals, SDG I beam seat and post combo. I'm also running the new Hayes Stroker brakes and Industry Nine wheelsets. My bikes are going to be light and strong this year! I have 661 helmets and armor on my side, as well as Adidas to keep my legal blindness curbed with their optical line of glasses! Last but not least, Cytosport nutritional products to keep my body healthy and strong.


How many years have you been riding for?
I’ve been riding bikes since I was 14. I was a scrawny little punk with an XC bike that was way too big for me. I quickly became addicted to the mountain bike, I found it appealing because it was a great tool for me to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. It kept my mind and body occupied. I also tended to get in more trouble before discovering the mountain bike.

How did you come to be a mountain biker?
I tried the team sports thing when I was younger, played some ice hockey and quickly found out it wasn’t for me. My dad had bought a pretty nice bike around then, and I borrowed it and never gave it back! I would spend every chance I could get riding the trails and practicing tricks outside my house and at school.


Where were you born?
I was born in the Kootnays. Lived in Rossland until I was 7 and then my mom, sister and myself made the move over to Nelson. I’m thankful we moved because growing up there was the best thing ever! We had Big Mountains all around, a lake twisting its way through the hills, and the town of Nelson nestled in between it all.

How was the riding out there?
The riding was sweet, some of the best trails around in my opinion. We lacked dirt jumps and parks, but made up for it with our network of trails. Back in 2002 me and Riley Macintosh built a dirt jump spot called Witches! It was a series of hips slithering it’s way down a gully, it still lives thanks to local riders putting shovel time in. Since my days of living in Nelson, the dirt jump scene has really picked up. There are multiple spots that riders can choose from and the young guys there like Kurt Sorge, Evan Schwartz, Russ Fountain and Amos Franke are killing it! Among many others!

Who has played a part in getting you to where you are at? Who has helped?
Well I don’t know where I’m exactly at in my life, I’m basically a bike bum. It's funny because my dad was a ski bum when he was my age. So we have something in common! He has since moved on to bigger and better things, but still skis his ass off! I try to make enough money in winters so my summers are free for riding and adventures. My parents have been very patient with me as I have yet to get a career or consistent job. Thanks mom and dad! It just seems whenever I get back on track with a steady job I get sidetracked with another DropIn tour or big bike trip. My life isn’t motivated by money or possessions, so I can survive living simple and cheaply, yet happily.

I never really expected to be a known biker, things just kind of happened. We made some bike movies back in high school. Road tripping with the MPF crew all over BC and Alberta, making for some of the best times of my life. At the end of each season, Mike Kinrade and Jer Grant would sit in front of their computers, compile all the footage, and release there master piece movie. As riders we gained our first taste of notoriety.

Shortly after the second MPF video a company known then as Fallline Productions, cruised into Nelson with their bus and very little knowledge of the freeride scene. I toured them around, taking them on our local trails, some dirt jumps and street stuff. Afterwards, that night we bounced around some crazy ideas during a Kraft dinner feast. Later that year they got things rolling on their end, and that summer we did our first season of DropIn.

What event would you say you are most excited for this season?
Well I’m currently working on my schedule and seeing what I’m able to attend. Hopefully I can work lots this winter and cruise through the summer. It’s a lifestyle and not recommended for all. I sacrifice a lot so I can ride and be free. Sleeping on roofs, sandy beaches and wherever I can in the midst of riding and struggling to survive. It makes for a pretty interesting life and stories.


With so many young riders bursting onto the scene through such “small” name companies such as Tonic Fab, and NS Bikes, would you say you are under a lot of pressure?
Haha, I don’t see how I could ever be under pressure to ride! I just ride for myself and do my own thing! I have always done my own thing, and people won’t change that... I love seeing these young rippers and up and comers, it stokes me up! Keep them coming! They learn tricks in days that took us years to perfect… I can’t wait too see where they bring the sport and level of riding.

What would you say is your biggest goal this season?
I just wanna stay healthy, have fun and get lots done. I currently have a few different bike trails in the works, so I will be spending lots of time finishing those and then filming them shortly after. I am also working on a business idea that I will let you know more about soon. It will take up lots of my time and be very rewarding and possibly give me much needed income and security needed for my elder years…


What is your favorite “old school” video game?
Skate or Die!

Why?
Well I was an 8 year old skater punk back in 1st grade. I had the piercing and ragged clothes... This game had all these bad ass characters that I wanted to be like, with a dude named Lester with a bad ass Mohawk. I just loved it because skating was my thing, and it amazed me that they actually had a game where I could skateboard while sitting on my couch!

What is the future of mountain biking in your own words?
The future looks bright. Mountain Biking is picking up momentum and we are seeing lots of ski hills expanding their operations into the summer. This will bring more contests, riders and trails into the sport! I just want to be part of it all, building bike parks, courses, competing and teaching!

How long has your hair been growing now? Any plans of cutting it?
Well I cut the dreads off over a year ago now.. It has since grown out all crazy and curly for the first time in 7 years. It’s finally free to do whatever it wants.. It feels really good having my hair back and being able to run my fingers through it. I have since tamed it a bit for possible job interviews. I liked my dreads as they were easy to maintain, but they had seen many hard years and the hair didn’t jive with my mill job.


What is your favorite part on your bike right now?
Hmm, favorite part on bike, well I know my favorite part on a women, but my bike is just as important. I like my shocks for when I case or land flat. My chain is good, because it drives me forward, and I like my brakes when they lock up! I also challenge Wayne Goss to a skid competition next year!

Which junior is going to make it big this year? Why?
Logan Peat is one of my favorites, he has the right attitude in the sport. It’s always good times with him. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel back east twice and ride with him both times. In '06 he invited us to his parent place which included an all day jump sesh in his yard, as well as a great steak and Caesar salad dinner! It seems like every kid these days can tailwhip and flip so it takes something else to stand out. I’m excited to see that a lot of these new riders excel in all disciplines. It’s something that impresses me as I personally need variety in my riding, last winter was a lot of jumping, and this winter has been mostly trails and Dh'ing. I have also been busy in the gym rehabbing my body’s injuries from years of abuse. Thanks Body Sculptures! Last year I was broken all over, and now I’m starting to feel pretty good, I can walk down the street without my ankle giving out.

If you didn’t ride bikes, what would you do?
I would probably be working year round and hating it, but making a living and getting ahead in life, but I wouldn’t trade my life of being poor and homeless for anything. I’m happy and that’s what matters right now. I still have time in my life to work on a trade and career when the time has come. Right now bikes are leading me to cool places, and meeting lots of great people along the way.


If you were any Power Ranger color, what would you be?
Haha, I’ve never seen the show before, I was probably busy riding my bike down some rocky, rooty trail in Nelson.

Would you rather ride a trail you made, or a trail someone else created?
Definitely a trail I’ve created, which is why I’m constantly building stuff that suits my style and creative needs. I currently have 3 trails under way. The first trail has been about a year in the works, in between working at the mill and traveling. I try put time in whenever possible, before work, after work and on weekends, which doesn’t leave much time for riding...It will be worth all the blood, sweat and tears once me and my friends get to session it! I love riding other people’s trails too though, seeing what they have created and adapting to their style of building. I was able to learn a lot from Riley Macintosh when he was my roommate back in 2002. He was super dedicated to building, no vehicle, just him and his chainsaw hiking out into the mountains day in and day out.


Do you have any intentions to change up your riding style at all this year?
Well, I’ve done the slopestyle thing. Competed at Crankworx and other events. I liked the feeling of conquering fears and being able to perform in the contest atmosphere. I tend to get real nervous, so it feels good when I can battle through it. My main goal is to continue building my trails first and foremost. I get a lot out of creating something unique and interesting in the woods. I never consciously change my riding, but I am always changing what I ride. This winter has been mostly DH riding, last spring was mostly jumping. Variety is key for me. In the 10 years I’ve been riding I have competed as a Pro XC rider, many dual and DH races, trials competitions and demos, a few BMX park comps, as well as some road racing... I’m happy that I’ve been able to do it all, and enjoyed every aspect.

Are there any last shout outs you want to give?
Well, thanks to Pinkbike for the Interview. My Mom and Dad of course. All my friends, family and riding buddies. The MPF crew! All my sponsors that keep my bike and body running smooth. Ride hard, be free and most important, have fun! Oh ya and thanks to the people who bought me a drink or fed me throughout the years!

-Dylan

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Check out the trail walk through Ambrose Did with Dylan.