Getting to Know Kyle Jameson
Born and raised in California, Kyle Jameson's transition from 'Post Office' local to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on the freeride scene, didn't happen by chance. With a unmistaken style and presence on the bike, and taking the flow and style mastered on the dirt jumps and applying them to big mountain events like Rampage and the FEST series, it should come as no surprise that Kyle is at the forefront of the sports progression. But there's far more to Kyle than sending huge jumps with effortless steeze as his creativity doesn't stop on two wheels. From building trails and jumps - remember Brandon and Brendan's segment in Rad Company - to coaching the sports next generation of shredders, Kyle's passion and enthusiasm for mountain biking holds no bounds.
Cruz Fest, 2016. Photo: Ian Collins.
Who is Kyle Jameson?A man who lives his life on two wheels.
Where are you from and where do you live?Originally from Davis CA, but I've since moved around a bunch and now live in Aptos CA.
Who do you ride for?I ride for myself as well as these awesome companies: Scott USA, Chromag, Hope Tech, Troy Lee Designs and Five Ten.
Where are you happiest?Anywhere where I'm on two wheels.
What’s been your favorite race/contest venue?That's a really tough one, it's a toss up between two Fest Series events; Nico Vink's RoyalFEST, which was epic in the way of access, to motos as well and mountain bikes. We would ride the epic moto tracks on the Royal Hills property all day then ride the most intense FEST line until dark. That or Kurt Sorge’s HoffFEST, as this stop was high grade living at the Retallack lodge in Canada. We had private mountain bike shuttles all day and then shredding on the Fest Jumps until dark.
Where are your favorite trails?This changes all the time... Pretty much if the dirt is prime and the crew is right, they're my favorite trails haha!
Rampage, 2015.
What are your strengths?I'd like to say one of my strengths on a bike would be bike control.
What are your weaknesses?Riding myself into the ground… sometimes it's hard to stop and listen to your body.
What’s been your luckiest escape?When I was a grom I broke my wrist dirt jumping. I was 16 at the time and the Doc looked at me a said “Kyle... you'll never ride a bike again”. I was determined to prove him wrong.
What’s been your worst crash over the years?One time I escaped five hungry Grizzly bears with just a spoon! Or this one time I was on a trail ride and I hit a fallen tree, went tomahawking into the branches and messed up my back and a bunch of nerves... Luckily I was with my friends and they helped drag my ass out of the woods... I was pretty lucky that day!
Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?I'd have to say the Scott Gambler. I've been riding these bikes since they first came out, and that bike has evolved into a weapon for any battle, so stoked on it.
What bikes are you riding right now?I have a Gambler, Genius LT, Voltage hardtail, KTM 250F SX, and I'm building up a Voltage FR too.
Hoff Fest, 2015. Photo: Margus Riga.
Who’s your favorite rider?This is such a tough one, I enjoy watching the freak of nature that is Brandon Semenuk, but I also really enjoy watching Graham Agassiz and Andreu Lacondeguy ride.
Who or what inspires you?I get inspiration from all walks of life, but people like Trevor Jacob, Robbie Madison and Brandon Semenuk, who look at their talents in a different light. These guys are always thinking outside of the box and are always thinking of something new and cool that is fun and challenging for them.
What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?I really like to ride my moto, skate, go on adventures into the unknown, and if there's snow, I'm keen on some POW slashing.
Rampage, 2015.
Rampage, 2014.
What are you listening to right now?The Misfits.
What’s your favorite movie/ TV show?I'm super hooked on Game Of Thrones right now!
What’s your favorite non-bike website?Shock Mansion, or the weather network.
What’s your favorite motto or saying?“Life’s a garden, dig it!" - Joe Dirt.
What grinds your gears?It's hard to grind my gears but when they're grinding I feel like it's usually based off of lack of respect from others, a trail or animals. I guess disrespect grinds my gears.
What makes you happy?Moist dirt.
If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?I would hope to be skating, or snowboarding...
If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?I would change all these dumb ass bike standards and make all bikes run the same BB, the same headset, the same hub spacing, etc and none of this brand specific shit that makes it nearly impossible to build up a bike.
Rampage, 2015.
When you hang up your riding shoes, how do you want to be remembered?I want to be remembered as that one guy who always had a smile on his face, worked hard and played harder, a coach, a trail builder, a mountain biker, and an all-round fun haver.
What does the future hold for Kyle Jameson?I'm thinking some big jumps and sweet trails.
MENTIONS: @SCOTT-Sports / @troyleedesigns / @FiveTen / @hopetech / @Chromagbikes
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