Interview: Richie Schley

What have you been up to lately? How is life in Laguna?
A bunch of people have been rolling through Laguna, so I have been involved in a bunch of different shoots this winter. Road trip with Wade Simmons and I was just at Sea Otter. I am en route to Germany and Italy for 3 weeks.

What is an average day like for you when you're at home?
Get up, make a perfect cappuccino and sit at my computer and work for anywhere from 1 to 4 hours usually.


How did you get involved with the Laguna RADS?
Hans invited me to come ride with the RADS. I like the rides and there are some really cool people I have met over the years. I am not a real fan of their bushwhacking, as I like to save that for when I am lost in the mountains, not choose that stuff.

Was there a secret initiation process or ring you have to wear?
I am not a RAD, just a friend. Probably never will be, but I think I am welcome by most of the guys.


How did you discover mountain biking, and when did you make the decision for that to be your career?
I used to be a BMX racer, (1993 Canadian Pro BMX Champ) and at the same time I was a skier trying to make a ski career happen. I got bored of riding the same track and location…so I thought mountain biking would have a lot more adventure, and it did. I was seeking out a career as a pro freeskier and the mountain bike thing fell into my lap. Well, sort of. I worked pretty hard at it and got a lot of 'not interested in sponsoring you' responses, but I persevered.

Was your family supportive?
My whole family was very supportive and was always a part of my BMX racing. My dad built the tracks, my mom and sisters worked at the concession stand. They even sold their car and bought a van to take me racing at one point.

Did you ever have a "back-up" plan in case it didn't work out?
Ha ha, not really. I used to work in the bush doing mining exploration work. Running a chain saw, compassing, living in isolation or heavy duty construction, building bridges, reservoirs, was a roofer for a while…hated every minute of it. I know what hard labour is and I wasn't planning on doing that forever. No real plan though.


You went from competing in Rampage to announcing the event; is it a relief to not have to ride there?
Ya, kind of. When I walk the course, I think, "I could ride a lot of this stuff," but then I realize, if I was in the bottom of the field and taking the chances you have to, "would that benefit me at all?" So, I guess it is a relief. It is pretty stressful on those guys to do that much gnarly stuff in one run.

Would you compete again if there was a "Vet" class?
I don't know. Probably not. Well maybe. Wade and I talk about this stuff. I think we could both ride a pretty sick line to this day.

Which rider and what feature impressed you the most last year?
I am always impressed with Gee's line choice, how fast he goes and how big he goes. The back flips that Sorge and Semenuk did on the step downs really impresses me because I can't get my head around how blind it is and how they stick it so clean.


What kind of advice would you give to someone who is trying to make a career out of mountain biking?
Go to school and ride for fun. It is safer and your body won't hurt as much at my age. I guess, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and go for it. If you aren't as courageous as the other dudes around you or don't have the skill level, then move on. The players now are very skilled and very ballsy, so if you don't feel it, don't do it because you will get hurt. We all do.

Being sponsored comes with a price. What is your obligation to the brands who support you?
To get them exposure. No one tells me what to do to get it, they expect me to figure that out and get it for them. I think I have done a good job because no one ever calls and says, "What are you doing for us?" They just keep on supporting me. I volunteer to test stuff and when I know something is coming down the pipe (prototype stuff) I ask to test it, don't wait to be asked. I am excited about new stuff, so I want to try it. Even if it is different wheel sizes.


What is the worst mistake a pro rider can make when it comes to sponsorship?
A wise man in Germany once told me, don't swim with your arms trying to grab everything, think of what you can give and do that. You won't have to ask for everything, enough will be offered.

What are your thoughts on enduro racing? Where do you see our sport heading?
I love it. It is back to mountain biking and everyone is not concerned that it isn't a spectator sport, they are excited that it is the essence of our sport, participating. Mountain biking will change and change and change again, I have seen it all happen before and it will continue. It is a healthy business and seems to continue to be, so I welcome all things that are somewhat true to keeping the mountain in mountain biking.


Is the 27.5" wheel just a fad, or is it here to stay?
It is probably here to stay. I am not convinced that we need all of these new things, but it is a healthy shake up in the business and someone recently pointed out that everything has been updated, except for the wheels. Good point.

Best travel companion and why?
Probably Wade, even though we fight a bunch. Well actually Blake Jorgenson (photographer), he is a wild man, an old friend and up for anything, so he wins. Oh ya and he doesn't need much. Very low maintenance.

Worst travel companion and why?
I love Tippie, but it is best when he is on a trip and I can hang with him, but not have to be responsible for him. It is like babysitting.

Out of all the people you have traveled with, who snores the loudest?
Wade used to, but on one trip after one winter, he told me that he got it fixed. Not sure what that means, but before I had to tell the Rocky team manager I couldn't stay with him.


Top five bands of all time?
ACDC, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Beastie Boys or Motley Crew, Madonna.

What is the most embarrassing music in your library?
I have way too much of the new top 40 chick shit to mention. It makes me feel "young and wild and free" - Katie Perry and shit like that. I have never been too proud to admit any of that stuff.

Your house is on fire and you only have time to save three things. What are they?
Computer, cash and whoever else is there.


You're stuck on a desert island with a 26" Lefty or a 29er. Which one are you going to ride?
Ouch, both kinda gay. Will anyone see me? I guess the one that is a full suspension.

Why do you hate 29ers so much?
Hello, I am small, they are big.


Guest Interviewer: Brian Lopes

If you had to choose between riding your bike or going out to party, which would you choose?
Depends if it is day time or night time. Even Brian can figure that one out.

Do you ever think you will settle down and find a girl that is perfect enough for you?
Probably not, too much drama and BS. I am difficult enough on my own.

You're known for going out nearly every night to nice dinners, have you ever added up an estimate of how much you spend in a year living like a prince?
Nowhere near as much as Lopes wastes on the five brand new cars he buys a year. Couldn't come close. Plus I am about experiences with people, not things so much.

Do you have any stresses in your life? If so, provide us with one.
My future.


Check out Dan's whole Richie album here.