The Kansas Kid: Up-and-Coming Free-Racer Finn Smith

When most people think of mountain biking, thoughts of big mountains, steep rocky descents, and jumps come to mind. Not many people think of the flat, cornfield-based topography of the midwestern United States. But as mountain biking continues to explode in popularity, skilled riders are emerging from all corners of the world. Finn Smith is one of those riders. Hailing from Kansas, Finn has used his passion for biking to get out and explore the world. Finn is a highly talented and stylish rider with one of the best attitudes imaginable. There are many talented young riders these days, but few have the well-rounded skills or the fun-loving attitude that Finn has. Hopefully, this story inspires others living in less-than-ideal mountain biking locations. Enjoy this interview with the 18-year-old enduro racer and freerider.


What is your name, and where are you from?

I’m Finn Smith, and I’m from Kansas City, Kansas.

How did you get into mountain biking in Kansas?

My dad (Shadd Smith) was a professional bike racer - road, MTB, and cyclocross. So I’ve been riding since I was a little kid. I started just digging little jumps and things in the yard. Classic [laughs]. Now, I like mountain biking, especially jumps. It’s kinda my only escape from Kansas.

You have excellent bike handling skills - do you think that is because you are from Kansas and you grew up focusing on that instead of just riding something gnarlier?

No [laughs]. I started riding BMX and cyclocross when I was a youngster. I was pretty good at cyclocross - I used to travel all over the US to go to big races, and I podiumed a lot. I think all that and just riding all the time made me a better biker. But I got kind of over cyclocross as I got more into mountain biking.


Nice, nice. What would you say the riding scene is like in Kansas?

It is very flat. Very not fun for mountain biking [Laughs]. In Missouri, there is some decent riding. Blue River Park has the biggest hill in the Kansas City area. That place is fun.


You seem to be a well-rounded rider; what is your favorite type of riding?

Right now, probably dirt jumping. It is just chill and really fun. I also race Enduro and downhill, and I like that a lot too. It helps get me out of Kansas, which is the best part.

What is it that you like so much about dirt jumping?

Well, for starters, I like that the jumps are so technical and difficult; just making it through the line is fun. But then, every spot has such a cool scene at it. The same people show up every day, water the jumps, do some digging– everyone has to help out too. Every session isn't just about riding, but hanging out, meeting people, blasting music– it's kinda just the best.



I notice you have traveled a lot recently; where have you been?

Yea, I have been lucky to travel with this boarding school for mountain biking (World Class Academy). It’s been wild. Since I started going there, I’ve been to Whistler, Utah, Portugal, Italy, France, New Zealand, Spain… all over the place…




So you do that with school? So you have to take classes and stuff too?

Yea. It’s pretty fun– it’s actually the dream. The teachers are also bike coaches. I used to really hate school, but now going to this school has changed the situation for me big time.



Is that school expensive? How do you make it work?

Well, luckily, I applied for a scholarship, and that helped me out a lot. That is pretty much what allowed my parents and I to be able to afford to go to the school. I also grind hard on my breaks from school, working construction and building decks.

Do you do other things besides ride bikes in those places?

Yea, you get to visit historical places, and get out of the United States, and check out what other places, other countries, other cultures are like. It’s cool that wanting to ride bikes exposes you to all of this other stuff. It's something I honestly never thought I would be able to do. I've also made a lot of close friends at the school, which is one of the best parts.



What is your favorite place you have ridden?

New Zealand - Queenstown. That place is the best. It has everything. I am stoked to go back there again in January.


Who are some of your favorite riders and inspirations?

Paul Corderc. That guy is so sick to watch. Brian Deegan - the old FMX guy- he's sick, very inspiring. Probably my biggest inspiration, though, is this legend from Queenstown– Garf – the guy is an absolute beast. He rides Dream on his BMX bike; he does crazy tricks like superman-peg-grabs... Garf is just the man!



You have been racing a lot recently - any solid results?

No, not really [Laughs]. This summer has been pretty tough with some injuries and the performance hasn’t been there. Hopefully, it goes better this weekend. I like racing, but at some point, I think I might just focus on freeride.

What goals for racing/riding do you have?

I want to podium at a big race like a BME. I want to become professional and just keep having fun riding bikes. I have lots of freeride goals, too– learning new tricks, hitting bigger stuff– I am excited to explore that. I’m looking forward to Mcgazza Fest in Queenstown this year. Crankworx at some point. I want to hit more big jumps, like Darkfest… or even Proving Grounds or something like that.





Where can people see what you are up to?

I guess my Instagram is the best place - @finn_smith_96

Anyone you want to thank?

Yes! I’d like to thank my parents and my teachers. I can’t thank them enough. Also, everyone who has helped me out – Steve Tilford Racing, Specialized Bikes, Oakley. My friends. I could go on and on, but I am super thankful for the life I live and for getting out of Kansas [laughs].