Interview: Matt Begg
We chatted with Matt Begg about how he got into riding bikes, how he learns new tricks and more.
• July 16th 2020
"Normally with new tricks without a foam pit I use a mulch landing. This is good as it softens the impact in the case of a crash. I would feel out the ramp and attempt the desired trick."
Wide Open: Hi Matt, can you tell us a bit about how you got into riding bikes?
Matt Begg: I first started riding Cross Country with my dad but quickly changed to Downhill riding after a trip to the Mt Hutt Bike Park. I also spent a lot of time in Christchurch riding the Bowenvale dirt jumps on my hardtail.
WO: Outside of riding bikes, what are your hobbies?
MB: Other than riding I am normally out digging but my other main hobby would be skiing in the winter.
WO: Where did you grow up, and where are you living now?
MB: I grew up in a smaller town called Ashburton in Mid Canterbury and spent a lot of time riding Mt Hutt and the Port Hills in Christchurch. I am now currently living in Queenstown where I spend a lot of time at Queenstown Bikepark and Wynyard.
WO: We heard you got some new bikes! Can you tell us a bit about them?
MB: My favourite new bike is my Specialized Demo equipped Goodyear Tyres, DEITY Components, and Marzocchi suspension.
WO: What bike trick have you found the hardest to learn?
MB: The hardest trick I’ve found to learn was tailwhips. The risk of not catching the pedals is still getting me nervous today!
WO: What’s your process for learning a new trick on the bike?
MB: Normally with new tricks without a foam pit I use a mulch landing. This is good as it softens the impact in the case of a crash. I would feel out the ramp and attempt the desired trick.
WO: What was the first event that you competed in and what drew you to compete?
MB: My first event was a Downhill race in Christchurch hosted by Gravity Canterbury, where I wanted to test my skills and speed, but soon found out freestyle was more preferred.
"Crankworx Rotorua and Farmjam were the highlights of my year. Making it into the live tv finals and gaining a lot of experience in the speed and style event makes me excited for next year! Farmjam was also an awesome time getting to ride with the pro riders I’ve always looked up to!"
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