We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Matthews and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My whole life seems to revolve around calculating risk. As a professional mountain biker I am constantly trying to push my abilities while staying within my limit. It’s a tricky balance that has helped me develop confidence. By applying these principals to many other areas of life, it’s helped me grow.. Being very risk tolerant has helped me thrive in a career as an action sport athlete.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think my relentlessness sets me apart. Nothing has been easy for me (and still isn’t), but have managed to carve a career out of my passions for action sports and adventure in the outdoors. I overcame challenges and others doubting me by always keeping in mind that nothing is an acceptable alternative to what I really want to do in my life. I would rather be struggling financially as a mountain biker than doing anything else.

On top of that, I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and the challenge of growing and the process of getting to success is a passion of its own. The struggle is a game that has allowed growth. I feel really lucky to be wired in a way that allows me to comfortably live this life.

A big part of my brand is community and inspiring others. I like to be a relatable, passionate mountain bikers and trail builders who inspires others do do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I keep things pretty low-key in the forest. We would goto all my favourite riding spots on Vancouver Island.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s so hard to pinpoint one person because many people, books, and podcasts have had a significant influence in my personal growth With that being said, I would like to give a shoutout to Ryan Berrecloth. Ryan was my team manager at Knolly Bikes in 2014. He believed in me after I hit a low point in my career following a broken femur. Despite being in recovery mode, Ryan believed in me and signed me on Knolly Bikes, as well as helping me get some other sponsors. This was enough of a foundation to kick off my career as a full-time professional mountain biker.

Website: Markymath.com

Instagram: instagram.com/markymath

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-matthews-31226826/

Twitter: twitter.com/markymath

Facebook: Facebook.com/markymath

Youtube: YouTube.com/markmatthewsmtb

Other: TikTok.com/@markymath

Image Credits
Square Crop Shots by Jarrett Lindal Others by Bruno Long

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