Podcast
The NSMB Podcast - Wade Simmons
We sit down with the godfather of freeride mountain biking, Wade Simmons, who shares his unique insights into the sport’s vibrant evolution. From the early days of mountain biking in Kamloops to the adrenaline-pumping events of today, like Dark Fest, Wade takes us through a journey of creativity, camaraderie, and passion. We explore his transition from a bike mechanic to a global icon, highlighting pivotal moments and influential figures who shaped his path, including legends like Leslie Tomlinson and Doug Horn.
Wade shares his thoughts on the impact of social media on mountain biking, contrasting the fleeting nature of online fame with the enduring value of personal connections. We also explore how technological advances and entrepreneurial ventures led to Wade’s sustainable bike lubricant line. He also offers insights on balancing authenticity with the demands of digital platforms and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation in the mountain biking community.
Wade’s journey is a testament to the passion and creativity that continue to shape the world of mountain biking, and this episode promises to inspire both seasoned riders and newcomers alike.
The NSMB Podcast is available on all of your favourite podcast apps:
Please make sure to subscribe to the NSMB Podcast so you get first access to upcoming episodes. It also really helps us out if you leave us a rating.
Read along with the full podcast transcript.
Comments
lev3000
2 weeks, 1 day ago
Really good chat with Wade, very enjoyable.
I agree with him about free ride and especially the comps. Way too groomed. I still think all the riders are really amazing, but get nothing from watching as a spectator.
Reply
Pete Roggeman
2 weeks, 1 day ago
It would be interesting to get his take on Rampage in its current form. Most of his commentary focused on the Fest series, and those are distinctly meant to not be comps - not that that changes what he was saying about it.
But the frustration of freeride has always been that compared to racing, it's impossible to gauge talent or set a hierarchy since the idea from the start was always that it wasn't supposed to be a competition - that was the 'spirit of freeride'.
Since the beginning, freeride athletes were paid a salary that was based on exposure, and they made further bonuses based on exposure focused on their sponsors: a print mag cover where you could see the bike, or fork, or whatever, was worth $x, a photo inside had a different value (double page spread worth more than single page, half page, etc). Movie parts...you get the idea. Check out Cam's original interview with Wade in three parts: part 1, part 2, and in part 3, Wade mentions what he was making in 2000 and a little bit about what I'm talking about.
Essentially, social media works the same way - more views and clicks is worth more. The problem is that clicks and views don't necessarily equate to sales - some clicks are more valuable than others. That's what companies are trying to unlock and it's a difficult thing to assign value to - it's also very tough for the athletes.
Reply
Mark
2 weeks ago
Hey Pete, I haven't had a chance to listen yet to the podcast yet but was just reading Part 3 you linked above and was wondering if Wade ever got on to doing that "other stuff" cause he didn't want to ride forever?
NSMB – What would you like to do.
Wade – I want to do lots of stuff- I’m just getting old fast. I don’t want to do this forever. I want to become fluent in a couple of languages. This whole riding thing is slowing down my life for the kind of things I want to do otherwise. Because it’s a good lifestyle I’ve had a taste of the good life – like Europe 4 times in the last year and a half all paid for. You know I’m living a dream life travelling and riding my bike. But I’d like to go to school – like live abroad somewhere – like Italy would be great. On the Mediterranean.
Edit: Looks like he did the one idea that turned into the Pick Apart series.
Edit: Crazy how things change
"This will probably never be my living you know like I’m not going to buy a house being a bike rider but I don’t know what I’m going to do I’m probably going to open a business of some kind but I’m not going to be making a living from riding unless someone steps up and says “look Wade we’ll pay you 45 g’s to ride our stuff” I mean that would be nice but it’s not my goal – my goal isn’t to be a household name mountain bike rider. I just like the lifestyle. I love riding and that’s why I do it because of the thrill I get from it. I just love being out there and doing it."
Reply
Cam McRae
2 weeks ago
Good find Mark. I’d say Wade got married and had kids instead of pursuing education, living abroad or opening a cafe (which I think he also mentioned all those years ago).
He has however started Godfather’s Garage with Keith Stark (happy birthday Keith!) and become a sales rep so he’s not just resting on his laurels.
Reply
Jotegir
2 weeks ago
I can't belive you guys skipped out on the poetry slam.
Reply
Mark
1 week, 5 days ago
Good to see he's not just spinning his wheels.
Reply
Andy Eunson
1 week, 3 days ago
I remember some of the riders Wade mentioned. Hard tough riders all. The entire Cove crew was very talented and boy howdy did they know how to have fun. It was interesting in the 90s when riders got away from XC racing and started freeriding because they found XC too competitive. Freeriding is just as competitive but in a different way. Riders were trying to one up each other in riding crazy stuff and building them too.
Memory lane is a fun street.
Reply
Please log in to leave a comment.