SUZANNE LACEY
Who is Suzanne Lacey?
A little blonde MTB shredder aiming to inspire all generations (both male and female) to pick up a bike! I want to show people how rewarding and fulfilling this piece of equipment really is.
What do you do?
A boring admin job, but I also do mountain bike coaching on the side, which is so fun and rewarding. In my spare time, you’ll find me airborne at a bike park or pedalling through the forest.
What was your first bike?
A Scott YZ2 hardtail. It gave me the beans, at the age of 11, to learn how to jump a bike. The number of times that poor steed had to go in for a service at the local bike shop… haha!
What gets you excited to ride?
An epic weekend with mates at a bike park. Or a solo adventure into the mountains. As much as I love getting lairy at the bike parks, I also enjoy getting lost in the hills of Wales.
What’s your current go-to bike?
My Pyga Hyrax. I’ve been lucky to be given the opportunity to ride for Pyga. Not only has the Hyrax helped me progress my jumping skills and style to a new level, it’s an awesome adventure bike for exploring and going on long enduro rides. Plus, it’s a candy-purple colour, which Pyga surprised me with. What more could you want?!
Favourite rider to watch?
That’s a really tough question. At the moment, I’m enjoying seeing the next generation of female freeriders send it. Honestly, when I see a girl hit a jump with style at the age of 10, it brings the biggest smile to my face. I can’t wait to watch freeriding grow in the women’s field. As for a pro – Brendan Fairclough.
Best trail you’ve ridden this year?
The Bull Track’s main line. Big doubles to start, gap over a berm into a massive tabletop followed by a huge road gap.
Scariest thing you’ve done on a bike?
Racing on Fort William’s DH World Cup track in the fog, wind and rain. That track is brutal enough without the weather playing havoc! It’s claimed me a few times, but it’s so rewarding when you make it to the finish line.
Worst crash you’ve had?
On the pro-line gaps at the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill in New Zealand, in 2016. My front wheel washed out on the take-off of the first big double, I lost my speed, cased the backside and landed on my head from quite a height. I remember not being able to maintain stable vision – it was like I’d smashed a litre of vodka! I felt so sick and was concussed for a few days. I didn’t know where I was.
Biggest ride of your life?
Riding the Crabapple Hits trail in Whistler is definitely up there.
Favourite bike film?
Anti Gravity 2. I must’ve watched that a thousand times as a kid!
Clips or flats?
Flats.
Bikepark flow or natural gnar?
Flow.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
You’ll be able to fly on your bike one day if you stick to that dream.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a mountain biker?
A bodybuilder. I like lifting weights.