Meet Duncan Jones!

Sarah (SD): Thanks for chatting with me, Duncan! As with all interviews in this series, let’s start with how you got into mountain biking?

Duncan (DJ): Err, I really can't remember. I always had bikes and went to the park with my parents. The first proper mountain bike I had was an ex-rental my parents bought me at the end of a holiday after I spent a week trying to get good at wheelies! (I’m still crap at them)

SD: You’re from England, right? What made you move to BC?

DJ: Well, originally, but we moved to Scotland when I was 8ish. Ever since I started riding properly, BC has sort of been the mecca for pushing limits and just the sheer density of amazing riding. It just seemed like the logical next step.

Duncan riding in the Whistler Bike Park (Photo by Jaclyn Delacroix)

I met Duncan Jones through mutual friends. He drives a van, likes plaid shirts, and really really just wants to ride his bicycle! Read on below...

Duncan riding his Knolly Warden (Photo by Jaclyn Delacroix)

SD: You work as the assistant manager at Different Bikes in North Vancouver? Have you always been in the bike industry?

DJ: Yes, I do! Pretty much, I did work experience at a shop when I was 13 and they kept me on. I had a short stint at 18 working at a liquor store but that got old fast! Then I worked in various company roles in the UK until I moved out here.

SD: What does your job here consist of? And what can you help people with that come into the shop?

DJ: My job is a little bit of everything! Mainly, of course, helping everyone who comes into the shop get the product that is going to fit their needs best. Other than that, it’s working on our product selection, coordinating club events, putting custom build quotes together, and then the regular paperwork is fun as well. There’s probably more but I forget about them until I need to do them!

SD: That sounds exciting! And I’m hoping my parts come in soon. ;) What else are you planning to do this summer beside work?

DJ: Well, my first race was meant to be the Pro GRT at Port Angeles, then the Sunshine Coast Enduro but unfortunately a few things have conspired against me on those fronts: another concussion and unexpected medical bills from a previous concussion and broken elbow. But I am planning on doing as many of the “foonies” as I can. And the remaining rounds of the BC Enduro Series and as many of the BC DH Cups I can squeeze in. Other than that, I will probably be riding the usual culprits on the Shore, Whistler, and Squamish. I also really want to explore more of the Fraser Valley as some of the trail there are amazing (check out Mastadon!!!!).

As the assistant manager at Different Bikes, Duncan knows bike fit is important. This little hardtail surely can't be his! (Photo and bike by Jaclyn Delacroix)

SD: Yes, Mastadon on Red Mountain is worth checking out. And wear your big boy/big girl shorts. So that concussion is throwing a wrench in the original plans but hopefully you recover soon. What are you hoping to accomplish in these races?

DJ: I am not sure. I am just going to use this year as a bit of a feeler and figure out everything basically! I am sure racing out here will be vastly different than the UK. See what I need to sort out this winter, then hopefully come out swinging the year after!!

SD:  Sounds like a plan. You listed a lot of races. Are you riding for specific sponsors or will it all be on your own?

DJ: Well, I am riding for Sombrio and Ozmosis Training this year. Knolly have helped me out a fair bit; I am not part of their grassroots program, more of an industry friend!

SD: I’ll make sure Jaclyn adds more burpees to your routine once your concussion is better! Care to share what bikes you are currently riding?

DJ: My main bike that gets used pretty much for everything is my Knolly Warden. I cannot stress enough how amazing that bike is! Other than that, a Giant Glory 27.5, Norco 250 jump bike, and a Giant TCR road bike.

SD: That’s a nice line-up! So final question, Duncan, what was your most memorable ride?

DJ: Of 2014, definitely riding Khyber Pass in Whistler, followed by a pretty intense session in the bike park, where I ended up sending the big Clown Shoes drop! I like days split between the big bike and small bike.

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What big root? (Photo by Jaclyn Delacroix)