Profile... Richard 'Cunny' Cunynghame
|
|
Mountainbiker Questionnaire
Where did you grow up?
All over England, we weren't Gypsies but we did once move house 4 times in a year.
How old where you when you first began riding?
Pretty little, I've had bikes for as long as I can remember.
What/ Who got you into it?
I just used to hack about all over on any bike I could get my hands on and when I was about 15 my auntie got me a mountain bike mag and I thought it looked amazing. So I started buying it reguarly and found out about the whole scene from there. I went to watch a few races then a few years later had a go myself.
What sort of riding do you mostly do?
Nowadays racing is all about Four-Cross, I prefer racing against other riders than the clock. Away from the race track I'm all about fast natural terrain and big jumps.
Which competitions do you compete in? (i.e. which series or specific events?)
Four-Cross World Cups and a selected few other unique events that offer something interesting and unique.
Clip Pedals or Flats?
Clips for Four-Cross and Cross-Country. Flats for everything else.
Any unusual bike set up techniques?
I run my bars prety much as low as I can get them. A low bottom bracket and a slack head angle.
Where do you mostly ride?
Shropshire and North Wales. There's some of the best riding ever in Wales, I love it.
How many years have you been competing?
I did my first full season in 1999, and have raced most years since then although I've had a few off as I think there's so much more to riding than just competitions.
From Richard's Lifestyle & Portrait Gallery.
What was your favourite trip and why?
Sweden is always good, beautiful countryside and people. But the best had to be with Mike Rose from Dirt mag, we travelled through Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland with only about 5 CD's. We knew we were cracking up when we caught ourselves singing to each other on the fifth loop of the same album whilst driving through the night. Good times and we got some beautiful shots.
Most memorable event?
The first race I ever won. First round of the national series in Scotland in 2000. I had been riding a lot but wasn't really taking it all very seriously. I was last out of the bar the night before and just rode like I didn't care and actually won. I'd wanted to win before but that first win really opened my eyes to what was possible.
What do you love about mountain biking?
Constantly pushing myself to improve and having a laugh with my mates. It helps keep me sane and the freedom a bike gives is so refreshing.
What is your goal within mountain biking?
To do it with some soul. It's not all about winning, it's about creating something special while you do.
What style of best describes your riding (include a couple if you want)?
I love riding massive natural kickers the best. Flat out, rough, wide downhill tracks with big jumps are top too.
What aspect of mountain biking gives you the most satisfaction (downhill, freeride kickers, cross-country, competitions, trails, etc
I love riding massive natural kickers the best. Flat out, rough, wide downhill tracks with big jumps are top too.
Favourite Trick?
Back Flip, but you can't beat a wheelie.
What is you scariest mountain biking moment?
Overjumping a 90ft jump and knowing I was going to land on the flat. I loved being in the air so long but knew it was gonna hurt landing. It didn't though cause I knocked myself clean out and came round feeling not too bad.
What is your top safety tips when mountain biking?
Always wear a helmet, sounds geeky but I nearly always wear one ever since I took a mate to A&E with a blood fountain spurting out of his head. In my mums car too, I was proper worried he'd spray blood all over the seats and I'd have to explain it all to mum.
From Richard's Action Gallery.
Give some advice:
There's always something good in everything that happens even the shittiest things ever. So if you try to forget the shit bits and remember the good bits then theoretically everything is good!
General Questionnaire
What are your other interests?
Snowboarding, motocross, films, graphic design, music, poetry, art.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
Making films and writing outside of bikes.
Who are your idols?
Steve McQueen, John Lennon, Shaun Palmer and Keith Richards. All of them did things in their own way.
What music are you into?
Primal Scream, Beatles, DJ Krush, Small Faces, The Smiths, Boards of Canada, New York Dolls, Kasabian, The Cramps, Ultramagnetic MC's, Rolling Stones, Two Lone Swordsmen, The Clash, Joy Division
What's your favourite book?
Its a tough call between Alice in Wonderland and Betting on the Muse by Charles Bukowski
What's your favourite film?
Too hard to decide, heres a few: Vanishing Point, Pi,Yellow Submarine, Withnail & I, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, Dead Mans Shoes, Clockwork Orange, Get Carter
What's your favourite quote?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality" - John Lennon or "Cheese - milk's leap toward immortality." - Clifton Fadiman
Best cocktail, shot or drink?
Guinness, it is Genius!
From Richard's Lifestyle & Portrait Gallery.
Thanks to:
Anyone I've ever ridden with, it's better with company.
