Teen Valley Ripper - Stan Nisbet

Hey Stan – can you remember when you started riding and who got you into the sport?

I was two years old when I got my first bike for Christmas, it was a balance bike and I can remember going everywhere on it. My dad was the person that got me into bikes, he used to go out with his friends and I always wanted to go out with them and I remember him saying that I was too small to go with them.

What do you love most about riding in the Tweed Valley?

Living in the Tweed Valley you have the choice of so many trails, I love the fact you can ride one hill in the morning and another in the afternoon and not ride the same trail twice.

Favourite trails?

There are so many awesome trails in the Tweed Valley, if I had to choose it would be IXS at Innerleithen. It has really fast bits that go into tight technical sections. Another is New Wolf over at the golfie side, this is so much fun with endless flow, a real classic that gets better every time you ride it.

Outside of the Tweed Valley, where else do you love to ride?

I have been to Dyfi bike park in Wales a few times, I love riding my DH bike and this is a perfect place to ride if you like going fast with big jumps, rocks, and massive berms.

Did you, do you attend any of the Valleys kid's bike clubs? If so, what do you see as the benefits of these clubs?

Yeah, I have been a member of KICC and PCC bike clubs when I was younger. This is a great way to make new friends and ride with people of your own age and ability. These clubs have been fundamental in my development and I will always be thankful for this.

Who are your MTB legends and have you met any of them?

I have no legends as such however I love watching Loris Vergier style of riding.

Who is your local legend and why?

I have known Reece Wilson for a few years and he always has time to speak to me. I was there when he finished 4th at Fort William World Cup and then he went on to be World Champion and won Snowshoe World Cup.

Who do you ride with?

I have been lucky enough to meet friends from all over the UK racing bikes and I am never short of somebody to ride with. My main group of friends, share the same passion as me for racing DH and enduro.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Ha ha, no I love the the fact that I can ride so many different disciplines with biking from riding pump tracks, skate parks, DH and enduro, this keeps me busy.

Congratulations on the new sponsorship with Dirt School/Tweed Valley Bikes. What does this mean to you?

Thank you. This is a dream come true for me, I have been doing Dirt School kids Academy courses since I was seven years old and to have support from Andy and Innes that I know and trust, together with Tweed valley bikes that have supported me with my Santa Cruz bikes and everything that goes along with this is awesome and I can’t wait for the race season to start.

What are your thoughts around progression? How do you see yourself progressing in the sport and what are you doing to help this happen?

Having fun on my bike is the biggest thing to me, however racing DH and Enduro has been a big part of my life, so doing well in these events and learning along the way is important. I have just started going to my local gym as this plays a big part in my sport. Continuing with Dirt school with coaching and mentoring in the process of race preparation, goals, and reflection on results post-event will be especially good for my progression.

What advice would you give to other young riders that are dead keen to try and get more confidence on the bike?

Have fun, go out and session bits of trails. Have a look to see if you can join your local bike club, and coaching courses as this is a great way to learn proper technique before you pick up any bad habits.

What would you say to someone to get them to try mountain biking?

Being out on your bike with your friends on the hills is the best thing ever and I would encourage anybody to try it.

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