Editor’s note: This podcast episode is one of our favorites, and it originally aired in 2020. Check back next week for a fresh show about mountain biking the North Shore.
Tinker Juarez has been a professional mountain biker for more than 30 years. In that time he’s competed in the Olympics twice, was crowned the 24-Hour Solo world champ four times, and was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. This year Tinker turns 60, and he’s still racing strong.
In this episode we ask:
- What was the local biking scene like in California in the 1960s and 70s when you were getting started?
- Why did you make the switch from BMX to cross country mountain biking?
- What was it like racing in the 1996 Olympics, the first year that mountain biking was added to the competition?
- Are you able to use the fact that you’re such a well-known pro to your advantage, or are there drawbacks?
- Does winning big mountain bike races take more physical or mental strength? Do you think you excel at one more than the other?
- What’s the most difficult mountain bike race you’ve competed in?
- Do you miss the 24 Hour race scene?
- How do you train for ultra endurance races like La Ruuta, RAAM, and 24 Hour Solo races?
- Your race calendar tends to be very full every year, so what’s your recovery routine look like?
- What’s the secret to staying fast on the bike and continuing to beat riders who are half your age?
- What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were competing in your 20s?
- You’ve raced bikes all over the world; where are your favorite places to ride for fun?
Find out more about the Tinker Classic race at gropromotions.com/tinker-classic/
