05/17/2008

Bros Not Pros: Dustin Bryant An Interview on the couch at the Bicycle Cafe Cheryl Beattie

Dustin Bryant is a local rider who is stepping up more and more every year. His amazing ability to overcome what some riders would think is a disability is what drives his passion in riding.

The first time I encountered Dustin on the trail was a few years back on Rose Hill. Dustin was going very large off a jump and it took me a substantial amount of time to even realize why his one handers seemed larger then anyone's I had ever seen. It's because Dustin only has and rides with one arm. He doesn't have a prosthetic arm or attachments, just one arm on the bars.

We did a full run together that day and I learned just what overcoming adversity actually looked like. It looks like a kid going bigger and faster with one arm then most people with two arms. He has continued to improve his style and ability to the point I think it is time for him to get some of the recognition he deserves and would never in a million years ask for.

How long have you been riding for?
Oh man… eight years. I have been riding for eight years.

How old are you now?
21 years old

How did you get into riding?
My twin brother Danny bought a bike in 1996 and went to a race at Sunpeaks. I saw Dustin Adams come down the race course and thought it looked amazing….actually it was amazing and I wanted to be a part of that.

What is your favorite style of riding?
Freeriding and downhill racing

Tell me about your goals you would like to achieve?
I want to make a UFC video just for fun, to see how I would do. It would be cool to do that and it would be fun.

Are you going to be doing any racing?
Umm…I might get a race bike and get back into it. If I could find a hydraulic system for my brakes I'd definitely want to try racing again for sure.

Well let's hope someone reading this has some hydraulic connections for you and can let us know. So what kind of a brake setup are you running currently?
Just a mechanical Hayes split onto one lever.

Does it work?
It works for what I do for sure.

How do you modify the way you brake?
Two dials on the splitter and I can bring the pads in more on the outside adjustment. More tension front or rear gives me more of which ever brake I choose.

I think it would be so hard to ride without being able to modulate the brakes between front and rear on the fly, impressive you can ride the gnarly steep Kamloops stuff you do. Impressive you can adapt to that.
I don't really adapt to it, I just know exactly what the system will do and is capable of so I adjust it to make the best use of it. It's a big help.

Your riding has gone off this year, how are you coping with landing such huge technically demanding drops and jumps with one arm on the bars?
I don't know I spend lots of time in the gym and got a lot stronger in my arm from last season. Last season I didn't do as much riding and training. I don't know, I can look at something, I know my limits and I can see myself doing it or not. I just try it and its fine.

So how do you counter balance off big stuff?
I use my legs a lot to shift my weight and hold on as well. My legs do a lot more work then most riders.

So this is why you are missing all the paint on the sides of your frame!
You should see all the bruises on my legs. The rest is all me practicing and I guess I have pretty good balance.

I think everyone just always wants to know how you hold on the ride out of the stunts you do?
Lots of practice.

Are you riding a lot this year then?
Everyday! Sunpeaks all the time. I am really trying to better my riding, stuff like that. Trying more stuff.

What are some of your major accomplishments in riding and life?
I have a few top three results in BC Cup. I was third in a race in Kelowna and one in Pentiction. I was really happy about that. I didn't think I could do that well. I trained hard and it was among my best accomplishments.

So when you show up to a race and place top three how do you competitors react to that, assuming they are using two arms?
I think they are pretty surprised. I think some people didn't think I could compete with other racers but I guess I can. I train hard so…

What kind of image do you think you portray to other riders?
I think people think I am off the wall but I am pretty mellow and low key.

Hahaha….I have only ever thought of you as mellow and low key!
Well ok I am pretty low key. I don't know what most people think.

I think they think you are amazing! What are your goals for next season?
I'd like to see if I can get a deal on a bike from a company next year. I also am working on my UFC video which is my main goal for next year.

Outside of riding any hobbies to speak of?
Off road trucks, 4 by 4ing. Riding 4 wheelers and watching bike videos.

You working this summer to support your bike habit?
Ainsworth Lumber mill.

Do you like it?
It's not too bad. It pays the bills.

Bills? Don't you live at home with your parents?
Hahaha…ya, my bike bills.

What's it like to be a twin?
Its fun, we do lots of riding and training together.

Ever race against him? Did you beat him?
Ya he's not as fast as I am but he's a super solid rider.

What motivates you?
I like to push myself to see where my limits are. Keep pushing and pushing harder and harder and progress as far as I can. I think the sport of mountain biking is progressing really fast and I just want to keep up with it.

Well, Dustin motivates everyone he meets. He is an incredible rider and an amazing part of the Kamloops riding community. We are all grateful for all of his achievements and I personally wish him the best of luck in the UFC. I think the world won't even know what hit them when they see what this young man is capable of.

Cheryl Beattie is a regular contributor to nsmb.com and the manager of Bicycle Café in Kamloops.