Riding mountain bikes changed Sandy’s life

Sandy Plenty has been on the British mountain bike scene a long time, and is well known around Shrewsbury – the home of his shop The Trailhead Bicycle Company

What most don’t know about Sandy, is that when 3 years old he was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension in his heart and lungs. By the age of 11, Sandy was told his condition meant he’d never be able to take part in competitive sport.

But then he discovered mountain biking.

After a few years of riding, he returned to Great Ormand Street Hospital  only to be told he no longer needed a transplant.

Mountain biking is very close to Sandy’s heart, in every sense of the word.

Taking on the Trans Provence is a serious mountain biking commitment – long, physical days in the saddle on uncompromising terrain. Sandy took it in his stride with his usual positive attitude.

Sealskinz have just launched a new campaign asking the question ‘What does Endurance mean to you?’.

The series kicks off with Sandy, and a cool interview by Sealskinz…

Seal Skinz –  How did you get into mountain biking?

Sandy Plenty –  My cousin was into it, in the early 90’s. I saw Jame’s Orange Aluminum O and fell in love.

SS – What drove you to take up MTB?
SP – I’ve always loved the country side, the MTB was a way of seeing it and getting a buzz at the same time. I do like geeking out on the bike and kit too, it’s a big part for me.

Sandy’s love of riding mountain bikes is equalled by his love of building the raddest bikes around, This is his custom 2015 Santa Cruz Nomad, ready for the Trans Provence.

SS – In what way has your health condition affected your MTB career?
SP – My career is in the industry not riding as much, but having a dicky ticker has made the riding and racing difficult at times for sure. Making it even more rewarding when I do get a good result.
SS – Who has inspired you during your MTB career?
SP – So many people. As a rider it has to be Steve Peat & Shaun Palmer. Steve for his ability to adapt to new rivals as the years have gone on. Palmer for being so loud and making the sport exciting. My Son Reuben continues to inspire me, his enthusiasm for riding gets me fired up all over again.
SS – You have been lucky enough to travel and compete in some fantastic spots around the world. Where has been your favourite?
SP – Riding in BC, Canada is right up there, but the maritime Alps takes some beating as does deepest darkest Wales. The UK has it all. Shropshire is so good and I owe everything to the rolling hills it holds.

Sandy’s happiest when out in the hills, spending time with his friends. It’s easy to take this sort of thing for granted – but you can’t put a price on how valuable it is.

SS – What makes a good MTB trail?
SP – For me a good trail has to have a mixture of things. Flow is good but pure technical & steep is what gets me going. I like to be scared at least once per ride. I always start building a trail for everyone then it ends up being super gnarly and no one comes to ride it…
SS – What do you do when you’re not riding?
SP – I can normally be found in the Trailhead Bicycle Co – my Shrewsbury based bike shop. If I’m not doing that I’m eating or drinking! I have a great set of friends, honestly the best ever, so i enjoy surrounding myself with good people.

Chinwagging with mates, riding awesome bikes in amazing terrain. What’s not to love about mountain biking?

SS – What’s it like to compete in national competitions?
SP – Its fun… The UK scene is one big family. I’ve never been at the top but have lots of friends who are. It’s cool to be part of it and do your best at any given race. Mountain biking has so many characters, I love it for that.
SS – What does endurance mean to you?
SP – It means trying hard… pushing past the pain thresh hold and raising the bar.

You know those people you’re so familiar with on a bike, that they look strange without one? Sandy is one of those folk. Born to ride.

SS – What’s next for Sandy?
SP – I really want to race the Trans BC & Andes Pacifico. Two epic multi day rally style races. Keep trying to ride my bikes in new countries & keep learning.
SS – If you had one piece of advice for budding young shredders what would it be?
SP – Be patient, forget about being sponsored – this is not important. Above all just have fun – never stop having fun…

Watch the inspirational video here, where you find out how MTB changed Sandy Plenty’s life…

Thanks to Sealskinz for the interview. Keep your eyes peeled for the more in depth interview, coming on the Sealskinz website in the next few days…

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