Interview With Two-Time Red Bull Rampage Champion Kyle Strait

Photo: Dan Severson

When did you first get into the sport?
I grew up racing downhill and slalom at the age of 10 all around the US and when I wasn't racing I liked to dirt jump and hone my skills on jumps and drops. When the first Rampage event came up I was excited to see what I could do. Being only 14 I wasn't really sure how it would go but I ended up making it to the finals placing 8th. And so the Rampage began and I happened to be at the start of all of it.

What motivates you to ride? What do you enjoy most about it?
I love being able to create/build just about anything I can think of and ride it. This keeps me going to push the limits of myself.

Photo: Eddie Clark Media

How do you normally find new places to ride?
New places to ride are very hard to come by. Mostly on film trips we sometimes get lucky in finding new spots to ride and build.

Photo: Live Out: The Outdoor Social Network

How would you describe your mind-set before entering a competition?
I basically try and calm myself down as much as I can before dropping in on a run. I had already thought about what I was planning on doing and just have to keep calm.

Which trick do you enjoy the most and which do you find the most challenging?
I really enjoy doing whips. They are the most fun and aren't always easy to look good on new jumps. Would say for me the most challenging would be flip tricks. I am not too good at them but have been working on them to get better at them. Flip-whips I suck at. haha

How has the sport progressed since you started? In what new directions do you see it going?
After a lot of the riders started learning to flip and 360 drops the sport progressed like crazy, all of a sudden there were now 10 riders that were able to win an event. I see it staying in the same direction it has been going, up and coming riders see what we are doing as of now and see it as thats what you have to do to be a pro and in-turn makes them become amazing riders.

What's the craziest thing you've ever attempted in a competition?

We've noticed you prefer not to wear much upper body protection during competitionâEUR¦ Is that just to impress the ladies or do you find that it interferes with your riding?
Growing up I wore every piece of protection you could find at the time and once I grew to the size I am now body armor stopped fitting me. It became really restrictive while I rode and ended up making me crash more. So since then I choose not to wear it.

How many bones have you broke in your lifetime?
To be honest I don't think that many. 5 is the number and plan on keeping it that way.

Worst injury ever?
I broke my back a few years ago and that was by far the worst. It took me quite a few months to recover and even longer getting my confidence back up.

We're big fans of the moto that "It's not how many times you fall down; it's how many times you get back up." Any good wipeout stories/videos you'd like to share with us?
Here are my two favorite...
''Lose it fast, and when you're on the edge you're out of control.'' - Days of Thunder (movie)
"You can do anything you put your mind to" - Shaun Palmer

What achievement you are most proud of?
Being the first rider to ever win Rampage twice.

Photo: Rob Norbutt

Who is your role model?
It comes down to a few, Shaun Palmer, Kirt Voreis, Colin Bailey.

What is your ultimate goal?
Endless Saturdays?? Ha well to be able to keep riding my bike for a living and teach others to become a better rider.

Advice for someone just starting out?
Stay within your skill level but to be ready for the time to push yourself.

What's the #1 thing to do / place to visit on your Bucket List?
Japan! I have always wanted to go there for the riding and to see that place.

What are some of your other outdoor hobbies besides mountain biking?
I fish a lot. Salt water and Bass fishing. Pretty much everywhere I go I try to bring a rod with me.

Photo: Adrian Marcoux

What have you been up to lately?
After Rampage I took some time off the bike and enjoyed the sun. Living in southern California allows me to be able to have somewhat of a second summer. The season is starting to kick into gear, starting off great with a second place at the Sea Otter Dual Slalom and have been doing quite a few film projects.

How are you getting ready for this year's Red Bull Rampage?
First by making sure my bike is dialed along with hitting a lot of big jumps and feeling really comfortable on my bike.

For those less familiar with free-riding, how would you best describe it?
No rules, if you can build it you can ride it. Its not against a clock only against yourself.

When you bust out a trick - like the no-hander, for instance - does earn you points? or is it just for show?
Oh yeah big time on the points. Contest like Rampage judge you on everything while adding points like that.

Photo: Toby Cowley

What kind of planning and preparation goes into scouting out and building your own line before a freeride competition like the Red Bull Rampage?
It take a ton of time finding and planning out where you want to go on your line. Once you have your line figured out you only get 4 days to build that line and ride it before the comp starts. It makes it really hard on the riders but its what you've got to do. It would be nice to have a few weeks to ride and build but its not in that cards.

How big a factor is wind/weather in these competitions? What kind of last-minute changes are required if this becomes an issue?
Its a major factor. If you get wind blow there is nothing you can really do while in the air. It can take out the best of riders and end your day.

Are you a fan of the wooden structures in free-ride events, or would you prefer natural terrain only?
I am really only a fan if it makes sense on the course. Sometimes things are built that should be out there.

âEUR¦ 3-peat?
DUH. Ha yeah you sure bet I am going to put everything into this years rampage as I have done in the past.

What does the expression Live Out mean to you?

Would you consider using Live Out to find new places to shred and the people to go with?
Yeah sounds great.

What's next for you?
I have quite a few comps and races coming up. National Champs, RedBull Wide Open, teaching camps at Highland Mountain bike park, Crankworx and Rampage. Just to name a few.

Good luck to Kyle and the rest of the competitors this year! - The Live Out Team

Interview by Scott McGuire
Writer for Live Out: The Outdoor Social Network

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