Bike Minded People: Jay Bearhead - Making Connections
"I like to describe my time spent riding as a connection. Connection with the land, fellow riders, the wind and the water, the trees… and myself.”
Many of us know mountain biking as much more than a sport. It’s a community for some, an escape for others, and a vessel to rewarding life experiences for all of us who ride. For Jay Bearhead, mountain biking means all these things and so much more.
In Kamloops, British Columbia, where the sun-kissed hills roll like waves and the scent of sagebrush fills the air, spring riding carries a special feeling. The sun is hot, the breeze is cool, and the gold dust trails that define the season are hanging in the air. We’re climbing a singletrack near the Kamloops Bike Ranch as Jay and I discuss the dry early season conditions. “My favourite feeling is drifting into a corner before hooking up and railing it,” explains Jay as we round out the climb. “That controlled foot up drift that breaks at the perfect time, and then hooks up at the perfect time. I love that feeling of trust to let it happen, knowing it’ll be ok.” I’m guessing he feels more safe sliding in the dust than I do.
We charge on the dusty lines the Ranch is renowned for and holler about our love for this style of terrain. “My most favourite section of trail on earth, though,” Jay admits, “is Section Zero in Simpcw Territory. It’s so good! It’s got a bit of everything… rocks, fast corners, g-outs, jumps. Its a perfect place to set up a new bike for suspension feel.” And as we continue rolling along, I consider it interesting that with a whole world of trails to explore, so many people come to Kamloops seeking some shape of mountain bike glory. And then there’s Jay Bearhead, also in search of glory, although seeking it in a much more spiritual, internal way.
Jay's relationship with mountain biking is much more than sport and experience. It’s soulful and spiritual and perhaps, it’s even a lifeline. Mountain biking was a way to escape the grip of addiction, reclaiming a sense of self and spirit, while forging a fresh connection with his Indigenous heritage. “The Bike was a huge part of overcoming addiction and continuing to maintain no substance use… I’m 9 ½ years substance free!”
I’m thankful for Jay’s openness and ability to make casual conversation of such heavy topics while riding. I compliment it, and he explains how owning the truth of these experiences has motivated his current pursuit as the owner and operator of Bearhead Bikes. “We're a youth focused business to introduce riding to kids who may not have the ability to get out and experience these rad things we call bikes. I'm focused on youth, though I work with all ages, because bikes keep us young! I believe that if I can get the youth to connect and have the drive to pursue riding, then maybe they won't go down the substance use path. Or if they do, then maybe like me, they’ll have a way out through remembering what riding a bike and that community did for them.” Through guided rides, skills clinics, cultural teachings, and being the only bike rental in Kamloops, he's empowering all riders (especially the youth of his community) to discover the healing power of mountain biking and the deeper layers of connectivity between the landscape and their Indigenous heritage.
“Man, thats a big question,” Jay responds with wide eyes when I ask where he thinks we need to work harder as a community. “We’re doing a great job of making mountain biking more inviting to people. But we need more support for youth who may not be able to access riding or be able to get out,” he responds thoughtfully. “Now, that’s something I am personally working on with the support of a few companies. GT Bicycles, Lazer helmets and Chromag bikes and have been able to get youth out riding, but there’s a whole population that is being missed due to not having enough time, bikes, coaches, or money.” Jay's work extends into advocacy for access and conservation of trails with each new rider he introduces to the trails of Kamloops. Because each new rider is sowing the seeds of stewardship and respect for the land, ensuring that future generations will be able to experience the same sense of connection and belonging.
With such a fast paced ride beneath our tires tonight and so many new endeavours on Jay’s plate, I wonder where he hopes the trail will take him next. “I hope that as time rolls on, mountain biking will always be a place for me to learn and teach what the trails have to say, what the land has to say, and how to listen while I’m out there riding.”
Jay Bearhead’s story is one of resilience, and the transformative powers of both mountain biking and our connection to nature. He’s in possession of a grand vision for bikes bringing people together, closer to each other and the land. And with each twist of time and trail, he’s working toward his vision.
*Editors Note: Readers are encouraged to watch Anthill Films ‘The Engine Inside’ on Redbull TV to learn more about Jay Bearhead's history and witness how the bike turned not only his life around, but is also helping communities all over the world.
*Learn more about Jay and Bearhead Bikes at bearheadadventures.com
Other stories from the Bike-minded People series:
Dena Bauman - time to release, connect and be playful