Steve Parr : 2007 BUSA Student Champs Organiser

British Universities Sports Association Mountain Bike Championships,
Eastridge, Shropshire,

Interview: Steve Parr, 2007 BUSA student champs organiser.

Steve Parr, General Nice Guy and likes Stella

SDH: Hi Steve, thanks for sparing some time to chat to us about the event, first interview I've done so bear with me.

Steve: (Laughs) First one I've done too so I wouldn't worry.

SDH: How did you first become involved with mountain biking?

Steve: Well I used to be into Thai boxing but a few years ago I fractured both ankles, the doctors said to take up a different sport or run the risk of serious problems, so it was either swimming or cycling. I started off riding cross country but gradually got into downhill which is now all I really ride. I still ride veterans, actually won 2 rounds of the Vets category in the Midlands Super Series last year on a borrowed Ancillotti. I'm currently the Ancillotti team mechanic as well.

SDH: So how did you become involved with the BUSAs?

Steve: It came about at the last round of the Midlands Super Series when I bumped into Paddy around the camp fire at the race. We had a discussion about racing in general and talked about how the BUSAs are much more a social event with more action around the camp fires and a bit more merrymaking so it started from that really.

SDH: And what is your official capacity for this event?

Steve: I've been responsible for arranging the course and working with Paddy from BUSA and Si Paton from Descent-World to bring the whole event together. I've managed a few outside sponsorship deals, we secured a few companies outside the bike industry to help us fund the event. We provided a goody bag to all riders, including a new energy drink from Extreme, a new flavour Pot Noodle from Unilever, a bag of nuts from KP, a packet of crisps from McCoy's all coming in bags sorted by Leisure Lakes. Also I've been working with the riders on the practice sessions trying to make a few tweaks here and there to make things a little more interesting.

SDH: Do you yourself ride the race courses?

Steve: Yeah usually I get a chance to ride them, but we are still waiting for the 2006 Ancillotti team bikes and with the weather we've been having it's just been flat out so I haven't had a chance this time.

SDH: What do you find most rewarding about the whole event organisation?

Steve: It's great when a rider comes past and just says thanks or cheers. I guess it's just for the love of it really and seeing people have a good time riding their bikes.

SDH: How come the venue changed from Moelfre at such short notice? I've not yet been to Moelfre myself yet but heard very good things about the DH course from the recent uplift day in February.

Steve: Well we were let down by two other venues overall, we had issues with the landowner when we tried to secure Ae Forest as the location so we went for Moelfre. Unfortunately there just weren't the XC facilities there despite an excellent DH course, but we couldn't run the event like that so had to compromise on a venue suitable for all and at such short notice Eastridge fitted the bill. I think some were unhappy about the DH course but around two weeks ago when it was almost completely dry the DH course was very quick, unfortunately the snow we've had has really bogged down the top section and affected the finish. It's the same course used in the Midlands and Borders Series course two years ago and also Eastridge was the venue for the very first MTB BUSAs 10 years ago so it's good to have it back here again.

SDH: What are the plans for next years BUSAs if that's not asking too far ahead?

Steve: Next years BUSAs will be in Wales, that's all I'm saying.

SDH: Ok, what are your immediate plans for the future?

Steve: Well we're organising a number of uplift days with Dave from Pearce Cycles and I'm running the first two rounds of the MSS, see the Pearce Cycles website for full details. But yes we're certainly trying to bring more of the fun back into the whole racing event like the BUSAs, everyone having a great time all round. Looking to expand further in 2007.

SDH: Sounds good, so finally any rules to live life by?

Steve: Yeah definitely, always smile, never frown, live the dream. And Three Golden Rules: Never ride alone, always wear a lid and never eat orange snow!

SDH: Hehe, nice one. Thanks again for your time Steve, it's been good talking to you, and cheers for the beers.

Steve: No problem.

SDH: Over and out.

Interview by Tristan Veneer (Veero).
Picture courtesy of Adrian@Ride-Central

 
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