Brayden Barrett-Hay: the making of Fears
Uxbridge, Ont. slopestyle rider talks work ethic, and chasing your goals no matter what
Brayden Barrett-Hay is facing his fears, and looking forward to a big year in 2018. The Uxbridge, Ont. slopestyle rider recently released his video project, Fears, made over a couple years with videographer Brad Scholl. The project goes a bit deeper than the usual two minute shred fest, though there is still plenty of incredible riding involved, to look at how Barrett-Hay uses fear as a motivator, instead of letting it hold him back.
This approach is key, where your day-to-day riding involves rolling in on a giant homemade ramp off the roof of a barn. The Mongoose took some time away from his winter training in the Joyride 150 indoor bike part to talk about the making of Fears, getting back to Red Bull Joyride, the new combined Crankworx-FMB slopestyle series, and his plans for 2018 and beyond.
Canadian Cycling Magazine: Where are you from, and where are currently living?
Brayden Barrett-Hay: Uxbridge, Ontario. I actually grew up above the barn I built my drop in on the roof of, in a little loft apartment.
CCM: Who do you ride for, and what is your current set up?
BBH: For 2018 I am riding for, Mongoose Bikes, IXS protection, Rst suspension, Maxxis tires, Muc Off, Sensus grips, Station ski and ride, and then another new one: Shimano!
CCM: Where did the idea behind Fears come from?
BBH: Brad Scholl, the videographer who filmed and edited Fears over the years has become one of my closest friends. Fears was very motivated by life talks about what we are afraid of in life and things that set you back from your goals.
CCM: Did you have the concept first, and then film? Or the opposite – put together a bunch of riding and then sort out what to do with it?
BBH: For Fears we had the concept and planned everything we wanted, right down to which tricks would be included.
CCM: There’s some really killer riding in Fears. Was there any one trick that you were really happy to get, or that you got hung up on?
BBH: 720 off a step down! It actually worked first try, as stressful as it was. Flat drop next?
CCM: What’s the plan for 2018? Are you mostly focusing on contests, or more video projects?
BBH: 2018 will be a lot of contest focus. I want the points to get myself back into Red Bull Joyride, finally. Last year I was so close! I’ll also be filming a sequel to Fears, doing a web edit for Mongoose and I’ll be part of the team video in Spain.
CCM: What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to this year?
BBH: I can’t wait for contest season to get started and the traveling to begin again. A few months in the same place I get really eager!
CCM: Do you have a favorite place to ride in the winter? In the summer?
BBH: In the winter I’m blessed to have grown up near Joyride 150 indoor bike park!! Past few summers it’s been incredible riding in my yard where Fears was filmed.
CCM: Are there any new plans for the Homestead yard this year? Anything new you want to build there?
BBH: For 2018 I’m planning to take a year away from filming in the yard and explore some new places. But I have some ideas for 2019, a few tricks that have never been done and a rebuild of the yard. I’ve always wanted to host my own jam/contest.
CCM: If you could go anywhere to ride, whether that’s competing or just riding, what would it be?
BBH: I’ve always wanted to go to Australia.
CCM: What keeps you busy when you’re not riding bikes?
BBH: Not riding bikes haha. This past winter I basically would be riding or in the gym with Drew Bezanson everyday. I’m always getting heckled from the guys to get a “hobby.”
CCM: What would you say are your strengths? On or off the bike.
BBH: In my opinion, in bikes and really anything in life I’m not that naturally talented, I don’t learn that quickly. I just don’t give up and am very persistent. I tend to work hard not smart I think. So I’d say my strength is just having a good work ethic.
CCM: Any thoughts on the new Crankworx-FMB combined series?
BBH: It’s similar to how it originally was, I like that a lot more than diamond series. I feel that it allows more opportunity for riders to make a mark.
Follow Brayden Barrett-Hay on Instagram ( @Braydenbarretthay ) and on Facebook, and checkout more riding from his slopestyle yard in Homestead 2 below:
