Ali Clarkson
Ali is one of those riders who just 'gets' riding a bike. Able to do pretty much anything he likes on pretty much any bike (but choosing to do it on one of ours), he is an incredibly talented and stylish rider who ignores all boundaries, limits and labels and just rides his bike exactly as he likes.
How old are you and where are you from?
I am 32 and currently living in Glasgow.
What is your day job?
Demo Rider for The Drop and Roll Tour.
Apart from working and riding, what do you like to do?
I recently have got more into bouldering, it’s a great activity to do when it’s cold and wet as there are plenty of indoor places to go. It keeps you strong, is more fun than a gym and you don’t need loads of expensive equipment. On my lazy days, I like playing video games, watching BMX DVDs and searching for new places to ride.
Every top rider needs to be well fueled, what is your favourite food/drink?
I love a nice thick Rib Eye steak, but only on special occasions! I really like Macaroni Cheese though, and there's never a bad time for some nice seedless red grapes! My drink of choice is apple juice, I just can’t get enough of the stuff!
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to all sorts, I used to really like bands like Radiohead, Coldplay, Blur and the such, but I’ve been more into American bands recently like The Black Keys, The Black Angels, The Flying Eyes, Kings of Frog Island and Dead Meadow to name a few.
What kind of film/TV show do you like?
I really like factual stuff like documentaries. I’m pretty keen on wildlife so a good nature doco is ideal. I also like Mythbusters, Top Gear, QI and the occasional comedy/drama like Sherlock Holmes.
How long have you been riding and how did you get into it?
I’ve been riding for 16 years I Think. I got into it through my brother, he’s 6 years older than me and when I was around 9 or 10 he went on a cycling holiday to South America and got quite a nice bike to do it on. I was impressed by the bike and bought a few bike magazines. I started riding on my bike doing skids and wheelies for a couple of years and then in one magazine there was an article on one of the British Championship rounds at Addingham Moorside. I thought it looked amazing! The magazine had a number for the club that ran the event, so I rang up and joined. It was the Yorkshire Tykes (now Tyketrial) and that was that.
Who are you favourite riders and why?
I’ve probably got too many to list. Chris Akrigg is SUCH a good rider, on any bike. He always had a unique way of getting through sections. Sean Watson thinks of things like no one else, another very unique and stylish rider. Danny Macaskill's riding is really impressive and he’s so down to earth. There are loads more, but these three are my favourites
What would be your ideal day?
I love sleeping, so a lie in is essential. The weather would need to be nice and sunny and ideally I would be in another country near the sea. I would be with friends and we would go exploring on our bikes, find some amazing never ridden street and session and film. Then later once we are all done riding we could go down to the sea, jump off the cliffs and have a swim, then wrap it all up with a bonfire and food on a beach. Ahhhhh...
Where is the best place you have ever ridden in the UK/abroad?
In the UK for street I think the sheer amount of riding London has puts it top of my list. Abroad, Rotterdam had some pretty interesting street; I would definitely go again.
What motivates you to ride?
A number of things, wanting to better myself would be one reason, filming for a video or if I’ve just watched a cool video would also make me want to go ride.
What are your favourite things about riding an Inspired?
The fun factor! I can go out and try lines in any way I like! I also love how I can trust the bike. I’ve ridden bikes before where I’ve held back on doing some things as I had a slight fear the bike would fail, not so when I’m on an Inspired, now I can just ride what I want and not worry about it.
Can you give us a quick rundown of your current bike spec?
I'm riding an Inspired Arcade 24" street trials bike with a mixture of Inspired, Hope, Spank, Magura and Trialtech parts
Do you have a website?
No website but I have an official Facebook page.
