Q&A with Adam Brayton

Q: Who are you?
A: I’m Adam Brayton – I’m also known as The Keswick Kestrel or Gas to Flat

Q: What got you into riding?
A: My older brother and his friends grew up riding bikes, and obviously I wanted to be like them. It definitely made getting into it a lot easier. At the beginning downhill was never a thing for me, I was more into jumping. I didn’t get into downhill until I was 16.

Q: How often do you train?
A: I only train a couple of times a week; most my time is spent on the bike or motorbikes now. 

Q: What does your diet look like?
A: I try to keep things clean, but I’m a sucker for a full English!

Q: What’s your biggest riding achievement?
A: Probably my fourth place at the Fort William World Cup.

Q: Who is your favourite rider?
A: Kade Edwards.

Q: Do you have hobbies outside of sport?
A: A lot of fishing! It’s the perfect way to spend my downtime. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out and looking for their first sponsor?
A: Don’t even think about sponsors, just enjoy riding, and the rest will come. 

Q: What’s been your worst crash and how do you come back from it?
A: There are too many to list, but time is a great healer. 

Q: Where is the best place you’ve ever ridden?
A: Whistler, in Canada, one hundred per cent. In the UK it would be Dyfi, in Wales.

Q: What’s been your biggest challenge?
A: Trying to outsmart fish. I’ve still not figured it out. 

Q: What’s the best bike you've ever raced? 
A: I’ve been lucky enough to race a lot of great bikes, but the Gambler and the Dissent have been my favourites. 

Q: What’s your favourite Hope component?
A: Either the Pro 5 or the Tech 4 brakes. I love both of them.

Q; Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: Still racing, I hope…