The Power Of Music In Riding

Written by: Marvin Collard

Music is constantly around us, whether it’s when you are in the car, doing groceries or even watching a movie, there is always a soundtrack to our life. This is also why sometimes hearing a specific song will bring us back memories attached to that one track we were listening to over and over at a certain point of time.

Neck Of The Woods live at the Rickshaw in Vancouver

I was introduced into metal via a friend when I was 10 years old and since then it never left me, as it is still the main genre I listen to. I always loved listening to music, going to concerts and collecting my favourite band’s CDs.

Metal has always ignited something in me that would get me hyped up and want to go and jump in a mosh pit.

I never really thought about using this boost of energy for when I was riding my bike until a few years ago when I was alone on the chairlift in Châtel and decided to play music to kill the silence. Then I kept my music on in my pocket and realized it was giving me such a boost of energy, and I suddenly felt like I was a part of the sickest mountain bike video.

Since then I always have my earbuds with me when I’m riding on my own anywhere I go. If I want to have a chill session at the dirt jumps I play stoner metal, 90s hip hop or reggae. But if I want to get in the zone to throw tricks or hit something scary I usually put on punk, thrash metal or DnB.

In the mountain bike world, music also takes a big place into video parts and movies. Who doesn’t remember a song from the NWD movies or even a Semenuk video when they hear it?

Whilst I was creating my video ‘Back To Reality’ I was listening to a wide range of different playlists and artists. I continued to add the songs that inspired me into a playlist linked below. I hope it inspires you as well.