MARK MATTHEWS

Athlete Feature

By KAVU

June 26^th, 2024

Who is Mark Matthews?

Marky Mark is one of the newest members of Team KAVU, but is an absolute living legend in the world of hardcore trail riders, and a creative force within the unique facet of mountain bike trail builders.

Mark Matthews is not your traditional pro mountain biker. He's literally carved, dug and sculpted out a unique place within the mountain bike industry, pairing his skills on two wheels with stories and jaw dropping shots of big mountain adventures. It's obvious that Mark has built his career around what he loves to do most. Two of the most prominent focus points within the KAVU ethos are "hard work" and "creativity". Clearly Mark has both coming from every pore.

In 2002, he committed to mountain biking from BMX, and ever since, he's been an industry leader in both innovative riding, and in making some of the most progressive free-riding trails (complete with massive air potential) that the world has seen. He's competed in top events like Red Bull Rampage, and is a talented, all-round shredder. But most importantly... he's a leader as a human being, spreading positive KAVU stoke and vibes, and encouraging riders of all ages to do exactly what makes them happy. We're proud to have Marky Mark on our team, and even more proud to share what make's him uniquely him. Read on.....

When you were a kid what did you want to “be” when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pro hockey player, until all the other kids got way bigger than me…good thing I found biking!!

Did you do the “standard” school route? Or did you take more of an unconventional approach to education? Elaborate if needed.

I didn’t do post-secondary straight out of high school, but I felt the pressure to get a higher education in something. After a couple years of just focusing on my mountain biking and having fun, I decided to get a degree in Sport and Fitness Leadership. It was essentially a mix of business and sport, and very relevant to what I’m doing now. But, the most value I got out of the program was making some epic friendships! I made some of my closest friends in that program.

How did you get started doing what you do as a professional athlete for Team KAVU?

Becoming a pro athlete was quite the journey! It took me until my mid-20s after a decade of chasing it, bouncing between random jobs, and living with other pros I could learn from. I eventually got there with consistency and growth. Being part of the KAVU team was such an organic journey! I linked up with John Rathwell, who introduced me to KAVU. John and I got connected via a mutual friend who thought I would be a good fit for John's "Searching for Sero" project, which shared the stories of people finding happiness through outdoor adventure. I was one of those people he wanted to highlight. We quickly hit it off, and started bouncing more ideas off each other. Naturally, I was introduced to KAVU.

It took me so long to ride full-time, because I needed to discover my biggest strength- creating content and telling stories authentic to me, in addition to my mountain biking skills. The rise of social media and YouTube gave me the perfect outlet for this.

What are you most passionate about? Like if you finished checking off all the things on your “responsibilities” list and you had a day fully free and open to do anything you wanted, what would you do with that free time?

Mountain biking, snowboarding, Onewheeling, exploring with friends! No cameras, no content, just pure fun.

What is your favorite thing to do that is not related to the sports things you get paid to do as an athlete?

Painting..... I need to do it more often! I love that creative outlet.

How many years have you been a KAVU athlete? Do you have a favorite memory/ trip over the years of being on Team KAVU?

This is my 6th year with KAVU... What?! I can’t believe it; it’s flown by, and there are so many good memories. But, my favorite might be the first time I met the crew and other athletes in person! The Montana team summit in 2019... that was such a rad time and hangout in a beautiful spot! A variety of different athletes all in one place, but we all have the same vibe and values as KAVU. It was so much fun and made me feel extra proud to be associated with the brand. I also went sky diving for the first time!

What is your favorite part about being on Team KAVU and what makes it special to you?

The vibrancy exuded by KAVU as a brand is infectious, radiating positivity and matching the vibe of my connections with others and the outdoors. It's challenging to articulate, but the individuals and products associated with the brand resonate with a sense of alignment and authenticity that just feels “right.”

Have you ever had any close calls/ injuries/ near death experiences in your sport/ craft? What did you learn/ take away from this moment?

Yup, I severely broke my femur at Red Bull Rampage in 2013. That was early in my professional career, and I took a very fearless approach to my riding. That crash was so gnarly that I blacked out from fear while falling down a massive cliff. I could have easily died if I had crashed a little differently. It took me over a year to be 100% mentally and physically back to where I was. Upon my full return to sending it again, my priorities shifted a little, and I wasn't so focused on trying to be one of the craziest riders in the world, but rather the most dialed and precise.

What do you feel is your most important resource in life and why is it the most important resource to you? Examples; money, time, physical or mental health, family, friends

Time!

It doesn't matter how much money we have; we all have the same amount of time. So, spend it doing things you love and surround yourself with people who support and love you—friends, family, whoever that may be.

I feel that is the recipe for happiness.

What is a piece of wisdom you would give to a graduating high school class?

Self-awareness is super powerful. Create a vibe in this world where people are comfortable being honest with you. It will help you grow and unlock your best skills and talents!