SPRING2017
MLBLUE
37
ML:
I’ve seena lot of photosof youwith the “Give 'er theGoose” sign.
What’s theback-story there?
SF:
That came from the Blue Mountain Canada Cup and it was Sam
Measures’ thing. All I remember is that they gave Carson [Webb] andme
two signs. One said “You Suck” and one said “Give 'er the Goose”. I got
the “You Suck” sign and I refused to keep it. It was too negative so I
traded with Carson. And that’s how the “Give 'er the Goose” sign came
inmy possession and it’s just stuck. Now I’m known for it. It’s made the
journey and it’s made an impression. It’s actually made it easier to connect
with people because they’re curious and start conversations.
ML:
Howdidyour timeatBlueMountainprepareyou for racing inNZ?
SF:
Now that I’ve been in NZ and I’ve riddenmany downhill tracks, I can
say that Blue Mountain stacks up. The runs might be shorter but the trails
are phenomenal and there’s such a good range. I could go to the far end
and practice jumps, I could domore pedaling on Embryo or I could go to
the steep stuff and work onmy race pace. Here in NZ, there are tracks that
have little to no technical stuff andmassive 30-foot gap jumps the whole
way down. I wasn’t prepared for that by any means but I was prepared
for the steep stuff and for the pedaling. This January with the National
series, the conditions have been similar to Blue Mountain last summer
and that’s helpedme findmy footing and get up there. Blue Mountain has
everything you need as a young developing rider.
This ismyyear tositback,go towork,go
toschool, ridemybike, supportmy friends
racingandseehow theydoandwhat it’s
like for them.
ML:
What’syourultimategoal in thedownhillworld?
SF:
The goal is still theWorld Cup. I think my attitude has changed a little
bit since we arrived in NZ. My parents met ski bumming in NZ and I’ve
always wanted to travel. I’ve made the conscious decision not to go to
university right away, although that’s really important tome. I want to put
that off for a little bit and take a crack at racing. I’ve also decided I’d like
to give Enduro a crack too. This is my year to sit back, go to work, go to
school, ride my bike, support my friends racing and see how they do and
what it’s like for them. Then I’ll make my decision.
ML:
Your seasonwillwrapupatCrankworxRotoruaat theendofMarch/
beginningofApril.Whatwill youbecompeting in there?
SF:
My goal is to be the National Downhill Secondary School Champion
and do well in Downhill there. I may also have enough points to do the
EnduroWorld Series round that same weekend.
ML:
Good luck. Is thereanyoneyou’d like to thank?
SF:
Yes, I’m racing for a NZ team now calledAction Down Under Industries.
I’m sponsored by Devinci, Fly Racing and Leatt and I’d also like to thank
my mom and dad—they’ve been there since day one and they’ll be there
’til the end of it.
BELOW
Skye finishes second in theBlueMountain
CanadaCup race. MARC LANDRY/BMR
