[Updated] Interview: 17 Year Old Bikepacks 250km a Day to Race the EWS

Jun 19, 2022
by Tom Bradshaw  
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Photo Credits: Dominic Blissett @__blissfield__
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Matt isn't afraid of big single days on the bike


Matthew Fairbrother is a beauty of a 17-year-old from Christchurch, New Zealand. This is his first time ever outside of New Zealand and he's in Europe all by himself.

Adaptable, practical, humble, and goddam stubborn, Matt is on a mission to complete all the European rounds of the 2022 Enduro World Series. To make the most of his money, Matt aims to bikepack between all the rounds until October. Short on funds, he won't be competing in the three North American rounds, but we have a feeling this resourceful young lad will get there in due time. For now, he is setting some incredible feats of endurance on his way to the races and he's already inspired pro and amateurs alike with his amazing journey so far.

We caught up with Matthew the day before round 2 of the EWS in Petzen, Austria.



Updated after the race:

Matt goes Top 10 at EWS with dislocated finger.

After only two days off the bike, Matt goes top 10 in the U21 at the EWS. Although it didn’t go smoothly with a dislocated pinky finger on Stage 2 putting him back into 18th. Medics taped and put the finger back in place allowing Matt to fight back strong with a 10th, 7th, and 14th for the remaining stages.

In typical Matt fashion “It was great but I had more to give, I had to stop twice down the last stage as I physically couldn’t hold on with the pain in my hand”.

He’s now getting ready to leave tonight for Italy “It’s pretty short in comparison, so I’m not even sure if I’ll even change tyres but will see how far we go tonight as it’s been really hot today and I haven't been able to eat or drink enough as I'd like.”
Wishing Matt the best on his “short” 366km trip to Canazei and hope the finger holds.




So Matt, it's your first time ever travelling overseas, and you've done it all by yourself, what did you tell your parents you were doing?


Ha I don't know the answer to that. It feels like months ago. I told them what I wanted to do. They definitely thought it was a bit stupid, but I told them my intentions. They also had confidence in me, and I had confidence in myself. And we were off. They were also comfortable knowing that there were people looking after me along the way. So I think they saw the point in it. Which was to make the most of the money I have while in Europe for this season, and have a bit of an adventure.


What's the goal for this season?


Invest my money into learning - in this instance it isn't necessarily about getting quick in-between the tape, it's about learning life skills, travelling with the bike and seeing places. And also seeing where the adventure takes me, that's what it's all about.




According to your Strava, your longest ride was 348km while Everesting in Christchurch last year. You can punch out the big single days, but how much multi-day stuff have you done?


This was first ever multi-day - I really chucked myself in the deep end. I didn't know how it would go, didn't know how my body would cope, and didn't know it would exactly work. I just had to make it up as it went.


So how has the body gone?


The first two days were hard immediately after I left Scotland. I had no sleep and was covered in midgie bites after the first night. I wanted to be efficient so went to sleep for an hour, without unpacking the tent. Turns out it was next to a lake, but in the dark I couldn't see it. I was not having a good time. But once I got to the Netherlands I was able to wind it up and punch the k's out.


You left at 6pm right after you finished the Tweed Valley EWS, tell me about that transition and the night that followed?


So I finished the race [Ed: Matt finished an impressive 11th in U21). I had a mechanical on the last stage. I snapped the mech off, into my spokes by hitting a rock halfway down. It was quite a panic as I couldn't pedal. But I got a new mech sorted out thanks to the SRAM team. The next issue was that I had no bike packing bags. Luckily, within 30 minutes of the race ending, the owner of Deviate had bought me some bike bags, a tent, cooking gear and the things I'd need. So by 5:30pm we were good to go.

I'd only fully committed to riding the whole way the Monday of the week before. I ordered the gear on Monday night, it was supposed to arrive Wednesday but it didn't. Then the UK had a two-day holiday on Thursday and Friday for Jubilee weekend, which meant my bags were only going to arrive on Monday at the earliest.




And you didn't want to wait until Monday to get pedalling?


Ha nope, I couldn't afford to wait because I just wanted to get into it and wanted to make it to watch the Short Track XC in Leogang on Friday.


So you pedal overnight to make the ferry. Tell us about calling your parents at 3am in the morning?


Yep, I turned up to the ferry and the person at the check-in said I wasn't allowed on the ferry because I was too young, and needed to be 18 to get onboard independently. They said my options were either talk to her manager or just forfeit the ticket. So I talked to the manager who said I needed to call my mum and dad, and have them email a photocopy of their passport and written permission so I could board. I tried to that, but I was having issues getting a hold of them because it was 3am in New Zealand and I didn't have any data on my phone, so just started calling whoever I could. In the end I got a hold of someone's data in the ferry line, and connected through to them to send their passport and written consent. It came through 10 minutes before the boat left, definitely the most stressful moment. If I missed that ferry, I would've lost a whole day and wasted the midgie sleep the night before.


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2.5 hours after finishing the EWS, Matt makes a start for the ferry
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After two near sleepless nights, Matt tears across Europe


From the ferry you then rode for 5 days in a row, tell us about where you've been sleeping. It sounds like the ferry wasn't your best sleep ever.


Yeah, the lows were the nights in the wet. I'd say I averaged 2 - 4 hour of sleep each of those nights. I had a bit of a mix. Some nights I'd been offered a bed and was able to have shower which was amazing. That was only two nights, but that was perfect. It was actually awkward, because I'd arrive at like 2am soaking and tired, and then leave before they even woke up. I didn't get much sleep before landing in Europe either because I was battling midges one night and sea sickness on the overnight boat that I had planned to sleep on. The other nights I was in the bushes, and only one night in the tent. Oh and one night in the pivot bus, but that wasn't much of a sleep.


What have you been eating?

I was quite careful because I had my whole life on my bike, I was only going to gas stations in small towns. I was living off small gas station food. Which consisted of Coca-Cola, chocolate and gummy bears. And yep, that's it.


So hang on, 74 hours of riding in 6 days only on gas station food?

Yep, so day 4 I was battling. I spent the whole day before running off the sour lollies with sugar on the outside. My tongue had been pulled apart by the sugar on the outside. So after that I moved to the gummy bears with sugar only on the inside. I wouldn't change it - it was so hard to eat while riding. For the size, I felt like I got a lot out of it. It's the way to go for me when spending big days in the saddle.


Tell us about what and how you're carry things on your bike? And what did you change?

The only thing I changed from the race set-up was the tyres - I took off the mountain bike tyres and put on some slicks. Other than that the set-up is the exact same as the EWS race bike. For bags, it was just whatever I was given. It was quite a good set up to be honest even though I didn't have much of a choice. It was bar, seat, top tube - everything on the bike. Nothing on my back. That's essential.


Obviously no chamois?

No chamois.


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Matt's biggest day so far, pushing to get to Leogang in time to watch short track XC
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Matt at home in Christchurch Photo: Dominic Blissett @__blissfield__


How does the high pivot affect the pedalling efficiency while bike packing?

It's definitely an advantage aye - there's heaps of cobbles. If you're going to do it I think you need a high pivot. It just eats the cobbles.


How have you been navigating?

I've just been pulling out my phone at each intersection. The furthest south I've been the less bike paths I've been on, but there's also been a safe option to take that's not on a busy road. It's bloody mint riding over this side of the world.


What is the weight of the bike loaded versus unloaded?

It's 15.5kg unloaded. It's between 31.5kg and 34.5kg loaded, depending on how full the gas tank is.


I understand you bought, built and maintain each piece on your bike with your own cash?


Yeah kind of, Deviate sponsored me the frame, but all the parts I bought in New Zealand on discount and built up the bike myself.


Tell us about the support you've gotten since you started pedalling?


The support has been insane. In Leogang, people were just giving me food. People have just offered beds for me to sleep in. Lots of people have let me know to reach out if I need help. I couldn't ask for any more, it's been amazing.


Any people you'd like to particularly thank?


The SRAM team here - especially when I smashed my bike in Tweed Valley. And the whole bike community. Doing this, I've found out how welcoming the community is. There's not a single person who doesn't want to help each other. The biggest thanks goes out the people in the sport who make it what it is.


What are your goals after this season for the years ahead?


I wanted to go overseas early so I could learn how it works. I've got few more years in U21, so hoping by the end of it I'm at the pointy end of the field. I'm hoping to get some low numbers next my name. The end goal is to get enough support so I don't have to pedal between all the races maybe...


We wish Matt all the best in his travels to the rest of the European rounds. You can follow Matt and his adventures on his Instagram and we're sure he won't mind if any potential supporters slide into his DMs!

Author Info:
Tombrad avatar

Member since Aug 6, 2015
9 articles

209 Comments
  • 514 3
 Absolute legend - those are some seriously impressive mileage numbers, and one hell of an adventure.
  • 261 0
 I think WYN should give this guy the privateer of the year award and some kind of sponsorship cause this is impressive on every level.
  • 144 1
 This is the most enduro idea to ever enduro in enduro. Seriously though, he's a brave and absolutely insane shredder.
  • 3 112
flag KK11 (Jun 17, 2022 at 17:36) (Below Threshold)
 Lies…
  • 7 0
 @abueno: ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kj5hF3uXg

From Eric Olsen's chat with Wyn....Go to 4:30 where Wyn alludes to the award
  • 6 0
 This kid is amazing!! Keep it up and stay safe
  • 41 35
 Absolute killer-dude! He can marry both my daughters! If i Just Had a say in this. And fortunately my wife doesnt read this Big Grin
  • 89 4
 @A4S: weird ass comment
  • 2 0
 After this weekend result. Maybe he will have a lift for the rest of the season.
  • 24 30
flag nastynate711 FL (Jun 19, 2022 at 12:17) (Below Threshold)
 @A4S: your daughters aren’t prizes to give away to people. They are human beings.
  • 13 24
flag lostlunchbox (Jun 19, 2022 at 14:08) (Below Threshold)
 @nastynate711: did you just say his daughters aren't even worth giving away!?! Pretty rude bud. Probably don't even know the guy or his daughters.
  • 12 6
 @nastynate711: wouldn’t know a joke if it but him on the arse …
  • 3 0
 A life experience I wish I did. Props to you Matt..livin the dream. Goodluck
  • 4 1
 @nastynate711: maybe they are prized daughters
  • 1 0
 Anyone have any updates how he did in Italy? The full results don’t seem to be up anywhere. Only the elite.
  • 130 3
 Also worth shouting out Eric Olsen and Dan Perl from Bellingham - they are also bike packing the first three rounds of the EWS (although sensibly adding in a handful of train liaisons Wink ). They are raising money for World Bicycle Relief - funds can be donated below and they're putting out video of their travels in the link below too!

www.powerofbicycles.org/fundraisers/tourdeEWS/power-of-bicycles-us

www.youtube.com/watch?v=U87FmAEHGAE&ab_channel=EricOlsen
  • 7 0
 Dan is a stud. I'm not even surprised in the least bit that he's doing this...
  • 12 0
 I'd chip in for Matthew if possible? Let us know if he gets a gofundme or something set up please
  • 1 0
 @deviatecycles: Excellent, thanks!
  • 1 0
 @deviatecycles: done!! He’s an inspiration!
  • 198 71
 Take Note E-bikers.
  • 31 129
flag Sleeperific (Jun 17, 2022 at 12:36) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah but think what how much further he could’ve gone with an e-bike!
  • 77 37
 SHUT UP. This kid is a freaking legend! Don't make it about something it's not.
  • 32 94
flag PHX77 (Jun 17, 2022 at 13:21) (Below Threshold)
 I love my moped and I don’t care who knows it!!!!

I am a pretty fit 43-year-old and have no time constraints other than death but I just like the experience of E MTB better than regular biking (did it for 20 years prior to the eeeb) although they are both pretty sweet.
  • 56 18
 Why make a negative comment on such a positive article - you have no shame
  • 24 1
 @Sleeperific: he’d probably have quite a struggle charging it
  • 34 17
 oh fuck off
  • 11 8
 @B3NBiker: it was an attempted jab at the “I can get in one more lap” disciples. Low hanging tongue in cheek at best.
  • 5 35
flag PHX77 (Jun 18, 2022 at 9:40) (Below Threshold)
 Hey everyone! I went for a ride on my Moped this morning and it was amazing!! So much fun and such a good workout!
  • 7 3
 @PHX77: you are a child
  • 1 17
flag PHX77 (Jun 19, 2022 at 5:25) (Below Threshold)
 @weebleswobbles: so fun!
  • 2 1
 @Sleeperific: how much time spent charging his batteries.
  • 113 0
 Wow! Someone sponsor this kid and get him to the North American leg too! Most inspirational thing I have read in a while.
  • 3 0
 Amen. There is no question about his dedication and drive.
  • 111 0
 Kids these days.
  • 144 2
 So lazy and entitled. Unreal.
  • 83 2
 @Bro-LanDog: I bet after each 350km he throws his feet up on the couch and plays video games all night.
  • 67 0
 348km in a day is nuts!
  • 67 0
 and even more so on a high pivot enduro sled with a loaded weight of over 30kg! What a lad
  • 14 44
flag valrock (Jun 17, 2022 at 12:30) (Below Threshold)
 cocaine Big Grin
  • 18 1
 That is literally longer than the longest sanctioned road race in the US, the Lotoja.
  • 58 1
 “But I got a new mech sorted out thanks to the SRAM team. The next issue was that I had no bike packing bags. Luckily, within 30 minutes of the race ending, the owner of Deviate had bought me some bike bags, a tent, cooking gear and the things I'd need.”

That makes me want to buy stuff from the people that step up like that.
  • 5 0
 It makes me wonder in what world did this kid think arriving with no gear to do the ride was a good move.
  • 12 0
 @CM999: teenage optimism
  • 5 0
 @CM999: In the story, it says his bags and gear hadn't arrived and wouldn't arrive because of the UK holidays. That and that when you are 17 you feel immortal I guess...
  • 3 0
 @CM999: at a guess: flying from NZ to Europe with only 1 bag allowance which he would've used for his bike. Extra bags and weight are very pricey on these routes, so he probably thought:"I'll just buy that stuff when I get there"
  • 60 0
 I am correct in assuming that Mathew is the definition of a mad lad?
  • 47 1
 Jesus,will someone buy this kid a pizza?!
You can only survive on sugar for so long,I'm all for adventure but risking your health doesn't seem right.
Yes,I am a father.
  • 6 0
 I'm assuming this is not his standard diet. He'll be fine
  • 6 0
 My thoughts exactly. He's young and healthy and all, but I'm still worrying about him disrupting his metabolism, in the long run.
  • 2 0
 Hopefully he didn't went for a month ride eating like that, that could be bad for him. But anyways very impressive effort, well done !!
  • 4 0
 100% when I saw him on Wyn TV the daddy in me came out and screamed GIVE HIM DINNER!!! And breakfast and lunch!
  • 44 1
 If he has a Patreon or gofundme I'll buy him dinner.
  • 17 0
 Yeah seriously. Does he have Venmo? Would love to support this kid, what a legend.
  • 52 7
 he has OnlyFans for people who like pain and suffering Big Grin
  • 36 1
 @valrock: I mean, he is riding all these miles without a chamois...pretty sure that qualifies as CBT
  • 3 0
 @Mr-Price - as Tambo's posted Matt's supporters have set up a Gofundme, took a few days as he was racing and enroute to Italy ha - here's the link Smile gofund.me/bf868984
  • 36 0
 The look on his face when Wyn offered him som peanut butter for his dinner baguette is brilliant (on wyn tv from the tweed valley ews)
  • 34 0
 This kid is the Forrest Gump of biking
  • 3 0
 Lol brilliant!!!
  • 9 0
 I just felt like riding
  • 3 1
 @Bperd: and riding and riding
  • 33 0
 Bravo! Probably my favorite article in a long time.
  • 32 0
 @deviatecycles
GIVE THIS YOUNG MAN A FULL SPONSORSHIP!
You can’t buy better publicity for your rig than this.

Legendary
  • 26 1
 The saying is "youth is wasted on the young". Not this young man. #LegendAF
  • 23 0
 @Tombrad can we get a video series of you and Christina doing this next season
  • 3 0
 savage, but hilarious Big Grin
  • 20 1
 Rad! Bellingham local Eric Olsen is doing the same thing... When he flew into the UK and ran into some issues right away. www.youtube.com/watch?v=U87FmAEHGAE&ab_channel=EricOlsen
  • 19 0
 Classic 17 year old running out of data calling the folks at 3am. What a legend
  • 1 0
 As the parent of 2 adolescents, love this comment! Kid is amazing for sure, in spite of his teenagerism Smile
  • 2 0
 @mtb2112: to be fair, would have been 4pm UK time, just 3am at home
  • 15 1
 Badass. I've done some long bike tours overseas, but never would I do that on an enduro bike. Major props to pedaling all that on a full squish bike. Slow and steady will get you there, but that timeline is hard to maintain. Keep your head right, and it will be a grand experience. Have fun. EAT BETTER FOOD! In Thailand I survived a lot on 7-Eleven food, so I don't have too much room to give advice on food.
  • 16 0
 Wife and I rode a Giant Reign & Hail Advanced 350 km from Auckland to Rotorua fully loaded, mixed on/offroad. Tent, thermarests, seattail bags, backpacks. With 2.5” Minions.

It was great to accomplish.

Once.

In a week.
  • 11 0
 Epic trip and experience. Similar to Innes Graham, it’s amazing how much the community looks out for those that need a little help along the way.

Not expecting Pinkbike to set a fundraiser up, but if there could be a post if something does become available, so we can chuck in a buck. Although I think the PR / visibility on this platform and WYN TV will go a big way to seeing him alright, nice one, Tom et al.
  • 2 0
 @Tambo: Just saw this now, thanks - made me laugh, £5,085 raised of £2,000 goal. Will still do my bit, thanks.
  • 10 0
 Wow,this kid is like the old road riders here in Spain. Riders had to ride to the race and many of them didn´t had any sponsor or money to sleep or eat in a restaurant so each race was an adventure. It was like that,take your bike, ride 300 km to the start,then race and back home in the same bike....
  • 7 0
 100% heard stories like that from all over Europe. I really dig the vibe of people going all in and not relying on loads of money, just "making it work"
  • 12 0
 Heard stories like this too but they were from my grandad back in the 1930s!
  • 4 1
 @TheBrickOriginal: Yeah it is easy to imagine any rider of that time would be more or less the same,no matter the country. In those days no cheap plane ticket with your bike onboard yo can buy,not many young people had access to a car,if their families had one and not much money to spend.
  • 9 0
 Bravo young man. One of the inspirational stories I've read in a long time. If he doesn't have a Go Fund Me page, he should, if he's not sponsored, he deserved to be. God, how I wished I had his courage at that age to do what he's doing!!!! And cudos to his parents for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. Well done Matt. Happy trails PS. 70 and shredding Cheers
  • 8 0
 All my life achievements pale in comparison to a single day of his journey. I think it's healthy to see stories like these, good reminder that there is always room to go bigger. Way to go Matt!
  • 11 0
 We asked for it and we got it - thanks for providing this article!
  • 8 0
 Plane tickets ain't that expensive, this dude should start a kick start/go fund me acct to fund at least one round. I got $100 on it. Shit flying trans atlantic and staying in a hotel is practically vacation for this guy.
  • 8 0
 To be young and stupid again. Old an be stupid is much less fun! Please get the boy a chamois or at least a jar of butt butter.
  • 3 0
 He needs PB & J sandwiches much more than any ass cream.
  • 2 1
 @heckler73: Peanut butter as butt butter... I guess it could work. Not sure about the jam however. My days of doing long hard multi day rides are behind me so won't be able to validate. I would normally state pics or it never happened...
  • 9 0
 Not using an actual gps and eating nothing but sugar?! Surely not what a madman
  • 2 0
 Definitely a Mad Lad
  • 7 0
 This is incredible, I'm wondering when he is done if he will realize he could also race marathon XC and probably do well too.
  • 6 0
 Respect to the parents are in order as well. That they trust him to do this and he pulls it off is parenting at its best I’d say.
  • 6 0
 Matty managed 17th in U21 in the pro stage after this effort!! Awesome mate!! I bet his Enduro bike feels like an xc bike once it's unloaded!!
  • 8 0
 How can I give this great New Zealander some money?
  • 4 0
 Will let you know how my small Western Union experiment played out.
  • 2 0
 I've since discovered you need to be 18 to withdraw WU funds, so that wont work.His age might make it harder to help him out, hopefully someone is able to set up some scheme and post it here.
  • 12 0
 I DMd him on Insta and he said he’s going to start a GoFundMe in the next few days. @mikekazimer
  • 10 0
 @miguelcurto: we've set it up on his behalf so he can withdraw and every penny/cent will go straight to Matt. We've also agreed to pay his flights to the EWS rounds in North America. I wish we could do more... but we're a small manufacturer with limited resources.
  • 1 0
 @deviatecycles: Thanks for setting this up, have made a contribution.
  • 7 0
 Big Jobs! Inspiring Matt, really makes you want to get out and pedal, keep at it!
  • 7 0
 I want to be like this kid. What a thing to do! Kudos also to his parents for letting him get out there and do it.
  • 5 0
 Met Matt at Leogang at the GT pits. Super nice kid, what a stud. I wish him the best, he has a great attitude and such confidence. We need more like him.
  • 5 0
 And I thought hitchhiking from Cali to Montana with my best friend at 14 yrs old was nuts. This dude is crazy (and has a level of fitness I could only dream of).
  • 5 0
 Awesome, someone on PB sort him a go fund me page and we'll all buy him dinner
  • 1 0
 @deviatecycles:

Top stuff, donated Smile

Copied onto various cycling forums too
  • 5 0
 This should be a whole category in the EWS.... Except this kid will be the only entrant.
  • 5 0
 "First time in Europe and this place is nothing like New Zealand" Ha! Enjoy the journey Matt - Good on 'ya.
  • 6 0
 Someone please buy the kid some pies.
  • 3 0
 Honestly Matt, Have inspired me bro. I travelled the WC circuit in 2019 VIA van sleeping on the side of the road - bathing in lakes. Was the raddest experience ever and would do it again
  • 4 0
 he and Eric need a gofund me or Patreon. I'd absolutely support!! Let's get them over to the USA!
  • 4 0
 Thanks Tom. This is one of the best articles i have read in some time. So positive. Go well Matthew
  • 3 0
 Wow. What an amazing kid. Sounds like he's got a future book out of this adventure for sure if he wants it. Experience of a lifetime!
  • 5 0
 This right here represents the soul of mountain biking!
  • 4 0
 Thanks a million for the interview! Matt you're a legend, good luck in the race!
  • 4 0
 Absolutely brilliant - what an experience, what an effort. Hopefully the US rounds can be made reality…
  • 4 0
 Reminds me of the story line from the movie " The World's Fastest Indian " Unique people these Kiwi's
  • 1 0
 I admire you kid! I hope you will get a sponsorship which you no doubt deserve to and in the meantime make sure you eat a real food and not just snacks and candies. It's super important! Good luck with the rest of your journey!
  • 4 0
 Awesome, the last time I rode that far on a bike the bloody thing got a coolant leak.
  • 3 0
 These kids will blur the lines and grow the sport. Leal Wilcox rode to her races and blew open distance gravel. Keep doing what you’re doing, privateers rule.
  • 3 0
 There is bike packing. There is Enduro. Then there is Enduro Bike Paking with Matthew! Awesome, keep it up and hopefully we will see you in the top 10 very soon!
  • 2 0
 You didn't have to wait for that top10 very long.
  • 3 0
 so freakin awesome. Pinkbike please reach out to him and figure out how we can gofundme him some more candy!
  • 3 0
 Absolute Legend, Serious amount of ambition in this guy! Well done good sir. Well done!
  • 5 0
 Matt you are my hero!
  • 3 3
 I know that he love’s riding a bike ,but isn’t that to much for he’s age ?,i to love to ride my bike (the heavy stuff one ,with man tires) ,and they say why don’t go by car ?,and I say I just love riding ,take care and the best for you ,I envy your age :-))))
  • 5 0
 He's 'she'll be right'ing it to Slovenia
  • 1 0
 This is a story he will have his entire life, he will sound like the crazy old man someday but hell ya for going for this! Please someone figure out a venmo for him, pinkbike, come on now, lets help it him.
  • 4 0
 Put together a Gofundme Pinkbike. Let's all get this kid to ALL the races.
  • 3 0
 this could be the beginning of something new: ''Road-duro"... well maybe not... This fellow is something else nonetheless.
  • 4 0
 Mad respect
  • 3 0
 Awesome! Keep going kid. I would chip into a go fund me
  • 3 0
 This kid needs to start a gofundme such a hard worker we will pitch in
  • 4 0
 I just messaged him in IG asking if he has one, hopefully he'll respond and or/post the link.
  • 2 0
 Ok. He responded and said he’s planning on starting one in the next few days so keep and eye out! @mikekazimir
  • 1 0
 @deviatecycles: Awesome, just donated!
  • 2 0
 Wow. Not many people at his age have done that....bit of a young legend....
  • 3 0
 this is what's right with the world!! awesome resolve, and spirit!
  • 3 0
 Rides more like 300km/day with that idler pulley
  • 4 0
 That chain guide is probably more friction as well
  • 2 0
 I think this type of adventure has @MikeLevy written all over it.... or maybe @henryquinney for some pain and suffering
  • 3 1
 Always hard to pay a kiwi a compliment. But this kid is a different breed keep killing it you wild horse
  • 1 0
 Ok, ckecked it out on GMaps. En route to Canazei, he can have breakfast at the Loacker factory in Sillian. Now, the Gardena and Sella passes just at the very end...
  • 2 0
 This kid needs to be the first one signed to the Pinkbike Enduro team next season!!
  • 2 0
 Savage. Injured finger, finishes race & heads out for a short 366km commute to the next race…
  • 1 0
 Amazing story! I'll definitely be following along for his adventure.
Can imagine not being able to snooze on the Pivot party bus....????? haaaaaahaha
  • 1 0
 Absolutely incredible! Would fully recommend following Matt on insta if you don’t already!
  • 2 0
 Amazing! Get this kid some money!
  • 2 0
 if that doesn't earn a sponsorship I'd be shocked
  • 2 0
 Just give Matt 1st place already! He's already won!
  • 1 0
 Dude you are so inspiring. I would love to get this kid a serious sponsorship with a big company. ...ahem Pinkbike
  • 1 0
 (update) maaaaaate, you are a fuggin machine, not sure I can put it any other way.
  • 1 0
 love of the sport i see here, I know he's gunna find his way on peoples kindness, great sponsor story for someone here!
  • 2 0
 "Back in my day, I used to bike across Europe to get to my races!"
  • 1 0
 If he doesn't get sponsored by some big ass brand I'm gonna start losing faith in humanity.
  • 1 0
 Sick vid! Luke Cryer, steeeeeez.
  • 1 0
 Check his insta out, so good!!
  • 1 0
 Chapeau Sir. Brilliant effort.
  • 2 0
 respect
  • 1 0
 Shouldnt he be racing cross country?
  • 1 0
 Amazing. Totally inspired by this lad.
  • 1 0
 What a legend, inspiring story
  • 1 0
 ...Massively Epic Effort - no Fear-Brother \m/
  • 1 0
 This is the most enduro story ever!
  • 1 0
 This kid has the opposite of helicopter parents!
  • 1 0
 So awesome! Would be great to get him over to the Whis ews
  • 1 0
 Massive respect, this is incredible.
  • 2 0
 Legend bro, well done.
  • 2 0
 Gooch of steel
  • 1 1
 Wow what a story, surprised you can drink by 16 in a lot of places in Europe but you cant board a ferry.
  • 2 0
 Legend in his own time
  • 1 0
 I am just blown away by this!
  • 1 0
 FREAKIN LOVE THIS KID. 1000% BADASS.
  • 1 0
 Absolutely love this story. What a guy!
  • 1 0
 Donated. Have a burger on me.
  • 1 0
 Legend.
  • 1 0
 Absolute Respect Man!
  • 1 0
 Gofundme, please
  • 1 0
 Insane!
  • 1 0
 What a legend
  • 1 0
 Awesome! Enjoy it!
  • 1 0
 Wow
  • 1 0
 You sir are a legend!
  • 1 0
 What a legend!
  • 1 0
 You rock, kid!
  • 1 0
 So cool.
  • 1 0
 Massive respect kid!!
  • 1 0
 Absolutely amazing!
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