Not only is Jenna one of the nicest people you are ever likely to stumble across, but she is also a ridiculously talented rider. After competing at World Cup level in DH, she has recently turned her hand to the world of fixies, and she couriers on the gritty streets of Auckland. Two Courier World Champ titles to her name have secured her an elusive Red Bull sponsorship and a Frankly Thursday interview.
How old are you? Old enough to know better.
Where do you live? Auckland, New Zealand (though I seem to live at my uni studio and sometimes head back to the flat to sleep).
What do you like best about living where you do?
For a big city it isn’t all that big. This is where I grew up and have friends and family. Always something to do whether riding bikes or not.
What do you dislike about living where you do?
Sooo far away from the forest.
How did you get involved in the mountain bike scene to begin with, and how long ago was that? Well I used to enjoy racing around on road bikes and in Lycra, then I discovered the joys of mountain biking at about age 14 and my obsession just grew from there.
What’s your ‘day’ job? What does it involve?
Job no, student yes. I live at uni designing and attempting to smarten myself. What are the 5 benefits of working with bikes all day every day?Cheap bikes. . . (each letter is worth .5 points)
Jenna Makgill How would you describe your riding style? Aggressive. . .
Favourite trail? Anything in the Portes Du Soleil
What’s one thing you’ve learned in the last 10 years?
Do what you love, do it well and then the world is your oyster. . Be nice, you never know when that c%#& might come in handy. What’s wrong with mountain biking? Need more girls. More support for NZ riders
Whats 3 things right with mountain biking? Id want to list all the boys who are doing fantastically over seas. . but that is way more than 3
Top 2 MTB developments in the last 10 years (bike park, part or whatever)? Iv been out for too long to be able to comment
All time favourite rider?
In all honesty Sam hill. He was in his prime when i was racing and to watch him do what Danny Hart did at Champery was so freakin AMAZING. That boy gives me chills
Top five favourite bits of MTB kit? V10, Troy Lee, Gondola, Gatling gloves and twix Who do you look up to?
Those who do what they love and actually put in an honest effort. People that expect something for nothing really bug me. What are your vices? Food, chocolate. . .
Finish this sentence. “On a Saturday I like to get up and….” Do stuff. . . I HATE wasted days. I love the feeling at the end of the day when you have finished your ‘to do’ list.
