Paul Angus, aka Pang, hit New Zealand shores way back in about 2004 for the first time, back when he was a young downhill racer with long locks, an Orange bike and an appetite for destruction! Well, time ticks by and since then he’s cut his hair, migrated to Queenstown, become a businessman, ditched the DH rig in favour of a trail bike and actually rides up hills, not just down them!
Ladies and Gents, meet Paul Angus……
How old are you (if you want to tell us)?
30 years old
Where do you live?
Queenstown
What do you like best about living where you do?
The abundance of outdoor activities all on your doorstep!
What do you dislike about living where you do?
Not having enough time to take full advantage of where I live!
How did you get involved in the MTB scene to begin with, how long ago was that?
Did my first DH race in 1996, been hooked ever since!
How long have you been in New Zealand now?
Been here for six years now, once I experienced life here I knew I could never live anywhere else. I just fell in love with the place, so sold up everything, packed my bikes and moved back here.
What’s your ‘day’ job? What does it involve?
Part owner of Vertigo Bikes in Queenstown. It is a very multi-faceted business so lots of variety; bike sales, workshop, guiding, rental and our new venture Queenstown Mountain Bike School.
Winter is about to hit – do you hang up the bike for winter or keep riding?
I hang it up and get the skis out. Winter is short here compared to the summer, so you have to make the most of it!
How would you describe your riding style?
Not sure. I’ve always thought smooth is fast and love to bounce around on the trail using natural features to gain speed and grip.
Favourite trail?
Fernhill Loop in Queenstown.
What’s one thing you’ve learned in the last 10 years?
If you really want something to happen, hard work and determination will get you there.
What’s wrong with mountain biking?
The internet.
What’s right with mountain biking?
No matter how bad a day you have had if you go for a ride into the mountains through flowing beech forest, all is forgotten.
Best MTB development in the last 10 years (bike park, part or whatever)?
Fox 36 Talas forks, unbeatable!
All time favourite rider?
Big fan of Sam Hill, just makes riding look so effortless.
Favourite piece of MTB kit?
Fox Huck Shorts, had them since 2002 and still going strong! Why did they stop making them?
Who do you look up to?
My gorgeous girlfriend Kate, she is awesome and lets me work hard and play hard.
What are your vices?
Hot Chocolates from Patagonia chocolate shop in Queenstown! Try them!
Finish this sentence – “on a Saturday I like to get up and….”
go to work, because there’s no such thing as a weekend in Queenstown, every day is a weekend!
