The Kansas Kid

When most people think of mountain biking, thoughts of big mountains, steep rocky descents, and jumps come to mind. Not a lot of people think of the flat, cornfield-based topography of the midwestern United States. But as mountain biking continues to explode in popularity, riders are emerging from many corners of the world. Finn Smith is one of those riders. Coming from Kansas, Finn has used his passion for biking to get out and explore the world. Finn is an extremely talented and stylish rider with one of the best attitudes imaginable. There are lots of talented young riders these days, but almost none have the well-rounded skills, or the fun-loving attitude that Finn has. Enjoy this interview with the 18-year-old enduro racer and freerider.

What is your name, and where are you from?

I’m Finn Smith, and I’m from Kansas City, Kansas. 

Coming from Kansas, how did you get into Mountain biking?

My dad (Shadd Smith) was a professional bike racer - road, MTB, and cyclocross. So I’ve been riding since I was a little kid. I started just digging little jumps and things in the yard. Classic [laughs]. Now, I like mountain biking, especially jumps. It’s kinda my only escape from Kansas. 

You have really solid bike handling skills - do you think that is because you are from Kansas and you grew up focusing on that instead of just riding something gnarlier?

No [laughs]. I started riding BMX and cyclocross when I was a youngster. I was pretty good at cyclocross - I used to travel all over the US to go to big races, and I podiumed a lot. I think all of that and just riding a lot made me a better biker. But I got kinda cyclocross as I got more into mountain biking. 

Nice, Nice. What would you say the riding scene is like in Kansas?

It is very flat. Very not fun for mountain biking [Laughs]. In Missouri there is some decent riding. Blue River Park has the biggest hill in the Missouri/Kansas area. That place is fun.

You seem to be a pretty well-rounded rider; what is your favorite type of riding?

Right now, probably dirt jumping. It is just chill and really fun. I also race Enduro and downhill and I like that a lot too. It helps get me out of Kansas, which is the best part. 

What is it that you like so much about dirt jumping?

Well, for starters, I like that the jumps are so technical and difficult; just making it through the line is fun. But then, every spot has such a cool scene at it. The same people show up every day, water the jumps, do some digging– everyone has to help out too. Every session isn't just about riding, but hanging out, meeting people, blasting music– it's kinda just the best.

I notice you have been traveling a lot recently; where have you been?

Yea, I have been lucky to travel with this boarding school for mountain biking (World Class Academy). It’s been wild. Since I started going there, I’ve been to Whistler, Utah, Portugal, Italy, France, New Zealand, Spain… all over the place…

So you do that with school? So you have to take classes and stuff too?

Yea. It’s pretty fun– it’s actually the dream. The teachers are also bike coaches. I used to really hate school, but now going to this school has sort of changed the situation for me big time. 

Is that school expensive? How do you make it work?

Well, luckily, I applied for a scholarship, and that helped me out a lot. That is pretty much what allowed my parents and I to be able to afford to go to the school. I also grind hard on my breaks from school, working construction and building decks. 

Do you do other things besides ride bikes in those places?

Yea, you get to visit historical places, and just get out of the United States, and check out what other places, other countries, other cultures are like. It’s cool that wanting to ride bikes exposes you to all of this other stuff. It's something I honestly never thought I would be able to do. I've also made a lot of close friends at the school, which is the other best part.

What is your favorite place you have ridden?

New Zealand - Queenstown. That place is the best. It has everything. I am stoked to go back there again in January.

You have been racing a lot recently - any solid results?

No, not really [Laughs]. This summer has been pretty tough with some injuries and the performance hasn’t been there. Hopefully, it goes better this weekend. I like racing, but at some point, I think I might just focus on freeride.

What goals for racing/riding do you have?

I want to podium at a big race like a BME. I want to become professional and just keep having fun riding bikes. I have lots of freeride goals, too– learning new tricks, hitting bigger stuff– I am excited to explore that. I’m looking forward to Mcgazza fest in Queenstown this year. Crankworx in the future. I want to hit more big jumps, like Darkfest… or even Proving Grounds or something like that. 

Where can people see what you are up to?

I guess my Instagram is the best place - @finn_smith_96

Anyone you want to thank?

Oh man, wayyyyyy too many! [laughs]. I’d like to thank my parents and my teachers. I can’t thank them enough. Also, everyone who has helped me out in the past - Steve Tilford Racing, Specialized Bikes. My friends. I could go on and on, but I am super thankful for the life I live and for getting out of Kansas [laughs].