Last month, we ran a digital campaign to recruit a handful of fresh UK Urge ambassadors for one of our newest brands – Urge Bike Products.
The difference however is that Urge isn’t like any other helmet brands. It’s a company that puts the environment first in everything they do, from manufacturing and packaging right down to their contribution towards environmental causes.
As a result, this campaign wasn’t about finding any old shredder, but rather a few individuals that not only loved riding bikes, but also cared for the environment too.
This week, we chat to Alex Roberts, a recently addicted mountain biker whose passion for the trails and its associated beauty spots has awoken a distinct empathy for nature and a drive to keep it looking its best, one ride at a time.
Welcome to the Urge team! We’re super stoked to have you on board… We’re keen to introduce our new ambassadors to everyone, so we’ve put together a few questions to get us started.
Tell us who you are in a few words…
Hi, my name is Alex Roberts from Shropshire. Mountain biking has really taken over my life in the last 2 years, riding more often and getting involved in the mechanical and componentry side.
What bike do you ride? Can you give us a rundown on your steed(s)…
I ride a steel framed On One Hello Dave hardtail, the most playful and capable bike I’ve ever ridden. It has a 60 degree head angle and a 77 degree seat tube angle, so it’s as good going up as it is going down!
What are some of your favourite places to ride?
My go-to rides are Llandegla, Eastridge, Cannock and Hopton Woods.
I tend to interchange between them because they all offer something completely different.
You’ve been picked as an Urge ambassador because you put the planet first in a lot of what you do… Can you explain to us in a few words what your stance is on the protection of our environment and how you approach it?
Mountain biking has really made me realise how beautiful our countryside is and that we need to do everything we can to keep it that way! It angers me so much when I get to a view point on a trail and it’s strewn with bottles, packets and inner tubes all of which are dropped by other mountain bikers/walkers! Put it back in your bag!!!!! I have now taken it upon myself to carry a roll of bin liners in my pack and try to pick up a few pieces of litter every ride.
On the same subject – if you had one rule/legislation all cycling brands had to adhere to in order to make the industry greener, what would it be?
All need to be seen to be reducing plastics in the product/packaging or working towards becoming 100% sustainable.
Who’s your favourite rider? Or biggest influence in the world of cycling?
I love watching BKXC as I can relate to him a lot! He just wants to have fun riding his bike in the best places in the world… and make friends along the way! I also love Blake Samson from GMBN his energy is unreal.
The Urge helmet range is made up of 80% recycled materials, and 100% radness. Which one’s your favourite?
I have the All-Air MTB Helmet for my everyday trail riding as it is so comfortable and breathable for mile munching.
Then I have the Gringo De La Sierra Full Face for when things get spicy at the bike park.
What are you riding plans/goals for the next year?
Ride more, have fun and look after the environment.
