Mitch Monroe
Cross Country Mountain Bike

Accomplishments: 6th semi-pro at Napa World Cup, 98 Expert National Champion

Residence: Pacifica CA

Age: 22

When I'm not going huge I'm…snowboarding in the winter, shooting small ball in the summer, and spending time with my girl.

What tunes get you psyched?
B-Boys, Metallica (old), Sublime.

What is your Favorite place to shred, climb…?
Skeggs Point

Where is your favorite place to kick back, relax, and forget about everything?
There's a killer view from the top of my home hill. Montara Mtn, the Golden Gate, Mt. Tam, the East Bay, Half Moon Bay, they're all visible on a clear day.

At what age did you begin your sport?
I got a job at a bike shop when I was 14. I've been riding ever since.

What was your worst sport related injury, and how did you get it?
In my only downhill race ever, I crashed and sprained my left wrist, broke my right one, got scraped all up and spent five months in a cast.

What was your biggest influence that got you where you are now?
During those early bike shop years. I worked with a guy named Dudley who inspired me to ride hard.

What pisses me off?
Miscommunication, and Horses that need diapers.

If you could initiate a change in your field, what would it be and who would you want to influence?
I would want the downhills to have more obstacles and jumps.

In what ways has the popularity of extreme sports changed the way you operate?
It has made me deviate from the typical college path and explore nature.

As the popularity of your sport grows, are there any issues for new comers that, as an experienced professional, you feel need to be addressed?
Ride hard and drink lots of water. Ride to ride.

What types of actions and attitudes are going to effect your sport in positive ways?
Being polite on the trail and just having fun can go a long way.

What negative issues are involved with your sport?
Land Access is definitely important. As the trails become more crowded, people start bickering and the rangers start closing stuff down. Don't let the man find your trails.

What do you see in your future and where would you like to see your sport be at in 5 to 10 years?
I see tough competition, travel, and grand vistas in my future. I see mountain biking as a whole, increasing in popularity and becoming an Olympic staple, whether we like it or not.

If you could relate one idea to the world, related to your sport or not, what would it be?
Karma.