Remy Morton

Consider yourself an adrenaline seeker? Well, Remy Morton, certainly does. Being an official Red Bull mountain-biking athlete, and Gold Coast local, we spoke to the daredevil himself ahead of his campaign to make it to the Red Bull Rampage in Utah, USA. (Freeride mountain biking’s most coveted title.) Remy also touches on his return to the sport after being in a coma from a very serious crash back in 2017, and what he still loves about his hometown here on the GC. Read on to find out more!

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I was born on the Gold Coast. I spent my entire childhood living in the hinterland and my school years around the Coast. At the age of 15, I started spending a lot of time overseas and am now always on the road. I’m often home on the Gold Coast visiting family and friends but am not home as much as I was when I was younger.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast? 
The most special thing about the Gold Coast is the variety of terrain and activities possible. Within 30 minutes you can be between the rainforest of Springbrook National Park and back to the beaches of Burleigh. There are not many places you can have that much of a scene change so close together, with completely different lifestyles.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 24 years old, born and raised on the Goldy. I’ve spent my entire life riding and racing around Australia and now the world. In 2017 I had a life-changing accident that resulted in me spending 1 month in a coma. Since then I’ve changed my career path slightly and now focus on free-ride mountain biking and video parts, riding at the highest level I can. Now, I want to share my story and experiences to hopefully inspire all generations to get out and enjoy yourself!

Who taught you how to ride a bike and how old were you?
My dad taught me to ride. I learned at a very young age and began BMX racing at the age of 4. The Gold Coast has some of the most pristine BMX tracks in the world and I’m so grateful to all involved that have kept that standard for as long as they have!

Who/what inspired you to pursue a professional career in extreme mountain-biking?
I always loved riding and I never had a second thought about going down any other path as a profession. If you’ve found something you love and have already invested so much time and practice into it, why change? I love the sport, I love the places I get to travel and most importantly the people and companies I am fortunate enough to now work with! If you’re having fun, the results will follow. I’m stoked to say I’m still having a lot of fun and have a lot of dreams I’m yet to achieve within the sport!

What made you get back on your bike just six months after your accident?
I made myself a goal that the first week I got out of hospital I would ride a bike again. Having just learnt to walk again this was a pretty big thing to achieve.. but I got it done! This was at 7 weeks post-injury and just 3 weeks after getting out of the coma. By 10 weeks I was back riding mountain bikes in the forest and at 12 weeks I competed in my first event again. I definitely wasn’t at 100% for close to a year as I had very bad nerve damage in my arm, and my lungs were not in great condition after collapsing them both. Your body is the most important thing in the world in my opinion, and when it comes to healing you have to set goals and push yourself as hard as you can to get over the fear and put yourself back where you want to be. I guess it’s a big mental battle but once the ball is rolling it’s easy-going!

What did your road to recovery entail?
A lot of life goals changed slightly but at the end of the line, I still had one thing that wasn’t going to change. I wanted and still do want to be the best bike rider I can be. This battle will never end but I think knowing each day I am closer to achieving my goals, that’s the thing that keeps me going.

What do you love the most about the sport?
I love the freedom, the places you visit and the people you meet. Some of the places my bike has taken me are unexplainable and sometimes it just makes me laugh; something so simple and so accessible can take you places that aren’t accessible any other way than a bike. The best thing about bikes is everyone can do it. It takes time and practice to get good, but no matter the level, you will always have a smile on your face!

What’s your favourite track to ride on the Gold Coast?
The Boomerang Farm Bike Park at the back of Mudgeeraba is by far the best thing to happen to the Gold Coast and maybe even Australia for mountain biking. The whole crew there have raised the bar massively for Australian mountain biking and it’s a must-visit location!

What does your typical day look like?
I spend a lot of my time building and maintaining mountain bike trails for local parks and club organizations. My daily procedure is a balance between this and riding. I aim to ride 2-3 different disciplines of bikes every day which is sometimes tough to fit in, but when you do it makes every day the best day ever!

Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
If you’re having fun the results will follow. This has stuck with me because I’ve had big changes within my riding career. Even with all the changes I’ve continued to enjoy myself and every week I seem to tick off a new goal that I’m happy about!

What are you looking forward to the most in the next 12 months?
I have a lot of goals I wish to achieve in the coming 12 months. My biggest focus currently is to attend Red Bull Rampage in Utah! For me this is the pinnacle of extreme events for mountain biking and my goal is to attend the event later this October!

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: The Cadence Cafe (Nerang)
Restaurant: Mike’s Steak & Rib House (Worongary)
Bar or place for a drink: Tallai Golf Club
Beach: Burleigh

How do you choose to spend your days off?
When I’m not riding bikes I’m usually building and maintaining trails so they’re good to go when I can ride again!