Candy Cranks

Name: Emily May

Nickname: Em

Star sign/Blood type: Cancer/No Idea

Birthday: July 4

Current city:  Sydney

What’s the bike scene like in Sydney for females?
To be honest, I don’t really associate with any ‘scene’ in particular. I have a few close riding mates, both male and female, who push and inspire me; other than that, I spend a lot of time riding solo. I make a point not to rely on a scene to keep me motivated to ride; as long as I have my bike(s) and some fun terrain to explore, I’m sorted. Having said that, I am inadvertently around a bunch of different bike scenes, and each of them have different gender dynamics going on. The fixie scene in Sydney can swing both ways; some times it can be a bit intimidating for girls, but other times it so incredibly welcoming. It really helps that there are a core group of awesome girls that ride fixed in Sydney. The XC and trial riding scene in Sydney is pretty male dominated, although there are a few girls I ride and race with who are really inspiring, and super friendly. But honestly, once I’m out in the bush I get so seduced by the trails that I forget about gender altogether. It’s only when you do the maths at the start of a race, and realise there are only five girls and about fifty guys that you realise there is a bit of a gender imbalance going on. The 4x and dual slalom scene is probably the most male dominated scene I’m connected to – there were only two of us who raced 4x in the women’s category at the state series this year – but the scene is so supportive it doesn’t really matter, everyone is just there for a good time. I think if it’s a girl-friendly bike scene you’re after, you can’t just sit around and wait for it to appear, you have to go out and create it. That’s why Candy Cranks is so incredible, because it creates a forum for girl bike riders to come together.

What’s your favourite ride right now?
‘Ride’ as in bike? It would have to be a close call between my recently modified giant anthem, which is currently doubling up as an XC and 4X bike, with sick new F110 fox forks and shiny pink brake cables, and my custom surly fixie, which is not only gorgeous to look at, but rides like a dream. ‘Ride’ as in route? That’s another close call – either the XC trail at Ourimbah (think beautiful flowing single track, littered with fun drop offs,  and lined with gum trees) or the La Perouse run, late at night, with a bunch of mates (think straight, un-interrupted road riding through the city outskirts, where views of the bay and lights guide you along in a glorious loop).

Favourite riding outfit: Definitely my new royal mountain biking shorts and jersey combo – they speak to my inner tomboy.

Favourite food: Macadamia muesli with natural yoghurt and banana – perfect riding fuel.

Favourite movie: I haven’t seen a movie in ages, but I did become incredibly addicted to the TV series, ‘The Wire’. It’s straight up drama, just how I like it; no embellishments, no cliches.

Favourite book: I’m not so much a fan of books, as I am a fan of zines. My favourite zine of all time is ‘fucktooth’; an incredible honest and captivating account of punk rock life in San Fransisco, written by Jen Angel.

What makes you laugh? Everything, I’m always laughing.

What makes you angry? When $ governs the state of play, leaving no room for compassion; when the majority calls the shots, leaving no room for the marginalised; when cars swerve all over the road, leaving no room for bike riders.

What are you listening to on your I-pod? Terror, Madball and Operation Ivy; among other short, fast and incredibly loud tunes.

Do you have any pets? Yes, Grips. He is a 5 year old Staffy that my partner and I recently rescued from a dog rescue organisation. He looks tough as nails, but is such a sook. He makes me smile, makes me cry, and reminds me that us humans are but one species in the awesome ‘circle of life’.

Sponsors: Ha, sponsors! I wish… Meg hooked me up with a Candy Cranks T-Shirt in exchange for my dodgy attempt to model her clothes, does that count?

Catch Emily on: The streets or in the bush. I created a facebook page once, but I found myself so busy living life, that I forgot to post anything.