LOCALS: Emma Atkinson

24 March 2014  |  

In this week's LOCALS feature we catch up with University student Emma Atkinson from the Scottish Highlands along with her Specialized Status.

Name: Emma Atkinson
Location: Scottish Highlands
Job: Student
Bike: Specialized Status I, Cove Stiffee, Giant Avail.

How long have you been riding?
I have been riding trail centres since I was quite little but began riding downhill about 5-6 years ago.

How often do you ride?
At the moment not very often, I'm lucky if I get out once/twice a week as I'm pretty busy finishing off my degree, but this will all change in about seven weeks and I'll be riding as many days as is physically possible!

What bike are you currently riding and talk us through your set up?
Specialized have hooked me up with their Status I for this year which is great! I'm running the out of box factory set up just now with an X-Fusion Vector rear shock and Vengeance forks. Currently on Avid Elixer brakes but will be swapping to Hope into the race season. Lizard Skin Lock on Charger grips too (in bright pink of course!), planning to do more pimping throughout the year, depending on the student loan status!

What types of riding do you normally do?
Downhill competitively but lots of road and all mountain stuff during training time. I also enjoy some skatepark time...but I'm not very good at all!

What was the last new bit of gear on your bike?
The whole thing is still pretty new! But Lizard Skins kitted me out recently with their Lock on Charger grips and I'll be getting some new team decals for 2:1 Racing soon which will be really cool!

What's your favourite part on your bike?
I'm still getting used to the beast but I'm absolutely loving the forks which are extremely impressive on the downhill, even though they are slightly smaller than your usual downhill suspension choice!

What are your local trails?
At uni I ride at Kinnoul in Perth, Falkland and Dunkeld mainly. When I'm back home there are some great home made trails about 20 minutes from my house, which are pretty perfect if you like very steep corners and loads of roots.

LOCALS

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