Dylan CraneMountain biker, United States

What is your first memory of nature, and how would you describe the nature where you grew up?
I grew up on the river and in the CO and UT desert. My earliest memories outside are playing in the sand on the side of the Colorado River Very dry. It's a dusty and sandy playground out here.

What activities did you enjoy during your childhood?
I was much more of a skier as a child than I was a mountain biker. That was my obsession. MTB took over in my late teens.

What is your main activity and why do you love it?
My main activity is MTB. It brings the biggest smile to my face at times, as it has given me some of the most incredible opportunities around the world with the greatest people.

How old were you when you became passionate about this activity?
I started doing more mountain biking when I moved to Carbondale when I was about 13-14, and it really took off when I got to the age of 17-18, when I started doing well at races and could drive myself across the country to see new places and tracks.

What advice would you give to others who want to excel in this activity like you?
It's tough to narrow the advice down to just a couple of things, but I'd say one of the most important things is to pursue your interest and passion above all else. Nothing can beat that if you are trying to get good at something. Set logic aside for a bit; it will always be there when the time is right.

What tips and advice do you have for minimizing our footprint on the planet?
I think the only real way to minimize our impact in a capitalist-centered world is to make doing the right thing valuable. Making it popular to utilize recycled materials that last longer and aren't a single-use item, as well as finding ways to profit from cleaner energy and materials.

What adventures do you dream of undertaking in the future?
I'd really like to endlessly travel to all the places that aren't already known for their mountain biking and explore, and tell the stories. I am also very intrigued by this Norway sail to ride concept and would love to do that with Norrona. I would rather spend my money on experiences than things, and that is what I intend to do moving forward. Provide value to the brands that want to have their stories told globally.

Do you have a profession alongside your main activity? If so, tell us about it!
I also own and run my own marketing agency that works with other brands in the industry to showcase their products and services primarily through means of building the brands up around genuine expression.

What do you enjoy talking about with other people?
I actually find it difficult to talk to people about anything other than their grand ideas, plans for the future, potential business ideas, and cool projects that could be explored. I'd say I am very business and adventure oriented.

What book has made the biggest impression on you – and why?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck. I think there's truth in the idea that you can only allot so much of yourself to certain things. If you try to care about too much in life, it gets diluted, and you aren't truly engaging in whatever it is. Find the few things that matter the most to you and then go all in. Ignore the rest of the noise around you criticizing you on the things that aren't important to you.

Which three artists do you listen to the most – and why?
Odesza, Rufus Du Sol, and Tinlicker. I don't think there is a good way to describe how music makes a person feel. It's all so personal. It just gets me fired up and happy.

If you were to create your own life motto, what would it be?
I already have a life motto that I try to live by. Live a life worth sharing and inspire others along the way.