I have a *big* problem with Pinkbike.

Let's keep things positive! Let me know who your favorite smaller MTB content creator is below. I'd love to check them out!

Good on you, Ryan. It's a good thing YouTube's algorithm can't tell the difference between people having fun, and people doing "the real thing". Or else I'd be pretty screwed.

Great response, Ryan! Nearly a decade ago, we launched this channel with the aim of combating elitism and gatekeeping within the mountain bike community. I started my career focused on creating shreddits for professional riders from behind the camera. It took five years for me to recognize that I deserved to step in front of the lens and that my abilities were indeed sufficient. Beyond skill, what truly mattered was the joy that bicycles brought me and the stories they allowed me to share. Every individual has a narrative worth sharing. Don't allow the "holier-than-thou" crowd to diminish your efforts. Pursue your passion and excel at it! #morebuttsonbikes - Matt Dennison, professional bumbler of trails.

First, Weird thing to say from someone who started out on GMBN. And second, I started riding at 49. Since I have no friends that ride mountain bikes pretty much everything I learned was from these "small time non-racer youtube creators". I started riding for health reasons. You guys literally saved my life. And I'm thankful for it everyday.

Wow, thanks for this Ryan. We indeed all start somewhere. There’s a lot of bullying that goes on in the bike industry and it’s nice to see folks speaking out.

Pinkbike's Friday Fails wouldn't exist without 'em...

Inclusivity, not exclusivity. ❤

I am 46yr old and very much new to MTB, So far I have recorded every ride I have made and hearing comments like this has made me want to post them. I think it is important for noobs like me to see where other people started from instead of just seeing seasoned shredders in every video. Seeing someone being reluctant at first to lean the bike into a berm or having timing issue's on jumps just like I am having is really important. Thank you so much @TheLoamRanger for being such a stand up classy guy. Much love from Fayetteville, AR

“Stand Up to the Jump” is possibly the single most useful “dance” video on MTB YouTube. I’d venture that simple video with a simple concept helped more people than any other.

I would never want to be a racer, and I also don't even care enough to be a pro freerider either, because the injuries just aren't worth it for me! I much prefer to express myself as a rider and video creator instead! I quite like making videos that people enjoy :)

Spot on Ryan. I do find it strange that Pinkbike, debatably the largest MTB publication, is so out of touch with a massive segment of the community.

Yes Ryan, bravo. I've always loved making inclusive content and being positive for the exact reasons you mention. I want people to enjoy my favourite thing as much as I do - doesn't matter whether old, young, male, female, novice or expert. Really pleased you made this video - mountain biking is inclusive, and there is far too much negativity out there that doesn't do anyone any good. 👏

As someone who bumbles down trails and posts it on YouTube sometimes, I greatly appreciate this video. Thank you for saying it on such a big platform. Also, you nailed it about trail recon. The only reason I started making videos was because there weren't really any other videos of the trails in my area at the time. I'm not fit, I'm not a great mountain biker, a "content creator", or an "influencer". I just like to ride bikes and sometimes make videos.

Love the positive message here man! Thanks for sharing.

Great video Ryan! The "watch me walk it" clip made me laugh because I make a point of including moments when I'm not feeling comfortable and decide to walk a feature or take the ride around. And you know what? People appreciate it because it makes them feel more comfortable doing the same.

Actually, it was stumbling onto your so called “bumbling” 2017 and prior videos that inspired me to get back into mountain biking after a five year hiatus. I’ve found loads more usefulness and enjoyment from all of you content creators than from Pinkbike. So a big THANK YOU to you and all of you content creators for what you do! Don’t loose sleep over these guys!

Everyone that’s ever recognized me out on the trails has always been thankful and appreciative of the videos I’ve put out. The goal has never been to become famous or to put myself on a pedestal, but to provide an honest and authentic experience from someone who loves riding bikes.

Small creators FTW! Watching Matty Active go from a guy who stumbled into biking while delivering packages to making highly polished, fun, interesting videos while seeing him grow as a rider has been amazing. I’ve always told people, don’t wait until you think you’re good enough to start making videos. Make videos now, because the people that are going to be the most invested in your story are starting at the same spot you are.

As a small (tiny) content creator, man this felt amazing hearing you say this, Ryan. I am not the best rider, even out of my friends, but I love this sport and I want to share it as much as I can. The care, and the bravery it took to send this and “go up against” one the, if not the absolute biggest players in the game is huge. Thank you, sir. I appreciate you so much.

Well said! I consider myself an average to possibly below average rider and I've had many people come up to me to say they appreciate my videos because it shows them that they CAN do it themselves. If only pro riders made videos, everyone would be scared to even try! Kind of a short sighted approach for them to take.