Our family has grown for 2021 and we’re excited to announce our partnership with professional enduro racer Lewis (Lew) Buchanan. Living and riding in the wet and muddy valleys of Innerleithen, Scotland, Lew is the perfect rider to put our products through their paces. He’ll be hitting the road to tackle the EWS and grow his YouTube channel this season and we’ll be cheering him on along the way. Welcome to the Squad, Lew!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Scottish, reserved, mountainbiker.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What’s the “CliffsNotes” version of your life story?
I was born in Edinburgh, began riding at around 8 years old and then started racing at 11 years old. I turned professional at 16 years old and riding/racing bikes has been my full time job ever since. I’m very stoked on the life I live and get to experience. Riding bikes is all I know and I’m good with that!
What makes you tick? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The chance to seize the day and make the most of it. I think life is crazy short and time does not hang around, so I am motivated to make the most of my training and riding, which helps me become better at my job. I just want to live my life to the fullest and enjoy it.
When did you start mountain biking and what was the progression like? Were you hooked from the start?
I think I started riding when I was about 8 or 9 years old. It was a slow progression of skill and speed but there was a point where I ended up just getting faster and more skilled, like almost naturally just through riding so, so much and having lots of fun. I loved it so much and to this day I still get such a buzz from it.
What are some of your bike related goals?
I have my eyes on winning the final round of the EWS this year in my hometown. I really just want to put my best foot forward and do the best I can and I’ll be happy. I’m also excited to ride in plenty of different locations this year, experience new trails and meet other shredders. A super important one is to maintain and build my relationships with all my current sponsors for the future and keep those going.
What are some of your life goals?
Honestly my life goal is to move to, and live in, British Columbia. It’s a dream of mine and my other half, and I think we are driven and motivated enough to make it a reality at some point very soon.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not riding bikes?
I enjoy reading now and then and playing xbox with my friends is pretty good fun too and something completely different. Spending time with my girlfriend, taking trips and hiking, is a great mind clearer. Spending time with family is also awesome as I don't get to do that much during the season.
What’s your absolute favorite thing about riding bikes?
The happiness it brings me!
What’s your least favorite thing about riding bikes?
Where I live… You pretty much have to wash your bike and gear head to toe after every single ride. It wears on ya mentally haha!
How do you hope to add to, or improve, the bike community?
I just really try and be authentic and myself for my audience and sponsors. I work closely with my sponsors to help progress their products. I give insight to everyone about what I do and share my experiences to hopefully get more people into riding bikes.
What’s your current music of choice? Do you have any songs, artists, or playlists that you’re hooked on?
I have always listened to old school rap. But I’m really into Disclosure right now. That's my go to!
Do you have any moments or memories of riding bikes that stand out from the rest?
In all honesty, not really. I’ve had so many awesome experiences and many races that have been amazing, and they all seem very equal as far as being a great time. I love what I do and I try to have fun with everything I do.
Are you currently working on any projects that you’d like people to keep an eye out for? What can you tell us about it/them without spilling the whole secret?
Depending on travel restrictions this year, all going well I have some trips planned to British Columbia, Canada and Madeira for some filming and YouTube videos on my own channel. I’m pretty excited to work on something with PNW, so I’m sure we’ll brainstorm and come up with something spicy!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to say a big thanks to Reilly and everyone at PNW. I’m stoked that they wanted me onboard this year and I’m thrilled to be a part of the family. Let’s get it crew.
Want to follow Lew on social media? Check out his Instagram account for shredding clips and multiple updates per week and subscribe to his YouTube channel for a deeper look into the life of an EWS racer.