We catch up with Newcomer of the Year Morgan Pickstock and his sister Ffi to find out how they got so good, so fast
Words Peter Kneen Pics Laurence Crossman-Emms
The rain drumming down on the roof of the car doesn’t fill us with a great amount of enthusiasm. In stark contrast, it’s clear to see how thrilled both Morgan and Ffion Pickstock are to be riding their bikes, even in a downpour. Asked which of them would be more likely to suggest going riding in the rain, Morg excitedly calls out: “Me!”
Watching them warm up on the small tabletops and doubles at the top of Farmer John’s MTB Park, just outside Manchester, it’s obvious these guys can ride. The way they move their bikes underneath them and the confidence they have in the air speaks of hours of practice, not to mention more than a hint of natural talent. In fact, it’s hard to believe Morg and Ffi are aged just 15 and 12, respectively. We’re interested to know what got them into this sport, and how it’s quickly become such a massive part of their young lives.
As Morg put his pads on in the back of the van, he explains that, just before lockdown, the whole family had matching Carrera hardtails, which they’d ride on the green and blue cross-country trails at OnePlanet Adventure in Llandegla, near their home in North Wales. “My uncle asked me once, ‘have you tried the black?’,” explains Morg. “I said, ‘no’, and so then I just had to try it!”
From then on, both Morg and Ffi had the MTB bug. They’d head out on the hill near their home in Holywell in all weathers, riding and pushing their bikes to the limit. “I loved lockdown!” Morg exclaims. “I just rode bikes and skateboards! We’d make jumps where Dad was working. It was so fun.” “They were ready to go to work before I was!” their dad, Ian, adds.
Prepared for take-off
We move down the hill to ride some of the larger lines at the bike park. The weather has made the claggy soil super-slick, but both Ffi and Morg rail the steep switchback turns effortlessly, with enviable confidence. This is made all the more impressive by the fact Ffi is riding her dirt jump bike, with only a back brake and tyres better suited to the dry plywood of an indoor skatepark than the sopping conditions of the day.
It doesn’t take long to realise what really fires these guys up to ride – jumps! Their eyes light up at the mere mention of shooting photos on some, and Morg is noticeably disappointed when we find out that the largest hits in the slopestyle area
