Recently I happened to come across a YouTube video by a guy called Jonathan Wilkins.
Jon is an everyday guy who lives in the US. He is a mountain biker, runner, camper and loves a good beer.
He has a daughter called Sara who is mad about football (soccer), is an active outdoorswoman and keen musician.
Jon has been uploading short videos on YouTube for 10 years. When he first started out in 2010, he uploaded one video per month. His videos range from 11 seconds to 7 minutes and they document everyday life moments – family outings, work commutes, football highlights, music jams and Sara at various stages of growing up.
In 2019, it looks like Jon set himself a challenge to upload one video per day for the whole year. Each video is no longer than 1 minute.
The video that caught my eye was from Jon’s 2019 collection. It was the title that got my attention first. It was called Day 89: Fairy Houses and Mountain Bikes.
It features his daughter Sara working on a fairy house and then the pair going for a ride in the woods. Perfect!
When I watched this video, it made me smile.
This video has it all – simple pleasures, whimsical creative play, celebrating everyday moments, quality father-daughter time, trying new things (thrills, spills) and getting outdoors – and of course bikes!
I also love the juxtaposition of fairy houses and MTB –very original!
It always makes me so happy to see MTB dads getting out with their daughters/kids on bikes – and Jon not only does that, but also incorporates Sara’s interest in the Fairy House into the video as well. GOLD!
This video spoke to me of connection, fun, action, playfulness, diversity and inclusion.
Which is what riding bikes is all about for most riders.
I like watching MTB videos (like on Pink Bike) and appreciate the beautiful cinematography, scenery, skills and soundtracks. But equally, I can be turned off by how polished, white, male, elite rider centric most of the videos are.
I prefer videos that show a wider range of MTB experiences – like riders of all shapes, sizes, places, colours, ages and skills.
And having a twist – and the Fairy House is a great addition. I have seen a few ‘creative’ things on the side of MTB trials – why not MTB fairy houses. Why so serious?
It is also great to see the more experienced male riders – and dads in particular – genuinely encouraging more young girls/daughters to ride more.
Yup, it makes me smile.
We definitely need more videos, men, dads and riders like Jon (and Sara).
Happy riding all!
All images courtesy of Jonathon Wilkins video (see above).