Interview With Aaron Dobler

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Aaron Dobler, I am 42 years of age. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada. For the past 13 years I have been a Mobile Crane Operator. I have had many jobs before that. A few of those were Bike Demos, Bike Mechanic, Surveyor, Drafter, Coach, Baker, and various Equipment/Maintenance/Delivery and warehouse type work. In my youth, I was in competitive gymnastics, diving, and tumbling. These things definitely helped with all other sports in my life! I also enjoy motorised toys. I have a KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo. Which is my pride and joy. Haven’t had this one for long, but I hope to get to the track this year! I also dabble in moto trials. I have a Beta 300 2t. I occasionally get on that and mess around, but my main focus with my spare time is definitely bike trials. I have two boys, Alexander and William, and my wonderful wife Samantha. We live out of town on an acreage. It makes for a bit more freedom, and relaxation (well, mentally anyway). I also have my own trials park.

How long have you been riding bike trials? What is your riding level?

I have been riding bike trials for 21 years now. But I have a pretty extensive MTB background before that. Raced XC for 5 years, Downhill for 4. Freeride/Jibbing/Street for 4 years as well. In North America I generally ride in Elite category. Overseas I would be riding Expert.

How did you discover bike trials and how did you get started? What age were you when you started?

The Freeride movement around 2000 kind of paved the way for my direction in trials. Whether it was XC/ DH/ Freeride/ Steet, I CRAVED the technical moves and lines. If you could add flow to the technical lines, it just made it all so much sweeter. Also around that time, random TV shows would have Hans Rey, or Ryan Leech. It was always captivating seeing the discipline I was working my way towards without even knowing it was a thing! Once I found out it was Trials, I did everything I could to find people, rides, and content. Jeff Lenosky’s segments in the New World Disorder films were very influential to me as a street rider at the time, on my transition into trials. I was 21 when I picked up my first trials bike. A used GT Team trials mod. Was a piece of junk unfortunately. Got a used Echo ES 1 shortly after that. Broke it in a month. Decided I might need to start with some new equipment. Then picked up a Zoo Pitbull 26″ from TartyBikes. Which I found out just last year, that they must have opened not long before that. Cool to see they lasted the test of time!

How would you define/describe “bike trials” in your own words to someone who never heard of it?

Describing bike trials to a random person on the street, or at work would be something like; “I ride my bike over difficult obstacles without putting my feet down. Can be rocks, logs, cars, houses, construction equipment, etc.” and as I keep making up odd things I watch their face for a reaction, haha.

What type of bike trials riding do you prefer and where do you like to ride?

My preferred style would be on a comp bike but making it flowy, tech, and playful at the same time. Obstacle preference is anything, but it’s always better if you can link moves. When it comes to moves I try not to have a favorite, cause I want to learn it all and be proficient. But, I would say my up to front tire is pretty dialed most of the time. Group ride is also quite important to me. I am very hard on myself riding solo. Burn myself out mentally and physically. Group ride gives me a chance to have a breath, and watch/coach/council/or talk shop with the guys. Location for ride doesn’t matter if I’m on a group ride. If I am riding solo, it needs to be about training and progression, so I need obstacles to suit what I plan to master. Wherever that happens to be.

Why do you ride bike trials and what keeps you motivated to keep riding?

In simple terms, I ride trials because it brings me focus and joy. The more complicated side of it would be summed up as the small wins, which are sometimes big wins. Which applies to the motivation part. Basically, I ride around. Scope out obstacles. Use my imagination to see lines. Calculate. Try. Try again. Repeat. At my current level. Many things are first try. So I will add style or mix up the technical side of it. If the obstacle is MASSIVE. More training/gym/confidence building may be required. But the beauty of this sport is when a line you saw 15 years ago, that seemed impossible, but looked so perfect. Maybe even for the elite Euros at the time. And you roll up one day, take a look, and go “I can do this” and smash it out first go. The feel of empowerment after that is like nothing else. Pure bliss.

What other styles of cycling do you do? How has trials helped you improve your skills in those other biking disciplines (and vice versa)?

I kind of faded from my MTB roots. But I take my boys out for MTB rides. We have very good singletrack in the river valleys near us. I still feel quite confident on the MTB but my skills now reflect more of my trials side. Trials always helps in terms of balance and it gives a bonus of slow speed physics, and some moves involving a bit of momentum that you wouldn’t have used before. You can also put on a demo on a picnic table and blow all the normal MTB minds.

How often do you ride trials? What sort of routine do you have for practice versus riding for fun versus making edits, etc. – how much time is dedicated to each?

From April to October I try to ride as much as possible. But life does get in the way. I would say 1-4 times a week for a couple hours. From November to March it can be once a week to once every few weeks. We have been lucky the last couple years, because we have an indoor skatepark to mess around in, but they are closing down soon unfortunately.

What’s the bike trials scene like near you? How many other riders are there? Do you have regular group rides? Comps?

Our Edmonton bike scene is pretty strong. Many have come and gone, but our core group is 6 riders, with maybe another 6 that come randomly. Red Deer area (1.5 hrs south) has a few riders that we still communicate with and they show up for random “Alberta” rides. Calgary (3 hrs south) used to be the big scene in Alberta, but they are probably around 4 regulars, and maybe the same in randoms. Lethbridge (6 hrs south) had 4 riders at one point. But I haven’t heard from any of those guys for many years. There are also other riders scattered randomly throughout the province, but we can’t always make the schedule or long drives happen. The Province of Saskatchewan to the east used to have a group, but they have gone on to other sports I believe (correct me if I’m wrong boys!). Next would be Kamloops in British Columbia, an 8.5 hr drive. They have a small group of riders. The next closest group is 13 hrs away in Vancouver. They have the biggest concentration of riders, and even a public Trials Park! Occasionally we have a comp. Hasn’t been for a few years now. I usually setup the event in my area. I was trying to organise a date that worked for everyone last year, but it didn’t happen. Felix Lee put on many events near Red Deer, and Dave Herr did a couple in Calgary. The rain or shine or snow events here can make things pretty interesting. Generally the Canadian competitions are all in Vancouver now. Either at the Trials park, or the Canadian Pacific Trials Association (Moto trials land lease area). Or our eastern riders need to send out some invites. Wink* wink*.

As you can see from the drive distances, just like the U.S., we are very spread apart. Which makes events difficult.

You live in Canada where the winters can be pretty cold to say the least. Do you do any winter trials riding? Where do you ride?

The winter here does suck. We have been pretty lucky the past couple years. It has been pretty mild. May get an occasional warm week or day from the Chinook blowing over. Sometimes we can get outside. But our cold snaps as we like to say, can get down to -40 C which is also -40 F. And a wind chill can take it way below that. Imagine going outside and your eyelids freeze together almost instantly. Yes, I know… Why do I live here?! Because the summers are so nice you forget about why you should have moved. Haha. Like I have said to some trials friends in warmer climate, the winter hardens you. Makes every ride count, your effort increased. The guys who want it, want it more, because it’s just that much more precious. We don’t take a nice day for granted. There is a location that has helped with the winter blues. House of Wheels. An indoor skate park. Keeps us warm and has space to practice our basics, and transition comp bikes to slippery ramps and floors. A few of us dabble on the street rigs, too.

How do you manage fear when doing new/bigger moves or lines?

Managing fear is a growing issue. Must be an age thing, or experience. Haven’t decided yet. It’s also easy to say “clear your mind, and focus” but that can be the hardest thing to do sometimes. I pretend I’m in a competition if I am having focus issues. But my personal drive allows that to work. It’s amazing what saying “30 seconds left” in your head can do. If I am having a stressful week, or I am in a competition. I do the opposite. Think about a chill group ride and “you are going to show them this sweet move”, or something along those lines. For a couple moves. Gaps and sidehops for example. Always visualize landing past or over if you are pushing the limit. Can usually squeeze out a couple more inches. The best way is to make incremental changes and keep adding height or distance. Then practice enough to where you can almost do it blindfolded. Then take it to the source. Where you are actually flying over danger. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it. You won’t have your power delivery/timing set and will likely fail, unless your obstacle allows for a hook save, or somewhere to bail. When it comes to technical moves, you just have to break it down. Do part of the move or action, then add some more. Trials is the balance of power and timing. You just need to practice to figure it out. Don’t forget bike maintenance either. If you can’t trust your equipment, that is bad. Some of my worst crashes were due to failing parts.

What are your personal goals with respect to trials (near-term and long-term)?

My personal goals… This is the hardest question on here… When I am on the bike. My mind goes wild with potential, goals and wanting to try out new things, etc. When I am off the bike, the drag of time, money, work, family, body maintenance, recovery, bike maintenance, family bike maintenance, winter makes the “reality” seem kind of grim. I just try to generalise now, cause specific goals might end up being a let down when the rest of life gets in the way. So my short term goals. TRY to keep somewhat of a fitness schedule (work likes to mess with this) and aim to go to every event that is financially possible. Or plan for one extravagant bike trip, and work on being prepared, so it’s not a waste of money based on bad performance. Long term is to try to keep up my ability till I am dead. I love this sport too much to give up. Even if I am 75 and still messing around on a curb, cause that’s all I can do. I will be a happy man.

Who are your bike trials ‘heroes’ and/or influences? Favorite trials video(s)?

I would say my biggest influence was Thomas Remvik Aasen. His Echo videos were my training videos. I had nobody to learn from basically. Surpassed the local older group in my first month, and I needed more. The fact TRA was a few years in on his riding career made it easier for me to learn from, compared to watching the UCI Euros who had moves so dialed, that you couldn’t break down the movement as well. Also finding videos back then was much different as well. Like most people, any of the top 10 UCI or BIU riders are ALWAYS inspiring. Just thought that should be mentioned. All heroes. My current inspiration for the past few years has been Charlie Rolls hands down. Mainly for his style, which is exactly what I always aimed for. Even had a few of “his” moves before I saw him doing it. The kid is Legendary. It’s so refreshing that he is also humble, great ambassador, coaching, and keeps good sportsmanship as well. Favorite trials videos is a tough one, now that the world is made up of 30 second shorts. I would say one that hits home for a hot summer night of urban riding when the city is asleep is “The real night in Prague” with Petr Kraus and Jara Spesny. Kind of the good old days feel. For more recent videos I would say “Mind 1” from Mindcontrol trials. He did an excellent job on that edit. Both are on YouTube if people haven’t seen them.

What are your perspectives on the trials biking scene in general and in North America in particular?

The bike trials scene seems to be on a positive trend. It’s definitely getting bigger in some countries. I find the more “relaxed” street culture has definitely been more dominant. I assume mainly because more can relate to it when starting out. I do have a bit of a problem with that, but it’s only my personal opinion/experience (not trying to offend anyone) my problem is, the street bike is kind of a crutch. It’s the in the middle make things feel good/possible, without putting the work in to do it properly. The geo is setup to make the direction changes easy on both ends, manuals/up to front. Etc. But, because of that you don’t learn to commit, or dive over the front, or develop technique to have enough power to pull a manual on a long comp bike. It’s the “everything” bike that’s bad at everything so to speak. You cannot create leverage like a more specific trials bike. There are obviously amazing riders out there who can prove my statement wrong. But, grab 1000 non competing/demo riders from around the world, and try the same. The fact I had many “trials street” moves on a MTB before trials is part of my reasoning too. Huge props to those hardworking street guys out there. No disrespect, just talking about the general public. The North American scene is the same story that is has been since I was part of it. We are all too far away from each other. Communities fall and rise due to life or individuals. Bentonville could be a subject on its own. I love what Kenny has done for the sport, the attention, the town he chose, and so on. What I dislike is it took the essence away from NATS. We no longer ride in epic places around the U.S. I didn’t even really care for the event. It was the after ride and friendships that built from it. Made it more of a community. Not visitors from over seas. Also that Bentonville is 28 hrs of driving away, or over $3000 CAD (flights and cheapest possible lodging) for a long weekend to attend. Big Shout out to Michael Friddell for all of his work with the events through the years and now. Setting up comps seems to end up being a solo effort. I should also add Mike Baia on here for a big shout out. Without him the west coast trials in Canada would not be what it is. Guy single-handedly put on comps for many years.

What would you like to see happening in North America with respect to bike trials?

Things I would like to see in North America is cheaper travel prices. So I can visit you guys! Haha. I just like to see interest and progression in everyone. So satisfying seeing people complete their goals or learn a new move. More effort from communities to maybe put on an event. Or even just a BBQ. But there needs to be some notice for people further away. So they can potentially make a weekend of it or bring the family for a vacation and have that bike day as part of it. And to all the guys than never put the effort in to go to the next town over, or do an event once in a while. Make that step. You will like it in the end.

Any interesting / funny / crazy bike trials stories or experiences you can share?

I used to drive down to Olds, a couple hours south. Then carpool with my friend Felix Lee to Vancouver after work on a Friday. Drive through the night. Get to Mike Baia’s place. Have a nap on the couch in the basement for an hour or two. Wake up, help Mike set sections. Ride the comp. Ride the after ride. Have a sleep, then drive home Sunday morning and try to normalise for the work week on your Sunday sleep. 13 hr drive one way. Still surprised we made it home every time… The other ones I like to call “adventures with Dave” (Dave Herr). Basically they all sum up to us getting screwed by taxis or trains and we end up walking across a city in Europe or China completely lost. I made it onto Canada’s Got Talent in 2011, which kind of surprised me. Mainly because Trevor Bodogh had media strength in Toronto, Jeff Anderson and Steve Dickin who were also accomplished demo riders had a solid routine, and the “last minute” entry of John Webster. Our Champion at the time, put on an amazing display in his yard. But they chose my demo, and I made it onto the air. Unfortunately the show had some issues and they removed basically everything off the internet. Not sure why. I do have a bootleg copy of my episode somewhere I think.

Looks like you’ve traveled to some pretty amazing places to ride trials. What are some of the locations you’ve visited to ride trials? Which is your favorite trials destination? Why is it your favorite?

For riding locations on this continent I have been to the lower third of B.C., Lower half of Alberta, Toronto Area. Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Connecticut, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Barcelona area in Spain, Buthiers and Paris in France, various locations through the United Kingdom, Capetown area in South Africa, and Guizhou province and Beijing in China. My favorite trials destination of those is Cape town area in South Africa. It just has a certain vibe and unlimited riding or whatever skill you want to work on. Maybe travelling to the opposite side of the planet has something to do with it. Generally I have good company as well.

You’re a father. Do your kids ride trials also? How do you kindle their interest in riding trials (or learning trials skills for other disciplines)?

My children do ride trials. It has been a hard balance of just putting them on a bike and lightly challenging them to do things. Trying to get them to have the interest. Not me forcing it on them. I was forced to do all kinds of activities in my youth and I hated it. They are a lot like me, so I try to cater to them, knowing well that if they aren’t pushed to a certain level, that potential future of world champ will be out of reach. But those are just fatherly pipe dreams. They can choose their own path. I am just happy they like to come on rides with me and my friends. Everyone has a good time. My oldest, 14 years old now, has a bit of the bug. He is actively trying to learn new skills. And the youngest, 9 years old, is trying to be part of, and likes attention. I give each as much as they need. Maybe too much, to where I see they are frustrated, but don’t want to tell me to screw off. Then I ask if they want to mess around on their own. We had the occasional split rides on MTB with one kid, if the other was busy, and I pushed each of them to challenge themselves with that. It didn’t work for a couple years because of the age gap, but now the 9 yr old can ride most trails without an issue. So we all go together. I believe both trials and MTB have important fundamentals that enhance each discipline.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start bike trials or has just started?

Focus, commit, have fun, don’t give up. Biggest one is ride with a group better than you. You learn so much, so much faster. Also, shin pads. You don’t want legs like mine.

What have I forgotten to ask you about trials & your experiences that we should cover here?

I mentioned some shoutouts before, but I would like to share some to the older riders, or people who shouldn’t give up. I mainly say this because I have seen comments on Benito, or Vincent clips about how they are old and not a threat basically. Maybe just keep that to yourself. I have seen amazing riders quit trials with lesser comments from peers or other riders. It’s sad. I am in between Benito and Vincent for age and I still feel like I have lots of room to progress and even get stronger. I landed my first backflip onto hard ground a few weeks ago, and still break my records occasionally. So it’s not over till it’s over! From an “old” guy. Also, thanks to my friends for photo and mental support!

Anything else about bike trials that you’d like to share?

I really like how the comp bike geo has gotten to where it is. Echo not being around has really taken away from people starting, or making a price point to entering the sport. The current manufacturers should probably work on that a bit. Maybe add options for weight class or performance levels on components like cranks. I shouldn’t be putting cracks in a set of cranks in 3 months. Same goes for quality control. Make sure your product is square/fits/interface is good. When someone pays hundreds of dollars on just shipping to have a garbage product. It gets pretty frustrating.

How do people find you online?

Trialsinmachine on Instagram is the best way to find me. I don’t use Facebook or YouTube very often.

Who is the one North American bike trials rider (any skills level) that you think I should interview?

I think Tony Hong (port.moody.trials.park on IG) to get the perspective of some talented youth, in an old fart dominated sport.