In 2015 she moved up to Surrey to live with her boyfriend, who races downhill. She gave it a go, fell in love with the sport and hasn’t looked back. They went on a big adventure in the summer of 2016: they packed the car with a tent and their bikes and drove to France, Italy and Switzerland.
Rhianna decided this year that she wanted to race. Trying to fit riding in her busy life as a trainee nurse is hard, but she is determined to shred the trails as much as she can. Her first race was last Sunday, where she took 4th place.
You live an adventurous life full of mountain biking and exploring the trails. How did you get into these activities?
I was brought up by a super adventurous dad, with a childhood full of bikes and long forest walks… so I guess my love for adventure is just in my blood!
I began motocross at a young age, again because my dad and step-mum were awesome enough to give me that opportunity! I was always brought up with a ‘give it a go’ attitude: meaning I’m totally up for trying anything out! My love for mountain biking started after meeting my boyfriend a few years ago.. he raced downhill and I just couldn’t resist! I was lucky enough to meet someone with as much of a passion for adventure as I have!
How have these adventure activities made a positive impact on your life?
Nothing but positivity has come from riding bikes! I’ve gotten more fit, made loads of new friends and have so much fun!
Nothing but positivity has come from riding bikes! I’ve gotten more fit, made loads of new friends and have so much fun!
Where do you call home? What are some of your favorite spots for mountain biking there?
Home will always be wherever my family is. I intend on traveling the world with my boyfriend and when we return ‘home’ it’ll always be to see them. My favourite local spot has to be Surrey Hills; there’s loads of different trails there, giving me the chance to practice pretty much everything!
What keeps you coming back to the sport of mountain biking?
I just couldn’t imagine not riding now! As I said, nothing but positivity has come from riding, so I just can’t stop. I get such a buzz when I accomplish something that I couldn’t before; it’s just the best feeling!
Congrats on placing fourth in your first race! What was it like racing for the first time?
Thank you! It was such a awesome day. I absolutely loved it! I must admit, as soon as It got to my first race run, I could feel my heart beat in my head. I was so nervous! As soon as I started riding, I completely forgot about that though, the crowd was unreal. I could hear my name being shouted, cheering and banging… it was such a buzz!
What are your goals in the sport of mountain biking and racing?
I really want to keep racing; I just loved it so much. I want to get faster as I climb up that leader board and push myself to improve!
When you are not shredding the trails, what are some other activities you like to do?
We like go away a lot. If we have a weekend off work, we may just jump in the car and head off to Wales, Devon, Bath, Dorset…. anywhere really!
We’ll try anything we can: surfing, river rafting… you name it!
What are some of the most memorable stories or achievements from your travels and adventures?
I have so many amazing memories from our adventures. One of my favs has to be getting in the car, packing a tent and bikes and leaving for our ‘Euro adventure;’ we drove to France, Italy and Switzerland …. it was unbelievable.
I always smile thinking about the first time I smashed pleney red in Morzine. The time we went white river rafting in Alp Dhuez and swimming in lake Montrond!
My favorite achievement is when I cycled the London to Brighton bike ride. That was a massive thing for me to achieve!
We at This Adventure Life want our readers to live life fearlessly in the pursuit of living their ideal life. What would your advice be for someone who wants to live fearlessly and pursue their wildest dreams?
The only thing I would say is “just go for it.” If you don’t, you’ll regret it. The memories you make will last forever!!
Where is your next big adventure (and what will you be doing)?
Our next adventure will be another ‘Euro adventure’ next summer. We’ll explore the countries, stopping to race mountain of hell and mega avalanche! The year after we’re going to do a season with the bikes in Whistler, Canada. We cannot wait to explore the beautiful country and see what the world has to offer!
Follow her on Instagram – @rhianna.silsby
At This Adventure Life we celebrate the lives and stories of the people who live life fearlessly. #livefearlessly