The Kids Are Alright: Matilda "Tilly" Melton

The youth of today are the future of our sport, and we appreciate the fire these young rippers bring to the world. From freeride to XC, the youngsters are on fire and doing exciting things. The Kids Are Alright is a running column showcasing the up-and-comers who are keeping things fresh, dialed, sick, and whatever else the kids are saying these days. If you want to nominate someone, please, shoot me an email !

Tell our readers a little more about who you are and what type of rider you are?

My name is Matilda or Tilly Melton. I have raced most disciplines of mountain bikes and bmx racing but now focus on World Cup downhill.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Bellingham, Washington.

Where do you live now?

I live in Bellingham, Washington.

Age?

16

When did you find the love for the bike, and what made you stick with it?

I began racing BMX at age 2 and continued until I began mountain biking around age 11.

What is the earliest memory you have about bikes?

The earliest memory I have about bikes would be racing at the local BMX track with my dad when I was probably 4 or 5 years old. My first memory of Mountain Biking was when I was 11 and I had just got my first mountain bike; a blue Transition Ripcord. I was still pretty young and hadn't really Mountain Biked before, so my dad towed me up to the top of our local riding hill, Galbraith. At the time, I was still really into BMX racing but I was quite hooked on Mountain Bikes as well.

How vital is the support from family to keep racing? Would you be where you are today without them?

Support from my family is one hundred percent vital to continue racing. Without my parents I wouldn't be able to race the World Cups and travel to races all throughout America and Europe. My parents introduced me to biking from a young age, which I am super grateful for. Without them, I'm not sure I would be anywhere near where I am today, nonetheless racing at a high level.

Favorite Place to Ride?

My favorite place to ride is definitely at home in Bellingham, it is the best. It has been super cool getting to ride all over the world this year, but I like riding at home because I know the routes that I like and am super familiar with the trails. An added bonus is that I can ride with my buddies when I am at home.

Favorite Ride Snack?

Tough one, but probably meatsticks or the classic clif bar.

Do you ride with music, podcast?

I have never ridden with music or a podcast.

Current Soundtrack? Do you have a favorite album/song/playlist that gets you hyped?

I don't have a current soundtrack I like, as I have never been big on music.

First thing you do after a ride?

The first thing I do after a ride is always wash my bike and clean up my gear. That way everything is good to go for the next ride.

Do you have any post/pre-ride rituals?

I don't really have any out of the ordinary post or pre-ride rituals. I like to do a small dynamic warm up and check my tire/suspension pressures before I leave my house to ride.

Dream Event to Ride?

My dream event to ride in is the World Cup, so I am super stoked to be racing all the world cups this year!

Biggest Inspiration (This can be another rider or athlete, or anyone/anything)?

My biggest inspiration has always been Jill Kintner. I met Jill at a riding event when I was young, and have been a fan ever since. Now we ride together fairly often and I have learnt much of what I know from her. She is an incredible rider and I am super grateful for all the riding we have done together.

Favorite aspect of the sport?

My Favorite aspect of the sport is the personal challenge it brings and how addicting the progression can be. As a racer, I am constantly trying to go faster down the race tracks. I feel like the challenge of trying to ride the best you can brings this addicting kind of desire to become faster and faster and progress your riding.

Least Favorite Part of the Sport?

My least favorite part of the sport would have to be crashing. Although it is a large part of the sport, it always sucks. There can be takeaways from every crash, but in the moment it hurts most times both mentally and physically.

Favorite Non-Cycling Sport to Watch/Play?

My favorite non-cycling sport to play would probably be some sort of racket/paddle sport like Tennis, Ping Pong, or Pickleball. I don't really have a preference between those three. Hard question though because I mostly just ride my bike.

Greatest Achievement on the Bike?

My greatest achievement on the bike would likely be placing third in Elite at Crankworx Whistler DH. I was happy with my result at that race, and really proud of my run as well. I recently won the US National Champs for Junior, so I am really excited to wear the USA Sleeve. My best World Cup result has been 4th place at Fort William.

What are you looking forward to the most in the next 12 months?

In the next 12 months I'm most looking forward to finishing out my first World Cup season strong, and then spending some time at home. I am excited to pick back up my more consistent Winter training program of Gym and Riding. Next year, I am hoping to be back racing the World Cup for my second Junior year.

Anyone you want to thank or give a special shoutout?

I would like to give a shoutout to Lars from Transition for supporting me since I was a young kid getting into DH racing. Lars started the Transition Factory program last year and I am proud to be a part of the team. His support means so much to me and it has been really cool to be riding for the same brand that I had my first Mountain Bike sponsorship with 4 years ago. Of course my Parents as well, they are very supportive and introduced me to biking at a young age.