The Kids Are Alright: Tayte Proulx-Royds

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

Hi, I’m Tayte!! I’m a competitive Mountain Biker/Athlete from BC. I’d say I’m a multidisciplinary cyclist and a rider that has raced all disciplines, and when I put my mind to it, I feel like I can do anything. But by far, my favourite discipline in MTB racing is definitely DH!

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Calgary, Alberta but have lived in Kelowna, BC for a majority of my life and I’m still living and loving it here in Kelowna!

How old are you?

I’m 15 years old

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

I’ve always been on a bike for as long as I can remember but I really found a passion for it around 2019 when I started racing my first downhill races!

What is the earliest memory you have of bikes?

I wouldn’t call it a great memory but my first major bike memory was when I took my first big crash at a skatepark in Nelson, BC when I was around 3 years old, that memory is definitely gonna be stuck with me for life!

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

Having my family behind my back every step of the way in my journey in biking has been amazing, I really would be no where without my families support and help, it doesn’t matter what the situation is, my family is always there for me and I couldn’t do it without them!

Favorite place to ride?

My favorite riding spot always has been and always will be Silverstar Bikepark in Vernon, BC. I’ve made so many amazing memories with friends and family up there and had more fun there than I have anywhere else, so definitely Silverstar!

Favorite ride snack?

My favourite ride snack is actually shortbread cookies. It’s definitely a little different from an average ride snack, but it works for me, especially on long ride days!

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

I have way too much music to choose from but some of my favourite songs are from artists like SZA, Dominic fike, frank ocean and so many more!

What is the first thing you do after a ride?

The first thing I do after a ride is take a shower and hop in our pool and get some good food!

Do you have any post/pre-ride rituals?

I don’t really have any pre/post ride rituals I just go with the flow!

Dream event to ride?

It’s hard to choose just one event to call my dream event, but I’m definitely aiming for World Cup DH in the next couple years but I’d say my dream event is the olympics but unfortunately DH mountain biking hasn’t made the cut quite yet for the Olympic line up.

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

I would say my biggest inspiration to do the best I can in this sport is my friends, whether it’s pouring rain or scorching heat me and my friends always get out for rides and make it the best time ever. I think keeping it fun is the reason why I love this sport so much I can thank my friends for that!

Favorite aspect of the sport?

My favourite aspect of the sport is probably the reward you get out of all the hard work you put in over the winters months and off seasons, there’s nothing like having a good performance and being proud of it!

Least favorite part of the Sport?

I don’t know if I have a least favourite part of this sport but if I had to choose I’d saying crashing, it’s never fun to hit the deck but it just gives you a reason to get up and try harder!

Favorite non-cycling sport to watch/play?

My favourite non riding sport is probably Nordic skiing. I’m a competitive Cross Country Ski racer in the winter months, it’s my way of still having a lot fun throughout the off season!!

Greatest achievement on the bike?

I’ve achieved a lot of my goals in the past couple years, but a couple of highlights for quite some time now have been winning Dark Horse (Casey Brown’s event) when I was 12 years old, super proud of that! I’m also proud of winning the BC Provincial and Canadian National DH championships, and the Overall championship titles as well. Super proud of these accomplishments!!

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

I’m really excited for the next year because it’ll my year first year as a Junior which hopefully means I’ll be making my way to my first World Cups, I’m super excited to see what the future holds, but World Cups are definitely what I’m aiming for!

Anyone you want to thank or give a special shoutout?

I’d like to shoutout my entire family including my Grandma for always being there for me even when I have some tough times in this sport! And I’d also like to thank every one of my amazing sponsors and supporters, I truly wouldn’t be able to do what I am doing today without them!