When we caught up with Sam Reynolds, the conversation quickly turned from tricks and trails to something just as demanding, juggling life as a professional rider, a full time YouTube creator and a dad to two kids.
“It is certainly not easy being a professional rider with two kids."
For years, his schedule revolved around travelling to events, chasing filming projects and squeezing in training wherever possible. He still loves every part of that world, but becoming a parent has shifted the balance in a big way.
“The best part of the job used to be travelling,” Sam tells us. “New places, new trails, great people and big shoots. Now that same thing is often the toughest part. Leaving the family at home is never easy.”
These days, he tries to compress trips as much as possible. Fly in, shoot or race, and get straight back out again. It usually means early alarms, long days and very little downtime, but for Sam it is a trade he is happy to make if it means getting home sooner.
“While other guys might be relaxing in the evening, I am normally back on the laptop editing clips or working on YouTube videos,” he laughs. “It is full on after a big day on the bike, but I love that side of it. I would not change it for anything. A bit more sleep one day might be nice though!”
Family life adds another layer to the already packed schedule. When Sam is home, he makes a conscious effort to really be home. School runs, bedtime stories, Lego on the living room floor and quick spins up the driveway all take priority.
“That means training early in the morning or late at night sometimes. It is a juggle, but it is a good one.”
From the outside, pro riding and content creation can look effortless. Finished edits, highlight reels and exotic locations rarely show the planning behind the scenes. Sam is quick to point out the reality.
“There is a lot of organising, packing and repacking, rushing to airports, answering emails on trains and editing until your eyes hurt, throw two kids into the mix and it becomes organised chaos.”
Still, he would not swap it.
Sam feels fortunate to ride bikes for a living, produce content he is proud of and come home to a family that keeps him grounded. Some days everything seems to collide at once. Other days feel calmer and more under control. Either way, he keeps adapting.
“For now I will keep squeezing trips, chasing projects, editing late into the night and trying to be the best rider, creator and dad I can be,” he says. “And hopefully… catching up on sleep at some point.”
