Casey Groves

How does FOX contribute to your success?
FOX contributes to my success by always being there for me. Always by making suspension that I can trust. I know that I'm not going to blow seals, bend or break my fork. You have to trust the products you ride, I trust FOX.

Tell us about your best race or event and how it changed you.
Air Affair in 2008 held in the Whistler Bone Yard, my first slopestyle competition. I went into it not knowing what was going to happen as there were quite a few good riders there that I had heard of before. My runs were really good and even the one run that I had a mishap on was really good. I placed 1st and was given an invite to Kokanee Crankworx Monster Energy Slopestyle as well as the VW Best Trick where I won Session 1 with a double pendulum. That changed it all for me right there.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
On my Hardtail I run a FOX Factory Series 32 831 100 FIT RLC fork, on my Slope bike I run a FOX Factory Series 32 831 100 FIT RLC and a FLOAT R shock.

What else is in your garage?
Tons of bike parts, hunting and fishing gear, woodwork tools for building, chain saw, and the rest is mostly my parents stuff.

What's your training regimen?
Riding wise, I try to learn most when I am at competitions. It's hard for me when I am at home because there isn't really anyone to push me anymore, all my good riding buddies that were top notch either went to school, got hurt, or just were over it. Fitness wise, I just like to build, hit the gym 2-3 times a week and just kill it on my bike.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
Aside from concussions and normal shoulder injuries, I have not had to many. I just take the time of the bike that the doctor recommends and hit the gym and pool to keep myself going.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
Food, for me? Nah, not before a comp haha. I don't think I am the only athlete that doesn't eat before a comp but it's something that I can't do. Nerves can get to me and reaaaalllly put me off my game, but I have become very strong mentally when it comes to pressure so I have started having snacks before.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
I go by the FMB World Tour. The final score is based on your top 5 events, so I usually choose about 7 or 8 events that I will go to. That way if I have a mechanical or physical mess up I won't be set back for points, it's always good to have backups!

What motivated you to get started professionally?
Well in highschool it made me sick listening to kids talk about how long they are going to be in university and that they are really not looking forward to the homework and projects. I didn't want that path, I wanted a really fun, adventurous lifestyle and I love riding my bike!

What separates you from other professional athletes?
Well I guess I am still young compared to most of the guys I compete against and ride with. I don't party at events until there is something to celebrate, yet we always have good times.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
I'm not to sure, I love diving and marine life so I have always thought about going to school for marine biology, but I like riding my bike a lot more, so that won't happen for a while. As a kid I always wanted to be a fire fighter or policeman haha, so maybe be one of them cool dudes later on.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
The fans, they are honestly the best part! The make you feel like a celebrity and all the support they give you, it's awesome.

What other sports are you interested in?
I love most sports, the only ones that I can do without are basketball, lacrosse, and figure skating. I am really good at soccer, hockey, rugby and baseball.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Don't give up, it takes time and persistence to make it to the top.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Decline and pinkbike.com

Favorite movie quote?
"You know the difference between you and me? I make this look good" - Will Smith, Men in Black.

Who is your hero?
Childhood hero - Crocodile Hunter. Todays hero - My grandma and grandpa for making an amazing family who supports me.

Are you a Mac or PC? I'm a Mac-man

Top 3 bands Can't really think of any favorites

Greatest strength Being calm at events when the pressure is on.

Most frustrating challenge Trying to escape all the drama in the hometown mountain bike scene!

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