Hey everyone, I'm Chris Hall and this is the downtime podcast where we're going to be taking

you deeper than ever into the gravity-based side of mountain biking. For all those wanting to

support the podcast, Patreon is finally here. It seems like a lot of people really appreciate the

value that the podcast brings them and they want to do something in return. Until recently, I thought about Patreon as another thing where I needed to offer value, which at this point in time just isn't feasible. I'm fully maxed out doing the podcast and bringing in the video side of things too. But from chatting to some of you, it's clear that you feel I'm already providing heaps of value with the podcast and you just want to say thanks and do something to help and you don't need anything more from me as a result. So that makes Patreon feasible. This year isn't easy for anyone as the cost of living has clearly risen massively and that's impacting the bike industry pretty hard right now. That knocks on to me and it's definitely harder for me to make a living out of the podcast this year. I guess it's worth saying that the podcast is my full-time job. It's how I earn my living and provide for my family. So right now, it really makes sense for me to open up a way for those of you who find value in the podcast to be able to give something back. If you're not familiar with Patreon, it's becoming increasingly common as a way for fans to support creators, and it enables you to very easily set up a regular monthly donation to the podcast. Now, I fully appreciate not everyone is going to be in a position to contribute, even if you do find value in the podcast, and that's totally fine. The great thing is that some people will want to contribute, and overall, it's going to help the podcast continue. There are three different levels that you can support at. The first of those is just £3 a month. That's less than £1 an episode and less than the cost of one cup of takeaway coffee a month. If enough people contribute at that level, then it's really going to help me keep the podcast going. If you want to put in a little more, then there is a five pound a month level and a 10 pound a month level too. If enough people contribute at those levels, then it's really going to start helping me step things up a bit. I'd love to bring someone in to handle the video and the social media side of things and to take some load off of me so I can focus on creating more great content, which ultimately benefits you, the listeners.

So if you get value from the podcast, I don't know, maybe you've learned something that's helped you riding or your fitness, maybe it's got you stoked to go riding or to come back from an injury, or maybe it's just something to pass the time when you can't be riding your bike, then why not do a little something in return and sign up to my Patreon over at patreon.com for slash downtime podcast.

That's Patreon,

spelt P-A-T-R-E-O-N. I'll stick links to that in the show notes for this episode,

and I've put a banner at the bottom of my website homepage over on downtimepodcast.com.

Before we move on, I want to say a massive thanks to the patrons who've signed up in the last

week. Those awesome people are Paul Morris, Tony Pocock, Ian Smith, Sean Lerner, Andy Burrell, Darren Lynch, Sarah Broadhead, Anti-Surcus, Ben Bell, Sean McGowan, who's also an absolute legend for sending me some amazing extract coffee beans, Patty Elliott, Timo Yetzer, Russell Golden and Kathleen Long. If you want to join that list

and show your love for the podcast, then patreon.com, 4 slash downtime podcast is the place to head.

If you want a t-shirt, sweatshirt, a hoodie, they are, of course, still available over at

downtimepodcast.com, for slash shop. Also, why you're here, don't forget to follow the podcast

so you never miss an episode. You can do that by hitting the button in your podcast app now or by head into Downtime Podcast.com for slash follow. You could also keep in touch by giving us a follow on Instagram or Facebook where we're at Downtown Podcast. All right, today I'm joined by the founder of Rider Resilience, Nils Amalinks. Five and a half years ago, Niels was diagnosed with cancer and given about five years to live.

Niels firmly believes that mountain bikes have not only helped improve the quality of that life,

but it's also helped him extend it.

We chat about his journey over the last five years and how important mountain biking has been to him.

Here are how a film project was the catalyst for rider resilience,

a community interest company which aims to amplify the benefits that the humble bicycle

can have for anyone dealing with hardship in whatever form. I was personally really inspired

by Nils's positivity and drive and I hope this episode can help spread that inspiration and show

just how powerful mountain biking can be.

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