He’s the daredevil from Dunvegan whose death-defying pro mountain biking has seen him scale summits and cities the world over. But when it comes to his perfect weekend, for Skye street trials rider Danny MacAskill, there’s absolutely no place like home. “I have to be honest, my weekends are just like every other day.
Well, with the exception of extra bacon on my breakfast. “It all starts with a plan to meet my friends, to go for a ride together.” ‘I’m spoiled for choice in the Highlands,’ says Danny.
Now based in Inverness, it’s hard to imagine that a man with 2.1 million Instagram followers and more than 100 million views on just one of his YouTube videos, could still tackle the Highlands and Islands relatively anonymously. “There’s so many great places and trails all over Scotland, we are spoiled for choice,” the 38-year-old explains.
“I won’t say exactly where I go,” he jokes, “but I do like to visit Aviemore, among other places, when I’m filming.” Uncomfortable with the notion of being seen as a “YouTuber” first, and a mountain biker second, Danny’s weekend – like his week – will always include hours on a bike, and rarely a lie-in. “Typically, and it depends if there’s been a shindig the night before, I get up between 8.
30am and nine.,” he says. ‘Still pinching myself, doing this every day’ Despite cycling, scouting locations, filming and travelling, the Red Bull rider is “good to himself” when it comes to the most important meal of the day.
“The idea of calling someone like me ‘an athlete’ is laughable. I still pinch myself that I get to spend my life doing this. I can’t even bring myself to call it a job.
“So no, I’m not too careful. A typical breakfast would be toast and eggs – for protein – and some bacon if I’m treating myself.” Food and friends.
.. a perfect Saturday night Aside from meeting up with pals, Saturdays are usually when Danny films, on his trials bike.
“I’ll likely grab a takeaway coffee when I’m out, or a Red Bull from the van. Maybe a sandwich. It can be a long day.
I might do it 200 .” Never one to miss the opportunity to see friends, the evening is for socialising. “I love to host a house party or have people over for food.
It’s usually a late night.” But what’s on the MacAskill menu? “I mean I can cook a bit but I’d say my skills lie in a good barbecue or some steaks. Maybe fajitas.
” New bike has Danny ‘buzzing’ Sundays, however, come with a slight change of pace. “I’ll have more eggs on toast, but then I’ll go out for a big group ride on the electric mountain bikes. I’m buzzing every time I get out on the e-bike.
” Described as “amplifying the power you put in” Danny finds himself more excited about his sport than ever. “Lots of terrain up here can be tough going. I can’t think of a more fitting support for this area.
” Digital tracks are music to Danny’s ears Skipping lunch on Sundays is not unusual, such is the pull of “taking more risks” on the new bike, but at least a couple of hours a day will be spent looking for music. “Sometimes it’s for a project, sometimes just for me. From the best trad fiddle music, or dance music, to everything in between.
I think it’s amazing we get to access so much these days. I’ve come a long way from weekend pilgrimages from Skye to HMV in Inverness.” ‘I’m just so lucky to have had a lifelong passion’ Growing up in Dunvegan provided Danny It’s a place never far from his heart.
“I nip over to Skye a fair bit when I’m home. Actually, I just took my mum to the Netherlands for an event.” When talk moves to school friends, Calum Munro, head chef of Scorrybreac in Portree, comes to mind.
Danny, training 12 hours a day, must surely relate to the long shifts of restaurant work? “It would be embarrassing for me to even compare myself to that kind of work. All I do is jump around on my bike. “I’ve just been lucky to have a passion my entire life.
This has been all I’ve wanted since I was a wee boy.”.
