Kamil Kobędzowski on the Pursuing Championship and the Passion for Bicycle Stunts

When did you start training and what were the beginnings like? When did you get the idea to use the bike not only for riding?

I consider the beginnings of my adventure with Mtb Stunt as the spring of 2010, when my brother and I published our first video. But the whole adventure started a year earlier, when we began to practice riding on one wheel together. It was my brother Karol that was my first inspiration. I remember today, when he rode the entire yard on one wheel, which is about 15 meters. It was amazing for me back then. It was a stunt that I wanted to learn. At that time, I had a simple bike, the most ordinary bike from a supermarket, which was already very worn out. I remember the great joy when I managed to ride a few seconds on one wheel. With time, my dad decided that I needed a new bike. It was a very memorable moment for me, when I was glad to leave the shop with the equipment worth PLN 350. Training with my brother has become my routine. We always took our bikes after school and learned to ride one wheel on an empty asphalt road near the house. My interest in tricks has increased thanks to inspiration from YouTube videos, published by artists such as Jar Extreme from Australia or P-Dub (the latter, unfortunately, deleted his channel). Thanks to the videos, I learned that using the brake is an important element. This novelty has developed me a lot. I started learning faster than my brother, who later shifted his attention and time to motorcycles, which eventually resulted in him quitting training. And I got so into it that I still ride today. I was not the first in Poland, but I have been in this sport the longest and this passion was above all else.

Acrobatic cycling is not a formal sport and is not yet very popular. Could you please explain what exactly is a bicycle stunt?

A bicycle stunt is one of the varieties of cycling, which consists in performing tricks on a flat, paved surface, riding on one wheel or standing on the bicycle frame. A modified freewheel mountain bike is used for this, with minimum 26 inch wheels. Four categories are assessed during the competition: wheelie (tricks on the rear wheel), stoppie (tricks on the front wheel), acrobatics (tricks performed while driving on two wheels) and style (smoothness of the ride, the way of combining equal tricks into one series of tricks - combo). Currently, in Poland it is not a formal sport, but interestingly enough, the MTB Freestyle in India federation (the local name of MTB stunt) has already been established. The largest stunt centers in the world are Poland, India and Bangladesh. Such a division of countries is difficult to explain, but it is interesting that such distant countries are united by our young discipline. On July 30, 2022, the fourth international MTB Stunt Grand Prix competition will be held in Ustka. So far, the players from e.g. India or Italy have participated in it.

What is the difference between a stunt bike and a traditional one?

The most important differences are the pegs, i.e. the brackets on which the players stand. They are mounted on the wheel axle or on the bicycle frame. An important distinguishing feature is the bike seat, which is tilted forward. It is often lined with rubber or some other material that provides traction. The seat is used to jump on it and must give the stability so that it does not slide off it while riding on one wheel. An important element of a stunt bike are the brakes, which are often much stronger than in a standard bike. We use the so-called slicks, i.e. tires whose tread is adapted to driving on asphalt, and at the same time they are very wide, providing good grip while driving. The most common base for a stunt bike is a dirt jumping frame due to its geometry. My bike has a number of accessories to improve control over the bike, such as a grippy tape on the handlebar or rubber straps on the frame, because each upgrade gives you additional possibilities.

Can it be concluded that ordinary cycling is not attractive enough for you?

This is a very accurate opinion. I've always been looking for a creative way to do ordinary things. I quickly get bored of doing things just like that, I like to make it difficult for myself and prefer to do it my own, individual way.

You like to balance on the edge and redefine the laws of physics. Your crazy stunts and acrobatics are breathtaking and give people a lot of fun. What drives you to act?

The main motivator is the desire for further development. Progress is addictive. Learning more and more difficult and interesting tricks or the feeling of full control over the bike make me want more. The bicycle gives you freedom. Whenever I get on two wheels (even though I still ride one wheel) I feel like a new man. This is the passion that I wish everyone to find. In addition, from an early age, looking at what my peers did - drinking beer, smoking and kicking a ball on the pitch once in a while... I wanted to be different, go away from a small village and do something else. I dreamed of going down in history. And this dream continues to drive me.

At the beginning of your stunt adventure, were you afraid that it was too big a risk that might not pay off?

I didn't risk a lot, because there was always this background somewhere. I didn't give up my job or other responsibilities because I knew it could be hard to make a living out of it. It is still difficult even though there are sponsors. There are no such conditions in Poland as in other countries. The approach of the companies you can work with is completely different there. That is why I often try to bring offers to other countries, because abroad they appreciate the uniqueness of such disciplines more. I have always wanted to develop other areas of life, even though stunt riding was in the first place. I still had a girlfriend, I was looking for a permanent job that would provide me with a base. I did not leave school, I always tried to learn well. Until junior high school, I was the best graduate, then a bit worse, but still without any problems. So far, I finished my studies with a bachelor's degree, but that may still change. I had a lot of signals from various sides that what I was doing could have value. In Poland, this is a difficult topic, because at the moment most of the followers are from outside Poland. It may be a bit sad, but I try to use it in a positive way anyway.

What is your usual training like? Under what conditions do you train? And do you follow any special diet?

Since I lived in Krakow, my everyday training place has become a local asphalt pitch, which is a safe place to learn driving techniques. However, for a change, I often train on a road that is very little traveled, where I have the opportunity to achieve higher speed. I also often use local infrastructure, such as stairs, highway embankments or walls - such elements for performing tricks are other challenges that I set for myself. From time to time I go to the surrounding asphalt descents to feel the high speed and adrenaline. Descending a mountain at 60 km / h while lying on a bike is a completely different experience. I'm not a fan of risk, but when I'm confident about my abilities, I like to increase the difficulty of evolution by adding some speed to it. In the winter season, the possibilities of riding are limited, so I focus more on general development - endurance, and strength, rather than practicing at home. I also try to remember about stretching to stay flexible. I generally don't follow a particular diet. I try to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. I am a meat lover, so I am not trying to limit that in any way. Due to my busy lifestyle, I burn any amount of food. Before training, I try to eat lightly so that I have a light stomach while driving. When it comes to regeneration, I take breaks for one or two days a week. In the winter season, mainly due to the difficult conditions for training, I take longer breaks than the bicycle. Then I focus on strength training. However, whenever possible, I train on a bicycle. I have not used rehabilitation as such so far. However, I slowly feel that certain parts of the body are beginning to require it, so I will probably think about it in the near future.

You are distinguished by above-average physical fitness and endurance. What has this sport taught you?

It taught me perseverance in pursuing my goals and that in order to achieve something, you have to work a lot and do your best. I've always wanted to know more than have. And thanks to what I do, I realize it. I'm not a rich man, but I can do unique things on my bike. I have always felt angry when someone bragged about their fortune. Thanks to cycling, I know that the greatest values ​​are in us, not in our wallet. And I'm not talking about gold teeth here ;)

Last year you took part in Mam Talent. How did participating in the program affect your recognition?

Currently, television has quite weak influence, so I did not feel a huge kick in popularity after this show. My renewed willingness to participate was dictated by my internal ambition and an attempt to test myself in a stressful situation, which is undeniable during a live performance. When I took part in Mam Talent for the first time, I was extremely lucky due to the misfortune of my friend, Michał Koziołek, who had to resign from the program due to an injury. For this reason, I got the chance to take part in the semi-final live. I only had 48 hours to prepare, so everything happened so quickly that there was no time for stress. I also felt that I would be "gently" judged due to the specific situation. That is why my last year's participation in a television program was a kind of a struggle with myself. Still referring to the popularity, on the day of my live performance in 2013, I gained 7,000 likes on Facebook, which was actually a significant leap back then. Last year, the most important profit was the verification of the Instagram account.

It was your next edition because, as you mentioned, you also took part in this program in 2013. You said then that you train seven days a week. Where does this determination and persistence to work hard in a 17-year-old come from?

Passion. I think that's the answer. I just loved riding my bike and doing it in a different way. I invented new tricks and combinations. Each training session would bring new tricks. This period was the most fruitful in terms of new skills. Even then, stunt riding met with hate in cycling circles. The negative comments also gave me strength to train, because I wanted to show that an ordinary boy from a small village can do a lot. Maybe more than kicking a ball and drinking beer outside the store. Wanting to be different. It gave me motivation to training! I think that my dad played an important role then, who, despite the fact that he needed me to help with the farm, said: "do a training and then you will help me". Simple thing, putting cycling above my responsibilities at home encouraged me and made me aware that it was not only important to me. I remember my dad's pride after his TV show. He knew it was worth giving me time and opportunities. But I would not like to be seen as someone who took advantage of his daddy’s money. I really wanted to avoid it, to ask my dad to finance the bike, etc. I have always saved and put aside whatever money I could earn so that I could buy parts that broke down quickly. In my first part-time job at the age of 16, I was able to earn enough money to buy a new bike that made me grow a lot. Sustainable development was the key to me. Even though I didn't call it that back then, now I can see that family, friends, training, school and work always went together. I did not let go of any of them.

According to many, your performances on the show were one of the best and impressed a lot of people. Looking back, what would you say this participation in Mam Talent gave you?

Mam Talent gave me a great experience, the opportunity to meet new people and test my skills. I had the chance to work with the choreographer Agnieszka Wójcik-Dziadosz, thanks to whom I not only prepared for the performance in the Mam Talent semi-final, but I also learned to interact with music and create my own choreography. Being able to integrate tricks into music and do everything to the rhythm was a big challenge for me. On a daily basis, the music in the headphones is used to tune in, and on TV every move had to be consistent with the beat. The choreography gave me a completely different view of what I can do with bike and how many paths I can take in the future. It is hard for me to say whether television is a place for me, but the amount of experience gained during the program certainly gives me a lot of opportunities and confidence in the implementation of further plans.

How did your TV appearance translate into your success as an influencer and your reach? Were you mentally ready for it? How did you react to hate?

As a 17-year-old I received positive feedback on my social channels, which, unfortunately, I did not fully use. I feel unsatisfied that I could have done more then. However, on the other hand, I know that I didn't have people around me who could help me with this. I did not have the experience and knowledge of how to actually use this potential. Yes, social media started to work better, the reach increased. I was invited to various events to do a show. However, there were no actions that would give me profit in the long run. Now, after participating in the next edition, I know how to use it, however, the time was problematic. The paralyzing pandemic affected a lot of things. The ongoing war is frightening and disturbing. Therefore, the real profit is not so spectacular. When it comes to hate, this topic is known to me from the very beginning, when I started riding. The cycling stunt was suppressed by cyclists from other disciplines from the outset. The reason for the negative comments is a topic for a separate e-book, but many cyclists associate a stunt with a ride, or rather with an attempt to ride on one wheel in a parking lot by kids who consider themselves great athletes. In a way, this is how the beginnings of every stunter look like. I have come across a lot of negative comments about me that I thought were caused by jealousy. For example, after my performance in Mam Talent, after getting my first sponsor, or even after my video was shared by an internationally famous athlete who wrote a few words of appreciation about me. People were so perfidious that not only wrote harsh words in my direction, but also said that if that person supported me, they would stop watching him, "because I should be ashamed." I think hate on the Internet has had a big influence on me. Even though I most often responded to comments with a smile or a joke, it still hurt inside. However, I never gave up and now I hear words such as: "I admire you, that despite such hate you still ride", or "I do not recognize stunt, but I respect you". It touched me for a long time, I tried to fight it, but on the other hand I wanted to do my own thing. Maybe I'm not titanium, and it still gets to me sometimes, but I've learned to live with it in a way. It does not block me, on the contrary, it is some kind of motivator.

When did you decide to set up an Instagram profile and who did you especially want to target?

I started Instagram probably in 2012, as an additional profile apart from the fanpage on Facebook. Back then, everyone was on Facebook, and Instagram was just getting popular. At that time, the only plan was to popularize Mtb Stunt and show this discipline as widely as possible. As the profile developed, I started to meet new cyclists from all over the world. Instagram has become a platform for communication and inspiration for action. By tagging, I focused my posts on people interested in bikes and stunts.

Social media can be very absorbing - tell me where to find you and at what point did you decide that this is it?

Currently, I work the most on Instagram and TikTok. For various reasons, I'm a little less active on YouTube, but it's still a place to watch my new videos. Facebook, due to its declining popularity, engages me less, but I am visible there too. Social media has become crucial to me a long time ago. Mainly due to the need to communicate with stunters all over the world. The organization of the competition was and still is important to me. Every year since 2011, the MTBstunt NetChampionship online competition has been held, which allows players from all over the world to compete with each other, without the need for a costly trip to the competition, e.g. to Poland. Players record videos that they have to add to the channel without editing. The films are judged by an international jury and the online world champion is selected in several stages. This initiative greatly develops the entire community.

What does Instagram help you with and does it influence your career development?

It certainly has a huge impact, mainly thanks to the possibility of establishing cooperation with companies that support me in my activities. It is much more difficult for athletes who do not have developed social networks to gain a sponsor and make it easier to practice sports, or to make a living from sports possible. Social media has now become more important than sports achievements. I know a lot of people who have great sports results, win competitions but without social media, hardly anyone knows about it. And the sponsor needs to be visible.

Over 100,000 followers on Instagram is an impressive result. Not every athlete can boast about having as many followers as you do! What do you think is the secret of your enormous popularity on social media?

In my opinion, the most important factor that allowed me to exist is the unusual form of cycling that I practice. The tricks I do shock and get people to share what I post. I think that persistence and regularity are also important. I have been adding posts without major interruptions for a long time. Additionally, the fact that stunt is a controversial sport arouses a lot of excitement, and emotions make people remember what they see better. It also builds a stronger bond between me and my audience. Even though this may be a negative link, it still drives the numbers. It's not exactly what I would expect, but I appreciate every opportunity that comes up, what we do as stunters reaches people unconnected with bicycles. We do it on daily basis, using only slightly modified bikes in standard conditions: in a parking lot or on the street. It is something that any person can identify with and it has a strong impact on them. Much more than other extreme sports such as jumping, where the conditions in which the players perform these amazing things are specific and not for everyone.

Some of your Instagram reels get over 100K views - how do you build your community and engagement on your account, how do you keep your audience's attention and communicate with your followers?

I try to constantly surprise them. By showing that there are no boundaries, I make viewers want to see what I'm going to do in the next video. I also show my motto: "Stunt Your Way", which means that you should go your own way despite adversities. An example would be a video in which my handlebars broke - I only had the left part that was sticking to the bike. And as if nothing had happened, I kept driving, showing that it was possible. And I was even looking for new possibilities when the bike broke. I believe that such activities may attract new viewers. But these are just my guesses. I do my job, and Instagram accompanies me in it.

Does it happen that young people write to you to ask for advice or just to thank you for your motivation?

Yes, and it's very nice. Often, especially young users turn to me for advice. I try to answer to all questions, but it is difficult in terms of time. Messages in which people write that thanks to me they started to ride or that thanks to my guide they have learned a trick are beautiful. It is very motivating.

Your profile is attractive and valuable. What do you take into account when creating content and how is your content prepared on social media? Are they random, do you plan what to share and when? What is the key to success?

Most of the materials I share are recordings of my training. So what I do on a daily basis. It often happens that I remember that I have not published an evolution yet, and it may be interesting for my viewers. It is rare for me to plan my posts well in advance. This is usually spontaneous. I'm just guided by the fact that I'm trying to spice up my posts without adding the same shot or trick in a row. I currently have two bikes for different evolutions and I am trying to mix them. I don't think there is a specific key to success. Videos that shock with skills or attract attention with creativity get more views. If something comes to my mind, I try to record it and publish it.

Are you very active on Instagram - how many hours a day does it take to maintain an account, take photos and videos, as well as edit photos or edit a video? Is it time-consuming work and requires a lot of effort from you?

A few hours a day, but this is an indefinite time, because I don't think about it. Sometimes a video made in five minutes, without editing, can be more popular than a long-shot difficult evolution. For me, the most important thing is to ride. Instagram has become so common that I share various activities in different parts of the day so that it takes me as little free time as possible.

The sport you practice requires commitment and full concentration. What solution has worked for you to be able to film your exploits? Does anyone help you with this?

Two years ago, I was working with the cameraman Mikołaj. For various reasons, we went our separate ways. Currently, I make most of my videos myself, and the main content creation tools are Insta360 cameras. A camera that records in all directions gives you the ability to capture what I'm doing without worrying about getting into the frame. I frame the recording in the post-production so that it is interesting for the viewer. In addition to static recording, the 360 ​​camera allows you to create a recording from a camera installed on a bicycle, which looks like a recording made by a person riding next to it. It’s about cutting off the stick the camera is holding by the app. Recordings of this type look extraordinary and additionally make the viewer stay on the channel for a longer time. However, it also happens that I record together with a cameraman. In order to make larger projects, I work with a professional operator who takes the shot. During training in the housing estate, it happens that young adepts of this sport grab a camera and record a few shots, which I later publish on social networks.

How do you engage your audience? Do you focus on building lasting, friendly relationships, or do you establish an emotional bond with them? How do you communicate with your followers?

My main audience are people who are curious about my riding. By giving 100 percent of myself to the video, I try to "buy" their attention. Every day I try to give joy and underline the positive aspects of unpleasant situations. For example, a simple thing like raining - for me it's not the end of the world, because you have to stay at home, for me it's the opportunity to ride in more difficult conditions, learn to control riding on slippery asphalt, etc. The mere fact that I ride the whole year can motivate viewers to follow me. Posts are the basis, and stories show my life in less formal, more private situations. With their help, I most often pass on some information or questions to my followers. ‘Lives’ could be an interesting additional option, but I am not doing them at the moment.

Do you practice any other disciplines?

Yes, but quite rarely. In the winter season I go snowboarding, in the summer I enjoy other styles of cycling, such as pumptrak riding or downhill rides in the woods. The whole time on two wheels.

What do you think determines success on Instagram - attractive, creative, viral content, high-quality photos or videos, or maybe systematic work and regular posting, and consistent publication of content? Do you find it easy to be successful in this field?

Being one of a kind. That seems to be the main factor. I think that due to the multitude of content that we encounter every day in the Internet space, the most important thing is to stand out. And I mean positive differentiation. Doing unpleasant things or standing out forcibly will never be a good solution. If you don't have an idea for yourself, maybe it's worth choosing a path other than social media. With that idea in mind, you should focus on your work. Without reliability, regularity or creativity, you can't go far. Currently, practically every user of the Internet space is overloaded with various content, which must stand out if it is to interest someone. First you have to do your best before you expect anything in return.

Do you have any other barriers and limitations you want to overcome? Were there any moments where you wanted to quit training?

There are many more tricks that I would like to learn, such as riding with both feet on the steering wheel. However, I feel that my physical predisposition does not allow me to achieve this. That is why I focus on what I feel good about and look for a room for development there. There were many situations when I wanted to give up cycling. For various reasons. It was influenced by various factors: hate, lack of progress, lack of financial resources, family situation and low self-esteem. But in the end, I never stopped. This would probably be the worst decision of my life.

What tips would you give to someone who would like to try their hand at this sport?

Don’t give up at the beginning. Many young people who started were quickly discouraged from riding. I think mainly because of the fact that now there is a trend to feel comfortable. If something goes wrong the first time, at most the second time, it means that we are not fit for it or it is too difficult… and so on. To learn something, you have to train, train, train… Not everyone has the same physical predispositions. I feel that I am not flexible enough for advanced acrobatics, so I look for other possibilities where I feel strong. And I think it's beautiful that everyone can find their own style and develop in it. And besides, it is worth recording a video or taking a photo on IG once in time to build your brand from scratch.

What are your plans for the future in the digital world? Can we expect something new?

The plans are record-breaking. I don't want to reveal too much, but I would like to make one of my childhood dreams come true and go down in history. When it comes to purely Internet activities, I plan to make a longer video about me and my passion. In addition to stunt, I would like to develop more widely in new cycling disciplines in order to discover their new possibilities.

How do you see the future of this discipline? Do you observe the interest in it among young people?

There are more and more people entering the world of stunt. A big step in the development of my YouTube channel was the creation of a series of guides on how to get started, how to choose a bike, how to do basic tricks. I think that the number of views and comments below the video clearly shows how young people got interested in it and how they want to develop. Questions about technical and training tips appear all the time. Therefore, there is a future in it and an opportunity for development. The only problem is that there are not enough people who would like to get involved in it. I feel that I am left alone in the organizational field with regard to the development of this discipline. Quite a few people who had the chance to act quit cycling for various personal reasons. Age is also a barrier. At this point, it can be said that I am one of the oldest representatives of this discipline in Poland, even though I am only 25 years old, but most of them are much younger. Right now, I'm working with a busy Pakistani stunt rider. A different hemisphere, but a passion, including my own channel and help in running online competitions. There is a lack of these people here to operate on a slightly larger scale in Poland.

Finally, the last question: what do you think is the most important for success in sport? What factors are decisive for success in the world of social media?

Depends on what we call success. For someone, it will be winning the first place, and for the other - earning a million zlotys. For me, success is self-realization, the awareness of creating history, doing exceptional things, the joy of the audience at the show, ‘high five’ with the fans. Even a simple smile on a stranger's face can be a success. How we understand the world and how we look at it will define our values ​​and the final result - success. Sport is hard work, which sometimes, despite years of exercise, may not pay you back with any victory. I have not won any competitions, and yet I am called a champion. I think that believing in what we are doing will enable us to be successful. Having our own way of thinking and our values, we have a much better chance of coming into existence than people who follow the crowd blindly. It's hard to be noticed in a crowd. When you go your way, you expose yourself to various threats, problems, hate ... Following undiscovered paths takes effort and many attempts, many falls and just as many rises. It happens that someone is lucky enough that success will come out of nowhere, but where will the satisfaction of the journey be? Going your way is the best way. Stunt Your Way!

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