Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Buckmiller.
Hi Sam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
By the time I was ready to walk I was already obsessed with bikes; all the bikes from motorcycles to pedal bikes. Getting to the bike that was already waiting for me was my first motivation to walk, and then it was on like Donkey Kong. I immediately got to riding the neighborhood, building jumps and hankering for more. Only 2 years later, I had saved up enough pennies to get a motorcycle. That led to years of riding & racing all over the western U.S. and a brilliant bunch of core memories. Fast forward to age 14 when I tried indoor BMX racing as a fun type of cross training for moto racing. I was surprised to discover that I loved this style of racing much, much more. I found the environment more inclusive, the people more grounded, and crucially, I found a clear connection between training hard and going fast. This last insight seemed to be missing in my moto years and I was frustrated by my results at races. I was too scared to go as fast as some of the other, seemingly wreckless kids, but on the BMX bike, I could see progress directly linked to both skills and strength training. Then came a life changing invitation from our local riding coach, Heather. After seeing my enthusiasm for learning, she asked me to help her teach various skills camps and clinics. This sparked a previously unknown love for coaching. We spent hours with these massive groups of rowdy, radical kids learning how to ride better, and to my surprise, we were learning core life lessons along the way. When I turned 19, I served a two year service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and this wonderful experience cemented my love for teaching. When I returned home, I pursued every opportunity I could to learn, teach, and mentor. I quickly found myself teaching in the mountain bike industry, and through a series of fortunate events, I became an official coach with SimplyMTB. This led to my becoming head coach and principle owner of what has turned into the most wonderful operation. The team I get to be part of is truly awesome! I’m filled with gratitude everyday for the support from my friends and especially my family, and for the experiences I have with my riders and fellow coaches.
And that’s only half the story of my teaching journey. Let’s rewind to when I was 10 years old and given the choice of what instrument I wanted to learn. As most any rowdy young boy might, I chose the drums. My wonderful mom then found a teacher who become one of my most influential mentors. We’ve been working together for over 20 years, and the first 9 of those were spent learning foundational musical skills, and cultivating my unusual memory. After my time as a missionary, my teacher gave me the opportunity to teach as one of his assistants. It is not overstating things when I say that this has been one of the most splendid parts of my life. I have since started my own studio teach between 40 – 50 fantastic drummers each week.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While it hasn’t been a totally smooth road, it does seem that when you find something that you’re truly passionate about, the obstacles tend to be more opportunities to grow. This is especially true when it comes to helping others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I can’t say there’s anything special about me or what I do. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to teach what I do, and with the structure that I do. My underlying drive is to see others succeed. I define success as knowing that you are doing your absolute best to be best you can be. Some of my job is to provide accountability throughout this process, but most of my effort is spent teaching and encouraging.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Do your best. Anything more is impossible, and anything less is lame.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplyMTB.com
- Instagram: shredlifewithsam
- Other: https://Inspiredrumstudios.com
