InFocus - Merrick Otto
Merrick Otto is a young, up-and-coming rider from the SoCal area who joined the Haro team in 2026. Besides bringing his riding skills to the table he's quikly become an important part of our US team from product development to sales to marketing. Look out for a lot more of Merrick from us in the future, and don't miss the chance to follow him on insta...
Merrick, first, welcome to the Haro family. You join us as both a rider and employee thanks to your passion for bikes. Can you tell me a bit about how you got here? What about mountain biking first inspired you and what keeps you coming back?
Mountain bikes are all I’ve ever really known. I spent my childhood chasing local races, and once I got old enough, I started traveling the country, and eventually the world, because of bikes.
My dad was my first inspiration. When I was around 4 years old, I’d watch him and his friends go do shuttle laps and just envy them. I’d run out to the car in my full face helmet and riding gear, begging to go with them. It wasn’t long before I was spinning laps at our local resort, Snow Summit.
You raced for many years before pivoting more toward freeride. Can you share a highlight of your race career? Are there any races worldwide you’d still like to do?
To be completely honest, I wouldn’t say I fully transferred to freeride, I more so took a step back from racing and took a big step toward just having as much fun as possible on bikes. I’ve always had a passion for creative riding, but I still enjoy pushing my limits, and I’ll get behind the race tape every now and then.
Just last summer I raced Crankworx Whistler Pump Track on a steel Reserve with a gyro brake… definitely not the most ideal setup. Somehow I still ended up getting 4th! That was a huge moment for me. It was so sick knowing friends and family were back home watching it live on TV.
As I understand it, you also find time to coach others. What aspects of riding do you like helping people improve? Have you seen any big leaps in people’s skills come from being coached?
When I find the time, I really love coaching the next generation. Growing up, I always had someone to look up to, people who helped me through every struggle and challenge I faced on a bike. Being able to give that same support back to younger riders means a lot to me.
I’ve definitely seen quick progression, but I like to think it’s less about me coaching the kids and more about helping bring out what’s already inside them and encouraging them to conquer their fears.
Going forward, you’ve told me your focus is on stylish riding. What does stylish riding look like for you? Do you have any goals for the future in terms of places you want to ride, specific tricks or lines you want to dial in?
Stylish riding, to me, is making the “impossible” look comfortable and effortless.
My goals for the upcoming years will probably evolve as life changes, but right now I’m focused on staying consistent, progressing naturally, and keeping a smile on my face.
Your goal is to focus on producing great riding edits. Can you share some of your favorite edits and films from biking or outside the sport?
This is a hard question to answer because my mind instantly gets flooded with all the iconic films that helped shape my style. Growing up, my favorite was always Unreal. I always dreamed of producing a cinematic video like that someday.
Since then, though, so many people have dropped absolute bangers over the last few years. Right now, the most influential video in my head is For Your Entertainment by Ride Or Die.
These ‘must watch’ edits usually artfully combine riding style, location and filming choices. Do you have any goals or thoughts for your own projects?
I can’t get too specific, I wouldn’t want to spoil any future projects. But I’ve always felt at home up North. There’s something about the forests, the terrain, and the people up there that keeps me coming back.
A true dream destination for me, though, would have to be New Zealand. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter what part, the entire country looks incredible.
The final key to a great edit is great music. Can you share some of your favorite tunes with us?
My music taste changes by the week, I’m always trying to keep it fresh because there’s nothing like hearing a song for the first time. Last week it was PinkPantheress, this week it’s Hank Williams.
Merrick's Greer Alloy 
His Custom Steel Reserve
Don't forget to stay tuned to his instagram account to see what's coming...