BMXunion.com

BMXUNION HAS MOVED

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:12:00 -0500

It was time for a change... You can now see the new BMXunion at BMXunion.com!

If you are using a feed to check the site our new feed is http://feeds2.feedburner.com/bmx-union,-- Please update your feed!

I'll miss ya blogger!
-Kurt Hohberger

Eric Trepanier Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sat, 9 May 2009 18:59:00 -0500

Eric is a rider I have had my eye on for quite a while now. He has been killing it on a bike, and has a pretty interesting life outside of riding also. I shot Eric a few questions to get to know a little bit more about him. He also put together and all new BMXunion EXCLUSIVE edit! I'm stoked about that. So, go check out his interview, the new edit, and then leave him some love in the comments!

Name:
Eric Trepanier

Location:
Montreal

Sponsors:
UAB Bike Park

Years riding:
More years than not

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
When I was like 7 I saw some guy riding a 3 foot tall 1/4 doing lip tricks on it, I was so amazed yet confused. I remember being stoked on the BMX chase scene in E.T and a few years later watched the movie RAD, some friends and I got bikes and we raced like 3 times. We soon discovered we were doing it wrong and took it to the streets. For the longest time we only had magazines so it took us a while to figure out how to do any tricks lol.

You are a fairly well known rider around the Canadian scene. What's the scene like in Montreal? Any up and comers you can tell us about?
The scene in Montreal is pretty good right now, we've got lots of good street spots, 3 indoor parks including the new zillion dollar Taz, there's even a secret set of trails. In the summer I guess the scene is a little more broken up because everyone is out riding street at different times and places. It doesn't help that the spots are pretty spread out but everyone seems to get together and shred at some point.There a lot of out of towners that come to ride and that's always fun, also the Presence Street Jams throughout the summer. As for up and comers... Dillon fucken' Lloyd!

I was pretty stoked on your clips in the Presence video, do you have any plans for another video part or web video in the works? If not, why the hell not?
Thanks, yeah aside from this random edit (seen below) I have plans for at least 2 video parts this summer. I recently got a small camera to film stuff whenever I feel like it; so I’ll be collecting footage with that for a decent web edit. Then of course I’ll be filming with Jeremy for a video part in the next Presence video and I’m sure he's going to put out a few web edits with the whole crew.

Now that the weather has been getting real nice, have you been riding more street lately? Do you have any road trips planned for the summer that you know of?
Yeah I had a setback with an injury right when the snow had melted but now that I’m healthy again and its nice out I find myself just grabbing my bike and going to ride solo for hours at a time. I know Jeremy has some road trips planned for this summer, I just need to get some cash going so I can come!

Where can you usually be found riding anyways?
In the winter you'll find me at UAB, I practically lived there for a few years. In the summer I’m pretty unpredictable. I usually just take off in no predetermined direction and see where I end up unless I’m riding with someone who has a spot in mind. I also ride this prefab park that's 5 minutes from my apartment. I’m really bored of it though and usually just go and see if anyone's there riding. The downtown area has lots of good stuff so I’m there pretty often as well. I’m really not picky about spots or what I’m riding; ramps, dirt, street.. If I’m on my bike I’m happy.

Who is one person you wish you could ride with more, who is one person you have never had the chance to ride with, but always wanted to?
I'm pretty happy with who I ride with and how often, no complaints, although I do wish I could ride with the Ottawa and Quebec crew more often. I'd really like to ride with Stephen Hamilton, just go through the streets dodging cars, hoping and wall riding stuff. He seems to have a good time. I'm down to ride with anyone really.

If you could go on a trip anywhere in the world with 5 people. Who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
I'd bring Greg Flag and the first 4 people we meet. Then we'd take a trip to imagination land, why? Because I watch too much South Park.

Who or what is it that influences your riding? If you could ride like anyone, who would you pick and why?
At this point I’m not so easily influenced, of course I had influences along the way, Mike Aitken, Garret Byrnes, Ruben and Van Homan all come to mind but I never really found myself wishing I could ride exactly like another person. I do however find myself wishing I was capable of doing some stuff that others can, like having the balls to try stuff that Brian Kachinsky would do or being able to do any trick you want like Garret Reynolds.. I just ride the way it feels good to me and I set my bike up with that mindset as well. I'd have to say the people I ride with influence me the most. Lately the stuff I’m stoked on seeing online motivates/inspires me to go out and do my own thing the best I can.

Do you ever find yourself getting burned out on riding at all? What do you do to keep things fresh?
It happens from time to time but it’s usually after riding for a week or 2 straight and being really sore. I think the secret is to not let BMX become 100% of your life, if you have enough outside interests and you’re not literally living on your bike then its always fresh. It’s all about balance. Not to mention BMX has limitless possibility and so many different aspects of riding to figure out. whenever I’ve found myself burning out I just change it up; try to learn or work on a different aspect of riding or try some tricks I’ve been wanting to do but haven't gotten the balls to try yet.

Do you guys get hassled much up in Montreal for riding bikes? Any good stories involving cops or security?
Its not so bad, from my experience lately security downtown kind of "gets it" there's been a lot of times where a security guard will give us a few extra tries, or says he's just doing his job. I guess it’s all circumstantial though, I just haven't had any bad experiences recently.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I think I’d most likely be snowboarding if not then maybe music? I played guitar for 7 years so maybe I would have kept that up and I snowboarded for years up until I had an indoor park to ride. Who knows really, BMX is too deep rooted for me to be able to tell for sure what I would have done without it, I can't picture it any other way.

You are going to school for 3D Animation for video games and stuff right? How did you get into that?
I'm actually graduated now but yeah, I was tired of working a physically straining job and figured if I had a desk job then I’d be "healing" during the day so I could ride with energy at night lol. I’ve also always been a closet nerd, I got my first computer when I was like 9 and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I have no issues with staring at a screen all day as long as I’m getting paid and know I can go ride when the day is over. I guess this is my way of being a socially acceptable nerd all while paying the bills and having enough time/energy to ride. The gaming industry being pretty big in Montreal also influenced my decision, there are lots of job opportunities here.

Ideally, what would you want to be doing for a job mow that you are done with school?
Well I just sent in my new Demo Reel to a friend at Ubisoft, I’m hoping to get a job as a 3d Modeler. If that doesn't work out I’m going to try to get a job teaching people how to ride at the new Taz skatepark for the summer. I also did some game testing after I graduated so I always have that job to fall back on.

What are your top 5 favorite video games anyways?
To be honest I don't play games a lot anymore, but the ones I do like are games that involve playing online. I can't seem to play a single player game more than 15 minutes without getting bored, there are only a few exceptions.. But when I’m playing something with friends its good times. To answer your question in no particular order, World of Warcraft, Counter-strike, Call of Duty 4, Skate 1&2, and Tetris never gets old. Dave Mirra 2 goes without saying.

Are you much of a partier? What makes for a wild night for you?
I’m more of a chiller than a partier but I def like to get loose. The parties at UAB are always insane, I shouldn't go into detail. I always like going downtown to drink as long as I’m with the right crew and there's enough cash in my pocket, but house parties are where it's at.

Do you have any crazy stories involving hookers, strippers, midgets, or drunk people?
This midget who used to live in my hometown "Pierro" who was coincidentally a drunk midget, he used to dance and pretend to shit his pants if you gave him a dollar; he must have made like 50$ that summer. He also used to walk 7km from town to go visit my grandparents and have lunch annually. If he was still around I’d pay him to let me bunnyhop him, R.I.P Pierro.

What would it take to get you to go a round with a UFC fighter? Is there anybody you really wish you could hit? Would you beat up a midget if they started it?
I don't think I’d do it, a coma doesn't sound too appealing. There's not 1 person I can think of who I’d want to literally hit, and I definitely wouldn't beat up a midget unless he punched me in the nuts.

What kind of music is a guy like you into?
I’m into a lot of different stuff, I have a pretty odd/acquired taste in music. I mostly listen to death metal but I listen to alot of hip-hop, mashups, reggae too, anything really. I go through phases but the death metal is always there.

If you could no longer live in Canada, where would you go and why?
I'd have to say anywhere where winter doesn't mean snow..

What is something you aren't very good at, but wish you were better at?
Barspins! That or drawing, I’m not bad but I’m not good either, its quite frustrating when you have an idea in your head but can't seem to get it to on to paper.

Do you have any favorite websites?
4chan, The Pirate Bay (haha), cgsociety.org, I check The Come Up pretty often too.

If you could go on a criminal spree for 24 hours with no consequences, you could do anything and not get in trouble for it, what would you do?
RIDE EVERYTHING, the underground city, businesses inside and out, cars, metro stations. Film it all and make a crazy edit where each spot will never be ridden again.

If you could go back in time and relive any day of your life, when would you goo back to and would you change anything?
I’d go back to the day I smashed my teeth and make sure the ramp is solid enough to land on.

What is the best advice you have ever been given or able to give?
Just delete her

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Liam at UAB for letting me ride for free, and giving us all a place to ride in the winter, thanks to Jeremy at Presence for everything. Trep for helping me with my bike, my parents, you for this interview and anyone who's been a friend, given me a ride, passed the spliff, or shared a laugh.

Anything else you want to say?
/rant

15 Minutes @ The Trails

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Fri, 8 May 2009 00:52:00 -0500

Whether you like it or not, trails are on the rebound! A bug caught on around these parts lately and a bunch of the dudes showed up ready to dig (Hopefully not the Swine Flu). This is what we accomplished in two weeks. Every jump in the video is new, and have been getting better by the day. I pulled out my camera for a few minutes and this is what came of it. You might catch a Heineken dance, some ass, and a euro whip!

Also, get ready for a few real dialed interviews in the next few days!

Garrett Guilliams Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sat, 2 May 2009 00:56:00 -0500

Garrett is one of those guys who is making BMX look fun. When I was talking to Steve Crandall about interviews and he brought up Garrett's name I knew it had to happen. In reality I regret it took this long to get him some questions. Check out what he has to say about traveling, his brothers, his band, and so much more. You will be stoked on this one. After you give it a good look through, you can leave him some love in the comments!

Name:
Garrett Douglas Guilliams: Garrett Ginch!!

Location:
At the moment I am in the little city of Waterloo, IL

Sponsors:
FBM Bikes, Sun Ringle, N!CE bmx parts/components, Savage South, Ramp Riders Skatepark

Years riding:
11 years

What was it that first got you into BMX in the first place? Any early memories?
My older brother Zach most definitely is the one that got me into bike riding. Some of his friends got him into it, he started doing it, I wanted to be cool so I jumped on the band wagon as well! Here's a good early memory story for ya....Me and my brothers used to have dirt jumps in our back yard when we were younger and my older brother built this little four pack for us. I think these might have been the first doubles I had ever attempted to clear. Any who, on my Dyno NSX I jumped the first double, nailed it. I jump the second jump, front tire case, OTB, and shit my pants. I kid you not. I've been tellin' that story for years...haha

You have been riding for FBM for a while now. How are things going with them? Any signature products in the works? Trips? Filming? Anything at all?
I tell Crandall this all the time 'cause I just like him to know, but riding for FBM is one of the best things in the world for me. It's more than a dream come true and to ride for a company as bad ass and fun having as FBM is an honor..I still honestly can't believe it. I'd do anything for these guys! I love 'em! So I guess I'd say things are going pretty good. As for the signature products, we've never really talked about it. Sooo maybe at some point..ha..I don't really know. But as for the trips and filming, we do a lot of that. This summer we plan on doing a second Gypsay Caravan Tour, a trip for Props, and just whatever trips Crandall puts together. Lots of travelling goin' on with FBM. I love it. And we always have the cameras out. We're actually on the verge of beginning the filming for the new FBM video. Can't wait! Also, look out for the new FBM Wizards Of Aus tour dvd. Should be out soon...I think!

How about the rest of your sponsors, anything going on with them?
Sun Ringle has been wanting to do a team trip for quite some time now...So hopefully that goes down. I actually think that all the other companies I ride for are going to be on Gypsy Caravan, so that's bad ass..Good times will be had!! Other than that, right now we're just riding, doing some filming, and hangin' out on the beach of life.

Where are your top 5 places to be when you are home?
The trails in Belleville, IL(Muzzy's)
The concrete park in Belleville
Ramp Riders Skatepark
Downtown of the small city of Waterloo, IL
The back yard dirt jump!

What are some of your other favorite places you have had the chance to ride over the years?
Oh man..the list would go on forever. But to name off some places I'd say POSH, all the many spots to ride in Pittsburgh, the countless concrete parks in Australia, F.D.R., the Little Devil ramp, Casselberry trails, the many spots in Austin, concrete park in Louisville, concrete park in Allen, TX...the list could go on for ages!

Who are you typically riding with these days? Isn't your brother real dialed too?
Me and my brother are always riding together for sure. He's one of my favorite people to watch ride. I love the shit out of him!

It's the perfect day, where can you be found? Trails, street, or park.
Trails!

If you could only do 3 tricks, which 3 would you pick and why?
Turndowns cause they feel good.
360's cause it's nice to just flow a good slow one out.
Groundchucks cause they're one of the best tricks in the world.

Do you ever find yourself getting burned out on riding? What do you do to keep things fresh?
I've grown up riding my bike and I've seen a lot of dudes get burned out with it and slowly turn the page. But I feel I can honestly say I've never felt like that. I've never not wanted to ride my bike. I'd say what helps keep it all fresh is the amount of travelling I do. I'm always riding something new and different

Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to riding?
My two brothers pretty much are the reason why riding is the passion it is to me. So them two for sure. The guys I grew up with were and still are some of my biggest influences. St. Louis has a very awesome and unique riding crew. It seems like when someone out of town watches a dude from STL ride either out of town or any where really they can tell that we we're from St.Louis. But outside of that, any body that's just doing something out of the ordinary on and off the bike is some one I look up to. I've met a lot of those dudes through the years and have most definitely influenced me the most, I'd say.

When you think of crazy things that have happened to you because of BMX, what is the first thing to come to mind?
Australia immediately comes to mind. The Wizards Of Aus tour was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever been through. So many wild things happened on and off the bikes. The driving from spot to spot was even epic. The scenery where we were was like Jurassic Park. We camped outside every night along side the ocean the whole time. Lots of swimming, body surfing, camp fire food, WWWAAYYYY bad ass concrete parks, even more way bad ass dudes, and even more way bad ass good times! Thanks so much to Jamie from Stowaway for everything!!

What's your favorite Steve Crandall memory?
There are many of these. But lately when we're hanging out we always bring up how we were all hangin' out in front of a bike shop down town some where in Australia and all these people are walking by and we kind of were just messing around with all the people, just being jokesters, maybe catch something funny on the camera ya know? Then
Crandall decides to take it up notch and break wind right on this old lady walking by. I mean, Crandall's ass might as well had been resting on this old lady's face. He really let loose. And the look on this lady's face was more than disgusted. She had to have been thinking "This guy really just farted on me". Priceless.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I started riding at such a young age it's hard to say. I'd probably look like Pizza The Hut(spaceballs reference) and just be the tag a long toady that no body really likes..haha Kinda how it is now!

What are you usually doing when you aren't riding bikes and playing music?
You can find me out in the woods digging or trying to do something sweet with my time out in the woods. Outside of that I'm usually just hangin' out outside some where. I like being around people, chillin' or partying or doing anything. It takes nothing but positive energy to get a good time started.

How's your band doing anyways? Where can people check some of your stuff out? Do you guys have any shows coming up?
I guess the band has been doing pretty good. We don't play as many shows as some of the guys would like I imagine. But I'm just always out of town riding bikes or something. Usually is the same way with my brother Adam who plays one of the guitars in the band. But other than that we're doing good. We put out our first album with On The Attack records not too long ago. We just like to head bang. You can check out some of our music on our myspace. Our band's name is Eternal Plague. BANG YOUR HEAD! MySpace.com/EternalPlagueSTL.

If you had to choose music or BMX, which one would you take and why?
Bike riding and music have been apart of my life forever. Both are very important to me. But right now if I had to choose it would be bike riding. I've been doing so much with it lately that I just can't get enough of it. But where ever I go when I'm traveling I always like to pick up a guitar(which I can't even play by the way) or any kind of instrument and cut loose. It's good to remind myself how much I love music. Any kind of music is good.

If I remember right, being in a band is like insta-poon. What is the Guilliams go to move for panty dropping?
haha...that is awesome. People don't even understand. I mean, I guess you would think this. But for us, the music may attract the babes, but the guys in the band do not. If you know me and Adam then you know why. We're haggard as shit.

Approximately how many dollars have you spend on strippers, hookers, and or girls you thought may be strippers or hookers?
A little food for thought for ya...as wild as I may be as some times, I have never been in a strip club. No reason in particular why I haven't been..But I just haven't. If you asked me to go I would. So lets do this!

Have you ever been in a fight? Did you win? If not, why not?
Eehh..Can't say I've been in a one on one fist fight. By the way, fist fight is the way to go. What kind of puss bag is gonna take it outside of a fist fight?! I've been in brawls before with a crowd of people..but that's it!

Are you much of a partier? What is the drink of choice for a good night out?
Ginch Bros like to party! And it kinda just depends on what's around at the time. Beer is good. Anything harder than beer doesn't taste good...but it gets the job done a.s.a.p. Old Crow!

Have you ever been convinced you were going to jail? Care to share the story?
Too many times. Whether it be because of bike riding some where, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, or any thing really. In New York about a month ago John Corts and I went to this big party that Big Job was throwin' for one of his kids or something. And the party was way out in the boons in a small town. Sooo things ended up getting pretty wild, Big Job lights up a blow torch, I freak out, I sneak out the garage, cops come in hot, I speed walk down the road, find a train sitting on the train tracks, I walk down the train for probably half a mile, hop on the train, take an hour long nap, wake up, walk back to the house, and the coast was clear!! Outta there scott free! But for a moment there I thought I was in deep.

If you could see any band live right now, who would you pick and why?
LIGHT THIS CITY!!!!!!
Metal as shit! Sexy babe as the vocalist! Their music has changed my life! They broke up though...

Approximately how many groupies does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Just one banana.

Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
Tumble Weeds. Point did.

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
I'd say there's a large portion of the pie that's full of shitty people. Get rid of them. Technology is advancing too quick, too. People are becoming WAY to dependent on it. It bugs me.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Seriously..I love every one that has been a part of my life. Thanks to my parents for raising us 3 boys right and showing us that you have to take life by the balls and letta rip! EVERYONE at FBM!! I owe them my life! All of my other sponsors and every one that's included with them. They're all seriously so bad ass and have done so much for me. Thanks to everyone who lets me crash at their place, share good times with them, ride bikes with them, and just hangin' out with me! I'd like to thank my older brother getting me into bike riding in the first place and my younger brother for always being there with me! Friends and family are everything!

Anything else you want to say?
Life is what you make of it. Short, long, epic, boring, fun...Find what you want to do and do it! Don't let anything hold you back! Just be happy!!

See More BMX Videos at VitalBMX.com

Josh Eilken Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:29:00 -0500

Josh has been a rider tht I've always been impressed with. I remember a few years back seeing edits of him just killing it. He has continued to get even better and has a lot going on. It was time to shoot him some questions. Check out what he has to say, and then leave him some love in the comments!

Name:
Josh Eilken

Age:
21

Location:
Hanover Park, IL

Sponsors:
Federal Bikes, Madera Bmx

Years riding:
9

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories?
My friends Matt and Jeff Mayfield got me into riding when I was in 8th grade. My first bike was a Powerlite P19 falcon. I would go the these trails behind the local Wal-mart.

How are things going with Federal?
Federal is fucking awsome! I love all the parts and they take good care of their riders.

How about Madera, anything going on with them? I'd imagine you are about done filming for their video?
I couldn't be happier with Madera. We have a trip comin up soon. We're going to New Jersey so I cant wait for that. I was really siked when Matt Coplon told me I was getting a full section I was even more siked I got to pick the filmer witch ended up being Tony Malouf.

You are one of the many guys who kill it from the Midwest. Do you feel like having so many good riders and places to ride has brought you to the level you are at now?
For sure. I grew up riding scrap skatepark. So I met a lot of people that rode. I got to ride with so many good riders.

It would appear you got the freecoaster game on lock, have you always been riding one or is this something more in the last year or two?
I have been riding a freecoaster for the past 3 years. Once u go slack you never go Back. haha

Photo: Jake Geisel

Do you change your set-up much? Do you ever throw some pegs or a brake into the mix? Do you think you ever will?
Once in a while I will throw pegs on for a day and my back wheel will move so I just take them off. I don't see myself putting on pegs anytime soon.

It seems like every freecoaster tends to have some problems in one way or another. If you could have a signature hub, what would you do differently?
I had a problem with the bearings blowing out coaster but now I have the federal V2 coaster and its so good no problems at all.

Do you have a dream spot that you want to ride, or are you equally stoked on any spot you come across? Is there anything you absolutely hate riding for one reason or another?
I'm into anything. As long as I'm on my bike everything is amazing.

Other than the Madera video, do you have any other filming projects you are working on that you can tell us about?
Miles and Tony aka Plush Productions are making a video and I'm gonna be getting a sections in that. I'm gonna be going on a road trip with them real soon can't wait.

Who or what are your biggest influences on your riding? What keeps you from getting burned out on BMX?
My biggest influences in riding are all my friends Matt Markese, Crunchy, Alberto, Andy, Adam, Marco, Matt and Jeff Mayfield, Mike D, Dook, Jeff Wescott, and Tony Malouf.

If you could change anything about BMX, would you?
The only thing I would like to change about bmx is all the internet hate. That shit is just fucking stupid.

What are you usually up to when you aren't riding?
Working at the bike shop, chillin with my friends and my girlfriend and gettin skeezed off the beater.

You have quite a few real popular edits on Youtube, do you do any of the editing or who does all that for you?
I edit most the video's. Miles edited one and tony has edited a few too.

Photo: Jake Geisel

What kind of music are you into?
I'm into anything. right now I got to say I'm all about the Dipset.

If for one day, you could committ any crimes you wanted, and nobody would care or punish you for it. What would you do? We're talking Grand Theaft Auto in real life.
I would just rob every bank I could find and then go buy as many hookers as possible and hope I get an std.

What would it take to get you to go a round with one of those roided out UFC fighter guys?
A lot of drugs and a gun, or lots of money that works too.

What is the worst thing and best thing you have spent your money on in the last month or two?
The ooooowee gooooowee!

If you could have an endless supply of anything product wise, what would you pick and why?
Captain Morgan aka the momo's

Have you ever considered doing porn? Would you if the opportunity came up?
Fuck ya I love bitches.

What makes for an awesome night out or party?
Friends, girls, blunts, and captain. That = getting buck.

What kind of women are you into? Easy hoes or challenging goodie good girls?
I'm into fine bitches that can get on my level.

What is the best advice you could give or have ever received? Keep it real, don't let anyone make decisions for you, and go ride some bikes

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I would like to say thanks to the fam's the Matt Markese, Crunchy, Alberto, Andy, Adam, Marco, Matt and Jeff Mayfield, Mike D, Dook, Jeff Wescott, Tony Malouf. and my GF Maggie.

Anything else you want to say?
Blunt then stunt.

Disco Stu Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:52:00 -0500

When I first caught wind of Disco Stu, I had no idea who he was or what he was about. I had heard a few things about him and knew there was a solid interview there. This interview turned out to be more than solid, it is jaw dropping. So many crazy stories, followed up with a positive attitude will always lead to good things. Plus, the guy is sponsored by a strip club! That's about as legitimate as it gets! Check out what he has to say, then leave him some love in the comments!

Name:
Disco Stu (Stuart McBoyle)

Location:
Dundee, Scotland

Sponsors:
Rockstar energy drink, Private eyes gentleman’s club, DSAB

Years riding:
I really started when Perth opened in 2002. So about 7 years properly.

What was it that first got you into BMX in the first place? Any real early memories?
I used to sail when I was like 9 to 14 or something and there was this older guy called Derek who used to go to the sailing club. He seemed like the coolest guy ever, he was about eighteen, talked to girls, had a puffer jacket and curtains and everything!! Absolute style. Anyway he showed me and my friend Tom a copy of Ride U.S. and we were amazed at the things guys could do on bikes. From that point the wetsuits were gone and the chainwallets were in.

I hear you recently got hooked up by Rockstar. How did that all come about, and do you have any big plans with them at all?
Well I know Ben from Rockstar because he helps out with prizes and free drinks at the comps and stuff we do. I just randomly met him at the park one day and we discussed it. He said he was into it and here we are. I have no plans with them at the moment, any way they can help me out with stuff I’m happy.
I just recently got sponsored by a strip club as well so I’m looking forward to seeing some naked ladies for free! Stoked!!

How did you get the name "Disco Stu" anyways? Do you have any other nick names we should be aware of?
Well Disco Stu is that guy of the Simpsons isn’t he? I can’t remember how that came about but it has stuck. I don’t think it suits me because I listen to metal all of the time. My name should be like Deathfucker Stu or Fleshgrinder Stu or Corpsevomit Stu or something. That would be well better.

How did you manage getting 78 consecutive 3rd place spots at contests? What place did you get when this streak ended?
Hahaha this is so stupid. I got 3rd place in what must have been three or four comps consecutively and this gained me the reputation of being a 3rd placer. Folk were saying it was destiny and I would never get better than that! Then the other guys in DSAB started trying to bribe the judges so I would never place better than third! It was a conspiracy!! It was good though.

You will have a feature in the new Ride UK here soon about you, how did that all come about and what can people expect from that?
I’m not sure what this thing will be. I am told it has to be street photos but I’m rubbish at street so don’t get your hopes up! I am mates with Fred the photographer and I think he and Captain Colin sorted it out. Damn I better step it up if I don’t want to look like a wuss!

Have you been doing any filming lately? Do you have any web edits or video parts in the works?
Err yeah I have been doing some filming lately with the intent of making a web edit. When it will be finished is anyone’s guess though! The problem is that there is no-one in Dundee to help film so I have to get Capn Colin to do it and he is always late and when he gets here he is so baked we don’t film anything. Then we get drunk.
Check out dsab.co.uk and it should hopefully be up there sometime.

What's the scene like over in Dundee? Are there any up and comers people should be looking out for?
In a word: No.
Shane can do some mad tailwhip variations but most of the time he just crashes and Alex has got some good moves with his super sketch style. Actually the best rider is probably Cameron Sale. He’s only seven but he rules!
If you go down the outdoor park there’s usually someone there but the city doesn’t have a big scene. Which is strange because it has both indoor and outdoor parks as well as some good streeeez.

If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people. Who would you pick, where would you go, and why?
In no order my top five would be:
Shanedizzle
Tom
Sean Lafferty
Niki Croft
Neil Keddie
These dudes can all shred during the day and know how to party at night. Actually Shane just crashes and Tom isn’t that good, but they can party and that’s the most important part. It would be so rad; we would go to England and shred the parks then score with girls at night. We would go to Leeds I think because the chicks there are smooooooking hot and it has at least two good parks.

Where can you usually be found riding? Are you a park, trails, or street kind of guy?
You can find me at the park. I sometimes ride street and I’ve been getting into it but transitions are well my favourite thing.

What's this I hear about you having a few new tricks that haven't made a debut to BMX yet? Care to give a little hint at what is going on?
Ah I think you must be referring to the Holy Diver! Also I got the Disco Dancer (cross footed double front peg stand tailwhip nosepick) and some other things which I can’t remember right now. They will all be in the edit for your viewing pleasure.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your riding?
I like to see innovative riding, especially with a front brake, but I also like to see full speed gaps and airs. Adam Banton and Morgan Wade are two riders that spring to mind at the moment.

What keeps you from getting burned out on BMX?
Learning new tricks and meeting new people are the two main things. I get so stoked when I pull something new, but meeting new riders and partying with them is the best. I have just got back from the 20Twenty roadtrip and followed some English riders on their trip up here before that. I met new people and both trips were amazing.

You have organized a few BMX events in your day, what motivates you to put those together?
I like riding with people and because Dundee doesn’t have a huge scene I get motivated for big meet ups. A comp is the best way to do that. If everyone took it really seriously then it wouldn’t be so good, but no-one does so they end up being big gnar sessions which people win things in.

What is the story behind you and Niki Croft getting in a brawl?
Niki Croft is a pussy and can’t handle that Dan Lacey is well better than him!

NOT!!

Haha nah that was one night after the DundeeSAB jam we went out and got wasted and as per usual it ended in a UFC match. At one point it was pretty much 8 guys against Niki. This does not matter though as he is a real man and took us all on. I can’t remember much but I do remember him picking up an armchair and throwing it at me. But I smashed an ironing board over his head so it’s OK.
I’m not one for hero worship but after that night Niki has got to be one of my favourite riders.
I won’t forget that night in a hurry either because I have his bloodstains all over my sofas and walls, and his headprint in my ironing board. Haha quality stuff.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I have absolutely no idea. Maybe I would still sail?

What are you usually up to when you aren't riding?
I don’t know how but I am always busy. Even if I have no job and nothing to do I will still take up new things and fill my day. I like to play computer games and landlord duties take up some time as well.

So you like cheap vodka and bigger chicks. Do the chicks come before the alcohol, or because of the alcohol? What is it about the bigger girls that you like so much?
Haha damn you! First off; cheap vodka is amazing. It’s cheap so you can drink more often and it is strong so you can get wasted in double quick time. That’s efficiency.
As far as it goes with the girls I don’t know why I go with the fatties but I seem to. Don’t get me wrong I have scored with my share of babes in the past but bloaters seem to come more naturally. Actually it makes sense. If you are trying to get in with this blonde haired big boobed super hot quine then you are going to have like ten guys trying to compete with you. However if you go for her fat mate in the corner you have a much better chance. She will be stoked and you will totally get some action.

Is it true you aren't working right now? Does that just mean 24/7 BMX sessions and partying?
Yes, a jobless bum. At first I was stressed and didn’t like it and really spent most of my time trying to get a job. Now though I have completely reversed my mindset and I never want another job! I am riding loads, going on trips, partying and having the best time ever. I do a bit of work for my dad and do some BMX coaching to get enough money to get by, but apart from that it’s party time. Long live the recession!!

Have you ever been arrested or in a fight at all? Care to give us a good story?
I cause so much havoc when I’m drinking but amazingly I have never even been arrested. Every fight I have been in I have been so wasted that I can’t fight back and it’s just some guy punching my face till he gets bored.

What is the weirdest or craziest situation you have been into in your life?
Ok there are lots but one I frequently recite is the time I got to piss on this random girl I met.
We were drinking in the union and I wanted to cause some trouble so I decided I was going to persuade the next girl I saw to let me piss on her. It took a few girls but to cut a long story short I found this good looking one who was up for it. We both left the groups of people we were with and went to the corner of the room where no bouncers could see it. She crouched a bit and I got my equipment out, but I couldn’t start at first because I was nervous! I told her to look away (I think I was nervous with her looking at my willy) and the flow started. I was nervous but sooo excited that I had only met this girl 5 minutes ago and now I was pissing on her! It was the best thing ever! My mates were going to think I was the man. Strangely she started to cup her hands and collect a pool of urine in them. I didn’t understand but what the hell I continued anyway.
The next thing I know is that she has jumped up and splashed that pool of piss in my face! There was so much of it it went in my eyes and everything and I couldn’t see. I darted backwards to get away but as I did so my dick fell back into my pants still flowing. She legged it and I was left standing there having wet myself, with piss all over my face and shoulders as well. I returned to my mates less of a hero than expected, but at least it was pretty funny.

A good night of partying consists of...
Aw man. Well it would start off by me and the guys finishing a heavy session down the park. We would have learnt new moves so we would all be stoked. Back to mine and get ready while watching bike vids to get us amped with a couple of super strength beers. We would then go out, probably to the students union and start hitting the cheap vodkas. An intense game of air hockey ensues and through perseverance and skill in the end I win, as per usual. Then we realise it is rave night at the union so we put on our boiler suits and glow sticks and go mental. Furious dancing, crowd surfing, covered in vodka and sweat. Ooft. The works.
When the place closes we go outside and start wrestling in a ten man free for all. It’s carnage. We take on some guys we’ve never met before and win. We are bleeding and we hurt but its all fun.
Then someone tells us there is an afterparty so we make our way there. When we get there it is mostly chicks but not boring ones like most girls. These ones like to party, and they are single as well. Basically we party hard until the early hours when I find myself making out with this amazing hot fun girl! She’s not even fat or anything.
We go back to hers and do all kinds of stuff. I won’t go into details there.
That would be the best night ever.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
Man I spend far too long on my computer. Don’t really have any favourite websites though, I just check out the usual bike ones like vital, bmxonline, bmxinscotland. Maybe redtube gets a visit every now and then. Haha.

Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
Riding aside I would have to say my dad. He is such a hardworking guy and his morals are in the right place. He is also a wildman when he’s been drinking. My brother is a major influence as well. He suffered major injuries in 2007 similar to what Stephen Murray has to deal with but further down the spine. Throughout the year he spent receiving hospital treatment and all the time after I have NEVER heard him complain about it. He just gets on with it. An inspiration.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ah man don’t ask me that! This 24/7 BMX and partying session will have finished and I hope I will be in a job by then. A good job hopefully. Although I have almost no vision or aspirations other than riding at the moment. I keep thinking that one day I will be sensible and career focused, but it doesn’t seem to be happening.

What kind of music is a guy with Disco in his name into?
Well like I said earlier it has to be metal. I’ll rattle off a few bands. If I’m in a regular mood it’s Austrian Death Machine, Motorhead, Viking Skull and Municipal Waste.
If I’m excited then it’s Skid Row, Motley Crue or Guns ‘N’ Roses. If I am pissed off something fast like The Berzerker or Deranged pick me up.

Would you have sex with a midget if the opportunity arises?
Yes. I would have sex with anyone if they were up for it.

What is something about you people would be surprised to hear about?
I can’t think of anything.

If you could go back in time for your life, when would you go back to and would you change anything that you did?
I would just go back and not say some of the stupid things I have said, not wuss out of some of the gaps I have looked at, and talked to the girls I was scared to talk to because I thought they were out of my league.

If you could have people remember you for one thing, what would you want them to remember you for?
I’m not too bothered. Just for being sound I suppose.

What is the best advice you could give, or have ever been given?
I wish I had known in the past to not worry about so much. I don’t think it helps anything. Focus on the fun stuff.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Yes well first of all I would like to thank you for giving me this interview, also thanks to Ben at Rockstar, Private Eyes Gentlemans Club, Captain Colin, anyone who has helped film, Mingo at 20Twenty, anyone else who is cool.

Anything else you want to say?
Yeah sorry about having only old poor quality unused photos.
Go to dsab.co.uk!

ASA Tour -Minneapolis- Video

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:47:00 -0500

Here is the video I made from the ASA contest. Part of the deal was that nobody besides the ASA people could film the finals since it will be on TV. However, I still got some good clips. The crashes Daniel Dhers and Rob Darden take are bad, but both guys got up and had smiles on their faces.

ASA Tour -Minneapolis- Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:22:00 -0500

Above is Chad DeGroot, Matt Coplon, and myself. It was good catching up with these guys!

I had the chance to go to the ASA Tour stop in Minneapolis today. I snapped a few photos, and I got some video too. I haven't had the chance to get the video uploaded yet but I should have that done soon enough. I didn't shoot any photos of the riding because my camera sucks, and the riding shots were blurry from the lighting and everything. All the riding will be in the video. It's 2:30 a.m so I am sorry if any of this gets confusing. Check out the photos and some words.

I was stoked to be able to get a media pass. It was weird having access to the behind the scenes part of the Target Center. Good experiences come from BMX.

Tom Haugen is a Minnesota native and the very first pro I met. I met him when I was about 11 or 12, so it's always fun when he comes around. Tom was riding real solid in practice until he crashed and blew off the course and hit his head real good. He ended up heading to the E.R for a scan. I hope everything is alright for him.

Daniel Dhers and Ryan Guettler were in town for the contest. Those two are real good dudes.

This was the first time I had the chance to meet Allan Cooke. It's always weird approaching somebody I've known of for 9 years and trying to say hey haha.

Zach Warden was also in town for the contest. He was riding real dialed but had some bad luck during his runs and got cut a little early. He was still stoked on his wood burn though.

This is the view from the top of the roll-in. It might not seem like much from this view, but it was at least 25 feet up. It was pretty intemidating for me at least. The second photo is the overview. There was two box jumps followed by an 8 or so foot quarter. It was a cool set-up. Almost trails like.

Koji Kraft was here for the contest also. He is definitely under rated in my opinion. He was throwing down some real bangers including a double backflip.

All the guys lined up before the contest. I can't remember when they said this will all air on TV. I think June?

Ryan Guettler on the jumbotron! I was stoked on this photo because of the thumbs up!

Minnesota local Dustin Griess got in on the contest last minute. The crowd went NUTS for him. It was real cool to see that and it was well deserved. Dustin had to ride against Ryan so he got out fairly early, but he was still pulling frontflips, flairs, and 360 double whips.

Daniel Dhers had a super bad crash on the quarter. He went to do a no foot can whip, or a superman whip (it's late and things are slipping) and the bike didn't whip. He found himself dropping 20 feet to landing belly flop ontop of his bike. It was a real gnarly crash, but luckily he just knocked the wind out of himself and got a cut on his arm. He was smiling after a bit, which I was real stoked on.

Ryan Guettler took first, TJ Ellis took second, and Rob Darden took home third. A few highlights from the finals would be Ryan's 1080, TJ's double backflip, and Rob's big lines including the turndown going from the landing to the lip. It was a real good show for the finals and a well deserved win for Ryan.

This photo is too good to not post. Ryan and Rob may or may not be stoked on this photo, but whatever it's pretty funny.

After the contest was over, Theory of a Deadman came out and played a show. I didn't even know they were playing until I heard on the radio driving up saying they were. It's good because they are playing in my city tomorrow (today I guess) and I couldn't get tickets. So, that was another perk to my day.

As I said above, I will have a video of the actual riding up here possibly tomorrow or for sure in the next few days. Check back soon!

Deljon Willis Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:37:00 -0500

There are a million things that come to mind when I think of Deljon. The guy is probably one of the funniest, and most fun people to be around. Wheather he is riding, filming, or mooning unexpected bystanders, Deljon is kicking ass. I personally owe him huge for announcing at the last Renegade contest, he got everyone so pumped up. I won't lie, I wish this was done months ago. Check it out!

Interview by Alex Douangmala

Photo: Tristan Thiel

Name:
Deljon Marqurise Willis

Age:
22

Location:
Uptown (Minneapolis)

Years riding:
Like 8 or 9?

Why did you choose to ride bmx over every other sport out there? What got you into it, and why do you continue to ride?
Because it just seem to fit me better and I had a lot more fun doing it than going with whatever everyone else did. I have just had way more fun with it for the last 8 or 9 years than I ever thought I would.
Basically what got me into it was me kinda just finding out about it. I always used to jump off stuff when I was a kid and I remember seeing a Ride BMX mag one day and from there on it stuck with me. The reason why I have continued to ride and still will is because of the places my bike has taken me and all of the wonderful people I have met because of it. hahaha Ya can’t beat that ya know!

What are you typically riding these days?
Weird crap. Basically any garbage spot that me and Dilly doods find around town. You can spend 20 mins at a spot or just ride there allllll day and always find something fun to do. So street.

Living in Minnesota, a good portion of the year forces you inside. What do you usually ride when you aren’t able to ride outside?
I would have to say Renegade and 3rd lair. We suck for skateparks man. All these people starting parks up please look at 4 seasons. That’s how a park should be. Real good.

Who are you usually riding with these days?
Mostly Dilly guys like Brandon, Seth, Jesse, and Cody. I’ll ride with mostly anyone where ever. Rode a lot more with Phlandus and Quentin this year which was a good time. I ride with that man mini mall a lot too. (Mini mark).

I know you’re an Apple freak, tell me what you jam to while you ride, or while you’re going to ride?
A lot of Explosions In The Sky and Eluvium. Just can’t get enough of it. Redneck Manifesto, Pat Benatar, Eddie Murphy, Frank Sinatra, and Four Tet just to name a few.

You seem to ride and film a lot, which of these two, do you catch yourself doing more often?
I would say filming mostly. Lately its been riding though. Mostly because the camera is kind of on the fritz.

Photo: Tristan Thiel

You have been involved in filming for Props in the past, care to explain how that came about?
Well there was a jam that I went to with Brandon and Grant Castelllllluzzo and a couple other friends. I had met Stew Johnson a couple times before that and would talk to him here and there and just asked him if I had gotten enough footy of the jam if he could get it into an issue of props and he told it wouldn't be a problem. Myself and Grant filmed for that little section.

In what BMX videos can we see some of your work?
Props issue 59 the Racine, WI jam,
The first dilly video-ride away on your pussy ass bike,
The second dilly video- IT DO! (GO GET A COPY NOWWWWW! myspace.com/teamdilly $15)
and various other edits floatin around with clips from me here and there. I also think in the new Madera video if Grant has clips in it. I think I filmed a couple of him in there also.

I’m sure there’s some sort of tech nut out there wondering what kind of gear you use. Care to tell us?
I run a DCR-VX2100 from Sony with a Century Precision Optics Fisheye also known as the Stew Johnson special. (my name for it)

Being a Veteran filmer, are there any tips and tricks you can give anyone out there looking to start filming?
I wouldn’t say I’m a "veteran" but to anyone out there starting up just don’t be afraid to try. You wont always get the shots you want right away and everyone has their own style to how they film. A lot of people think videos all look the same when in fact they don't. There are similarities in the filming but not all the same. People have different ways of getting a long shot or some angle they use for a fisheye. So, just have fun with what your doing and if ya keep at it good stuff will come out of it.

After hanging out with you a few times, I’ve come to realize there is definitely a lot more to you than bmx and filming. If you cannot be found on your bike, where can you be found?
Well, playing on X-box live or some type of gaming. Kind of a tech nut and what not so always looking up something crazy on my phone or telling something to someone that they have no clue about, or just plain chillin around doing movie trailer voices.

Any sort of hobbies you have besides riding and filming?
I go to shows every once and a while. Anything to do with cellphones or some odd technology to do with it. Also, comics for sure love them. And of course hanging out with friends when I get a chance to.

Why haven’t I met your girlfriend yet?
Hey man shes been around you haven’t been! Plus she has covert skills hahaha I don’t know you will sooner or later. I hear she's pretty good looking.

You should announce more often...
Don’t even get me started with that.

What are some of the pet peeves you have while riding?
I hate when my brakes don’t work when I’m running them. Also I can’t stand when my bike has some rattling noise coming from somewhere I cant find.

While filming?
When everyone asks me at the same time to film something when they clearly see I’m in the middle of trying to get something else.

I understand you are affiliated with Team Dilly, What is Team Dilly and who does it consist of?
Mannnn Team Dilllllly! hahahah just a bunch of doods having a damn good time a bike. the team is

Official team list
minnesota chapter
kali melby
cody smiglewski
brandon morcomb
seth peterson
kyle stark
john dunlap
jesse hilliard
landon anderson
nick anderson
reed stark
nate krier
caleb evenson
matt thompson
maaaaaaack
mesh
mike gelle
josh clancy
deljon willis
ryan guggenberger
phlandus alexander
aj haines
-
Dilly Worldwide
charlie crumlish
bink seavey
jawn proppe
dominic trovato
logan reynolds
anthony malvasio
rick kane
longjon
ashton
t-money
riley mcmaster
christopher kowaleski
drew hosselton
bobby kanode
dane wild

and that’s just for now the team changes and what not so yea.

Who came up with the idea of Dilly?
Actually I’m not really sure of the whole story of how it all happened. All I know is Kyle, Landon, Brandon, Cody, and Seth know.

Photo: Tristan Thiel

Are there plans for Team Dilly in the future?
Keep having and good time and for some of the team more shit talking.

Where can we find Team Dillys video?
Ride away on your pussy ass bike is on google video somewhere I think. If you just look up team dilly or dilly.mp4 something it should come up. As far as the new video you can check out the trailers and then you can get a copy at myspace.com/teamdilly for $15 shipped or $12 in person and you can get a copy from Seth.

How is bmx different today, than when you first started riding?
All in all its about the same there's just more shit talking now and a lot more "clicks" of people. It also seems like people seem to stress over bmx. When did it become stressful? I can understand if there's a trick you are having trouble with and things like that because that happens to everyone who rides. I’m talking about kids who only do these tricks because they are what’s in at the moment and what not. Just ride and don't worry about what someone thinks about it. Bmx is supposed to be fun right? Why take it serious.

Do you feel bmx has a positive influence on your life?
Yes most definitely. I am straight edge and me riding all the time kept me out of trouble when I was younger. I never fell into the whole drinking and drugs deal. I was always about riding my bike whether it was with people or by myself.

Where do you see BMX going in the future, and do you think you will still be riding 5 to 10 years down the road?
I think it will just get crazier. I mean do you see some of the tricks people do these days? Let alone down how many stairs they can find to go down. I will always be riding my bike no matter what happens or at least always be involved in it.

What places do you hope to visit with your bike in the near future?
I would really like to go to Texas or AZ which will probably happen sooner than later. I'll finally be able to ride in California this spring which should be a good-time. But if I ever got the chance to go overseas to France or England or Australia or anywhere like that it would be a dream come true for sure. Especially if I was there filming for something.

Any shout outs or thanks you have for me before this ends?
Basically to anyone I've ridden over the years or have met thanks for making it a fun time and hope your still having as much fun as I am which is probably too much for a 22 year old to have hahahaha. Also my mom for being a good lady and helping me out when I needed it. All of Team Dilly because I don't want to write out all your names and any other friends I ride with now or have rode with ya know who ya are and I love you guys. Brothers. But to name a couple people so I don’t get yelled at are Brandon Morcomb, Grant Castelluzzo, Mini Mark, and Jesse Hilliard.

Jimmy Le Van Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:29:00 -0500

From time to time I will be doing a full interview for Dig. I had the chance to do an interview with thee Jimmy Le Van recently. You can check that interview out right here. I'm really stoked on this interview. Plus, how many times do you think you can talk to somebody that has been dead, and came back alive more than once?

Aaron Huff Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:30:00 -0500

It seems like every kid growing up involved with BMX wants to start their own company at some point. It was time to catch up with a guy who made that dream happen, and has been kicking ass ever since. Aaron is best known as the guy behind Solid, and there is a good chance you may ride, or know somebody that rides something that came from him. Check out what Aaron has to say, and then leave Aaron some love in the comments!

Name:
Aaron Huff

Location:
Orangevale California

Sponsors:
Solid Bikes and have gotten some help from Eclat and Primo recently. Thanks Brian and Nate.

Years riding:
Since '84, so 25 years

What was it that first got you into BMX? Do you have any real early memories?
My friend that lived across the street from me when I lived in Kansas moved to Amarillo Texas. He sent me some pics he had taken at a Haro show of Blyther. I saved up and got a Redline and when I went to visit him we rode a half pipe in his neighborhood and since then I was hooked.

You have been the man in charge at Solid since day one. Do you still ever wonder how you got to where you are today? Could you imagine yourself doing anything else?
It started out really small, just in the evenings a few days a week and slowly became a full time deal for myself and my partner Ryan. We brought in a friend to help with the art and welding side of things. Then we got another welder and a real shop. At one point we had 7 employees and did a lot of volume through Tip Plus, but didn't really make much money. It came in and went out. I think I was too much of an optimist and thought it would all work out great in the end. We had some hard times, and downsized to just myself and my welder who works when I have work for him.

Solid is well known as a company who for the most part, makes frames and some parts for other companies. Which companies come to you to have work done? About how many custom frames does Solid produce in a year?
We have done stuff for Macneil, Primo, FBM, T1, Metal and Hoffman as well as some other smaller guys too. We have been doing custom frames for riders for about five years and probably do about 150 per year, just a few a week.

Being as busy as you are, I would imagine you still find some time to ride. How often do you get to go out and ride these days? Where can you usually be found riding?
I usually sneak some riding in after lunch when I go to the bank, post office and fedex. Usually just some riding around or may hit a cement park near the shop for an hour or so. Once in a while I'll just go our a pedal in a general direction for about an hour or two and then spend the next hour or two getting back.

Since you have frame geometry all dialed in, what is your perfect frame dimensions?
We have always used the same geometry of 75 headtube and 69 seattube, spacey but not a limo. I ride a 20.75" with a 13.75" rear and non-integrated headtube. With brakes of course, to get my skid on.

Do you still find yourself getting worked up trying to learn new tricks, or are you more of a cruiser these days?
I am definately a cruiser. Turned 36 today with a two year old and another due any minute leaves me little time to keep up. Not just with the kids and new tricks, but with the skills I used to have. Still have fun though.

Over the years you have had the chance to do a fair amount of traveling. What are a few of your all time favorite trips and why?
NYC, Toronto, Vancouver and Rochester are all faves. Tons to do and tons of cool dudes to hang out with. Binghampton has some great dudes but the worst city ever.

Is there any Solid trips in the works at all? How about filming projects for videos?
No trips planned, but I bought Stew Johnsons old camera a few years ago and its been making its rounds. At least some good webedits or maybe more if the team decided to do something about it.

What is new at Solid these days anyways? Any new products, team changes, or just news in general?
Not much new, just refining old products. New cranks that work with a 22mm spindle and trying out some supertherm tubing on our AA frames. And comically big bars.

Since you litterally talk BMX all day, do you ever find yourself burned out and wanting to do something else? What do you usually do to keep things fresh for you?
Definitely get tired of it and just hang out with the family in the evening and weekends without answering phone calls or emails too much.

(Errol from EveryoneBMX.com)- What do you think the next biggest trends in BMX will be? How do you feel about trends as a whole?
I think the whole lightness trend is leveling off. You can only go so low before it won't be strong. Just well designed parts with less gimmicks. We have pretty much figured out what works and what doesn't.

There has been a lot of talk lately of buying American made over Taiwan factories. What is your perspective on this whole topic?
They can do some cool stuff over there that we can't do here but you can't beat American made. Not so much that its American, but if its made here its made by riders and not some huge factory like it is over there. The prices of the two are coming closer together which should help the US side of things. When Taiwan frames were $220 and the US frames were $300, some people had to get the cheaper one just to have a bike.

If you could change anything about BMX, would you?
Less trendieness and more soul. Most old school skaters have a real steadfast loyalty to what they do. Not too many riders do.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved with BMX?
Probably still roofing with the hot tar, but would definately be richer. Wouldn't have the memories though.

What is your favorite burrito shop? What is the best burrito to exist?
So many to choose from around here. Carnitas from the one across from the shop or just veggie from Chipotle. Quality before quantity.

If you could no longer live in California, where would you and Solid move to?
Vancouver and the northwest are great, but still have a soft spot for Kansas. Who knows.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
Freestylin magazine and seeing some old freestyle shows and contests. As well as meeting some cool dudes that have different ways of living like Tunney and Worcester. Good work ethic from my family and common sense.

About how many dollars have you spent on strippers in your lifetime?
Probably about $60 in total.

What is one of the craziest experiences of your life?
Going to Pipa Grande with Joe Rich and his brother and it ended up getting dark and cold, after it got soaked crossing a creek. Joes brother had a heart thing that was really scary. Then we rode this windy hilly road in the dark though all these cows that were freaked out by our cassette wheels and started stampeding through barb wire fences and over cattle grates in the road. They were black cows too. You could only see about 20 feet around, but could here them everywhere going crazy. Barely made it out alive.

Kill one, fuck one, marry one: Jessica Simpson, Brittney Spears, and Hillary Duff.
Marry Hillary, Kill Brittney, Fuck Jessica.

If you could go back and re-live any day of your life. When would you go back to, and would you change anything?
The birth of my daughter was pretty amazing but the birth of my son is about to happen. I wouldn't change anything or else I wouldn't be were I am at today.

Do you spend much time checking out other websites? Any favorites?
I start at bmxfeed and go to thecomeup and defgrip daily, plus check all the other main ones on there.

Did you ever go to college for business or anything?
I went to Sacramento State for Mechanical Engineering but left after two and a half years. Mostly learned by trial and error and asking a lot of questions.

If you could see any band live right now, who would you pick and why?
Live now would have to be NWA or Gwar...maybe AC/DC in '78.

What is something about yourself not too many people besides close friends and family know about you?
I get up early, about 5 and go to sleep early to boot.

If you could change the world, what would you change and why?
Big question. Less stupidity and senselessness and more compassion and acceptance.

What kind of advice do you have for kids out there looking to start a company?
Don't plan on making much money. You will make more working fast food. Have fun with it and don't get in over your head.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Big ups to Tunney, the whole Solid team, Nate at Primo and all those guys, my family, friends, and all the dudes that are doing it and making it happen.

Anything else you want to say?
Keep on keeping on....

Solid Bikes Props Ad from bruce jordan on Vimeo.

Theory: Create a Pro?

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:43:00 -0500

Thing have been slow, I know! Finals are coming up at school, weather has been amazing, I've been finally getting all dialed in with Dig, and Adam just went on a trip to California for 10 days so that means The Come Up needs updating from me. Things will get rolling again soon, I know this!

However, the point of this post. I was talking with Brian Kachinsky about all his recent trips and I told him "Why don't you get DK and Etnies to sponsor me as a pro for the Summer. That way I can ride all over at the best spots, and hang out with you all Summer." Then I got thinking, what if that actually happened to me or a random kid who wasn't pro material... keep reading, you might find this interesting..

So what the hell am I talking about?
Have you ever noticed that a lot of pros who are already good, get even better once all the sponsors come through? Example: Harry Main! The kid killed it before, but look at how fast he has been progressing lately! Check out an old edit, then a new edit of him at the bottom of this for a little proof!

So my theory that I think needs scientific testing to be done is this...
We take a kid who rides decent, sponsorless, and really loves BMX for the right reasons. Hook him up with two or three pro sponsorships for the Summer. Pay check, product, and travel budget. You know, the real deal!
Once the kid is all dialed in, we send him on trips all over with pros to film at some of the best spots all over the place and just live the pro life you know? Maybe even get them into the Dew Tour or something too just to really push buttons.

I am convinced that we could have a kids progression level turbo boosted by something like this happening. I'm not saying BMX is easy by any means. I am just saying that once you get the opportunities to ride all different kinds of spots with people who will push you to try bigger things without having to worry about a job or how they will pay to get to these places, good things will happen.

They need to make this into a MTV show! The kids would eat that right up.

So am I just imagining things or does this actually sound possible? I mean obviously the factor of money to hook the person up is really the only thing holding this idea back, but it would be an interesting thing to see.

Tell me what you think in the comments, and if you are a company who would be into this, lets make it happen! haha

Now for the Harry Main idea, this is his first edit from when he first got hooked up by KHE two years ago...

This is Harry's new edit that dropped just the other day... Yeah.

Have a good weekend everyone!

FUTU Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:47:00 -0500

I’ve been looking forward to FUTU for a long time… ever since I heard they were doing a sequel, because I enjoyed the first BMXFU video. I expected more of the same in FUTU, but I was wrong.

REVIEW BY: BRETT ROHLFING

I got much much more.
Everything was better! The packaging, the menu, the camera quality, filming quality and riding quality… all improved. I got more when it comes to length as well. FUTU is probably twice the running time of the first. Some did stay the same, such as the song choices being smart. Never overpowering the riding or standing out too much, but always fitting the style and adding to the fun feel. Also the outtakes and random clips from TV shows made appearances just as in the first, showing that while the level of riding was serious, chances are they don’t take themselves too seriously.

The traditional summary of who is in the dvd and what their section consists of is a format this review cannot follow due to the length of the dvd (over 1 hour). I will whoever run down some people that stood out the most for having unique style, something that has always been synonymous with BMXFU in my mind.
Chris Orbell- Starts off the disc and has the most manuals in a part I’ve ever seen, often with a few tricks throw in the middle of them.
Jake Montgomery- His clips with front brakes are some excellent, one or 2 I don’t think I’ve seen done like that before.
John Murphy- rocket everything
Josh Cameron- A style thought lost years ago, he keeps the gyro alive with manly park moves like bar fuf bar on subrails and everything else that people would go for before everyone’s brakes and pegs came off and bars got huge.
The Come Up section- Some flatland guy kills it all set to a song I had expected to be used with TCU long ago. Jake Seeley also produced, as always.
Steve Bureau- SkateFu! His style fits perfectly with the crew, smooth, tech and a little more creative than I’ve ever seen my local skaters get.
Andrew White- Hangovers are as easy as feebles for him it seems and does them everywhere on anything.
Shaun Swain- Dude is wild! Nose to feeble on a tiny ledge to no footed can can? Hop Nothings? Also a frequent use of strange no footed riding across things using his arms to hold his weight over the bike.
Lee Denis- I guess hang tens are easy now, or that’s what you’d think when watch Lee. Also a bad of tricks both up and down rails and some savage rail to ledge moves towards the end that stand out.
Charlie Crumlish- I saved him for the end because he was the stand out of the dvd by far. Charlie has always had a different entertaining style but this time it’s on a whole different level. I can’t explain it without typing out every trick in detail, which still wouldn’t do it justice. The whole dvd is great, but his part is worth the cost alone.

That’s about the amount of sections most dvds have, but in this case it’s probably less than half. Everyone else not mentioned still laid down dialed stuff, I just wanted to point out the more unique styles.
Bonus has another 30 minutes of leftovers, which are definitely not scrap. Also Shaun Swain has a bonus part and there is a tripod shot trails edit that totally doesn’t fit the vibe of the video at all.
My only wish was that they had made a 20-30minute highlight video of the best clips in the video to have something to pop in quick before a session to get pumped. Other than that I loved it.

So go buy it at The Come Up store right now!

Tom Arkus Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:49:00 -0500

Tom is one of those guys who makes BMX sound real good. He's been doing his own thing for years, and one of the lead guys for Vinyl. It was time to catch up with him to really get to know the guy. Check out the interview, his part from the first Vinyl DVD, and some real good photos. Leave him some love in the comments too!

Photo by: Brian Yeagle, David Leep, Andrew Brady.

Name:
Tom Arkus

Location:
Pittsburgh, PA

Sponsors:
Fly bikes, Vinyl

Years riding:
8

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any real early memories come to mind?
My mother took me to a Schwinn bmx stunt show a week after I got a bmx bike. Watching those dudes ride got me so psyched then it was on from there.

You have been a key driving force behind Vinyl, what exactly is that crew all about anyways? Along with the DVD, what else are you guys up to these days?
Well it's funny, I had a website about 6 years ago, I started making web edits of our trips. I was really inspired by midwestbmx.net. I after a while I started getting out of my scene more, thats were Vinyl was born. I met many new people, made friends, got inspired by my friends to make fun, creative videos. The crew is a large variety of personalities, everyone brings something to the table for vinyl. It really doesn't matter if we produce something for vinyl everyday, as long as everyone is psyched on what's going on with Vinyl, creativity is key. Everyone that is apart of Vinyl is an amazing rider. Some are big time pro's some are very underground. They are all friends with one and other, that's why the crew is so unique. We started an Apparel Company it's been on the DL at the moment, just trying to come up with a good strategy in what direction we want to go in.

How are things going with Fly? Any big news with you and them that you can tell us about?
At this point I'm a Flow rider for Fly. I do some video projects for them. Hope fully in the near future we can work on some bigger projects. Just learning about fly and it's history is a treat at itself. From how everything is made to riding prototypes. Everything is pretty new with Fly, I've been riding for them for about 9 months now... They treat me very well.

When you first got into BMX did you ever imagine it would turn into the opportunities that you have been given? What do you feel your biggest accomplishment has been?
Bmx is a small world, everyone wants a piece of it. You can only give out some many opportunities to kids. Everyone has certain goals they want to achieve in the bmx world. It just depends how you want to go about it. I was fortunate enough to know the right people, Kevin Porter had a huge impact in bringing me into the bmx world. If you do your own thing with out worrying what people think then you will be just fine. My biggest accomplishment riding wise has been riding the trails out east to it's full potential. I never thought i would be shredding trails with some of the biggest trail legends...

You have been able to travel a fair amount in your days, where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to go to and ride? Where are some places you would really like to go to?
I love the east coast, thats why I chose to live out this way. ATX is a good time, I got really burnt out on living there, had to make a change in life. Phoenix is really great for riding. Chicago is amazing in the summer time. I'm just laying low at the moment, for a little while saving money to make my way to Europe. I have to work a few kinks out before I go over seas.

The Vinyl crew is really spread out all over, so who is your typical riding crew these days? Any up and coming guys you can tell us about?
I ride with Brian Yeagle pretty much every single day, I moved pretty close to where he lives (2 miles away). When I first moved to Pittsburgh, I rode with Brandan Pundai everyday, but things have changed since then. Doyle is awesome to ride with whenever he's home. During the summer we have a dope crew. Mulville is here through the whole summer, Glen Johnson, Josh, and Protoz are really great to ride with. Hope fully this summer we can build a nice scene with the new Trail Spot.

Where can you usaully be found riding on a more regular basis? Any all time favorite spots you can tell us about?
I pretty much never leave the woods during the summer, we have a couple of trail spots here in Pit. I ride concrete in the morning when everyone is in school. I would have to say Posh, Catty and Terrible One are my favorite things on earth riding wise. The people that ride at those spots are so fun to spend time with, shoot the shit and do some shredding at the same time.

Besides your part in the Vinyl DVD, are you filming for any web videos or other video parts?
Once spring rolls around I would like to make a web edit for fly. But right now I'm concentrating on filming for DIG, and our full length. Vinyl Web videos on occasion too...

Do you think that you would have ever got into filming and editing if you didn't get into BMX?
I doubt it. The reason I even picked up a camera was cause of my friend Tim Timpe. On one of our trips he was filming, but kept fucking up the clips, so I was like let me film. I became an addict after that. I started perfecting more cause of filming. You kinda have to be a perfectionist to be a good filmer.

Do you ever find yourself getting burned out on bikes? What do you do to keep things fresh?
At certain points I hate my bike, sometimes I hate the way my bike looks color wise. Majority of the times when I don't want to ride I transfer all the energy into my shovel to build something new to get psyched on riding again. Sometimes I go a month with out riding and sometimes I don't put my bike to down for a year straight.

In your own opinion, what is the true meaning on BMX?
Ha, bmx is nothing serious in my mind. If you making a living riding bmx bikes think of it as a bonus for shredding everyday. I get really bummed out when kids talk shit on the come up. I never really understood why you can't critique some one for the better, instead you have to butcher them on the internet. Do your own thing don't follow trends fuck that shit. 10 years ago no one gave a shit what was hot on a bmx bike, everyone did their own shit how they wanted to. Now day's it's rare to see a unique rider that stands out from cookie cutters.

What is your injury list looking like these days? It seems like everyone and their mother has had knee surgery these days.
Man, where to start. I've hit my head way to many times my short term memory is fucked up. I broke my elbow last summer, I've knocked all my teeth out, broke my nose a couple of times, blown out blood vessels in my ankle...

If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people. Who would you pick, where would you go, and why?
Brian Yeagle, Joe Rich, Lil Jon, Chase Zink, Matt Trievel (Treebell). You have your biggest tranny roasting apes, all those dudes can ride trails like no ones business, and endless amounts of comedy on the trip with lil jon and Treebell.

In a perfect world, where would you like to take BMX as time goes on? Would you want to work in the industry?
I would like to be apart of the industry at some point, maybe work for a company of some sort. But at this point I want to do my own thing. Do things the way they should be done in my eyes.

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
I Probably would of been a burn out, sitting on my mom's couch bitching about life.

What are you usually up to if you aren't filming and riding?
Spending time with my wife, working, I travel a lot for work.

Do you have any crazy stories involving cops, security, drunk people, midgets, hookers, and or homeless people?
Shit, I can write a book with all the shit I've seen. The other day Yeagle and I roll up to our trails. Where we park, some dude was getting head from a hooker. Brian and I park right by them get our bikes out to head to the trails and we walk right past the car as they were panic mode. It was just funny to see that because the road where we park is pretty busy... Tony Cardona and I were in Baton Rough for a jam about 4 years ago, Tony ended up Finger banging a midget with his sausage fingers. His finger was just enough for the poor girl. The best part was he did it on the deck of the ramp. I remember getting liquored up and riding while this was going on.

What makes for a good night of partying for you?
A good crew, some of the best times of my life were in Austin, some of the best house parties in atx. The Hunk house in B-town was a good time probably one of the rattiest place's i've ever stayed at but the partying and riding made up for it. Ride trails all day then get loose at night till the sun came up. Wake up with a hang over go jump of some bridge's swim the hang over off. Go to the trail and do it all over again.

Who or what are the biggest influences in your life?
My Mother is amazing, I can talk to her about anything. My wife has my back 24/7. My friends mean a lot to me... I need all those things in my life to be happy.

What is the first song to come to mind? Any reason why?
Three 6 Mafia "Bin Laden" Thats what just came on shuffle while I'm filling this out. Wishing I had some Chronic right now...

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Riding dubs, enjoying life to the fullest.

Did you go to college at all for film? How do you feel about college?
I went to school for a year. I hated it with a passion, I feel that sometimes college isn't for everyone. I never went to school for filming. I just hate it when your in high school you get a list of jobs to pick from then you have to go to college and at the end you still can't get a job. If you are good at something stick with it. Do what ever you have to, to get by till everything falls into place. Just do everything with reason and passion.

Do you work at all? What is the worst job you have ever had?
I do work, I'm a race car mechanic. I work on Formula Mazda's I fly 2 times a month to races. One time I worked at a furniture store, it was horrible. I applied for Dairy Queen one time got the job, but I never showed up for work. I think I went and rode some trails out of town.

If you could live like somebody else for one day, who would you pick and why?
It would be sweet to live like Travis Pastrana, wake up in the morning do some base jumping, around lunch go do some whips on the dirt bike, in the evening go drive the rally car in the woods try not to flip it. Come home and party with the crew.

If you could go back in your life and re-live any day. When would you go to and would you change anything?
To many things have happened in my life. I honestly wouldn't want to go back and re-live anything I want to keep going and make new memories.

Do you have any favorite websites you like to check out?
Vimeo, Flybikes, twitter, Build the woods, Dig, Fatbmx.

If somebody gave you $1000, would you go a round in the ring with a UFC fighter?
Nope, never the medical bills would be way more then a G.

What is the best advice you have ever been given, or been able to give?
Don't every take anything in life for granted. Things can happen with a flip of a switch. From my experience enjoy what you have, look forward to better greater things don't let the small stuff bring you down. I know it's hard to do but take a deep breath and keep going. Life is a precious gift you only get one life might as well make it count have fun on this planet.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My wife Kristine, Mom, Vinyl Crew, David Leep, Ryan Melia, Andy Brady, David @ Fly, KP, Joe Rich, Pittsburgh crew, B-town Crew, ATX homies, Punjab, Real Region, everyone I've cross paths with thank you for the inspirations in life.

Anything else you want to say?
Grip it and Rip it.

Midwest Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:56:00 -0500

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been getting started on Dig stuff, then running The Come Up for the last few days. I'm waiting on about 5 different interviews so hopefully things will get rolling here again soon.

Jeff K had sent me over a little email telling me about the video contest they are doing again. Check out MidwestBMX.net to see what that is all about.

Check back here soon for more!

Dig Magazine and I

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Mon, 6 Apr 2009 23:11:00 -0500

Sometimes really truely amazing opportunities can come from BMX. In my case it seems like some how all of the interests I have had growing up are starting to work out in my favor. Maybe some of you guys noticed that Dig banner to the right...

Well, that banner is there because I am working for Dig on the website side of things. I'll be doing daily news updates, and some original content interviews, bike checks, and other fun projects.

I am really stoked on the opportunity Will, and the rest of the guys at Dig have given me. I owe a big thanks to John Povah for dropping a good word or two also! So, if you are a fan of this site, or already a fan of Dig, keep checking it out! It will be interesting to see where things go.

So, maybe you just asked yourself "what about this site?" It will keep going. I still have a goal of at least 100 interviews in 2009, and will keep doing reviews if people want me to. I have no plans on giving up on this. Don't worry about that.

I'll be helping out on The Come Up still from time to time. Whenever Adam goes on trips or whatever you will be seeing me popping there.

So expect good things! I am excited to see where things go and look forward to wherever things go.

By the way, in BMXunion news. If you have somebody you want to see interviewed shoot me an email and let me know right here.

Matador by Jack Links

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:34:00 -0500

As you are pretty sure BMXunion has never really been a Press Release kind of site. However, I usually get 2 or 3 a week in my inbox talking about something going on. I don't know if you guys remember all the other sites talking about Jack Links new beef jerky sticks called Matador. You know, the stuff that Dennis Enarson is sponsored by now? Well, I happened to have a chance to try it out...

I don't know if you guys know but I am a connoisseur of beef jerky! I love the stuff. That is why I really didn't plan on getting all worked up about the press releases until I actually tried the stuff. Which now, I have clearly.
So, right off the bat, I figured it was going to be similar to the Jack Links stuff you can already get in the bag, except in a snack stick form. I won't lie, it's just as tasty. I ended up eating two to be honest.

Like I said before though, I am also real stoked on the fact that they are sponsoring Dennis, he's a real good kid and I think he fits well with the brand. I can't imagine he eats very healthy though. I mean Rockstar, that candy sponsor, and this. I wouldn't buy food either haha.

I say next time you are at the gas station getting your slushy on to grab one of these guys too. Definitely goes well with a slushy.

Oh, and another thing I am stoked on about Jack Links....

Best commercials.. EVER.

Jared Chilko on Superstar Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 11:29:00 -0500

When I had heard Jared was making the switch from Seshin over to the Superstar I was curious what it was all about. So, I shot Jared over a little Q&A about his recent changes in sponsors. Check it out and leave a some comments for Jared.

Name:
Jared Chilko

Location:
Edmonton Alberta, Canada

Current Sponsors:
Superstar Bike Company and Meloncholy Clothing

You recently made the switch from Seshin to Superstar. What had brought on the change?
Well, things were great on Seshin and I owe Ted so much for letting me design my own bars. The new laws forced Ted to not release any products in 2009 and gave me his consent to take other sponsorship offers. I have always been down with the image and products of Superstar. I sent Julien at Superstar an email letting him know my situation and he offered me a spot on the team. Stoked for the future now.

What exactly happened with Seshin? I heard they weren't making frames for 2009? Are you and Ted still on good terms?
Yes, Ted and I talk at least a few times a week. Still pretty tight. The new testing laws made the future of Seshin a little uncertain. I Hope he gets the company up and running again in 2010. Good luck Ted!

With being on Suprstar will you be able to travel more and spend more time riding?
I hope so. Julien is planning team trips which I am super stoked on. I only have 2 semesters left in university until I earn my degree. Once that is done I will be doing nothing but riding for a long while.

Will you be hitting any contests at all this year?
I sure hope not. Haha. Well, If it was really needed of me to hit a certain contest I would be down but contests are not really my thing. I would much rather go get some photos or footage.

Even though you having edit coming out for Superstar, have you been working on any more web videos or video parts for anything?
Actually yes, It was a few days of filming in a distant indoor park. In the winter here, it is far and few between. Spring and summer is way better and expect more edits once the snow melts. This one will be on the superstar site pretty soon.

Will you have any signature parts with Superstar? Anything you can tell us about just yet?
Nothing yet. Julien said he wants lots of rider input so be ready for some dialed stuff!

Did you happen to get any other offers for sponsors prior to picking up Superstar? It seems like you get plenty of peoples attention.
I had a few, I was working on a deal with Simple but Julien at Superstar made the chance to ride for Superstar my best option. Both are super good companies it's just Superstar gave me the chance for some even better opportunities.

Where do you see yourself by the end of 2009?
Almost done at uni, having good times with my friends and girlfriend, and having fun riding my bike.

Any other big news you can tell us about involving you?
Not really, I guess I could say that I bought a new car a while back and I have been spending a lot of time putting work in. It's a MK3 GTI VR6, slammed, low miles. So fun.

Anything else you want to say in general?
Yeah, thanks for the interview and thanks to Superstar and Sidewall Distrobution

Check out Superstar
s site for a little more on Jared.

Jeff DuPaul Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:15:00 -0500

Unless you have been living under a rock and never use your internet for anything more than Redtube, YouPorn, or Facebook, you probably have heard of Jeff DuPaul. If not Jeff DuPaul, probably Team Jeff DuPaul. I've been interested in finding more out about this guy for some time now, and finally had the opportunity to shoot him some questions. We even got a few of the guys from the team in on asking some questions. I'm pretty stoked since he is a real good guy just looking out for his friends, and for a good time. Check out the interview and leave Jeff some love in the comments!

Name:
Jeff David-Kyung DuPaul a.k.a. Mike Salad a.k.a. Kyung Sou (that’s my real name, although idk how to spell it)

Location:
On my porch in Prospect, CT

Sponsors:
None, but def. repping The Last People and A-Town Trash. AMUH!!!

Years riding:
Gzz well, I have been riding since a little before senior year of high school, but through about 2 years of injuries, I been in BMX for about 5ish years but really on the bike for only like less than 4.

Years filming and editing:
well I got my camera when I tore my ACL this last time, so about 7 months. I always filmed and edited before that with like a terrible camera held together by little devil stickers. I made a billion edits, but had dial up internet, so none of them ever made it online hahaha.

What was it the first got you into BMX? Do you have any early memories?
Man I feel so dumb talking about myself haha, umm I saw Road Fools Europe day 2 on Bluetorch, and was hooked. I used to skate prior so I watched shows that had both like x-games, I got on my bike after that though. My first memory is following all the good kids from my town to the trails jumping the first set and then quitting. I don't know, I didn’t have fun jumping the sets, so I would just go chill, I had most fun cruising to the gas station to get drinks and hoping curbs and stuff. There were benches across the street from a subway that I learned to grind on, and was stoked. All the locals around me were trail rats but I was stoked on street, kind of went my own way after that.
On a side note, kind of wish I learned to ride trails so I would have more bike control lol.

I've heard from others how Team Jeff DuPaul all came about, but maybe you could give it to us from your perspective? Why your name over something weird like the other guys out there like Team Dilly or BMXfu?
I get this question a lot, It's not some ego trip or anything, infact I didn’t even invent TJD. It all started about a year ago, Not-So-Metro 08. I always bought Andre Postell ciggs, gas, park entrance fees, food, anything he needed. It’s just how I am. I’ll do almost anything for my friends. Well Andre made a joke that I was his sponsor, and listed Team Jeff DuPaul for the contest. It kinda blew up when c-beef got real stoked and was like lets do this. As a joke I posted a myspace bulletin saying TJD now accepting sponsor me tapes. A billion kids sent in tapes and a few friends were like yeah put me on haha, so we just ran with it. I think that answers the name question, And re picked it. I started calling it TJD though to escape using my name, it just feels weird haha, I say it stands for The Junior Dolphins, Denny calls it this justified dream, when we go to parties so we sound like an awesome emo band. Shouts to Charlie and Greg Henry and everyone at BMXfu by the way.

Is it true you are throwing down your own cash to keep Denny and a few other dudes in the crew rolling?
Yeah hahaha, I mean it's just money. I have never really cared about material possessions. I like friends and stuff more. I think it's just bike riding, everyone throws everyone a dollar here and there. TJD started off my generosity, but currently TJD is broke lol.

Team Jeff DuPaul is all spread out around the North East area from my understanding. How often do you guys usually get together? Who do you ride with the most TJD or not?
Well I live in Connecticut. TJD is spread all around the north east, with some Canadian, west coast and FL reppers. Hahaha the close group of us from the north east ride together like 3 times a month, seems every weekend someone is staying at my house. We have groups of up to 15 people at a time crammed in my room. TJD riders I ride with the most is Denny, Chris Childs, Chris Zep, Craig, Mike Mastroni, Corey Godfrey. Kids I ride with the most are Haven locals, especially my dudes Garrett Servan and Gary Russel. Really I feel those 2 and Mike are the only kids I ride with a lot. And that’s only haven cause of winter. Mike lives like forever away so I usually solo shred.

Where are you usually riding? Anywhere you have been dying to go lately?
Haha well I haven’t ridden in 7ish month, but Haven a lot, just cause it's close, some lil prefabbers and just some lil spots. I never actually ride though haha I just ride for a minute then chill. I get burnt out on the same spots. I’m going to Cali for a Take trip so I am stoked on that, and pretty much anywhere over in Europe. Especially Barcelona, and just any country not too much explored. Might go with Mike, probably not though because of funds.

When can we expect a full-length video out of you guys?
Oh gosh, I have no idea, we are filming, but we don’t want like a thousand indoor park clips like all our web edits. We been saving the good stuff for our DefGrip video. Which will be more or less a full length. We will be submitting sections as they wrap up. It’s my way to do a full length. The idea of making an actual DVD crossed my mind, but I don’t think people would buy it. Plus with posting by section, people can film until they feel their section is good and done. I don’t want to put out something I’m not happy with. Might take all the sections when it is done and burn a few copies though.

Didn't you have your bike stolen or something recently? What's the story behind that one?
I did have my bike stolen at an h-town contest a few years ago and then returned by the kid who stole it. I didn’t care about my bike, I just wanted to know a girls name. Anyways, this time I sold my bike when I tore my ACL to help pay for bills. I’m all set to ride again, just don’t have a bike. I need a cassette, cranks and some little things. I just don’t have any money.

If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
Ok definitely Denny, he goes where I go, because he can ride, but he’s sooo funny. Chris Childs cause he shred and has witty one liners, Garrett Reeves, because he will do all the bangers, Mike Mastroni because he’s my main dude and shredsss and is a 2nd angle for when I screw up the first. 5th is Craig Zeppieri (combo of Chris and Craig) cause Craig would hide in Chris’s suitcase and come, and them fighting is the best thing to watch. It was hard to pick 5, and I don’t think it would matter where we go, because we would have fun off our bikes just as much as on. We would probably go to some nice big city or Barcelona. Although it's gonna get played out fast.

Do you have any trips planned at all right now? What would you like to do for '09?
I’d like to travel as much in '09 as possible. Denny and I have an idea for one trip called the Myspace trip. We all got little girlies we talk/talked to and they always say come visit. Well, we get a bunch of them to let a buncha dirty bike riders come stay, and we map out our adventure through myspace girls hahaha. I wana go everywhere though in all reality, I’m bad at planning ahead and organizing trips, but they do happen.

Do you have any crazy stories involving cops, security, midgets, homeless people, prostitutes, and or angry pedestrians?
I know I have a thousand, but am drawing a blank. I’m blowing it, definitely cracking under the pressure

Would you change anything about BMX if you could?
Yeah a lot hahaha. But everyone is entitled to their own opinions and even the things I don’t like I can find positive things about.

If you could get yourself and the rest of your team sponsored by any company, BMX related or not, who would you pick to endorse the team?
Everyone has a energy drink sponsor, well we would def pick extenze energy drinks, we saw them on a commercial once and got so stoked hahaha. It would be the best sponsor ever. Extenze and vodka haha, girls at the bar would be STOKEDDDD

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
Schooling it or something I probably wasn’t having fun with. I never had fun in school and things rarely hold my attention. I still worry about the future cause I have no idea what I want to do. But when I was little I wanted to be a fire truck. Not fire man, but fire truck. So maybe I can still do that?

What are you usually up to when you aren't riding, filming, or editing?
Nothing, man I have noooo life. I usually sleep, play with my dog, and watch food network. Cruise the net for a quick minute and then get bored and freak out. It's cause my closest buddy Mike lives like an hour away.

What was it that got you into filming and editing anyways?
Basically tearing my ACL, I mean that’s what legit got me into it. Before that I dabbled and stuff, but I don't know. Just something I had fun doing really and ran with it.

Chris zep: How many injuries and surgeries have you had?
I have torn both my ACL’s, ruptured a disc and fractured a vertebra in my back, that’s 3 surgeries, but my latest ACL took an additional 2 operations. That’s like 2 years off the bike lol, also I fractured my left wrist, and the average rolled ankles and sore knees and wrists. Oh and I'm positive I broke my left elbow but never went to the doctor for it

What is your camera gear situation looking like these days? Everything from cameras, lenses, to editing software.
I film with a Panasonic DVX 100b, and edit with Adobe Premier. I don’t actually have any lense. Long shots all day. Although Miles Rogoish just showed me how to film with one so I might get one. I just always loved long shots more

What is your dream set up?
Is this referring to riding or filming… for riding, any different unique setup, I’m more a person of circumstances rather than tricks or skill haha. Filming wise, just good lighting, crisp blue sky with minimal clouds. Good friends shredding, and a spot with character. Something eye appealing

It seems like you are a pretty popular dude, what is it about you that makes you kick so much ass?
Hahahaha dude I don't know, I just try and be friendly to everyone in my adventures. I like everyone.

Approximately how many women have you gave yellow fever to? Any miniature replicas of you running around?
Hahahaha, I hope they can't trace that yellow fever back to me! I didn’t mean to give it, but I got my girlfriend now, all I need.

Since you are 21, what is the current drink of choice?
I rarely drink, almost never.I drink just beer really, not real picky, honestly I generally don’t pay either. When I drink it's cause people hand me drinks, cause I’m just as content not drinking. I generally only get drunk with Chris Childs, we are alcoholics.

Have you ever been so drunk you either pissed yourself, made love to a large female, and or beat yourself up?
Hahaha no no and no, thank god, I did get drunk once and upset and consoled by a stripper, that was awesome story from a terrible night.

What do you do with a cashew in a lollipop?
Suck it till you get the nut! Bahahaha No homo for our amigos de la come up.

What kind of music is a guy like you into?
Everything, wicked cliché answer haha. But I like indie a lot, and rap. I listen to a lot of tupac haha. But I’ll listen to everything from whiney emo to electro pop haha.

Garrett Reeves: How do you drink 8 sodas a day and eat marshmallow fluff burritos and keep such a nice figure?
Man I have no idea, good metabolism, cause god knows I don’t do any physical activity

Denny: The powerful flaming punch of shoryuken or the high powered focus blast of hadoken?
I’m gonna have to go with Miles and Hadoken, I mean anyone can upper cut, but who do you know can focus energy into a call and take yo ass out!

If you could relive any day of your life, when would you go back to and why?
I don't know if I would want to pick a good day and relieve it or a bad day and change it, I would really wish I never tore my ACL this second time, it just doesn't feel the same. But then again I wouldn’t have gotten my camera, so I guess everything happens for a reason.

For one day you could commit any crimes you wanted and get away with it, no limit of how many, what would you do?
Oh man, I’d rob every bank ever so I’d be set for life and never have to get a real job. I really can’t think of anything else.

What is your biggest fear?
Losing people close to me, and being forgotten. When you think about being forgotten makes life seem like it wasn’t worth it. Also spiders, and heights. It's why I stay below coping hahaha

Kill one, fuck one, marry one. Barbara Walters, Lisa Lampanelli, Hillary Clinton.
Dude man I got the ugliest women to pick from, at least Matty got like interesting looking women. I’d kill Hillary, fuck Barbra cause listening to her during sex with that voice would be hysterical, and I guess marry Lisa, but she only likes black dudes. Get it Denny!

Mike Mastroni: If you could eliminate 3 female celebrities who would they be and why?
Paris Hilton, cause she is so sloppy and not even that hot, Tyra Banks for thinking she is way cooler than she is, and Beyonce for saying a diva is a female version of a hustler, I don't know, that makes me so mad haha.

C Beef: When is Denny’s first album “Denny dicks dudes” come out on the street?
I was thinking of taking all of Denny’s freestyles and making them MP3’s.

Please explain to me the metro 06 trip problems and near jail times that we all faced?
Oh gosh, first we snuck a kid into Canada, got pulled over at the boarder with him hiding under the clothes and gear, at the same time some friends from Philly get pulled over and they get searched, we start sweating that they are gonna search us, but after some computering we get cleared and book. can’t believe that, I’d still be in jail. On the way home they pull us over again, but we reported the other kids wallet stolen so we could get back in to the us, they pull me into the back room with like the light in my face asking for my green card, I’m like I don’t have a green card I’m a citizen, they wanted to throw me in jail for a few months and charge me $5000 bucks, but they let me go cause I said I was 17 and a minor hahaahahaha. So scary.

Where do you see yourself in a perfect world 5 years from now?
Rich beyond my wildest dreams and spending it on all my friends and f amily, orrrrrrr on Denny’s MTV show. Dude that will happen, mark my words.

Have you ever purchased a Girls Gone Wild video or any porn?
No, I had dial up internet forever so never watched porn. I don't know, I just never into it, I know that’s weird. But girls gone wild, never saw a real video, but have you ever noticed that girl like wrestling in the pool has a sausage in her bikini bottoms like on the side?

What is the worst thing you have spent your money on in the last month or two?
Hahahaha nothing cause I haven’t had money in about 7 months since I tore my ACL and haven’t worked. But probably fast food.

Have you ever been in a fight and or arrested?
I was in a fight like once on the school bus in like 3rd grade but never really arrested. Few close calls though, best one was when me and spam dined and dashed and cop cut my license in half.

What is the best advice you have ever been able to give or have been given?
Do it for yourself. It s the only way man like I forget who told me that but seriously. Only way to get any satisfaction out of life.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Oh brotha, soo many. First off, my Parents for supporting me and putting up with my junk for so long. My girlfriend for always trying to give me money and being there for me. All my TJD homies and supporters, thanks for liking all the videos and giving us such positive feed back and support.

NAME DROP SECTION Chris Childs, Chris Zeppieri, Garret Servan, Sven, Evan, Nick Dettorre, John Ludwick, Craig Passero, Garret Reeves, Corey Godfrey, Mike Mastroni, Gary Russel, Spam, Ewips, Barchus, Andre, C-beef, Villani, Julia, Natalie, my big sis Jenna, Samantha, Kyia, Alex B, James Hess, Jessie Jay, Matty Long, Sandman, Tom V, Jeff Dowhen, Ben Hucke, Adam22 Jeff K, Zak Earley, Drew Bezanson, B Christi, Don P, James Lukas, Ryan aka Chris Johnsson, Dane Wild, Dan Foley, Garret P, Justin L, and Everyone everywhere who has ever helped me out, from letting me borrow a buck to buy a drink to letting me sleep on your floor, trust me I remember all of you.
Special thanks to Denny for being my best friend thru everything and always keeping me entertained man, and although this might be controversial, thanks to Steve Croteau, he did get me out there and introduce me some people and got me into traveling, don’t get me wrong we aren’t cool or anything, just paying respect where its due. Thanks to you Kurt for thinking I was interesting enough that people would wana read all this nonsense

Anything else you want to say?
I can’t believe you all read this bahahaha go ride you loonies.

Below is only a few of Jeff's edits! You can check out 29 videos on his

Vimeo

Lewis Watson Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:48:00 -0500

Sometimes I come across people who I really didn't know much of anything about by simply seeing a photo or web video. While hopping around on Bikeguide, I came across a photo and knew I had to ask this kid some questions. It's also been a goal of mine to interview more people from out of the U.S also, so this is a double win. Check out the interview and let Lewis know how you feel in the comments!

Photo: Fred Murray

Name:
Lewis Watson

Location:
Aberdeen, Scotland

Sponsors:
20twenty and I am on the 4Down/Fit shop team

Years riding:
7 or 8

How are things going with 4Down these days? Is there any big things going on over there? Web videos, trips, dvd's, anything like that in the works?
The guys at 4Down are really cool and always helping me out. I am hoping to film a wee web edit soon. I am always up for going on trips but I am not sure what is happening.

What about the 20twenty shop? What's going on there these days?
Yeah, things are going really well at the moment. We have just moved into half of the skate shop down at the skatepark which is really cool and the shop is looking good. We are working on filming a dvd this year and will be going on a few trips soon.

Photo: Fred Murray

It seems like here in the U.S, we really don't hear a whole lot about the scene in Scotland. What is it like over there? Any up and coming guys that you think people will be hearing about besides yourself?
The scene in Scotland is amazing. Everyone knows each other so whenever you go anywhere you are made to feel really welcome. There are so many good riders here; the whole BSD team is amazing and there is always really good, young riders coming up from all over the place.

What are you typically riding over there? Is the street, parks, and trails pretty dialed over there or what?
I mainly ride park now because I get to ride the local park for free, but in the summer I try and ride as much street as I can. There are pretty much no trails up here so I don't get to ride them very much.

I saw a 20Twenty ad of you doing a massive curved wall ride. I'm assuming you aren't one of those guys who likes to go slow?
I do try and go fast most of the time. I think it just looks better. That curved wallride was one of the best things I have ever ridden though.

Photo: Chris Petrei

Do you find much time to travel? If you aren't around your home area, where are you usually riding?
I try to travel as much as I can. I am going off to Portland in the summer and about to go on a wee trip next month down south. When I am not riding in Aberdeen, I am normally in Glasgow or Dundee. They both have really good street and parks.

I hear you work at a local park? How's that? Does it have any perks or big down sides?
Yeah, it is a great job. I don't think I could get a better one for me really. I get to ride the park all I want for free and I always get to ride the good sessions. There are some downsides though, if you are hurt it sucks to be sitting in the park and you can't ride. Also when folk get hurt badly it is pretty bad because you have to deal with all that.

What are some things you would like to get done or hope you can do for 2009?
I really want to try and travel around as much as I can and film a good section for the 20twenty video. I really want to move out and get a flat and learn to drive also.

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
I think I would be playing rugby still, and I reckon I would have done a bit better in school too.

What are you usually up to when you aren't riding or working at the park?
I am normally out with friends or just chilling out at home

I know you spend a little time on Bikeguide. Do you feel forums like that are good for BMX or not really?
I think forums can be good and bad. It is really cool that you can keep up to date with everything that is happening and see videos and stuff. All the shit talking is pretty bad but I don't think that folk do that so much anymore.

You are approached by a dude with a knife who wants your bike or wallet, what do you do?
He would get my wallet for sure, I can actually replace that.

What are you going to do when you win the lottery?
I would go travel to all the places that I want to go to and then I would buy a nice house with a big bit of land so I can do what I want with it.

Photo: Chris Petrie

If you could do one thing for the rest of your life, outside of riding, for a career. What would you want to do?
I really would like to do something outside. If I ended up doing anything outdoors that would be cool.

What are 3 things you can't make it through the day without?
Food, friends and my bike.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to have decided what I am going to do and be working towards getting it.

Would you ever fight a homeless guy? What if he peed on your shoes?
If he peed on my shoes for sure.

What is the craziest thing you have ever experienced?
I think the after party at the last 20twenty jam has to be up there. The bar we were in had to be closed early because things got so loose. After that we went off to my mates flat and things got pretty out of hand, fridges got thrown and sofas snapped.

If you could no longer live where you live now, where do you see yourself?
I would like to live in France or Germany. I really like it over there.

What is the worst thing you have spent your money on in the last month?
I just had to spend £80 on the dentist today that was pretty shit.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I would like to thank Mike from 20twenty, all the guys from 4Down, everyone who I ride with, Craig, and everyone from the park for giving me one of the best jobs.

Eduards Zunda Interview and Bike Check

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:55:00 -0500

It's cool to see people who you have little or no idea about, who absolutely kill it. I got an email from Klavs a while back telling me about this kid, I was stoked about his ideas and this is the interview and bike check he put together. Check it out and leave Eddie some comments!

You probably don’t have a clue where a small country in Eastern Europe called Latvia is, but I’m sure you know what is the host country for one of the craziest bmx event of the year – Simpel Session. Latvia is Estonia’s neighbor country, which has brought Olympic and world championship race gold medalist Maris Strombergs and is known for good freestyle riders as well. Nose-dipped 360’s and plenty of style – you definitely noticed him in this year’s Simpel Session. Eduards Zunda from Latvia - representing Simple bike co.
Interview by Klavs Vasilevskis.

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

Name:
Eduards Zunda

Location:
Latvia, Rīga/Saldus

Current occupation:
Riding, School

Sponsors:
Simple Bike Company, Parbmx.com, Sporta Manija bike shop

Years riding:
9/10? not sure

Lets step back in past. Where, when, why and how did you start riding?
- I lived in a small city called Saldus.I was a small kid and next to my house was a kind of trails. I liked to watch the older guys riding and i knew most of the dudes already, so i decided to try with my friend’s bike these trails, crashed, but nothing serious - it was fun. After that my dad built my own bike, sketchy stuff, but i really loved it.

Your first considerable sponsors was Simple bike co, am I right? How did things with them start happening?
- My first sponsors were Sporta Manija bike shop. SIMPLE was well known company in Latvia, even if they weren't available there for a while. Aivars Sneiders and Janis Dreimanis started distributing SIMPLE parts and after that they asked Niels if maybe he need a latvian rider in the team, so since that time I’m in the team! Big thanks to Niels! That’s how it started, haha.

2008 was a pretty good year for you. Tell me about some of the contests and trips you took part in?
- Yeah, year 2008 was pretty much the best year, traveled more then previous years. One of the best trips I have ever been is Simple trip to Denmark, Copenhagen, I have been to Romania contest, few times to Ukraine, Kiev for a Redbull contest and show and lots of times to Estonia, riding.

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

Impressions about this year’s Simpel Session? What place did you get?
Any highlights? How is the feeling of almoust placing higher than Nathan Williams?
- Simpel session 09 was nuts! So many awesome riders, lots of people, really good park mix street/park, amazing! Can’t wait for the next year! Reynolds destroyed the course, thats the highlight for me! Nathan is amazing rider! I went there for having fun, to try the course, enjoy the trip with my friends, not really for beating someone! I’m not sure but i think i ended up in 29th place...

I heard Catfish had problems with spelling the names of some European riders, including Latvian? Did he spell your name correctly?
- Yeah Catfish is fun, it sounds so funny for me when he tried to spell latvian names, haha... I had luck that my name is pretty simple, so it was almost correct, haha!

Ride BMX wrote that you were wearing a girls shirt. Any comments on that?
- Hahahaahahaha ! Yeah thats right! It was a good shoping day when me and my girlfriend bought exactly the same shirts with different sizes! Still wearing that shirt .

We know, it's pretty bad situation with limited chances to ride indoor here in Latvia in the winter time. Where do you ride when it is cold out?
- We have one good indoor park in Tukums – brand new! Aaand indoor in Ventspils, pretty sketchy, so the situation is not the best, but usually we go to our neighbors Estonians, they have few indoors.
In cold period (winter) we got lot of snow and all streets are wet, so there is no other choice than indoor..

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

What do you think about the whole economical situation in Latvia and the recession in most part of the world right now?
- Lots of nonworking people, who are getting angry, fighting just to get some money, and stealing... That definitely sucks.

Are you a contest rider or do you just like to chill and film for video parts?
- I ride contests, but i’m not really into it. Tthe best part of contests is traveling and meeting new people! I like filming, chilling, being lazy sometimes, hah, whatever - I just enjoy riding and being together with friends.

Can you describe your riding style? It seems you like to combine street and park moves.
- I like riding trails, parks and street, whatever, even a corb. Just need the right people, so it would be fun! Combine moves, yeah! I think park and street is pretty similir to each other, i guess that’s the reason 

A good set of trails, street or park? What do you enjoy the most?
-Sorry, can’t choose, haha.

Photo: Artis Ludbozs

If you had chance to ride any famous park,trails or street spot in whole world, what would you pick?
- I would love to visit Barcelona, seems a good place for street riding, some crazy stuff! Definitely The Unit, Greenvile looks such an amazing place and I guess Pinter’s trails? There is so many different places i would love to go...

How do you like your bike built? Describe your current setup. Any modifications?
- Clean, noiseless! I amm getting angry if my bike starts making noise, so I’m trying to tight everything!

I know you have been brakeless for a while now. Why and when did you decided to take the brakes off? How has it changed your riding style?
- About a year and half ago I took them off after simpel session 08, I don’t even know why. I wanted to try it and yes, it’s a different feeling – riding brakeless. I think it changed for a reason, but not sure how.

Are you into listening music when you're riding? Any top artists, genres?
- I used to listen to music when i was riding, but now i’m trying not to, cuz i always ride with friends and its not good if someone talks to you and you dont hear anything, so i prefear riding without music now...

I like Lukestar, The Daysleepers, Blonde readhead, 65daysofstatic, The applesseed cast, The Mars Volta, lots of music 

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

Have you ever had troubles with cops or random people because of riding so far?
- I’m glad I haven’t had any problems with cops and other people so far.

What do you do when you are not riding?
- Meeting my girlfriend, visiting parents, school, watching videos, playing games, playing guitar, partying, haha.

Speaking of parties - when was the last time you got drunk?
-Simpel session 09! Good times, good times!

What does your girlfriend says about you and bike riding?
- Hmmm, sometimes she is afraid, but she really supports me, she tries to understand me! Thanks to her!

Do you like cooking? What’s the best thing you can make?
- Yeah, homemade food is the best! I do like cooking, when i’m not too lazy! I can do a lot of nice stuff, practice, practice, haha.

Do you have any pets?
-Yes, dog and cat. Dog is called Maxis, but my cat is all black and both of them are small, love them!

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

What are the most impressive videos/video parts you have seen lately?
- Props Road Fools 16, Kink Safety First, Brighton Aint Ready, Endsearch, These Days...

Any favorite riders? Riders you look up to?
- There are lots of good riders but I like watching Nathan Williams, Sean Sexton, Corey Bohan, Stefan Lantschner, Dakota Roche... There is too many to name them all, haha

How did the idea to ride the beach when it was freezing cold come to you? Pretty original, I'd like to admit.
- Haha, thanks! We have tried it already few years ago with friends, but this time we went riding to Ventspils indoor, it was closed at 15:00, so we had to find something else. Ventspils has a nice beach, so we decided to check whats going on out there and we found exactly what we were looking for - some sandy spots, haha. That was fun.

Ok, last question about your web edits. Tell me about that crazy gap at the trails in Ikskile?
- Hahaa, yeah, it wasn’t the best idea, the landing was too mellow. I tried it few times till the last try ... So when i went down, both of my ankles hurt so much that I couldn’t walk for few days, but now I’m fine! I would love to try it again, just with steeper landing!

Photo: Artis Ludbozs

Your typical riding crew?
- Most of them are dudes from parbmx.com - Andris D, Kristaps S, Oskars Z, Ruslans K, Janis D, Aivars S, Ainars M, Raitis H, Janis Z. I think these are the usual dudes i’m riding with...

How are the things with your sponsors going recently? Any plans for the near future? Any signature products coming out?
- I could say that everything is fine... Were testing now Simple EZ stem what is my signature stem and soon we will have some prototypes of my simple frame, should be awesome, cant wait for it .

That sounds pretty good. Can you give us more information about that EZ stem?
- The stem looks pretty awesome, Niels is the man! Haha, the stem will be 49mm, as i like it, weight 236grams, its pretty short and nice .

If you could be sponsored by any company that has ties to BMX, what would you pick and why?
- Redbull, Carhartt, Eastpak, Orchid, Fox, Levis, Etnies, Vans - I like companies that make trips for the team, it’s the best thing!

Photo: Rutger Pauw

Do you consider yourself the most stylish person on a bike in Latvia, haha?
- Fuck no! Haha.

What do you have to say to all kids taking brakes off their bikes, getting big bars and slim pants?
- Hmmm, if they like it - why not? But first practice tailtaps before doing tailwhips and flips. It’s just because i see a lot of kids riding, who don’t have brakes, doing tailwhips but they can’t do a
tailtap...

What are the biggest inspirations and influences in your life and riding?
- Definitely my friends who i’m riding with! We started riding together and we still ride together, teaching each other how to do somethig, and how it would be better and and and, i think these are the biggest influences in my life. Thanks to my buddies!

Where would you like BMX to take you in future? Can you imagine yourself after 5 years? Have you thought about that?
- I’m not sure how everything will go, but yes, I imagine myself riding after 5years and even more... It’s one of the most important things for me!

Who would you like to say thanks?
- Thanks for supporting to my parents (family), my girlfriend Ieva for beeing so sweet! Thanks to Niels Thanild from SIMPLE Bike Co! Thanks to Aivars Sneiders and Janis Dreimanis from PARBMX.com! Thanks to Krists Mertens from Sporta Manija bike shop! Thanks to Kristaps Pagrabs from REDBULL and thanks to my friends and everyone who have supported me! Thank you!

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

How would you like to end this interview?
- Enjoy riding and have fun!

Thanks, good luck, Edd!

Aivars Sneiders, Janis Dreimanis, the owners of PARBMX (http://parbmx.serveris.lv/).
When did Eddie become a member of your team and how did your cooperation start?
- We knew Eddie for a long time before we started distribution in Latvia, ride together and so. Thats why he is our member from the very begining. We thought that he is good. Thats all.
One of the first companies we started to distribute was Simple bikes. And this is where everything starts for Eduards. We told Niels about him. And everything started working for him.

Any products, trips coming out? Plans for 2009?
- Simple – EZ sig stem and signature frame from Simple bike co, counting days for the parts!

Anything else you want to add about Edd?
- Beside spending all time on bike sometimes he find a way to get to university. Thats great.

You have spent a while with Eddie, how many beers can he drink?
- We usually don`t count. Drinking beers with Eddie is always fun. He can stay up and have a great party all night. Girls like him.

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

You can check Janis Dreimanis photo portfolio with some good shots of Eddie on Ridebmx site here: Ride BMX

Photo: Janis Dreimanis

Bikecheck.

Frame: Simple Bike Co – Ace 21.1” Toptube
Fork: Simple Bike Co - Monarchy
Bars: Simple Bike Co – Jetset 8.5” rise
Stem: Simple Bike Co – EZ stem (which is Eddies Signature stem)
Grips: BlackMarket
Barends: Animal plastic
Headset: Simple Bike Co
Clamp: Simple Bike Co
Seatpost: Animal Pivotal
Seat: Federal Slim SL (with a lil bit of handwork)
Cranks: Demolition medial 2.0
Sprocket: Simple Bike Co – Copenhagen 27T
Chain: Shadow Interlock
Brake:less
Front Tire: Odyssey Mike Aitken PLYTE
Front Wheel: Simple Rim and Simple eject hub (36)
Spokes: Kink
Rear Tire: Animal GLH
Rear Wheel: Simple Rim and Simple hub (36)
Pedals: Animal plastic

Photo: Rutger Pauw

Russell Wadlin Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:37:00 -0500

There is one word that can sum Russell up pretty quickly, and that word is "awesome". He has been killing it for quite some time now and I felt it was time to see what he has been up to. There is some real good insight on his riding career, real career, and life in general. There are also a lot of really good stories. Plus, he has pretty solid advice for those of you who might end up in prison someday. We even got Rick Moliterno to throw in a few questions, so check out the interview, and leave him some love in the comments!

Photo: Miles

Name:
Russell Wadlin

Location:
Tulsa, Ok

Sponsors:
Standard

Years riding:
Probably 10-12 knowing what BMX is. I always jumped curbs and loved riding around downtown before I knew it was a real thing.

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
I vividly remember seeing Rob Nolli do a superman in the first X-gaymes on TV while on a vacation in South Carolina, haha. Hooked instantly. Coincidentally, I had a friend that I didn't see very often that also got into riding because he lived by some trails. So the next time I saw him we went to the trails, my front wheel flew off, and we saw a kid break his finger -- best day ever. I ended up buying my first "real" bike from that kid -- Dyno VFR!

Photo: Jake Giesel

You have been on Standard for quite a while now... How are things going with them? Anything big going on involving you and them?
It's awesome. Nothing like sig. frames or any of that stuff. I have a custom 250, so that's like a signature bike...only it's just for me, haha. The new shop is going strong and they're cranking out some amazing stuff. I'll be going up to Iowa this summer and I would assume I'll get/give a few HJ's and ZJ's from/to Rick. So that'll be sweet. Probably some over-unders too.

What about the rest of your sponsors? Anything awesome?
Yes, very awesome. Ballpark and I have a new, signature frank coming out. They'll be anatomically correct 100% beef injection molds made from a certain part of my body -- they're delicious and fit in buns perfectly.

I'm watching the STA part, and I am instantly confused. Do you ride a freecoaster or no? Explain.
Both. Freecoasters are awesome but they all suck and aren't reliable at all. I like aspects of both cassette and freecoaster, so I ride both. It's just whatever trick phase my head is in at the moment. Most of my STA part is really old footage (we're talking at least 4 years old when the video came out) so it was before I even tried a freecoaster. It sucks sometimes, because I'd love to just have the best of both worlds. I like the engagement and reliability of cassettes, but with a freecoaster I like a lot of slack. I haven't tried one of those externally adjustable freecoasters yet. Maybe they're the answer but I doubt it. So I just go back and forth when I feel like it, variety is the spice of life right? Unfortunately my freecoaster is fucked right now, so I don't know when I'll be getting on one again.

It seems like you have to be pretty legit to be on Standard these days. Who did you have to kill to get on the team?
Garret Rapp
First question is funny to me though. What do you mean by legit? Everyone "on" Standard is just a dude that shreds for themselves and doesn't really give a fuck about what people think about it. If that's legit, then yes.

Speaking of that, what is your automatic weapon of choice?
Chainsaw -- automatically awesome.

How's the scene where you are living these days? I would imagine you are riding with Miles and Tony a fair amount?
Good and quaint, haha, like always. I've always told people it's sweet enough that I've never had a desire to move somewhere else like Austin or something sorta close. There's not a whole lot of riders but everyone knows each other and is cool to one another for the most part. Tulsa is like a big city, but small at the same time. I'm totally a product of my environment and I'm happy with that. I ride with Miles and Tony a bit. Our lives are on different schedules basically. I work all day and ride at night, they film all day and party/chill at night (this is just a generalization). I'll usually meet up with them on the weekends though. I ride with Aaron Anderson, Alex Vazquez, Dylan Morris, Hawaiin, and Mike Shaiko a lot too.

Photo: Kyle Kisling

Briefly describe the first and last time that someone on a bmx bike just blew your muthafuckin mind.
1st:
I was at these trails in this shitty little town and this dude shows up. I don't know who the fuck he is but he is just oozing badass. He's got the oakleys, he's putting on the leopard print knee and elbow pads, and he's on a Hoffman. BADASS. He proceeded to 360 and then flip the "trick" jump. I was astounded. I was seriously dumbstruck. I just witnessed that shit in person!
Most recent:
That new DUB jam video. The riding in that thing is crazy!

I heard you can hop a 45 pound bike higher than your own?
Hahaha, I wouldn't say it was higher, it was about the same height that I can hop on my normal bike.

Is there an aspect of your riding you always want to pursue but never do?-Rick Moliterno
I wouldn't say NEVER, but some of the gaps and shit I see I just can't bring myself to do them. Just not brave enough. It sucks too, because I feel like if I see it, then I should be able to do it. And I really hate walking away from things. I'm not the 3 bitch runs and get it done guy, I'm the take a million run-ups, learning more about it every time, then finally do it. Some people hate that, and I'm sorry if we're riding together, but it's just the way I think. I think a lot and am very meticulous. It's just the way my head is and I've accepted it. I've done most of what I've seen and some have been really hard for me mentally. There's still some out there that I don't know if I'll ever do.

Have you been doing much filming for anything lately? When can we expect to see some new clips of you?
Yeah I've been trying. Doing work with Miles and Tony and then also with Chris Mahaffey when we get the chance. I'm working on full parts for them hopefully but I'm not going to stress out and make riding not enjoyable to get them done. You'll be seeing a little webbie vid soon. I have 2 breaks in my foot right now, so I'll be making the vid with some new footage that's not going to Chris anymore (he's all HD now -- what a snob!) and some used stuff that was in my BNQT bio and maybe even some older stuff from the Standard video. Just something sweet and with tricks that I was most psyched on. The kids are calling them remixes nowadays, so I will too.

How much do trends affect your riding?-Rick Moliterno
I'll be honest. I do follow trends, everyone does in some way no matter how much they deny it. I just do it moderation. I try to do things that are "cool" but then also do some stuff that's weird or different. I'm really into doing ironic things I guess. Like, lately I've been all about can-cans or other silly tricks and doing them in "cool" places like down stair sets or something. I guess the same can be said about my clothing even. I started wearing tie-dye because I thought it was silly and it made me smile. Now I'm seeing kids wearing it and companies selling shirts. I'm not saying I started a trend, because I HIGHLY doubt that, it's just weird. I've noticed a small resurgence of old school tricks and it makes me really happy.

With Summer coming up pretty quickly. What do you have planned riding wise?
I'll be sweating profusely and getting tanned skin. Nothing really out of the ordinary honestly. Hopefully I'll be heading up to Iowa for a week or so around the time of Extravajamza (June 20th, everyone go it's amazing). Just riding my bike a lot more and driving my car a lot less. Hopefully some good trips come up, but if not, oh well.

If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
I'd take two Tulsa legends: Big Aaron and James double D, Drew York, Fergie, and Rick. I have THE BEST roadtrip memories with Aaron and James. Same with Drew and Rick actually. Some good times on SBC trips! Fergie just because he's basically the sweetest dude I've ever met. With that crew, it wouldn't matter where we went honestly. So hard to narrow this down to 5 people. Can't I just bring everyone?

Photo: Kyle Kisling

Who is the biggest animal on SBC in your opinion? Benny P claims he didn't have a part in the video because you didn't want him making you look bad?
Yeah, I begged Benny not to do anymore inverts over spines. I guess that equals no riding at all. As an animal, Drew comes to mind instantly, but when I think about it there's so many. Rick -- duh. Jonah -- such a badass and is an eccentric person and I really like that in people. Benny -- has no front teeth as a result of being an animal. Rob Ridge -- just wow. Watch his part on vimeo, so amazing. Greg Litecky -- no shirt, cigs, awesome. Jeremiah -- because he's literally a lumberjack, like, literally. Doug E Fresh -- he's a racer that's jumped the church gap. There's just so many. I just love everyone on Standard that I've met. It's everything BMX is, but at the same time, everything that it isn't if you know what I mean.

Out of the whole team, who do you think you could take in a game of checkers?
Fucking hell, probably no one. I don't even know how to figure an answer for this haha.

When it comes to riding, are you very picky with what you want to ride or are you able to shred a curb and be completely satisfied?
I'm happy to ride a curb! One of the last times I rode before I broke my foot we sessioned a curb in front of the skatepark, haha! I'm not picky at all. I never pick spots because I like showing up with a fresh imagination instead of going in with intentions of doing something I've already called out but sometimes I do that too. It's weird, haha. I started out riding trails, always rode street, and ride skateparks too, so I will seriously ride anything. My imagination always wins and I end up wanting to do stuff that's weird to other people. At its extreme it borders on not even being BMX at all sometimes, like riding on a cable/wire or something with no tires or tubes -- tightrope/circus style. Like, hopping in and out and everything, maybe even tricking out if it works, but I just want to see if the bare rims will ride on the cable/wire like I think they will. Is that BMX to people? Lately, the thinking has translated into about a million thread-the-needles, so nothing too weird there. I've thought about making a whole part with NO tricks in it, except hopping, wallrides, manuals, those kind of bike manuever type of things. I don't really know if I'd include spins or not. It'd be like, gaps and just weird ways to use a bike at normal spots or just doing things at really weird spots. Just bare bones, creative riding, but the intention is that it wouldn't be boring and it'd still be a sweet video part. Kind of hard to explain, but it makes sense in my head -- a problem I have a lot!

Do you envision yourself as an "older" rider yet?-Rick Moliterno
Yes and no. I know I'm not actually that old and that there's a lot more shredders out there older than I am. Typically at home I am the oldest dude in the session though. I don't really care because I don't feel old (unless I'm around kids who don't know what video Forward is -- WOW). Most people don't even realize I'm 27 until it comes up somehow. They think I'm younger.

Photo: Jake Giesel

If you could change anything about BMX, from removing people, events, places, or anything like that, would you? If yes, what?
I don't know man, that's a hard question. It's like when Marty's sister or whatever is disappearing from his photo in Back to the Future. If you change something, then the world we know now will be different. You know, cause and effect. If that's true, then probably not. BMX is what you want it to be, so if you don't like it, that's your own fault. I think a lot of people are driven in a negative way by the industry and coverage because they want to be good at something. They think that being "pro" is the only to be good or to ever succeed and that sucks to see. Why not stop stressing over the popular tricks you think you should be doing and do some tricks YOU want to do? Like I said, BMX is yours, it's what you make it, I do whatever I feel like so I love it. Um sorry about the tangent there, back to the question...If I could change something without changing how BMX is now overall, it'd definitely be the highschool/popularity contest I've noticed sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I've liked everyone I've ever met, I get along with pretty much anyone. But there's been times when I'm chilling with a rider, and a "cooler" person comes around, and I no longer matter to them. I haven't experienced bullshit like that since highschool. Very petty. But fuck it, through all the lost friends, friends quitting, friends changing, people acting shady, people being unnaccepting, etc I will and do still ride (obviously, ha).

Do you have any real good stories involving cops, security, homeless people, hookers, or pedestrians because of BMX?
Cops:
Last year's Extravajamza after party was wild. A lot of people started claiming couches and floor space to crash. Space ran out quick and I started to get annoyed with all the overly drunk people anyway so I got an AMAZING blanket from someone and went to crash outside. I thought "what would a dog do?" So I cuddled up in the corner next the building, away from the wind. I'm asleep fast and for at least an hour. Eventually someone starts waking me up and I instantly think it's some drunk dick, so I'm like "FUCK OFF I'M SLEEPING!" Well, it was a cop. He ends up being surprisingly nice, takes me to his cruiser, where I sat for like a damn hour, and he's trying to get me to get someone inside the house to let me in. Turns out there was a major brawl...like, iron fence posts thrown like spears through cars and shit. Cops had shown up and everyone locked the place down pretending like no one was there. Well, I play dumb saying that I'm from out of town (I was) and that I don't have any numbers (lie). Eventually they just put me in a random, unlocked parked car with another dude, Duckman, that they found under a tree or something. They eventually leave, the garage door opens and we go back in, haha. I proceeded to whine a bit because I was so salty from being caught up in it when I was actually trying to get away from all of it. I got over it. Awesome memory now.

Homeless people (kinda):
We were down in OKC for a CFB years ago and staying at our friend, Nick Stout's place. His neighbors across the street were amazing. 2 of the ABSOLUTELY WORST/BEST rednecks I've ever met. They eventually were named "All Out Punch Out" and "Riversnake" (not the Square One Riversnake, a blatant copy). Wasted the whole time. Drinking what they were calling "whoooooooooooski." My buddies James and Mitch among other things, went in their house without them knowing, raided the fridge, pissed on the couch with a passed out dude on it, and stole the TV remote. When the 2 came back home, James and Mitch were changing channels and volume from outside the house and these guys were flipping out and couldn't figure it out. Eventually James and Mitch just cranked to volume to max and threw the remote in a field. They blamed it on some kids down the street that didn't even exist and the rednecks went to go find them. I can't even remember everything these guys did. They were on another level.

You used to rock some dreads. What happened to them and will they ever make a return? Were you bummed when that trend died down?
I hated them for a very long time. My girlfriend at the time (wifey now) and I had this deal where I would keep them until I proposed to her, because she really liked them. She obviously made that deal thinking it was going to take forever, which it didn't. I eventually proposed and cut them off minutes later, haha. They will never make a return. They were absolutely miserable to ride with. They went down to the top of my ass and would whip me in the face all the time. They weighed a ton, especially wet. They were extremely hot. I was every hippie and goth girl's dream guy. I can't even count the number of times I got offered weed from random people at random times, which I suppose would be sweet if I smoked. Just, no. It was never really a trend in my opinion. There's always just been a few people who have them, not like every kid rocking big bars and skinny jeans.

Photo: Kyle Kisling

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I don't know. I'd like to think it was something similarly unique and individual. BMX was the first thing I was interested in that I discovered on my own, not through just doing whatever my step-brother was doing. I pretty much quit all the conventional sports I did at the time because I hated coaches and wanted to ride more. Maybe art, but I hate the baggage and douchebaggery that is attached to that word. Who knows. It'd be interesting to find out though.

I see you work as a graphic designer. What's that like, and how's it all going?
It's horribly awesome. I don't want to say that working 40 hrs a week is awesome, because it's not and I don't think humans were meant to spend the majority of their lives working. However, design was my way of making it all not so bad. My specific job is great. I work at the county health department, which sounds so uncool and domesticated. I'm the only designer, the majority of the deadlines are soft, decent pay, good benefits, lots of payed time off, and a lot of flexibility. So basically it's a job where I do something that I enjoy, there's low stress, no competitiveness, and I can go on trips pretty much whenever I want. Seems pretty perfect at the moment.

I'd imagine you would have to go to school for something like that? Did you do that? Finally, would you advise people into going into that kind of career?
A lot of people hire on portfolios, so you don't technically have to have a degree to be successful. I went to TU and got a degree after several years of trying out another major. It's definitely a very expensive way to raise your chances of success, but school just doesn't work for all people. There's just SO MANY self proclaimed designers lowering the value of real design work out there. Photoshop does not make you designer.

How do you feel about the way design is done these days? If you could add or remove anything what would you do different and why?
Well it's just like everything else, there's amazing work out there and then there's those things I see that just make me want to drop a machete on my foot. I don't think I'd really change anything aside from me getting an easy job for a milli. I mean, my philosophy is less is more, well not mine but I borrowed it, haha. So if every designer thought that, I'd be even more of a little fish in a big pond.

If you couldn't ride professionally, or work as a graphic designer, what could you see yourself doing for a career?
Um, I was doing video stuff in school before I got this weird vision of me working at the local news station as a cameraman or an editor and I instantly wanted to castrate myself. So maybe I'd be doing that and would have realized there's better jobs out there (that I probably wouldn't have gotten) than the news station shit.

What kind of partying are you into? Safe and sober, high intoxication, or strippers getting their noses broken status?
Depends on who I'm around. When I'm around all friends, dude party 5000 style I definitely like to get down. Compared to some of my friends though, my raging is very tame, haha. On average though, I'm definitely a chiller. I'm real big on drinking brews by the fire with the wife and homies. That type of thing.

If you were given enough money to live for the rest of your life without any fear of running out. Would you still work? Would you change the way you live or work right now?
I don't know, if I worked it wouldn't be very much at all. Enough to kill boredom maybe, but if I had that scrilla I'd be riding jet skis or some shit when I got bored. If I had no fear of ever running out you can best bet I'd be globetrotting like a mother fucker. I'd try my best not to change as a person but I'd definitely change the way I live. I'd buy Kelly and I's dream home and have the typical BMXer stuff and bunch of dude toys. I'm trying to live life man!

What are 5 of the most important things in your life?
Kelly, BMX (or rather the enjoyment it gives me. I doubt it'll change but it could be croquet when I'm 60, who knows), being happy, family, and Taco Bueno.

First song to come to mind? What about first movie?
Kid Cudi -- Day n Night
Super Troopers

What's your favorite video game cheat code?
First one that comes to mind is the blood code for the original Mortal Kombat for the Genesis. The one that's probably brought me the most enjoyment is the weapons cheat on GTA3 (the newest system I have is a PS2). But you can't forget the classic -- the 30 lives code for Contra on the original NES!

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Make those couple video parts and be satisfied with them (this year I guess). Buy a commercial building or multi-floor garage and have the first floor be the craziest ramp set-ups I can think of and the upper floor(s) our home. Continue being happy. Get out of the country more and ride my bike in new cities.

If you were put in prison, what would be the first thing you would do to make sure you didn't look like somebody they would want to mess with in the showers?
Probably steal the first shank possible, slash my chest in a 'Z', Zorro style and then scream "I HAVE AIDS BITCHES!" while charging at everyone while I'm covered in AIDS blood. Hopefully that'd work.

Photo: Kyle Kisling

What would it take for you to drop kick a young child? Would you do it for $1000?
When I worked at the skatepark I would've done it for free...to every kid that came in.

What is the most embarassing story you can tell us about anybody in BMX? Do it, you wont.
Some real goodies come to mind but I don't feel like I can tell them because I didn't experience them first-hand. However, this dude that used to ride with my first little riding crew in the small town I grew up in went on a blind date. The girl had no arms or legs. How do you think he felt when he realized she was his date? What do you do? He had no teeth though, so it's cool. I never understood how he talked to her on the phone.

What is the best advice you have ever been given, or able to give?
I don't know but I like these things:
-Less is more
-Moderation is key
-Live fast, land flat

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Kelly, for sure. My mom and Kelly's parents too. Rick and Jess at Standard, they're the best. The Team Iowa dudes for being sweet to me before they even knew me, Drew, Fergie, Danny G, Jake H. Anybody that's ever pointed a camera my way, especially Miles, Tony, Kyle Kisling, Jake Geisel, and Chris Mahaffey. Matt Coplon for just being a genuinely good person. He had me at hello. My boss Melanie for being most excellent. The Tulsa locals that make it so fun to ride here: Mike, Big Aaron, Lil Aaron, James, Dylan, Hawaiin, Alex, I definitely forgot someone -- sorry! Kurt, for having me do this. It was really cool to do. People on the internet who have been a fan of my riding. It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Anybody that's ever let me crash at their place. Anyone who's ever looked past the quiet and reserved first impression I give off and gotten to know me instead of just thinking I'm a dick. ThAnKs GaIz!

Anything else you want to say?
If you made it this far, thanks. I felt like I got kinda wordy, but fuck it, it's what I had to say.
ACID!

Kirk Shearer Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:08:00 -0500

Kirk is another one of those guys who, if you haven't haven't heard of him yet, you probably will be hearing about soon. He's been getting a lot of attention on the boards for his 360 down the El Toro set, funny photos of him floating around, and hilarious personality. I decided it was time to get the low down on this kid and get him some coverage. This is what he said. Let him know what you think in the comments.

Photo: Cory reynolds

Name:
Kirk Miles Shearer

Location:
Redlands, California

Sponsors:
none haha.

Years riding:
4 years

What was it that first got you into BMX in the first place? Any memories come to mind at all?
Well... when I was 6 my dad taught me how to ride and he built me a little race track on his spare time in the back yard haha. But when I was 13, I watched Steven Hamilton on props, on FuelTv and thats when I started actually coming off of the ground haha.

Photo: Cody Harlan

I won’t lie, I am mostly doing this interview because of how many people on The Come Up Board calling you out as the next pro. How do you feel about all of this talk?
Hmmm, thats a tough one. It definately feels kinda weird to me, but I dont really know how haha. I dont necessarily know what makes someone a pro haha.

You got a big jump to your reputation when you recently 3’d down the El Toro set. What were you thinking when you were about to do it? How about after? Do you plan on doing it or anything bigger like that again?
Well, when I was standing on top of it, It didn't feel too big haha, because I 3'd a 15 before that. But as I was rolling up to it.... I dont really remember haha, but I remember saying "OH SHIT" when I nosedived haha. But I was bummed right after I fell, because those were brand new proper rims and I knew I raped them haha. Hmmm, Cody said he would take me whenever I felt like doing it again haha, so yea probably.

You are also pretty well known for your ability to nose manual like a champ. What’s the key to those?
Eat the cookie that Alice ate from Alice in Wonderland, and shrink to a midget, big butts help too haha.

How do you feel about pegs, and why don’t you run them? Will you ever run them?
OMG they add WAAY too much weight. haha not really, but.. Pegs arent for me. They feel like they get in my way and limit me to only rails and ledges and I get distracted easily as well, I feel like im more....ok WAY more creative without them haha, my mind is odd.

People seem to be into watching you ride, so do you have any new web videos in the works? How about video parts?
Well, Im filming full parts for about 15 other friends and I, and we've been working on it since last summer, so it should turn out pretty good.... oh. Some crazy bangers in there by a few of my friends already, it should be done around summer (see trailer below)

Have you done much traveling at all yet? Do you have any trips you would really like to go on sometime soon?
I havn't even been out of the state haha. .... I dont have any trips planned, but I've always thought it would be cool to ride in the UK.

Who is your typical riding crew these days? Any guys who you wish were getting as much love as you are?
OH HELL YEA, I was hoping for one of these questions haha.

Ronald Jacinto = Crazy, Funny guy that rides like Josh Stricker haha.

Raymond Trujillo = Knows how to make the women flock, and will destroy a spot pegless and brakeless, without warming up haha.

Jourdan Barba = Will tuck over you from flat probably, and give you a hug if you need it.

Miguel Aguilera and Aaron Doolittle = Are both 2 cool chill guys, that shred and are super nice.

Dale Chini = will grind any rail into a coma.

Wyatt Broten = Super chill, super nice, super creative, just an awesome guy, he's in the military at the moment though.

and alot more, most will show up with full parts in the new video and probably will be getting alot of the spotlight and women haha.

You are a little on the short side. Do you find this is as an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to riding? How old are you anyways?
Im, 16 years old. And, I like being short haha, I feel like I tumble instead of fall sometimes haha.

Where do you look for inspiration for riding and what keeps you motivated?
I dont really know where it comes from, just friends, laughing histarically and Steven Hamilton haha.

Do you ever get burned out on it at all?
No, but sometimes I can go without riding and just film or chill for a day, or skate. Skating is fun.

Do tricks come pretty naturally for you, or are you one of those people who has to try something a million times before you figure it out?
Hahaha, I think stuff comes naturally for me whether I like it or not.
I used to never try tailwhips, until I landed one on accident(just trying it for laughs) and now I can do them haha,

Then I used to Try truckdrivers, and never throw the bars, and just gave up. Then one day about a month later, I was just cruising around my park and decided to throw the bars and that was that haha.

What is one trick you don’t think you will ever do, or never want to do?
Well I can't Tuck for my life haha, and I never want to Tuck to hang nothing haha.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
Hmm, if it were up to me I would change
a) How much people cared about style and trends.
b) Make everyone have their own style of creativity, and.... their own personal Pokemon.

Thats it haha.

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding or getting in on some heated discussions on TCUB?
At school or .... at school haha. Or filming my friends.

Have you ever met a girl online who sent you a nice picture of herself, and then agreed to meet her at a chapters bookstore, but when you arrive you realize that she is pretty fat and must have taken 100 pictures before one turned out decent enough to send you, and then she approaches you in the bookstore because she recognizes you from the description you gave her in your IMs with her, and she says "kirk?!?!?" in a puzzled manner, and you respond "No, you got the wrong guy” and then just leave the store leaving her sad, embarrassed, and alone?
Hahahahahahaha, No. I will one day though.

Is this the same story as the purple haired girl? What’s that one all about?
Nah, basically, some dumb girl faked a pregnancy with me and I felt obligated to post her nudes all over tcub.

What is with the nickname aardvark? How did that all come about? Do you have any other nicknames you want to tell us about?
Well, lets just say I am like your average pair of slam bars on a trendy kid's bike. haha.

There was a pretty funny picture of you floating around of you creeping on a certain pro… Was that a spur of the moment thing or were you setting it up without him knowing?
Haha, I saw Dakota and told my friend Cory Reynolds, that had a camera to take a picture, and he did as I quickly glanced back haha.

Would you rather punch a baby in the face, or kick a baby in the face?
Punch the newborn into the air, then kick it.

What is the worst situation you have ever been caught in?
Girl faking pregnant. I wanted to punch her.

Who or what are some of your biggest influences on your life?
My family and friends of course. And... yea that covers it haha.

If you could do anything for a career, outside of riding, what would want to do?
Film/edit, like Chad Shackleford does.

What are some of the most important things in your life?
My bike.
My phone.
My Camera.
My computer.
My schnazz.
... yea thats about it, it said 'Things' haha.

Kill one, fuck one, marry one. Hillary Duff, Miley Cyrus, and Lindsay Lohan.
Kill Lindsay, Fuck Hillary, Marry Miley Cyrus.....

Oh, the unforgivable things I would do to her.
Every night and day.

If you could have any super power, what would you want and why?
The power to have every power I wanted.

So I could make clones of myself then, ride, bone, do homework, and make myself a pb&j all at the same time.

What kind of music are you into? Anything you would suggest people check out?
Ive been into a lot of old stuff lately.

The Animals
The Yardbirds
The Rolling Stones
Chuck Berry
Dick Dale
The Beach Boys
Men at Work
Styx
Bj Thomas
Oingo Boingo
Michael Jackson
Stevie Wonder

That kinda stuff haha.

Have you ever been convicted of rape or indecent exposure in public? What is your key to reeling in those ladies?
Hahahaha, I used to just let my balls hang out of my pants and walk around school.
But for the ladies.... hmm.
I just give a girl the eye and they want it. Not really, Im not too smooth with the ladies haha.
Although I am growing a pretty sweet mustache!

Would you ever fight a homeless man? What if he tried to sell your bike for a 40 and some crack?
Of course, I'd just wrap my fists in paper bags to prevent aids. But only if it involved my bike or camera, I'm a negociative person haha.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'll be 21.
So you bet ill be partying and listening to gang related music and using curse words on a daily basis hahaha.
And riding, with a job at the porn store.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Be quiet.

Haha, works everytime.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Shoutout to my Mom and Dad! You, My negroid Cody Harlan. All of HB.c, anybody that has helped me out, there are so many people. thanks guys :]

Anything else you want to say?
See y'alls at the L.A jam on sunday.

Yo Guy Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:50:00 -0500

With so many independent videos either out or coming out soon (futu, it do, banned 3, Fresh fish and more) it’s easy for them to get lost in the shuffle since they don’t have much of an advertising budget. I hadn’t seen much press on Brian Histand’s “Yo Guy” dvd so I decided to get a copy and give it a look.

The DVD art has to be tedious to make, it’s all handwritten with about 75 “yo”’s on the top half and 75-100 “guy”s on the bottom half of the DVD. That same raw approach to the art is echoed through the entire making of the DVD. From the rough around the edges Menu to the use of tiny (1 chip?) handy cams there is no mistaking that this is a local scene video made with heart and not a large budget.

The Intro is a mix of falls and some solid tricks, pretty much your average.
Dan Bob kicks the video off with a montage of quite painful looking crashes. After he gets those out of the way everything is smooth and Dan brings barspins and nose manuals out all over. It ends with a rail that shouldn’t be possible, but you’ll have to see what makes it so for yourself.
A guy known only as E-Wip follows, and his similarity to Chase Dehart is apparent from the start, but as the part progresses it starts to display that he is not just some Dehart clone. He does pedal/crank arm stuff and some drops that set him apart from Chase and has really clean looking barspins. What was odd to me was his banger, which did not seem as good as a lot of his other clips… maybe I’m missing something.
The friends section, referred to as “guys” section in this had a good variety of styles and terrains. The only big name to appear is J.J Palmere, the rest are local shedders.

Having seen Brian’s web videos I already was looking forward to seeing both his part and Dave Krone’s. Sadly Dave seems to have hurt his knee while filming so his part is short. At least the clips he logged before the accident were solid. I wish they had used a more upbeat song but I guess the somewhat somber sound of the song was to portray the sadness of getting cut short with such a painful injury.
Brian Histand follows his pal and it does not disappoint! This part is by far the best yet. He has such a good mix of tricks, from tech jibs to drops and even some Jim C. type unusual moves. It’s very refreshing and I wouldn’t be surprised if a company approached him for a flow deal after seeing this. How he holds on to his banger I have no idea.
I was sure that was the ender of the video, but not quite. Tim Coyne is actually the man that brings up the caboose with a fury of freecoaster feats. Many freecoaster riders are criticized for not putting their hub to proper use or for riding “too slow”. Tim is guilty of neither, keeping the speed up and going backwards frequently. I got the feeling that he was really going for it to put down a solid part. He has a few moments were you think he’s about to eat it, but every time he pulls it and rolls away fine.

The Credits are split into two songs, the first is the usual mix of outtakes and randomness, the 2nd song is leftover riding more than anything else.
Yo Guy also has some bonus features, split parts of leftover footage or second angles and a video showing the aftermath of the bloody menu screen photo. The music selection is all older tunes, mostly from the 80’s I believe.

As I mentioned at the start this is not a professional production. Many of the rolling shots were very shaky and when the sun hit the lens straight on you could see an unforgivable layer of grime coating it. There also seems to be a strange menu glitch: There is a choice to watch the whole video or watch chapters just like any other dvd, but if you select the full video choice you can’t skip through chapters; you must fast forward it like an old tape. If things like this bother you then watch out. If you just want to see a fun crew throw then go to Empirebmx.com or myspace.com/yoguy666 and get a copy!

Presence Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kurt Hohberger) — Mon, 9 Mar 2009 22:42:00 -0500

When Mike Fiz had hit me up telling me about the new Presence video that was about to come out, I was pretty excited to get my copy of it to check out. I am a fan of Corey Dewey and Greg Flag, which both of the guys have parts in it. That was about enough of a reason to check it out anways. I'd say keep reading to see what I thought of the video if you want to know more.

To start this thing out, I should probably give you the line up. The video was filmed and edited by Jeremy Deme. I don't think I have ever heard of this dude, but I will get into what he did a little further down. The video features riding from Eric Trepanier, Justin Kirnan, Mike (Fiz) Fiset, Corey Dewey, Greg Flag, and then a random mix part with a bunch of other dudes. If you follow BMX news on sites like The Come Up then some of those names are probably familiar to you. If not, well it's time you get to know them.

I got a pretty positive vibe that all of these guys are real good friends, and have a lot of fun riding together. The videos that are a group of friends over a bunch of random parts from all over seem to go together better anyways. At least in my opinion videos do.

Like I said above, the filming and editing is by Jeremy Deme. I am not sure if I have ever seen any web edits or anything from him before, but I was impressed. The clips were all clean, the colors were good, and there really wasn't too many shaky clips. The video wasn't filmed in HD or anything, but definitely a higher quality camera. I personally feel that I could care less how awesome the riding in the video is, if the filming isn't up to par I won't like it. I am sure that goes for a lot of people too. As for the editing, it all went together well. The titles for each section was pretty cool. Nothing over the top, but nothing cheesy! I also was a fan of the lifestyle and scenery clips in between parts. What? I am into that stuff! Get off me. So it was all good in that part of the video.

The music was good. I was a little caught off guard that there wasn't any rap in it though. There was a little bit of hardcore, and some real chill music in there though. I was actually really bummed they didn't have the songs used in the credits! I wish I had some of the names of the songs for you guys, and for me to download.

The riding, what can I say... The video is 100% street. Not one skate park, not one set of trails. They ride the endless spots in Canada and the Brooklyn Banks. I am sure they rode more spots in the U.S, but I didn't recognize anything really. I just know there was a lot of really good spots that I want to ride now. If you are a street rider, I think you would be real into this. If you are strictly a trails or park rider who lacks interest in street, this isn't for you.

Random thought... I saw two cops and neither of them were on horses! I'm sure that is just some really bad U.S/Canada misconception.. but I was bummed.

Overall I thought the video was pretty good. I am not sure if it is just because I am craving warm weather to get out and just ride, or if I just am really just craving to ride street but the video made me want to go ride. Like I said before, if you are a street rider I think this video is worth checking out. If you aren't into street, I wouldn't advise it. The video runs for just about 30 minutes, and then there is a ton of bonus footage. The bonus includes crashes, scrap clips, some trips, a contest, and some other good stuff.

I give Canada 10 points for producing some real kick ass riders, and a sweet video.

You can pick up a copy of the video on Empire for $14.95.