Jeremy is so good. If I had to sum up people for an intro in one sentence I would probably use that a lot. Actually though, he is a super talented guy who works really hard also. He is involved with some really great companies and knows how to ride a bike. I caught up with him about the same time as Dig did for an interview, so expect to see that one soon from them also.
Name:
Jeremy Hrabal
Photo: Walter Pieringer
Location:
Originally from Austin, TX now Rockville, MD / D.C.area
Sponsors:
Hoffman bikes, Snafu, vclub
Years Riding:
around 13
What was it that first got you into BMX and what doyou think keeps you doing it today?
My cousin was racing bmx at the local track, and I went to watch him once. He let me ride his bike during the practice and the rest is history.
You have been on Hoffman for almost a year now. How did that all come about? How has it been, anything cool going on with you like trips, videos, signature parts? Anything involving you and Hoffman?
Hoffman is a really cool team to be a part of. Not only is it awesome to ride for a company that had all my favorite riders on it when I was growing up, but now it has a lot of my good friends. I probably owe it to Jeremie Infelise, I think he played a big role getting me on. As far as signature parts go I don’t really think I’m on that level, but expect to see some web videos in the future.
Photo: Seth Mroczka
You are also one of the infamous V-Club guys. What is V-Club all about in your words and will you have anything in the video currently in the works?
We are basically just a group of close friends that enjoy riding with each other. The company aspect is just a bonus, and currently 120% of the money goes to riders, trips, and video expenses. I’ll have a full part in the video.
What is the most important things to you when it comes to keeping BMX fun and worth doing?
Bmx is always fun. Except of course when the unavoidable injury happens. Meeting new people and finding new spots will always keep me going.
If you could only ride one spot for the rest of your days on a bike, where would you ride and why?
This question can’t really be answered right now. I’d be doing research for months to figure out the right spot.
What is the most challenging thing about BMX for you?
Falling. Although I have probably mastered my crashing technique over the years, it seems as though every time I ride I have a couple bone crushing falls.
If you could have a session with 5 people, anywhere in the world. Who would it be with and where would you ride?
Now this is a hard question. I guess I would pick some of my closest friends, the smith bros, Randy Taylor, George Boyd, and Andy Martinez. We would probably go overseas somewhere, but again I’d have to do the research.
Do you ever get into the bike games to play like footdown or b-i-k-e, or anything like that?
Although I haven’t played in a while, I always used to play bike at the skatepark. It’s a great way to keep things fresh and try something new.
What is the craziest thing you have experienced/witnessed because of BMX?
Randy whipping that 18 stair.
What are a few tricks you like to throw down on a daily basis?
This really depends on what I’m riding. I’m currently building trails, so I’m pretty much just hanging out down there all the time. So I wouldn’t say I do any tricks on a daily basis.
Photo: Devon Hutchins
What is the number one trick/line that you cannot get down but is always on your mind?
Downside double pegs and tire rides on normal rails.
What are some things BMX needs more of and what are some things it could use less of?
More places to ride, less bitching.
What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I have no idea.
Outside of BMX what are you into?
Nothing much. Eating?
What do you think has been the most influential thing on your life and why?
Well that’s easy. Bmx. It has completely consumed my life that I can’t even comprehend what it would be like not to ride.
Are you into music much? Any favorite bands you care to share?
Back in Austin I use to go to the occasional show, but now I can’t say I’m really in to the music scene. I probably haven’t turned my radio on in my car for months. I like the silence.
It sounds like you are a working dude also, what kind of work are you into these days?
I’m a carpenter, although work hasn’t been very steady lately.
You stumble upon a bag full of money… what do you do?
If it’s a couple hundred or say a thousand, i’d probably just keep it. But if it’s a ridiculous amount I’d probably turn it in to authorities.
Photo: Ryan Smith
If you could be amazingly talented at anything other than BMX what would you pick and why?
Skateboarding I guess. I enjoy skating every once ina while and the principles are pretty much the same as riding so it’s not that big of a change. I could still skate/ride with my friends and go to the same places.
Do you spend much time on the internet? Any favorite websites?
I spend a decent amount. Usually just check my email,and myspace, then browse a couple forums and the come up.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
Out of debt.
Do you have any advice for kids out there?
Have fun and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.
Any shout outs or thanks?
Hoffman bikes, all the v club guys, Devon and Seth for the photos. All the trail builders, and anyone I’ve met riding bikes.
