Brian has been in BMX for years. Not many people have the chance to live like he has from being pro, to owning companies. It is cool to think about things like the old Volume Dinosaur, and seeing how BMX and the company has evolved over the years. Luckily Brian was into doing an interview and this is what he had to say…
Name:
Brian Castillo
Location:
THE O.C.
Sponsors:
None
Years Riding:
Long Time
What was it that originally got you into BMX?
It was a combination of things. I really liked to go fast and hit jumps. I always thought that feeling was awesome. I also got to see pros (George Smoot/Woody Itson) up the street from my house ride their half pipe and I always thought that it looked fun.
Being so busy with Volume and Demolition business everyday, about how much time do you find to ride these days?
I ride everyday still but only for a couple of hours a day.
Do you ever find it hard being your friends’ boss? I imagine you have had to let a friend go from the team at some point in Volume’s history?
That’s probably the hardest thing I’ve gone through as a company owner. One point is: you don’t want to hire someone you don’t like or know and you always want to hook up your friends. That said, it’s tough to have a friend as a boss. I think it’s one of the other. You definitely give up your friendship once you give someone money for a job.
What is it like to be able to give people the opportunity to live the dream of being a professional BMX rider?
It’s good and bad. Like the above answer, that’s the bad. When things don’t work out it sucks but when you first hire someone it’s a good feeling to help someone live out their dream of traveling and riding for a job.
You have had a career that has allowed you to travel all over the world. Where are some of your favorite places you have been?
Definitely anywhere in Australia and Canada (Vancouver). Those 2 are the closest places to the American lifestyle as you can get. I’m kind of a routine guy and in those 2 places I felt right at home.
Are there any places you haven’t been that you would love to go someday?
Not really, I’m kind of jaded on traveling right now. I’d always wanted to go to more exotic places though.
How do you feel about the level of progression of BMX these days?
It’s crazy! There are so many pro riders out there now taking it to a whole new level that I can’t even comprehend.
If I remember an older interview with you right, you had mentioned you were more of a chiller these days and not really out looking to learn new tricks. What was the last trick you learned and when was this?
Oh man, I couldn’t even tell you. I’m that guy that’s just having fun trying to re-learn what I was doing the year beforehand. Right now in my riding, it’s more about the feeling then trying to play catch up with what’s current in BMX.
Who are some of the guys you ride with on a more regular basis these days?
It sounds weird but I really don’t ride with anyone. I wake up at 7am to ride the parks and after work I ride some schoolyards. I’m definitely on my own schedule.
Where can you usually be found riding these days?
Nowhere new! I don’t have time like I used to. I used to hunt down new spots but now I’m content on riding the same ol schools near my house.
If you could relive any session or trip you have ever been on. Which one would you choose and why?
Oh wow. There are so many good memories on the road, it’s hard to give you just one. I would say it would be Bennett, Enns and myself up in Oregon. Those two guys are awesome to go on trips with. I can’t go on trips with the new kids on the team without the feeling of suicide. They’re zooming around doing their flips and spins and I’m doing a manual 180 on a curb. It’s pathetic feeling.
You are going on a road trip with an unlimited budget but you can only fit 5 people. Who do you bring, and where do you go?
Ha-ha. Bennett, Enns, Doyle, Wise and Dave Parrick. I know that would be the good time crew! We’d be lost somewhere in Australia.
When you first got involved with BMX, did you ever imagine it becoming what it has for you?
I always had dreams just like everyone else to do this and go there. I don’t really think about it now. I’ve been working at it for so long, that I stopped thinking about how far it’s gotten.
Over the years what kind of an injury list have you compiled?
I’ve had the worst time with shoulder injuries. For a while when I only dirt jumped, it was getting bad with broken collarbones.
If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I’d say all the shit talkers but it makes you more tolerant and thicker-skinned. Sometimes it has its advantages if you’re really competitive too.
Outside of work and riding, what are you usually up to?
Home improvement type stuff. I’m really into making my own furniture. By no means am I saying I’m good at it because I’m not but it’s cool to see it go from a flat board to something I created.
When you meet somebody new, how do you explain what you do? What is the typical reaction?
I stopped telling people what I really do. Now I just tell them that I’m a graphic designer. When I used to tell them that I ride a BMX bike they always put their arms straight out and wiggle both arms back and forth, imitating riding a bike. Then they say, “you’re really tall and old to ride those little bikes”. UGH!
Who or what are some of the biggest influences on how you live your life?
Now that I’m older I can see my parents played a huge part on how I live my life. Like every young kid I would have never accepted being anything like my dad but now…
If you could see any band live right now, who would you choose to see and why?
Either Fugazi or Superchunk. Those were/ are my favorites. Timeless masters.
Have you ever been arrested or in a fight before? Care to share why or how you did?
Sorry, no. I’m boring like that. I’m sure there are some that do want to fight me though.
Did you ever go to college at all or have you just learned everything as time goes on?
I tried but it wasn’t for me. If I want to learn something I’ll get the book and go that route.
What is something about yourself nobody really knows or has a hard time believing?
I couldn’t even tell you. Too many to list I guess?
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks
