If you pay attention the the names of photographers when you look through magazines and websites, there is a good chance you have heard of Ben. If you are from Minnesota then there is a real good chance you have had the chance to meet him. You would also know he is a real good guy. It seems like these days if you ride BMX, you shoot photos, film, or edit at some point in your life also. I had the chance to shoot Ben some questions, so check it out and leave a little love for him in the comments! After the interview make sure you check out BenAustinPhoto.com. After you read the interview, check out Dig to see even more photos of him!

Name:
Benjamin Gray Austin

Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota. Keep it cold.

Sponsors at all?
None, son.

Years riding:
11

Years shooting photos:
10

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any real early memories that stick out at all?
I used to look up to a couple kids who rode bikes in my neighborhood, and always thought it was cool just cruising around with friends. I got a mountain bike as birthday present, and started jumping curbs and little dirt jumps at a city park near my house. One day, my friend Andy Mark convinced me that it would be a ton easier to jump on a BMX bike, so I went out and bought a used DK from some kid who was giving it up. I still have the same handlebars from that bike to this day, Slams!

Living in Minnesota, you are used to the crappy weather. Have you been doing much riding this winter?
What are you looking forward to riding once the melt down happens? Minnesota weather is something that will always amaze me. It’s -20 in the winter, and can easily get to 100 in the summer. I’ve heard that we have the most varied weather of anywhere in the US, although I can’t back it up. This year, as in most years, I went into hermit mode as soon as winter hit. I’ve been trying to ride at least once a week now, and have been loving it. A lot of times I end up shooting photos in the summer, rather than getting in on a session so it’s nice to be able to ride a little again.

You have had the chance to travel all over the place to ride and shoot photos. Where are your top 5 places you have been able to check out and why?
1. Athens, Greece. It’s an amazing country with so much history. Great food, good beaches nearby, and friendly hosts.
2. Barcelona, Spain. I love to practice speaking Spanish, and Barcelona was an amazing mix of modern and historical significance.
3. Cologne, Germany. Amazing architecture, and good public transportation makes for amazing street riding. This was my first experience outside of the US.
4. Raleigh, NC. A really good mix of fun people, mild weather, and sweet tea!
5. Minneapolis, MN. Nothing like home sweet home. Amazing summers, family, swimming spots, trails, and actually knowing my way around the area!

If you could go on a trip right now spur of the moment, who are the people you would invite, and where would you go?
Ryan Barrett, Chris Doyle, and Cory Muth. We’d go on a month long trip to Australia…never been, and I need to learn how to surf.

Who are you usually riding with these days? anywhere in particular you find yourself locked inside at?
I’ve been riding at a local skatepark called 3rd Lair as much as possible. It’s set up for purely for skateboarders, and makes you think outside the box. I have yet to be bored.

What is it about BMX that keeps you into it after all the years?
It’s hard to come up with an original answer to this question. I love to meet new people, and I think BMX has an usually high concentration of characters. I also love seeing new places, and being outside enjoying the day with my friends.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I think BMX has been an amazing addition to my life, but I don’t think I would be doing much differently if I never started. I would probably focus a lot more on other creative outlets like music, design, food, skateboarding ,etc. I would probably be really out of shape!

If you could change anything about BMX, would you?
There is nothing worse than getting vibed at a skatepark, although I am probably guilty of it myself. Other than that, I can’t complain!

Did you get into photography because of BMX or how did you get into it?
I got into photography first. I took a black and white photo class in High School, and absolutely loved it. Our teacher, Ms. Lester, ran an amazing class environment that really inspired creativity. She gave us a relaxed way to express creativity, and learn about all of the basics. I took the class 2 more times, and kept learning more, wanted to see what was next. After the class was over, my mom bought me a used Canon for about $100, and I just never stopped shooting.

What kind of cameras, flashes, lenses, and other parts do you own?
Film only so far, one medium format setup, and one 35mm setup. I think I run a pretty simple setup. Photography equipment is expensive, and I don’t think it’s rational to spend a fortune on your gear. Keep it light. I love being able to quickly capture a moment, and emotion, a time of day, and it’s really tough to do so with a 2 rolling bags of flashes and batteries.

Cameras:
Bronica ETR-Si, Canon EOS-3, Canon AE-1 Program (1st camera). I’ll use a little Polaroid camera from time to time, although the film is now discontinued. I also have a little Sony point-and-shoot digital that I’ll take with me here any there just for fun.

Flashes:
2 Sunpak 120J flashes with rechargeable battery packs (cheap, small, and no automatic functions). I’d love to get another more powerful main flash to round out my shots. I use Pocket Wizard radio transmitters to get the flashes to fire from a distance, which allows you to make a more natural and creative use of light.

Lenses:
The standard for action sports is a fisheye lens. They let you get close to the action, yet still allow you to include much of the surrounding area. It’s too bad they are so expensive! I picked up a fisheye for my Bronica off of eBay, and got one for my Canon as a Christmas gift (thanks Dad)! Other than that, I just have a standard straight lens for each setup. I try to limit using the fisheye, it can be a little creatively constraining at times due to its predictability.

Other Stuff:
Gossen Digipro F light meter. I don’t recommend this model, however, if anything has changed my photography over the years for the better, it is the use of a light meter. I also carry a lens cleaning kit, and a ton of extra film with me at all times.

What is your favorite camera that you own? What is your dream set up?
My favorite camera is my Bronica. They are discontinued now, so they are super inexpensive. The film that it uses is 3 times the size of a normal 35mm frame, so you are able to get extremely fine details and sharpness from each shot. Plus it is able to sync with my flashes at high speed, which means it can freeze fast action like spinning handlebars, or a flipping skateboard. My dream setup would be to have a digital Hasselblad, a few good lenses (straight, fisheye, portrait), and a couple Lumedyne Action Pack flashes. The Hassy is running around $15,000 right now…so it’s a little out of reach!

You have had a lot of photos in magazines and other places like your recent work on Defgrip. When were you first published and how many times has that happened since?
I think my first published BMX photos in were in the 2004 Hoffman Bikes catalog. There were 2 shots of Ryan Barrett (who rode for them at the time) that made it into print, and I remember being so amazed when I got a call from their art director to let me know he wanted the slides. Since then I have done additional work for Hoffman, Eastern Bikes, GT, and Drive. I’ve contributed work to RideBMX, Dig, VitalBMX, Defgrip, Manmade Clothing, and a number of others here and there.

Have you ever had any photos that have nothing to do with BMX published in other magazines and places?
Not really, although I’ve considered trying to shoot more work outside of BMX. My first published photo was actually a for a daily campus newspaper when I was going to college in North Carolina. I had a ton of random assignments for the newspaper and yearbook covering everything from Girls Soccer, to Design School parties, and fraternity events. Pretty random, but I learned a lot about photojournalism and self-reliance from the experience. If you don’t capture the shot assigned, you are screwed…and that is a scary thought. Too much pressure for me, I’ll stick to shooting what I want, when I want.

How do you get your work published? What kinds of tips can you give for some of the aspiring photographers out there?
The most important thing is to keep shooting as much as possible. Keep aspiring to shoot higher quality stuff, emulating the things you like about other photos you see published. Once you get some shots you are really proud of, start reaching out to people with the photos. Whether it is a magazine, blog, clothing company, Flickr account, or whatever…if your shots are good people will start to notice, or at least give you a critique to help you get better. I’ve been fortunate to meet people along the way that have really helped me out a lot like friends who needed an ad shot for their sponsor, or an editor who gave me motivation and constructive criticism. You need to reach out to people and let them know that you are shooting good stuff (and back it up). If I could give one technical tip to new photographers, I would say that you need to get your images as sharp as possible. That means shooting high quality film/ISO, at a high speed (1/200th of a sec or higher), with a flash, and scanning it in well.

Do you make a living from your photography? If not what do you do for a living?
That’s funny; I definitely do not make a living from my photography. Everything I have made has gone back into buying film, a new bag, a new flash, etc. I should probably claim it on my taxes as taking a loss! It’s really tough to make a living as a photographer, and near impossible as a BMX specific photographer (maybe 3 guys in the world). If you want to scrape by, get ready to shoot some weddings, class reunions, etc. to make ends meet while you get on your feet. My full time job is working for Target Corp here in Minneapolis. I work for Target.com, helping out with marketing projects, and selecting the products that are featured in our banners, emails, etc.

Were you aware there is another Ben Austin who is a photographer from Australia?
That’s crazy, I had no idea! I knew there was an Australian swimmer with the same name, but this is eerie.

Who are your favorite people to shoot photos of? I know you have had the chance to shoot with some real big name dudes too.
I love shooting photos with riders who have motivation, and a creative eye. Some of my favorites would have to be Ryan Barrett, Jay Schlie, Eric Holley, Todd Johnson, Jonah Lidberg, Chris Doyle, Josh Nendza, and all the MN locals.

Who or what are some things you would like to shoot photos of someday that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
I’d love to get a chance to shoot at Bondi Beach with some friends…and maybe Mat Hoffman for good measure.

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding or shooting photos?
Usually hanging with Brigid, trying new food, watching movies, working on our house, etc. I try to play as much guitar as possible, although I’m still no good. I have a couple friends that play other instruments, so we’ll learn some cover songs and rock out in the basement about once a week. I love to watch college basketball, so I’m psyched that March is around the corner. I’ll skateboard about once a year to remind myself how hard it is, haha.

You went to college didn’t you? Where did you go and what did you go for? Do you feel like college is necessary to be successful in life?
I got a 4 yr degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University. I think success is all relative to what your goals and passion are, and I don’t think going to college is the only way to get there. I definitely think college helped me to develop socially and intellectually, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to go.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
One random life goal of mine is to learn how to surf. I’d also love to keep getting more and more of my photography published. It’s really rewarding to see your work in tangible print. I’d like to travel more, both in the US and abroad. Thinking about starting a family in the next couple years too!

In your own opinion, what is your greatest accomplishment so far in your life?
Meeting my favorite person in the world, Brigid. I think if I had no material possessions, no money, no job…I would still be having a blast just hanging out and talking about life.

Do you have any favorite websites?
defgrip.net, weather.com, google (mail, maps, shopping), definitely ebay, facebook, and wikipedia.

You win the powerball, what are the first 5 things you spend your money on?
1. Invest like crazy (boring, I know). Stocks are crazy low right now!
2. Sell our broken down house and move to a nice area closer to the city.
3. New shoes (I have an addiction).
4. Coke and salty snacks for Brigid.
5. United Way.

If you could change anything about your life, would you? If yes, what and why?
Mo’ money mo’ problems…I’m loving my life as is!

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
End world hunger, and peace on earth maybe? I think it would be awesome if everyone could understand each other’s cultural history, languages, and hopes. Waaay to many hot-heads in power.

What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into photography?
Shoot as much as possible, keep a camera with you at all times, and experiment. Have fun, and don’t stress about ‘making it’. Making photography your job is a great way to ruin an amazing creative outlet.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my fam for always supporting me, thanks to my friends for always keeping me smiling, and thanks to Brigid for always keeping me sane.

Anything else you want to say?
Keep it real.

I think one of the under rated things people make in BMX is what it takes to make the parts you put on your bike. The two most common ways these products came into existance is either a company in Taiwan did the work, or a company in the U.S.A did it. At least that is the case for the people here in the United States.
Profile Racing is one of the few brands in the United States that actually produce their products themselves. So I asked Matt Coplon, along with some of the others from Profile what it takes to produce those fine products of theirs. Check it out and let us know what your thoughts are in the comments!

Name:
Matt Coplon

Your role at Profile/Madera for those out there that don’t know:
I handle freestyle promotions, sales, and manage the Madera and Profile freestyle teams. I’ve been riding for Profile since 1999.

So, to start things off, Profile has been a very solid brand with an excellent reputation for years. What made you guys want to start Madera? Has it been two years now?
Thanks for the compliments! Yes, it’s actually been close to three. The idea behind Madera was to create a more affordable American made product (made in our in-house machine shop) that could more closely compete with the price of product produced by Taiwan made companies. Our overall idea was to make a new line that retained the quality and craftsmanship of Profile, but was a little less aesthetically/externally involved. Madera, in essence, is a more streamlined version of Profile product.

What is the biggest difference between Profile and Madera? It seems like they are very similar products.
Mechanically, they are very similar—especially within the hubs and cranks (the internals are exactly the same). Aesthetics makes the difference. With Profile, we will continue to do more intricate designs (which costs more to produce on the machines). Madera will remain streamlined, which reduces time spent on the machines during production.
Also, Profile cranks have a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.

How many and what kinds of machines does it take to make all the products at Profile? About how much does a shop like that cost do you think? Are all of the machines pretty new or is there some that have been running like a champ for years?
We have 16 CNC machines, 5 “Bridgeport” vertical mills, 3 lathes, and a giant CNC saw.
The machines are a motley crew of Haas, Fadal, Cincinatti-Milacron, and we have two brand new Euro-tech machines that run hub shells pretty much non-stop.
The oldest machine is a 1990 Fadal that is primarily used to mill cranks. Yes, this one is running like a champ!
Overall cost, a lot of money.

What materials and tools do you go through the most? What about the least?
We go through quite a bit of “part off” inserts, drill inserts, and turning inserts. When we drill titanium parts (for instance a titanium driver), drill inserts might last through as little as 6 pieces, sometimes as many as 30. Titanium, steel and (believe it or not) plastics tend to wear out bits the most. Aluminum, on the other hand, might allow for us to get through 500 pieces.
On a side note, We produce approximately 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of aluminum chips a month and recycle all of it.

In a given day about how many cranks, stems, sprockets, hubs, etc. can you guys’ produce?
In a day:
Cranks are complicated. I would say 250 to 300 crank arms (that’s just the milling process of the cranks). Considering there are ten steps to finish a crank arm set, this is really hard to average, as the process does not happen in sequential order. The processes that are involved in the cranks include:
-Machining Pedal and spindle bosses
-Broaching and threading those bosses
-Swedging the crank arms
-Milling the crank arms
-Welding the bosses to the arms
-Then you have to run them through finishing (de-burring and polishing each arm)

Besides the arms, you have the axle bolts and cups to be machined. And finally, the spindles need to be hobbed.

Total time on a set of cranks? About 1-1/2 hours. It’s pretty wild when you think about how much time goes into their production.

For stems, considering it takes 21 minutes to produce the body and cap, total amount would be about 24 stems a day. That’s why they are more expensive than most.

Pedals (bodies and axles): Same amount of time as the stem (21 minutes). So 24 sets a day.

As for Hub shells, the Euro-tech can belt out about 73 hub shells (either Profile or Madera) within an 8-hour workday.

What products take the longest to produce?
Cranks, above everything else, take the longest considering ten steps are involved. Second to the cranks are stems (21 minutes for body and cap) and pedals (how long)?

How does Profile go about getting all the cool colors? Is that all in house also?
Anodizing is a whole other story done with a different company. There are so many environmental issues as well as technical issues (dipping time, color correcting, polishing) with anodizing that it’s best to let someone else handle that. It has taken us years to find a dialed anodizer.

Do you do all of the quality control and more scientific testing in house or is that an outside group that does that?
As parts come out of the machines they are given a once over for any blemishes or imperfections. Once components get back from either getting painted or anodized, they are looked over again before packaging and shipping. If we don’t snag a mistake in the machine shop, there’s a good chance we’ll snag it before it’s shipped.

Scientific testing? Profile’s components are manufactured from raw materials that are certified and under comprehensive quality control guidelines by our suppliers. Once the materials are in our factory, they are stored under cover until ready to be used. Once the materials are cut to smaller manageable lengths, they are moved to the machines that will fabricate or produce the components. While the materials are being manufactured into components, the operators randomly sample the output of each machine and take measurements for specification tolerances and machining quality.

We take great pains to make sure product goes out the door as dialed as possible.

How many people are running the machines and doing the actual physical jobs around the shop? Can you tell us anything special about each of the guys?
There are five humans with ten hands that run the machine shop—a very small amount of labor that takes on a massive amount of work.

Shop eccentricities: Jack thinks he’s a professional golfer and is pretty sure he can beat up anyone in the shop. Dave #1 still has a subscription to Playboy magazine and is the cleanest person I know (somehow never gets dirty while working on the machines). He has seen approximately one whale shark off of the coast of Florida (which is a rarity). Brent is Claude Monet’s great grandson and is also an amazing artist. Dave #2 has a catalogue memory of any historical tid-bit from August 23rd 1929 to date. And Corey has designed a large portion of everything that has come out of the shop. To upstage Dave #1, He has seen two whale sharks off the coast of Florida while fishing.

Is Profile or Madera hiring at all? How does somebody go about getting a job in the shop? Are there any qualifications or degrees they need to do the jobs?
Timing is key here. Turnover at Profile is very low so we seldom have a need to hire. However, we’ll take applications whenever they are submitted. We catalogue them until a rainy day when help is needed.

Degrees are always nice, but experience is key. Our current crew has over 150 years of combined machine shop knowledge and experience.

Are there any new products coming out soon you can tell us about?
On the Madera end, we just released the “Unity” stem. We’ll be following that up with some hub/crank combo designs that should be pretty sweet.

With Profile, we are re-releasing the “Ripsaw” sprocket (that we originally made in 1992) in smaller sizes and multiple colors (25, 28, and 30t).
-We have a new Profile crank modification (simple but unique) being welded as we speak.
-In two months we will release a new hollow crank axle with hollow flush bolts that weighs about an ounce heavier than titanium.
-And more colors to come in the near future on all of our product.

With the economy being the way it has been lately, has it affected Profile or Madera very much?
Yes, absolutely. I don’t think anyone (besides Wal-mart and McDonalds) will be able to steer clear of this recession. I just hope we have already hit rock bottom and are on the way back up.

Are you guys all up to code on the CPSC laws even though it got extended?
We think we are. We’ve certified our materials and we are having those items designed and marketed to children (12 and under) tested for lead content. Other than that, life goes on.

Is there any other big Profile or Madera news relating to the company, the team, or anything else along those lines?
In machine shop news, we just invested in a brand new Euro-tech machine that can hammer out a massive amount of parts on auto-pilot (instead of having to move parts around to finish them in different machines). Having the new Euro-tech will seriously increase our efficiency and productivity.

In team news, myself, Degroot, and Mulville will be going to Mariposa, California over Memorial weekend. On the Monday following the trip, we’ll be heading to Fresno for a couple days to ride—if anyone out there has any contacts in Fresno, please get a hold of me!

And the Madera team will be doing a bike shop tour throughout New Jersey early this summer. Stay tuned for dates!

Anything else you want to say?
Thanks for the Interview, Kurt. Thanks to everyone for supporting Profile and Madera, and above all, thanks for supporting American made components companies.

Chris is one of those Canadian guys who you may or may not have heard of. He is real good at riding bikes, and even better at remembering exact moments in time. With a little help from Cory Beal, we put together this interview for Chris and it turned out real good. There’s a lot of really cool stories from his past to go along with his great outlook on life and BMX as a whole. I don’t think you will be able to stop reading this one halfway through. So give it a look, and leave some comments on how you feel about Chris!

Name:
Chris Silva

Location:
Toronto Ontario Canada

Sponsors:
10pack-Animal bikes/Macneil bikes, The Warehouse(Toronto indoor bmxpark)

Years riding:
12

What was it that first got you into BMX in the first place? What is the first memory to come to mind from when you started?
Ive always had a bmx since I can remember. I was one of those kids from the mid 90’s in a ghetto hood that had a chrome bike with mags on it, never thought of doing a trick just wanted to have a mint bike.
Then in the summer of 1996 I saw the X-Games and Jay Miron and was blown away. I saved up all my allowance and got a haro shredder on september 23rd 1996. I dont remember doing much on it in ’96 just trying to learn a few flatground things but I was horrible.
I went to the Toronto Bicycle Show for the first time in ’97 with my 2 freinds Kyle and Jay and as we walked in we saw Jay Miron and Dave Osato walking in frunt of us and I shit my pants, we followed them around for about 30 minutes and Kyle asked Miron to sign a piece of paper. Miron told us that him and Osato would be signing posters in a few minutes so we continued to follow him till he got to the autographing session. I think at that exect moment of my life I knew that bmx was real and I wanted to be a part of it.

I took the day I met Miron and Osato at the ’97 bike show.

How are things going with the sponsors these days? Any big trips, filmin projects, or anything like that going on these days?
Everythign is awesome, I couldnt be more stoked on the people I ride for. I kinda plan trips pretty spontaneous, I plan trips a week before I go on them with no idea of what Im getting into, its fun that way. I really dont have any filming projects going on at this time but Im going to film as much as I can this summer. Im sure by the end of the year there will be a project I will donate my blood to.

What’s the deal with the Inner City Circle(ICC)? For those who don’t know, how did that start, and what’s the crew’s current status?
ICC was started fall of ’03 by Taro and “Drifter”Dave, just as an idea to get dudes in the city together and try to get a indoor park for the winter. We got our park, became a tight crew, when the spring came around and we shut the park down about 10-12 of us were really into street riding so we just started to ride with eachother and Id say by the summer of ’04 ICC was not the name of our “winter park” anymore but we now went by it as the name of our street crew. So from then on we did yearly videos and street jams and continued to keep ourselves in the tight crew and always road and hung out with eachother.
I wish I could say good things about the crews status but it dyed pretty good this past year. Theres about 4-5 of us that still ride and chill but we lost some to the fact that people get older and move away, school, get a girl and stop riding, jobs and bills to pay, shit like that. Theres always someone down to ride its always a good time.

Photo: Jamie Burke. from the ’07 icc toronto street jam.

It’s about that point in the year where the snow will start slowly melting, what are you most excited to ride once everything gets dried out?
The Toronto winters can be deceiving, around this time of year it always looks like the weather is going to start to get better but anyone who knows Toronto knows that we will be hit with more storms that will stretch the winter long into April. I hope that im proved wrong though.
Once it is gone I just love to call up the ICC crew and get out on the streets. Just rip around downtown.

I am pretty sure you are the only person I have ever seen do a candybar vader jam. How the hell do you learn tricks like that?
I always have like 20 tricks I cant do and I just mess around with them for fun, weird different things I have ideas of when Im bored and that candyjam was one that just worked out. Its just a joke trick, I think so much of that footjam stuff is just funny.

If you were offered to go on two trips, one with a bunch of pros you look up to and the other with a bunch of your friends, at the same time. Who would you go with and why?
I could care less about “pros” and going on a trip with them. I have gone on lots of trips with freinds in the past so Id like to create a third option where I go on a trip with local “pros” who I looked up to who I am now freinds with. The trip would consist of Keven Salmon, Mike Wilkinson, Jamie Dalaney, Phil McPhadden, as well as some dudes I dont know to well like John Pratt, Justin and Tom Clappison and Josh Lichti. Thats all that comes to mind right now Im sure there is more. I dont think we would make it a hour without getting pulled over and put in jail.

Who is one person you have always wanted to ride with but have never had the chance to? Any reason why?
Paul Buchanan! The dude is just amazing and does his own thing. I hear lots of stories about him from people now and then, I would feel privileged to just be in the presence of him.

If you could relive any trip, session, moment in BMX when would you go back to and why?
I 180’d over the rail at Brooklyn Banks a few years ago and smoked my head off the floor and saw the most amazing bright lights for a few seconds, I think I would want to relive that cause it was a weird but enjoyable experience. I still dont know why I saw bright lights, it was trippy.

What is the coolest thing you have been able to experience because of bikes?
The coolest thing that happens every now and then is going somewhere new away from home and meeting a new bmxer, after a day they trust you enough to let you sleep in their house. I think thats crazy.
One situstion that stands out is a trip I went on this past October, my friend Jamie and I were traveling Europe riding and we were on our way to Paris France and had nowhere to stay so I got some info from Ralph at Animal about this dude Willy who lived there. One e-mail later we had a place to stay in Paris. So we met up with Willy and go to his place in downtown Paris, chilled out with him and his girlfreind for a bit then midnight rolls around and he says that hes going to stay at his girlfriends for the weekend and we have the place all to ourselves! hands the keys over and takes off. Willy also hooked up with us during the days to show us around the city. It was an amazing time and I dont think Ill ever forget that. Thanks Willy!

Photo: Jamie Burke in Paris France

What about the shadiest thing?
In 2005 my friends Patrick, Leland and I took a month long trip in a van around the north eastern states. The first night we were in Philly we ran into some dudes riding street and they told us that they were going to some new place under a bridge to ride. It was super late and we still had not figured where we were going to sleep, so in a act to get in with the locals we followed them along. These dudes were some grimy street dudes that all had U-locks hangin off their bikes, not sure for locking the bikes up or for beating the shit out of people,haha. But we went along with them hoping for the best. We road for about a half hour across the city threw the most sketch streets Id ever been pedaling at top speed. We had no clue where we were or where we were going, it didnt help that Patrick, Leland and I were about a city block behind the locals and could be lost at any second. It was a pretty shady situation but we made it to the destionation alive and it turned out to be a fun night.

Patrick, Leland and I on our month long van trip around the states.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
Like most people from my hood I think Id be living at home and jobless(not a big change) but instead of riding Id be into heavy drugs and selling it as well. Some dudes around here are fucked up but still freinds for life. Im glad I didnt become a product of my environment, bmx really kept me away from all that. Although I think I would have had a lot more money,haha.

I read that you actually don’t like getting money from your sponsors… So what do you do to pay those bills?
-There is no way of putting it without sounding stupid. Its just something I feel is right. I have been paid to do demos and shows of course but getting a actual pay from a company to ride their bikes just seems stupid to me to ride my bike and receive money for it. Its something I do cause I love it. I got into bmx cause it was rad and I loved the fun I have on my bike, that has never changed. If money was the issue I would have gone to school and had a great job that paid a lot, but what kind of life is that? A life fuled by the thought of money, thats not for me. Of corse the day will come when I got to realize Im not a kid anymore and I have bills to pay and what not but till then Im still the same kid on a bike that I was 12 years ago and he didnt care about making money.

Have you ever been scheduled to ride a contest or show and skipped it before?
Haha, ya! Ever since 2003 I ride ever other year at the Toronto Bike Show. I always enter every year but pull out last second. But I think the real story your looking for is ’08 Kingston Metro! I was scedualed to ride again but when I showed up I told them I wasnt going to ride and I was going to go shoot photos around the city instead. Then that night I was told to do a box jump demo for the city fair in the morning. Im no box jumper, so I didnt go to that either. It was a pretty shitty move on my part Ill admit, I saw Gary Young the next day and he said to me “I got a call to do a box jump demo this morning cause you werent going to show up”,haha. Well I guess the kids got a way better show with him rather then me. Sorry again Gary.

This is from when I took off from the contest in kingston to go ride street. photo: Dave Hawthorne

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding?
Ive been into researching random things lately. I dont like to watch stupid TV, if I do its always History or Discovery stuff. Im a huge fan of Neil Young and hes got some crazy lyrics, so I take some of his ideas and research stuff on it. It leads me to some interesting topics that keep me busy for hours and days, weird stuff like Charlie Manson, Hernan Cortez and the Aztec people, time traveling, civil war, and just random weird things like that.

If you could no longer live in Canada, where specifically would you move and why?
Its hard to see a life away from Toronto I dont think I can truly leave for ever but if it came to it I think Id go to Portugal, the Azores to be exact. Its smack in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 9 volcanic islands, its where my parents are from its the most beautiful place ever. Id Learn to speak portuguese and get a piece of land and become a farmer. My uncle lives there and hes a big time drug dealer so if farming doesnt work out I can always work for him.

If a midget came up and kicked you in the nuts, then told you he wanted to fight, would you fight back? Do you think you would win?
There is a dude named Khagendra Magar whos the smallest person in the world or something I think I would let him kick me in the nuts. Of corse I would fight back I think it would be a fare fight.

What would it take to get you to go 10 minutes in a ring with Hulk Hogan?
I would rather do 10 minutes in the sack with Brook Hogan!

If you could bang any famous person, dude or chick I don’t care, who would you pick and why?
Would siamese twins count as one person or two??? Because that can drastically change my answer.

What is the worst thing you have ever spent your money on and why did you do it?
I got magic beans off a dude for about $5.00. He told me it would grow to the sky….It didnt.

What is the meaning of life?
Its a movie by The Monty Pythons from 1983. Its pretty funny.

What is the best advice you have ever been given or able to give?
When I was younger and I had ramps in my backyard, one day this old man came walking down the laneway and said to me “be careful with your knees, youll need them when your older” or something like that. I didnt listen I guess but I have started to and I think of him sometimes and the good advice he gave. I also think that when Im about 60 years old I time travel back to 2003 and I am the man that is in the laneway that day telling my younger self to take care of my knees.

Where would you like to see yourself in about 5 years?
I can see myself in 2 different places either a broken down bmxer with shot knees living off of past glory telling kids at the park that I used to do that shit, with a huge beer belly hanging down past my large t-shirt that is skin tight. Going home to my trailer to my welfare wife with 4 kids that are not mine cause Im impatient from all those years of crushing my nuts on my seat. Watching old reruns of Highway Patrol widdling with my knife contemplating ending it all night after night.
Or I could also see myself getting my act together and going to college and actually getting a job Id like and make a living from. Riding the bmx on weekends and keeping my knees healthy. I think Id like this one over the first. Although I hear welfare mothers make better lovers? So who knows? Time will tell…..

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to you and Cory for hooking this interview up, my parents for conceiving me sometime around october 1983, Bernard Shakey, Ron at The Warehouse, Ralph at Animal bikes, Jay and everyone at Macneil/Tenpack, ICC crew, and the Harwood Park boys.

When Chris Harrison dropped me an email telling me to hit up Steven about an interview, I wasn’t quite sure how to approach this whole thing. I felt like I really knew nothing about him since his re-surfacing on the BMX scene with an all new style and everything. I didn’t have any idea of how he would respond to the questions either. However, here it is the Steven Hamilton interview. Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Photo: Steven’s Blog

Name:
Steven Hamilton

Location:
Columbus Ohio

Sponsors:
Animal Bikes, Federal Bikes

Years riding:
20

What was it that first got you into BMX?
I always thought bikes were cool.

In the last two months or so you have blown up on the BMX scene again.Where did you go for a while there?
I was working on a solo project.

How are things going with Federal? Do you have any big sponsor news at all you can tell us about?
Pretty good, no not really.

What do you have planned for 2009? Any big trips, video parts, filming for web videos? It seems like you have a new web edit daily these days.
Lots of riding.

You have had some amazing video parts over the years. If you could pick your all time favorite, which one would you pick and why?
Thanks. I can’t say one is my all time favorite, I like them all.

Photo: Federal

It seems like your style has changed up a fair amount lately. Are you still dropping huge drops to flat?
Not really, sometimes.

Have you ever wanted to go back to that huge stair set you trieddropping over and over again in the Orchid video “Step On It” just toget it done?
I only tried it twice, I might try it again.

What gets you motivated to ride your bike these days?
It’s one of my favorite things to do.

After the years of riding, what is one trick you have never been able to do? Do you wish you could do it or not really?
Nothing comes to mind.

How do you feel about the way BMX has been going these days?
It’s been going great for me.

Did you imagine still after all these years, your signature frame would still be such a popular frame?
I figured it always would be.

In your eyes, what is BMX all about?
Whatever you want it to be.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I wouldn’t change it.

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding your bike?
Maybe skating, I might be on walk or on the computer.

Your blog has been getting updated around 10 times a day! Where do you come up with the stuff you post?
A lot of the things I write about come from dreams the night before.

I would imagine spending so much time on you blog you have a few other favorite websites. Do you have any you think people should check out?
Not really.

I’ve noticed quite a few good looking girls pictures getting posted up with you. What’s the Steven Hamilton key to success with the women?
I think I’m good looking.

It seems like you have been doing a lot of skateboarding lately also,how is that going for you? Will you ever make a full skate edit?
Good, maybe this summer.

Photo: Federal

In your own opinion, what is the meaning of life?
I like to experience as much as possible.

What are the 3 most important things in your life right now?
My apartment, my time, my sense of humor.

What kinds of music are you into? What’s the first song to come to mind?
Bananna Republic by the B52’s, I’m into all kinds.

What is the first movie to come to mind? Any reason why?
Rainman. I was just thinking about it.

What is the craziest thing you have ever experienced in your life?
love.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, fictitious for aday. Who would you pick, and what would you do?
I’d pick myself, I’d sleep all day.

Have you ever been arrested or gone to jail?
No.

A good night of partying consists of…?
something to celebrate.

Photo: Federal

How do you feel about Obama being president?
He seems cool.

If you could have any super power at all, which one would you pick and why?
I have lots of super powers.

If you could no longer live in the city/state that you currently live in and you had to move, Where would you go go and why?
I like Seattle and New York City, they are fun/scary.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Develop my riding style more, I’d like to be more flexible, physically and mentally.

If you could change anything about the world, what would you changeand why?
Less pollution, I love animals.

What kinds of advice do you have for the kids out there just getting into BMX?
The world is yours, so is bmx.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
thank you

Anything else you would like to say?
shhhhhh.

The people out there who can get rediculously tech blow my mind. I’ve wanted to interview Chijoke for a long time just because he has been killing it for so long without any form of coverage. Sure enough, myself and Cory Beal were talking about doing an interview with him and he goes and gets sponsored. So, here is the long awaited interview with Canada’s Chijoke! with some commentary from Cory Beal! Leave some love in the comments.

Photo: Harry Silegren

Name:
Chijioke Okafo

Location:
Barrie, Ontario. Soon to be Toronto

Sponsors:
Ten pack, Volume, Demolition, Repset, Warehouse Bike Park, Joe Mamma Clothing, Mom and Pop

Years riding:
3 in BMX, 5 in total

What first got you into BMX in the first place?
I was riding mountain bikes for a couple years, but just lost interest in that. All my friends were making the switch to smaller wheels, and my sponsor at the time was really dicking me around. So, I quit the team and started building up a new mtb. When I got to work later that week, my boss had built up a really nice BMX for shits, so I randomly decided to buy that instead. Haven’t looked back since.

You were recently picked up by Volume and Demolition through Ten Pack. How did that all come about, and how do you feel about the whole situation? I feel like you should have been sponsored a long time ago.
Ha ha, yeah, within the past 2 weeks or so. It was pretty nuts, I wasn’t expecting it all. I was driving home one day and got a call from a weird 604 number, ended up being Jay Miron. Not a call I’m used to getting. I think that they just picked a name out of a hat or something and I got lucky. With all the dudes coming up in the Toronto scene, I’m not sure why I got picked, but I’m truly grateful that I was.

Photo: Eric Vardy

Do you have any big trips or filming projects going on now or anything you would like to get going?
I always dream about going on big trips or whatever, but being stuck in Barrie with a stack of bills to pay, it’s kind of hard to get things going. Same thing goes with filming. I did just buy a camera set-up, so that should make things easier. Also, the move to Toronto should help out, with the trips. I’m selling my car, which eats up all the money that could go towards trips.

Cory Beal wanted me to ask you what it’s like being a sponsored contest rider in Canada?
Well, being a sponsored rider in Canada is totally different than the states, from what I hear. BMX is still growing in Canada, and the exposure isn’t really there yet. It’s awesome for sure, but it’s not like we’re getting flown all over the place to film in crazy locations, or to ride every contest out there. I really wouldn’t even consider myself a contest rider, seeing as I only enter one or two annually.

It seems like you ride mostly park and some street, did you ever race, ride trails, or anything like that? Has those things affected your riding much?
I actually ride a lot more street then I do park, but with these long Canadian winters, I’ve been riding the warehouse a serious amount trying to get my basic park skills down. Like I said before, I started with mountain bikes before BMX, so I never experienced racing or riding trails, which is something I kind of regret. Riding trials (not trails) on mtbs really kind of influenced my style a lot, I think.

Photo: Mike Andrews

You seem to be pretty involved with The Warehouse these days. How did that whole deal come about and is there anything big like contests or anything going on around there?
The warehouse is just a bunch of really good dudes having a good time. It’s like a big family there. I rode there as much as possible last winter (seeing as the next closest indoor was X-wheels in Buffalo), then just became more and more involved with the scene there. Ron threw me a birthday bash for my 19th, which was probably the coolest thing ever. Ever since then, we’ve been really tight. I don’t think there are any big contests going on, but we are having a few big parties within the coming months, namely the Notro after party on the Friday or Saturday of that weekend. Parties at the warehouse are always the most fun ever. It’s just good friends, and sometimes hot girls like to show up. If you’re in the area, swing by and check the place out!

You have a pretty unique style of a lot of big tricks mixed in with some ridiculous tech stuff. What are you more into doing and why?
Ha, up until this winter I was always into staying as close to the ground as possible, so when all my friends were learning how to air and do crazy box jump tricks, I was always riding tiny ass quarters or banks and shit. I always find it really fun to try and do shit that no one else gives a bother trying. Sometimes it works out; sometimes I just look like a fool. And as long as I’m on my bike, I really don’t care what I’m doing. I’m even pumped riding a parking lot full of curb islands, which I do on a regular basis in the summer.

What is the key to getting tech as hell… is it the dreads?
Ha ha, yeah. Having predator hair helps. I don’t know man, patience and having someone like Moxley to ride with a lot helps.

Photo: Mike Fawcett

I am sure somebody will say “prove it”, but what is the craziest set of tricks you have done at one time?
Ha ha, humm, that’s a doozie. I think at last years notro I did luc-e to 180 fuf to footjam to vader to tiretap to pedal to tire tap to footjam to tiretap to pedal to 270. It’s either that or fuf to ice to hop up luc-e to 180 fuf to footjam to tiretap to pedal to 270. I’ve been trying really hard to tone down the dumb-ass tech combos lately, or add more bars/whips to make them less lame, ha ha.

I love them. Never stop.-Cory Beal

I would imagine you have taken a pretty solid beating from BMX, any good crash or injury stories for us?
Umm, other than my shoulders constantly dislocating, I cracked my pelvis once a couple years ago at X-wheels. Jim C showed up, and I was like “wow, he’s real!”. So like any kid, I tried to step up my game in front of him. We started riding a rail there, doing random shit, I called out something and he goes “yeah, do it!”. I ended up missing my back peg trying to go up the rail and sitting on it really hard. The ride home wasn’t fun, lemme tell you. I’m always just hurt with small shit, like any rider. It’s funny because when I consider myself at 100%, any normal person would consider themselves to be at 70 or 80%. BMXers just get used to being broke off.

If you could relive any session or moment on your bike, when would you want to go back to and why?
Probably my first BMX contest, which was the first Ten pack Muskoka woods AM jam. It was an amazing weekend filled with sessions that were too good. I ended up getting 2nd place in the 17 and under category, which was awesome. I know that’s a bunch of sessions/moments, but still. I guess the one moment that really sticks out would be the year after that when I busted the rail out of the course. Last trick of the comp, I was trying to go up this big rail, and I hit one of the up-rights on my way up and the fucking thing fell over. Scared the shit out of me, I felt pretty bad ass though. That pretty much ended the riding, and everyone was pumped.

In your own opinion what is BMX all about? Would you change anything about it?
To be as blunt as possible, BMX is about riding bikes. That’s what people need to remember. Not clothes, or stupid scooter bikes, or internet shit-talk. Just like anyone else with a brain/conscience, I’m really not down with the anonymous bullshit that people post on the net. Those “anonymous” people are the dudes that you just wanna poke in the eye with your thumb, really hard. You should have to write a test to be granted internet access.

Photo: Nick Varney

When you meet somebody new, how do you explain BMX to them?
Ha ha, I had a sweet conversation about this the other day. I basically just name off some of the households, Mirra, Hoffman ect ect, and go from there. I’ve realized that people who are asking these questions don’t give anything remotely close to a fuck about BMX, and are just trying to make conversation for the sake of not having silence or being “nice” or whatever.

When it comes to contests, in your opinion is it about who can do the craziest tricks or the most style?
Craziest tricks, for sure. Video parts are all about making things perfect and stylish. Contests are where you just throw your shit down and see what happens.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your riding?
Guys like Ryan Senechal, Mike Gooch, Mike Headford, Silva, the Brokeback crew and a lot of mtb dudes I grew up riding with. I wasn’t exposed to much BMX until a couple years ago, so I was influenced by different people than most riders.

What can people expect out of you or where would you like to take your riding for 2009?
Onward and upward, I suppose. Gonna really try to concentrate on riding this year, rather than working and squeezing riding in where I can. Hopefully weasel my way onto a few road trips, and clock a bunch of footage. Should be a good year.

Photo: Harry Silegren

Who is one pro or person you have never had the opportunity to ride with, that you really would want to?
It would have to be Chris Doyle. Dude seems like he just loves being on his bike, and would be really fun to ride with.

If you came to Kingston Metro you would have got to see him 360 over my head.-Cory Beal

What is it about BMX that keeps you doing it day after day?
The simplicity of it. You can’t go wrong with just rolling out your front door and going for a ride. No coaches to yell at you, no court/rink times to book, no crazy league fees to pay. It’s just so much easier. And plus, chicks think it’s hot.

Photo: Eric Vardy

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
Oh jesus, I’d probably be in medical school or something. I’d be an even bigger geek, that’s for sure.

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding or anything?
I work way too much, so that, sitting in front of the computer or hanging out with friends/the girl. I lead a very boring life, which is nice.

I gotta ask how long you are going to let those dreads grow before they get the cut?
Ha ha, that’s a hard one man. I honestly think about just shaving my head every couple days. They’re such a fucking bother sometimes. I’d regret it as soon as they were all off my head, I know it. I’ll probably trim them fairly soon, but who knows when they’ll be actually gone.

Photo: Eric Vardy

About how many fights have you been in, in your day? Ever spent time behind bars for anything?
I’ve never been in a fight in my life. I’m super non-confrontational, and a big wuss. I went to a jail on an elementary school trip once, that’s about as close as I got.

Your name is real unique. Do you know why your parents named you that or what kind of ethnicity is it? Anything really to explain it.
Well, my dad is from Nigeria, so my siblings and I all have authentic Nigerian names (as well as Canadian names). His best friend growing up had the same name, but he lost contact with him during a civil war, so he named me after him as a tribute. Pops is good shit, he’s got stories for miles. Just for the record, I’m half Nigerian, half Newfie. How fucked up is that?

A good night of partying consists of…
Chillin at home with some good friends, twisting one and watching a new video or movie. I fucking hate parties, usually. Too many people in one spot gets me real antsy. I’m always that weird dude sitting by himself in the corner contemplating punching all the drunk retards in the face. I don’t drink, so it’s hard to deal with sloppy people.

Who would win in a fight between Barbara Walters and Cher?
Cher, hands down.

What is one thing you really wish or know you should do less of?
Eat shitty food. It really takes a toll on your body and how you feel. My mom is always yelling at me for eating Mcdonalds and shit. My friends are always making fun of me for eating ridiculous amounts of candy in one sitting.

This one time you were tripping balls and you… (I have no idea if you like to party that hard or not, but why not?)
Put on an hour long drum and bass mix. That shit can make your dreams come true if you’re in the right state of mind. Clipping your nails is pretty crazy too. I told you I don’t get out much.

Getting blazed and hearing that YOU GOT MAIL, MOTHAFUCKA was also deece.- Cory Beal

Photo: Ryan Senechal

What is the worst thing you have spent your money on recently? What is the best thing?
They’re actually both one in the same. I bought 5 pairs of jeans the other day. I’m switching back over to guy pants from girl pants. It’s good because they actually fit me and I don’t look retarded anymore, but it’s bad because I could have paid off the visa or done something “responsible”.

Are you currently living the pro dream due to the new sponsors or do you work or go to school at all?
Ha, not even close. I work a ton, have zero cash and do nothing exciting ever. But, I can’t really complain.

Do you spend much time on the internet? Any favorite websites?
Yeah, way too much time. The Come Up, repset, boingboing.net, juxtapoz.net, bikeguide, all that crap.

First song to come to mind? Any reason why?
Assjackin’ by Flyzzard, just because it’s playing. I’m at work right now, and I always put on those long ass mixes I was talking about so I don’t have to rush back and change the song when something bad comes on.

Top 3 favorite video parts ever?
Wiz’s or Corey’s part in Wide Awake Nightmare, Jonah Lidberg’s part in Drop The Hammer, and Jared Washington’s part in Can I eat.

About how many girls have you had relations with in the last year?
Definitely not as many as Cory, that’s for sure. Dude is too good with the ladies.

In a given year about how much do you spend on condoms and abortions?
Ha, implying that I actually get laid on any sort of a regular basis, not very much. And I’m pretty sure abortions are free until the 4th one, ha ha. True north, strong and free, homie.

Is that really true? How did I go my whole life without knowing that? Way cheaper than child support. – Cory Beal

Have you ever set anything on fire intentionally? How awesome was that?
Oh most definitely. I think it’s an integral part of growing up as a boy. You’re just not normal if you don’t light shit up from time to time. I set shit on fire/blow shit up on a weekly basis. You’ll know what I’m talking about if you work at a bikeshop during the winter.

If you could have the ability to do or control anything in your life, what would you pick and why?
If I could actually make myself chill out from time to time, that’d be wicked. Ask anyone I know, they’ll say I’m way too stressed and high strung about shit. That or fly.

Photo: Jaclyn Cohen

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Fuck, that’s a loaded one. I dunno, it’d be rad if girls were to come up to guys and start shit, not vice versa. I’d be so much more set.

I never approach girls, you gotta work on the swagger.-Cory Beal

What is the best advice you have ever been given? “Double pegs are the exact same thing as a bitch run”
I believe the direct quote is just ‘double pegs are bitch runs’. He [Silva] told me this when I asked him what it would take to be in the ICC, and he said I gotta do three rail tricks first try on a real rail. Double pegs are bitch runs so they don’t count, and icepicks are a park rider’s rail trick so they don’t count either. Hahah. –Cory Beal

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Hell yeah. You for giving me this opportunity, my non riding friends and family, Jay, Terry and everyone at ten pack, Jason at volume/demolition, my boys at TBZ, Jordan Savas, Silva, Cory at Repset, Ronnie and the entire warehouse crew, brokeback, (All of those people/crews are fam for life) Orillia crew, my girl, anyone who’s helped me out along the way, thanks. You all know who you are.

Anything else you would like to say?
“We’ll do it live! Fuck it!!”

Andy has appeared in two videos I have seen. Those would be Lateral Progression and Innocent Bystanders “Debts Coming” where he had full parts. After seeing Lateral Progression about two weeks ago I asked Mike Hines to get me in contact with Andy for this. Andy is one of those names that has been popping up a little bit here and there lately, so I wanted to ask him some questions. Check it out and leave him some comments!

Name:
Andy AKA “Floyd” “Ranimal” “Floyd Gondoli” “Floyd the roid” and anything else Grady comes up with when hes ragin.

Where did you get the nickname “Floyd” and what’s the story behind that?
hahahaha, I was riding at Grady’s ramps and he first started calling me Randy, which turned into Randal Pink Floyd (from dazed n confused), and then it just turned into Floyd. Since then, I have accumulated dozens of nic-names. Grady just introduces me as Floyd now, and McKinney calls me Pink.

Location:
Tucson is my home, but I spend a lot of time in Brea CA, and NYC

Sponsors:
Revenge Industries, Team Shralp, IB (Innocent Bystander), and gettin some flow from Rob-O

Years riding:
Raced from 8-11, so about 8 years doing what I do now.

What was it that first got you hooked on BMX? What keeps you going today?
My neighbor got a bike, showed me a BMX plus, and have been hooked since then. Fresh pools and cuts spots.

I saw something about you on the Fit site a little while ago. What’s going on with all that? Do you have any other sponsor stuff going on?
I’ve been talkin to Rob-O for awhile, he just hooked me up with a DAK frame, just tryin to get my shit out there for people to see. Working on filming for the Team Shralp video and trying to get some stills for McKinney, but fools are lagging on taking pics.

Seeing as most of the country is unable to ride due to snow, hows the riding going down in Arizona? Have you been taking advantage of that?
All day every day, even when its 115° out. Theres always someone down to ride around here.

I would imagine you have a pretty sweet list of spots down there. If you had to pick your all time favorite, what one would you pick and why?
Probably this pool we had going for awhile called the black desert snake. The first time Grady and I tried to ride it, there was this crazy black snake almost guarding the pool, we almost stepped on it, and the sessions that went down were sick, with lots of memories

Where is a spot or two you have always dreamed about going to? Any reason why you want to go there so bad?
Barcelona Spain, the street set ups look amazing, and Edwin said they have the best street, and he’s been everywhere.

I have been seeing some really amazing cement parks popping up all over Arizona and the Southwest lately. What keeps you more into street than the parks?
Two words, “park whores”. Parks are alright, I’ve just been to so many in the NW that the parks around here don’t even compare, It’s just the same shit over and over.

You have already had two full video parts. One in the Innocent Bystander video, and then recently in Lateral Progression. How do you feel about those video parts? Have you been doing much filming lately for anything at all?
Well, I guess those are my “full parts”, the IB part could have been a lot better because they didnt use all of my clips, but thats how it goes I guess. The clicked video was alright, I just threw a bunch of clips together. I am putting out my KRIMZEN video in late 2009, so be ready for that. I am also fimling for the Team Shralp video which I think will be in the bone deth video.

What trick took you the longest to learn? Are you one to give up on something if it’s “too hard”?
Probably the nose press, it’s a trick that you can never have completely dialed. I won’t give up on a trick, but if im out riding/filming and im bustin my ass 50 times, I’ll just say fuck it and come get it another day.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your riding?
Hamilton and Stricker mainly, BF, pretty much the whole Animal crew and my boy Grady, cause he always makes it a good time.

Are you into contests at all? How do you feel about those?
Not into them at all. I’m not into people riding to show off for a crowd. The smaller, rider organized comps are good, like all the FBM, bone deth, and the Red Bull dirt comps are pretty sick.

You are invited on a road trip with a bunch of your favorite pros, and the exact same time there is a road trip with a bunch of your friends. Which one do you go on and why?
Because everyone is being so salty right now, I would say the pros.

Are you one of the guys who ride listening to music, or are you not a fan of that? What kind of music gets you excited about riding?
I listen to music all the time, rarely when i ride, unless im riding solo. It depends on my mood really, anything from Judas Priest to Joy Division, Wu, and Biggie

Actually, what are the things that really get your dick hard to ride? (I hope you have seen Step Brothers to get that one)
Fresh pools and cuts spots.

What is one trend you would love to see blow up in BMX? If you say girl pants coming back this is over…
Lay back seat posts and frame stands. I dont follow the trends so i dont care if they ever come back really

In your own opinion… What is BMX all about?
Getting a session with your friends, bust a few tricks (no homo) and have some laughs, maybe a tall can of some Schaefer or a country club 40

If you could change anything about BMX at all, what would you change and why?
Everyone being salty, so that Tucson could actually have a real scene instead of everyone hatin on everyone else.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I dont even know, probably nothin good, everyone I grew up with and rode with back in day got into some bad shit after they stopped riding.

What are you up to when your not riding your bike?
Working on videos cause I got a crazy amount of random clips. Hangin with friends and looking for spots.

Do you do the school or work thing at all?
Just started school, takin a class on video editing. No work right now, the economy is in the shitter so there aint no work to be had.

In a perfect world, other than being a pro BMX rider, what would your dream job be?
Jenna Jameson’s fluffer, or makin videos, something to do with video production.

What is your all time favorite food?
A good burrito or a good burger

Photo: Bob Scerbo

What is something you are horrible at, but wish you had the power?
Probably drawing, I can’t draw for shit

How are you with the ladies? What is the key to those locked panties?
Straight lying your ass off, and start workin on em when they are 17 so when they turn 18 it’s all good hahahaha. No, I dont know, flowers and poetry?

If somebody offered you $200. Would you go in the ring with a UFC fighter for 10 minutes?
FUCK THAT, I need at least a thousand

What is the most disgusting thing to come to mind? What would it take to get you to do it?
Well thats a tough one because my boy Juan Lokes has come up with some of the most fucked up shit I’ve ever heard in my life.

What are some of the most valued things in your life?
My bike, my family, camera, computer, and I-pod

Are you into cars at all? If you could be rolling around in any vehicle right now, what would you want to be in?
The GRAVE DIGGER, hands down

What is the meaning of life?
Friends and good times

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
Get as many bitches as EAZY, without the AIDS. Possibly a job fimling or editing of some kind.

A dude comes up to you and attempts to rob you at knife point… What do you do?
That shit happens regularly in my hood, but then they realize they know me, and sell me a DVD player for $12

Who would win in a fight between Lindsay Lohan and Miley Cyrus?
My money is on Lindsay cause shes always coked out and raging, and shes covered in freckles, so shes gotta be pissed about that.

If you could be anywhere in the world this very second, where would you want to be?
Probably here cause everywhere else is like 0°, maybe Barcelona if the weather is good.

If you could change anything about this world, what would you want different?
No security guards

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Just the other day my boy Grady said “aint nothin but peanut butter and jealousy”

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
SFH, Troy McMurray, Sean McKinney, Rob-O, Mike Hines for puting out the video and all my other clips, the whole crew in Tucson, Grady for always puttin shit in perspective, Chandler, Deans Dream thanks for the shirt, just came in today, TEAM SHRALP, IB, Clicked, KRIMZEN, mom, (and the mom pool), and anyone else that I have had a ridden with, or let me crash on their floor,GC crew.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks for the interview. Everyone keep their eyes open, KRIMZEM video droppin late 2009

If you have ever actually met Vince before, you would know he is a real good guy. I am sure he won’t mind me telling you all that the first time I met him was in Las Vegas. We all went out partying, and I let him and a few of the Give D! guys crash in my hotel, and as we were just getting settled in he started yelling the song It’s raining men! It was pretty much the funniest thing ever. However, today he just happened to have a little elbow surgery from a recent crash. He had some down time to get an interview for you guys to check out. Leave him some get well soon love in the comments!

Photos by: Jarred Souney, Kevin Conners, Spencer Mcabe, Dave Reuss, Fat Tony

Name:
Vincent Kroff

Location:
From Portland Oregon but living in San Diego California

Sponsors:
Subrosa, Lotek, Profile, GOODS and Team Shralp

Years riding:
since the training wheels came off

What was it that first got you into BMX in the first place?
Boats and hoes… anddddd seeing the X-games on the televison!

You broke your elbow the other day. How did that happen, how long will you be out, and what’s the surgery situation looking like these days?
Yep, its broke, get surgery this Thursday(jan 29th). Getting some metal shit up in there and i’ll prob be out for 2 or 3 months. Oh yeah, I was riding the park in north San Diego with Kyle Hart and Hoang Tran. We were shreding all day and this was the last stop of the day. I just droped in and stared riding, you know, not really thinking about never riding there before. Second run, when to 540 this quarter in the back of the bowl, hung up front wheel. Now i got a jacked elbow.

You just got bumped up to Profile flow, how’s that going for you? Do you have any trips, or filming going on once you are kicking ass again?
Dude, im still kicking ass! haha.. Profile is AMAZING! Matt Copland is a super chill dude and Im stoked to be apart of it. But yeah, im always traveling, it seems like my whole life is just one big trip. But i’d like to make a trip out to FL and I think there are some Subrosa trips that are going over sea.

How about Subrosa and the rest of the sponsrs, anything awesome going on with them and you?
Subrosa is the best fucking thing EVER, there are like three companys in bmx that kick ass(Subrosa, Solid and Metal) and im stoked to be involed with the most ass kicking one! The team is amazing, they make great stuff and my Ryan Sher is my dad is you guys didnt know. Haha.

I know the Goods DVD is in the works, will you have a full part in it?
I would really like to but prob wont, i’ll prob end up having a split section with someone. The video will be sick!

I’ve noticed you are always traveling. Where have you been the last few months? Do you have a “home” anywhere?
Im gonna go ahead and say my home is just the west coast. I love Portland but when that rain comes around I need to bail. I just end up traveling between Ptown and SD all winter. San Diego is pretty much just like Portland. Good food, good music and good people, so thats why I spend the winter months down here.

Where are some places you would really like to travel to someday?
Ive always missed out on going to Vancouver Britsh Columbia, so there, Spain, Austin Texas, New York, Florida and pretty much anywhere else that I havent been. I love new places and people. You only live once, get up off your butt and go experience something new and different.

Photo: Jarred Souney

If you could go on a trip anywhere, with only 5 people. Who would you pick, where would you go, and why?
I would bring along my good friend Eddie Cleveland, Ben Kauffman(BFC), Hoang Tran, Kyle Hart and Jon Peacy. All those dudes cause they are all a great time and good ass riders, def make for a good trip. Oh and we would prob just jump in a bus and start heading somewhere, wouldnt matter where we ended up it still be amazing! Prob bring Rich Hirsch along with as well!

Where are your top 3 favorite spots you have had the chance to ride?
Chandler Skatepark in AZ, Roseburge park in OR and pretty much any ditch/hip/tranny combo.

When it comes down to it, what is the most important thing to you when it comes to BMX?
Kicking it with the homies and having a fun ass time! FUN FUN FUN, duh!

You work at Woodward in the Summer, when did you start doing that, and what’s your favorite part about working there?
I started working there the summer of 07. The best part about working the is def just kicking it with rad kids and getting to shred with them and show em what BMX is all about.

I know there are some people who blame your talent on being at Woodward all the time. Do you feel like because you get to be there so much that is true? Or was it something else that got you to your ass kicking status?
I think being at Woodward all the time makes me really comfortable on my bike but i’ve only learned a few dif tricks with the time I’ve been there. I just like living that free life there and riding the concrete and the Interprise park all the time. The night sheshes at those parks pop off!

Where would you like to take BMX in the next year or two?
Just keep progressing and riding faster! haha. I’d really like to start a clothing brand but not just some lame bmx tshirt company, more fashionable clothes of all kinds with just a bmx team and artists who will all be contributors to the brand. Bmx clothing companies are such a joke its funny, the only one who actualy tries is Rich Hirsch and all you nerds out there hate, its great. hahaha

Photo: Fat Tony. Vince, me (Kurt), and Spam at Nora Cup on the Red Carpet

What is the craziest thing you have experienced because of BMX?
Just being able to travel and stay with all sorts of rad people with pretty much no money. Im a nomad if you didnt know.

If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
I dont think I’d change anything, it is what it is and it can only get better from here.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
Prob be going to school all the time and be one of “those guys.” Pretty stoked I ride bikes!

Your hair is pretty wild. I know when I asked you when you were going to shave it like Dirt Ron and Kyle you said no way. Do you have an emotional attachment to it or something?
Yeah man, I’ll never shave this shit. Well I might if I was to start UFC fighting but that prob wont be for awhile. haha

What would it take to get you to shave your head?
just give me a TAPOUT shirt

You have been to a few “gentlemens clubs” in your day. What are your top 3 that you have been to and why are they so great?
All the good strip clubs are in Portland. Anyone thats been to one in Portland knows this. Casa Diablo in Portland, they have two girl Tuesdays. These chicks get down on eachother, its rad. Union Jacks in Portland, so many babes and last would have to be the Cabaret in downtown Portland, i really dont know why its coolbut it is and we always go.

Have you ever hooked up with a stripper or hooker before?
Na. not my kind of girls

What’s the coolest thing you bought recently?
I bought my girl some flowers the other day and just seeing that smile on her face was amazing, so I guess that.

What are some things that really influence your life?
people that shred and have a good time and good weather.

How do your parents feel about your lifestyle? With the BMX, traveling all over, and everything?
Im not really sure how they feel, I think there just kinda whatever about the whole thing, but whateves. Im having an ass kicking time and thats all I care about. BOOM!

If you had to settle down and live in one place, where would you pick and why?
I really think it would be San Diego, this place is straight paradise.

You are in the Side Kick club… What is the most text messages you have sent in a month?
Thats a good question. Too many thats for sure

What kind of music are you into? If you could see any band live right now, who would you pick?
I like anything with the good ol’ guitar. Metal, Folk, classic rock pretty much anything you can think of. I def see Motle Crue before their album Too Fast for Love came out. It was back when they were just playing music, rockin and didnt give a fuck. That would HIT!!

What is the weirdest thing you have ever experienced in your life?
being born

If you could live like anyone in the world, who would you pick and why?
Vince Kroff, DUH! that dude lives it! HAHHAHA

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Kicking ass, running my clothing brand and still shreding!

If you could be sponsored by any non-BMX related company, who would you pick?
American Apparel

What is one thing you wish was legal to do and why?
BMX and skate anywhere and everwhere, no questions asked.

Have you ever been arrested for anything before? Any close calls?
Na man, im a good kid

If you could relive any day of your life, when would you pick and why?
Last Friday when I broke my elbow. I’d spin that 540 first run instead of second.

What are the things you cannot live or travel without?
My bicycle, is that even a question

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Def all the war and violence

What is the best advice you could give somebody?
You only live once, retire when your young. Work when your old and it doesnt matter because your old and your not going to be doing anything anyways.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Ryan Sher for letting me ride for the most kick ass bike company ever, Shad Johnson at Goods, Matt Copland at Profile, Rich Hirsch and Lotek, Team Shralp/Dean Dickenson, my girlfriend Crystal for putting up with my crap and taking care of me with my broken ass elbow, Aaron Huff at Solid, Ben Kauffman, Kyle Hart, Jon Peacy, Eddie Cleveland, Hoang Tran, KC Badger, Adam Perez, Nick Kirkland and the Lord(Dave Volker not the man upstairs) haha

Anything else you want to say?
HAVE FUN!!!!

Without a doubt, you have probably heard of Shad. If not from his ability to kick some ass on a bike, maybe from all of his appearances in different Props videos, or most likely because of his shop Goods BMX in Portland. I finally got the chance to shoot him some questions and this is what came from it. Check it out, and leave some comments!

Photo: Aaron Foley

Name:
Shad Johnson

Location:
Portland Oregon

Sponsors:
Solid bikes and Goods BMX… Well I dont know if owning it counts as being sponsored but whatever.

Years riding:
22

What was it that first got you into BMX?
Well when I was real little I remeber helping one of my cousins with his paper route and he had a sick sidehack that I would ride in and throw the papers for him. I always thought it was so cool when we would hit some curb jumps or just pop wheelies. So then my parent purchased me a schwinn predator and I think that was about 83′. So I would just do the normal kid stuff just hit some wheelies and skid all the time. It wasn’t till I saw Rad that I knew that is what I wanted to be doing. So around 87′ my dad got me a used Sterling freestyle bike! I was so happy! So about a mile up the street all the cool freestyle kids had a 7 foot tall, 8 foot wide half pipe with PVC coping cut in half and just nailed on! It was sick. So me and my buddy Raymond would wake up each morning before sunrise go sneak onto the ramp ride till we saw the lights in their house turn on from them waking up and then we would split. We finally were caught but after that they were cool with us and we would just go after school.

How are things going over at Goods these days? Any big shop news or team news at all?
Things are good at the shop. Im really excited for this year. We have got the video, we’ll be working on all year and it should be out around Christmas or a lil earlier. Im hoping to get a team page all dialed in for the shop soon. I know on that end its always been so vague, but yeah, just working on this video, change the website up a lil, and the most important part is just to keep getting the shop better.

The new Goods video is in the works. Who all has parts, whose filming and edting, where all have you guys been, any good stories from it, and finally, when will it be available?
Well like a said earlier I am hoping the end of this year. As for sections shit who ever pulls thru. A few of the guys will have to be filming for other video projects this year so we may have to be creative with them. Expect to see stuff from Eddie C, Bruce Crisman, Ben Hucke, Justin Inman, Dakota Roche, Roman Tencza, Vince Kroff, All of Team Shralp, BFC, BFP, Chet Blacksmith, Ryan Sher, Caleb Quanbeck, Jesse Leske, John Bristol, Sheesh man I dont know just our crew of guys. You’ll see.

Photo: Mark Rhaina

With so much going on, keeping the shop and team covered, and working on this new video, do you find much time to ride?
Man I dont get to ride as much. Im here 6 days a week but when the weather is nice Ill be riding. In the winter im lucky to ride once a week. In the summer though that all changes. It stays daylight longer so I can go cruise the streets or hit a park after work. We did have the Goods mini all last winter so I rode that but we just took that out a few months ago to make the back room work better for us.

Where is your usual spots to hit up when you get a chance to ride these days?
Mainly the skateparks around here. Id love to say street all day but I would be lying. We have so many parks nowadays that allow bikes, it just gives you so many options. Its real good though because as I find myself getting older its great to just go to the park and go fast and hit airs. My favorites around here are the new Vancouver park, Tigard, Burnside, and the Hood River bowl when I get a chance. I really like riding stuff that is like eight feet or taller.

The scene around your area must be getting pretty big. Is there any up and comers people should be looking out for?
Ya the scene has grown a lot since I was younger here. It used to be about ten of us in the whole city that rode and we had only one skatepark to hit and that was Burnside. Now there is hundreds of riders and around twenty or so parks in the area. There is a new crop of guys coming up though, Caleb Quanbeck, Jesse Leske, Roman Tencza, BFC, BFP, and Steven Boldt. All those guys are so good and are super rad to ride with.

Do you still do much with Props? You used to appear on like every trip.
The last trip I did with them was euro meagatour. If they need me to help film they know I’m down.

Speaking of that, out of all the trips you have gone on. What are your top 3 favorite and why?
UGP Roots contest 2000 or 2001 I cant remember what year it was, RF 15 because all the NW guys were on it and Megatour with Failure.

If you could go on an all expences paid trip with only 5 people. Who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
John Bristol, Andy Merrall, Aaron Huff, Chester Blacksmith, and Vince Kroff. Any of the big cities of the world. Just cruising new cities and mobbing traffic is the best thing ever.

If you could relive any moment, session, or day. What one would you pick and why?
I would have talked Chester out of trying that gap to wallride that he broke his leg on.

When your first started getting a little more serious with BMX, did you ever imagine you would have had the chance to do all the things you have done from traveling to owning your own shop and everything?
Nah man. I grew up staring at magazines that seemed worlds away. Im so happy with where riding has taken me. Ive been a long way from Prineville Or.

How do you feel about the way BMX has been going these days? Anything you would change at all?
I would like to see some of the guys who helped push the sport still get some coverage. I think I would just like to see the people who are in charge of the media focus on the past as much as the future.I dont know maybe thats me being old but I feel like it helps give bmx more texture and helps people see the lifestyle. I mean everyone starts riding for the speed, or the air.You know the simple aspects of riding your bike. Then as you start to get better you push your self harder and harder. I think we all end up where we started just trying to find the simple pleasures of riding BMX. Man really I just like hearing stories and thats what makes magazines fun to read. From the young to the old if you have a good story and are shredding in your own right I would like to see it in print.

Photo: Ben Kellgren

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
I would be a redneck or a cowboy working in a mill,logging, or working at Les Schwabs.

When your not at work, or riding, what can you usually be found doing?
Chilling with the babe.

You have had your moments of manly ass kicking power. About how many fights have you been in? Have you been arrested for anything at all?
haha! Man im not even like that. I really hate fighting. Honestly I’ve never even punched someone in my life. If I do get in an altercation I just choke them or choke slam them. I dont know why but thats what happens. Ive been arrested for a warrant for running a red light. Spent a night in jail. I dont know man jail is lame. My brother was in for a long time and its not a cool place so im just trying to never got there.

Kill one, fuck one, marry one. Barbara Walters, Sarah Palen, Katie Couric.
Ick to all three of them! No on all those levels.

You are offered a job to do porn. Do you take it? The only catch is you don’t know if it’s straight, gay, bi, or something nasty like german scheisse porn.
NO

Did you ever go to college at all? How do you feel about that whole thing?
I went for almost two years. College is great I just didnt really know what I wanted to focus on. Learning is always cool though.

If you could see any band live right now, who would you pick and why?
Dinosaur Jr.

You are given 24 hours to live… What do you do?
Go hiking with people I love. I dunno. weird question.

I heard from Vince Kroff there is a real good strip club in Portland. Do you have any idea what he’s talking about and why it’s so good?
He is talking about the Acropolis. It has been voted for having the best steaks in Portland a few times. So you get some good food and watch the girls. It also has a drive thru just for the food.

What is the craziest thing you have ever experienced in your life? (guns, drugs, hookers, midgets, explosives, cops.. just a few keywords to spark your mind)
Nah I really dont want to air myself or my friends out…You know the usuall stuff though.

Photo: Allan Parker

I would imagine the shop can get a little slow at times. Any favorite websites?
Oh i dont know bmxmuseum.com, vivaradio.com, os-bmx.com, ebay, I usually just go down the list of all the bmx sites each night.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Just grow the shop and the scene up here in the NW. Buy a house and be happy with my girl. That would be enough for me.

If you could commit any crime and get away with it. What would you do and why?
I have no idea…Get money?

How do you feel about Obama being president?
If he fixes things I’m stoked!

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Tolerance. It would be nice to see a lil more.

What is the best advice you can give a person who is just getting into BMX or wants to start their own shop?
Have fun,Dont get over your head with terms.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My family, Mandy, God, The Goods Bmx crew, PDXBMX crew, Team Shralp crew, NW crew, anyone who helps support the shop. I appreciate it so much.

Anything else you would like to say?
Anything else you wanna ask?

Trailer from the first Goods video.