If there is one thing BMX lacks, it is people with the same first name as me. Well, at least sounding the same. Actually, that really isn’t something to worry about. However, Kert is a real talented rider from Estonia who deserves some coverage. So check it out and let him know what you think in the comments.

Name:
Kert Petersel

Location:
Tallinn, Estonia

Sponsors:
simple bikes, mystic.ee, vision streetwear

Years riding:
I don’t know man, a few.

What was it that got you hooked on BMX?
The fun and crazy shit that’s involved with it got me hooked.

You are riding for Simple these days. How are things going with them? Do you have anything going on with them that you can tell us about?
Laid back and cool, things are awesome. Niels-wheels rocks

Have you been filming or anything lately? Will there be any video parts or web videos for people to check out anytime soon?
Trying to get some clips most of the time yeah, but I’m having a case of bad luck man. A cracked-whacked wrist, mountain wank. Some clips in the bonedeth video maybe, and plans on making a mystic video as well. We will see what will work out.

How are you looking travel wise these days? Any trips that you have planned?
Oh man, I have been stuck. Barca or some warmer land hopefully some time soon. Don’t have much plans though, I hate them when they don’t work out in the end

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to check out? Where are some places you would like to go still?
Denmark was fun, always is. I haven’t really traveled with the bike, making the best of Estonia man.

If I remember right your brakeless and pegless. How do you feel about that trend picking up these days? Do you even plan on throwing pegs or brakes on again?
Don’t care at all, but pegs just feel weird for me, bananas I don’t get it. Pegless works fine now.

Were you ever one of those people who went out of their way to get sponsored or is the “just let it happen” thing more what happened for you?
It just happened yeah!

How are you feeling about contests these days? Any plans of getting to any anytime soon?
a-negative

What is the best feeling you can think of that you get from BMX?
Crashing and being fine, greatest thing ever. It makes for good laughs all caveman style.

What is something that pisses you off about BMX?
Shit’s all serious.

If you could be sponsored by any company BMX related or not, what would you pick and why?
I’m pretty stoked at the moment already!

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
Probably would still play hockey, tackle them

Have you ever gotten action, a number, or anything from a girl because of BMX?
It doesn’t do any bad, heh

If you could no longer live where you live now. Where would you want to move to and why?
I Guess I would go place to place, don’t see myself stayin in one place too long.

Who or what have been the biggest influences on your life?
Friends man, friends

If you could have any job in the world other than riding BMX, what would it be and why?
It really isn’t a job for me anyway, as it keeps me only half alive. I get my beer money workin on random things

Aren’t you in school? What are you going for?
Got done with high school and now time off, lookin for a job, don’t really know what I want to do in the future I am clearin the head at the moment

Have you ever been in a fight or arrested? If so why? Did you win? or Why not?
Couple of times arrested for breakin shit. Got in a fight with my buddy, security guys tried to kick us out from an event. It was because we were smuggling crates of beer in and got pissed, they weren’t diggin it. After we got kicked out we started getting on their nerves and well that ended in a fight, bunches on all sides and ended up at the police station again, fun times. That’s one, but there’s more hah

What is the best/worst purchase you have ever made and why?
Some seaweed in a can thing, tasted like 5am diarrhea

If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
Haha, oh man…

What is the best advice you can give people just getting into BMX?
Less talk, more rock’n’roll

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Simple bikes, Niels over there, All the guys behind mystic, friends for being who they are, anyone who has helped in a way, thanks mates!

Anything else you would like to say?
LIVE FAST LAND FLAT

Video 1
Video 2

Mike is one of those midwest guys who is all over. I respect that guy a lot for how much effort he has put into education. I have always thought education was imporant for people. It takes a little more when you are able to do well with BMX and still be motivated to move in a different career path. So, I caught up with Mr. Hinkens as students would refer to him as to see what he is up to. Enjoy.

Name:
Mike Hinkens

Location:
Milwaukee, WI

Sponsors:
Madera, Sputnic, Sun Rims, LNKF

Years riding:
13 or 14

What was it that first got you into BMX?
Well fun I guess. When i was young I always enjoyed ramping off curbs and bumps, but i suppose when i really figured out that BMX was an organized and complex culture I really got “into it.” I would say seeing friends get real bikes and trying to grind really got me interested in doing more than just cruising.

You have recently made a switch from The Take over to Sputnic. How have things been going with them and do you have any trips, filming projects, or signature stuff in the works with them?
I am super stoked about the whole situation. At first I was kind of worried about making a switch, but unfortunately, after Jeff Harrington left The Take, it was a lot different. They always treated me good and were very cool, but I never felt like I was part of the family. Everyone who got me on the team and who I rode with had left the team. When the opportunity to ride for Sputnic came up, it just seemed like the natural step. Many of the team guys were close friends of mine or dudes I had ridden with or travelled with. It just made sense. Not to mention I am super stoked on all of their products. As far as stuff in the works, since Johnny is leaving and Ronnie has to take a more intense role, he has taken this opportunity it seems, to take the next step for Sputnic. He has been in close contact with all of us and we are presently filling up a huge list of new ideas, concepts, trips, etc. It is our hope to have a whole new front going by the new year. I really have high hopes and we will see very soon.

How about Madera, anything cool going on with you and them these days?
Man, Madera is fucking awesome. I could not ride for a better company run by a better bunch of dudes. I do not say this at all to plug or brown nose, but truly, having a close friend as team manager and awesome dudes as team mates is all I could ask for. When you get to travel with the dudes you are stoked on and ride parts you like, its all perfect. We are presently just coming up at a steady pace. New limited colorways occasionally, new seats, maybe a stem, and I am working on 2 different shirts personally. It is going just perfect.

How about the rest of the sponsors? Any big news?
At this moment, not much. Sun Rims always takes care of my wheel needs due to Jon Wells being such a bad ass dude. And LNKF is just some close friends making some shirts and stuff and having good times.

I noticed lately you have been doing some updates and projects with Midwest BMX. What are some of those things you got going on over there? You always seem to be organizing some sort of event. What are some of those things these days?
Its kind of strange actually that I just started making posts on Midwest BMX in the last month or so. I have been running with Jeff and Dom forever and I guess I just never did it. Now, its great to help them get the site up as well as allow me to promote different events I run. Right now we are doing a video contest where teams film for a weekend, edit for a few days, and then we have a premeire and vote for the winners of the cash pot. It has been going awesome and the premiere promises to be a good time. I hope to do another of my sports and music festivals this early summer, Stay posted.

What are your plans once the winter hits here soon? Plenty of sessions at 4 seasons or what?
AHHHH! I just can’t handle Wisconsin winters anymore. When I was younger, Rich Mungall and I would ride in 16 degrees with snow on the ground. Now, I really don’t have fun below 30 degrees or so and I can’t find a soul who will ride with me consistently once it drops below 50. I guess I don’t blame em…I am lucky enough to have 4Seasons though, which i ride weekly and maybe more when it gets extremely cold or too snowy. They are re-doing it now so I am excited for new stuff for the winter.

You have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit these last few years. Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride?
Seriously, I have not travelled as much as many dudes, but I still have trouble even remembering half of the stuff I have ridden. For me the spots usually don’t even matter anymore, its usually about who we are riding with. Lately I have really been liking Tampa due to Matt Coplon, good street, and warm weather. I did just go to Boulder, CO, and that was fucking amazing. Good spots, hot girls, cool city, awesome people, good food…the list goes on…

Where are some places you would really like to go someday?
Everywhere. I am presently looking at getting a job teaching overseas. I am unsure where yet, but I need to see some non-American and different cultures. I am partial to tropical regions though!

What is the best part about traveling? What is the most frustrating part of it?
The best part of travelling has to be the newness of everything. Just not knowing what each day, each turn, each place will hold. As far as the most frustrating, probably the cost and the difficulty that being a “real adult” with a “career” adds to actually doing it. Its tough to just up and leave sometimes.

Who is your usual riding crew these days? Any stand out riders you think should be getting some coverage?
As of late I have been cruising with Jeff Dowhen, Jeff Klugiewicz, and Grant Castelluzzo. Those dudes all push me in different ways and we almost always have a great session. Jeff D. and Grant both are underrated as hell. They both shred hard as hell everyday and just smile the whole time. They deserve all that they should get because they are in it for the right reasons…fun and friends.

What is it about the Midwest scene that makes it different from any other scene in BMX?
I am unsure really since I have lived in this scene my whole life and only sampled others. I can tell you what makes our scene strong though: We have a group of kids that have grown up far from “pros,” companies, and sponsorships and really, honestly, don’t give a fuck about anything in bike riding except riding with friends. There is no talk of “coming up” or who rides for who, its just about riding. Obviously there are some exceptions, but in Milwaukee, most kids are super chill.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
This is a tough one. Its like when your favorite band in high school suddenly hit it big and was on MTV or the radio and you suddenly didn’t like them and you called them sell outs. Its a bitter sweet thing to see BMX getting so big. On one hand, to share what has made me happy with so many other kids and to have so many people I can call brothers is a great thing. Plus, there are more companies making cool stuff and more parks. But on the other hand, as a street rider at heart, more kids equals less street. Spots are not infinite. They do not get built as fast as they are taken away. As more people ride, spots get wrecked, skate stopped, etc. From that standpoint, more BMX, wrecks it for me. Thats a pretty selfish outlook though and I generally say, fuck changing BMX as a whole, just do what you want to see happen in your own scene.

What do you think you would be into if you never got into BMX?
I honestly think much worse off. Its hard to say, but BMX introduced me to the people who helped shape my life: open minded people, travellers, free thinkers, straight edge kids. I can’t say where I would be, but I feel like I would not be as full a man as I am now.

Outside of riding and working what are you usually doing?
Well, there is not that much time outside of those two things, but I guess anything to keep me busy. I dabbled in singing in bands for a while and am still working on that, I hang with the girlfriend and family, I like fishing and hunting when I get a chance…oh, and I love to eat. Ha.

If I remember right you have been doing the teaching thing for a little while now. How are things going with that these days?
Its crazy I guess. I don’t yet have my own classroom so as of now I work at one school filling in everyday where ever I am needed. I have taught everything from Gym, Math, History, Spanish, Auto, etc…I am no expert in any of those except social studies but its really awesome and random everyday. I hope to have my own classroom next year though and to really get into it.

What is the first song to come to mind?
This fucking horrendous song that all the milwaukee dudes keep screaming at each other lately to get it stuck in each others heads. It really sucks to have P.O.D. “Alive” in your head constantly.

Have you seen any good movies lately?
Yeah, “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.” I fucking love that character and want to someday be him. Also, “Blood Diamond.” Its a really graphic depiction of the many conflicts and chaos in Africa and it really makes you think about how crazy this world really is. Scary.

What is something about yourself that most people really don’t know or have a hard time believing?
Well, usually it that I am a teacher. And from that follows, “you did good in school?” Its sad that BMXers are always veiwed as idiots.

Do you plan on voting at all here soon? Do you care to share your views on the topic?
I do plan on voting.Unfortunately as a Social Studies teacher I should know more and have more faith in the political system, however, I just vote so I have a right to complain. I really have little faith that either candidate will fix what I see is wrong…the entire root of all issues: capitalism and our brain-washed society.

What is the best advice you can give somebody?
Listen to what Nike says, “Just do it.” Seriously, think of something you wanna do, and then take the steps to make it happen. Its that easy to get started and then you just run with it.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Hell yeah…Thanks to the usuals, You and BMX Union for this, Matt at Profile, Ronnie and Johnny at Sputnic, A.J. at LNFK, Jon and Logan at Sun, Chad at UGP, all the dudes I ride with on a usual basis, Casey, Kyle, Jeff and Jeff, Grant, etc. And any person who has had a session with me and smiled with me. Good times.

It seems like these days I can’t help but associate amazing riding with the word Australia. Another thing that comes from Australia is Clint Millar and his company Colony. I had the chance to meet Clint at Interbike and it was really interesting to see what he has going on these days. So, after your done reading this one leave him a little love in the comments!

Name:
Clint Millar

Location:
Brisbane, Australia

Sponsors:
Carhartt, Vans, Triple six Distributions & I own Colony.

Years riding:
20

What was it that first got you into BMX, and what keeps you going still to this day?
I moved up from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane & the first friends I made were just getting into BMX. I always had a bike but never knew you could do tricks on them. I got my bike out & started riding around with them after school. The feeling of learning a new trick was so amazing. So I just kept wanting to get that feeling, so I kept riding. I owe heaps to both Michael Canfield & Bob Herbohn for getting me into riding. Thanks guys.

Not only are you a real talented bike rider, you are the man in charge at Colony. Do you ever find it hard to balance out riding and working?
Oh thank you, yes I find it very hard to balance the two. These days my passion really is more towards running Colony but I also love it when I can get out on my bike. It makes you really appreciate the times when I can get on my bike.

What is the best part about owning your own company, what is the worst?
Best part would be able to make everything exactly how I want it & how I feel things should be ran. The worst thing is having to make decisions on a business side that sometimes conflict on a personal level.

You guys had a few new products at Interbike. Care to share any details on those things?
Yeah we had a few new items that have been in development for quite a while. Our Colonial cranks have been in development for two years now & are finally out. I am really stoked on how they came out. Our Fantastic Plastic pedals are perfected now & are in production right now. Liam’s Hell Stallion frame & fork are available now & are having great feedback out there. Mick Bayzand’s Teddy Bars are out now as are our Clone hubsets. We also have the beginnings of our flatland program started with Shane Badman’s Cube frame out as well as pivotal seat & seatposts for flatlanders. All our frames have been re-vamped for 2009 & are lighter, stronger than our 2008 models. So yeah, we got heaps of new shit about to drop or in some countries has dropped already.

It is pretty fair to say that having front brakes is a pretty small crew these days. How do you feel about the whole brakeless trend? Have you ever considered brakeless?
Yeah I tried brakeless a little bit there. It just wasn’t for me at all. I love it when you see someone who pulls off riding brakeless & makes it look effortless. It’s amazing to watch. I have just been riding brakes for far too long now & I guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Haha. I love being different from the norm out there & it’s just what I am used too so why change? Plus I love doing Canadian nosepicks… best feeling trick ever.

The riding scene is so ridiculous in Australia. It seems like every day there is a new kid who kills it. Can you please finally tell us what it is about Australians and BMX?
Good question. I don’t know to be honest! I guess we just have an abundance of free public parks & great weather, which just breeds so many riders. Also the fact that we are so far away from the rest of the world everyone looks towards videos & magazines rather heavily & rides like we see in these mediums.

You have had the chance to travel quite a bit because of BMX. What are some of your all time favorite trips?
Yeah there have been so many for sure. It’s too hard to pick one out but if I have too it would be a trip in Europe for 4 weeks with Dave Osato & Dustin Guenther. We went to so many places & saw so many things, one & off the bikes. We saw the Colesium in Rome, swam in the ocean off the coast of Italy, got drunk on a bus ride through Berlin at the Rebeljam, drove a car from Prague to Cologne & all while on someone else’s expense. Perfect.

This one seems to be pretty hard to answer for a lot of people. If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
Ryan Guettler – always fun to ride with & hang out with. Been on hundreds of trips with Ryan over the years & hope to do hundreds more.

Alex Hiam – the kid flat out rules & I can watch him ride all day long.

Mick Bayzand – to throw him down every crazy rail I see! Mick is a fucking champ, plain & simple.

Liam Fahy-Hampton – Cause I need someone to see the impossible line that no-one else even saw & get it done. Liam clocks bangers, period.

Chris Harrison (Triplesix Distributions) – cause we never get to do many roadtrips & he is always fun to hang out with. Afterall, he is the boss.

As for where would we go? Let’s say Russia for something different?

What is one trick that nobody will ever see you do, and why?
Backies or fronties… I am an idiot when it comes to getting upside down. I can’t even do either into foam. I suck.

If you could do anything differently about a decision you made relating to BMX in any way, what would you do differently?
Overall I am very happy with how things have worked out. Maybe one thing is I could’ve started Colony earlier?

If you could change anything about BMX as a whole, what would you change and why?
All the shit talk. There is no need for all the negativity we all see on some websites out there. But hey what do I know? haha

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved with BMX?
I always wanted to be an airforce jet fighter pilot when younger, so maybe that? Who knows? I can’t even imagine life without BMX.

When you aren’t working, or out riding, what are you up to?
It’s late at night here & my lady & I have just spent all of this rainy day on the sofa watching multiple DVD’s… a really nice lazy day for once. This is where you can find me for sure.

What is one thing you feel you are really good at that nobody really knows about?
Don’t know about really good but I like to play chess & feel I do OK at it. haha

Australia becomes infested with man eating crabs.. take it as you will… Where do you move and why?
Haha… funny thing is we probably do have man eating crabs here already… haha. If I were to move anywhere else I would say perhaps Vancouver. I love that place, reminds me of here in so many ways.

What is one band you would really like to see live?
Don’t laugh but Bon Jovi, if they only played the classics from back in the ‘80’s.

Have you seen any good movies lately?
My mind is a blank when it comes to movies right now. I have seen so many on planes etc that they all blend into one.

You obviously have spent a good amount of time on airplanes. What is the craziest story you have involving airports, planes, anything like that?
I had a ‘friend’ who was banned from the US for 5 years for ultimately ticking the wrong box on a visa application. One time when he tried to pass through on his way to Canada & was stopped & held for 36 hours to be only sent back home. He had nothing to eat but apples & water the entire time.

Have you ever been arrested or in a fight?
Arrested, no. Fight, kinda. It was rather one sided in my defense as he tried to choke me & I knocked the other guy out in one hit.

If you could be a professional at anything else other than BMX. What would you be and why?
Bringing out the hard questions !! Geez… porn star? haha

You got the accent chicks seem to love so much. What is your key to success with the ladies?
Success with the ladies? Nah got the wrong guy here. Haha.

If you could have three wishes, what would you ask for?
1. For the world to not pollute & destroy itself by the human race.
2. To be happy in life in all aspects such as love, money & friends.
3. Another 100 wishes!

What are some necessities for a good night of partying?
Good friends, Bundy & Coke & good music.

Have you had any near death experiences?
Nah not even… closest was I found out I was allergic to prawns the hard way about 10 years ago. No shrimp on the barbie for me mate!

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
Progress Colony to a point that it is one of the most respected & successful BMX companies out there. To keep enjoying riding, with a little progression thrown in the mix.

What kinds of advice do you have for people out there looking to start a company?
If you’re like myself when I started I thought I would have plenty of spare time and get to ride heaps. Trust me, it’s totally the opposite! I have never ridden less in my life than the last few years which kind of sucks but I’ve had a pretty damn good 20 years before now so I’m OK with it…for now. Basically though, if you have the dollars to start up (and a BMX company isn’t cheap to start up either), have the passion to make it happen and you’re willing to make the sacrifices, then go for it!

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Chris Harrison from Triplesix Distributions for all that he has afforded me over the years, I really do appreciate it. All my present & past sponsors, all my past & present team members of Colony, all my distributors around the world, anyone who has ever supported Colony or myself in any form, all the websites & magazines that have ever given myself or Colony coverage, everyone at Triplesix, everyone at wethepeople, all my friends & family & my girl, Niki.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks to you Kurt for this opportunity !!

Video 1
Video 2

If your into photography I think you will enjoy this one. Keith is one hell of a photographer. If you are on the east coast you are probably real firmiliar with his work. I have learned photographers are just as busy as the pros who are riding the bikes. Enjoy, and leave Keith some love in the comments! Also, I had to resize a lot of the pictures in this. So if you want to see them in their original full size you can check them out on Ride-Li.com.

Name:
Keith Michael Romanowski

Location:
Long Island, NY

Sponsors at all?
No, but if Canon wanted to put me on flow I wouldnt complain.

Years riding:
About 10 years

Years shooting photos:
Its been about 4 years now.

What was it that originally got you into BMX and what keeps your attention today?
It was the summer of 1998 and I was at my cousin house upstairs helping move something. At the time my cousin Adam was into a whole bunch of different sports. He mentioned to me that he found out that his neighbor rode bmx. I had no idea what it was. He told me it had to do with people doing dirt jumps on bikes. It sounded pretty cool to me and Adam invited me to go to the local Shorman bmx track to go check it. It was a sunday afternoon and the second I got there I just thought it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen, and I had to get a bike asap. I remember that day like it happened yesterday. A week later I got my Free Agent chrome Eluder and I was hooked ever since.

When I first started riding progression was super important to me. All I wanted to do was get good. Basiclly my goal was to learn x ups, tables, and turndowns. I can do them all now. And as time when on and I got into photogarphy that slowly became more of a priority to me. The concept of progression in bmx isent as important to me as it was before. now it just hanging out with friends and shooting photos and simply having a good time.

How about with photography, what got you into that?
I was in 10th grade and I slowly found out how much I liked doing graphic design. I started out doing cd covers for fun and worked my way into doing various digital art. And it came to the point I wanted to mix photographs into my work, but I always felt bad stealing photos off the web. I always felt it wasn’t going to be 100% orginal then. At that time it was 2004 and my parents got a consumer digital camera and at the time it was one of the best. So they started to let me use their camera. And of course bmx being such a big part in my life already it was only natural for me to start shooting that. And as years progressed I just got more and more into it, and the bag got bigger and bigger.

The scene from where you live is filled with pros and talented riders. Do you feel like you have an advantage when it comes to riding and having people to shoot photos for over other people?
I live roughly and hour and a half from NYC, so unfortunetly its not just around the corner for me. But i dont mind driving and head over to the city pretty often. As far as being a successfull photography location is key, but more important is how you apply yourself. Also there is the artist and business man, and you cant have one without the other. I personaly dont feel like i have an advantage over anyone else, it just takes a lot of works wherever you are.

Out of all of those people who are your favorite to ride, with and who are your favorite to shoot photos of?
Many times riders get caught up and see a photoshoot as an opportunity to make money and its strickly business. Which is understandable, becuase everyone needs to eat. But at the same time it can be fun and it nice to see when people are greatfull you are spending your time shooting with them. So those are the people that I like shooting photos with. Just a relexed fun time.

Out of all the places you have had the chance to ride and shoot photos at, where are your favorites?
Well first of all I love NYC, I haven’t seen the world yet but I can easily say that NYC is one of the best cities in the world. It really is a great city to shoot at. Also I recently came back from Mexcio and that was a great time. Just getting to shoot in a new country is always inspiring.

Where are some places you would really like to go to at some point in time? Do you have any trips planned anytime soon?
I really want to go to Australia, and have wanted to go for a real long time. It just seems so interesting to me. But other then that i would be happy to go anywhere outside the US. Im going to San Francisco at the end of the week, which should be real fun. I was there last summer and had a great time.

Being in places that isn’t exactly the safest place, have you ever or do you ever worry about getting jumped and having your gear jacked?
It is always in the back of my mind, and its good to never get to comfortable wherever you are. luckly im a pretty big guy so im sure that helps a little.

What is your current set-up of all your camera gear?
Right now I shoot with the canon eos 20d, a 17-40mm lens, 10-17mm fisheye, a 85mm lens, sunpak 544 flash, sunpak 622 flash, lumedyne 400 watts action kit, pocket wizard and a ton of batteries.

What is your dream set-up?
My dream set up would invovle a team of slaves carrying around my equipment from spot to spot. It would consist of a bunch of profoto flashes and the Hasselblad H3DII-50. and crew of bodyguards wherever I go.

When was your first photo published and who or what was it of?
The first photo published was of my friend Frank Juliano doing a feeble stall to fakie at the Brooklyn banks in issue 131 of Ride BMX. And it was printed as a two page spread, I was really siked.

Do you work at all or is being a photographer paying the bills?
I work at Marlo Graphics where I do embroidery and thats a part time job and the rest of my time I spend shooting photos. So I have two sources of income.

Did you go to school for photography at all or was it just self taught?
I took 2 black and white photogarphy classes in college, and I feel like I learned a little bit about the technical aspects of photography. I always feel that experince is way more important then sitting in a seat for 4 years.

Who are some photographers you look up to and influence you?
I really like Dolecki, Jeff Z, and Peiringer’s work and I have had the honor to meet them all. But recently I have been looking outside of bmx to find inspiration and it has been helping me thing outside the box.

You run the website Ride-Li.com, how long has that been up for and what can people find there?
I started Ride-LI right when I started shooting photos. So it has been up for about 4 years now. It also has served a way for me to progress in web design, it forced me to learn more and more about hmtl and flash. It started out as a local scene site where it was just photos of friends riding trails and street. Now it is more of a portfolio site that really needs to get updated!

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved with BMX and photography?
Well I really love art, so I would probably be heavily into graphic design. More then likely web design.

Outside of riding and taking photos, what are you up to?
Well I really like working on the computer and doing artwork. I also like drawing type with a graffiti influence. Other then that just hanging out with my girlfriend.

If you could see any band live, who would you want to see and why?
Bob Marley. I have always loved reggae, there is something about it that just feels good to lissen to. And Bob being a huge fan of mine I would love to see him play live.

I imagine you have had some run ins with cops/security/homeless people/angry pedestrians in your day. Lets hear some stories?
This wasn’t out riding but this is the most recent funny thing that happened. While out on Megatour we stayed at this girl Cakes place in midtown Manhattan. We where having a small party there and Cakes got really drunk and started to throw empty beer bottles out the window (15 floors up) and one thing lead to the other and the cops came and arrested everyone there (about 10 total). So we all go the local police station and get put in a holding cell. After about 2 hours of being there some crazy person comes in wearing a very revealing clothing. So the first thing that comes to mind is she is a prostitute. So we start talking to her and she tells us that she was caught selling sex. And on top of that she says that for some reason on the paper work they write down that she was a he. So we quickly put two and two together and realize it was a transvestite… she or should I say he was really drunk or high on something and evently showed us his man breasts. We were all siked at first and then quickly went to being grossed out. We were in jail for 22 hours total, but atleast we left with a pretty good story.

You and Adam22 from The Come Up are pretty good friends. Any embarrassing stories you can let us in on?
Ive got a ton of embarrassing stories, but i dont know if he really wants me to put them out there. But we all know that YOU MO!

You find $5000 on the ground, what do you spend it on?
Buy a new car. My 1989 chevy caprice has seen better days. and paying 80 bucks to fill up the tank isn’t fun.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years and what are some things you would like to accomplish?
I really want to be a fashion photography. Not only do I like shooting with people but there is a ton of money in it as well. I also really want to move out to brooklyn or queens somewhere closer to NYC. I really love it there.

If you could be capable of any talent, what would it be and why?
The abilty to fly. it not so much a talent but super power. Beacuse it beats walking.

What is the key to success with the ladies?
Buy them swedish fish and sour skittles.

What are some of your favorite websites?
the come up, bmx union, defgrip, ras life, weather.com, and flickr.

Seen any good movies lately?
I just saw the movie “The Happening”, it is a super good movie. I also saw the movie “the blindness” last week and it was another one of those worst movies ever. So spare yourself and dont see it.

What does BMX need less of and what could it use more of?
Less drama and more money.

What kind of advice do you have for kids looking to get into photography and maybe turn it into a career?
There is the artist and the business man, and you can’t have one without the other. Applying yourself and having the determination will help you get far. You also need some deep pockets, because it isn’t cheap. Making friends in high places doesn’t hurt either.

Anything else you would like to say?
You only live once.

I remember a few years ago when I first heard of Clint. It was a video and he did one of the craziest looking lawn mowers I had ever seen. To be honest I associate that trick with him. However, he has a lot more going on than those. He is the owner of Credence Bikes and has a lot of other stuff going on. So this is his interview. Let him know what you think in the comments!

Name:
Clint Reynolds

Photo: Bicycle Union

Location:
Derry NH

Sponsors:
Credence, Bicycle Union, Eastern Boarder, and Etnies.

What was it that first got you hooked on taking BMX a little more serious than jumping curbs?
A bunch of older kids lived down the street from meand had some trails, and they sort of took me under their wing and showed me how to roast dubs.

What can people expect to see out of Credence as time goes on? Any big news going on with that you can tell us about?
Hopefully more products and a team video. I recently got a decent camera, I just need to put my bike down and try documenting some moves.

Do you find yourself able to ride more or less with owning a company?
I ride just about every day, so I would have to say more.

Maybe it is just me, but I feel like you were really the one who made lawn mowers popular a few years back. Care to prove me wrong?
Well I first saw Derrick Girrard do them way back, and I probably wouldn’t be doing them if it wasn’t for him. So he should probably get the credit.

Do you have any trips planned at all or have you been just chilling lately?
I’ve been on the road for over a week now staying in PA riding the trails, and plan on hanging out in the Pittsburgh area for the next week or so.

Where are some places you would really like to go at some point?
I would really like to go to Korea and visit my Mothers side of the family and learn about my roots.

What is the scene like where you are living these days? Any up and comers you can tell us about?
The scene is pretty good. I have a decent amount of friends to cruise with and a good amount of stuff to ride. This one kid Zack Early is a large ape. He is always full throttle and can roast with no fear.

If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people, who would you bring and where would you go?
I would probably bring the whole Credence team because they are all my close friends. I would cruise over to the UK.

Describe your dream spot to ride?
Posh and Catty, it doesn’t get any better.

How have you been doing injury wise, any pretty wild crashes over the years?
I’m doing pretty good (knock on wood). Other than getting my first K.O a week ago I’m dialed.

I haven’t seen any web videos out of you lately, have you been working on any video parts or web videos at all?
I’ve been filming with Stew for the new Anthem video a lot. It’s been a good time.

Photo: Bicycle Union.

Did you ever expect BMX to become what it has for you today?
No, not really. I’m surprised I haven’t gotten tired of riding that little bike yet.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
No drama, it sucks.

Where do you think you would be if you never got into BMX?
I would probably be in some welding shop making serious mods all day.

Outside of riding and running Credence what are you usually up to?
I’ve been converting a decent amount of cars to run on vegetable oil recently, and besides that random welding jobs to make some green.

If you could live somebody else’s life for one day, who would you want to be and why?
Woody Guthrie, the guy is the ultimate ape.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
Not to much, but the Axelradarmy.com is always good for a laugh.

Last movie you saw?
BMX Bandits staring Nicole Kidman sick

What is you approach when it comes to getting the ladies?
I got no game with the ladies

Do you have any plans on voting for the next president at all? Or are you just whatever about that stuff?
Not really, it’s hard to trust what they are saying because they will say anything to get your vote. That’s a bad excuse.

Who or what have been some of the biggest influences on your life?
My Pops, the guy can dial.

Did you ever go to college for anything or just working like a champ?
I went to a tech school after high school and got anassociates in Welding technology.

Photo: Devon Hutchins.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Possibly go back to school, dial credence in, ride my bike, and travel as much as I can

What is some of the best advice you have ever been given?
Don’t shit where you eat.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my friends and anyone who has lifted a shovel.

Clint Jam 04′

I had the chance to meet Talem at the YMCA park in Las Vegas during Interbike. The guy absolutely kills it on a BMX and has an awesome personality to back it up. He has had some big changes when it comes to sponsors recently and I imagine the good things will keep going for him too. Don’t forget to leave some comments for him.

Name:
Talem Cowart

Location:
Atlanta Georgia

Sponsors:
Sputnic, Profile, Lifetime Bike Shop

Years riding:
8

When you first started riding did you ever think it would bring you to where you are today?
Oh my gosh no. Its still pretty crazy to me. I feel like i havent really been too many places, but the places ive been and the friends that i have met through just a bike is so amazing. Its cool to think about that you can call up anyone in any state that rides bikes and their just like “yeah its cool, you can stay with me!” Thats the coolest part to me.

I had the chance to meet you in Las Vegas, so I know you travel a bit. Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to travel to?
I would definitely have to say California! Im from the East Coast and the street out there is so much different and awesome! Plus you cant really beat the weather out there, its what everyone wishes you could have during the winter out in Atlanta. Oh yeah and the beach…cant forget that! ha.

Where are some places you would really like to go to someday?
That list good go on. I just wanna go wherever! Im down for anywhere! Overseas would be cool!

How are things going with Kink and all your sponsors these days? Any big news like signature parts or big trips planned at all?
Dude, everything at kink is going really good right now, they are putting out cool stuff! I actually though ride for Sputnic Bikes now. Pretty new, only been on the team i guess you could say for like a week now. But its awesome! Johnny is the coolest and nicest person ever. And He always puts me in a positive mood too, so you cant really beat that! Plus Johnny just lives a state away so thats nice!

Safety First will be out soon. Will you still have a part or any clips in that even though you just left for Sputnic? Also, do you have any other filming going on like web videos or other video parts?
haha, since im not on Kink anymore, Darryl just gave me all my clips back! Thanks so much for that too Darryl. If you ever get the chance to meet darryl, he is the nicest and realest dude ever! I think what were doing with all the clips is putting together a Sputnic/ Vital edit. I guess the video is kinda gonna be the announcement of me on the team.

For as big as Atlanta is, I feel like there isn’t a whole lot of talk about the scene down there. What is it like, and who is your typical riding crew?
Thats so true, I dont even know why it isnt talked about much. There is alot of riders down here but i think the difference with kids down here is they dont get out of the state much and ride. Thats not a bad thing cause all the locals down here just chill and ride and aren’t to into the typical bmx scene. Its cool, everyone down here is so layed back and nobody takes riding really that serious. So its good. I usually ride with the locals in ATL like Niles, Matty, Chris, and the Nashville boys come down all the time, and we go up there, so we ride with nathan and shane! Bout it for me! haha. I have gotten to ride with Corey Martinez once! hahah

You are a brakeless rider, how do you feel about it as whole, do you feel like the trend will fade or continue to grow?
I dunno if i would even say its a trend. Alot of people think that, but i just think everyone that does it really loves it and enjoying the feeling of just chillin with no brakes! Its so fun. I think kids just wanna do something new, and everyones doing it so that helps! haha. I love the no brakes!

If you could go on a road trip with any 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
thats a good question……….Nathan and Shane for sure. And Probably E Man and Boy, and Rual! Those kids are seriously the craziest funnyest people i have ever met! Seriously are too funny and are always happy. I wish i could hang out with more people like that.

You are pretty much the king of Vader jams, what are some other tricks you really like to do?
Haha. Not at all! I could name so many people that do them more consistent! I dont pull them too consistently

What is one trick you cannot do for the life of you?
Tables or turndowns!

How do you feel about contests like the X-Games and Dew Tour? Would you ever ride in one if you were given the chance?
I think they’re awesome! I wish i was good enough to ride in one of those things! Be so crazy doing all those tricks. I dont think i would ever ride one if i was given the chance cause i would just go out there and make a fool of myself!!

If you could relive any session or time on your bike, when would you pick and why?
wow, ummmm………Corey, Nathan, Brad, Seth, Alfredo, and me rode the Santa Ana banks in California and it was just super chill and so much fun. One of the best for me for sure cause i had never ridden there….just saw Brain Castillo ride em in Nowhere Fast and they looked like so much fun!

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
For everyone to have more fun and less hate like the Give D dudes!!!!

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved with BMX?
I honestly dont even know. Its weird to even think about that.

Outside of riding what are you usually up to?
Hanging out with the ol girlfriend, and going out and having fun with all my friends.

Do you work or go to school at all? If so, what do you do or what are you going for?
Funny, I actually just got a job at Planet Smoothie yesterday. Its really good smoothies! Come see me sometime, ill hook you up!

What kinds of music are you into? Are you one to ride with head phones or not so much?
Naw I dont really listen to the headphones much cause they always fall out of my ears. If im just cruisin through the city though, then the headphones are loud and ON! Probably banggin some T.I., Wayne, Bone Thugs, Jeezy, Biggy, Old school Nelly is the best though! For bands I like switchfoot, mewithoutyou, Bright eyes and all that stuff! Random mix for sure.

What kind of girls are you into? What is your best trick to picking up girls?
hahaha, yeah right! I dont get girls! haha. I got one girl though and shes was pretty hard to get, so maybe there is a little trick… Just be yourself and honest? haha

If you could live like somebody famous for a week, who would you pick and why?
wow. A rapper! They seem like they live a wild lifestyle! haha. I could carry a gun and get loose! haha

If you won the lottery, what would be the first 5 things you would do with it?
Depends on how much…..help out my friends with whatever they needed, probably just be super generous with it and share the wealth!

Do you have any plans on voting? Feel like sharing how you feel about it?
I think i actually am. Im still kinda undecided, I like alot of things about both parties!

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Wow. Live a more free life, not be tied down with anything. Just always wanted to treat people the way i would wanna be treated. Keep riding and having as much fun as possible. Only live once right!

If you could be sponsored by any company that has nothing to do with BMX, who would you pick and why?
haha, never thought about that……Apple Computers!!! hahah Duhh

What is something crazy that has happened to you that nobody really believes?
I thought i was going to lose my life by a east L.A. police officer at a school with Boy and Eman! Thanks for that Mr. Officer!

Have you ever been in a fight or arrested? Did you win, or what for?
uhhhhhhh………. hahaha

You got yourself an IPhone, do you have any favorite applications you think people should check out?
haha I just got it cause its the cool thing to do and everyone was doing it! Naw, it really is the best phone ever! So nice! Apple changed my life! haha

If you could have 3 wishes, what would you wish for and why?
That i would never lose sight of my purpose, that ide treat people good, and try not to judge people. Thats so hard to do!

Personally, what do you feel some of your biggest accomplishments in your life have been?
umm….not to sure. Im thankful for everyone thats helped me out through riding. Jay at kink, Johnny and Sputnic, Matt at Profile, and Chris Maheffey! And my bestfriends! I think anything your happy with is an accomplishment!

What is the best advice you can give somebody?
Figure out what makes you tick and go and do that. Dont let anything stop you from doing your thing. No matter what that is, just do it, and dont listen to nobody. People will always hate, thats the way it is. Just be you!

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
ummm… yes! Johnny, Jay, Darryl, Nathan, Corey, Shane, Seth, Matty, Greg, Brandon, Johnny, Lauren, Parents, Ron at Sparkys! Everyone!

Anything else you would like to say?
Man im tired! haha Have fun and go do some no handers!

I remember a few years back when I first heard of Dan. It was on bikeguide, from a video he posted. The kid was riding Ben Hittle’s ramp and was just sick. As time went on he developed into this even more amazing rider and apparently it has started paying off. Check out what Dan has to say.

Name:
Dan Foley

Photo: Andrew Dubicki

Location:
Greenville, NC/Annapolis, MD

Sponsors:
Simple, Avalon Bike Shop, Team Jeff Dupaul

Years riding:
Started off racing about 10 years ago and then got into freestyle I guess you could say about 6 years ago.

What was it that originally got you into BMX?
I learned to ride a bike at a pretty late age of 7, but then once I did, I couldn’t stop riding. I would go ride around everyday and would jump off little bumps everywhere. It just sort of evolved from there. Also started racing and that helped out a lot.

How are things going with Simple these days? Anything big going on you are excited about like trips, videos, or some new products you can tell us about?
Things are going really well. Just went overseas this past summer and met Niels Thanild and a lot of the team and I am really happy to be a part of it. There’s not too much going on right now, but they just released 3 new frames that are all really nice. Go to sidewalldistro.com and scroll down a little bit to check those out.

Photo:Jake Dyke

Maybe it is just me but it seems like it has been a little while since you have put out a web video. Are you working on anything that people can expect to see these days?
I made a little skatepark edit a few weeks ago. As for other videos, I’ll probably make another edit sometime soon and also a random sort of video with a bunch of different people in it. I’m also filming some clips for an upcoming Team Jeff Dupaul web video, which should be done in several months.

Have you been doing much traveling lately? I know you said you were in Denmark recently?
Over the past several months I’ve traveled a good bit. Did some travel around the east coast going to Connecticut, Ohio, Philly, Woodward, and New York which was really fun. Then I went to Denmark for 3 weeks at the end of June for Simple and it was amazing. Got to just hang out and ride the whole time with a bunch of awesome people and experience being in a new and different place. Thanks again Niels!

Do you have any big trips planned or places you would like to go anytime soon?
I don’t have any trips planned right now, but I’d like to go to Austin, California, Australia, and back to Europe sometime.

What is the scene like these days from where you are? Any dudes you think are coming up? I know Ben Hittle and you are pretty tight right?
Well I just moved to Greenville for school and the scene here is pretty crazy as most know. As for back in Maryland, the scene is getting better. It seems like there’s more and more kids riding and progressing, which is awesome to see. As for people coming up, definitely watch out for Garrett Reeves and Ben Hittle. Ben and I rode pretty often when I was back in Maryland so I guess you could say we are pretty tight.

Ben’s ramp is pretty epic. How much do you get to ride that these days? Do you feel like you have had an advantage with your riding because of it?
When I’m home I ride it around once a week. It’s one of my favorite ramps for sure. I used to ride it like 4 times a week a couple years ago, and I still haven’t got bored with it at all. I do feel that it has helped my riding out a lot. It pretty much taught me how to air.

How have you been injury wise from riding? Or are you pretty lucky.. knock on wood?
Last year around this time, I got stuck in a turndown and landed on my face pretty hard, breaking my nose, fracturing some bones in my face, messing up a rib, and knocking a few teeth back. Then, a few weeks after healing up from that, I fell doing an icepick on a 6 ft. quarter and broke my collarbone. I’m pretty sure I’m the only person that could manage to hurt myself doing that. Since then though, I’ve been pretty lucky (knock on wood).

How are you feeling about contests these days? Any you plan on hitting up?
It depends on the contest. If it’s a smaller contest, they’re usually really fun. I went to the FBM Belmar contest last month and it was so awesome since everyone was having a good time and there was such a good vibe. I do want to hit up other contests like that whenever there are any within not too far of a distance. Bigger contests like the Dew Tour stops I’m not too crazy about though. It would be fun to ride in one, but a lot of people take them too seriously. Also, some of the tricks being done these days in those contests are just getting ridiculous. I do respect them, however, it seems like “progression” has turned into just doing one more rotation of some sort, rather than coming up with a unique variation or something new and different. It seems like originality barely exists in these big contests anymore. For example, I watched this past dew tour stop and noticed that someone made top 3 in park who only did spins and tailwhips in his run. The tricks were crazy and hard, but I find it a bit strange how someone can do so well in a contest by only doing 2 tricks. I also remember watching a dirt video from the Portland dew tour stop and was in awe at how many people did almost the same run, all including 360 double whips on the last jump. It’s like turning into diving where everyone does the same exact thing, but just tries to point their toes a little more. It was really nice watching Mike Aitken win dirt this last stop though. Shows that there’s still some hope.

Photo: Tyler Northrup

If you could go on a trip with any 5 people, who would you pick, where would you go, and why?
I don’t think I could narrow it down to 5 people. It would definitely be 5 of my friends that enjoy riding with though. I do know that one of them would have to be Denny Pascasio. Funniest person I’ve ever met and an awesome guy. I’m not sure exactly where I’d want to go though.

You have a pretty solid reputation on the internet from forums and stuff. Did you ever expect people to be as into your riding as they are?
Are they? I guess I didn’t expect it then.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your riding?
Sergio Layos had a big influence on my riding. I saw him ride at Woodward the first time I went when I was 12 and it was the first time I had seen someone with really good style ride. I was blown away at how he made everything look so good and how high he went. That was right when I started riding ramps so I wanted to learn to do things like he was doing. Haha.

Do you have any good stories form riding involving cops/security/midgets/hookers/pissed off pedestrians?
One time we were out riding street at this little spot at a bank that we always ride, and this crazy old man walks out of a restaurant and comes up to us. The first thing he says is, “why the hell are you riding at the bank!!?!?” Then says, “Why don’t you just ride in your own yards… I bet it’s so no one will see how much you all suck!” We were all baffled at how this guy came out of nowhere and just started saying all this to us when we weren’t doing anything to bother him at all. He then started walking away while we were still riding. He probably made it about 30 feet away from us, when my friend flipped over on a nose wheelie and had to hop over his bars. The old man decided this was a prime opportunity to stop the fun and take my friends bike, so he took a hobbling sprint toward my friend’s bike (keep in mind that this guy was at least 80 years old). My friend got there right before the old man could though and got his bike. I could not believe I just saw an old man hobble that fast and try to steal a bike.

What is one trick you will never get sick of doing?
360s.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would it be and why?
For it to be a bit more accepted by people who don’t ride. It’s annoying getting kicked out of a spot or something just because you’re on a BMX bike and people assume you’re either damaging something, causing some sort of trouble, or will sue them if you fall.

Photo: Tyler Northrup

Where do you think you would be if you never got into BMX?
Probably skateboarding. I stopped racing when I was about 10 and 11 to skate and I barely rode, but then I realized that riding was more fun so I thankfully stopped skating and went back to riding all the time.

What are you up to when your not on your bike?
Just hanging out, wasting time on the computer, going to class, editing or filming something, or shooting photos.

If I remember right you are in school. What are you going for? How much do you have left?
I am going for media production. I just started about a month ago so I pretty much have 4 years left.

Do you do much filming and editing yourself these days? What kind of gear are you working with?
Not a ton of it, but I do like to do it pretty often. I recently just bought a Sony vx2100 and Century mkII fisheye from my friend which is awesome.

What is a dream sponsor of yours? BMX related or not.
Any decent shoe company would be awesome since I go through shoes pretty quick.

If you could only eat at one restaurant/place for a month, what would you pick and why?
Probably some sort of Italian place where I could eat a lot of pizza and pasta.

Have you ever been in a fight? and did you win?
No I haven’t.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Just keep riding and progressing and also doing well in school.

If you could be a professional at any other sport, what would you choose and why?
Probably snowboarding since it’s probably the most fun sport other than riding.

Any favorite bands that come to mind?
The Mars Volta, Circa Survive, Irepress, Explosions in the Sky, Minus the Bear

What is the last movie you saw?
I saw most of The Butterfly Effect on tv the other day.

Any favorite websites?
Simplebmx.com, Myspace, TCU, Ridebmx.com, Vital

You win the lottery, what is the first thing you buy?
Pizza.

Photo: Tyler Northrup

Are you voting at all for anyone this year?
Not sure yet. I probably will though since I just turned 18 and now can, even though I’m not into politics at all.

What has made the biggest impact on your life and why?
Probably my parents since they raised me and taught me so much.

If you could change anything about the world, what would it be and why?
Just for everyone to get along and stop fighting wars over power and what not. I don’t understand why everyone has to deal with middle aged to old men who just want to control everything. They are no different than anyone else so why should they be able to cause so much trouble for the rest of the world just because they want to be powerful and have money? That probably sounded really dumb. Also, as random as this may sound, it would be awesome if cars were replaced with tubes that took you everywhere. Like you could get into a little capsule that would have the same amount of space as a car so you could take your bike, then just launch through a tube to get wherever you want to go.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to God, my parents for supporting me so much, Niels at Simple, all of my friends and everyone I ride with, Ben Hittle and his parents for letting me ride his ramp all the time, Donald at Avalon, Rod at Pedal Pushers, Sidewall Distribution, anyone who’s ever helped me out or supported me in some way, and Kurt for this interview!

Anything else you would like to say?
Have fun!

Sorry about the lack of updates this last week, life gets crazy sometimes. That is beside the point of this post. What the point is, is Chase DeHart.
What can I say about Chase that nobody knows already? The guy is all over, people love him! Tons of fresh signature parts, even fresher video parts, and just the best intensions of what BMX is all about. I finally got the courage to ask him if he would be in for an interview and obviously it all worked out. Maybe you will learn something about him you never knew before?

Name:
Chase DeHart

Photo: Van Homan

Location:
west deptford, south jersey

Sponsors:
Fit, Lotek, Fremont, Shadow Conspiracy, Two by four store

Years riding:
I think close to 8?

What was it that originally got you into BMX and did you ever dream that you would be in the position you are in today?
I grew up skateboarding, but all my friends rode pretty much, for a while i would just skate with them while they rode, and just always picked up their bikes and had fun with it, than eventually my buddy randy convinced me to get a bike, and i’ve been riding everyday since. and fuuck no did i ever think i’d be in this position, back then being recognized for bike riding or skateboarding wasn’t realistic, it’s not like how things are now with the internet and everything, you rode with your friends and that was it, there was nothing to keep you in touch with it besides videos and magazines, and to you that was un-touchable.

How are things going over at Fit? Will there be any changes to your frame come 09′? Any other signature goods, big trips, or filming in the works?
Things are perfect at fit, I have been involved with them for a long time now, and it’s exactly what i want to be involved with, it isn’t all buisness over there, it’s much more than a sponsor, much love for everyone over there. and i will be changing my frame up a bit for 09, not geomoetry wise, but a few new features to get the frame exactly how we want. no big trips planned yet, but next year the new video will be coming out, and i know the team is really excited to film for it.

You have been on Shadow for a while now. How have things been going with them? Anything cool going on with you and them you can tell us about?
Things with shadow have been awesome, everyone involved are real good people, the team trip was a lot of fun, it’s been busy lately, but there is some plans for some things to happen i think, i know they like to keep what they have in the works on the low haha, so i don’t want to ruin anything for them.

Anything cool going on at Lotek or just the usual stuff?
yea rich always has ideas so i’m sure there is alot going on, but we are finishing up a signature shoe right now, really excited about that, and always staying busy with fremont.

You just got back from Mega Tour, how did it go?
yea i went with the come up and i actually just got back a few days ago, i expected a good time and definetly had a good time, the crew was real fun and the places we went had real good riding, but we got into some trouble later in the trip, i have been away for the last few months so after that i needed to head home early, good advice would be to never be around a drunk 18 year old girl, fess up or you’re getting body slammed.

Do you have any other big trips planned anytime soon other than that?
i feel like i’ve been pretty non-stop with trips lately, so after that one i just am going to be chillen at home for a bit since the weather is perfect around this time of year and wait for something to pop up, but i will be filming for a props section while i’m home, so i’m real excited to get that going.

Where are some places you would really like to check out at some point?
australia and barcelona haha, typical answer, but i’m sure it’s because they are both so good to go to, i just got back from colombia last week, that was seriously the best place i have been, i would like to go back there as much as i could, shout out to the colombia riders!

If you could go on a trip with 5 dudes and an unlimited budget, who would you take and where would you go?
I’m having the hardest time narrowing it down to 5 dudes, i’d take randy brown, eddie cleveland, chase hawk, van homan, rich hirsch, mike aitken, robbie morales, all my close local friends and anyone who wanted to go haha, we could go no where for all I care, anywhere is fun with a crew you can choose.

It seems like your riding gets a lot of attention. A lot of love and a lot of hate, how do you feel about all the attention? Any words for the lovers and haters?
I honestly am not good with the attention, the good attention or the bad attention, and alot of people who don’t know me are doing there best to judge me, why waste your time, come hang out with me for a while, than say what you think. as for my riding, it’s just my riding, i don’t think anything of it, i enjoy every type of riding, so it’s annoying to hear everyone try to tell you what they’re doing is better and why, do what you like, let others do what they like, don’t waste your time hating.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your riding or at least were growing up?
When I started riding, I was always watching garrett byrnes, van homan, brian wizmerski, these guys were all local, so i would always hear about them and see them around, so i’d definetly say they had a huge influence, besides all my friends growing up. also mike aitken, i remember seeing the first square one video, and just watching his part over and over, him and garrett make riding look so fun. now a days i’m influenced by everything i see, there are so many good riders and good people i look up to, it would take forever to list them all and explain why.

What is something that you don’t ever plan on doing on a BMX?
i’ll do whatever on a BMX, the only thing i wouldn’t do is take what i do seriously, see way too much shit talking on what other people like to do but praise themselves on what they are doing, i’ll have fun doing anything on my bike.

People seem to like this question… What is your best story involving you, cops/security/homeless people/hookers/midgets/pissed off pedestrians?
we were on megatour a few days ago, having a good time, we decide to stay at this girls house (i won’t say her name because she would like that too much) so we could be closer to the brooklyn area to ride the next day, the girl of the house gets drunk, decides to throw beer bottles and whatever she could find out of her own 15th story window, doesn’t realize she almost hits a cop car driving by, the cop stops the car, and has beer bottles being thrown down past him still, he calls for back up, they figure out which appartment it was and come in and arrest all of us, they were so pissed because they thought we were all purposely throwing bottles at him, when really none of us threw any, they find a few more things to get us in trouble for, and take us in, we all got put in central booking for 22 hours or something like that, and now have to go back to court next month to figure the rest out, it sucked, but hopefully it gets cleared up, i wish i could remember another story since most just heard this one, but it’s the only one i can think of right now.

Obviously you are brakeless, but what are your views on it as a whole? I know a lot of the brakeless dudes hate on riders with brakes. Could you ever see yourself with brakes again?
I have no view on brakeless or brakes, and especially no hate towards brakes, they are both just preference, brakes used to be fun for me, now brakeless is fun for me, one day a bike might not be fun for me at all you know? it doesn’t matter in the end, ride what you like, 6 years ago i would have said i would never ride brakeless, so i’m not going to say i would never ride brakes again, i will ride what i am interested in at the time, right now, brakeless is the best feeling to me and i can’t see myself riding brakes, if that will change i don’t know or care, it’s no big deal.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
There is nothing to change, bmx to me is just riding my bike, everything else is what i choose to pay attention to, if i wanted anything to change, i just would stop paying attention to it, everything that is going on is always going to exist, it just depends if you want it to effect you or not.

Where do you think you would be if you never got into BMX?
hopefully i’d be alright and be doing something else i enjoy doing, but it’s wild around my area, heavy drugs have been taking over my area for a while now, and have been taking over my friends, i’d be scared to ever fall into that and i hope they get out of it, shit is too much.

What are you up to when your not riding your bike?
Just whatever, hanging out with my girlfriend and my dogs and my friends pretty much, I ride a whole lot so i don’t do much else, i don’t own one anymore but riding a quad or dirtbike is always so much fun, i want to get one of those small pitbikes real soon haha.

I remember that old road fools when you got invited on half way, you seemed like a really shy dude. Are you actually pretty shy or am I just imagining things?
yea, i’m seriously really shy, i’ve been getting better with it, but when i first meet people, i have a hard time being open when talking to them, but i warm up eventually, not with a camera though, talking on camera is impossible for me.

You have had the opportunity to experience so much because of BMX, what are a few things you think anyone should experience at some point in their life?
Just being happy, i’d say traveling because traveling is great, and it would be nice if everyone got a chance to do it, but those experiences don’t last forever, be happy with what you have, go ride your town or your local park and be happy with it, make some life long friends, i have had great experiences, but nothing has been better than that, everything else goes away after a while.

What are some of your favorite bands or songs?
i listen to alot of hardcore and alot of slow and heavy stuff, the melvins, kylesa, have heart, tragedy, i’m stopping already sorry haha, i would have made a huge list, i’m always listening to music.

Seen any good movies lately?
i have seen movies lately but i can’t think of them right now, just some comedy ones, anything funny is all i’m into really, movies like super bad and all the fridays, ricky bobby haha, taledega nights.

I doubt you are working or anything now, but what kind of work did you do before the sponsors came in? Did you ever go to college or anything like that?
I haven’t done much with my life haha, i started traveling when i was pretty young, i didn’t finish high school, i never had a consistent job, everything kind of went fast, i’m sure i’ll pay the price later on though, but until than i have been doing and will be doing what i want so i would never complain.

Photo: Justin (KTS)

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
just obvious political shit.

If you could be sponsored by any company that has nothing to do with BMX, who would you pick and why?
vanilla dutch masters, seriously, i wish dutch masters would read this and get in touch with me haha, i have a collection of boxes from the last 8 months or so, i want to try and take a picture of it for the interview, i’m up to like 200 or more of the 4 packs and 4 boxes of the 55 packs haha, having them as a sponsor would be so good and save me so much money, they are the best, vanilla only though.

Spend much time on the computer? Any favorite sites?
yea when i’m at home i usually check the computer once a day probably, but when i’m away it’s good to get away from it and not look at it, i check
www.fitbikeco.com
www.lotekbrand.com
www.theshadowconspiracy.com
www.twobyfourstore.com
www.thecomeupbmx.net
sorry i played that professional haha.

What is your keys to success with the ladies? Have you ever used “I am a pro BMX rider” as a pick up line?
i never have used the “i’am a pro bmx rider” line, i have a girlfriend, so i don’t pick up girls, but the key is to play it cool haha, act in control and handle yourself, say what’s up and keep it simple, let them come to you, haha i feel gay answering that, shit will work though haha.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
i really don’t know, hopefully doing what i’m doing now, little older, little smarter i hope haha, that’s about it i guess.

Any embarrassing stories about Adam22? It’s cool the come up kids will love it.
haha, i think i really do, but it could be him fucking around, so i won’t do that.

If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
i guess technically i commit a crime everyday and get away with it, it’s a weak crime, but i’d hate to get in trouble for it every time i did it.

What is the best advice you could give anyone?
haha, i’m not mr. rogers, best advice would be to listen to your own advice.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
definetly, thank you to my family, my girlfriend, robbie morales, rich hirsch, ronnie bonner, van homan, chris moeler, all of my close friends, randy brown, eddie cleveland, sweeney, victor, tocco, adam grandmaison, shout out to blackman, south jersey and north jersey, philly, nyc, biggest influences on me i love watching anything come from those areas, sorry i have east coast pride, thank you for asking to do an interview also, i’m sure i forgot people i’m sorry.

Anything else you would like to say?
no, you just asked me 50 questions haha!