I like being able to interview people I have no clue about because then the answers aren’t predictable. Alex has a lot of really cool things in the works and knows that BMX is all about fun. This is what he had to say. Let us know what you think in the comments.
All photos by: Mitch Ayala
ODI videos by: Larry Alvarado

Name:
Alex Raban

Location:
Nipomo,California

Sponsors:
Pegleg clothing,Odi Grips (flow)

Years riding:
7

What was it that first got you into BMX?
I believe the first thing that got me into bmx is friends that I met in school. That till this day still friends with them which is awesome.

You are one of the Peg Leg guys, how did you get involved with them and in your eyes what are they all about?
Well a while back i use to post videos online. And Devin hit me up wondering if i would like to contribute footage for the dvd. I was siked on doing something like that cause i never thought something like that would happen.
And to me the pegleg guys are all about being awesome and good friends. Simple as that.

You are in the process of making Roll Wit Us a video that looks like it will be really good. Whose all in it, what can people expect, and when do you expect it to be out?
Thanks alot!, They are about 20 riders in the entire video. From down south to up north, some expectations for the video i would have to say get ready for some unique riding styles with a bit of mayhem. Hopefully by the end of this year. Their will also be another teaser release near the end of editing.

How long have you been filming and editing videos for?
I have been filming and editing for about 6 years or so.

What kind of cameras, editing software, and computers are you working with?
As of now i have a Sony vx 2100, working with final cut pro 5. And just got a new computer,a new 24 inch 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

Your a real dialed dude on a bike, what do you think helped you progress to the riding level you are at today?
To tell you the truth, all my friends help my progression till this day. I couldn’t do it without them.

Your crew “Kill Ted” is pretty legit, are those the guys you are uusally riding with?
Man, if i could ride with all these guys everyday that would be awesome! But unfortanatly most of these guys are scattered around california. So i usually meet up to ride with most of them once in while.

Where are some of your all time favorite spots?
It’s going to have to be a parking lot. It’s my favorite spot i grew up riding in that.

If you could ride anywhere in the world with any people, where would you want to ride and why?
If i where to ride anywhere it’s going to have to be eastern europe. Reason being is because i have been there and i just get an awesome vibe being out there on and off my bike.

Who are some pros you have really looked up to with your riding?
I looked up to a lot riders growing up through out the years and all. In videos and what not. But as of now i realize that all my friends are people i look up too.

What is one trick or line you could never get sick of doing?
The “Barspin” over obsessive if you can’t tell already ha!

In Roll Wit Us there is some footage of a pissed off dude. What is your best story involving you and cops/security/homeless people/hookers/ angry pedestrians?
Their are too many to list! I wish i could tell you all of them. But the most recent one was with my friends at a trailer park riding at night. When we were getting chased out by a 80+ year old man on a segway! I never laughed so hard, this guy really thought he was going to catch us. Ha!

How do you feel about contests like X-Games and Dew Tour? I imagine being a bigger street rider you don’t get too excited about contests?
Personally i think contest’s and x-games are great. I like them because it’s almost like a different style of riding then anything else. I entered a few myself, never did any good but hey i had fun so that’s what counts!

How do you feel about bike games to play like foot down and b-i-k-e? Any of your own versions you like to play?
Those games are sweet! A good way to burn some time with friends. The game bike is sweet good way to push your self, but i don’t think i can ever play foot down.

What do you think you would change about BMX if you could?
Really nothing.

Where do you think you would be right now if you never got into BMX?
Being at home on the bed being a fat ass.

Outside of riding what are you up to?
Mostly working and when i have time editing and filming.

You win the lottery, what do you buy first?
A house.

If you could have any camera, editing software, and computer, what would you want and why?
Actually it would probably would not change much.
Reason being is cause i have good equipment for my level of filming and editing.

What is the key to success with the ladies?
Ha! I would love to give you that answer but i have the worst luck with women. Either they are horribly disgusted by me or they are stalker’s.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would you want to spend it with and why?
If i could i would like to spend it with jesus. Why, it would be very intersting to me to learn about somebody that holds a key to life and death.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still riding my bike. And living the way i am till this day.

If you could committ any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
I have horrible Karma. So their is a no ways chance in hell i can get away with it. Ha!

Do you spend much time on the internet? Any favorite websites?
If i have time or if im working on the computer ill browse. FFFFound is a cool website.

Do you go to school or work at all?
I work full time i my dad’s pizza parlor.

What is the first song that comes to mind?
“Strawberry fields forever” Beatles

See any good movies lately?
I recently just saw the “Dark Knight”. Stunning!

What is your perfect day?
Wake up on a sunday eat a good breakfast. Overcast skies all day at 55 deg. Have a great session with a group of friends. And end the day with a cold brew.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
if you have paid the cost of success then success is yours

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I would like to thank all of my friends and family. Big shout outs to pegleg clothing a odi grips for all your help!

Anything else you would like to say?
fo shizzle.

This interview was well overdue. Muffin Man has become a well recognizable name on The Come Up for a while now and his riding has progressed faster than his reputation. I shot him over some questions and this is what came from it. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Name:
Joshua Aaron Fuentes aka Muffin Man.

Location:
New york City, Washington Heights.

Sponsors:
The Garden Bike Shop, am:pm, Thecomeupbmx. net.

Years Riding:
3 1/2?

What was it that originally got you into BMX and what keeps you on the bike today?
I started riding because of my cuz Austin, Mmmm and what keeps me on it today (n/h) is all my good friends i ride with everyday no joke its the best, non stop loling and riding.

Your on the unofficial Come Up crew. You had the Muffin man shirt, what else is to come out of that?
I have no ideal but if Adam22 does make somthing else im sure its goin to be nuts haha.

Where did you get the nick name Muffin Man anyways?
Long story kinda haha,and myspace thats been my name from when i 1st make that thing.

It seems like your riding progresses real fast, do you feel like the scene you have been riding effects that at all?
Thanks, Ya deff because everyone is always down to ride, try somthing new, and everyone is always doin their own thing.

Who is your typical riding crew and where could you typically be found riding?
Scallion n.y.c’s top black aka the king of the streets aka the hood pass, am:pm Joey, Jake Seeley, lil Taco, Corey Godfrey, Chris Johnsson, DayDay, Baby Food, Spam, ralph, and other blacks.

What is the craziest thing you have witnessed on the streets of NYC involving BMX/cops/security/homeless people/chicks/or really anything else?
HAHA This one is one time i seen this homeless blind dude milkin his cow while waiting for the train like no one was around no joke so funny haha, no one even said anything to him. mad fights on the train late night idk why but its always somthing always,o yea and like last week we seen this black dude runnin from the cops on 66th street the dude got to the coner and got on the ground to give up and still when the cops got to him they beat the shit out him haha kicked him, hit him in the face and all that, shit was wack, idk i seen a lot of mega funny and wicked grimy shit.

Since your pretty well involved in the scene, who is coming up and will be hot real soon?
Everyone is so good but one person that sticks out is my boy Chris Johnsson no tail whips, barspins and stuff like that just a fast savage riding style and i love it.

If you could ride any spot in the world, with anybody at all, where would you want to ride, who all would you want to be there and why?
I would like to ride cail or spain with all my frinds the spots looks mega fun,and it would be with everyone i already ride with and the pro’s that get me siked to ride.

Who are your top 5 favorite riders?
Aaron Ross
Eddie Clevand
Garret Reynolds
tony cardona
Camron wood
Tony Neyer

What is AM:PM all about anyways? Is there a full length video in the works or is it just web videos?
AM:PM is all about chillin haha, I guess its just abunch of n.y.c milkers that have way to much funn riding bikes and chillin, and yea there is a full length dvd coming out that’s why Joey has not been making a lot of web edits, dvd is goin to have a good feel to it hopfully everyone can dig on it n/h

When can we expect to see a full length part or web video of you?
The plan is for me to have a part in the dvd with my lil baby papa loco but he broke his leg not to long ago so we will see how that goes.

What is on the trick list these days that you want to get done?
I got some stuff i want to do for the am:pm dvd.

What is the road trip situation looking like these days? Any planned?
Mega Tour and hopfully a bunch of lil baby trips to Philly,Mass and stuff nothing to far from the Bakery.

If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
I wouldn’t change a thing its good that it has its up’s and down’s

Outside of BMX what are you up to?
Nothing my life is my bike haha.

Do you work, go to school, or anything like that at all?
Na, haha but im goin to start workin at my brother’s bike shop next week.

If you could no longer live in New York, where would you want to move and why?
Chile, its so nice and chill only thing is i would have no one to ride bikes with haha.

If you could committ any crime at all and get away with it, what would you do and why?
I would rape Adam22’s mom,so i can make funn of him about it all the time haha pure oil.

What kinds of music are you into? Any you suggest people to check out?
The carter 3(lil wayne)shit will have you holding your head sayin OMG, mix tapes, coconut records, dear tick, savage am:pm web edit style music and some metal, a good mix of everything i guess.

Seen any good movies lately?
I saw hancock not to long ago shit was good scall deff kept on sayin “NIGGA” out loud in the movie theater full of lil baby and old white people out in Mass haha had me and everyone we went with loling so hard haha

Who or what have been the biggest influences on your life?
My dad for sure,he would do anything for me and has been and seen a lot of things in his life.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next five years?
Ride my bike way to much, own a bike shop, move the fuck out the bakery(my house).

You seem to be on the come up board quite a bit, what are some of your favorite websites?
www.thecomeupbmx.net
www.defgrip.com
www.redtube.com
www.myspace.com
www.youtube.com

If you could have any job in the world what would you want to do and why?
Fire fighter? idk must feel so crazy to run into a fire to save people n/g

You find $1000 on the ground, what do you spend it on?
Not to sound like a fag or anything but i would give 1/2 to my mom and dad for bills,and the other $500 would be for train fare,food,and a fitted cap

If you could change anything about the world, what would it be and why?
wet.

What is the best advice you have ever given?
If you milk it,it will cum.

What kind of advice do you have for some of the dudes who just got into BMX?
Don’t go on the internet, do it for funn n/h

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Corey Godfrey, Jake Seeley for always lookin out for me and pissin me off, Adam22, lil Taco, Scall, Jesus, Justin, M.G.M Crew, Milk Gang Records, Day Day, Baby Food, Spam, mike aka frank, nard, dom, The Garden Bike Shop, Alex Platt, tyrone(the what dem kalem beef king)stay on the boat, bryant, Kurt for the interwet thanks again, and everyone that i know

Anything else you would like to say?
SPRINKLE DINKLE

I met Mark once, about two years ago, at a Baco Jam. It was pretty crazy because he is a super friendly guy and really talented on the bike. If your a BMX rider you should be more like Mark. This is his interview, enjoy.

Name:
Mark Potoczny

Location:
Independence PA

Sponsors:
Hoffman Bikes, Square One, Sun Rims, OBMX

Years Riding:
12

What was it that first got you into riding, and did you ever expect it to bring you to where you are today?
Ever since I was a little kid, I always rode my bike on my dad’s motocross track. He took me to race at South Park twice when I was six but I just kept riding around my house the same way. Then I raced motorcross for a few years until I was about 11 and I met a few kids that had jumps near my house. Then I was hooked, I turned my motocross jumps into bmx jumps and started racing on a regular basis.

You have some really good sponsors that you have been riding for, for a while. What kind of news do you have with them? Any big road trips, video parts, signature parts, or fun stuff like that going on?
I just went on a road trip with the whole Hoffman team through Colorado and New Mexico that was filmed for Props 69. Also, right before that I went on the gypsy tour with Sun Rims, and that dvd should be out soon as well.

It is technically “contest season” around BMX these days, do you have any plans of hitting up any contests?
I’m going to the Battle at the Belmare next month; it was really fun last year. If they have another Baco Jam this year I will go for sure, they are always a good time.

You are one of those all around riders, did you grow up racing at all or was it just trails that got you the style and control?
I grew up racing and riding trails, that’s all I did for the first few years of riding. It’s kinda funny, there was nothing to ride in Pittsburgh back then except the track and jumps that you built yourself. I never rode a quarter pipe until I was 15 and now parks are everywhere.

If you could only ride one spot for the rest of your life, where would you ride and why?
My yard or Catty Woods.

What is the last trick you have learned? And how do you feel about the level of progression these days?
Curve wall ride to 180 barspin was the last trick I learned. I did at least 100 wall rides to 180s before I finally caught the bars, and when I finally pulled it my tire went flat. BMX is progressing way faster then when I started riding, can’t believe the stuff that goes on now.

What is a trick that no matter how many times you have kicked your own ass trying you cannot get on lock?
Opposite spins always give me trouble. Sometimes I can do them on boxes and other days it feels so awkward.

Speaking of kicking your own ass, have you had any bad injuries due to BMX?
Three Broken wrists, dislocated my thumb twice, separated shoulder, broken collar bone, cut my ear in half and needed 22 stitches, dislocated big and pinky toes, and multiple concussions.

You have had the chance to travel a fair amount, where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride?
Bethlehem is one of my favorite places to go ride trails. Every winter I go down to Orlando Florida to visit friends and escape the PA winters. I just recently went through Colorado on a Hoffman trip, and I really liked it there too.

If you could go on a road trip with anybody, who would you take, what would you roll in, and where would you go?
That’s really hard to narrow down, so I’m going to say I’d take a school bus with all my friends I have met through the years and drive around the country for a couple months and hit every state.

How do you feel about bike games to play like foot down, b-i-k-e, or anything like that?
Foot down is always fun. Bike is cool too with the right people.

If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
I wish there were more trails to ride.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I’d probably be done with college right now and looking for a job to pay off massive school loans. My life wouldn’t be half as fun as it is now that’s for sure.

What are some things you are into outside of riding bikes?
Lately we have been hitting up Karaoke frequently; it’s always a good time with your friends. I did a bit of rode biking this summer when my thumb was hurting. Back in June a few friends and I did the MS 150 which is a charity bike ride from Pittsburgh to Lake Erie to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. In the winter, I like to snowboard as much as my budget will let me, and sled riding is fun. I just got a row boat too, I want to take that out more before the summer is over.

Who or what is the most influential thing(s) in your life?
My family and friends.

If you could listen to only one song for a whole day, what song would you have playing?
Right now it would be the The Go Gos – Vacation.

Seen any good movies lately?
I just saw the Doors movie, and it was rad.

What is the craziest thing you have experienced in your life?
When I was 9 years old, I was at soccer practice and witnessed a US Airways 737 crash only a mile away. Needless to say, I was terrified of flying and never flew until I was 17.

How do you feel about the elections coming up? Any plans on voting?
Right now, between the two candidates I’d have to choose Obama. I listened to his book “The Audacity of Hope” on audio book. I like his ideas, but lets wait and see what he does if he has the chance to get in office.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
I usually check the weather and my email every morning. Some other good sites are hoffman bikes, here for kicks, pretty shady, Pa woods and axelrad.

If you could be sponsored by any company that is non bmx related, who would you pick and why?
Sheetz, it’s a gas station chain in wester PA that has bad ass food.

What is the key to success with the ladies?
Not trying to hard.

If you could have anything in the world, but had to sacrifice one thing of yours, what would those two things be?
I would trade all my old emo cd’s for Rod Stewart’s greatest hits.

What is the best advice you can give to BMXers out there?
Do things on your bike that make you smile and forget other people’s opinions.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my friends and family especially my parents, Hoffman Bikes, Sun Rimes, the whole Cottle family over at OBMX, Kurt for doing this interview and Square One.

Anything else you would like to add?
Look out for a trail jam at my house some time in late August. I will have a flyer made soon.

So this is the third V-Club interview I have done this month, and to be honest I didn’t plan that. Apparently, all these dudes are super cool and put together good interviews so maybe I will have to get the rest of their crew. This one is with Garrett Reeves who recently had that super good video up on Vital BMX. I caught up with him and asked him some questions and he’s a legit dude who can ride. Enjoy.

Name:
Garrett Reeves

Location:
Baltimore, Md

Sponsors:
V-Club Clothing, Avalon Cycles

Years Riding:
7ish

What was it that originally got you into BMX and what keeps you doing it today?
A couple of my buddy’s in like 8th grade would take their bikes into the woods and build little ghetto dirt jumps, I didn’t have a bike but I would always borrow my friend Cody’s. Eventually I realized I needed my own and the rest is history.

It seems like your just starting to get noticed and you have been killing it for a while now. How do you feel about that or am I just blind?
I don’t know what qualifies as killing it but I,ve definetly been killing my self on my bike for awhile. As far as getting noticed i think getting to ride for V-Club as helped with that a great bit and thats been really cool so far. Anything that gives me the chance to ride my bike more is good.

You recently had that video on Vital BMX of you that was pretty crazy. When can we expect to see some more videos of you?
Well I,m sure ill make another web edit sometime soon. But I’m mainly filming for a new V-Club Video. I should have a full part and I’m really excited for that because i really enjoy filming. I think the video is gonna be really good so i’m pumped to be apart of it.

It seems like your an all around rider, what is your favorite stuff to ride?
Thanks. I’ve always rode just about everything and never limited myself to one type of riding but lately I have really been having the most fun riding street. I love riding street because every spot you go to is different in some way it just keeps things fresh and fun.

What is the scene like where your from?
Its super relaxed and fun. Basically everyone just meets up and rides and has fun its always a good time. I have some pretty amazing riders that i ride with on a daily basis so i never have trouble getting motivated to learn new things.

You are a pretty dialed rider, what are some tricks you could never get sick of?
Thanks Haha maybe on a good day. I love going fast and doing rail hops and wall rides. Finding a unique street spot is the best.

What are some new things you have been working on?
I have a couple things I want to try to film for the new V-Club video but I try not too worry about specific tricks I just go to a spot and figure out what I want to do there and go for it. I hate sitting at a park and just trying to learn one trick I would rather be out exploring trying to to find a good unique street spot.

What is your injury list looking like? Are you pretty lucky when it comes to that stuff?
Well i broke my left leg twice, my right foot once, and my hand. So I don’t think I have been very lucky.

If I remember right you did pretty well at the Metro Jam this year. How do you feel about contests? Do you have any plans to ride anymore anytime soon?
Yea I had a lot of fun at the toronto jam this year. I think they can be a lot of fun but not because of the riding sometimes. Just seeing friends and partying with people you never see is so much fun. I dont have too many plans for contest other then hopefully BACO and maybe toronto again.

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride so far?
I would say my top three in no order are Austin, Baltimore street and I don’t know I guess I haven’t been too many places for riding.

Where are some places you would like to go to someday?
Its weird i live so close to New york city but i have never gone there to ride. I would love to ride vancover that place always looks so amazing. But really i’ll ride anything sometimes the best spots are in the weirdest places.

Who is the typical crew you can be seen riding with and what are some usual spots you like to hit up?
I ride with tons of people around me but the most usual are probably Andy Dubicki,Jeremy Hrabal, Alex Topper, Dan foley, Ben Hittle, and Derek Bristow.

Who are some riders you have looked up to over the years?
I always looked up to a wide variety of riders. I get stoked to watch anyone that goes fast like stricker, hamilton, and ruben definitely come to my mind first. Oh and Doyle is a favorite for sure.

What is the craziest or scariest thing you have experienced because of BMX?
Probably my recent trip to Austin. Meeting so many people i have seen in magazines and videos was pretty crazy even if that sounds lame its true. As far as scary goes i dunno i mean watching people try things that they could hurt themselves doing is always scary for me i hate watching people get hurt.

How do you feel about BMX right now, would you change anything if you could?
Bmx is wild these days so many people are so good. I love getting online and being instantly given a update on everything that happened recently in bmx. I wouldn’t change a thing i like bmx for what it is.

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
I dunno its hard to narrow it down to five people i would just say all my close friends and we would go everywhere and would have unlimited money so we could eat pizza every meal.

If you could relive any day you had on your bike, when would that be and why?
I wish i could ride with all my friends that i learned to ride from that soon quit. It sucks when people you ride with all the time just stop riding.

Where do you think you would be if you never got into BMX?
Honestly I have no clue. I think i would probably be taking school more seriously and my life would be nothing like it is now.

Outside of riding what are you up to?
I go to a community college. I work shitty jobs off and on. I hang out with my girlfriend pretty much everyday. I have been just trying to stay happy.

If I stalked your Myspace right you got a girlfriend, what is the key to success with the ladies?
haha i dunno i got lucky with my girlfriend. I would like to say being a nice guy helps but I’m not really sure if it does.

What kinds of music are you into? Anything you suggest people to check out?
Lately i have been listening to classic rock a lot. Check out the The yard birds and The Kooks are good as well.

Seen any good movies lately?
Wall-E was amazing!

Who or what are some of the biggest influences in your life?
I think my biggest influence in my life is my parents. They have always supported me and it really motivates me to do my best in what i like to do.

If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
I would rob a bank. It always looked fun in the movies and I’m running a bit low on cash.

If you could be sponsored by any company, BMX or non-BMX related. Who would you pick and why?
Well the first company is a gas company because that shit is expensive. Then probably a shoe company because I wear through shoes once every few weeks.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
I spend a lot of time on the computer. I usually check Bmxboard.com, Thecomupbmx.net and Myspace the most though.

If you could have any super power, what would you pick and why?
I dunno maybe x ray vision for obvious reasons.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
I would really like to just keep riding my bike as much as possible. Maybe get some sort of degree. But mainly just ride my bike as much as possible and stay happy.

What is some of the best advice you could give a person?
Just Huck it.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my parents Jeremy at V-Club, Donald at Avalon bike shop and all my friends.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks for the interview Kurt!

If your really into BMX you probably know who Maddog is… Yeah, that little kid who can ride better than you and has more sponsors than you will ever have. Okay, maybe that is a little harsh. The kid kills it on a bike but is a youngin so he seems a little shy. Oh well, his riding does the talking and this is what I got out of him for an interview! Enjoy!

Name:
Brett Banasiewicz.

Location:
South Bend IN

Sponsors:
Dk, Danscomp, profile(flow), sun etnies(flow,)superhuman, Maxxis

Years Riding:
7

People always say your dad makes you ride… What really got you into it and what keeps you going at it now?
i’ve heard that a couple times… but i just ride for the fun and excitement…

You got yourself quite a sponsor list especially for your age. How old are you now days anyways?
13 going into 8th grade

Speaking of sponsors, how are things going with DK? When can we expect some signature stuff from you? Any plans for road trips, demos, video parts, web edits, anything at all going on with them and you?
fine and dandy, maybe some signature things. and tons of web edits out soon.

How about the rest of the sponsors, anything good like that going on with them?
yeah, they all help me out sooo much, THANKS GUYS.!

What the hell is Superhuman?
sweet new appperal company tons of hott stuff.
superhumaninc.com.

Your pretty unstoppable with what you can do on your bike. What is the current trick to learn or dial in for you?
not much really… some here and there.

What is one trick you never plan on doing?
not sure

You got yourself a pretty sweet gig with DK where you get to travel all over with them. Where are some of your favorite places you have been?
yeah. they’ve been a big help and taked me to places never imagineable

Where are some places you really want to go someday?
china

If I remember right you finally moved up to the 20″ (no homo). How has that been going for you weird or not really?
Not at hall haha

In a typical riding day for you who do you usually ride with and where can you be found riding?
some of my home town friends… i can be found at michigan city.!

Who were some of your biggest riding influences when you first started and how about today?
prolly my family.

How do you feel about all those dudes out there anonymously hating on your riding and what would you like to say to them?
dont really have anything to say…haha

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people anywhere in the world, who would you pick and where would you go?
scotty cranmer. anthony watkinson, catfish, big daddy,cgris gerber.

What do you think about contests? When wil we be seeing you all over the Dew Tour and X-Games? Or is that not your style?
ill be in salt lake city for the fft challange

What do you think the most memorable experience you have had because of BMX is?
riding in front of 3,000 ppl

You and Catfish are tight like a tiger. What can you say that would sum that guy up?
helpful, awesome, fun, funny, always down to have fun! ridaz

If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
the Sh*t talking…. theres too much…

How do you feel about bike games like footdown and b-i-k-e. Do you ever play at all?
im always down to play foot down and bike

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
not really sure

Outside of BMX what are some things your into?
paintball… drawing

How are the ladies treating you? What is the key to success with those high school girls now days?
good looking hair and a smile

Speaking of school, do you ever find it hard to make it to class being so busy with BMX?
haha yes all the time..

Do you plan on going to college or just do this riding thing?
just riding i think

You find $1000 on the ground, what do you do?
keep it

What is the scariest thing you have ever done/seen?
idk

Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
my family

If you could spend the day with anybody in the world who would it be and why?
anthony watkinson, hes a funny english kid.haha

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
driving !

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
tons, myspace,vital,things like that

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
DONT GIVE UP

What kind of advice do you have for everyone and BMX?
dont listen to people putting you down

Do you have any thanks?
thanks to my family all my sponsors chafish chris gerber

Anything else you would like to say?
ridaz ridaz ridaz

Jeff is another one of those Peg Leg dudes who can ride! Well, they all can ride real good but you know what I mean. I figured I better get some questions to him to see what he was up to. The downer is that he just happened to have plenty of time to do it due to some recent issues that you can read about below! Enjoy!

Name:
Jeff Martin

Location:
860 Connecticut

Sponsors:
Peg Leg and whore Island

Years riding:
about 7 years now

You are one of Peg Leg crew members, what is Peg Leg to you and what can you say about it that explains it as a whole?
Peg leg is a force, we are all street riders just tryin to ride and have a good time while doing it n/h

The DVD had come out not too long ago. How did you feel about your part and what is your most memoriable thing that happened to you when that was in the works?
My part was just a little bit of blood and sweat. Every moment was memorable in my eyes but the trip we took to Canada was deff a good time. Always just chillen and partying and gettin kicked out of casinos and shit haha, We put in work still though good times. Alex shit in a stair case in Tampa, ill never forget that ever

Do you have any new video parts or web videos in the works?
I was working on a shook part and a trip to Montreal but i just broke my foot. I feel like a jerk to waste such an opportunity.

Ouch…

Anything else going on, road trips? new sponsors? a hot girlfriend?
Not too much since my foots been broke, just waitin for my surgery to go through. I been dealin with insurance issues and its just been a big mess.

You and your crew are pretty big street riders, where are some of your favorite places to ride?
The banks hahahaha. Really like heaven in Hartford and Tampa street is probably my favorite place to ride besides Stanley quarter park in New Britain CT, always something goin on there. Chillen and riding, always meetin up there its dope.

Where are some places you would really like to go to someday?
Would really like to go to the uk those spots over there looks really good and different. Would like to go to spain with platt cuz he got the spots

What is one trick that you have always been really into?
360s are fun and i really like xup grinds and bank to subs

What is one trick or line that no matter how many times you try it wont happen?
Anything can get done if you put your mind to it

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring and where would you go?
I really cant answer this question hahaha, the list could go on for days! Deadass i could never choose one of my brother over another n/h

Have you ever had any injuries from riding?
Just like stupid stuff but like i said i just broke my foot and it really sucks. Im prolly gonna be out till like November and its the worst. I guess thats life though. You win some you lose some

How do you feel about contests? Do you plan on hitting any up this summer at all?
There enjoyable i guess. ! Dont really follow them or anything. We have jams in ct but i just end up gettin stupid but thats always fun

If you could be sponsored by any company at all, bmx related or not. Who would you pick and why?
Rice-A-Roni the San Francisco treat

What is your best story you have about run ins with cops/security?
When i was 12 a cop pulled a gun on me for not having brakes on my bike cuz i wouldnt mess up my sneakers, Deadass

What is BMX to you?
Brothers travelin and Fun, what else!?

Outside of riding what are some things you are into?
Doin some school stuff and drinkin, chillen, smokin gritzzz

What do you go to school for?
Tunxis in bristol for graphics and art

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
Platt, Fakie master is like a father, took me under his wing n/h. My parents are cool for puttin up with me

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Just continue riding and having fun. Doin my school shit. Takin it day by day

Heard any good songs lately?
Take me home tonight- Eddie Money

Seen any good movies lately?
Seen the batman flick and i thought it was pretty dope. Im really into Talladega nights man. Every time that movie is soo good. Funniest ever!

Do you spend much time on the internet? Where can people find you creepin usually?
Usually hangin on myspace haha. Gets boring though. The come up i hang on a bit but i never post anything cuz im afraid i might offend some people.

What is the key to success with the ladies?
Ruthless good looks and a 211

What would you do with the cash if you were to win the lottery?
Buy a special raccoon and train him to steal anything i my heart desires. Call him Chet Jr. I would start Shark Attack for real also. I dont think the world is ready yet though. One day

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, or ficticious, who would you pick and why?
My fathers fathers. My pops is real character. No emotion at all and i dont understand why he never has a smile on his face. His father died before i was born so i really would like to see how he had raised up my dad

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If life gives you eggs, make an omelet

What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?
Just jump on it n/h

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Platt, Grat, Fakie, Feil kids, you for giving me this opportunity, Wade young, my parents, Kenny, Villiani, Josh, Sven, Chet and george

Anything else you would like to say?
Sing me a song about a Demon by the river.
Ill give you a trinket n/h

Rickey Bates has been killing it lately and it has showed. He is a Florida ripper with a lot of talent. If you haven’t heard much about him yet well this is a chance to get to know him a little better. Enjoy!

Name:
Rickey Bates

Location:
St. petersburg/ Orlando, FL

Sponsors:
Shadow, Sputnic, Mesh skatepark

Years Riding:
13, longer than I haven’t been riding haha

You are riding for Sputnic and Shadow. How are things going with them? Do you have any signature stuff, video parts, web videos, road trips, or anything cool planned with them anytime soon?
Things are going good, I think I might have a colorway with a frame. I have a part in the shadow video, and we all have a personal web videos coming out for sputnic. I’m actually on a trip in pittsburgh now and couple more trips later this year and maybe mega tour.

Do you feel like where your living gives you an advantage over a lot of other guys with so many talented riders, Mesh, and really good street spots?
There are lots of sweet people to ride with, streets kinda weird since everything is flat. It doesn’t make things too interesting, but it could be worse though, no harsh winter so thats a plus, but everyone migrates for the hot rainy summers.

What is on trick, or line, that has been bugging you the most lately?
Nothing in particular, just hard to find the right set ups lately or maybe im getting too picky.

You kill it on street, what is it about street that seems to keep you riding it all the time?
It’s just cool finding stuff to ride thats not meant to be rode, and theres so many options and ways to use spots.

I imagine you have had some crazy run ins with cops, security, homeless people. Do you have any good stories?
Hm so manyyyy, lots of cop run ins, and chasing, couple security fights, always hanging with crazy crack heads, it’s never ending.

What is something that scares the shit out of you when it comes to BMX?
Knowing I dont have that many years left that I can phsyically ride.

If you could go on a trip with 5 dudes and a good budget, who would you bring and where would you go?
Anyone from Banned crew, here for kicks crew, pittsburgh or casselberry crew , and probably go somewhere random like Japan and just see how far we can take things .

On a typical riding day, who is the usual crew you ride with and where can you be found riding?
all the people from above usually around orlando or mesh skatepark, or pittsburgh during summer.

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride because of BMX?
I really like the northeast during the summer.

Where are some places you would really like to go at some point?
Japan, maybe spain, or california even.

You will hate me for this but… do you ever get mistaken for Jeremiah Smith because your hair?
Haha, nah its never happened.

How do you feel about contests? Do you have any plans to hit any up anytime soon?
Some of the street ones look alright, most of them are kinda jockish and way too competitive, but im sure they have their perks.

Do you ever play any of the bike games like foot down? Do you have any of your own games you suggest people try out to have some fun on their bikes?
The bone jam game, put on shin guards and pole jam each others shins, whoever takes the most jams wins.

Who are some riders you have looked up to growing up and even today?
Stricker, Homan, Marvin, Bennet. Now days everyone’s crazy so, anyone who does things a little different.

What does BMX need more of, and what does it need less of?
More of a old school feel, less seriousness, and pretty flashy fashion crap.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
sports and crack.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Get hurt less.

If you could have any super power, what would you pick and why?
Teleporting, it’d just be amazing!

You find $1000 on the ground, what do you do with it?
Get all my friends together and see how fast we can blow it.

If you could be sponsored by any non-bmx related company, who would you choose and why?
Probably a food or gas company

Have you had any bad injuries BMX related?
ha um, broke both ankles, broke wrist, broke both hands, broke bunch of fingers and toes, broke out teeth a couple times, killed my face a couple times, bunch of stitches, broken ribs, fractured tailbone, hernia, punctured lung, ruptured spleen, bunch of knockouts, torn miniscus right now , but can still ride!

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, or fictitious who would you pick and why?
my friends.

What is your dream car and why?
SUV type that doesnt use gas, full of pointless gadgets Do you spend much time on the computer?

Any favorite websites?
Shadow
Sputnic
Hereforkicks!
MESH
and all the popular bmx sites.

Have you seen any good movies lately?
Me and my girlfriend watch alot of cheesy movies, but somehow im into all of them.

What is the best advice you could give to anybody?
Take nothing serious, it’ll all be over soon.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to all my friends, and girlfriend Tracie for putting up with my shit, shadow, sputnic, Mesh, and anyone who has helped me.

Eli Platt is a very interesting dude. Not only can he kill it on a bike, he is a very smart person. With so much going on with him I really was excited to get this interview because I personally have been a big fan of his riding. This interview turned out real good and I think you will like it. Let us know in the comments!

Name:
Ellison Platt

Photo:stolen from Micreation

Location:
Columbus, OH

Sponsors:
Subrosa, Shadow, Micreation, Lotek, Amy’s Kitchen

Years Riding:
Not too sure, 10 sounds good.

What was it that originally introduced you to BMX and what keeps you at it today?
I grew up spending summers in Lancaster, Oh, and some kids I knew down there were into it. I just grabbed a hold of it and never let go. I was (and am) a bit of a loner, and was really drawn to the fact that it was something that I could progress at without a teammate or coach. I’m still into it for the exact same reasons.

Your riding has been very influential in BMX these past few years, did you ever expect to become one of the big dogs in BMX?
Um, first off, I think both of the above points are lies. Secondly, I feel like I am still just a kid looking up, daunted by what people are doing these days. Thirdly…..there is no thirdly.
Modest are we? I don’t lie haha

You are one of the Subrosa crew members with a recently released signature frame. How are things going with them? What do you have planned? Any video parts/web edits, road trips, more signature goods, or cool stuff like that?
Subrosa has been, and is, amazing. I have so much fun with the guys on the team it is incredible. I believe a trip to Japan and a video coming next year are the only things upcoming that pertain directly to me. I’m sure a bunch more is in the works though, Ryan and the Sparky’s guys always have something in the oven.

Eli’s new frame!

How about things over at The Shadow Conspiracy? Anything exciting going on with them and you these days?
Shadow rules. I knew it would be a good time, but I had no idea. I seriously love all those involved. The team is full of some of the best guys I have ever met, and I consider myself lucky to even be on the same list as them. Sometimes I find myself sitting in a van with the dudes and thinking “what the hell am I doing here?”. I just got back from my last filming trip with the guys, and everyone else is wrapping up as well, so the video should be out around Interbike. That is certainly the biggest thing going on with them at the moment.

You had your Micreation web video come out a while back which was great, do you have anything else coming from them anytime soon?
Thanks. I think we might be trying for some sort of shirt design that incorporates a quote I like, maybe a track jacket. I can’t handle hoods getting in the way anymore, so we’ll see. Dave has some other new designs in the works as well.

And once more, how about Lotek? Anything going on there?
I had hoped to make it to SF at some point to shoot for the video, but other trips and work obligations have made things really tight. We’ll see…

Alright enough with the sponsors, what have you been up to lately? Any cool trips or experiences due to BMX?
I have just been travelling a bunch, primarily for the Shadow video, and other odds and ends. I spent two weeks in England just recently, and that was incredible. A huge thanks to the Seventies guys for that one.

What do you think has the most influence on your riding these days?
Martial arts and Jordan highlights. No doubt about it.

You have had the opportunity to ride some amazing places in your day, where would you like to go as time goes on?
Anywhere overseas. I crave the culture shock. I am happy cruising down a street in someplace entirely new, regardless of spots.

Who are some of the dudes you ride with more on a daily basis and what are some of the “usual” riding spots?
When at home I ride with some old friends, and riding quickly becomes a secondary to just shooting the shit. If I’m at home and want to ride seriously, I just cruise by myself. I can focus better that way. I live a mile or two from the campus, so there is plenty to play on.

Photo: Stolen from Ride BMX

You have a lot of tricks in the bag, but what trick do you think you will never get sick of?
Popping a good hop out of a manual. I love it. I’ve grown fond of tables recently too. I suck at them by today’s standards I’m sure, but I don’t care.

Anything new you have been working on and kicking your own ass with?
I just took my brakes off, so pretty much everything is kicking my ass, and I love it. No room for slop, just control. The simplicity and consistency of my bike is an awesome feeling.

Do you ever get burned out on riding and what keeps that flame going strong?
Absolutely. Sometimes I can’t stand it. But usually that is because I let a bunch of ridiculous stuff get in the way. Riding can be the simple thing it was as a kid, it just takes bit more work these days, and maybe some blinders.

Do you ever get into any of those bike games to play like foot down or b-i-k-e for a little fun?
No, actually. Maybe I should give those a shot….

What does BMX need more of and what could it use less of?
I have no clue. Anything I could offer would only be the opinion of one person, and that shouldn’t carry much weight anyway. Let it be what it is, and take it or leave it depending on the outcome. I’m just trying to ride my bike down the street.

If you could have a session with any 5 people at any spot in the world, who would you pick and where would you ride?
I don’t know where to start, but one thing is for sure, and that is that I would never be able to session with the dudes I chose. I would just want to chill and watch. I get shaky in those situations.

What do you think you would be up to if you never picked up a bike?
I might be in law school or something, playing basketball every now and then and yearning to travel.

Outside of riding that bike what are you up to?
Just working, running and reading. I have what must surely be a clinical addiction to running at the moment. My day doesn’t begin without it, and I depend on it to get me feeling right. I’m absolutely loving it. I ran a bit over 40 miles last week (a personal best) and am thinking of maybe doing a marathon. Maybe.

Now that you are done with school do you still find yourself finding ways to teach yourself new things?
Definitely. I say pretty often that I study now more than ever. It was easy to slack off in school when grades were the measure of success and you got the grade, but now there is just fulfilling personal goals and exploring personal interests. That is a real workload.

Any plans on going back to school anytime soon?
After two years of trying to get into grad school and failing, I am taking a break. Philosophy is just so wildly competitive at that level that I think I need to bolster my resume, or perhaps I will just try for law school. But for now I am enjoying riding my bike and scratching the itch of the boy inside me. I’ll grow up someday, but not right now.

What do you feel is the most important thing to find success in life?
Never letting the best part of yourself down. If, by your most exacting measure, you are content with where you are, then that is the only success that matters. We owe it to ourselves to wear ourselves down by our life’s pursuits. Unachieved potential is such a waste.

How do you feel about politics and do you have any intensions on voting?
I am pretty into politics, and all I can say is that my hope for a better America lies in Obama. That man is awesome. Check out his book “The Audacity of Hope” and I think you will agree.

If you could change anything about the world what would it be and why?
I would get rid of the human ego.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Build a foundation for long-term happiness and fulfillment. I know that sounds completely ridiculous, but I never want to be 40 years old and unhappy with where I’m at. Each day is a foundation for tomorrow, and I want to make sure I don’t screw things up.

How are the ladies treating you these days? Any tips for success?
My girlfriend Celine is amazing. We just got a dog, so I think things are going pretty well. I got lucky, so I have nothing to offer in the way of advice. Seriously, I didn’t and don’t know what the hell I’m doing with the ladies, so I got nothing.

Photo: Chip Riggs

Who or what are some of the things that has had the biggest influence on your life?
My mom, BMX, working at a young age, X-men, basketball, my friends, Celine, Christian upbringing, Emerson, Thoreau, school….

What kinds of music are you into? Anything that you suggest people to check?
I’m into all sorts of stuff, and any day I may list off five different bands. Explosions in the Sky, Built to Spill and Eluvium have been constants for a while now though.

I feel like maybe you are into reading? Any books you think people would be into?
Yeah, I read quite a bit. I just read “Into the Wild” by Krakauer for the second time. I last read it six years ago and it had a big impact, and it is a trip to read it now through more mature eyes. I am also reading the Dune series by Herbert, and it is incredible.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
When things get slow at work I poke around a bit. I check out the Come up for one stop shop bmx news, then head over to runnersworld.com, fatfreevegan.com, or espn.com. I’m not on it much longer than that.

What is something about yourself that nobody would believe?
I couldn’t even guess. I’m pretty believable on all fronts.

What is some of the best advice you have ever received?
When I was much younger and working at a bike shop with an older friend, I was slacking on something he told me to do it right. I asked him what the point was, saying it didn’t really matter, and he said “because it’s what you do”. I’m sure he didn’t mean it to have the impact it did, but it opened my eyes to the mindset of doing what ever it is you do to the fullest. Everyday is bursting with opportunities to see just how far you can push yourself and how well you can live your life, and that is something to take advantage of.

What kinds of advice do you have for the people reading this?
Disregard everything I have said.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Ryan at Subrosa, Ronnie at Shadow, Dave at Micreation, Rich at Lotek, Amy’s, Celine, Azlan, Johnny Devlin, my mom, my friends, and anyone else I’ve ever met.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks for the questions and thanks for reading my ramblings.