Chester is a legit dude. I don’t know how much more badass jumping a tree is but I know it impressed the crap out of me. From his recent part in Insight and all the other things he has going on, I figured it was time to catch up with him and get an interview, so here it is! Enjoy and leave some comments for him!

Name:
Chester Blacksmith

Location:
Portland, Oregon

Sponsors:
E’clat/wethepeople, Lotek, Shitluck,

Years riding:
14years this month.

Your part in Insight seemed to go over really well despite getting hurt excessively… How did you feel about the part overall? You said in the video you learned a lot about filming a video part, care to share about that?
Thanks. I Thought the part was pretty straight forward. nothing to innovative. Yeah i guess I was getting a little carried away in my head about clip counts and if stuff is even worth filming if it’s not Dead man. You just gotta have fun with what your doing, if your not then don’t do it.

A compound fracture is a pretty painful thing to have happen, especially in the leg, do you still have pain from that or how is that going?
Yeah I’m still in pain. It hasn’t even been a year and I’ve already over used it twice, I can’t have a high impact with out it hurting. Some times if I land real hard I can’t ride for a week.

Are you filming for any other video parts or web videos at all?
Right now bruce crisman is making another video featuring Davey Watson,Darin Reed, Jack Maddock and my self. it’s called Shola. and i think it’s gonna be real good. You can check out the trailer at www.sholabmx.com

You have rode some pretty interesting things, what is your favorite thing you have ever had the chance to ride?
That all bike park in Phoenix was so good! I still can’t believe they have a all bike park.

You are able to travel a fair amount, do you have any big trips planned anytime soon?
Yeah I’m heading back to Germany in August so that should be fun. I really like there. Before Germany i will be taking a trip to the big apple.

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to go to?
Israel was the coolest place I’ve ever been. Madrid Spain was really fun.

Where is one place you would really like to go at some point?
Moscow, Russia.

Seeing as “contest season” is kicking in for a lot of pros, do you plan on hitting any contests like the x games street or any others?
No plans on hitting any contest. I can’t hang in that scene.

How are things going over at We The People for you? Any signature goods coming from you?
I couldn’t be more happy with wethepeople, Those are some of the coolest guys Ive ever met! If you don’t know we started a branch off parts company call e’calt, There parts line is different than anything else out there right now I’m testing some signature grips and i have some other signature parts coming out this Fall. I think People are really gonna like the e’clat product line.

How about the rest of the sponsors? Anything big going on with them?
Lotek Just dropped there new shoe line and that stuff is Rad!

What is a trick, line, or spot that you have been having a lot of trouble with lately?
I can’t do a turndown to save my life! For some reason i just can’t get that one.

Is there anything your really not capable of doing on your bike?
That’s a long list.

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people. Who would you choose and where would you go?
Rob Harrison,Dean Dickinson,Max Gaertig,Jimmy Levan, Rob Dolecki. From Paris to Berlin.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would it be and why?
There’s not much I would change about bmx. For the most part i like everyone i meet that’s involved. I think company’s are heading in the right direction, as far as parts they just keep getting better each year.The tricks are getting crazier. and more kids are getting in to Bmx, what more could you ask for.

Outside of riding what are you up to?
I still work part time. Hang out with my lady and try to go fishing once in a while.

It would appear your into hunting and killing shit.. what kinds of guns do you own and what do you like to shoot?
I don’t like to kill anything. Me and my Dad go shooting a lot, we take old Computers and things that would be fun to shoot, and just destroy em! I own a Ruger .22 long Rifle, Glock .45,Walther p22, and lever action Winchester 30-30 It’s an old cowboy rifle. My old man is the one with a serious arsenal. We just like Shoot. I have a serous respect for Guns because if you don’t it could cost you or your Buddy’s life.

Do you work at all or what are some jobs you have had in the past?
Yeah i work at FedEx ground 5hr a night. It’s good because it gives me health insurance.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
That’s hard to say. I might be living in my home town not doing much.

How do you feel about porn, strippers, drugs, and midgets?
As far as strippers and porn go if your in to it that’s cool, I see no harm. Strip clubs can be alot of fun but I’m not trying to hang out with that crew after the place closes. Smoking weed is fine, but it will make you stupid! Same with Drinking. As far as all other drugs go stay away from that shit!

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
Depends on how much. But if it was a enough i would pay off my parents house and then build my own house with a concrete Bike park in the back yard. Take 6 month long world trip with a bunch of friends.

Do you spend much time on the Internet? What are the last 5 websites you visited?
No i don’t spend as much time on the Internet as i should. I can’t stand it sometimes. I guess it would be Wethepeople, Lotekbrand, Myspace, Photobucket, youtube.

If you could spend the day doing anything at all with no consequences (blow shit up/ride government buildings/rob a bank/ etc.) what would you do and why?
Hell Yeah i would rob a bank! Then Grind the biggest hand rail i could find. Go back and film that gap to wall ride i broke my leg on. Jump off the freemont bridge and Hit the a-crop( The a-crop is a famous strip club in Portland with the best food ever.) for dinner.

What is something nobody believes about you when you tell them?
I like tea.

What are some brands you are into? Any you suggest people check out?
Blackrain clothing myspace.com/blackrainclothing

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Trust your first instinct. It’s hard to do sometimes but if you listen to your gut your better off.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
You know lately Ive been asking my self the same question and I’m not sure. Kinda scary.

What is the key to success when it comes to meeting and hooking up with girls?
Just be confident with who you are. Girls like a guy that is Confident not desperate. every Guy has his own way of getting girls. The only way you find that out is to talk to every girl you can and get over the fear of getting shut down.

What kind of advice do you have for kids who are just getting into BMX?
You can have the craziest adventures and the best times every with Bmx. It makes no difference how good you are,it all depends on how much fun you want to have.

Any shout outs or thanks?
Just wanted to thank everyone at wethepeople, goods, Lotek, and Shitluck for a great year so far. All my friends and family. Thanks for all your help. and Thanks to bmxunion for giving me this interview.

Anything else you would like to say?
Yeah Shad!

Old Solid Ad

Chester on Scarred (don’t watch if easily grossed out)

Insight Trailer

I am posting this one because I find his reaction 8ish seconds in pretty halarious

Rich Hirsch is a interesting dude. He has some really interesting insights on things and I feel like he has had some influence on what BMX is today through his brands and other things he has been associated with. This was an interview that was long over due, and due to him being laid out from some back surgery I managed to get one out of him. Lets see some love for Rich in the comments.

Name:
richie hirsch

Location:
portland,or

Sponsors:
subrosa, mosh

Years Riding:
20 off and on

Lets kick it off with the back surgery, why did you get it, how did it go, and when will you be back on your bike?
I ruptured a disc in my back Christmas day and didnt actually know until about a month ago. I had so much pain it got to where I could barely walk and it took 4 different doctors and 5 months before I could get an MRI which led to a surgery I just had.I think it went all good and i might be able to cruise around as soon as 6 weeks…stoked.

What are you going to be doing with all the down time from riding? I imagine a lot of blogging on Defgrip?
I doubt it I’m not much of a blogger… I tend to update it just enough to scrape by, and im not doing much other then taking pills and watching tv lately. I’m working on lotek and Fremont all the time though while I’m stuck sitting around.

Right before you went under the knife you had a prototype of your new frame in a bike check, what is the difference between your frame and all the rest and when can we expect to see it available?
Basically I like the roomy feeling of long bikes but the quickness of short bikes so I changed the geometry around in a way I don’t think is currently available and it feels perfect. The designer over at subrosa then took my geometry and applied some crazy new shit to it that they will explain(soon) way better then I could. Change is always fun. It also has a low top tube which I’ve always loved… I grew up riding basic sluggos which had super low top tubes and made turndowns table tops and a lot of 180 tricks feel better on my shins.

Any other Subrosa news or signature items coming from them?
I don’t think so… I actually thought they were only making one of my frame for me to ride so I’m pretty stoked to hear it just went to production.

How about things at Lotek, any new product lines or news going around over there you can let us in on?
There’s a lot right now, here’s a list of what’s in progress:
Lotek sf DVD
Defgrip shoe
Fremont videozine
Chase fremont jeans
Dakpack
Fremont ian shoe
Dehart shoe
Fremont snap back baseball caps
Behind the scenes lotek sf videos on vimby.com
Custom made insoles
New shoe colors coming late July
Thats all I can remember right now

What about Mosh any other big news or signature things coming around?
I don’t think so… I changed my mosh seat up a little and I’m waiting for a sample but nothing much. Mosh just went on an Australia trip the same day I got surgery.

Being a busy guy with a business and everything have you been finding much time to ride?
When my backs good I ride most everyday for at least a few hours… Thats what its all for really.

Where are some places you have had the chance to travel to this year?
Nowhere to crazy just back and forth from California a fair bit. When my backs better I’m going to Columbia with mikey and then over to the 70s house in Brighton and then Prague for a lotek team trip.

Where are some of your favorite places to ride or just types of things to ride?
I really like riding anything, driveway bank, dirt jumps, flat bars, etc. Burnside is my favorite though.

Any big road trips planned at all for filming video parts or web edits?
Just a lot of SF and the above mentioned.

What is a recent new trick you have added to the list?
Walking

Believe it or not Rich cannot do what trick?
Run

What is the best and worst parts of owning your own business?
The best part us being able to pay the bills doing what I love, working with my friends. There’s no negative part.

How do you feel about BMX right now with it being in the olympics, getting cut down in the x-games, being on tv a bunch, everything online, people hating, everything in general?
None of that has anything to do with BMX in by world. We ride and hangout and there isn’t ever any negativity in anyone I ride with, work with, or meet so shits good. People only hate when there jelous and i think we can agree there’s no need for any of that in BMX.

If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
It would be nice if we were allowed into all the parks.there’s a park a few blocks from my house I’m not allowed to ride.

Who are some of the most influential people in BMX in your eyes?
Chris moeller is the originator. He created the blueprint we all follow. Other then that anyone that does there own thing.

Outside of BMX and work, what are some things you are into?
I listen to a lot of music and shoot a fair bit of photos.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Keep staying alive and raise my son.

If you could have any super power, what would you choose and why?
Im good.

What is the “perfect day” for you?
Some tasty waves and a cool buzz and I’m fine man.

If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would you choose and why?
Never have to get a real job
A old ass car that never breaks down
Popeyes for every meal without a heart attak

What are some bands you are really into? Any you suggest people to check out?
Sub society
Greyboy
Duna
The grouch
Roy ayers
Sebastien tellier
The kinks
New order
Husulah
Little brother
Mac dee

Any videos/movies you are into right now?
Zeitgeist
Dead bang
Goods s.o.s.

You seem to be on-top of the trends, what is the next big trends in BMX?
I don’t really mess with trends… I think a lot of the dudes I hook up are pretty popular. The only trend I’m trying to keep around is affordable shoes and having fun.

What are some of your favorite websites?
Not a big fan of the Internet.

What is the best advice / quote you have ever received?
My Dad always told me its better to shine then reflect.

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
It wouldn’t have been good. Probably Meth with its popularity around here.

What kind of advice do you have for people who want to start their own business?
You won’t ever be happy if money is your motivation. Find something you love and stick with it, or don’t, fuck it…. Just have fun.

What about kids just getting into BMX?
Get dirty, its fun.

Any kind words to the anonymous shit talkers?
Let’s go ride sometime…

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My dad, lori, Kingston, Joel gurga, ron bonner, Heath Pinter, Ryan sher, ron bonner, robbo, shad, eddie, chase, ian, mikey, marco, wolfdick, ian Morris, blackrain, odyssey dudes, Harrison, all my distro, all the lotek family, everyone who has ever bought a pair.

Anything else you would like to say?
Its just a hobby have fun with it…

Oh yes, Rich’s Odyssey part from 2003.

I remember back in the day when Josh posted up on Bikeguide and he was just this kid who rode really good. Then before I knew it I saw him in the Haro contests, web videos that were great, all sorts of stuff.. The kid is awesome, so there was an interview done. Show some love in the comments!

Age:
19

Location:
From: Cape Cod,MA Living: in Greenville,NC

Sponsors:
Staff BMX, Haro/Premium Flow

Years Riding:
6 or 7

It would appear your riding has been getting real popular among the kids on the internet, did you ever expect to be getting the coverage you have been able to get?
Haha no way, i started out as some kid who had a friend who had a friend(Marcus Tooker) who instantly inspired me. He was this kid with a huge white fullface i saw at the park my first day there. After that my mom went out and got me a white fullface and i would go everyday i could after school.It all went from there i guess which led to the Haro video contest and then me moving here(Greenville) a year or so. Then trying to film for that vital video which Kyle Carlson helped me out with. I always just liked riding and watching my favorite riders in videos and never thought i would be in videos or on the internet and even have one person i don`t know, know my name.

You recently had a web video on vitalbmx, do you have anymore web videos in the works?
Well like i said before Kyle hooked me up with that last video so i have been trying to film some stuff and hopefully make another edit for vital again soon.

How about the sponsors, any trips, video parts, signature parts coming around this year?
Actually the day after Dew Tour in Baltimore I will be going with the Staff team on a week long trip or so in New England area.Other then that no trips i`m aware of or video parts and def no signature parts i know of but would be sweet one day.

It seems like you have had the chance to travel a bit more lately, where all have you been riding lately?
Once i moved to Greenville in January i was gone for a month straight in Canada doing shows with Maximum Velocity. Other then that it was just some of the Dew Tour stops i could afford to make it to and the places on the way. I never have had the chance to travel much or go cool places but id like to someday.

Where are some places you would like to go someday?
Cali and pretty much anywhere outside of the states or North America.

It seems like there has been more and more stuff of you riding in Greenville, do you plan on moving there at some point?
Yeah haha i moved here in January like i said before and love it.Its way more then what people think. Most fun i have ever had on and off my bike and it has everything you could want for riding no matter who you are.

What are your plans for 08′? Dew Tour or any big contests at all?
Yeah i am gonna go to the two open qualifiers and maybe do better in it this year and make it to all of them. Other then that i have no idea of any other contests. I would like to go to some but i`m not to crazy on it if i don`t get to them or not.

Who is your typical riding crew, any guys you think people should expect to see more of?
Back home it was Brandon Christie, Chris Childs,Joe Nelson and all the locals around the NH and MA area. Def watch out for those three which have already been all over the internet. Here in Greenville i ride everyday with Christian Stoessel and Ty Morrow. Then i usually ride with Dan Sieg,Jon Reed,Zak Lamb,James Foster,Joey Johnstone, and all the other regular locals.

It would appear you have a lot of tricks on lock, what are some tricks you could never get sick of doing?
Haha well as everyone knows tailwhips!!!! But i also can never do enough bars,hang five stuff and tucks.

What tricks give you the most trouble?
I think my turndowns always look gross and i try to do them a little more here and there to make em look alright and hang fives tricks are so frustrating but fun.

What parts do you typically go through the most?
Brake cables,pedals,and seats.

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go and why?
Brandon Christie,Christian Stoessel,Ty Morrow,Brian hunt,and Danny Hickerson. Brandon,Christian, and Ty because they are my good friends and always have a good time on and off my bike with them.Brian Hunt because that guy is the funniest person in the world and most fun to watch ride and Danny Hickerson because he is my favorite rider and i never met him but it would be amazing to watch him kill everything we rode. I could go anywhere because i know with that crew we would make the best of what we find on and off the bike for sure.

How do you feel about BMX being in the Olympics, getting almost completely cut out of the X-games, and just BMX in the main-stream as a whole?
I think its rad being in the Olympics but wish it was all disciplines and kinda lame for getting out of x-games. For the main-stream part i have no idea. It would be cool it was treated as all other sports and gave opportunities to anyone instead of just some.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I would want it to be treated equally as other sports like i said because i think its lame that guys playing sports involving a ball can sit on a bench and make a living for not doing anything.

Outside of riding, what are some things you are into?
Just hanging out with my friends and doing whatever we do at the moment and my girlfriend. I wish i was into more but i`m not haha.

Do you work at all or is it just riding now days?
I worked full time for a while and then started doing shows and saved up a lot from those and just been riding for now. I don`t make any kind of money off riding unless i do a show or place well enough in a contest. I am trying to get a job right now since i have bills to pay and left home.

You seem to be into some heavier music, what are some bands you like? any you suggest people to check out?
Haha how am i into heavier music or how do you know that? I seriously like every kind of music. If you went through my ipod you could find any kind of music you could think of besides country and the blues haha. I love it all.
I guessed from your last video part and your myspace

Seen any good movies lately?
Riding wise, End Search is the most amazing video ever and then Garrett’s part from the shook video. Other then that Forgetting Sarah marshal haha i`m not to updated with movies and bmx videos.

What are some of your favorite websites?
Vital,the come up,staff-bmx,myspace, and facebook.

If you could have any super power, what would you choose and why?
I would want to be like Ashton Kutcher in that movie butterfly effect but do things right haha and not fuck it up and die at the end.

How do you feel about public intoxication, strippers, and or midgets?
its funny,strippers are rad, and midgets are funny as hell, this one dude i would see at the local park when i first started riding would come to the park high as fuck on rollerblades and just do headstands on every ramp from 4-10 feet and then go back in fakie.

Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
My Parents,girlfriend,friends, and BMX.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Have a job and save up, get a car,have a nicer place to live in with my lady,figure out what i wanna do with my life and try and go somewhere cool one day.

If you could be sponsored by any non-BMX related company who would you want to be sponsored by and why?
Well Apple for sure, their shit is amazing. Wendy’s because i could eat there everyday. Also some kind of car sponsor would be sweet so i could have a nice car.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
‘Do what makes you happy and don`t do something for someone other then yourself to make them happy’. ~mom

What kind of advice do you have for kids getting into BMX?
Pretty much the above and don`t stress ‘making it’ in BMX. If it happens it happens and awesome if not don`t hate on others and just have fun in BMX don`t take it to serious and miss out on the point of it,FUN. Also don`t forget who your friends are at any time.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My parents for sure,Tony Long for always fixing my bike when i was younger,all my friends and girlfriend,Family,Bob at Staff ,Haro, Kyle Carlson, and you for this interview.Also Josh Kirtland for the photos.

Anything else you would like to say?
‘New England Baby’ haha.

A bunch of Josh’s videos on Vimeo

Dave Jacobs is a man you should respect. He is the man behind Micreation and has a very clear minded sense of things that a lot of people are not capable of pulling together. With that being said here is his interview, I hope you enjoy it.

Name:
Dave Jacobs

Photo: Tommy Blanco

Location:
Long Beach, CA

Sponsors:
Micreation, ODI, and hookups from Sputnic, Primo, and Etnies.

Years riding?
15

So Micreation has had some big changes lately, new site, new video formats and everything, how long has this been in the works?
The new site and new HD video player were both in the works for about 4 months, then Brad’s video spot was filmed over about a year.

What else can we expect from the changes? New clothing lines? Full length DVD? anything in particular?
Well, I just finished setting it up so that people can own both Brad and Eli’s video spots. You’ll be able to download a high resolution version, and also one sized for an I-Pod. Currently we are working on doing a video spot with Barney, and also Aaron Bostrom. Joe Cox said he wants to do one sometime soon also. There are some more big changes to the site coming, and the new line is currently in development. We’re also going to be releasing the “Synopsis” video in the near future. I think that will be some kind of DVD/web release. We will see what happens with that.

So this new web video idea going around is pretty interesting. Do you expect web videos like this to catch on with other companies?
Well, I think the internet is definitely becoming more and more where people are going for the latest in BMX. So that combined with the dwindling DVD market is pushing companies in that direction I think. As far as other companies doing it like we are, possibly.

Is there any team changes or other team news you can tell us about?
Yeah, Eric Lichtenberger is the newest member of the Micreation family. I’ve known him for a while now and he’s a down to earth genuine person. He’s also very talented at riding. He is a perfect fit.

What do you think the biggest difference between when Micreation had started to what it has become today?
Its just become more focused and refined. I’d like to think that we’ve grown as a whole, and become better at everything we do.

Your on the road, or was just on the road for a trip, what was that for? How did it go? Or how is it going?
I went on The Local Exposure tour to film and hang out. It was great fun. I met a lot of people that I’ve never met before and got to witness Quinn Sembling blowing up a ralley car. haha

A piece of Dave’s art called “Flobot”

What are your plans for 08′? Is there many road trips planned or anything?
No full team road trips as of yet. We’ll just be focused on new designs, and smaller road trips to film for these video spots.

When will you have a HD video of you for the site?
Actually I thought about that. I’m going to be working on an interview for a bmx magazine this summer, and I’d like to film some stuff while I’m at it. We’ll see what happens.

Where would you like to take your riding and company in general over the course of the next few years?
As far as riding goes, I’d like to get back into dirt jumping and riding ramps. I’d also like to get more dialed on street and just keep progressing. As far as Micreation goes, I’d like to do a full length team video and grow as a whole. I’m going to expand the line and work on getting into more boutiques.

What are some of your favorite spots to ride?
Right now I’ve been having alot of fun riding the Z spot in Long Beach. Its real simple, not a lot to it other then a manual pad and a couple bump jumps but its super fun.

Do you have a trick that you could never get sick of no matter how many times you do it?
Tabletops.

What is that one trick you cannot get on the list no matter how many times you try?
I’ve been working on hop whips for a while now, but haven’t nailed it yet. Maybe tomorrow?

Being the owner of a business you tend to be very busy, do you find a lot of time to ride?
Well, the last month I didn’t ride much at all because I was rushing to get the new site done, and also Brad’s video spot before the local exposure trip. Now that I’m back I’ve been going out and its been alot of fun.

What are some of the highlights for you since BMX became apart of your life?
The friends that I’ve made and getting the opportunity to travel. Its made a huge impact on me. To me I see bmx as a tool to learn how to live. I put myself in these situations where I have to be focused or I’m going to work myself. I learned how to stay calm under pressure. When I did get hurt, I learned from that too. It taught me how to keep pushing and not give up.

How do you feel about the current industry as a whole? If you could change anything would you?
Its changing so rapidly now. It seems to be growing in popularity in the main stream I think. I see in on TV all the time now. Not too long ago it was rare to catch it on TV, but not anymore. I think its awsome. More people are getting exposed to BMX, and thats only going to help BMX grow. There is some wild shit going down too. I can’t imagine what people will be doing 5 years from now. The sky is the limit. As far as the core industry goes, I think that esthetics are becoming more important and more emphasis is being put into making things look good. If I could change anything, I would like to see more emphasis on making changes instead of bitching about how things are.

Where do you see things going with BMX being in the olympics and everything?
Honestly I don’t know too much about it other then its going to be there. From what I know, its only racing. If that is the case, I think that sucks. If BMX is going to be in the olympics then vert, street, dirt, and flat should all be included.

Who are some of the people you ride with on a more daily basis?
Jeff Z and Aaron Bostrom both live in riding distance from me, so I ride with them mainly.

Is there any riders out there that you really see coming up and could do some big things?
Garrett Reynolds is already doing big things and he’s 17. I just watched his shook part and I can’t believe the shit he’s doing. Its nuts.

Did you ever go to college for art or anything of that nature?
I went to college and got an associates degree in industrial technology. Its basically a minor in engineering with an emphasis on C.A.D.(Computer Aided Design). I’ve always loved making things, drawing, poetry etc. C.A.D. wasn’t for me because there was minimal creative freedom. So I started delving into photoshop, final cut, and after effects. I think I’ve found my nitch, I love it.

Outside of riding and work, what are some things you are into?
When I’m not so busy, I like to read and watch documentaries. I also enjoy writing poetry and doing spoken word but its been a while since I’ve done it. Most of my interests are focused around science, spirituality, philosophy things like that.

What are some things that you think everyone should experience at some point in their life?
A realization that there is no separation between you and everything else, I would say that is the biggest one.

What are some movies you are really into?
Lately the biggest one is Zeitgeist. Its a free documentary that you can see at zeitgeistmovie.com. You’ll just have to see it to understand why. Its revolutionary.

Any good music you would recommend to people?
I’ve been listening to instrumental stuff like Explosions in the Sky, Omid, Alias, Yppah, Sound in Color. Classics for me are Eyedea, old Aesop Rock, and of course Wu-Tang.

Being a business owner, do you feel the economy has effected you at all?
I would say the biggest effect so far is the price of gas. Riding in California can get expensive because you have to drive to just about every spot. Unless you live in Long Beach, so thats why I tend to stick in my own neighborhood.

How do you feel about the elections, Hillary? Obama? Other? who has your vote?
I dont subscribe to any particular party line or candidate. The democratic party seems to be becoming more conservative and complacent. The people that really pull the strings are the ones that you don’t see. Not to be a pessimist, but I don’t think it matters at this point who gets elected. There are so many vested interests in the changes that need to be made like pulling out of the war in Iraq. I think its going to require massive protests and disobedience to end it. I think that the biggest changes we can make will come when each individual takes responsibility for themselves and their own community. We need to wake up soon.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
I would say first and foremost is my Mom. She had always supported me in whatever I wanted to do and always had high expectations for me. The next big ones would be reading books and music.

What are some of your favorite websites?
Sites that I visit frequently would be dopeawards.com, Defgrip.net, and a lot of random design, science, and political websites. I also frequent youtube for random documentaries and funny videos.

If you happened to win the lottery, what would the cash go towards?
First I would buy my Mom a nice house, then a house for myself. The rest of it would go into Micreation and the Micreation family.

What are some things you personally would like to accomplish in the next few years?
To make Micreation everything it can be and get everyone on the team paid good. Also to do a good full length video part because I haven’t had an official video part since DK Intuition. I’m also planning on doing a documentary sometime in the future.

If you could have any super power, what would you chose and why?
Invisibility. So I can creep around and make weird noises and freak people out. That would be sweet.

What is one of your favorite quotes?
I don’t have a favorite, but here is a good one from Albert Einstein – “A human being is a part of a whole, called by us – “universe”, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest… a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

What kind of advice do you have for people when it comes to BMX?
Have fun. Its not about getting sponsored.

What advice do you have for people who want to start a business?
Start working on it now. If you keep putting it off it might not happen. Get a business plan together, start networking, make it happen! Learn as much as you can about the particular business and become an expert. Keep pushing and don’t give up no matter what. Don’t focus on reasons why it couldn’t work, think of ways it can happen. I guess thats it.

What is BMX to you?
To me, BMX is and evolutionary tool. I see it as an instrument for self expression that helps me learn about myself and life in general, and its a load of fun. Its definitely the best thing thats ever happened to me.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Yeah, thanks to my Mom for being awsome. Also the Micreation family, and everyone who has supported and helped me out in one way or another. You know who you are. Finally, thanks to Kurt Hohberger for the interview.

Anything else you would like to add I may have forgot?
I think thats it. Thanks for reading. Peace.

Another Gary Young interview?! Serving you up with some San D! Woozy posted that rad interview with Gary recently and this is just another little something for you all to read up on if you’re interested. I shot this interview at Gary a few months ago and after some solid heckling about it, he finally filled it out a couple days ago… Gary doesn’t care to be on the computer much and isn’t one to have heavy internet rot sessions, so it generally takes him a while to get things like this done. But thats completely understandable when you live in Sunny San Diego, where the great weather never stops kicking ass! Putting down bikes in exchange for Mac laptops is always questionable…

Your full name, age and years you’ve been shredding:
My name is Gary Bernard Chapman Young, I am twenty-four years old and I started riding sixteen years ago.

Well, we all know you’re a San Diegoian but do you ever plan on leaving us for somewhere else? Or have you ever thought about living in a far away land?
One day when my wife and I have kids. We decided that we are going to take our kids to some far away land and have them learn the language while we are there, sort of immersing them in culture, you know?

A lot, if not all people have come to know you as San Diego’s hometown hero… How do you feel about that and does it affect how you represent yourself as a rider?
Wow thanks. I don’t feel like I am any different than any other rider, we are all just having fun on kids bikes. As far as representing goes I just try to do things that I can be proud of later.

You’ve traveled to numerous countries, but is there anywhere you’ve yet to visit that you really want to see?
Everywhere I haven’t been yet.

You ride Clairemont skatepark on a normal basis with the homies, tell me how you feel about the park… Favorite lines, the dudes that ride there and the general vibe, etc…
The YMCA is awesome, they treat the bmxers so well and I am very thankful to Lazlo and the rest of the staff for that. As far as favorite lines, they change regularly because the park is always building new stuff. (Thanks Brad!) There is an eclectic mix of rad riders here, but no matter which locals end up at the park it usually ends up being a really fun session.

What’s your favorite terrain for shredding? Favorite spots and set ups to ride?
It changes with what sort of mood I am in, but the top three are street, bowls, and trails. I really liked the Empire of Dirt set up in England, it had a good mix of everything.

The new Odyssey video recently dropped, how did you feel about your section? Also, are there any lines or stunts in the section that were particularly hard to achieve? Perhaps the curve wall transfer to curve wall?
I am never satisfied with my sections, but deadlines are deadlines and videos have to come out. That curve wall haunts me I really want to go back and get it done OFFICIALLY.

You recently partook in your first actual trip with the Give D Crew, any highlights on the San Francisco trip you would like to inform those about? The parks, the crew, the college kids, etc…
That was one of the most fun trips I’ve ever been on.

Macneil’s been taking care of you for years now, how happy are you with the new line of products and designs from Macneil? Are there any new G.Y. signature products coming out any time soon?
We just revised my second frame a little bit, now the chain stays are lower so you can run any gearing now. We will have new colors and stickers around Interbike.

Describe a day in the life of Gary Young:
I get up when my wife is going to work around 8 AM. I then eat breakfast, and then check my emails and start calling dudes to go ride. Then I fight traffic run errands and ride. Then I come home and figure out dinner plans with my wife. Lastly I usually fall asleep watching Seinfeld.

Also, how do you feel about regrets?
They are over rated.

Would you happen to know the top 3 priorities of a dolphin?
Eating Fish, Playing, and Boofies!

(Editorial Note)
The top 3 priorities of a dolphin are:
1. Nestling
2. Kissies
3. Style
(I’m giving credit to Gary on that though for the use of the word Boofies!)

In the words of Crandall, How stoked are you?
I’m super stoked.

Is there any shout outs or people you would like to thank?!
My thanks goes to god, my wife, family and friends. Big thanks the GDC crew for having so much fun, also Vans, MacNeil, Odyssey, CTI, and ProTec for supporting me to live my dream. Thanks dudes!

(Photos snaked from Gary’s Myspace and top picture of Gary and the fufanu at Alameda are credited to XJosh HayesX)

Kevin had a really good web video come out about a week ago and he had done pretty good last year in the Dew Tour so the interview was in need. So we got it done, enjoy!

Name:
Kevin Lajos Kiraly

Location:
Livermore California

Sponsors:
Redline Bicycles, Alpinestars, Beloe footwear

Years riding:
like 6 or 7

It seems like lately you have really blown up. Did you ever expect to be riding bikes as a career?
Well not really, i always wanted to but dreams are dreams haha

You recently had a web video for redline come out, do you have any other video parts or web edits in the works?
The Redline web vid turned out pretty cool, i was really siked on it, it was just me messing around at my park and it didnt turn out half bad, so there will probably a lot more in the future. But as of right now im filming for an unnamed video with full parts from some gnarly dudes like Corey Bohan and Kym Grosser.

How are things going with Redline, any news you can share like road trips, videos, signature parts, or anything like that?
Well right now im riding my signature sticker way G5 frame, that wont be available for a couple months, and im Buying a High Definition camera soo hopefully ill be able to makes Some HD Web vids for redline.

Your also on Beloe, what was it like to be asked to be apart of that team and how did it all come about?
I was Soo happy when Brian asked me if i wanted to be apart of Beloe, especially after he told me who was on the team. company’s awsome

Is there any signature stuff from Beloe coming from you or> anything big involving you and Beloe?
No, no signature stuff for me but i think Jim C is getting a signature shoe

How about the rest of the sponsors? Anything big going on> with those?
Nothing really besides my redline frame stickerway thing.

Your obviously able to ride ramps, what are some of your favorite things/places to ride?
I definetly ride the park almost everyday, But i love riding street, i definetly get more satisfaction riding good street then good park.

Did you grow up racing at all or have you just been freestylin since day 1?
I raced when i was really young but quit when i was about 11, then started freestyling when i was like 16.

How do you feel about contests? Do you plan on doing the Dew Tour again this year?
contest are fun and stressful at the same time. Yes i will be at the dew tour this year, i stayed in high enough points last year to be prequalified for this year. Theyre fun though.

You get to travel a fair amount, where are some of your favorite places you have been and where are some places you would like to go at some point?
I have only been inside the united states, probably my favorite place is Greenville North Carolina, i know i know, such a generic answer but that place is amazing, soo fun and soo many amazing riders. I definetly want to go to Barcalona, and australia.

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people to ride, who would you bring and why?
this is an easy one, Colin Mackay, Garrett Reynolds, Ty Morrow, Danny Hickerson, and Gator. All those guys are amazing people and amazing riders and if you dont know Gator, hes the MirraCo TM and one of the funniest people ive ever met.

You seem to have quite a bag of tricks, what are some tricks that give you the most trouble?
Vador jams and downside double peg grinds, both those tricks ive tried numerous times and can never get them.

If you could change anything about BMX what would it be and why?
wish they still called stem’s goose necks.

Have you had any serious injuries on your bike?
Broken pinky, ive been super lucky soo far “knock on wood”

Outside of riding what are some things you are into?
im really into filming and video editing, my dog, and the GF

Do you work at all other than ride? If not what kinds of jobs have you had in the past?
im lucky enough to not have to work, but i did work at the bike shop for a month then quit.

How do you feel about getting loose? Strippers? and public intoxication?
Its fun, getting loose with your good friends is always amazing.

If you could hook up with any actress/model/person who would it be and why?
Probably Scarlett Johanson (probably spelt her name wrong) just because shes super hott!

What is something crazy that has happened to you that nobody believes?
not sure, nothing worthy to tell

What are some bands or music you are into?
definetly into chill electro indie stuff. Fisherspooner, elkland, peter bjorn and John.

Seen any good movies lately?
I am Legend, i like those kinda future Movies.

How do you feel about school?
its kool if you like it, i sucked at school so i wasnt really into it.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
My Older Brothers, Mom, DAD, Colin Mackay, Optimus Prime.

If you could be sponsored by any non-bmx related company, who would it be and why?
Probably Audi So i can have dope cars, or subway because i always eat it.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Travel More, Win a Big comp so i can have a sweet trophey, move out of my mommy’s.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Teleporting so i can go anywhere i want, best power to have for sure!

What kind of advice do you have for kids who are just getting into BMX?
Learn the little stuff first, learn to tire tap before you learn to tailwhip.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I want to thanks everyone at redline, Fuzzy, Gork,John and Evan, you guys have been amazing, Brian at Beloe, your the man, send me some white stickers, alpinestars and Bmxunion, Chyea!

Anything else you would like to say?
Na im going to sleep

Running a bike company is a hard thing to do. Starting a company from nothing is even harder. Matt is the owner of Tempered Bikes, hes also everything else a normal company would have so he is a busy dude, but lately things have been good to him. We got talking and ended up doing an interview and this is what he has to say… Enjoy

Name:
Mathew Lawton

Location:
Brisbane, Australia.

Sponsors:
Cropthorn Clothing, Covenant Distribution and i guess Tempered haha

Your the guy behind Tempered bikes, it seems like just recently things have
been picking up with that?

It has been really good not just for me but also for my team these last few months, I mean Tempered has been around
For a few years now but it is only starting to get recognised world wide, which is awesome.
I guess a lot more people are starting to see our gear and what were about and they just digg it!
I am really glad the way things are going and i can see they are only going to get better.

In another interview you did recently you had talked about how you didn’t rush into
starting to make products, do you feel like your research was worth the time?

Well thats another reason why Tempered is only just starting to get out there, I spent a long time just researching
and testing prototypes that for a while there it felt like things would never eventuate and a few people were always
in disbelief.
I feel that it was definitely worth all the time because over the years i feel that Tempered has grown a lot of respect
and people were always eager to hear more about it because it was never easily accesible like it is today and i think
that is what has seperated tempered from a few other companies that kind of Pop up one week and then they are world wide
the next because they have the money and they know the right people in this industry.

What is the biggest difference between your company and other companies that are
new? What about compared to companies that have been around for a while?

I could say a bunch of things for this question but i strongly think in reality that each company both new and old has the
same goals and aspires to the same dreams that i have with TemperedBikes it seems these days as soon as one company brings
out something new every other company jumps on the bandwagon, but if that is what the riders love and that’s what sells then
why do kids whinge about people copying people, when they are only suppling riders with the shit they want?
I mean when it comes down to it, a set of handle bars is just that. The only thing that can be changed is the paint, stickers
and the company name behind the product and it is the image of a company that will set it out from one another.
With TemperedBikes i really push Artwork into everything i do and make sure that i put as much effort into getting amazing
artwork to go with the products then i do with the designing and sampling process, which is pretty dam stressful!
But at the same time i am saying this, i really push unique styles into my products most of the time it is more “Cosmetic Changes”
to the product to give it a whole different look from what else is currently on the market.

Your based out of Australia, what is the reaction you are getting from people about
the Tempered goods?

Inside Australia it is pretty good, mostly from riders. A lot of shops can sometimes be a bit iffy about new companies without
a distributor because they know that it can be hard to deal straight with the company if they are new and most likely to be always
out of stock. But then you get some shops that are really phsyced about new Aussie companies and they will order a bunch of gear of
you straight away and support you strongly 100%.
Riders in Aus are pretty much all about sticking to the local scene and supporting Australian companies, but when your up against
some of the other popular companies in this industry it is always tough!

Recently you were picked up by a few Euro distributors, how is that and where do
you expect it to go from there?

Yeah for a few months I had been talking to Martin from RideIt over in Latvia about them becoming our Europe Distributor.
They still have not received any shipments yet, just because of the lead time and shipping times are a bit hectic, but hopefully
riders will be seeing some Tempered Gear over there very soon!
I can’t really expect much or have really high hopes that it is going to sell crazy because this is our first deal outside of
Australia and i have no idea what to expect!
Everyone over at RideIt seems really cool and are all riders so i know im in good hands!

You were also recently picked up by Tripple Six, a distributor for Australia and New Zealand. How did this all come about and when can people in these areas expect to start seeing things showing up for them to buy?

Yes just today [a week or two ago] actually was the deal confirmed with Triple Six!It was kind of weird how it all happened because i had been in talks with a nother big distro for Australia but they had been so busy with a lot of other things for a while that nothing really eventuated from it.And then one day Clint Millar from Tripple Six got in touch with me about it and was really excited on all the new stuff from Tempered and he has helped me out so much since then!The first batch of the 08/09 range should be in stores Australia and New Zealand wide in about 3-4 months!Triple six is one of the biggest and most respected in the industry so i am so excited to see where things go from here!

What is your Australian team looking like so far, is it primarily unknown guys?
You were working on getting a Euro team rolling with the new distributors, have you
picked any people yet?

The team so far is Tom Stretton, Jerard Vandervalk, Mitchell Macdonald, Mathew Lawton, Justy Bumpstead and Jamie Warren.
The guys are pretty unknown outside of Australia but they are pretty well known within Australia.
They are all amazing riders each having different styles and personal qualities which i have chosen because i feel that they
all resemble Tempered in the exact image i want. I am hoping with a bunch of web edits we are working on and general adverts
these guys names will get out there a bit more, because they all deserve to be living the BMX dream no less than most of the
guys who are.
I have been talking with the Euro Distro about a “Tempered Euro Team” and although they have showed me a few videos of riders,
nothing is legit just yet!

Your the only guy employed by Tempered, so your basically doing 20 different jobs,
do you plan on getting more employees anytime soon?

It’s funny you say that a lot of people look at me like some lazy dude because i sit at a computer most days all day, but i dont
just chill on myspace or watch videos, I’m constantly busy working and i know a lot of guys in the industry would know what im
on about!
I have to do all the paper work, all the sales, Invoicing, adverts, artwork, shipping documents, Contracts, sending gear out to
shops or customers, receiving big orders of products from the harbour and there is like a hundred more things i have to do each
day to keep Tempered running smoothly and on top of that i work about 4 days at a factory and the rest at a BMX store.
I only have sundays free to myself but i usually find myself on this dam computer doing emails!
I have thought about employing a few people in the past and i have tried it out but they are usually friends of mine who get too
lazy because they think its just a chill deal and i end up having to hassle them for shit!

Do you do all the designing of the products? How long does it take for you to go from idea to prototype
to distributors etc.?

If the idea for a new product hasn’t come from me then it has come from one of the team or someone onboard with tempered(artists, filmers etc),
because they are all riders too with awesome ideas.
From thinking up of the idea to getting everything on paper can take anything from a week to forever because in the mean time you have
so much going on with everything else your constantly being sidetracked and the ideas are getting more mangled and lost in your mind.
But if things go well and you have a solid plan on paper and your speaking with the manufacturer about the idea then getting a sample
can take about 3-9 months depending on what it is. I remember my first set of sample frames took around 11 months to get to me from when
i sent the designs to them arriving on my door. 11 months for 4 frames…..
From prototype to hitting the market…that part all depends on how much testing and beating you can put into the product…I have been running
sample handle bars and forks for over a year now and the latest style which only features some cut outs are only just about to be made
available for distributors.
I guess at the end of the day it depends on the company and their beliefs in the structures of their products…..or they wish to fill their pockets.
As your company expands manufacturers tend to make note of the importance of your company and they start to move your companies rank higher
up the ladder and push harder for lead time on samples and orders.

What is your warranty situation looking like, have you seen much product getting
warrantied?

I have been selling Frames and parts for a bout 18 months now solidly and i have never had anything come back to me for warranty,
which is pretty dam good in this industry!
Tempered is definiely living up to its name!

Do you have any big plans coming up team wise, like road trips, videos, web edits, whatever?

We are always filming for web edits and projects for Tempered, Just recently we went on a 5 day road trip, which was more of a chilling
trip for the team and we ended up making a pretty banging web edit from the trip!
We have a few projects going on at the moment so i guess keep hitting the website to find out all about it!
We are working on a full length DVD but there is no dates for releases yet.

What are some things you would like to accomplish with Tempered in the next few years?

I would definitely love to be able to offer Tempered products world wide and offer a whole range of unique products that no other company
has available.
In the few years Tempered has been around we have had so many crazy new ideas come about and then just scrapped them because we never
thought they would take of as a product, and now a few companies have been manufacturing similar designs to ours and they are pretty
dam popular! so in the future we won’t be holding back on any new designs at all.
I would really like to do a whole lot of filming projects of the team and a lot more travelling with them, because they are all amazing
people on and off their bikes, it just makes for a good time no matter what.

What are some of the biggest influences on how you run Tempered?

The team are one if not the main influence for Tempered, even though half the guys don’t put much help or input into Tempered, there more
just about riding and havign a good time then having to deal with this gritty shit haha. But they are the guys who push the company in the
direction it is gloing now by riding the gear the way the do and the image they have as riders.
Artwork is another major influence because i want Tempered to be a really detailed art based company, Image wise.

Outside of work, do you find much time to ride?

I do find time but it is more night time chilling sessions than anythign else now that i work saturdays, it does suck because riding
is so important to me on so many levels and i think every rider understands that.

how long have you been riding for?

Agh man when haven’t i been riding? haha I can’t remember a day when i was not riding and I’m almost 20 years old.

Do you feel like the longer you have been riding has impacted how you do things with your company?

Yeah definitely i mean im not as old as most dudes in my position in the industry but it’s just like anything, you cant jump into any business
venture without knowledge in that particular industry otherwise your just some dude reaping money from people with no good intentions.
Tempered has always been influenced by my personal riding and my riding is influenced with Tempered, when im working on something new for
Tempered then it always makes me way more phsyched to go and learn something new on my bike, And when im learning something new or just having
and awesome ride it makes me think really hard about what i can be doing next for TemperedBikes.
Also being in the industry for a while has helped a lot with the company in so many ways.

What kind of riding do you typically do, I know Australia has some amazing cement parks?

There are a bunch of good parks in Australia but i don’t think i can label myself to park, street or dirt, I am just a dude who rides BMX and i
will always be riding whatever is in front of me no matter what. But i do hassle everyone to ride street a lot more than parks haha.

Do you have a typical riding crew you ride with?

Yeah im always riding with Jerard v, Dan H, Justy B, Tom s and Corey M but there is always dudes to ride with, its awesome that way.
There are so many dudes i ride with, i guess the ones i mentioned are just the guys i have been close friends with for a while now.

What do you think of the Australian scene? seems like it has blown up lately!

There is too many ways to describe a “Scene” for a whole country but i think people here in Aus are just more relaxed and more
worried about having a good time on a bike than anything else, everyone is pretty friendly and down to earth.
But then again i cant speak for all the riders haha.
There are a few riders that have been getting their names out there outside of Australia which is really awesome because there are so many
amazing riders here that go un noticed, its crazy!
Australia Rocks!

Where are some of your favorite places or spots you have ridden?

Any kind of Drains/Ditch’s,any street, Gladstone, Esperance haha but there is so many!

If somebody were coming to Australia to visit/live, where would you suggest they
go?

Definitely Western Australia if they are looking to travel, sight see and meet amazing people. It is by far the best!
And every spot their is easily accesible.

What is your worst injury you have had riding related?

I think breaking my ankle would be the worst, just because it has so many physical and mental problems after the break that effected my
riding.
But as i type this i just got back from the doctors and they told me i have punctured a Tendent in my right wrist, for a few months now
everytime i rode i would get a big lump sticking up from my wrist so i finally went to get it checked out. Turns out i punctured
the tendant in my wrist so everytime i ride or move my wrist a lot, all the blood hits the broken tendants and makes it swell up.
I have to put a coin on the lump and wear a brace for a few months to put pressure on the swelling and force it to go back down and heal.

Who or what factors are your biggest influences on your riding?

Dudes i grew up with like Owen Pennington and Kie Ashworth are big influences in my life and riding, just because they are awesome dudes
and awesome on a bike.
Web edits of shredders are always a massive factor on my riding, just because it gets me so pumped to see people having so much fun on a
bike, it makes me want to go ride and have a good time riding!

Who are the riders you look up to for inspiration?

Kie Ashworth, Jerard vandervalk, Tom Stretton, Mitchell Macdonald, Jamie warren and Justy Bumpstead.

Is it true vegemite makes you ride better?

It tastes good and definitely makes you ride better. Its kinda like redbull only you gotta eat it like chocolate or it doesnt work, you should try it.

Do you feel like owning a company has changed the way you look at BMX?

It has definitely changed the way i look at BMX and more so life.
A lot of the time when im riding and kids watch i feel like because i own a company they are expecting me to be some amazing rider or something.
No matter what im doing i am always thinking about Tempered and when im riding I am usually stressing about something within Tempered and it
can sometimes ruin the mood but most of the time it makes everything a lot better!

Outside of work and riding what are some of the stuff you like to do?

I like to go to Gigs and hang out with my girlfriend, Steph.
But other than that chilling with my mates having a few drinks is always a good time!

Sounds like your girlfriend is really supportive of what you do, doesn’t she help
you run Tempered a little?

She is really supportive yeah and she even helps me out a fair bit with the paper work side of Tempered and she is always creating artwork for adds.
She is really in the know with a few things so it helps me out a lot and takes the stress level down a bit.

What are some movies you are into?

Ride BMX Insight was amazing, anything Shook, anything with ninjas or Sci fi haha.

What kind of music do you listen to? Any bands you suggest people checking out?

Music is a massive influence in my life so im always listening to anything because different types of music influence my life in diffent ways, so if i
just listen to one type of genre then i would only be some single minded dude not getting the most out of life.
I suggest people to be open minded and listen to everything haha

What do you think you would be doing if you didn’t pick up a bike?

Skateboarding or playing football haha

What are the biggest influences on your life as a whole?

Music, BMX, Friends, Food……i think everyone answers are the same for this question?? haha

What are some things you would like to do over the course of your life?

Travel a lot more on my bike and not stress too much haha

What is the party scene like in Australia? Have you ever met that one kid who made
world news from his big ass party?

That Corey dude? How the heck did he even get famous? thousands of dudes hold parties when they leave town but for some
reason he was the only dude to get famous for it? and those “Signature sunnies”?
I have never met him and i hope i dont have to….
As for the party scene…wild.

Do you drink Fosters, or is that just a misconception of Australians?

Fosters? total misconception haha

What are some of your favorite websites?

DiversityBMX, BMX Union, Tempered, Ugzine, The Come Up.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

I think my nanna and pop on my dads side, i have only really met them once and they were some of the best people i have ever met, they
definitely rocked my world and i think about them a lot.

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be and why?

To have an endless supply of money….for obvious reasons.
And then i think i would sit on the last two until i really needed them for something important….like being in a car crash…or stopping
another world war before it happened.
I actually have no idea, i think if i was asked i would say money and then choke.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Definitely buy a house and put a lot of the money into Tempered haha.
But i think i would try to have some kind of plans for the money and invest a bunch of it. Too many times have i seen peoples live turn to shit
from winning the lottery, it is so crazy you would think winning a lot of money would make life a lot easier!
I have only brought like 2 lottery tickets in my life and i think one of those was for a friend….he didn’t win anything.

If you could no longer live in Australia, where would you move and why?

I have never been outside of Australia so i can’t imagine myself any where else!
I guess if i had to maybe New Zealand, that place looks so amazing and i am hoping to go there sometime this year.

What is the best quote, or the best advice you have ever received?

“If you can’t get it done when the time for it arrises, then you will never get it done” – Shaun Jarvis.
It is something so simple but at the time it was said it made perfect sense.

What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?

Big tricks are cool but style earns alot more points in my books haha.
Just have fun and research your roots!

What about advice on starting a business?

Make sure you know what your fully getting into before you jump into the venture, the last thing you want is to put your name behind a whole
brand and then if it turns wrong your name as a rider could go down with it.
Try to get solid plans and a business structure before you start posting news about new products your working on otherwise you could find
yourself in a few rutts down the track when things start picking up.
I guess all in all just make sure your heart is in the right place and if it isn’t, then just stick to riding a BMX for simple pleasures then
having to stress all the time about even having a BMX.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?

I would really like to thank everybody and any body who has helped me out in my journey with Tempered and my life, without your help and support
i would be no where near where i am today. All my close friends, My Family, My girlfriend Stephanie and her family, Steve M at Ride On BMX,
Mike daly, Shain Jarvis, Kie Ashworth, jerard vandervalk, Alex Liiv, EVERYONE ON THE TEAM, Matt At Cropthorn, every shop and customer who has every brought some Tempered gear, Martin and Alfred from RideIt in Latvia, Clint Millar and everyone over at Tripple Six…..And for everybody else who knows they should be thanked in this section, I thank you!

Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to Kurt for setting this Interview up!
For all the latest on Tempered head over to www.temperedbikes.com.au and click the blog. Hopefully the new website will be up soon!
if your an artist in the BMX scene shoot me an email!
I am always needing artwork haha.

Matty Lawton chillen sesh from TemperedBikes on Vimeo.

Brian is BMX, well… I guess if you think about all the things he has done or been apart of over the years it would appear to be that way haha. With him taking over the team manager spot over at We The People I got an interview with him to see whats new in his life. Enjoy it!

Name:
Brian Tunney

Location:
West New York, NJ

Sponsors:
I think I’m past that. Oh wait, Alfredo sponsors me. Nation BMX! And Badashell. Deuce’s new Junior Misses collection rocks. Lots of other people hook it up, and it’s all very much appreciated.

Years riding:
22

You recently took over the spot as team manager over at We The People, what happened with Osato and how do you like it so far?
WTP just wanted Dave to be a rider. I mean, if you think about it, Dave Osato is one of the greatest overall BMXers ever. The dude shouldn’t be doing anymore than just riding his bike until he’s officially done riding his bike… So far, the tm gig is kinda invigorating. I was feeling pretty stale before I started working with WTP, and they’ve kinda restored my faith in BMX. So thanks guys.

So does this mean there will be some team changes?
Not really; the crew is totally solid.

Does We The People have any big road trips/dvds/ or anything like that planned you can tell us about?
Rob Harrison would know better than me. What say you Rob?

You are also apart of Eclat, what do you do with that part and is there any news revolving around that you can share?
Nothing til August. It’s all quite new. So far, we’ve done some PR e-mails to spread the word about the new company, but that’s about it. Once the parts come in, things will happen. But until then, we’re just spreading the word, talking to potential team riders and correcting everyone when they mispronounce the name.

Over the years you have been involved with a lot of companies either riding, being a TM, writing, or other projects, what are some of those things you have done?
I rode for a bunch of companies, TM’d DuFFs and wrote or still write for a bunch of places. I guess the biggest accomplishment is working on Dig Magazine for 11 years now. We just got a new Web site which is nice to look at too.

You do some writing and things for some websites, what are some sites you can commonly find some of your stuff?
Everything goes to www.Assblasters.org in one form or another, so I’d say just go there. It’s a blog set up by my good friend Jamie McParland, and it’s actually been going for like 5 years now, which is ridiculous. I’ll tell the story of the name while I’m at it. Before it started, I got drunk by myself and wrote “Don’t go to www.assblasters.com” on a dry erase board, just cause I thought it sounded funny. I then asked Jamie about helping me set up a Web site. He remembered seeing that quote on my dry erase board, and that was the domain name he chose.

You seem like one of the busiest people ever, how do you manage to find time to ride, sleep, and eat?
I used to a be a lot busier when I rode for Federal, managed music clearance for Props, edited Dig 9 times a year, team managed DuFFs and worked as a judge for the HSA/X-Games. I’m not busy at all now compared with five years ago…

Before it was cold from briantunney on Vimeo.

Riding is another thing you multi-task to the max with, flatland, street, park, and if I recall reading an old interview where you talked about riding trails back in the day? What are you more commonly doing and how do you feel about these different “disciplines”?
More commonly, I ride either flatland or street, which is usually decided upon by either the wind or the time of day. I can’t ride flat in the wind, and I hate riding during the day around here. (I guess I could, but there’s less people out at night.) So if it’s windy, I’ll ride street around here or in the city at night. And if it’s a calm day, I’ll ride flat at night in this underground garage nearby. I’m trying to break out of my shell, and I’ve been really good about it the past few months, but I tend to get more done when I ride alone.

As for different disciplines, when I started out riding, everyone rode everything. That’s just how it was. DMC rode flatland, vert and street. Mat Hoffman rode flatland. Dave Mirra beat me a few times in 14-15 expert flatland! I think that mindset is gradually making a comeback in BMX too, which is nice to see.

You have had the chance to travel a lot because of your bike, where are some of your favorite places you have been?
Bangkok, Thailand. Shanghai, China. Vancouver, B.C. All of Japan and Germany. But even when I go to a place that’s not too welcoming, I’m usually around close friends that will gladly share a laugh about the ridiculousness of our situation. I absolutely hate Las Vegas, but if I’m there with Leland Thurman or Stew Johnson, it’s going to be fun regardless.

Where are some places you would really like to go at some point that you have not been?
I’d like to go anywhere that doesn’t involve BMX or lugging my computer along with me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very blessed for having been able to travel thanks to BMX, but I’ve also never gone anywhere that wasn’t for riding or work that involved riding. I’d love to take an e-mail-less, bike-less vacation. I’d probably go crazy, but who knows… RF14 was awesome, simply because I made it a point to stay away from the computer for 10 straight days.

Do you feel traveling is something everyone should do in their life?
Naturally. But of course, I’m not gonna force anyone to do anything they don’t wanna. I know people I grew up with that still haven’t left our hometown, and they’re perfectly happy. So yeah, I’m all for new experiences and weird situations in strange countries, but I’ll leave it up to the individual to decide.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I would love to see people find the good in BMX before obviously stating whatever it might be they hate about everything. I honestly see, hear and read way too many people talking shit about everything they hate in BMX, and failing to see the good in it. I’m guilty too, but one day I asked myself, “If I hate this and this about BMX so much, why am I even doing it?” Kinda like how Luke Skywalker knew there was good in Darth Vader. There’s good inside of all the stupid things people talk shit about in BMX, you’ve just gotta search for it, or simply ignore something if it’s not your cup of tea. So yeah, less cynicism, unless you can articulate how and why as well as Russ from SPRFLS or John Paul Rogers…

Las Vegas Motorcycle Escapade from briantunney on Vimeo.

What does BMX need more of?
Individuals. People not afraid to do their own thing. It’s well on its way though, thanks in part to Catfish, Sean Burns, Leigh Ramsdell, Steven Hamilton and about 50 other awesomely strange people I’m forgetting. That and less handshaking, I think I’ve lost two years off my life from simply shaking hands with people every time I go to the Brooklyn Banks. The nod is severely underrated. Tom White and Dave Belcher will back me up on that one…

Outside of work and riding, what are some things you are into?
Normal 34 year-old kinda things; the stock exchange, Abercrombie and Fitch, Brangelina drama, Feist.

You seem like somebody who would be big into books? Have you read any good ones lately?
The last book I read was a history of Manhattan’s Lower East Side from 1850-1910 called Low Life. Aside from that, I’m a huge fan of the New Yorker, and that’s my main source of reading entertainment every week for the past decade probably.

Seen any good movies lately?
Yes. My current favorite is the Steve Rocco documentary, ‘The Man Who Souled The World.’

What kind of music do you listen to? Any you suggest people check out?
I’ve been on a huge Joan of Arc/Make Believe kick the past two months. Sandwiched between that is the new Sun Kill Moon album and Dalek’s ‘Absence.’ Not much else really right now. Except for the illustrious Heather Duby, who you can find here: www.myspace.com/heatherduby

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, fictional, who would it be and why?
Right now, it’d be my good friend Mike Vincent, who’s laid up in some sketchy rehabilitation hospital in LA following an accident in January.

What is one thing about you that nobody believes?
That I’m not a huge stoner.

If you were to win the lottery, what would you do with the cash?
Buy a house, pay off some bills and travel.

What is the best advice you can give somebody?
Brian Kachinsky told me it a few weeks ago, “Keep fucking.”

Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
I’m really influenced by people that simply get out and do whatever they’re calling in life happens to be. I might not get psyched to go ride from watching a video part, but a certain song on my iPod will definitely push me out the door. I guess what I’m getting at is that I take influence from everything around me, internalize it and spit it out the only way I know how to; through riding my bike or writing it down. That, and the booze helps too.

What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?
I know it’s just nomenclature, but I’m not too into the use of “kids” in regards to BMX. It draws a division between the riders and the industry. I mean, if I was to say, “Well, we need to make a hollow-pinned chain. You know, for the kids,” I’d feel as though it draws an unnecessary line between riders and industry. Yeah, there are younger people getting into BMX who might technically be referred to as “kids,” but they’re riders, and they should be respected as such. I feel like the term “kids” denotes a sense of talking down to. It’s just a pet peeve of mind though. Still, if Kevin Jones had said, “Hey kid” to me instead of “How’s it going man,” when I was 15, I’d have been bummed. It’s those little things that make all the difference… But as for riders just getting into BMX, I’d look to Van Wilder and say, “don’t take life too seriously. You’re never getting out of it alive anyway.” That, and to learn the basics, from endos to kickturns to patching a tube, before learning tailwhips.

What kind of advice do you have for somebody who wants to work in the industry as a TM/writer/etc?
Apply for food stamps, take up drinking and know that you’re going to make a few enemies along the way.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Everyone that’s helped along the way, thanks. You should all know who you are.

Anything else you would like to say?
Lord loves a workin’ man… Don’t trust whitey… See a doctor and get rid of it.

Brian Tunney Flatcrap Section from briantunney on Vimeo.