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.
Roll Wit Us from Alex Raban on Vimeo.
