Over the past few months Hoffman Bikes have been making a few new additions to their flow squad and really getting the ball rolling with the brand again lately. Last week we caught a real dialed welcome edit for one of their new riders, Mason Ritter, who crushed it around Pittsburgh and The Wheel Mill. We have seen Mason’s name pop up a few times over the last year or so and we were curious just what he was all about, so we hit him up to find out! Let’s check out what he had to say!
Name: Mason Ritter
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sponsors: Hoffman Bikes
Years riding: 16
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
Well, my dad got me into riding when I was pretty young. He would make me these little kickers and take me to some of the local skateparks. I didn’t know what BMX was at the time until I watched the X-Games.
It was just announced that you have joined the Hoffman Bikes flow team. How did that opportunity all come about? What’s it like riding for the one and only Mat Hoffman?
Mark Owen is the dude that helped me out with that. Mat was making a flow team, and Mark sent him some of my riding videos and photos. It’s super weird, like it still doesn’t seem real. I feel super honored.
Obviously with the news you had your welcome edit drop last week. Are you working on any other projects with Hoffman yet? Trips or anything like that, that you are looking forward to?
As of right now I do not. But I’m looking forward to the Heathens and the Welcome Jam!
How long did you work on that welcome video for? Any good stories behind filming for that one that people might not know just watching it?
It took us a couple weeks. We wanted to film more outside but since the weather in Pittsburgh is pretty bipolar we only got to film one day outside and had to film the rest at The Wheel Mill. The Heely’s were just a joke. When we were finishing up filming, Geo asked me if I wanted to film anything else and I remembered I had the Heelys in my car. So I slipped them on and threw down some Heely bangers.
Have you been filming for any other projects at all? Any chance we’ll see some more footage of you popping up soon?
Yeah, my friend Tyler Valentik and I are making our second doubles edit.
As a bunch of people are probably aware of, you spend quite a bit of time at The Wheel Mill since you work there. What do you do there?
I check people into the park, and sell the customers snacks, clothing, and bike parts.
It seems like the place has been incredible for the scene. Who are a few of the riders that really have caught your attention that we should keep any eye out for?
One of the guys everybody should keep an eye out for is Cameron Girvin. He can ride park, dirt and isn’t afraid to send a barspin down a 22 stair. And of course The Halahan’s! Nate and Lukas Halahan are some of the most stylish kids, they kill any park they ride and just destroy the trails.
Anything big coming up for The Wheel Mill that you are looking forward to? I know they just had their Winter Welcome Jam that looked to have a huge turn out.
Yeah, The Wheel Mill has a Next Generation Jam coming up March 28th. It’s really awesome because it has little contest for all ages.
Now that the temps are on the verge of warming back up and everything, do you have any plans as far as traveling and everything goes once that happens?
Yeah, I’d like to work my way out west and just cruise whatever parks I run into.
Where’s one place you have never been, but have always wanted to ride?
Joyride 150
Who are some of the riders that really influenced your riding growing up?
Dave Mirra
Mat Hoffman
Chris Doyle
Scotty Canmer
Stephen Murray
What about these days? Who are the guys that really get you excited to ride?
Psshh. Mark Webb
Sean Burns
Chris Doyle
The Glenn Johnson
Jason Watts
Jamie Bestwick
Mat Hoffman
I’d imagine it’s a little hard to imagine, but what do you think you would be doing today if it weren’t for BMX?
Id probably become a rapper since that is the thing to do these days.
You’re going to school for graphic design, right? How are you liking that?
Yep, I really enjoy it! Super fun making logos and learning new design techniques.
Do you have a “dream job” that you want to do someday or is it just something to fall back on?
Well, since I customize shoes, I’d like to have my own shoe company.
The shoes were all white and I drew on them with sharpie fine point markers. Then the others were sharpies and then I tie dyed over top.”
Don’t you shoot photos as well? How long have you been shooting for and what are you working with?
I’ve been shooting photos for about 5 years. Currently I am using a Nikon D3200.
Are you into anything outside of riding, design and photography? Any other hobbies or things you’re really good at?
I really enjoy snowboarding, skateboarding, and just being out in nature picking up the vibes.
What kind of music are you into? Any songs you have been real into lately?
As of right know I’ve been listening to a lot of Led Zeppelin and The Eagles. Peaceful Easy Feeling
Let’s say you could have any super power… What would you choose and why?
Being able to fly would be pretty sick! I’d save a lot of money not having to pay for gas.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Progressing my riding, traveling and hopefully getting my shoe company started.
How can people keep up with you these days?
Facebook: Mason Ritter
Twitter: @mason_ritter
Instagram: @mason_ritter
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I’d like to say thanks to my dad for getting me into extreme sports, and my mom and sister for being so supportive with everything I do. All my friends, Deek Design for filming my edits. The Wheel Mill bike park, without that place I wouldn’t be riding at the level I am today. Mark Owen, and Mat Hoffman because he’s the man!
Anything else you want to say?
Good Vibes and Good Times.
