Search Results for: Lake Jump

A while back Jeff K hit me up about why I hadn’t done an interview with Dom. I guess it was always in the back of my head about getting it done, and it was eventually going to happen. Well, that eventually is today. Dom has been a working man as of late and doing whatever it is possible to still make time for a good session his bike. It’s cool to be able to ask him questions since the Midwest BMX.net site was one of those really influential sites that got me into this web stuff. I still remember taking the i-frame code of their site for one of my old ones haha (I’m sure most of you are scratching your head). Alright, so just check out what Dom has to say, some photos, and videos. Then leave him some of your words in the comments!

Name:
Dominic Trovato
[Read more…]

The first time I met Erik, it was at a session at the now closed Renegade skatepark here in Minnesota. My jaw hit the floor… literally. I was blown away by the weird tricks he was doing all over the place. Fakies across the park to half body varials out. I just sat there and stared the majority of the time. We talked about doing an interview, and for some reason or another it ended up taking a really long time to pull everything together. It worked out great though, because now he has a BRAND NEW edit that I know will blow minds to go with this. So check out some of the very entertaining responses Erik has, some good photos, the edit, and then leave him some love in the comments! All photos by Ryan Mense!

“What I’ve done here is successfully perform the meticulous task of blacking out an etch-a-sketch with vertical lines. When you do this you can see a metal cross hair and this cute little drawing pad’s magic evaporates. If you don’t believe me try the experiment for yourselves; it’s an excellent usage of time.”

Name:
Ehric Elstran
[Read more…]

When you have been in BMX long enough, you learn a lot of names of people who keep things going behind the scenes. Obviously, John is one of those more recognizable names due to being team manager for the Etnies BMX program. When it comes to having history and background in BMX, he has plenty of it and it shows. As busy as John is, I am amazed with how well this turned out. Don’t forget to check out the slide show of his photography at the bottom too! I think you will like this one.. Enjoy and leave some love for him in the comments!

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson
Edit: Taj took this I guess!

Name:
Jonathan Patrick Povah

Location:
I live in Corona Ca. Originally from London England. Work in Lake Forest Ca

Sponsors:
None, but working for etnies has its perks…

Years riding:
I count “years owning a BMX bike” as how long I’ve been riding BMX, not just how long I’ve been competing or racing like some people do… it’s 30 years this past September 11th

What was it that first sparked your attention for BMX, and what keeps you into it today?
I guess it’s just that daredevil gene in some of us, maybe it was Evel Knievel, who knows? I always jumped my bikes even before the term BMX was part of my vocabulary. When I was real little I skateboarded, & even did it after I’d found BMX for a while but for some reason when I was introduced to BMX it grabbed my attention more than skating & I just stuck with it.

You have been team manager for Etnies for a while now, how did that all come about it and how are things going with it?
The previous TM (Nate Hanson) got let go for some reason or another, so they were looking for a new TM. Schwinn had just recently filed bankruptcy & let their whole program go, I was working at a friends company that built ramps in the meantime but was looking for something a little more along the lines of what I was doing at Schwinn. Rooftop dropped a few good words with the powers-that-be over at etnies & the rest is history…..So I want to send a big thanks to Mike for thinking of me, & sorry to Nate for getting fired.

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

Any big Etnies news you can tell us about? Team additions/removals, new products, video projects, road trips, anything at all really?
Yeah, obviously we have the Aaron Ross “designed by” shoe, “The NUMBER”, that should be out in a few months, there’s some cool colors of that, we’re doing an Odyssey Collaboration with that too. Aaron’s shoe has been getting really good reviews from stores & accounts outside BMX which is unusual, so hopefully we can move some decent numbers in that to give back to the BMX program. We also have a Bestwick colorway out right now called the PACE as well as Morgan’s colorway the SNIPER, you can check those out on etnies.com. Next year we hope to do some more colorway stuff with team guys, maybe with some cool collaborators, maybe some team rider inspired apparel. Hopefully we’re going to be moving forward with print & web advertising again in 09, 08 was really tough financially coz of the economy etc & we had to pull a lot of ads, which in my opinion is pretty detrimental to the well being of the team, but also the mags etc which I was bummed we had to do, but if there’s no money, there’s no money. Hope to do some more video stuff in 09, no real plans for a major vid, that shit is expensive, a pain in the ass & really wares on the riders. As far as team changes, there are a few but I’ll keep it under raps for now.
We have a new indoor private street plaza being rapped up right now for teams guys to ride, that should be fun & hopefully they’ll be cool with bikes on it. I’m also personally trying to get a private bowl too at etnies.

Is there ever a “typical” day for you?
Day to day is pretty sporadic; I can come & go as I please so long as I get my shit done..There are certain daily, weekly & monthly things that I have to take care of, but so long as shit gets done my day is my own…..The one thing I will say though, is that if I’m not at work & there’s a decision to be made about BMX, something is getting screwed up coz I am the SOLE BMX employee there……If there’s a decision to be made about skate, there’s a 100 or more other people to make sure things go smoothly. So with that said, I do like to be there as much as I can…It’s a good environment though & there’s lots of cool people working there so it makes work fun.

It would appear that your job is a pretty chaotic job. Do you find much time to ride these days?
I find more time to ride with work to be honest than I do having a kid…. When that little bastard came into my life, all of a sudden there’s just not enough hours in a day. Ha ha ha. I have been planning my days a little better to make sure I do get some riding in though, even if its just a 15 minute sesh at a crappy cement park

Where are some of your all time favorite spots to ride or visit?
Singapore was an amazing place to visit, not necessarily the best to ride because of some seriously strict laws, although there were some amazing untouched spots the culture & country was awesome. As far as riding goes I would say a lot of the old cement parks in the UK are real good: Harrow, Romford, Southsea & Livingston. One of the best things I have ever ridden though was this bowl that they used to have at the VANS park in Orange County California, we all called it the “Black Bowl”…for obvious reasons, it unintentionally became the best bowl for bikes ever!!. There were only a handful of guys who could or did ride it…But that thing was amazing with endless lines & better hips than Jessica Simpson…Well, maybe not! Ha ha ha….VANS tore it out to put in some 3-foot tall nibble shit in its place for the kiddies. It was a sad day when they demolished that thing. This is the bowl I am trying to recreate in the etnies warehouse…..If I can come up with the money that is

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

I know you get to travel a bit because of your job. Where are some places you really hope you get to go to someday?
Wow! That’s a cool question! There are so many places I’d like to go. For riding I’d like to visit Australia, New Zealand & maybe Barcelona. To just travel for the sake of traveling to visit somewhere, probably Africa, Egypt, some places with heritage & cultures that I can’t imagine like Fiji or Tahiti….Some shit like that….Hard question, just so many amazing places

If you could go on a trip with 5 people, who would you bring, where you would go, would you document, and why?
Quit with the hard questions!!! Sucks having to pick just 5
If we’re talking about a riding/fun not too serious trip, I’d have to say these 5 losers.
1. Sandy Carson
2. Dave Freimuth
3. Brett walker
4. Catfish
5. Chad Degroot
Would I document it? HELL YEAH !!! & why? Coz not only are these guys in their own right pretty bad ass on bikes, but they’ll also keep me smiling, which in my opinion is how bike riding should be…It’d be not stop comedy with this crew……..But again, I have other dudes I’d love to travel with also: Ruben, Taj, Sergio, Joe, Heaton, Bohan etc….The list is seriously endless.

You used to do shows and everything so I know you got tricks. What is your favorite trick to do?
I’d have to say flips! Sound cliché, but its one of the funnest tricks I ever learned. Paid some dues learning it as there were only a few dudes doing it when I learned it, but once I got it, it was one of the best feelings to experience, just lofting a slow rotating flip feels amazing! Nowadays, my favorite trick is just staying upright on two wheels & not crashing.

Since Etnies is a big company, I imagine you get a fair share of sponsor me videos. How do you go about picking people to hook up anyways?
Dude! I get some seriously HORRIBLE submissions, I would forward links etc, but I don’t want to embarrass these kids……& they’ll think I’m a dick (Well, I am a dick) & I don’t need their dads kicking my ass!! Ha ha ha. I’m just blown away how some of these kids really think that what they are doing is even remotely close to being worthy of being sponsored…I mean! Do these kids even look at other riders out there to gauge what they’re doing against…It blows my mind !!
The only kid I have EVER sponsored from seeing his “sponsor me tape”… & it was Actually a “tape” which makes it even better was Brett Walker. The shit he was doing on the tape was pretty much worthy of being a part in a video today, it was awesome…..He sucks now though & just nibbles shit so I’m thinking of revoking his privileges though….see! Told you I was a dick!

You have been involved in BMX for quite a while. How do you feel about the current state of BMX?
Wow! What a can of worms this could be:
I’ve seen trends come & go..& come again & I figure everything comes out in the wash…Eventually. I kinda have mixed feelings about how BMX is nowadays though. On one hand I’m stoked on certain levels of trick progression, riding styles etc. On the other hand I get a little burned out on the same cookie cut repetitive tricks whether it be contest moves or street stuff. Just seems the same 4 or 5 tricks are making a living for some of these dudes, & doing 1 more tailwhip or 1 more barspin shouldn’t be the next bar to reach, trying to differentiate yourself from the other dudes out there should be….That’s kinda why dudes like Sean Burns are such a breath of fresh air….Need more of that.
The internet has given every kid a voice & a platform to show the world what they’ve got. On the other hand its also given that same kid an anonymous voice to talk shit & make them, in their eyes an authority on any given subject. Which in all honesty, they should be caring about what they have going on, & not prying into subjects that don’t involve them. Message boards are cool if used well, but it seems like 99.9% of the time shit gets off subject & into a shit talking match with another kid posting….whatever! It is what it is.

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

Where would you like to see BMX go as time goes on?
The quality & direction of bikes & parts, I think everything is amazing & is looking good for the future. But: Personally I’d like to see bikes stores really grasp the concept of softgoods, & what the possibilities really are by carrying them, whether it be Tees, shoes or even as small as hats & wallets etc…Anyone who’s talked to me about this knows I sound like a broken record right no. Maybe we need to educate them, or create the demand for bike stores, but if you look back at the history of skateboard stores & the direction they have gone, 10 years ago, they were 90% hardgoods: trucks, decks, wheels etc..Fast forward 10 years & now those same stores are primarily softgoods…..I’m by no means on skaters dicks, but I like the fact that they’ve kept to what they want & pushed things in the direction they want that’s best for them. Personally this is a direction I’d like to see things go for BMX as it appears that it makes for a stable foundation for the sport for any kind of self-sustainability & longevity. I respect brands like Lotek, Freemont, Orchid etc for their devotion to wanting to go in this direction, now we just need retailers to support it.

Since you have been in the industry from Schwinn to Etnies, could you ever imagine yourself doing something else?
I’d like to stay in the industry in one aspect or another…But only time will tell right? I used to restore cars for a living, maybe I’d get back into doing that if I really had too..Its more fun as a hobby than a 9 to 5 to be honest, but if push comes to shove I’d probably get back into that…I love Hotrods & Muscle cars

Since the kids seem to get pretty heated on this one, how do you feel about big companies like Levi’s and Nike getting involved in BMX?
I’m pretty cool with it, I have nothing against it….Kids don’t really know what they’re pissed about, they just know for one reason or another they are just supposed to be pissed at Nike etc coz someone else of influence to them was pissed about it. I hear the term “milking BMX” when it comes to these brands, but honestly, there’s nothing to milk, our sport is not that big that they (Nike, Levi’s) etc are making humongous sales from us..This can kinda tie back in with the question about the direction I’d like to see BMX go when it comes to retail. We’re gaining more from these brands investing in BMX by doing vids, ads, trips paying riders than they are ever getting from us at this point. All I’m seeing is their involvement in what we do as benefiting us by bringing exposure, notoriety & legitimacy to BMX, in turn creating, once again longevity & stability…The whole thing goes both ways & has arguments “for” & “against”, but at this stage in the game, I’m cool with it. Ask me again in a few years if they bail on BMX, then I might feel differently.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved in BMX?
Fat, drunk, still living in England & painting cars, barely making ends meet!……Well, actually, other than living in America & not painting cars anymore I am pretty much all of the above. Ha ha ha

Outside of work and anything relating to BMX, what are you usually up to?
Hanging with my wife Jacqui & son Garrett Gray, doing home improvements, Photography, designing bike parts, fishing when I get the chance, watching porn, drinking, trying to come up with the next billion dollar invention, watching movies, sitting in traffic…there’s probably lots of other things I’m up to, but for the most part I love hanging with my family.

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

I know you got one kid, how’s the role of dad going? Is there any more on the way?
Having a kid is awesome!…Definitely a drain on my time & wallet, but until you have a kid, its unexplainable how much you can love something soooo much!!!! No more kids on the way or plans thereof. I have already severed my penis as a back-up plan to ensure it doesn’t happen EVER again !!!!!!  Now its party time!!!!

Will you try and get your kid(s) into BMX, or is it something you really don’t plan on pushing?
He can already ride his 10” DK General Lee with stabilizer’s & steer pretty well……he hasn’t quite figured out the coaster brake thing quite yet, but he’s doing pretty well for a 2 ½ year old. If he wants to ride bikes cool, I’m not going to push him, if he wants to get into something else, then I’m cool with that too…I just want him to be happy & make a good life for himself (& me when I’m old )

You have had your fair share of trips, what is your all time worst horror story from traveling?
I thought about this one for a long time & I couldn’t think of anything too serious. I’m sure that there’s been some shitty trips or shitty situations, but in all honesty, all they do is make for good stories. So whether trips are good or bad, it’ll end up good in the end & something fun to reminisce about.

Have you ever been in a fight? Did you win?
I used to be into boxing & was actually trained to box from when I was about 8 or 9 years old till I was about 20. I won a good portion of matches I had, I also got my ass handed to me too a few times when I was fighting out of my league (weight class). I honestly don’t like fighting & do whatever I can to not get into fights (unless I’m drunk), but if I’m forced to, I will. People always think I’m pissed, or just look pissed & want to fight, but its not true….It does have it’s advantages though looking this way if I’m not feeling like talking to someone. I think, & I could be wrong coz I know I’ve had some tussles when I’ve drank some. The last serious fight I was in was at Gravity Games (right before 9/11) between a bunch of BMXers & the moto crew they call the Metal Mullisha….BMXers won….I did get in a little toe to toe last year at the Simpel Session too with Stricker after some dude jumped on Stricker for checking out his girl…..Couldn’t understand an F-ing word the dude was saying, Stricker got hit a few times, but the bouncers broke it up & kicked us out before it could escalate too far.

How are you feeling about the elections and government in general?
I hate politics, its all BS to me & I’m not a huge fan of the whole system. Just too much shady shit goes on behind the scenes for me to get too excited about it…..We’ll get fucked in the end one way or another by the system.

It would appear the economy is getting pretty ugly… Any thoughts on that?
Yeah it sucks! My house is now worth less than half what I bought it for 3 years ago….So yeah, the economy thing sucks balls!

What is the first song to come to mind?
Sweet Child O Mine. GnR

How about first movie come to mind?
SNATCH !

If you could have more of something in your life, what would it be and why?
Money. Obvious reasons

You find $100 on the ground, what do you do with it?
Put it in my kids saving’s account

If you could relive any day in your life, what day would you pick and why?
My wedding day / tied pretty closely by the birth of my son. Obvious reasons

I would imagine you are forced to spend quite a bit of time on the computer, any favorite websites?
Etniesbmx.com
Defgrip
Thecomeup
BMXonline
FATBMX.com
OS-BMX
RADBMX.co.uk
DIGBMX.com
Terrible1.com
B&H
Youporn
Youtube
Ebay
Amazon.com

What are some things you are looking forward to for 2009?
Watching my kid grow
Simple Session in Estonia
A stronger etnies BMX program
Getting myself in better shape & riding more
Being alive

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

If you could have any car in the world, what would you want to drive?
I don’t really have that much love for modern American cars, but if we’re talking about Dream cars, I’ve been stoked on the FORD GT…That thing is beautiful, almost a work of art…& fast as fuck !!! Love to have me one of them!!

If you could live the life of somebody else for one day, who would you pick and why?
Megan Fox. I wouldn’t be able to stop “playing” with myself. I wouldn’t leave the bedroom !!..Good enough reason right?????

Obviously you are married, so what is the key to success with the ladies?
Just have the same respect for others that you have for yourself. Have an open mind & be understanding….But most of all: Give the wife your “balls” so she can put them in her purse.

Who or what have been the biggest influences on your life?
Friends (You know who you are) & family

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Sounds cliché. But I want everyone to just get along, no more wars. For the world to care more about life, living & love, rather than governments, oil & money. Everyone care & make changes for the better of the environment for a better future & for future generations……..Its funny how your perspectives change once you have a kid.

What is the best advice you can give somebody looking to get into the industry, or just towards life?
Be cool & don’t think your something that your not. Be humble but driven, with specific direction. Get an education whether it be for the industry of otherwise…It’ll pay off.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Shit!! Waaaaay too many….I’ll give it a shot though

Jacqui Povah, Garrett Gray Povah, Mom & Dad, Kim, Judy, Dave Osato, Mike Escamilla, Mike Manzoori, Don Brown, Eladio Correa, Megan Easley, Rob Brink, Matt Chapman, Mark Holder, Jason Smith, Wallice Mills, Etnies BMX team past & present, specifically: Taj, Joe, Ruben, Sergio, Brian, Aaron, Jamie, Morgan, Heaton, Sandy, Freimuth, Enns, Garrett, Baker, Brett Walker. Bohan, Heath, Blyther, Voelker, Dominguez, Lee Reynolds, Greg Guillotte, Andy Brown, Andy Shohara, Alvin Mullins, Mark Scurto, Moroshan, Keith Mulligan, Fudger, Z, Bauer, Nuno, Degroot, Duncan Gore, Steve Swope, Miron, Big Island, Tunney, Condor, Sean McKinney, Chris Moeller, Kimler, BF, Adam Banton, Pat Schafer, Spohn Ranch, Prestige, Tom & Tina at Empire, Treika at A1 Cycle, Mark Noble, David Haynes, Lee Alexander, Barry Southby.
BIG thanks to BMX Union for wanting to & actually have interest in the bullshit I have to spill for an interview…………………I know there’s more people & I know I’m going to be bummed that I forgot someone, but just know that I care, & thanks to you all that has ever helped me in one way or another for better or worse. Much love.

Anything else you would like to say?
Have fun, love life & make the most of opportunity. Don’t live with regret.

One thing I didn’t know about John is that he is into photography. Here is some photos he has to show for you. If you want to see some of the smaller pictures at full size, just click on it.

With all the recent stuff Drew had been producing I knew that I had to get him an interview. It just so happens that he had a pretty bad accident recently so he has been on the chill list and had time to fill us in. So enjoy, and let us know what you think in the comments!

Name:
Drew Orendorff, “Drew York”

Location:
Moline, Illinois

Sponsors:
Standard Bykes, Goodtimes Superstore, Team Iowa

Years Riding:
11. Half my life

To start out, you recently had a pretty good crash that left your arm real ripped up. What exactly happened to cause this and what is wrong with your arm?
I was in Tulsa Oklahoma and I found a small gap to rail. We went to film it a couple times but at the bottom was a truck so we would come back. One day we went and the truck was still there but i looked at it and figured i could make it work. (Which wasn’t the case). I hopped on a curb on the left then jumped to the right onto the rail. I grinded down the rail and leaned too far over and I had to jump off. I landed on the hood of the truck, rolled a bit, and my hand smashed through the windshield. We then rushed to the ER and I was in surgery pretty quick. I ended up with 147 stitches.

Why did they put a cast on your arm that looks like an uncircumcised penis?
The first cast I had was a pretty good resemblance to that huh! hahaha Actually I can’t move or feel my fingers so they sort of bent them into whatever position they wanted. I didnt break anything but the nerves and tendons need to regenerate without any movement, hence the cast.

How are things going with Standard these days. When can we expect to see some Drew York signature goods? Any videos, road trips, or anything planned for once your all healed up?
Standard is doing awesome. We have the new machine shop up and running and they are pumping out product left and right. As for any signature products I haven’t got to talk much about that yet but I do have some ideas and also my own custom frame that is pretty dialed I might say. I have heard wind of maybe some euro trippin some time in the near future so im pumped on gettin back on my bike.

How about the rest of the sponsors? Any new sponsors in the works? trips, videos, product once you get rolling again?
No new sponsors as of yet. Im just looking forward to healing up, doing all of my rehab, and then gettin back into some shreddin.

It seems like you came out of nowhere with some amazing web videos lately, have you stepped up your game or has there just been a camera around more these days?
I guess its a little of both. I am lucky to have two of my good friends filming a lot,(Tony Malouf and Miles Rogoish) so we try to ride together as much as possible. Also I have the priviledge of shooting photos with Justin Kosman whenever he comes home and we run into each other on the road as well.

You have been doing a little traveling lately too, I know you were in Tulsa when you got jacked up. Where all have you been lately?
Yeah I was in Tulsa for around a month and a half. Before that was a roadtrip from home out to Santa Barbara then up to Lake tahoe in January. I also went to Austin in February for a couple weeks. We hit up Jellystone campgrounds and the skatepark they have there right before tulsa too.

Where would you like to get to once you can get on that BMX again?
I would love to go back out to NYC sometime soon and hopefully I can get over to the UK before next summer. Basically I just want to keep traveling and riding new spots. People seem to be into this question.

What is your best story involving you and cops/security/hookers/homeless people/midgets/angry pedestrians while out riding?
I have quite a few but a good one was 3 years ago in NYC after a chill sesh at the brooklyn banks we were sitting in front of a pizza place and some homeless lady starts arguing with us for sitting out front of the shop. Im not gonna say we didnt give her any shit but the lady then took some keys, put them between her fingers and started swinging at me. She chased us for about 2 blocks after that.

Who all is in the crew that you are typically seen riding with? Also where could you usually be found riding?
If im in town im with Danny Gordon, Chuck Walters, Brad Whitcomb, and Justin Ferguson when im riding. We are either at the Davenport skatepark or downtown moline or davenport hittin the street spots. Out of town the crew is Miles, Tony, Russel Wadlin, and Jake Giesel. We could be anywhere at anytime.ahahahaha

What is it that gets you motivated to do a big rail or something a little to crazy?
I just look at a spot for a little bit to figure it out then just think about how psyched I will be when I pull it. Then charge. I guess sometimes thats why i do get hurt pretty bad.

Out of the whole Standard crew, who are your favorites and why?
I love riding with Russ, Jeremiah, Rick, Jaimy Spritzer, Benny, Jonah, all the UK guys. I dunno, we have fun shreddin when the whole team is together.

What is your dream set up at a spot to ride and why?
I like wierd set up rails and anything you can full pedal at. Maybe a huge step up Euro gap with a flat rail on top. hahah

What are some things BMX could use less of, and what could it use more of?
Less stocking caps.Less swans. Maybe some more chrome.

How do you feel about bike games to play like foot down and b-i-k-e? Do you have any of your own games you play?
I dont have any of my own but I grew up and worked at Rampage Skatepark and we played the shit out of some footdown. I think i beat Brian Vowell once head to head. Just sayin.

Where do you think you would be right now if you never picked up a bike?
Probably not in debt to hospitals. hahahah No but I could be anywhere. I guess im glad I chose this way. Im really into art so maybe something with that.

Outside of riding what are you up to?
A lot of chilling. Actually I am starting up a new project with my room mate right now. We are going to be doing a new clothing and accessories company. No name so far, but we have a lot of ideas and a great direction with it. We should have some product in the next few months online and out in some flyers and catalogs. It wont just be a t shirt company, we will be doing different styles of hats, various cut shirts, bags, and all sorts of smaller accessories.

Did you get any hot nurses phone numbers when you were getting checked up?
Unfortunatly no. I was pretty gone on pain killers while i was in there. But, i know I saw some good lookin girls wanderin around in there.

If you could have one thing covered for your whole life and not have to worry about it, what would that thing be and why?
Maybe a gas card so I could travel all of the time. Having rent taken care of would be nice too.

What is the dream car for you?
Im not too into cars really. Probably a truck would be cool. I could throw my bike in the back.

If you could be sponsored by any company at all, bmx related or not, who would you pick and why?
Any Jeans or shoes would be cool. I go throught them super fast.

You have 3 smoking hot girls stop you at the bar, a blonde, brunette, or red head, who do you take home?
All three but the Brunette is first.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Hopefully cross a few things off that ive wanted to do on the bike. Find a new house. Get over the pond for awhile and just keep traveling with my bike. I really want to film another video part since I got hurt during this one.

Do you work or go to school at all?
I was working at Bent River Brewery here in Moline but since this crash im kind of a chiller for awhile.

What is one food you could live on forever?
Chicken Salad Sandwhiches.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment in life?
I dont think ive reached that yet. But ive got plenty of time.

Who or what has influenced you the most?
riding bikes it would have to be Brian Kachinsky, Rick Moliterno, Van Homan, and Josh Stricker

What is the first song that comes to mind right now?
Dont stop Believin’- Journey

Seen any good movies lately?
The Dark Knight while I was in Tulsa. That movie is dope.

What is the last thing you bought?
Baker 3 dvd and Props issue 69.

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?
Fat Tire or any Rum will do.

If you could eat at any restaurant right now, where would you go and what would you get?
Hungry Hobo. Number 11 Hobo Combo Sub

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thank you to my MOM first off. Thanks to Rick and Jess at Standard, Ryan Levsen at Goodtimes, Matt Coplon at Profile,Bent River, My room mates Owen and Parky for dealing with me coming and going all the time, Miles, Tony, Russ and Kelly, Kachinsky, Justin Kosman for way too much help and anyone that has let me crash at yer place. Thanks.

Anything else you would like to say?
First try, No warm ups.

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.

Name: Braden Ross

Location: North County San Diego

Sponsors: Give D Clothing

Your another one of the Give D guys, so you know the question will be: What is Give D to you and what is it like to be apart of the crew?
Give D is always about having a good time with everyone. With riding,hanging out, partying, anything really. Just an awesome group of guys that shred and know how to kickass.

You also live in San Diego, how long have you lived there and what do you think of the scene?
I’ve beenin San Diego for about 7 years but recently just got back from being in Salt Lake City for a year. I have been back a couple months and things have been going great, the scene has grown a lot since I was gone, and it’s crazy to see how many more kids are shredding these days.

How long have you been riding and what got you into it?
I’ve been riding for about 5 years. I got a bike on my birthday in 8th grade and started building dirt jumps in my back yard, been shredding since then.

What do you typically ride? are you like the other Give D guys who are big street dudes?
I’d rather go out to a good street spot rather than a skatepark just because I feel I can be more creative on street, but I always have fun going to the local park.

Do you work or go to school outside of riding at all?
No, since I moved back I’ve been lazily looking for a job but I end up just going outside and riding.Once I get a job and some money I’ll probably start signing up for classes as well.

What is the trick that has given you the most trouble?
Probably turndowns, always have the hardest time with them at the skatepark.

What is your biggest accomplishment with riding?
Lately I’ve just learned to just enjoy riding even after I get frustrated with a trick or just not having a good riding day.

If you didn’t get into riding what do you think you would be doing?
Probably just going to school full time.

If you could ride with any dude in the world, who would it be and why?
Probably Corey Martinez, the guy just looks like who really knows how to shred. Real good controlled style.

What are some of the things you like to do outside of riding? I know a few of the Give D guys are big into photography.
Usually just chill with friends or party. Probably start surfing again once my brother moves back to San Diego.

Where are your typical riding spots?
Woodland bank,Esco high school, DMV, Clairemont park, Escondido park. There is actually a lot of good stuff real close.

Say the first word or words that come to mind when you hear the word….
BMX? Fun!

Money? I need

San Diego? Amazing people

Snow? Salt Lake City

God? Almighty…?

Girls? Real fun!

If you could ride one place that you have never been, where would it be and why? I’ve always wanted to go Vancouver, place seems like it has tons of stuff to ride. I hear it’s real good.

Who do you think would die first if you loaded the whole Give D crew into a van and went on a cross country road trip?
Haha I don’t even know. It would be random, everyone on the team gets wild enough to do something crazy.

What kind of music are you into?
Metal, hip hop,ambient/alternative stuff. Anything that motivates me.

What are some of your all time favorite riding videos or parts?
Van Homan in Criminal Mischief.Corey Martinez and Mike Aitken in Wide Awake Nightmare. Etnies Forward, I used to watch that all the time when I first started riding.

Are there any people out there you would like to thank or shout out to?
Alex Bermudez for putting together something that have let nothing but good experiences and fun times for everyone down here in San Diego. All the guys on the team, always fun to ride and chill with. My mom and family for always helping me out. The crew up in Salt Lake City for keeping me sane while I was in Utah.

Anything I might have missed you would like to add?
Thank you and Give D!!!

Name:
Albert Mercado

Location:
San Diego CA

Sponsors:
GDC, Kinkbikeco, hooked up by Mosh parts.

Whats it like riding for and being apart of Give D?
being a part of give D is pretty nice. it is pretty much just the people I’ve been riding with for years in S.D its nice. they are all rad dudes. might come off like assholes if you don’t know ’em but once you get to know everyone they are the nicest/down to earth dudes you will know.

Rumor has it those crazy fires in California are because of Give D’s hotness, do you care to comment?
I don’t care to comment but ill give it a try. D is pretty hot so that might be the cause haha…nah but sadly the fire has gotten worse in the last few days. im not in SD right now to help out my family and friends. over 270,000 acres have burned. lots of people have lost there homes and a lot have minor injuries. it’s a pretty serious issue but ill keep this interview nice and happy. SD may be on fire and people have lost there homes so lets just be happy no one has died. everyone just smile everything will be ok. if you see my mom or anyone that looks sad in San Diego right now give them D! a hug or just a good solid high five.

What are some things you have going on with riding right now?
started riding for kink a little bit ago. got some stuff coming up. thats real nice. other than that just chillin and riding my bike.

I noticed you are in LA right now whats that all about?
im in LA to visit my girl. she lives out here in Sherman oaks CA. she is the best for letting me hang out for so long. I also brought my bike with me so when she is at school or work I cruise around on my bike so I don’t have to sit on a couch for hours on end. riding up here is real nice. lots of nice spots. she lives pretty close the supolveda dam. that place is fun. also some fun nibs here and there.

What are some things you are really pumped on for riding right now?
right now im just real pumped people enjoying themselves riding bikes.

What is the first trick you learned ever, and your most recent one you have pulled?
first trick I learned ever that I remember would probably be tuck no handers. when I first started riding me and my buddies had this pretty sweet flyout behind a library. it was way nice. I saw some race kid in the area do a no hander on it. it looked neat so I thought I’d give it a go. also kickflips and just tons of flyout tricks. I used to be somewhat of a boxjump hound when I first started riding. the reason for that was this flyout that was way fun. its still there. except now it has a chain after the lip. now its just a sweet chain hop.

Who are some of the biggest influences in your life?
right now that would have to be my mom and my friends. my mom because she is the toughest/nicest person ever. when life hits her hard all she can do is smile and make things work. where a normal person would fall down and give up. she will get right up and fight on through anything with a smile on her face…also my friends. for the soul reason they are what keep me happy. without them I would be face down in a ditch somewhere singing show tunes.

If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I think I would love to meet the person who invented ramen noodles. they have kept me alive and I love noodles so much you have no idea. takes minutes to make and they are tasty.

If you won the lottery, what would you spend it on?
well I would buy enough ramen to feed me for the rest of my life . then I would not change a thing. besides me traveling more. I would love to have the money to travel when I wanted.

Your primarily a street rider, is that all you ride or do you try and ride everything?
I like to ride more street cause the city I live in is pretty far from everything that is transition. there are tons of nice street spot in my area. they are way fun. on a good day ill hop on the trolley and go the Clairmont park. that usually takes about an hour to do so I don’t ride there to much these days. I do ride everything though. I love riding park and on a when I feel like falling I ride dirt. its nice not to limit yourself.

What are your 5 favorite websites?
defgrip.net, moshparts.com, myspace.com, fecalface.com, bmxunion.com for repping hard.

What kind of music do you like to ride to?
im into anything good that feels good against my ear drums.

You got a smoking hot girl to go on a date with you, what is your plan for the night? (maybe I should have asked Alfredo this one?)
im not much of a planner but with my girlfriend we like to go cruise around grab a bite to eat and check out the sites. bridges/city lights/oceans/lakes/rocks/building. anything thats fun to chill around.

Where are some of your favorite places to ride?
number one place I love to ride is andres backyard ramps. I think that will always be my favorite. it is down the street from my old place. it is way nice for being backyard ramps. these days they are a little worked but with a little work they can be fun again. the Clairmont park is way nice when it is not flooded with little scooter kids. also there are some concrete hips (gordys) by my place which are great cause they are smooth and right next to the water.

Where are some of the places you have yet to be that you would like to ride?
everywhere haha I have not been many places. I’ve been to AZ and Nevada mostly. I would love to hit the east coast sometime. also Canada and parts of the northwest. Midwest also. just everything and anything fun I would love to ride.

What kind of things are you into outside of riding?
drawing and design. I also screenprint whenever I can. im real bad at it but it is way fun when you do something that actually works out. also I like to watch cartoons. I don’t know if that really counts for anything but I love all things cartoon.

What is your most embarrassing story of any of the Give D guys?
haha no comment.

Is there any shout outs or thanks you would like to say?
first id like to thank you Kurt for the interview. AL and the give D! crew. Stephanie Lopez for being there for me all the time. DITCH CREW! Eddie Cleveland for hooking me up. Mike Ardelean at moshparts for being a rad dude. J.roe at Kink. KC badger Sean sexton for being way nice. Andre Gonzales for being such a good friend. B-DUBBS. nuno at defgrip. Jordan snider and smalls. Brad wingers chin. natty ice. Steve woodward for being a badass. Dennis enarson for being better than everyone at bikes. Kyle Carlson for having more money than me. Alex A for being Jewish. house cats for being cute. anything Ron pitcher draws is amazing. look for his art show dates/areas at 69ron.com. anyone i missed….i love you.

Did I miss anything, would you like to add anything?
“fun is good”