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Eclat BMX

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There was some buzz on the internet today about the Chester Blacksmith’s bike check that showcased some new BMX company Eclat… Everyone was wondering as to what the hell this company is. The stuff looks good, so I can see why they were interested.

Now jump forward a few hours. As I am sitting at work I recieve an email from the Eclat Team manager Brian Tunney, he let out the press release. I’ll let his words tell you. Also let us at BMX union know what you think in the comments… iTod

March 25, 2008 –

Introducing Éclat, a fresh new component brand from the creative forces behind wethepeople bike company. Based at wethepeople’s international headquarters in Cologne, Germany, Éclat will exist as a separate entity, manufacturing an innovative collection of seats, brakes, grips, hubs, rims, tires, pedals and brake levers, with plans to expand coming further this year.

To begin, Éclat will be represented by Portland, Oregon’s Chester Blacksmith and the UK’s Ashley Charles, with the initial collection of components arriving to retailers by late summer of 2008.”In a time when the majority of BMX company’s components are becoming more identical by the day, we believed it was time to create a brand that manufactures unique components based on function and simplicity,” says Éclat owner/art director Klaus Dyba.

In regards to the brand name, “Éclat” is a French term, which, roughly translated means “excellence.” Éclat’s first foray into the component market is marked by a brand new patented seat and post design, which is remarkably simple and lightweight without sacrificing strength. Using 3D Torsion techniques, the seat material has been reduced to the fullest, with the final seat and post combo being ready for sale by late summer of 2008.

“I’m really exited about the new Éclat line. They’ve put a lot of thought into the new products and the people at Éclat have done a great job designing the finished product. I know riders won’t be disappointed with the line,” says Éclat rider Chester Blacksmith, currently on a European trek and testing a few products from Éclat’s line. Additionally joining the Éclat brand is Brian Tunney, who will serve as Éclat team manager.A list of international distributors will be announced soon.

For more info on Éclat, plus team and product updates, check out the brand new, constantly evolving Web site here: http://www.eclatbmx.com/

Regards,

Brian Tunney (Teammanager)

here are some shots of the products.

Josh Betley Interview

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Josh Betley is a rediculous dude on a bike. I have been meaning to get an interview with him for the longest time, then I got the random request and I figured it was time. I talked to with Kyle Carlson and we discussed some questions and Kyle sent me a bunch of photos he had of Josh. So all the photos in this interview the credit goes to Kyle. Enjoy the interview!

Name:
Joshua Charles Betley

Location:
Phoenix, Arizona

Sponsors:
Sunday! Bikes, Odyssey, Cerbae, Global Bike Shop, CarlsonCo

Years Riding:
8

In the last year or two you have became a well known dude from your riding, how do you feel about that?
It’s pretty bizarre; I’m still waiting for the babes to recognize me.

What do you think the most unexpected thing is that happened to you in the last year because bikes?
Being in the Washington Post for bike riding when I was in London without a bike. Random and unexpected for sure.

You recently went over to Sunday, what was the reason for leaving Fit?
Fit is a bunch of good guys that make some of the best products in BMX, but it didn’t really work out. After the crew pretty much abandoned in LA with no car and no money, some random dude that worked in the warehouse let me know I need to be careful because it was my “last chance.” I don’t need anyone to do me any favors and I got the impression Fit felt like they were doing me a big favor by occasionally sending me parts and shirts. I guess I just didn’t Fit.

Are you still on good terms with Fit?
For sure; I still have a couple of good friends involved with Fit and recognize that they make awesome products. I work at a bike shop and continue to do a bunch of business with them. I talk to Sean McKinney at least once a week and he’s an awesome dude.

How are things going with Sunday?
Sunday is rad. I’m just on the flow team, but they’ve been good to me. With dudes like Jake Seeley and Alex Magellan on the flow team, it seems wilder than a lot of pro teams out there. They recently took me on a trip to Austin, TX and it was full of good times with some of the most fun people I’ve ever met. Also, the new frame is incredible.

Are you filming for a part in the new Sunday video?
That’s the goal; as I said, I’m only on the flow team so I’m not exactly sure how much they want from me. I’m also working on a couple of other video projects right now so I’m a busy man.

Word on the street is you have a split video with Drew Hosselton soon to hit VitalBMX, how long has that been in the works and where all was it filmed?
It was just an all-street weekend trip to Las Vegas. About two weeks ago, Drew and I were determined to get out there and ride some new street spots and film a quick section, but we both have shit-cars that aren’t exactly road trip friendly. We ended up sending it in my Volkswagon and got lucky. In the two days we were there we filmed a little section for Vital, played some Rock Band, ate at a mexican restaurant that didn’t ID Drew, and got loose on the strip. Kyle Carlson sent me over an early copy of the edit and I’m really stoked on how it turned out; it has a really good feel to it. Hopefully everyone else agrees when it’s out!

What are your plans for 08′, any big trips or contests planned?
Nothing too much contest-wise; SWBMX.com just put on the Phoenix Massacre Online Video Contest that me and some homies were going to film a section for, but it didn’t really work out. I ended up filming some clips in a few hours and that ended up being our entire teams section, hahaha! Soon I’m taking a vacation with my family to Hawaii and possibly joining some of the Sunday crew in Barcelona.

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to travel to?
Austin, San Francisco, everywhere I’ve been in Europe (Netherlands, Poland, England, Germany, Czech Republic, France); there are so many crazy cities with so many differences.

Where are some places you would really like to go to that you haven’t been?
Australia and Japan.

If you could only ride one spot for the rest of your life, where would it be and why?
A good set of trails. That seems like the most beneficial.

If you could only do one trick for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Nose wheelie; every time you do a long one it’s an overwhelming joy you can only experience from that trick. It feels like you’re defying physics or something and you’ve unlocked the magic secret.

How in the hell do you do those hand jam things?
Very painfully. I tried doing a straight one of a 1/4 for like an hour and all I got was a bruised torso and one pulled I wasn’t super stoked on.

How do you hang five/nothing so well? What is the trick to those?
There was a time when no one in my area rode much so I just went out in my front yard and dialed ’em in. The key is a good connection with your ass on the seat and controlling it with your arms.

How do you feel about brakeless riding? Could you ever ride brakes again?
I don’t even think about being brakeless or not; it just feels natural to me. I could go back to it if there was a brakes trick I really wanted to do, but that seems unlikely. I’m not a crazy brakeless-nazi like some, I just prefer to not have them.

What was the first moment you knew you wanted to be riding bikes for as long as you can?
When I landed a 360 out of the flyout by my house. It was over at that point.

What is one trick that you cannot do for the life of you?
Barspin to Footjam. Fuck that trick.

What do you think you would be doing if you never picked up a bike?
Rockin’ out with some band.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years with riding?
I would like to keep riding, keep having fun, and somehow do a nose wheelie to tailwhip.

Do you have any signature stuff coming from your sponsors?
CarlsonCo has a full line of signature JB items coming out.

How are things going with Carlson Co anyway’s?
Kyle and I talk on an almost daily basis and sometimes we discuss t-shirt designs or who’s getting dropped/picked up; a year or so has gone by and nothing has really happened, but it’s still the best company in BMX.

Outside of BMX what are some things you are into?
Eating mexican food, riding my fixed gear road bike, chillin’, random adventures, and any sort of fun activities. I’m a big fan of fun.

What is it with you and dating a stripper?
All girls are strippers, some just do it for money.

Aren’t you currently living with a stripper?
Yeah, my roommate’s girlfriend. There is so much bullshit with that; I don’t even want to touch that subject.

Have you ever had to perform a homemade abortion?
Wow, this could ruin me! I’m just going to lie and say no. Definitely not.

If you could spend the day with anybody alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Jesus. A lot of people like that dude, I want to see if he’s all he’s hyped up to be.

Who is Eli from France and are you guys still talking?
Eli is this random dude we met at the catacombs under Paris. His dad is the vice president of Gucci and he’s a flaming homosexual who sells coke. Kyle Carlson let him buy him lunch and drinks, but I was too creeped out. You meet some really interesting people when you travel. I haven’t spoken with Eli since that day, but I’m sure he’s kicking ass; selling blow and blowing dudes…… hahaha.

What are some of your favorite movies? Riding and Non-riding wise.
In no specific order: Donnie Darko, Joe Dirt, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ong-Bak, and Initial D.

What are some of your favorite tv shows?
Weeds, South Park, Family Guy, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Metalocolypse…

What are some bands you are into? Any you would recommend people to check out?
I’ve always been into The Mars Volta, The Decemberists, DJ Shadow, Modest Mouse, Deltron3030, The Arcade Fire, Vitalic, The White Stripes, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, and The Moving Units. I highly recommend you check out MGMT and Dear And The Headlights.

What are some of your favorite websites?
All the usual BMX sites (Vital, The Come Up, FatBMX, BMXOnline), Myspace, and excellentoral.edu is the site I plan on making one day.

What is your thoughts on marijuana use?
I think the band the streets put it best with their song “The irony of it all.”

You used to rock a mini van, what ever happened to that?
I bought it for $500, drove the living hell out of it, and sold it for $600. It was the most dialed vehicle ever. Now my boy Drew Hosselton has an even better van. Any neighboring Cities needs to watch their sisters, someone’s gonna get pregnant van-style.

Have you ever had a turbo in your car?
I did get this one really dumb girl believe to that the air conditioner controls in my ’92 piece of shit Corolla set off the turbo and the hazard lights were the N.O.S. I hit all the switches and she screamed louder than someone being tortured. It was one of the funniest experiences of my life.

If you could be sponsored by any company that is non BMX related, who or what would it be and why?
Some sort of good food place; I waste all of my money on food. If it was free, I’d be dialed.

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
The people close to me, my family, my friends, and other riders. Also, the dude Tony Jaa from that movie Ong-bak – Thai Warrior. You tube his name and have your mind blown.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Work less, ride more, party harder, slay sluts; you know, what any one of us would do.

Being a pretty popular dude, have you had any stalkers or creepers? Any good stories?
I did have a really creepy old dude come into my bike store and give off some stage five clinger vibes. Other than that I talk to lots of kids on myspace; they ask to how to barspin and hang five and stuff. Nothing creepy.

Word on the street is somebody is trying to murder you! what’s the story behind that?
Saturday morning I woke up early to go ride/film and when I went to load up, I walked out the front door and there was a dead fish hanging in my front yard and another in my backyard. It could be a prank or it could be something serious; either way I’m sort of concerned. If I go out soon, I just want to say thanks to everyone that rides bikes and tell all of my family and friends that I love them and send a last FUCK YOU to Akon. I hate Akon.

If you could change anything about BMX what would it be and why?
Less hate + more unity. We’re all in this together.

What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into BMX?
Have fun.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I’d like to thank the number 42, Odyssey for making the best bike parts and helping me out so much, Sunday!, Cerbae Clothing, Global Bikes for employing me for all of these years and letting me take off as much as I want and letting me do this interview on the clock, Mark Losey at Nike 6.0 for keeping my feet fresh, Jim Bauer, Will Stroud and Chad Shack at Nine to Five for being so awesome, All my friends, you guys kick ass, My family for always helping out and Kyle Carlson. He kicks my ass into shape constantly and goes way out of his way to help me out. Thanks buddy, I owe you some Blue moon. Oh, and Blue Moon beer.

Dominik Wrobel Interview

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Dominik is a super busy dude, hes the guy behind WoozyBMX.com and does a lot of other big projects, this interview took a bit of time to work in but it was worth it. Check it out!

all photos by joern streitbuerger / www.streitbuergerfotografie.de
table top photo by pierre mandt / www.dia-mandt.com

Name:
Dominik Wrobel

Location:
Space

Sponsors at all?
I am lucky to get support from Sunday and Etnies.
Thanks to Bodo at Sportimport, Jim at Sunday and Benni Kopp / John
Povah over at Etnies.

Years riding?
around 12 ?

Your the man beind Woozy, how long have you been doing that for?
for around 6-7 years now.

Do you work at all outside of the website?
i film and edit videoprojects for different companies and media. and do
some layout/graphic jobs here and there.

Did you go to college for web design or anything like that?
i did it for a few years, also worked at a smaller agency real short
but decided i had to start something on my own to be happy. i am lucky
that it worked out.

Do you have any big changes or plans in the works with the site?
the site has been going strong for years. i am happy that some more
companies decided to work with us in 2008. things look pretty good. its
been super fun. we are working on some high quality video content right
now.

How much time do you find to ride?
i try to ride almost every day. even a little curb session can be so
much fun and stress relieving. i need it ! haha !

What was your first experience with BMX that got you hooked?
i guess it was the lovely full chrome 20 inch bike that one of the
local shops in my hometown carried…. i saw it and i had to get it !

What kind of riding do you like to do the most?
carving, street, mini… ah whatever looks fun and i feel like at the
moment..

Are you more into going big or more of a technical rider?
i guess i would have to pick the “technical rider” thing

What are some of your favorite trick and what not?
going fast, manuals – maybe 180 ?

What is one trick that gives you the most trouble?
this is a hard one…. i really dont sit down and try to learn one
trick… to me if it comes natural i am happy if not most of the time i
will skip it…

Where are some of your favorite places you have been able to travel?
spain, japan and poland have been my favourite ones so far….

Where are some places you really would like to go someday?
i still have australia on my list and austin and a couple of places in
the us aswell…. but i am really happy so far….

Who are some of your biggest riding influences?
i guess i have to say the guys in the early baco videos

Any videos or riders you are really digging right now?
everyone that has fun or looks fun is good to me….

Do you find it hard when you go to shoot photos or video to not ride?
sometimes its really hard. i went to berlin to shoot for wethepeople a
few days ago and i really felt the need to ride but if you only have a
few days to shoot and you have to get footage and a company pays you to
do your film job there is really only a slim chance that you will be
able to ride. filming is as much fun as riding to me so its all good. i
am definetly not complaining ! hahaha !

What kind of camera gear do you have? Video and photography
video: i mainly use a HD camera right now , sony fx 1 with century HD
fisheye, also do some stuff with the dvx100a, i have pal and ntsc
equipment so i can film for euro and usa projects. photo: just a digi
quicksnap on iso 800.

What kind of computer do you use, and what photo and video editors do you use?
apple and pc. final cut, premiere, after effects and photoshop

Do you have any other people who help you run the website or is it just you doing a million things at once?
markus wilke helps out a little currently – i am psyched on this, then
a lot of friends and readers send in videos, photos, news, – which i
always love ! thanks to everyone who ever helped out. i really
appreciate it ! but anyway i do a million things at once every day !
haha !

What is the best part about being your own boss?
freedom, i can decide what to do next

What is the worst part about being your own boss?
hmmmmmm ? probably that work never ends.

What do you think you would be doing if you never started BMX?
porn cameraman ? ha ! i dont really know but i guess definetly
something in the videography and design area.

What do you feel about the current state of BMX?
i like it.

What are your plans for 2008? Do you have any big plans?
i am working on a couple of nice videoprojects for different companies
right now. nothing i can talk of right now. just wait and see.

Will there ever be a Woozy DVD?
there were already a bunch out years ago but right now i am
concentrating to push the quality on the net. i found my niche or
whatever you want to call it and its really fun to work in.

Who are some of your favorite people to film and work with?
everyone who doesnt need a million tries to do “that trick” ! hahaha !
just kidding – its all cool. i dont want to mention any names here….
i cant think of anyone who really has been a pain in the ass to film
and work with so..i have been lucky !

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
doing the same but having more fun and learning more positive things

What are some of your favorite movies, riding or non riding?
my head explodes right now….

What are some of your favorite bands?
….. and again….

What are some of your favorite websites?
…. and again !

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
i really dont know right now ! can you ask me again tomorrow ?

How many hours would you say you spend on a computer in a day?
this is something i can relate to…. depends if i am out shooting or
not. everything from 5 to 14 hours a day….

What are some of your interests outside of work and riding?
my girlfriend, friends, good food, movies, news, chocolate, art, music

What would your dream car be?
one that runs without fuel

Who or what is your biggest influences in your life outside of BMX?
probably my girlfriend and all my friends and people i work with

Where do you see BMX going in the next few years?
growing and getting more stylish. love it.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, made up, or dead, who would it be and why?
cant think of anybody right now…. sorry…..

Do you have a crazy story nobody would ever believe happend to you?
yes i have one that happened to me in tallinn but i am still not able
to talk about it….. sorry…. maybe someday….

Do you have any advice for kids getting into BMX?
yes. have fun and stay away from comments and message boards.

How about advice for starting a website?
just do it if your into it.

If you could change one thing about BMX what would it be and why?
less sh*t talk.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
thanks to you kurt for the interview. vera, all my friends and family –
i love you, all the websites that link and re-post our
videos/articles, everyone who checks out the site and videos, koln, all
the companies that work with me, chuck norris, bodo at sportimport, jim
c at sunday, povah and benni at etnies.

Anything I forgot you would like to add?
THANKS ! and sorry for freaking all you guys out….its all good. take
it easy…..

and for more videos from Woozy, check them out Right Here
The shipping industry is a key element of Greek economic activity dating back to ancient times by down dating app.

Rick Moliterno Interview

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I remember back in the day when I started riding, my brothers friends all had or wanted an STA 500, if you know what that is, then you know of Rick, if you don’t you probably just started riding. Rick is the man behind Standard and has been in the game a while, hes been a big infuence on BMX, especially in the midwest. This interview was a must do.

Name:
Rick Moliterno

Location:
Davenport, Iowa

Sponsors:
None

Years riding?
37

Word on the street is Standard is going to be coming back big soon?
I don’t know about “back” or “big” but we are making huge changes to be better than ever by far. These changes will enable us to better supply riders and shops and therefore promote more so we may appear back and bigger media wise.

You guys are doing all in house, hows that coming along and when can we expect to see it at full force?
It is coming along great. We have already made many improvements over what we were getting from Waterford so I am pretty happy with that. I can pay more attention to detail now with it right here. We should be full force within a month or so. We have already started on our new 125R frames.

Do you have any plans for new frames or anything like that?
Like I mentioned above, there is an all new 125R race frame. We will be restyling all models and creating a few new ones including a new STA and an ultra light freestyle frame and fork for John Rodgers. The new stuff we are working on will blow away anything we have done previously.

Stronger Than All has been out for a little while, how long was that in the works at what did people expect from it?
It was only in the works for a long time because we all slack. I would expect really good riding from a diverse group of styles. Nothing too artsy, just good riding.

Any other big Standard news you care to share?
Everything is currently wrapped up in the in house project. We plan a large expansion of products we offer and improvements all around. Our hands were tied pretty tight for about five years so I am ready to get back to innovation along with quality. I am looking forward to getting out to more events and helping out where I can. We have a couple of real good road trips planned as well.

Rampage closed down a few years ago, I heard you were planning on opening up a new park since the Iowa winters suck?
The Iowa winters sure do suck, especially without Rampage.I do want to open a new and improved Rampage if I have energy left after this project is full speed. I now know we absolutely need an indoor park here for the scene. We not only need it for the winter but to have events, a controlled enviroment, demos, windy days, rainy days, etc.

Wait, why live in Iowa of all places? Do they even have a professional sports team besides Standard?
Iowa has everything a bike rider needs. Pro sports aren’t important to me in deciding on a place to live. We have great spots to ride, a well developed scene with history, a byke company, and some good shops.

What is your typical day like?
I really don’t have a typical day. Each day is seriously different from the one before. With the in house needing so much time and Goodtimes already established, along with riding time, my days are pretty well booked.

Do you have a lot of time to ride?
Not as much as I would like but it is getting better. My neck injury is improving so I am trying to build up some skills agian.

Where are some of your spots you ride since there is snow?
Here inside Standard and at the barn in Iowa City. Sometimes we go to Madison, Wi.

A pretty big outdoor cement park opened up in Davenport about a year ago or so, hows that and is it worth a road trip to ride it?
It is smooth with good variety and is certainly worth a road trip.You could include a few other spots plus Standard is 4 blocks away….always good to see first hand how bikes and parts are made. Goodtimes is a good spot to visit too.

How is your riding now days compared to riding lets say 20 years ago?
Well, I don’t spend 12 hours a day on my bike! 20 years ago I was a paid pro on Haro and riding was all that mattered. Now I don’t get paid, riding is just as important but less of my time us spent on it. In that 20 yeras I have been riding, I started Rampage, Standard, helped start Props, started Goodtimes, and have been an many great road trips.

What is one trick you have never been able to do?
The one I never tried. I figure anyone can do any trick if they honestly try to learn it. Some tricks just don’t go along with a given riders’ style so that can be limiting I guess.

Who are some of the riders you think highly of?
That list would reach into the thousands. I would say every rider that came through or is currently on Standard plus about a thousand others who impress me constantly with innovation, energy, and skill.

What was your first BMX bike?
Home made Schwinn. Leopard banana seat for sure!

What is your current set up?
2004 Bullitt, traditional headset with Ti cups, Sun prototype freecoaster, one brake (rear), two pegs on the right, Profile 170’s, Animal pedals, 28-10.

What is your favorite trip or tour you have ever been on?
They are all good. Every time I am on one I don’t want to go home because it is such a blast. Maybe the best one was the 25 rider UK/ US team trip a couple years ago. It is tough to say. I guess any trip with the UK guys.

What is the hardest part about running a business?
Riding less and worrying about the well being of others.

Outside of work and riding what are you into?
Drag racing has seemed pretty interesting lately. Motorcycles. I am pretty much deep into BMX at the moment so ask me again in 6 months!

Some of your favorite bands?
Too many to list. My answer to this changes as soon as the song changes.

What are some of your favorite websites you check?
I don’t check web sites.

Where are some of your favorite places you have travelled?
England, Colorado, Las Vegas, two lane highways of Iowa, NYC.

Where are some places you would like to go you haven’t been to yet?
Alaska, Austarlia, all over Europe. All over Asia. India.

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
Buy a new truck, an Airstream, a Road King, and hit the road with Jessie for a while. We would come back and keep on improving Standard. Build an indoor skatepark. Help clean up some of our neighborhoods in town here. Maybe build a kick ass BMX track.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Alive: a carefree chill day with Jess.
Dead: maybe Elvis. Just to see how crazy it was.

Who are you going to vote for Obama, Hillary, or somebody else?
Obama as of today.

If Iowa was condemed because of a massive corn virus and you had to move, where would you move and why?
Corn virus? How far reaching would that be? Is this a trick question? If I could live close, Moline, IL. If far, Somewhere in Colorado would seem likely. Somewhere between Fort Collins and Denver.

After all the years of riding and everything, what hurts the most?
Physically, my neck.

What is your lady situation?
Long term girlfriend. Completely comitted.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Just keep living healthy and improving.

If you and Chuck Norris got in a fight who would win?
I would of course. He can’t even ride a spine.

What is your favorite food?
Pizza!

What is with Standard and fully automatic weapons?
Nothing. That comes from various art types who seem to think they go with the company.

What is the coolest thing you have shot?
It is pretty fun shooting anything not living.

What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?
Have fun riding. Do your own thing. Have your own style. Go everywhere. Try everything.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Currently, Jessie, Ryan, Southwick, Roger, the team, everyone that helped get SBC rolling on the business side, all riders that are pushing the riding envelope.

Past, Kurt, TeddEx, C-Dub, JV, all former team riders. Plus many, many others. Nobody can do it alone.

The Lex Alamannorum is preserved in some 50 manuscripts dating to xmeets between the 8th and 12th centuries.

Tim Oliver Interview

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Tim is a guy who I recently met through an indoor park I ride at due to winter. I remember hearing stories of him doing ceiling ride flips and all sorts of other stuff from friends who have met him over the years. Since then I think we have become pretty good friends and hes always a super good guy to ride with, really surprises me when he decides to throw down. Tim deserved this interview and I think you will enjoy this.

Name:
Tim Oliver

Location:
faribault,mn

Sponsors:
to die for clothing, crusty demons clothing, boogieman brigade fmx.

Job:
full time factory crap.

Your a Minnesota legend, how many years have you been on a BMX for?
I started riding around 1990 but really got into it about 93.

You used to do demos with Chaos On Wheels, how did that all start and what did you think of it?
well my days with chaos started out back in 2000. I was at the mankato park just riding and Jeremiah Anderson(the owner of chaos on wheels) came up to me and asked me about a sticker I had on my bike that said real men love Jesus. he asked me if I was a christian and I said yes and we sorta hit it off and a few weeks after that he called and asked me if I wanted to do a show, and I said yes for sure I would. and that was it. I started doing every show I could. ill tell ya doing shows with chaos was some of the best years of my life. I met so many good people and saw so many new places I probably would have never got a chance to see.

Your pretty dialed, what are some of your favorite tricks?
hahaha I don’t see myself as a dialed rider. I simply love to ride and there is a few tricks i got down good I guess. I love doing big superman seat grabs. flips are always fun. and big suicide no handers.

What is one trick you cannot do for the life of you?
360 whips I have tried that trick off and on for like 14 years.

Word on the street is you used to do half flip ceiling ride half flip out over the box at Mankato back in the day?
hahaya ya I did a couple of those. the first time was by total mistake I just went too fast and the ceilings are really low at mankato’s park. so I went for a flip and the next thing I know both wheels are on the ceiling so I just pulled as hard as I could and ended up landing it. every one there went nuts it was so scary but I just told everyone I tried to do it. hahaha but than i figured if I did it once i could do it again so i dropped in and went for it and did it again next try. it was sweet but that’s it, it’s never happened again.

Where can you typically be seen riding?
I ride at the renegade skate park in faribault. I live about 5 blocks from the park so im there a lot.

Whats it like to have a skatepark so close that lets you put so much input into it?
It’s awesome mike Carlson (the owner) is such a good guy I got to know him and his family good. he doesnt know anything about bikes so when he needs something he usually asked me for my input.

What do you think of the Minnesota scene as a whole?
well as a whole I think the mn scene is good there is so much talent here in MN. Ive watched a lot of guys come up and they all rip. I’m proud to be from MN.

Where are some of the places you have been able to travel over the years from BMX?
Before I started touring I had only Been to like 4 states and now there is like 4 states I haven’t been to. I have ridden so many different parks I cant even keep count.

Where are some places you would like to go that you haven’t?
well I would love to get up to Canada and go to NYC to go street riding besides that I’m content.

Who were some of your biggest riding influences over the years?
first and foremost jay schlie. that’s the guy that really helped me fall in love with bmx. I saw the love he had and I wanted that. so thank you jay love ya bro. and I would say tom haugan for sure. tom is a great guy. he is a very humble guy. I remember I went to a contest and was watching him ride and just blew me away. I was soooo intimidated by him. thinking this guy is so good he will never even know im here. well I was way wrong. he came write up to me and started talking to me. and we have Ben friends ever since. and lets see. all the chaos on wheels guys. jermiah, frank, travis, aj, donny, sean. I spent 8 years of my life with them they are like family.

Where do you look for inspiration now days?
wow that a good one. I would have to say my family. my son Noah is always at the park with me rippin around on his little razor scooter. my step son Damon skates. so those to keep me young. I don’t know i guess i just love to be on my bike. weather its doing a manual down the street or going street riding or the park. i just enjoy every day i can ride.

What do you think of the riding level of today compared to back in the day?
kids today are fricken nuts!!!! back in the day a flip was huge and not a lot of people did tailwhips. but today a kid will get a bike for his birthday go to a skate park and learn a flip in 5 min. its not fair haha I had to learn that stuff the old fashioned way. you build a dirt jump and just Huck yourself.

You have so much going on, how do you still find time to ride?
I will always make time to ride. riding is what keeps me sane. not only is my bike fun but its a huge stress reliever and right now more than ever in my life I need a little stress relief

What is your favorite memory from BMX?
one of my favorite memories was the day I met tom haugan. there was a dirt jumping contest in this park and me and some friends showed up to check it out. and some how tom found out I did flips and the next thing I know tom was yelling for people to stop what they were doing to watch me flip. and if I remember correctly i broke my crank first flip out. and I just remember tom invited us to come to there house to have a box jump session and I was so mad I could ride but tom invited us back up to ride again. man those days were fun.

What are some riding videos you have always really liked?
i love the mad Matt video and some of the old fbm videos

What are some bands you are into?
I like a lot of music the new august burns red is good. actually right now its all johnny cash and billy Joel.

What are some of your favorite websites?
I would like to tell ya i don’t have a myspace but i do and im on there way too much. and Interbmx.com site. and our fmx page brigadefmx.com

You also do some freestyle motocross, when did you get into that?
about 3 years ago. its just another step up from bmx. I love the adrenelaine. I don’t do any kind of drugs at all and never have. so I guess im looking for that high and let me tell ya there is no bigger rush than hitting a 10ft tall lip 3 gear pinned and jumping over 100ft.

What is the biggest difference between that and BMX for you?
just the jumping. I love to ride Mini ramps on my bmx. there is none of that on a mx bike. its all about jumping and how big you can get your tricks.

What is your worst injury from either BMX or FMX?
I broke my back in 3 spots and was almost paralyzed. it was a rough time. besides that just the typical concussions(9) and bruzes.
I broke my foot and wrist on my dirtbike thats it I have gotten really lucky.

Rumor has it you have some plans to try some backflips on the dirtbike this summer?
ya I was one of the first guys to flip bmx in mn if not the first so I want to do the same with the mx bike.

Outside of riding and everything what are you into?
I do MMA(cage fighting) I have done this for about 4 years now it is a lot of work and a lot of fun. i think its that adrenelaine thing again.haha i love hanging with my family and going to hardcore and metal shows. thats it.

You just had another baby boy, hows that going?
wow I forgot how exhausting it is I have gotten 4 hours of sleep in two days. ya its time to go ride.

If you never picked up a bike, what do you think you would be doing?
that’s hard to say. I love music so maybe sing or play in a band. I don’t know I guess I feel like bmx saved my life. I was a trouble maker before I got into riding. who knows I might not be here right now.

You have an interview with the local news in Fairbult coming out, how did that all come about?
I don’t know I just came to the park to ride one day and there was a name and # to call and next thing ya know I’m on the phone telling this guy my life story. It actually comes out this friday and they did a good job.

What is it like to have these interviews coming after all this time?
It feels really good. It always feels good to be complemented on what you love to do. I’m 30 years old and I still have some skills to make people pay a little attention. It feels good.

What are some things you would like to experience in your life you haven’t had a chance to yet?
oh man i have lived a good life so far I have already done so much probably more than most people will ever do in there life time. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ll take it day by day and see what life has for me.

What are some things your looking forward to for 08′?
just being a good dad to my kids and being the best person I can. I want to be a positive influence to kids coming up and just enjoy life.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would spend it with my dad. he passed when I was younger and I would want to show him all i have accomplished. I think he would be proud.

Your a cagefighter eh? When did you get into that?
ya it’s ben about 4 years now I did some training at the American school of martial arts. and have had some good fights and than I have had some bad ones to haha. I dont want to go anywhere with it its just a hobby a some times pain full hobby.

You have some pretty sweet tattoos, do they have any meaning or just more because they look cool?
no they all have meaning to them some are related to straight edge and my religion. the way I see it I’m only on this earth for so long so I’m going to
enjoy my time here no regrets. I got way more tattoos to come.

If you couldn’t live in Minnesota anymore, where would you go and why?
I think I would head to the west coast. so cal. I have some good friends that live out there. and Calli is the meca for bmx and fmx so when I’m done riding I could still be around the sports I love.

What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?
first and foremost you need to ride for yourself you need to enjoy riding. don’t worry about trying to turn pro and make a ton of money. all that will come in time if you want it to. and just never forget why you picked up that bike in the first place. for the love to ride that’s it.

If you could change one thing about BMX what would it be and why?
The girl pants have to go!!!! I don’t know its so crazy to me how far the sport has come in the past 10 years. I don’t know if I would change anything its a fun ride.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I want to thank you for taking the time out to do this interview. and all the people i have ridden with over the years you all know who you are. my wife amy and my kids. jay s ,tom h, frank s, and there is so many more but I’m cant remember I have had 9 concussions haha. any one that rides for the love of bmx I thank you.

Anything else you would like to add I forgot?
no I think we are good to go. now lets go ride.

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Radical Rick

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The other day there was a thread started over on Bikeguide some kid asked what the site was like a few years ago… And then I got thinking about how much has changed over the years with just set ups, how much media there is, how many people ride, etc. Then I got thinking about another thing.. Radical Rick.

You know what I am talking about if you have been riding for 5+ years or so, maybe even less than that. But I remember way back when I read BMXplus and I was always super excited to read the next Radical Rick.

So today I decided to google the name just to see what came up and sure enough RadicalRick.net was chillen.. Doesn’t look like it has been updated since like 2005 but it was fun to just to check out and remember that stuff.

I guess I have never really asked this, but in the comments or in the message box maybe some people have some insight on to what they thought of RR and everything.
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Sandy Carson Interview

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The first time I met Sandy was at an Etnies demo at Jellystone in Wisconsin, They were filming for the video “Why didn’t we do this before? tour.” That was one of the craziest days I have experienced, and Sandy has always been a rider I have looked at as influential so it was even craizer to meet the guy. Since then hes always been friendly over E-mail and everything which I am even surprised about. Finally got an interview with him for you.

Also after this, go check out Sandy’s Website for more pictures!

Name:
sandy carson

Current Location:
Austin TX

Sponsors:
Etnies and T1

Years riding:
25

When was your first time you really knew BMX was meant to be your thing?
When I was a wee boy,it felt to be doing something different with my life other than football and I could pedal away from trouble makers faster than running.

You have been in the game for many years, did you expect to be able to live your life doing it?
Definitely not. It was just a mixture of luck and being at the right place at the right time and doing my best at what I loved.

Who was your very first sponsor, how did it come about?
It was a small Art clothing company called ‘Ceramic Rabbit’ that my buddy Tim ran. He used to do Street jams in London and I would go to them and it sorta snowballed from there. As far as a frame sponsor, it was Standard Bykes. I came to the States in ’93 and met those dudes at the BS comp in Shimmerville, PA. Then 2 years later moved to Iowa to the Standard house and got on the team.

What was your first bike?
My first bmx bike was A BH California Star!(Euro brand)

What is your current set up like?
T1 custom garrett with Fly and profile parts.

Have you always had a pretty similar set up or has it changed over the years?
I used to ride a 50 pound Bike in the Standard days with 2 brakes, 4 pegs, a gyro, 6 piece bars, a free coaster and even a break bastard. WTF!! Now I have one brake and no pegs, so it’s gone full circle and looks more like my first bike!

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You have been able to travel all over, where do you think your favorite place to ride is?
That’s a tough one . I think here in Austin to tell you the truth. I can ride every terrain I want by just pedaling out of my house. It’s a really convenient city which I am lucky to live in, and don’t need to sit in traffic.

Living in Austin, Texas which has an amazing scene.. Where do you usually ride?
I just pedal about aimlessly by myself on my BMX bike or my track bike.

Who are some of your usual guys you ride with?
Pretty much by myself or whoever I’m shooting these days since I don’t have much free time to just ride around anymore.

Over the years you have had some really good video parts, which ones were your favorite?
I think they all have their moments, and are representative of my state of riding in those points of my career. Standard Style Cats was one of my faves since it was my first. Federal’s Trafaelio was great too. I liked both the Etnies dvd’s too. It’s more nostalgia to me watching them and brings back memories of where and when I filmed them.

What do you think of the current state of bmx from both sides, contests and just riding?
I don’t know and I don’t care. I don’t follow this kind of stuff anymore.it’s all about pedaling around and having fun these days. the way it should be.

Do you have any new video parts coming anytime soon?
Nah. Not in the near future. I think I’m done hurtin my body and have nothing to prove anymore. Who knows. If I do, it won’t be in the traditional sense. Hopefully it’ll be goofing around with some sort creative direction other than trick trick trick.

What is one trick you have struggled with the most?
Turndowns. you either have that trick or you don’t!

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If you were only able to do one trick for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Table tops. They feel the best and won’t hurt your body

Outside of riding your a photographer, Did you go to school at all or was it mostly self-taught?
It’s mostly self taught. I hate reading manuals and stuff. I’m more of a practical guy and get out there an learn by trial and error. I spent a lot of money learning the hard way with film…

What kind of gear do you work with the most?
Still a lot of film cameras.(nikon and hasselblad) What a sucker! It means more to me and It’s how I learned. and i’m comfortable with it. I use Digi a lot too for work and reportage stuff which makes perfect sense on quick turn around and easy on your wallet.

Do you have that dream camera you have yet to get your hands on?
A leica M6, or a large format camera set up.

What are you favorite things to shoot?
Mostly documentary stuff. but I enjoy it all, Music, BMX, people etc.

You have a lot of photos on your site of random people, what do you like about that?
I love it. Having a camera gives me a good excuse to spark a conversation with someone random , listen to their story and hopefully snap a picture.

Rider wise, who is your favorite people to work with?
Usually people that I know somewhat first, and will have the patience to let me set up my gear. Riders who will do something a few times so I get different angles. Anyone that’s creative and pedaling fast. Definately not using their bike a scooter at 2mph. That’s not bike riding.

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Because of photography you have travelled the world, where are some of the places you have been in the last few years?
South Africa, Japan, Mexico, Eastern Europe, Mainland Europe, North Americas, Texas!

Out of all of the places you have ever been, if you were only allowed to be one place for the rest of your life, where and why?
Hopefully somewhere remote when my Lady graduates as a doctor and I can work on my photo projects and be a good house husband/ kittie’s daddy.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Probably my Mum. I don’t get to see that crazy old bat enough!

What is your perfect day?
A sunday with my phone turned off and doing absolutely nothing but sitting on my porch with the lady watching the cats play in the front yard. So emo!

What are some of your favorite websites?
fecalface.com, flicker.com, kfmrecords.com, craigslist.com, lemonoparty.com

What are some of the magazines and places somebody can find your work?
Austin Chronicle, Dig Bmx Magazine, Hambuger Eyes, JPG mag.

Outside of riding and photography, what are some things you are into?
Playing in a music project I am involved in with some friends from Scotland. www.myspace/iglomat haging out in my shed listening to cassette tapes.

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What kind of music are you into?
Pretty much everything really.

Who or what are some of your biggest influences in your life?
Scotland. My Mum and Grandparents, Comedy, Music, Bikes and travel, humour, documentation.

According to your website, it says you were stabbed, how did that all happen?
Just close minded kids in a rough area with nothing else to do but to stab people. It’s common practice amoungst the angst ridden unemployed youth of Scotland. It’s like a medal of honour.

Any close calls since then?
No, knock on wood.

What are some things all people should experience in their life?
Travel to third world countries. Independent thinking. Living by yourself without a trust fund.

What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into BMX?
Pedal fast and far away from drama.

What kind of advice do you have for people getting into photography?
Shoot as much as possible and shoot everything till you feel comfortable and figure out what you like to shoot. Get your pictures out there as much as possible. read plenty of books by the masters. Practice practice practice…dial it in and get your own style.

If you could change one thing about BMX what would it be and why?
Drama.

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Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Kurt for the interview! Thanks to my lady and cats, Thanks to Povahand Don Brown at Etnies, Joe, Taj and Sieben at T1, my family and friends in Scotland and in Austin.

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