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

Name:
Chester Blacksmith

Location:
Portland, Oregon

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

Years riding:
14years this month.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything else you would like to say?
Yeah Shad!

Old Solid Ad

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

Insight Trailer

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

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

Name:
richie hirsch

Location:
portland,or

Sponsors:
subrosa, mosh

Years Riding:
20 off and on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Believe it or not Rich cannot do what trick?
Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh yes, Rich’s Odyssey part from 2003.

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

Name:
Joshua Matthew Perry

Age:
19

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

Sponsors:
Staff BMX, Haro/Premium Flow

Years Riding:
6 or 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A bunch of Josh’s videos on Vimeo

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

Name:
Dave Jacobs

Photo: Tommy Blanco

Location:
Long Beach, CA

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

Years riding?
15

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

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

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

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

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

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

A piece of Dave’s art called “Flobot”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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