BMX UNION

I met Karl at the first Baco at Jellystone 2 years ago, and lets just say I was completely stoked on his riding. Not to mention Karl was super nice, probably one of the first pros at the contest that actually talked to me first. Since then he has been all over magazines, started his own business, and tons of other things… Doing this interview was real cool since Karl is one of the coolest dudes I have met.

Name:
Karl Quentin Poynter

Location:
Born and raised in New Castle, IN

Sponsors:
Hardcore Sportz, Sunday Bikes, The Shadow Conspiracy, UGP, Lotek, Goods

You’re running Hardcore Sportz with your brother, how has business been going? Didn’t you guys just get a new store?
I’m real happy with how the shop is doing. It’s came a long way from when Kyle, my brother, started it back in 99. We’ve recently moved into a new location two doors down from where we were before. The new location has a lot more space which enables us to finally do what we’ve wanted to do with the shop. You can check out our shop @ hardcoresportz.com and @ myspace.com/hardcoresportz. Also, for those who are interested, we’re planning on doing an online store soon.

How has owning your own business and riding worked out? How do you manage your time so well?
It’s just my brother and I who work at the shop. There are no employees, which is how we like it. With it being that way, we know all of our friends and customers are being taken care of properly. So as long as my brother isn’t scheduled to work his other job outside of the shop, I’m free to leave for trips. Sometimes it takes some planning, but you got to do what you got to do to pay the bills.

Lately the shop has been holding a lot of jams and contests, do you have any more planned?
Yeah, we’ve been doing video premiers, jams, contests, and so on since Hardcore Sportz was started. The past month we’ve had a grand opening party for the new location, a party with the Sputnic crew along with a video premier and street session, and a Halloween party. We do these things to keep the shop and scene interesting and fun. There are no set dates for upcoming events yet, but I’m sure a video premier party will be popping up soon.

Not too long ago, you were added to the shadow team, how has things been going with them?
Things have been good. Lately we’ve been doing trips filming for the upcoming Shadow video. I’m happy to be a part of the team for sure.

Is there any new signature parts or items you have coming out you can tell us about from any of your sponsors?
I’ve been working on a shirt with UGP that isn’t going to be like your average shirt. Look for that at the beginning of 08. I also have some other ideas that will hopefully come about soon.

You have had the chance to travel a lot this past year, where have you been and which was your favorite?
I’ve been fortunate enough to of been able to travel a lot since I was 10 years old during my racing days. This past year I’ve been to Florida a few times, Atlanta, Philly, NYC, Seattle, Portland, Nashville, and Cincinnati to name a few. I’d have to say Philly was my favorite because of the spots and new friends I met.

Do you have any trips planned, or anywhere you haven’t been yet that you would like to go to?
Barcelona, Spain and Estonia is this January. I’m really looking forward to that because it will be my first time overseas. That’s all that is planned as of now. As far as places I’d like to go, Australia seems like a cool place to visit.

What do you think influences your riding the most?
My surroundings that I have, the friends that I ride with, and people that have good attitudes toward BMX in general.

If you could change one thing about BMX these days, what would it be and why?
Negative attitudes. I’m not saying that’s all there is, but it’s there. We’re all doing the same thing, so why cut down on people that are doing what you’re doing. Don’t get me wrong. I’m totally for voicing opinions, but I think things get a little out of hand. Even if you’re not into a certain rider’s riding or a company’s product, you should at least respect the fact you share the same interest, which is BMX.

What is one trend that has phased out that you wish would come back? Or which trend do you wish would fade out?
Nothing comes to mind.

Who are some of the people that influence your life the most?
Family and friends are the ones that influence my life. My brother has been the most influential without a doubt. Thanks bro!

5 Favorite websites?
hardcoresportz.com, myspace.com, thecomeupbmx.net, defgrip.net, ridebmx.com

4 tricks you have had the most trouble with?
long hang nothings, long nose manuals, crooked grind, tooth pick stall on a quarter pipe

3 people you could ride with for the rest of your life?
my brother Kyle, my girl Kailey, and good friend Rex

2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008?
buy a reliable car and continue to enjoy life

What kind of music are you into? Is there any band you wish more people listened to?
I don’t stick to 1 specific genre of music. I’m into stuff that’s upbeat with a positive sound. I really like a lot of instrumental stuff, too. Some bands I’ve currently been listening to are Silver Sun Pickups, Metric, Ratatat, and as always Modest Mouse.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I’d like to thank my brother Kyle, my girl Kailey, all my family and friends (including my pets) you know who you are, all our customers at our shop, Jessie Mademann (good friend and our shop’s artist), Sunday Bikes, The Shadow Conspiracy, UGP, Lotek, Goods, anyone who has ever helped me out, and Kurt (BMXUnion) for this interview. Thanks. I really appreciate it.

(video from the baco when I first met Karl)

The first time I met Quinn was when DK was doing a demo at the local mall here. It was really crazy because at the time he was fairly unknown but was so dialed, and by far one of the nicest guys I have met through riding. He also set’s a good example by showing you the proper way to hit on chicks at the mall. Since then I have had the chance to ride with him a few other times and every time was a good time.

Name:
Quinn Semling

Location:
Greenville, NC

Sponsors:
dk bicycles, ugp, etnies, maxxis, system cycle

When I first met you, you were doing a demo at the mall here, are you still doing demos for DK or just contests and all that good stuff?
Yea I’m still doing shows alot and i try to go to all the contest i can go to. I like traveling a lot and doing shows we’ll be in a different city everyday sometimes

Speaking of DK, do you have any signature parts coming out?
nah not parts but we’re starting to work on some shirt stuff

It would appear you have Opposite Vandar Rolls dialed in, can you explain the game and everything to the people who have no idea what is going on with this question? It’s a game that’s hard to explain with out showing someone so if you see me and want to know just ask.

(This would be Quinn in full force opposite vander roll)
When you and Catfish are together it seems like theres going to be something hilarious going on, What are some of your favorite stories you have with catfish? wow there are a million stories. Id say the best was living with him. We had a blast all the time. rode alot and met a lot of wild people.

You have had the chance to travel a lot the last few years, What are the worst places to go to?
I’d say Eugine or that place was pretty bad.

If I remember right your into cigars? What is your favorite flavor of swishers?
grape is always a good choice

What is your best way to pick up chicks in a mall or at a demo?
do a backy

Ass or boobs?
both….

Your living down in Greenville now days, what is it like being able to ride the Unit, Mirra’s place, Guettlers mini, and just being able to be around all those guys?
It’s awesome. at first it was weird but now living there for a while and becoming good friends with everyone its just like calling up your friends to go ride bike or go out or just sit around.

How does a typical day go for you?
Umm the past week has been set alarm for 10am hit snooze wake up around 1230- 1 then eat go to the trails we’re working on and dig til dark then go hit up the unit and then hangout and do whatever every ones doing.

Who are your favorite people to ride with?
catfish, little jon, josh harrington. darden, nyquist, mirra. pretty much everyone in greenville and back home in Milwaukee

Since 07′ is coming to an end pretty quick, what were some of your favorite parts of the year?
the highlight would be going to paris, belgium, netherlands, germany for mega tour.

Do you have any big trips planned coming up?
I hope to go out to cali for a month or so stay with biz, heath, and brett. I just want to chill and ride out there for a bit. everytime I go there im in and out of town so quick I don’t get to ride everything I want to.

Any video parts or anything going on?
Nah but I plan on filming some stuff for the new DK site and when I go to Cali will film, but I don’t know what ill do with the footy but ill have it so if anything comes up

What are your plans for the winter?
Go back to Wisconsin for a few weeks for Christmas and then cali

What are some of your favorite bands?
luda, biggie

What are some of the biggest influences in your life?
My mom. and anyone that goes after there dreams and there goals no matter what everyone else says to them… There’s alot of haters out there just got to not let them effect you.

What are some things you want to accomplish in life?
go to the world series of poker.
have millions and millions of dollars so me and all my friends can just chill

What are some of your favorite websites to check out?
catfishcatfish, thecomeup, bmxonline, vital, bmxboard just to see what everyone says i don’t get in the conversations at all

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
mom, catfish, everyone at dk, chad degrot, kyle and everyone at ugp, john povah, all my friends and everyone that’s helped me out

I did a quick search for Quinn on Youtube.

(I know its a shook part, which I am totally against people ripping off dvd’s, but I found it has good Quinn stuff)

Robbie Morales is one of the most well known guys in BMX now days, from FIT being super popular due to the company its self producing great stuff, to the team. He is also well known for being a rider, and has been longer than most guys riding now days. When I had the chance to do an interview I was more than stoked since he is a big influence to me. So here it is!

Name:
Robbie Morales

Location:
Santa Ana ,CA

Sponsors:
I work for Fit Bike Co., Vans Shoes, Fox Riders Co. and Dans Comp…

When you started Fit did you ever expect it to get as big as it is?
My goal was to grow it,in order to help the team riders more…Its still growing so we are psyched…

Is it pronounced F-it or Fit? (For some reason I have always been confused on this haha)
It’s Fit BikeCo. but its cool you can change it up sometimes…

Summer of Fit recently released, how has the reaction been towards it?
Really good,we cranked this one out quick,not much filming time at all…Like a 10day trip and some sessions from guys at their local spots…The footy looks amazing and its a easy vid to pop in and then go shred…

You have had a pretty busy year, where are some of the places you have been?
Man it seems like a blur but I hit some major comps for Fox and traveled to meet up with the Fit team a bunch…Traveling is still really fun for me…

Where are some of the places you have never been to that you would like to go to?China,Sheng Hei to be exact…Also Australia,Colombia and South Africa are on the radar for 08…

Do you find much time to ride?
Morning sessions are mandatory when im home…Traveling and finding time to ride has been hard,im usually real busy on the road but I get it in some how…

Do you ever race anymore?
Nah but I went to the track the other day..

Since you have a big racing background, what do you think of BMX racing being in the upcoming Olympics?
Well kurling is in the olympics and it did not help that much…Nah I think it will increase the visibility of racing and Its already getting more exposure…

Even though Interbike just passed, are their any new products in the works that didn’t make it there that you can tell us about?
Mostly a new dialed cut and sew soft goods line we will drop before christmas…

Fit seems to have more of a family than a team, is that what you were aiming for or did it just kind of happen?
Absolutely having been a pro rider in the past I knew how I wanted the team to be and feel…Its been working out great and most of the guys have been down since day 1…Not many brands can say that…

Who are some people that you know are going to be getting a lot of coverage that are unheard of now?
I have a few top secret riders, but look out for more from the Ras Cats,Destry Williams,Chris Hervan ,lil Tammy, Jackson, Quincy,these guys are putting in work…

What are some of your plans company wise and personal wise for 2008?
Another full length team video,more traveling and just getting more well rounded as a brand

Being a manual champ, what is your favorite manual line you have done?
Probably one in the F-it vid,it had a bunch of turns…Lately brakeless ones have beenfun just way harder…

Now that summer of fit is out, do you have any plans on another DVD anytime soon, or are you going to chill for a bit?
Nope right back to the filming,some of the team guys are wrapping up other projects then it’s full throttle…

Recently the Fit/LRG collaboration went down with the limited edition run of the bikes; do you have any other projects with them or other companies coming around?Just got a sample for some L-R-G stuff,looks banging…Also Im really psyched on the VANS X FIT BIKE CO. shoe that drops Jan 1…Its a lowtop vans and feels really good on the pedal…Chase Hawk has been riding a pair and he loves em…

Who are some of the biggest influences in your life?
My parents, Chris Moeller, Ian Morris, Fit team, Rodney Smith, these people know whats up…

What kind of music are you into?
All kinds heavy rotation has been M.I.A. Radiohead, Kanye, Wolfmother…I did the soundtrack for both FITLIFE and SUMMER OF FIT…Hope ya liked em…

If you could ride only one place for the rest of your life where would it be and why?EAST COASTTRAILS…No better feeling then hitting some dubs and carving a berm…

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Fit team and employees, family, friends, Rachael @Front Line, Jerry @Vans, Dans comp, Jim @ Fox, Albert and Jonas @ L-R-G, Jay@Mystery, Rodney@SHUT, thanks for everything…

Anything I might have missed you would like to add?
Well thanks to you Kurt for doing the site…BMX needs more people doing sites like this and less people hating…I mean its BMX we all love it,so lets be a little less strict and enjoy the ride for fucks sake…

Name:
Dean Dickinson

Location:
Vancouver, Washington for now…

Your new film Take It Or Leave It just premiered not too long ago, how did the show go?
The shit was rad! We had two showings all ages and then 21 and over. The all ages was good because my family and the younger kids we able to attend then when 9 o’clock rolled around for the 2nd showing that’s when things got loose. The Clinton Street Theater actually has a brewery connected to it with amazing beer. So you can imagine the mix: bmxers, beer,movie, and girls. Thanks to everyone who attended!

What gave you the idea to do this sort of a video?
I guess I was just sick and tired of being kicked out of public parks so I wanted to make a skate park access video but I didn’t want to focus on bitching and complaining. So instead of whining and crying we ride empty pools.

How long did the whole process take from idea to showing?
Well, I’ve had the idea for honestly about five years but production didn’t start until about three years ago and it premiered last month. Documentaries take alot of work out of ya!

Riding pools usually requires some breaking and entering, was there any tickets issued to anyone?
It’s funny you say that because I’m the only one in the video who got a ticket for riding a pool. Check out the “busted” part in the bonus!

Was it hard to find the different spots the movie was filmed in?
No not really considering pool riding is my favorite terrain and in Southern California pools are everywhere. Plus I just love the adventure of driving around abandoned neighborhoods searching for pools.

Was this film strictly for the film festival it was in? Or will it be on DVD, if so when and where and for how much can people pick it up for?
Well, I’ve been picking at this project for a while now. And when it came time to do my final for my Electronic Field Production class it was perfect timing. After months and months of filming I finished the project for my class but I knew I wasn’t done yet.Shortly after I graduated from school I moved back to the Northwest not knowing where the film was going togo. Then I got a call from Rich saying he wanted to put the movie out under the name of Lotek. Within a couple of months I completed the film and Rich sent it out to Tip Plus to get duplicated. And right after that I was notified that my movie was selected for the Boston Bike Film Festival. “Take It Or Leave It” is available on DVD through Tip Plus and Lotek for about $10.

Do you have any other projects in the works?
I helped shoot for the new Ride video but that’s just about wrapped up. And I’ve started to shoot for the bootleg TEAM SHRALP video but there are no deadlines just fun. I would like to start doing more documentaries in the near future. That’s for sure.

How long have you been riding?
About nine years

What kind of equipment do you film and edit with?
I shoot with a Sony VX200 and edit on Final Cut. But for the shralp documentary I shot a lot of 16mm film with an old Bolex and Super 8 film as well. I hope to be shooting more 16 in the near future.

Did you go to school for film?
In high school I took four years of advanced video production and when I graduated I moved to Orange County and got my two-year certificate in video/filmat OCC.

Who are some of your favorite people to ride and work with?
TEAM SHRALP, Sean “Fish” Hoskins, Ryan Navazio, Rich Hirsch, and Stew Johnson.

What exactly is Team Shralp and who is all involved with that?
TEAM SHRALP is just a tight group of riders/friendswho like to live fast and ride faster. Shralpin pools,gnarly parks, and street. The crew consists of:- Myself- Spencer McCabe- Austin McCabe- Shad Johnson- Chester Blacksmith- Jon Bristol- Jason Hendricks- Vince Kroft – Kurt Rassmusson- Dakota Roche- Brian Martyn- Mike Tokimoto Spencer makes all of the stickers and I provide the cheeseburgers. Hopefully we’ll make shirts soon.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in your life?
God, my family, TEAM SHRALP, Evel Knievel, MatHoffman, Fat Mike, Johnie Tucker, Cindy Delong, Randy Howard, Kurt Heine, Ian MacKaye, Samantha Genovesi,and Ryan Navazio.

What would you like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
Continue to be a good role model for my nephew, travel all over the world making films, learn how to play the piano, get BMX into more public skate parks, ride over a 100 pools, learn how to cook, skydive, and loop a full pipe.

Have you lived in the Northwest all of your life?
Do you plan on ever moving somewhere else?I grew up in Vancouver, Washington and when I turned19 I moved to Southern California. I was there for about two and a half years then I moved back home. I can’t really say what’s going to happen considering I just bought a one-way ticket to LA this afternoon. Fire equals pools!

What is one thing you have never done that you would really like to do someday?
Eat a shralp burger with Evel Knievel

Do you have any advice for people who are looking toget into the film career?
If your not born into it or extremely motivated go to school, get an internship, and work as much as you can. And if you’re lucky you’ll find a project your willing to sacrifice everything for. That’s when you’ll learn there’s no turning back.

Any shout outs or thanks?
God, my family, TEAM SHRALP, The Rasmusson Family, Fat Mike, Johnie Tucker, Randy Howard, Kurt Heine,Samantha Genovesi, Ryan Navazio, Ben Ward, Rich Hirsch, Lotek, Tip Plus, Goods BMX, Odyssey, Sunday, Solid, Ride BMX, Dischord Records, Orange Coast College, and Sk8er Wes. And more importantly were all hoping the best for the biggest rock star in BMX Jimmy Levan. Do your part and help a man in need! Here’s the link to Empire’s JimmyFund: CLICK HERE TO DONATE ON THE EMPIRE SITE

Anything else I might have missed you would like to add?
I’m really sorry for everyone who has been hit by the devastating fires in Southern California but I can’thelp to be excited to see what’s sitting in there backyards. TEAM SHRALP! – Scar Face aka Dean Dickinson