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It’s funny to think I had a gun pulled on me by a mexican dude who tried to steal Wyatt’s bike back in the day. The bike didn’t get jacked, but if that guy saw the beefcake Wyatt is today he wouldn’t have thought about that one.
Today we got a little bored and decided to pull out the costumes one last time. Halloween isn’t quite over yet. A good riding friend of mine was a hot dog for Halloween. Obviously, the joke of Meat Spin kept coming up and that we had to go riding in the costume. We had to make the video too. Enjoy haha.
If you don’t know what Meat Spin is. I highly advise you to not find out. Then again if I tell you not to do something you probably will. I warned you at least.
Technically it is November 1st, but that is just because it is 12:30 and Halloween just ended.
Did it ever begin?
Growing up every year Halloween kicked ass. I remember the great snow storm of 91′ when there was a crazy blizzard that came through this city, and I still went out to fill my bags with candy.
I remember being Power Rangers, Scream, G.I Joe, and a ton of other things over the years. With age I obviously grew out of being able to trick or treat which is a bummer. The sad thing is, it seems like the Holiday has really died.
I was driving home around 6:30 tonight, and I remember seeing about 3 groups of kids out running door to door. I thought to myself “Well, that is a good sign.. it’s early and they are already kicking ass” thinking that was just the beginning.
After a bit of screwing around the house, getting stuff done, it was time to go back out. I knew I had to drive slower and be extra careful because kids are not always the brightest and could bolt out in the road at any second.
At least, I remember when I went out there was so many people on the sidewalks sometimes the street was the best route.
Instead, I spent most of my time driving slow because I was trying to find out where all the kids were! zip, nadda, none. I didn’t see a single kid in the 5 miles I drove! What is wrong with that?! Why am I so disgruntled that there isn’t kids out running around raising hell on a sugar overload? I should be happy that it isn’t happening and I don’t have to worry about my car getting scratched or egged.
Where has the tradition gone!
I remember easily running 5 miles while trick or treating growing up. The theory that kids just aren’t being born in this area is completley out the window and useless. So, what exactly is it that causes this? Are kids not allowed out past 5 p.m on a Friday night? I mean yeah, candy is bad for you.. but not so bad that you can’t go out once a year and eat way too much of it. Where has this holiday gone!?
It seems like every year my mom buys less and less candy, and has more and more left over. It just doesn’t seem right how all of this candy can exist to be given away for FREE and nobody wants it! Why?! Why!? Halloween is DEAD. Which it shouldn’t be!
Someday, when (if) I become a parent I am going to make my kids love Halloween more than their birthday and Christmas… Simply because they will be the only kids who will be out on the streets going door to door past their curfew! I don’t care if the people are sleeping, we are still ringing every damn doorbell on the block. I mean, that is if people even hand out candy by then. It seems pointless to buy any if nobody will come get it in the first place.
As I get older, I start to realize why the older people always tell you their old “war” stories of walking both ways up hill 5 miles in the snow to get to school with no shoes. It is because as you get older things change so much from when you were a kid that you almost feel like you had it bad! Maybe kids don’t walk the sidewalks because their parents drive them door to door? I don’t know! Maybe they are afraid some creeper is going to jump out of the bush and get them. Wasn’t that suppossed to be expected on Halloween? Scary people jumping out at you.. That is when you kick their ass with your awesome powers you obtain when you put on the masks.
All I am saying is that if Halloween is dying, at least let it go out in style and not fade away. I would much rather have the government prohibit it because there are too many riots, and crazy stuff happening than to see it just go out of style.
Maybe, that is just me, but maybe I am right? I sure as hell hope not.
Happy Halloween to all of our fellow shredders and friends everywhere!
I remember when Halloween used to kick lots of ass, now its just kind of a forgotten holiday… Its a definite bummer because my favorite holiday growing up was Halloween, not Christmas, Thanksgiving or anything else. I took a drive around my local area just a little while ago, I don’t know why I’m surprised about there being little to no kids out. There’s no sound of pitter-patter or laughter over on the sidewalks, no sounds of trick or treating, there’s minimal Halloween spirit out on in the neighborhoods and there definitely isn’t any carved pumpkins out to welcome kids, no lights on in any of the porches for that matter… Am I the only person noticing this? Halloween seems to get betrayed worse and worse every damn year… Is it just the area I live in?
I don’t mean to rant on about the decrease in the celebration of Halloween, I’m clearly a little too old to partake in trick or treating, vandalism and mischievous acts… I grew out of all that myself, but it’s just lame to see kids not partaking in anything of that stuff that used to bring me so much joy. Not that I condone vandalism or any of that shit, but toilet papering and egging houses used to be pretty damn fun when I was a youngin’, probably still would be too…
Well, its been dark for over 2 hours so far, my streets are silent and my mom hasn’t had the opportunity to open the door to any costumed kidsies wanting delicious treatsies yet. I’ve got a slight feeling that the provided candy will just go into my belly as the first week of November progresses… Even if I do live in a small town, Halloween used to pop off around here when I was young. At least I got brought up properly with the awesomeness that is Halloween or that was anyways, it was rad while it lasted. I hope everyones out partying, gettin rad and having some Halloween fun tonight, even though we may be too old for the kiddie shit now, we can always party for what’s still good.
I was stoked on this fireball pumpkin photo… I carved this pumpkin last minute and it shows, janky and sloppy as fuck, but I still love her. I plan on smashing it later tonight or tomorrow… That D! pumpkin is definitely perched up in my bike and thats definitely a Vermont sprocket silhouette below it… If you read this, thanks for listening to me bitch and complain.
Brian has been in BMX for years. Not many people have the chance to live like he has from being pro, to owning companies. It is cool to think about things like the old Volume Dinosaur, and seeing how BMX and the company has evolved over the years. Luckily Brian was into doing an interview and this is what he had to say…
Name:
Brian Castillo
Location:
THE O.C.
Sponsors:
None
Years Riding:
Long Time
What was it that originally got you into BMX?
It was a combination of things. I really liked to go fast and hit jumps. I always thought that feeling was awesome. I also got to see pros (George Smoot/Woody Itson) up the street from my house ride their half pipe and I always thought that it looked fun.
Being so busy with Volume and Demolition business everyday, about how much time do you find to ride these days?
I ride everyday still but only for a couple of hours a day.
Do you ever find it hard being your friends’ boss? I imagine you have had to let a friend go from the team at some point in Volume’s history?
That’s probably the hardest thing I’ve gone through as a company owner. One point is: you don’t want to hire someone you don’t like or know and you always want to hook up your friends. That said, it’s tough to have a friend as a boss. I think it’s one of the other. You definitely give up your friendship once you give someone money for a job.
What is it like to be able to give people the opportunity to live the dream of being a professional BMX rider?
It’s good and bad. Like the above answer, that’s the bad. When things don’t work out it sucks but when you first hire someone it’s a good feeling to help someone live out their dream of traveling and riding for a job.
You have had a career that has allowed you to travel all over the world. Where are some of your favorite places you have been?
Definitely anywhere in Australia and Canada (Vancouver). Those 2 are the closest places to the American lifestyle as you can get. I’m kind of a routine guy and in those 2 places I felt right at home.
Are there any places you haven’t been that you would love to go someday?
Not really, I’m kind of jaded on traveling right now. I’d always wanted to go to more exotic places though.
How do you feel about the level of progression of BMX these days?
It’s crazy! There are so many pro riders out there now taking it to a whole new level that I can’t even comprehend.
If I remember an older interview with you right, you had mentioned you were more of a chiller these days and not really out looking to learn new tricks. What was the last trick you learned and when was this?
Oh man, I couldn’t even tell you. I’m that guy that’s just having fun trying to re-learn what I was doing the year beforehand. Right now in my riding, it’s more about the feeling then trying to play catch up with what’s current in BMX.
Who are some of the guys you ride with on a more regular basis these days?
It sounds weird but I really don’t ride with anyone. I wake up at 7am to ride the parks and after work I ride some schoolyards. I’m definitely on my own schedule.
Where can you usually be found riding these days?
Nowhere new! I don’t have time like I used to. I used to hunt down new spots but now I’m content on riding the same ol schools near my house.
If you could relive any session or trip you have ever been on. Which one would you choose and why?
Oh wow. There are so many good memories on the road, it’s hard to give you just one. I would say it would be Bennett, Enns and myself up in Oregon. Those two guys are awesome to go on trips with. I can’t go on trips with the new kids on the team without the feeling of suicide. They’re zooming around doing their flips and spins and I’m doing a manual 180 on a curb. It’s pathetic feeling.
You are going on a road trip with an unlimited budget but you can only fit 5 people. Who do you bring, and where do you go?
Ha-ha. Bennett, Enns, Doyle, Wise and Dave Parrick. I know that would be the good time crew! We’d be lost somewhere in Australia.
When you first got involved with BMX, did you ever imagine it becoming what it has for you?
I always had dreams just like everyone else to do this and go there. I don’t really think about it now. I’ve been working at it for so long, that I stopped thinking about how far it’s gotten.
Over the years what kind of an injury list have you compiled?
I’ve had the worst time with shoulder injuries. For a while when I only dirt jumped, it was getting bad with broken collarbones.
If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I’d say all the shit talkers but it makes you more tolerant and thicker-skinned. Sometimes it has its advantages if you’re really competitive too.
Outside of work and riding, what are you usually up to?
Home improvement type stuff. I’m really into making my own furniture. By no means am I saying I’m good at it because I’m not but it’s cool to see it go from a flat board to something I created.
When you meet somebody new, how do you explain what you do? What is the typical reaction?
I stopped telling people what I really do. Now I just tell them that I’m a graphic designer. When I used to tell them that I ride a BMX bike they always put their arms straight out and wiggle both arms back and forth, imitating riding a bike. Then they say, “you’re really tall and old to ride those little bikes”. UGH!
Who or what are some of the biggest influences on how you live your life?
Now that I’m older I can see my parents played a huge part on how I live my life. Like every young kid I would have never accepted being anything like my dad but now…
If you could see any band live right now, who would you choose to see and why?
Either Fugazi or Superchunk. Those were/ are my favorites. Timeless masters.
Have you ever been arrested or in a fight before? Care to share why or how you did?
Sorry, no. I’m boring like that. I’m sure there are some that do want to fight me though.
Did you ever go to college at all or have you just learned everything as time goes on?
I tried but it wasn’t for me. If I want to learn something I’ll get the book and go that route.
What is something about yourself nobody really knows or has a hard time believing?
I couldn’t even tell you. Too many to list I guess?
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks
When I first heard of Jeff K he was just that guy from Midwest BMX that killed it. Over time we have bumped into each other a few times on trips and stuff and he had always been way cool. To be honest this was one of the first people I wanted to interview when I started this. Never the less it is finally here now so enjoy.
Name:
Jeff Anthony Klugiewicz
Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Eastside)
Sponsors:
Mankind, Sun Rims, Profile Racing, UGP, Hardcore Sportz, Division.
Years riding:
8
What was it that originally got you into BMX, and did you ever think it would be taking you all over the world?
Got a bike…. Started pedaling and haven’t stopped. I started riding and never ever thought about being sponsored, when shit started happening i couldn’t believe it, i still cant! I’m definitely very blessed!
How are things going with Mankind? I know your frame just dropped an it is looking real good?
Things have been very good. Christoph (the owner of Mankind) lets me do what I want with a lot of things! Ya my frame did drop and am very excited on how it turned out.
How about Profile, and your other sponsors? Anything cool going on with them?
Ive been working on a profile edit and that just came out. also have been trying to do a Tshirt with Profile as well. We’ve been working on that lately.! Also my good buddy Karl Poynter Just asked me to ride for his shop “Hardcore Sportz”, and im real stoked on it! Its cool to ride for a shop that puts BMX first! Keep a eye for there new site to drop!
It seems like you have blown up so much since the days of Midwest BMX, do you feel like that was a big factor in getting yourself noticed or was it other factors?
I’m sure it helped, everything does! Also traveling and meeting people helped. Catfish has done a bunch for me! So big thanks to him for all he’s done.
Speaking of Midwest BMX, what is going on with that site now? I heard it’s pretty much just you and Mike Hinkens running it now?
Um Mike just got added to the list of people who update the site! But Dom still does a lot! We are trying to get the site going more.
Who Else Updates the site?
Here’s the list! Me, Mike Hinkens, Dominic Trovato, Jake Geisel, Micah Kranz, and Grant C will be soon!
Do you have any new web videos, or video parts in the works? Will there ever be a Midwest BMX DVD done once you get some time?
Um videos just come when I can! I am super busy with a lot of other shit that it makes it hard plan things out! The Midwest DVD was just a dream, ha!
You have had the chance to travel a lot this past year, where are some of your favorite places you got to go?
hmm, anywhere I go is always fun! but I had a blast in Tel Aviv, Israel. the weather and people were so good, we just chilled and it was definitely a vacation. San Diego was super fun
Any places you are traveling or would like to go to?
I am going to baco in Florida! As far as places I’d like to go… anywhere overseas!
The Milwaukee scene has always been really good, who are some up and comers people should be keeping their eyes out for?
Little Jon!!! I know he’s on Kink, But a lot of people out there still don’t know, he’s a savage! others you don’t know id have to say Jeff Dowhen(Jeff D)! He has been killing it lately!
Who is your typical riding crew when your not out on trips?
Mike Hinkens… if I’m on a bike in Milwaukee its usually with him! Logan Reynalds, Jeff Dowhen, Grant C, Jake Geisel, Edson Nieves, and Andrew Kuntz! there’s a lot more but those I ride with the most!
You have been killing it brakeless these days, however I noticed you didn’t hack your mounts. Do you ever plan on putting some brakes back on?
I don’t know, I’m not going to say i am or I’m not, i just do it one day at a time and for now my bikes rolling good!
What is one trick you will never get sick of doing or seeing and why?
I really like tables. I’d have to say because there are so many different ways the trick is done! and watching someone snap a table… It’s just sick!
If you could only ride in one place for the rest of your days, where would you pick and why?
4 seasons! All my friends ride there and the place is always changing the setup, so at least I wouldn’t have to ride the same shit forever!
If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
The Hate! I don’t really feel like I have to explain!
What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I don’t care!
Outside of riding, what are you up to?
Working building skate parks! Chilling and partying!
Are you still working at 4 Seasons, or is riding the full time job these days?
I build there when I want and make extra cash! It’s nice to make your own hours!
What kind of music are you into?
Indie, Rap, Hip-Hop, Classic Rock…
A good night of partying includes…
PBR, Friends, Beer Pong, Music, and More Friends!
Have you ever been in a fight or arrested? Did you win the fight or what did you go down for?
Fighting is Not for me, I’ve been in them, try not to but sometimes you can’t avoid them! Don’t really want to say more than that!
What is something you aren’t very good at, but wish you could do better?
Art, I don’t suck completely but I’m definitely not naturally talented at it!
What are some of the most important things in life?
To me I’d have to say Family and Friends!
Being somewhat of a web guy, what are some of your favorite websites?
www.thecomeupbmx.net for the info not the hate!
www.profileracing.com
www.midwestbmx.net
www.UndergroundProducts.com
www.myspace.com ha
Who or what are some of the biggest influences in your life?
My Parents!!!
If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
The Hate!
What is some of the best advice you can give for the kids out there reading this?
Stay away from the comment boards!!!!
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Ya lots of them! Karl@Hardcoresportz, Mike Hinkens, Logan Reynolds, Jake Geisel, Grant C, Carter and Shrek@Ride, Christoph@Mankind, Jerry@System Cycle, Chad Degroot, Brian Kachinsky, Jon Wells@Sun, My Girlfriend Alex, Starbucks, Miles Rogoish, Tony Maloof, My Parents, Good Weather, and anyone i have ever rode with, thanx!
Anything else you would like to say?
Nope
Jeff’s new Profile edit.
With the recent release of the DVD These Days, I figured it would be a cool idea to talk with Stewart about what it took to make the DVD. It seems like so many people want to make a video these days and have a good chance of failing. So maybe, if you have ever wanted to make a BMX DVD, or a video in general, this might just help you make it a reality.
Name:
Stewart Munro
Location:
Brisbane,Queensland,Australia
Years involved with film:
I have been filming off and on for years. I have been filming full-time for the last 4 years now.
What was it the originally got you into video filming and editing?
I always would film Clint Millar and Colin Mackay when they were filming for Clint’s old Prody videos. When Colin got offered a part in the Ride BMX – Digital Interface DVD I filmed a lot of that when he was back in Australia.
Did you ever expect it to turn into a career?
Well I really had no idea what I wanted to do for a career so I ended up going to film school for 3 years. Now I have started my own production company (crf media). As of lately I have been getting a lot of free lance work with fuel tv usa and vitalbmx.com.
Your freshly released DVD “These Days” turned out really great. What was it that made you want to make a full length video in the first place?
I always wanted to see if I could make a full length dvd. I just started talking with Corey Boahn and he was really interested in doing a part. After that I got in contact with some other riders and things just started from there.
Was making the video a learning experience, or did you already have an idea of what you were getting yourself into?
Making These Days was a BIG learning experience! Trying to stick to a deadline, riders backing out on the dvd two days before the deadline, and just trying to keep everyone happy!
What kind of equiptment are you working with from cameras and lenses to computers and editing software?
I got a NTSC Panasonic AG-DVX100a, Krasnogorsk-3 Super 16mm camera, and a Canon 1014 XL-S super 8mm. I edited the dvd on a pc using Adobe – After Effects, and Premiere Pro.
What is your dream set up for gear, computers, software, etc?
I really want to buy a Panasonic hpx 170 HD camera and Mac book pro.
What kind of a budget were you working with? How did you go about getting riders to places to film and everything?
There was no budget!I paid for everything myself with the exception of Corey bohan paying for my flight and a hotel to finsh his part. I’m very greatful for that! I just want to say a big thanks to all the riders in the dvd and their filmers!
How long did it take to film the video from idea to final product?
16 months!
When filming what are some things you really like to focus on doing?
I just try and make sure my camera is set up right and the lens is clean. I also try and work out where the best spot to film is.
When editing what are some things you really like to focus on doing?
Music is one of thing I like focus on. I just lie making sure everything goes together right.
After you had finished filming and editing, what are the next steps to getting the video mass produced and then shipped around the world?
I just googled “DVD Duplication” and found a good place to get the dvd made. I talked to Clint Millar about how to get distributors for the DVD. I have to say getting distributors to take your DVD when they have not heard of you before is very hard. Clint got me hooked up with Joel from Tip Plus for the U.S.A and Triple 6 for distributing the dvd in Australia and New Zealand.
What do you think seperates your style of filming and editing to other professional videographers and editors out there?
That’s a hard one… I guess I try and have a differnt feeling with my DVD’s.
Who are some people that really influence your work, or who do you look up to?
well i look up to all the videographers like Chad Shack, Will Stroud , Glen PP, Ryan Navazio, Marco Svizzero, Mark Eaton, Cooper Brownlee. I have looked up to all of these guys and I have been buying all their DVD’s!
If you could change anything about “These Days”, what would you change and why?
I would not change a thing! I am so happy and very lucky to have all the riders that are in the DVD in it!
Do you have any plans on making another video? Will it be easier because of what you have learned doing this project?
Right now I’m just thinking about who I would like to have a parts in the next DVD. Nick Cooper is on board for the next one so far.
What are some other things involved in making a video that you don’t think most people understand?
The whole organization side of making a DVD is a really big thing. Also that most people just don’t understand how much time goes into making a dvd.
What kind of education did you have to learn what you do? Do you feel school is important or is it one of those things you will learn most of it as you just do it?
When I first went to film school I just wanted to know how to edit. After I got there I saw all the other cool stuff that it had to offer. Shooting on film was the next thing I really wanted to get into. I just love the way 16mm and super 8mm look.
What can we expect from your new company Cutting Floor Productions as time continues?
Well, I will be working on a new dvd straight up. I will also be having my site going live anyday now. I would like to try and do some video work for some bike companys in the USA. Also just getting more videos on Vital BMX.
Outside of BMX, what are some other projects you are typically working on?
Next month I am filming a pretty big Australian band called PNAU
at a music festival that will have 50,000 people there. I will be shooting the whole thing in 16mm.
What kind of advice do you have for people looking to get into filming and editing?
Just get out there and film. Jut have a go at it! Learn how to uses all the manaul settings!
Anything else you would like to say?
I would like to thank Corey Boahn, Cooper Brownlee, Marc@strictlybmx.com, Clint Millar,I can’t be fucked Glenny M, Colin Mackay, Cam, European Bianca, Tall Bianca, Dave D for filming the 2nd angle. Anyone who helped making this dvd and all the riders and filmers that were involed! And Kurt for giving me this interview!
If there is one thing BMX lacks, it is people with the same first name as me. Well, at least sounding the same. Actually, that really isn’t something to worry about. However, Kert is a real talented rider from Estonia who deserves some coverage. So check it out and let him know what you think in the comments.
Name:
Kert Petersel
Location:
Tallinn, Estonia
Sponsors:
simple bikes, mystic.ee, vision streetwear
Years riding:
I don’t know man, a few.
What was it that got you hooked on BMX?
The fun and crazy shit that’s involved with it got me hooked.
You are riding for Simple these days. How are things going with them? Do you have anything going on with them that you can tell us about?
Laid back and cool, things are awesome. Niels-wheels rocks
Have you been filming or anything lately? Will there be any video parts or web videos for people to check out anytime soon?
Trying to get some clips most of the time yeah, but I’m having a case of bad luck man. A cracked-whacked wrist, mountain wank. Some clips in the bonedeth video maybe, and plans on making a mystic video as well. We will see what will work out.
How are you looking travel wise these days? Any trips that you have planned?
Oh man, I have been stuck. Barca or some warmer land hopefully some time soon. Don’t have much plans though, I hate them when they don’t work out in the end
Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to check out? Where are some places you would like to go still?
Denmark was fun, always is. I haven’t really traveled with the bike, making the best of Estonia man.
If I remember right your brakeless and pegless. How do you feel about that trend picking up these days? Do you even plan on throwing pegs or brakes on again?
Don’t care at all, but pegs just feel weird for me, bananas I don’t get it. Pegless works fine now.
Were you ever one of those people who went out of their way to get sponsored or is the “just let it happen” thing more what happened for you?
It just happened yeah!
How are you feeling about contests these days? Any plans of getting to any anytime soon?
a-negative
What is the best feeling you can think of that you get from BMX?
Crashing and being fine, greatest thing ever. It makes for good laughs all caveman style.
What is something that pisses you off about BMX?
Shit’s all serious.
If you could be sponsored by any company BMX related or not, what would you pick and why?
I’m pretty stoked at the moment already!
What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
Probably would still play hockey, tackle them
Have you ever gotten action, a number, or anything from a girl because of BMX?
It doesn’t do any bad, heh
If you could no longer live where you live now. Where would you want to move to and why?
I Guess I would go place to place, don’t see myself stayin in one place too long.
Who or what have been the biggest influences on your life?
Friends man, friends
If you could have any job in the world other than riding BMX, what would it be and why?
It really isn’t a job for me anyway, as it keeps me only half alive. I get my beer money workin on random things
Aren’t you in school? What are you going for?
Got done with high school and now time off, lookin for a job, don’t really know what I want to do in the future I am clearin the head at the moment
Have you ever been in a fight or arrested? If so why? Did you win? or Why not?
Couple of times arrested for breakin shit. Got in a fight with my buddy, security guys tried to kick us out from an event. It was because we were smuggling crates of beer in and got pissed, they weren’t diggin it. After we got kicked out we started getting on their nerves and well that ended in a fight, bunches on all sides and ended up at the police station again, fun times. That’s one, but there’s more hah
What is the best/worst purchase you have ever made and why?
Some seaweed in a can thing, tasted like 5am diarrhea
If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
Haha, oh man…
What is the best advice you can give people just getting into BMX?
Less talk, more rock’n’roll
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Simple bikes, Niels over there, All the guys behind mystic, friends for being who they are, anyone who has helped in a way, thanks mates!
Anything else you would like to say?
LIVE FAST LAND FLAT
