BMX UNION

If your really into BMX you probably know who Maddog is… Yeah, that little kid who can ride better than you and has more sponsors than you will ever have. Okay, maybe that is a little harsh. The kid kills it on a bike but is a youngin so he seems a little shy. Oh well, his riding does the talking and this is what I got out of him for an interview! Enjoy!

Name:
Brett Banasiewicz.

Location:
South Bend IN

Sponsors:
Dk, Danscomp, profile(flow), sun etnies(flow,)superhuman, Maxxis

Years Riding:
7

People always say your dad makes you ride… What really got you into it and what keeps you going at it now?
i’ve heard that a couple times… but i just ride for the fun and excitement…

You got yourself quite a sponsor list especially for your age. How old are you now days anyways?
13 going into 8th grade

Speaking of sponsors, how are things going with DK? When can we expect some signature stuff from you? Any plans for road trips, demos, video parts, web edits, anything at all going on with them and you?
fine and dandy, maybe some signature things. and tons of web edits out soon.

How about the rest of the sponsors, anything good like that going on with them?
yeah, they all help me out sooo much, THANKS GUYS.!

What the hell is Superhuman?
sweet new appperal company tons of hott stuff.
superhumaninc.com.

Your pretty unstoppable with what you can do on your bike. What is the current trick to learn or dial in for you?
not much really… some here and there.

What is one trick you never plan on doing?
not sure

You got yourself a pretty sweet gig with DK where you get to travel all over with them. Where are some of your favorite places you have been?
yeah. they’ve been a big help and taked me to places never imagineable

Where are some places you really want to go someday?
china

If I remember right you finally moved up to the 20″ (no homo). How has that been going for you weird or not really?
Not at hall haha

In a typical riding day for you who do you usually ride with and where can you be found riding?
some of my home town friends… i can be found at michigan city.!

Who were some of your biggest riding influences when you first started and how about today?
prolly my family.

How do you feel about all those dudes out there anonymously hating on your riding and what would you like to say to them?
dont really have anything to say…haha

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people anywhere in the world, who would you pick and where would you go?
scotty cranmer. anthony watkinson, catfish, big daddy,cgris gerber.

What do you think about contests? When wil we be seeing you all over the Dew Tour and X-Games? Or is that not your style?
ill be in salt lake city for the fft challange

What do you think the most memorable experience you have had because of BMX is?
riding in front of 3,000 ppl

You and Catfish are tight like a tiger. What can you say that would sum that guy up?
helpful, awesome, fun, funny, always down to have fun! ridaz

If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
the Sh*t talking…. theres too much…

How do you feel about bike games like footdown and b-i-k-e. Do you ever play at all?
im always down to play foot down and bike

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
not really sure

Outside of BMX what are some things your into?
paintball… drawing

How are the ladies treating you? What is the key to success with those high school girls now days?
good looking hair and a smile

Speaking of school, do you ever find it hard to make it to class being so busy with BMX?
haha yes all the time..

Do you plan on going to college or just do this riding thing?
just riding i think

You find $1000 on the ground, what do you do?
keep it

What is the scariest thing you have ever done/seen?
idk

Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
my family

If you could spend the day with anybody in the world who would it be and why?
anthony watkinson, hes a funny english kid.haha

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
driving !

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
tons, myspace,vital,things like that

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
DONT GIVE UP

What kind of advice do you have for everyone and BMX?
dont listen to people putting you down

Do you have any thanks?
thanks to my family all my sponsors chafish chris gerber

Anything else you would like to say?
ridaz ridaz ridaz

Jeff is another one of those Peg Leg dudes who can ride! Well, they all can ride real good but you know what I mean. I figured I better get some questions to him to see what he was up to. The downer is that he just happened to have plenty of time to do it due to some recent issues that you can read about below! Enjoy!

Name:
Jeff Martin

Location:
860 Connecticut

Sponsors:
Peg Leg and whore Island

Years riding:
about 7 years now

You are one of Peg Leg crew members, what is Peg Leg to you and what can you say about it that explains it as a whole?
Peg leg is a force, we are all street riders just tryin to ride and have a good time while doing it n/h

The DVD had come out not too long ago. How did you feel about your part and what is your most memoriable thing that happened to you when that was in the works?
My part was just a little bit of blood and sweat. Every moment was memorable in my eyes but the trip we took to Canada was deff a good time. Always just chillen and partying and gettin kicked out of casinos and shit haha, We put in work still though good times. Alex shit in a stair case in Tampa, ill never forget that ever

Do you have any new video parts or web videos in the works?
I was working on a shook part and a trip to Montreal but i just broke my foot. I feel like a jerk to waste such an opportunity.

Ouch…

Anything else going on, road trips? new sponsors? a hot girlfriend?
Not too much since my foots been broke, just waitin for my surgery to go through. I been dealin with insurance issues and its just been a big mess.

You and your crew are pretty big street riders, where are some of your favorite places to ride?
The banks hahahaha. Really like heaven in Hartford and Tampa street is probably my favorite place to ride besides Stanley quarter park in New Britain CT, always something goin on there. Chillen and riding, always meetin up there its dope.

Where are some places you would really like to go to someday?
Would really like to go to the uk those spots over there looks really good and different. Would like to go to spain with platt cuz he got the spots

What is one trick that you have always been really into?
360s are fun and i really like xup grinds and bank to subs

What is one trick or line that no matter how many times you try it wont happen?
Anything can get done if you put your mind to it

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring and where would you go?
I really cant answer this question hahaha, the list could go on for days! Deadass i could never choose one of my brother over another n/h

Have you ever had any injuries from riding?
Just like stupid stuff but like i said i just broke my foot and it really sucks. Im prolly gonna be out till like November and its the worst. I guess thats life though. You win some you lose some

How do you feel about contests? Do you plan on hitting any up this summer at all?
There enjoyable i guess. ! Dont really follow them or anything. We have jams in ct but i just end up gettin stupid but thats always fun

If you could be sponsored by any company at all, bmx related or not. Who would you pick and why?
Rice-A-Roni the San Francisco treat

What is your best story you have about run ins with cops/security?
When i was 12 a cop pulled a gun on me for not having brakes on my bike cuz i wouldnt mess up my sneakers, Deadass

What is BMX to you?
Brothers travelin and Fun, what else!?

Outside of riding what are some things you are into?
Doin some school stuff and drinkin, chillen, smokin gritzzz

What do you go to school for?
Tunxis in bristol for graphics and art

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
Platt, Fakie master is like a father, took me under his wing n/h. My parents are cool for puttin up with me

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Just continue riding and having fun. Doin my school shit. Takin it day by day

Heard any good songs lately?
Take me home tonight- Eddie Money

Seen any good movies lately?
Seen the batman flick and i thought it was pretty dope. Im really into Talladega nights man. Every time that movie is soo good. Funniest ever!

Do you spend much time on the internet? Where can people find you creepin usually?
Usually hangin on myspace haha. Gets boring though. The come up i hang on a bit but i never post anything cuz im afraid i might offend some people.

What is the key to success with the ladies?
Ruthless good looks and a 211

What would you do with the cash if you were to win the lottery?
Buy a special raccoon and train him to steal anything i my heart desires. Call him Chet Jr. I would start Shark Attack for real also. I dont think the world is ready yet though. One day

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, or ficticious, who would you pick and why?
My fathers fathers. My pops is real character. No emotion at all and i dont understand why he never has a smile on his face. His father died before i was born so i really would like to see how he had raised up my dad

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If life gives you eggs, make an omelet

What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?
Just jump on it n/h

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Platt, Grat, Fakie, Feil kids, you for giving me this opportunity, Wade young, my parents, Kenny, Villiani, Josh, Sven, Chet and george

Anything else you would like to say?
Sing me a song about a Demon by the river.
Ill give you a trinket n/h

Rickey Bates has been killing it lately and it has showed. He is a Florida ripper with a lot of talent. If you haven’t heard much about him yet well this is a chance to get to know him a little better. Enjoy!

Name:
Rickey Bates

Location:
St. petersburg/ Orlando, FL

Sponsors:
Shadow, Sputnic, Mesh skatepark

Years Riding:
13, longer than I haven’t been riding haha

You are riding for Sputnic and Shadow. How are things going with them? Do you have any signature stuff, video parts, web videos, road trips, or anything cool planned with them anytime soon?
Things are going good, I think I might have a colorway with a frame. I have a part in the shadow video, and we all have a personal web videos coming out for sputnic. I’m actually on a trip in pittsburgh now and couple more trips later this year and maybe mega tour.

Do you feel like where your living gives you an advantage over a lot of other guys with so many talented riders, Mesh, and really good street spots?
There are lots of sweet people to ride with, streets kinda weird since everything is flat. It doesn’t make things too interesting, but it could be worse though, no harsh winter so thats a plus, but everyone migrates for the hot rainy summers.

What is on trick, or line, that has been bugging you the most lately?
Nothing in particular, just hard to find the right set ups lately or maybe im getting too picky.

You kill it on street, what is it about street that seems to keep you riding it all the time?
It’s just cool finding stuff to ride thats not meant to be rode, and theres so many options and ways to use spots.

I imagine you have had some crazy run ins with cops, security, homeless people. Do you have any good stories?
Hm so manyyyy, lots of cop run ins, and chasing, couple security fights, always hanging with crazy crack heads, it’s never ending.

What is something that scares the shit out of you when it comes to BMX?
Knowing I dont have that many years left that I can phsyically ride.

If you could go on a trip with 5 dudes and a good budget, who would you bring and where would you go?
Anyone from Banned crew, here for kicks crew, pittsburgh or casselberry crew , and probably go somewhere random like Japan and just see how far we can take things .

On a typical riding day, who is the usual crew you ride with and where can you be found riding?
all the people from above usually around orlando or mesh skatepark, or pittsburgh during summer.

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride because of BMX?
I really like the northeast during the summer.

Where are some places you would really like to go at some point?
Japan, maybe spain, or california even.

You will hate me for this but… do you ever get mistaken for Jeremiah Smith because your hair?
Haha, nah its never happened.

How do you feel about contests? Do you have any plans to hit any up anytime soon?
Some of the street ones look alright, most of them are kinda jockish and way too competitive, but im sure they have their perks.

Do you ever play any of the bike games like foot down? Do you have any of your own games you suggest people try out to have some fun on their bikes?
The bone jam game, put on shin guards and pole jam each others shins, whoever takes the most jams wins.

Who are some riders you have looked up to growing up and even today?
Stricker, Homan, Marvin, Bennet. Now days everyone’s crazy so, anyone who does things a little different.

What does BMX need more of, and what does it need less of?
More of a old school feel, less seriousness, and pretty flashy fashion crap.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
sports and crack.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Get hurt less.

If you could have any super power, what would you pick and why?
Teleporting, it’d just be amazing!

You find $1000 on the ground, what do you do with it?
Get all my friends together and see how fast we can blow it.

If you could be sponsored by any non-bmx related company, who would you choose and why?
Probably a food or gas company

Have you had any bad injuries BMX related?
ha um, broke both ankles, broke wrist, broke both hands, broke bunch of fingers and toes, broke out teeth a couple times, killed my face a couple times, bunch of stitches, broken ribs, fractured tailbone, hernia, punctured lung, ruptured spleen, bunch of knockouts, torn miniscus right now , but can still ride!

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, or fictitious who would you pick and why?
my friends.

What is your dream car and why?
SUV type that doesnt use gas, full of pointless gadgets Do you spend much time on the computer?

Any favorite websites?
Shadow
Sputnic
Hereforkicks!
MESH
and all the popular bmx sites.

Have you seen any good movies lately?
Me and my girlfriend watch alot of cheesy movies, but somehow im into all of them.

What is the best advice you could give to anybody?
Take nothing serious, it’ll all be over soon.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to all my friends, and girlfriend Tracie for putting up with my shit, shadow, sputnic, Mesh, and anyone who has helped me.

Eli Platt is a very interesting dude. Not only can he kill it on a bike, he is a very smart person. With so much going on with him I really was excited to get this interview because I personally have been a big fan of his riding. This interview turned out real good and I think you will like it. Let us know in the comments!

Name:
Ellison Platt

Photo:stolen from Micreation

Location:
Columbus, OH

Sponsors:
Subrosa, Shadow, Micreation, Lotek, Amy’s Kitchen

Years Riding:
Not too sure, 10 sounds good.

What was it that originally introduced you to BMX and what keeps you at it today?
I grew up spending summers in Lancaster, Oh, and some kids I knew down there were into it. I just grabbed a hold of it and never let go. I was (and am) a bit of a loner, and was really drawn to the fact that it was something that I could progress at without a teammate or coach. I’m still into it for the exact same reasons.

Your riding has been very influential in BMX these past few years, did you ever expect to become one of the big dogs in BMX?
Um, first off, I think both of the above points are lies. Secondly, I feel like I am still just a kid looking up, daunted by what people are doing these days. Thirdly…..there is no thirdly.
Modest are we? I don’t lie haha

You are one of the Subrosa crew members with a recently released signature frame. How are things going with them? What do you have planned? Any video parts/web edits, road trips, more signature goods, or cool stuff like that?
Subrosa has been, and is, amazing. I have so much fun with the guys on the team it is incredible. I believe a trip to Japan and a video coming next year are the only things upcoming that pertain directly to me. I’m sure a bunch more is in the works though, Ryan and the Sparky’s guys always have something in the oven.

Eli’s new frame!

How about things over at The Shadow Conspiracy? Anything exciting going on with them and you these days?
Shadow rules. I knew it would be a good time, but I had no idea. I seriously love all those involved. The team is full of some of the best guys I have ever met, and I consider myself lucky to even be on the same list as them. Sometimes I find myself sitting in a van with the dudes and thinking “what the hell am I doing here?”. I just got back from my last filming trip with the guys, and everyone else is wrapping up as well, so the video should be out around Interbike. That is certainly the biggest thing going on with them at the moment.

You had your Micreation web video come out a while back which was great, do you have anything else coming from them anytime soon?
Thanks. I think we might be trying for some sort of shirt design that incorporates a quote I like, maybe a track jacket. I can’t handle hoods getting in the way anymore, so we’ll see. Dave has some other new designs in the works as well.

And once more, how about Lotek? Anything going on there?
I had hoped to make it to SF at some point to shoot for the video, but other trips and work obligations have made things really tight. We’ll see…

Alright enough with the sponsors, what have you been up to lately? Any cool trips or experiences due to BMX?
I have just been travelling a bunch, primarily for the Shadow video, and other odds and ends. I spent two weeks in England just recently, and that was incredible. A huge thanks to the Seventies guys for that one.

What do you think has the most influence on your riding these days?
Martial arts and Jordan highlights. No doubt about it.

You have had the opportunity to ride some amazing places in your day, where would you like to go as time goes on?
Anywhere overseas. I crave the culture shock. I am happy cruising down a street in someplace entirely new, regardless of spots.

Who are some of the dudes you ride with more on a daily basis and what are some of the “usual” riding spots?
When at home I ride with some old friends, and riding quickly becomes a secondary to just shooting the shit. If I’m at home and want to ride seriously, I just cruise by myself. I can focus better that way. I live a mile or two from the campus, so there is plenty to play on.

Photo: Stolen from Ride BMX

You have a lot of tricks in the bag, but what trick do you think you will never get sick of?
Popping a good hop out of a manual. I love it. I’ve grown fond of tables recently too. I suck at them by today’s standards I’m sure, but I don’t care.

Anything new you have been working on and kicking your own ass with?
I just took my brakes off, so pretty much everything is kicking my ass, and I love it. No room for slop, just control. The simplicity and consistency of my bike is an awesome feeling.

Do you ever get burned out on riding and what keeps that flame going strong?
Absolutely. Sometimes I can’t stand it. But usually that is because I let a bunch of ridiculous stuff get in the way. Riding can be the simple thing it was as a kid, it just takes bit more work these days, and maybe some blinders.

Do you ever get into any of those bike games to play like foot down or b-i-k-e for a little fun?
No, actually. Maybe I should give those a shot….

What does BMX need more of and what could it use less of?
I have no clue. Anything I could offer would only be the opinion of one person, and that shouldn’t carry much weight anyway. Let it be what it is, and take it or leave it depending on the outcome. I’m just trying to ride my bike down the street.

If you could have a session with any 5 people at any spot in the world, who would you pick and where would you ride?
I don’t know where to start, but one thing is for sure, and that is that I would never be able to session with the dudes I chose. I would just want to chill and watch. I get shaky in those situations.

What do you think you would be up to if you never picked up a bike?
I might be in law school or something, playing basketball every now and then and yearning to travel.

Outside of riding that bike what are you up to?
Just working, running and reading. I have what must surely be a clinical addiction to running at the moment. My day doesn’t begin without it, and I depend on it to get me feeling right. I’m absolutely loving it. I ran a bit over 40 miles last week (a personal best) and am thinking of maybe doing a marathon. Maybe.

Now that you are done with school do you still find yourself finding ways to teach yourself new things?
Definitely. I say pretty often that I study now more than ever. It was easy to slack off in school when grades were the measure of success and you got the grade, but now there is just fulfilling personal goals and exploring personal interests. That is a real workload.

Any plans on going back to school anytime soon?
After two years of trying to get into grad school and failing, I am taking a break. Philosophy is just so wildly competitive at that level that I think I need to bolster my resume, or perhaps I will just try for law school. But for now I am enjoying riding my bike and scratching the itch of the boy inside me. I’ll grow up someday, but not right now.

What do you feel is the most important thing to find success in life?
Never letting the best part of yourself down. If, by your most exacting measure, you are content with where you are, then that is the only success that matters. We owe it to ourselves to wear ourselves down by our life’s pursuits. Unachieved potential is such a waste.

How do you feel about politics and do you have any intensions on voting?
I am pretty into politics, and all I can say is that my hope for a better America lies in Obama. That man is awesome. Check out his book “The Audacity of Hope” and I think you will agree.

If you could change anything about the world what would it be and why?
I would get rid of the human ego.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Build a foundation for long-term happiness and fulfillment. I know that sounds completely ridiculous, but I never want to be 40 years old and unhappy with where I’m at. Each day is a foundation for tomorrow, and I want to make sure I don’t screw things up.

How are the ladies treating you these days? Any tips for success?
My girlfriend Celine is amazing. We just got a dog, so I think things are going pretty well. I got lucky, so I have nothing to offer in the way of advice. Seriously, I didn’t and don’t know what the hell I’m doing with the ladies, so I got nothing.

Photo: Chip Riggs

Who or what are some of the things that has had the biggest influence on your life?
My mom, BMX, working at a young age, X-men, basketball, my friends, Celine, Christian upbringing, Emerson, Thoreau, school….

What kinds of music are you into? Anything that you suggest people to check?
I’m into all sorts of stuff, and any day I may list off five different bands. Explosions in the Sky, Built to Spill and Eluvium have been constants for a while now though.

I feel like maybe you are into reading? Any books you think people would be into?
Yeah, I read quite a bit. I just read “Into the Wild” by Krakauer for the second time. I last read it six years ago and it had a big impact, and it is a trip to read it now through more mature eyes. I am also reading the Dune series by Herbert, and it is incredible.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
When things get slow at work I poke around a bit. I check out the Come up for one stop shop bmx news, then head over to runnersworld.com, fatfreevegan.com, or espn.com. I’m not on it much longer than that.

What is something about yourself that nobody would believe?
I couldn’t even guess. I’m pretty believable on all fronts.

What is some of the best advice you have ever received?
When I was much younger and working at a bike shop with an older friend, I was slacking on something he told me to do it right. I asked him what the point was, saying it didn’t really matter, and he said “because it’s what you do”. I’m sure he didn’t mean it to have the impact it did, but it opened my eyes to the mindset of doing what ever it is you do to the fullest. Everyday is bursting with opportunities to see just how far you can push yourself and how well you can live your life, and that is something to take advantage of.

What kinds of advice do you have for the people reading this?
Disregard everything I have said.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Ryan at Subrosa, Ronnie at Shadow, Dave at Micreation, Rich at Lotek, Amy’s, Celine, Azlan, Johnny Devlin, my mom, my friends, and anyone else I’ve ever met.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks for the questions and thanks for reading my ramblings.

I have been working on lining up a whole bunch of interviews for you guys to check out latley. One thing I really am stoked on is the response from the people when I ask. Not only is Jeremie a very talented rider, he also has a pretty sweet job too working at Sidewall Distribution. I hope you enjoy this one it has some awesome stories in it! Let us know what you think in the comments! All photos by: Josh Vaughan

Name:
Jeremie Infelise

Location:
Oklahoma City OK

Sponsors:
Hoffman bikes, Snafu, Sauced

Years Riding:
9

What was it that first got you into BMX and did you ever expect it to take you to where you are today?
My aunt started dating a bmx’er, and she sent me a bunch of videos and instantly I wanted to ride a bike. I’ve always set up sketchy ramps with boards and cinder blocks, but what they were doing on the video was unreal. I visited them in Oklahoma for the summer and he ended up giving me his old bike. I took it home and messed it up shortly after. About a year later I moved from California to Oklahoma and got the bike fixed and haven’t stopped riding since. The guy was Mark Owen (Chuck D); I owe everything to him then and now.

You are on the Hoffman team, how are things going with them, what is it like to ride for Mat, and is there anything big going on over there like trips, videos, sig products with you, or anything fun like that?
Hoffman Bikes is amazing. The team couldn’t get better and they are very open minded with what we want to do. We just did a trip to Colorado and New Mexico that is in Props #69. We are doing a team series of shirts; I designed the second one that has just been released. Its called “make party”, a little change up from what the past HB shirts have been. It also has a good story behind it. As of anything else there is nothing set in stone just some ideas.

How are things going with Snafu? Anything good going on with them you want to talk about?
Snafu is also another team I’m glad to be a part of. I got on when everyone thought they were dead. And since then I feel those guys are doing a good job of bringing it back and I think they are going in the right direction. I’m currently working on a handle bar. It’s called the JRI bar. I asked them about doing a bigger bar, they said come up with it and we will do it. Not sure I deserve a sig part like that but if that’s what they want to do then I guess I’ll go with it. The first run was a bit rushed but there are two samples being done to finalize them for the second run so hopefully some people will be into them.

You also work over at Sidewall Distribution. How long have you been there, what do you do there, and how do you like it?
I have been at Sidewall for almost two years now. I do a bit of sales, answer a few different e-mail accounts, some warranty stuff and any other odd jobs that need to be done. I like it a lot the only draw back is the majority of my time is spent at a desk and I get bit anxious and have to get a few times a day to ride around the office or goof off with Ever which is Mark Owens daughter. Sidewall also doubles as a day care.

Obviously you have had the chance to ride some really great places, where are some of your favorite places you have been and why?
Malaysia, because it was the first time I had been out of the country and I came close to dying in a cab.

Where are some places you would like to add to your list?
South Africa, Australia, Spain and Europe also South America. So many places.

Who is your typical riding crew and where could you typically be found riding?
Lately its been my friend Nick and Neal. And all the young up and comers who are always at the park. We have two really good parks that I go to often. But lately I’ve been trying to ride more street and I like to do that with a minimal crew, seems easier to get stuff done and doesn’t draw too much attention. My good friend Stephen just got back from Iraq, he’s one that I will definitely session with often.

If you were only allowed to do one trick for a week, what trick would you pick and why?
Tuck no-handers. Coming up with Mat around and other vert guys, I’ve always wanted to do that trick. And now when I do them it’s the best feeling.

What is one trick you cannot do for the life of you?
How about all of them. Things do not seem to come easy for me and I have to work for everything I have. The latest one would have to be barspin to foot jam though.

Speaking of life, have you had any bad injuries from riding at all?
Torn both ACL’s, separated both ac shoulder joints and I seem to hit my face a lot.

Who were some of your biggest influences on your riding when you first got into it and how about today?
Everyone from Hoffman bikes who worked there when I first started hanging out; Mark Owen, Mat Hoffman, Steve Swope, Page Hussey, Mike Collins, Chris Collins, Big Island and anyone else I didn’t name. Some are still around and some have moved on to different things. It is a big family and I’m fortunate enough to be included.

If you could go on a road trip with anybody and go anywhere, who would you bring and where would you go?
This is a tough one. Can we go to space?
A few dudes and no one knows each other to a place that we have never been, South Africa would be my first choice. I think new friends with a common bond of BMX in a new place would be a memorable time.

What does BMX need less of and what could it use more of?
Blogs seem to be latest talk of BMX, especially the negativity that seems to come out of them. Less negative would be nice but you have to also take that stuff lightly, you can’t please everyone. More cities that supported bikes in parks. I wish everyone were fortunate with parks that allow bike and pegs. Our local parks are pretty supportive of us, but that also came with some work also.

Do you have any plans of hitting up any contests like the dew tour at all this year?
Not any of the Dew tours, I will try and go to some smaller local events. Getting time from work is hard sometimes so I like to use the time off and money for road trips with friends or visiting somewhere I haven’t been yet.

Do you have any good stories of run ins with security/cops/homeless people at all?
We used to mess the security guards at a local university. We would ride a spot or two then when they came we would scatter and go back and forth inside the campus.
After a bit of that we would go to the park across the street and get on the roof of the gazebo and watch them try to find us. After it cooled down we would do it all over again.
And once we were at a mini ramp that some neighbor hood association built but didn’t allow bikes. One of the dads tried to grab my friends bike so in a scuffle for the bike he ended up throwing the dad to the flat bottom from the deck. That was pretty funny.

Outside of riding and work what are some things you are into?
Making videos, BBQing, new music, hanging out with friends, trying to learn Photoshop.

Who or what have been some of the biggest influences on your life?
My family, immediate and adopted.

Favorite ice cream?
Currently is Rocky Road or a caramel, pecan and fudge sundae.

Is there anybody in this entire world you would really love to give a swift kick in the nuts/vag to and why?
I don’t think so. But I never got why some dudes like to play the sac-tap game. I’m not a very good sport at the game so I suggest not playing it with me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years and what are some things you would like to accomplish by then?
Hopefully still fortunate enough to be able to ride, I’d also like to buy a house. Other than that take it day by day and try to have some fun along the way.

If you could have any car/form of transportation, real or fiction what would you want to cruise around in?
Lear jet to travel the world.

You find $100 on the street, what do you do with it?
I would buy a bunch of food and have a bbq with all of my friends.

What is something crazy that has happened to you that nobody believes when you tell them?
I have this crazy scar on my leg. It’s about 1/4″ wide and 3 inches long, it happened from a zip tie.

Have you ever been in a fight and did you win?
Yes I have and I guess so. I was in a Taco bell parking lot when I was 18. Me and I friend were waiting for some one being loud and stupid. These two dudes and their girls were walking out and I guess they thought we were messing with them. Next thing I know one of the dudes runs up to the car (while im in it still) and starts trying to hit me. I open the door and hit him with it and get out, he starts swinging all crazy not even getting close to hitting me. I grab him then pin him to the ground and all of a sudden the two girls jump on my back. So here I am, I have two girls on my back and the dude in a headlock. I finally get them off me then the other dude wants to fight me. I explained that if the three of them couldn’t do the job then I doubt he could so they left. That story always makes me laugh even though I don’t consider myself a violent person.

If you could be sponsored by any company that has no relation to BMX what would you pick and why?
Even though we don’t have one, Whole Foods. A good portion of my money goes to food that would eliminate one of my biggest expenses.
Or an airline, free tickets!!!

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
I normally don’t touch the computer at work or if I’m out of town.
I’ll do some non-bmx sites:
Vice mag
Cnn
Google
Inked mag
Filter mag

What is the best advice you have for kids just getting into BMX?
HAVE FUN!

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my family, friends and sponsors

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks to Kurt for doing this interview it was fun.

Rob is in short, a very interesting and amazing guy. When Brian Tunney and I were talking about people I should interview his name came up real quick. I honestly had no idea what to expect due to him being such a busy guy. However, he came through with probably one of my favorite interviews I have done with somebody. I hope you enjoy this. I know I did.

Name:
Rob Harrison

Location:
Cologne, mid Germany

Sponsors at all?
Carhartt Europe

Years Riding:
Started 1983 or 1984, so a few years now.

What was it that first got you into BMX and when did you know that you wanted to have it be your life?
It was back then for many the big thing, i had bonanza bike with high bars and the 20″ in the front… It just wasn’t practical for what was being done and I ended up on a Raleigh Burner…which to be honest also wasn’t really up to it, but it was a start. As for when it changed into more of a life thing…. I guess that happened when I quit what I was doing previously and made the positive decision that I wanted to be more involved. It was from that point on that I let it guide me more than I’d previously done. I’m not sure I’d describe it as being my life… It’s a huge part of me but i’d like to think that I still have the control, I chose/choose to be this involved and have most of my waking minutes have something to do with bmx but life can also be more.

You have a pretty key role over there at We The People, what exactly is that and what is your “typical” day in the office?
Everyone here has a key role, when things are small you rely on the fact that everyone is doing what needs to get done. In the last 6 months the company changed a lot and we’re now getting help from more people and the office got bigger and we joined it onto the shop. That didn’t affect what I do so much but i guess it did affect the general day because I see a lot more faces during it. It’s not so easy to pigeon hole what I do but I guess primarily it comes down to the team side of things. Along side that I do the warranty, the web site, promo stuff, the tours and then anything from sticker requests, product ideas, fixing kids bikes in the shop, anything sponsorship wise through to making sure I’m happy with any video stuff that comes out. Typical days… I guess these days the bulk of my time if I’m in the office, goes into the email, if there is a trip or video part due out then I’m working on that… I Like to make sure that we’re not just banging out the same old stuff, see what the team has going on, sort out some news for the web site… Like to keep that on a minimum once a day update so there is always something new up there even if it’s as random as I am ­ enough people have no idea what I am (shit-)talking about in the news posts. If there’s any of the guys in town then maybe hanging out with them, maybe getting photos.

With work taking a lot of time, and having to constantly talk about BMX. Do you ever find much time to ride, and do you ever just get burned out on it from it being work?
Sure I get burnt out. It’s a weird balance… You know you love what you do but there is still a point where you just get fucked off. Maybe it’s hard to describe to those who are fresh in there and still on the bike 24/7, in fact maybe it’s not even relevant so i won¹t try. But the fact is that it¹ssomething that has meant so much to me for so long, it’s not just there it is part of me. So having a life that is based around it is just like any other, sometimes it’s amazing and sometimes it’s the pits but being part of something that has this much passion and people who believe in the same is nothing short of fantastic. My riding time is limited to the private ramps that myself and 15 locals have and the tours. I wish it was more, but i’m not going to force anything.

When you find the time to ride, where can you usually be found riding and riding with?
Yeah it’s the private set up in Cologne, just myself and the music because that is the time where I come down after the days hectic. The lines are really tight there so with three people it’s already busy; but there are times when i really appreciate some of the other guys being there, in particular Daniel Weber from Freedombmx, Sven Hoffman, Ed Docherty, Jan Heinen, Dude and klaus used to come around sometimes. When it comes to trip time, then I only take guys I know I’m going to enjoy being around…. But with the wethepeople team, that is not difficult… The hard part is limiting it to the few that fit in the van. I really like going away with Will, Ash, James Smith, Luc…any of the French guys in fact, then Max and the Bonn lot are sound and strict… Maybe even too strict for me. Wicke…Ha i love the chance to get away with him, he’s a little type cast into this ramp rider by most but put him in the van and he’ll crack you up and sleep anywhere. Chester is also always into new stuff… That’s the attitude I need when we’re away because i’d rather rough it than hotel my way around LA beach spots…although I’m sure that might also do me some good.

Are you much of one to try super hard to progress still or is it kind of just if it happens it happens?
Ha, I feel at my age that I almost have the right to sit back and let it happen, I still push myself a lot but i’m also not into nailing myself as much as I might have been once. I still find that I can’t let things go though, and I’m always looking for something that others perhaps haven’t seen even it it simply be a new way in or out of something basic. I try to keep the little riding I do on a level where it feels good, entails as little pedalling as possible and more about moving the bike round to keep that momentum… I think through that you see things differently again.

You have had the chance to travel because of We The People, where are some of your favorite places you have been?
I make a point of not doing what others might and the trips have reflected that, so they also went places that most avoided or just weren’t interested in. The downside usually is that we also can’t do the places justice because we’re also tied for time and money. Over the last couple of years we were the first outside teams to visit Italy, Poland and Ireland but N.Spain remains one of my favourites. I think the team would agree on that and the last England tour with the Ride2Glory trip as the best times. With the guys here…. Moscow was the best, but even just simple days in the office can be sometimes as good as spending time going off somewhere. Where are some places you would like to go at some point?Croatia, Chester said about going to Tel Aviv and I still haven¹t been to Japan or Malaysia… They’re on my growing list.

If it weren’t for We The People or even BMX, where do you think you would be today?
😉 I have no idea, I actually used to teach Database development at Leeds University and designed financial software systems in some screwed up programming language called Uniface. But I have done so many jobs over the years that I could have been anywhere. I got out of that because i wasn’t happy and wanted to do more with bmx…. I’m happy I’ve managed that. Infact more so, i¹m happy that there are people like Klaus Dyba and Harry Schmid who stilll believe in how good bmx really can be; it’s not a sales sheet or numbers… Those are things that just keep a company going, it’s about just how damn good bmx can be for itself, within itself. Those are the reasons both myself and others can be proud to be into bmx. Without it…I’d be…no idea, it is my life so I can’t think back to what might have been.

Out of all the BMXers you have ever seen, who do you think has impressed you the most and why?
Holy shit, you know how to ask questions…. If we think riders, then Garrett Burns and from the guys i know personally…. Will Jackson, Luc Legrand and Ashley Charles. Obviously I’ve got my reasons for those choices but i think it won’t bring anyone anything if I start to describe why, sometimes stuff like that gets boring and cliche. I got my personal opinion,and where I’ve had the chance they’re already on the team, but bmx is also a breeding ground for people with not only riding but visual talent… Those are the guys who bring the images and convey the feeling to everyone else. Those are the people that bmx perhaps under rates the most.

Is there anything exciting going on over at We The People these days like trips, videos, new team members, new products, art shows, anything at all you can tell us about?
Things move here every single day, so I guess I got things I can tell you about. Start easy… Product, two new signature frames…. Chester Blacksmith (Sleepless), and Ashley Charles (A2B)… Due out Sept. It would be unfair to say which, but one of those frames is my new favourite in the entire range, ever. Then we’re also building up to the real launch of éclat… The final product list is as good as done and the team will be announced in the next days. Right now I am also kinda looking with Brian for someone else who might represent wethepeople in the US. The video…. Ha best I don’t say anything there at the moment. On the videorama section I know that Will Jackson’s section is next and just organizing those together has been good. The Ride2glory video edit is due out on the next RideUK cover dvd and a lot of work went into that one the last weeks because instead of working only with bmx editors i decided i wanted to do something more and asked the help of a guy who has had some recent fame as a short film maker.It meant three times the work, but i think it’s worth the effort to push things. We’re just getting settled now in the new office and shop, that feels good and if people want to check out the shop then despite the German language : www.peoplesstore.de – because we’re inherently connected we often show the prototypes there and the entire shop is based on the concept of bmx being better. The place is like no other and partly because of that attracts a lot of Colab attention. The owner of Vans was here, Nike recently did the street jam with us. The shop and Janosch also helped get the local concrete park open to bikes again and a lot of people just come here to get inspiration for there own shops. Got another Colab planned with the 24″cruiser for the US after having done both the Carhartt bikes and the Y3 classic over here.

Speaking of art, do you plan on doing the Seat Beat thing again or anything else along those lines?
Ah that is still running, the idea was that we sent it out on it’s own tour. Right now the seats are in Lyon in France. But a few of the stragglers are still arriving so new seats are still coming in… Two additional seats joined at Lyon and there is now another from artist when in New Jersey (through Mike Brennan and Vinnie Sammon). The exhibition now goes to London, and after that will begin the state side of things…. The guys in Ohio wanted to host it and sorting something out with Durb Morrison there was the plan. After that I’d like to see a New York version happen…. If anyone has suggestions I’m open to them.

If you could change anything about BMX what would it be and why?
The pace.

Outside of BMX, and work, what are some things you are into?
At the moment nothing. But when i used to have a life i was into taking photos, films and just being outside.

What are some bands you are into? Do you have any you would suggest people to check out?
Klaus has played with these guys for years now – Quest for Rescue. Kabudasha were a UK ska band that no one has heard off and i like a whole range of stuff depending on what i’m doing.

Seen any good movies at all?
Hell Drivers (1957), Lucía y el sexo (2001), Get Carter (1971), Quadrophenia(1979), Loved Up (1995), Soylent Green (1973), Cool Hand Luke (1967), TheSting (1973), Snatch (2000), Bloody Sunday (2002), The Great Escape (1963), Papillon (1973)… I could go on for days, but i’m more into older films or films that pick on something from a particular decade.

If you were to win the lottery, what would you do with the cash?
Depends… Did i win the 10$ prize or the big one? Actually the chances are slim because i don’t take part in that. Although i still got some old school British premium bolds kicking, so my numbers might come up yet. If i won the big one i’d set up a way so that all riders had access to medical insurance that they could afford, like a means tested insurance that was open to all. IF riders earned big, they paid more or their sponsors covered it. That way money from outside would be going back in to the sport as a whole. If somepeople had really wanted to ‘give something back’ to bmx… They would have started there. There would still be sharks in there even if bmxer’s financed it, i mean we’re talking here about the insurance and medical industries… But at least we’d be supporting ourselves and have a say in it. I have difficulty believing that to really help someone in medical need we have to sell t-shirts in the yr 2008. The principal of this support network in bmx is amazing, it is what keeps bmx different… But we should work on helping everyone out there who rides a bike. IF there was anything left over i’d find a way to thank/support those few companies out there who did it on their own rather than taking money from others abroad. Or maybe somekind of travel support network for riders wanting to travel but without the contacts…Rent a cheap place in every interesting city in the world and offer them out to anyone who riders for week periods over the internet…You could see when it was booked, choose when to go etc… Then you know you got a decent place for free without hassling the locals and the locals would know where they could find anyone new in town, shit they could even look after the place or one of them live there. After that i wouldn’t mind buying a wood hut someplace with a garden and chickens for myself.

What is something about yourself that nobody really knows about or wouldn’t believe?
Once a year i deliver milk in the UK. I used to own 2000 shares in Tescos.

What is the craziest, scariest, funniest, or best thing you have ever seen or have happen to you?
I can’t really answer this one, but whatever it was ….it probably happened on tour.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
To become self sufficient, live in a wood hut with solar powered internet and a garden somewhere where i can’t hear when someone wins the televised football game. Or just to become as Calm as Ed Docherty when it all goes down. I would also like to have the entire team hook-up some place… Has never yet happened cause it’s so wide spread. I want to go an eat at Yossy’s favourite place in Tokyo.

If you could change anything about the world what would you change and why?
I’d ensure that the US had someone in charge who cared more about the people without money and health care rather than filling both his and his dad’s mates pockets. That would be a good starting point. I won’t bore you with the rest of the list. OR i’d go back in time and blow open the kennedy assassination… I think he was the least corrupt of a bad bunch and had he lived that would have affected the entire world positively. Ah to be honest i’d change a whole bunch of shit, the worlds a fucking mess.

What is one quote, or advice that has influenced your life?
When Nelson Mandela got out of prison after 27yrs he said some pretty good things. They weren’t entirely his words, but after being locked up as a political prisoner for so long and still to come out with that mentality was pretty amazing. This convicted so called terrorist got the nobel peace prize and became president. Pity most of those currently in power have not been convicted.

What kind of advice do you have for kids looking to get into the industry and BMX in general?
An opportunity to be involved is a good thing, but it’s like being in a plane and putting your own mask on first. In order to bring something to the scene, you might be best first sorting your own life decisions out. The bmx scene needs talented people, the passion you can still bring in later. Think about what you’d like to do, ask those involved and find a pro-active way in. Triple tailwhips might be good on Monday, but by Friday someone might just have done four…. Make sure that you’re ready to put in, before you start taking out. But do it.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Anyone who tried to make public that there really are viable alternatives to fossil fuel. Anyone who gives a shit about what happens in the world. Anyone who does something for other reasons besides money and greed. The guys on the team for putting their necks on the line and their support through the years and anyone who helped me directly whether it was a place to kip, a lift to wherever, an idea or just positive thinking on any given day.

Anything else you would like to say?
No I’m done, thanks. Appreciate it.