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Remember that interview I did with Josh Betley the other day? He talked about a video with him and Drew Hosselton that Kyle Carlson was working on.. well it is up on Vital BMX
Or click this image to go there since their embed code is all messed up..
I asked Crandall to give me an update as to what going on at FBM, any new plans, what’s up with the team, etc… His response? why don’t you ask me questions? Shit! I thought.. I wanted a cut and paste update for the site now I have to come up with questions… so I threw a few at him and this what he responded with. Enjoy… iTod
How you been? I am 33 years old, and I am still enjoying BMX, i guess i’m doing pretty good, thanks for asking. I rode bikes in NYC last weekend, and had so much fun, it was like I was 17. My knees were shot when I got home.
How are things at FBM going so far? -so far in relation to what? things are good, we area small business struggling in a tough industry to stay afloat, especially with in house manufacturing in a community that seems ambiguous to these things. We are doing it on our own, forging our own path, and we have a lot of irons in the fire so to speak, we are headed in a real positive direction.
I noticed that you have revamped the team this year. bringing on new riders. Seeing older riders move on. What’s going on over there with the Team? Refresh us as to who’s on the team now.- Currently our team, aside from employees and original fbm gangsters- is Joel Barnett, Mickey Marshall, Garrett Guilliams, Joey Juarsti, Nate Richter, Mike Tag, Derrick Girard, Tom Blyth, Josh Elkington, Kie Asworth, William Ashby and Ruel “wormz” Smith. Less formality, Less emphasis on having a “pro” team, just some dudes stoked on bikes, and stoked on FBM.
Looking at the 2008 line, you guys seem to have a newer direction going as far as frames go. hell the whole company has been getting a new look in recent years, is FBM all done with Fire,Beer, and Mayhem? and moving towards Fun, Bikes, and Mylanta?
Fbm is based loosely on good times, with friends, and riding bikes, whatever else falls under that umbrella is fine with us. We were caught somewhere between Albert Street, and becoming a Normal Business for a while, we are just trying to keep it fun and do cool shit right now.
Any big plans for the team members this year that you know of? road trips, contests, video parts, etc? We are having a Jam at Rays in May, and another Old School Dirt comp at the Belmar, Brawlin at the Belmar 2, we have talked about some video Ideas, but nothing set in stone. We are doing a Team tour in the Midwest in May though…. we’ll be filming on that.
Clothing has been and always be a part of FBM. over the years designs change and evolve with the company. how important is it to you to continue making cool shirts for riders to express their sport in? -Its how we got started in this whole gig, and its an important part of our product line, its a pretty good way to express who we are and what we are into. Its a pretty good canvas to showcase FBM ideas and imagery.
How has growing older changed the face of FBM? -I think the ideas that FBM were founded on have remained pretty close to when I was younger, but how it relates to the current BMXer has changed, and thats something that will always change. I hope the simplicity of a good time, and wanting to support people who promote that in BMX will remain important enough for people like us to stay involved. It’s Weird that I am twice as old as the average BMX rider/consumer/internetter, hopefully the youngsters at FBM keep me in check though.
Aren’t you that guy from Fuel TV? ever get sick of that question? hell, ever think when you were younger, people would stop you on the street and ask you that shit? I don’t own a television, and I have never seen 1 episode of that show (not a lie). Most people in the town I live in haven’t seen it either, I don’t think Fuel is on the regular cable package in Ithaca. When i travel though, it is totally fucking weird though… the whole thing was pretty informal, since I grew up with the Props guys, and am friends with them. I didn’t realize how much of it would end up broadcasted, and how many people would see it though. Its better than people asking me if I am Jack Osbourne though, that sucks.
Contests…. last year it was Brawling at the BelMar, in years past it was the ghetto jam. I see this year the BelMar comp is on again. ever think of doing more of the ghetto type comps. in the future?
I think the Ghetto comp ran its course…. I would like to, but there would be too much hype for it to live u to that last one…
where is Lou Bickle? Lou Is currently serving time in a Pennsylvania correctional center, I think he is doing a 20 month bid… Write him a letter-Lou Bickel HJ6769 S.C.I. Camphill P.O. Box 200 Camphill, PA 17001 (editors note : Seriously you should write him something.. even if you don’t know him write him.. make a convict smile)
Forecasts….
Frames..
–
We are working on making lighter, stronger frames that are cool looking an handbuilt in New york. The Howler is a step in that Direction.
Team… Back to our grassroots, just dudes having fun, traveling, riding, More Lifestyle, less professionalism.
soft goods…. We are working on keeping a fresh lineup of silly ass softgoods, belt buckles,and retarded beer coozys.
unreleased new products…. Working on a revamped FBM hardgoods lineup, its looking good so far.
the sword… I love Unicorns! Forks in the R and D stages…
How has the Sword been accepted with in the fixed gear crowd? do you think FBM will expand it’s self into that market as well?
More frames, clothing, accessories? People seem stoked on the Bike, the quality, functionality, and the overall package is awesome, and its made In a small independent machine shop, Cycle enthusiast seem pretty supportive of that.
I am pretty sure I speak for a lot of people when I say this, I have always loved the videos put out by FBM. from the little web edits to the full length videos, do you think you will ever do another full length video, or has that time come and gone for BMX?
I am working on a full length version of The Derrick Girard Commercial, combined with the one where I was in a bathtub full of spaghetti. Mikey Corts and I have some plans or another FBM video, but its a little ways off. THe new Props has an 8 minute bonus FBM promo that will be online shortly.
There was some buzz on the internet today about the Chester Blacksmith’s bike check that showcased some new BMX company Eclat… Everyone was wondering as to what the hell this company is. The stuff looks good, so I can see why they were interested.
Josh Betley is a rediculous dude on a bike. I have been meaning to get an interview with him for the longest time, then I got the random request and I figured it was time. I talked to with Kyle Carlson and we discussed some questions and Kyle sent me a bunch of photos he had of Josh. So all the photos in this interview the credit goes to Kyle. Enjoy the interview!
Name:
Joshua Charles Betley
Sponsors:
Sunday! Bikes, Odyssey, Cerbae, Global Bike Shop, CarlsonCo
Years Riding:
8
In the last year or two you have became a well known dude from your riding, how do you feel about that?
It’s pretty bizarre; I’m still waiting for the babes to recognize me.
What do you think the most unexpected thing is that happened to you in the last year because bikes?
Being in the Washington Post for bike riding when I was in London without a bike. Random and unexpected for sure.
You recently went over to Sunday, what was the reason for leaving Fit?
Fit is a bunch of good guys that make some of the best products in BMX, but it didn’t really work out. After the crew pretty much abandoned in LA with no car and no money, some random dude that worked in the warehouse let me know I need to be careful because it was my “last chance.” I don’t need anyone to do me any favors and I got the impression Fit felt like they were doing me a big favor by occasionally sending me parts and shirts. I guess I just didn’t Fit.
How are things going with Sunday?
Sunday is rad. I’m just on the flow team, but they’ve been good to me. With dudes like Jake Seeley and Alex Magellan on the flow team, it seems wilder than a lot of pro teams out there. They recently took me on a trip to Austin, TX and it was full of good times with some of the most fun people I’ve ever met. Also, the new frame is incredible.
Are you filming for a part in the new Sunday video?
That’s the goal; as I said, I’m only on the flow team so I’m not exactly sure how much they want from me. I’m also working on a couple of other video projects right now so I’m a busy man.
Word on the street is you have a split video with Drew Hosselton soon to hit VitalBMX, how long has that been in the works and where all was it filmed?
It was just an all-street weekend trip to Las Vegas. About two weeks ago, Drew and I were determined to get out there and ride some new street spots and film a quick section, but we both have shit-cars that aren’t exactly road trip friendly. We ended up sending it in my Volkswagon and got lucky. In the two days we were there we filmed a little section for Vital, played some Rock Band, ate at a mexican restaurant that didn’t ID Drew, and got loose on the strip. Kyle Carlson sent me over an early copy of the edit and I’m really stoked on how it turned out; it has a really good feel to it. Hopefully everyone else agrees when it’s out!
Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to travel to?
Austin, San Francisco, everywhere I’ve been in Europe (Netherlands, Poland, England, Germany, Czech Republic, France); there are so many crazy cities with so many differences.
Where are some places you would really like to go to that you haven’t been?
Australia and Japan.
If you could only ride one spot for the rest of your life, where would it be and why?
A good set of trails. That seems like the most beneficial.
How in the hell do you do those hand jam things?
Very painfully. I tried doing a straight one of a 1/4 for like an hour and all I got was a bruised torso and one pulled I wasn’t super stoked on.
How do you feel about brakeless riding? Could you ever ride brakes again?
I don’t even think about being brakeless or not; it just feels natural to me. I could go back to it if there was a brakes trick I really wanted to do, but that seems unlikely. I’m not a crazy brakeless-nazi like some, I just prefer to not have them.
What was the first moment you knew you wanted to be riding bikes for as long as you can?
When I landed a 360 out of the flyout by my house. It was over at that point.
What is one trick that you cannot do for the life of you?
Barspin to Footjam. Fuck that trick.
What do you think you would be doing if you never picked up a bike?
Rockin’ out with some band.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years with riding?
I would like to keep riding, keep having fun, and somehow do a nose wheelie to tailwhip.
Do you have any signature stuff coming from your sponsors?
CarlsonCo has a full line of signature JB items coming out.
How are things going with Carlson Co anyway’s?
Kyle and I talk on an almost daily basis and sometimes we discuss t-shirt designs or who’s getting dropped/picked up; a year or so has gone by and nothing has really happened, but it’s still the best company in BMX.
Outside of BMX what are some things you are into?
Eating mexican food, riding my fixed gear road bike, chillin’, random adventures, and any sort of fun activities. I’m a big fan of fun.
What is it with you and dating a stripper?
All girls are strippers, some just do it for money.
Aren’t you currently living with a stripper?
Yeah, my roommate’s girlfriend. There is so much bullshit with that; I don’t even want to touch that subject.
Have you ever had to perform a homemade abortion?
Wow, this could ruin me! I’m just going to lie and say no. Definitely not.
Who is Eli from France and are you guys still talking?
Eli is this random dude we met at the catacombs under Paris. His dad is the vice president of Gucci and he’s a flaming homosexual who sells coke. Kyle Carlson let him buy him lunch and drinks, but I was too creeped out. You meet some really interesting people when you travel. I haven’t spoken with Eli since that day, but I’m sure he’s kicking ass; selling blow and blowing dudes…… hahaha.
What are some of your favorite movies? Riding and Non-riding wise.
In no specific order: Donnie Darko, Joe Dirt, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ong-Bak, and Initial D.
What are some of your favorite tv shows?
Weeds, South Park, Family Guy, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Metalocolypse…
What are some bands you are into? Any you would recommend people to check out?
I’ve always been into The Mars Volta, The Decemberists, DJ Shadow, Modest Mouse, Deltron3030, The Arcade Fire, Vitalic, The White Stripes, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, and The Moving Units. I highly recommend you check out MGMT and Dear And The Headlights.
What are some of your favorite websites?
All the usual BMX sites (Vital, The Come Up, FatBMX, BMXOnline), Myspace, and excellentoral.edu is the site I plan on making one day.
What is your thoughts on marijuana use?
I think the band the streets put it best with their song “The irony of it all.”
You used to rock a mini van, what ever happened to that?
I bought it for $500, drove the living hell out of it, and sold it for $600. It was the most dialed vehicle ever. Now my boy Drew Hosselton has an even better van. Any neighboring Cities needs to watch their sisters, someone’s gonna get pregnant van-style.
Have you ever had a turbo in your car?
I did get this one really dumb girl believe to that the air conditioner controls in my ’92 piece of shit Corolla set off the turbo and the hazard lights were the N.O.S. I hit all the switches and she screamed louder than someone being tortured. It was one of the funniest experiences of my life.
If you could be sponsored by any company that is non BMX related, who or what would it be and why?
Some sort of good food place; I waste all of my money on food. If it was free, I’d be dialed.
Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
The people close to me, my family, my friends, and other riders. Also, the dude Tony Jaa from that movie Ong-bak – Thai Warrior. You tube his name and have your mind blown.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Work less, ride more, party harder, slay sluts; you know, what any one of us would do.
Being a pretty popular dude, have you had any stalkers or creepers? Any good stories?
I did have a really creepy old dude come into my bike store and give off some stage five clinger vibes. Other than that I talk to lots of kids on myspace; they ask to how to barspin and hang five and stuff. Nothing creepy.
Word on the street is somebody is trying to murder you! what’s the story behind that?
Saturday morning I woke up early to go ride/film and when I went to load up, I walked out the front door and there was a dead fish hanging in my front yard and another in my backyard. It could be a prank or it could be something serious; either way I’m sort of concerned. If I go out soon, I just want to say thanks to everyone that rides bikes and tell all of my family and friends that I love them and send a last FUCK YOU to Akon. I hate Akon.
If you could change anything about BMX what would it be and why?
Less hate + more unity. We’re all in this together.
What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into BMX?
Have fun.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I’d like to thank the number 42, Odyssey for making the best bike parts and helping me out so much, Sunday!, Cerbae Clothing, Global Bikes for employing me for all of these years and letting me take off as much as I want and letting me do this interview on the clock, Mark Losey at Nike 6.0 for keeping my feet fresh, Jim Bauer, Will Stroud and Chad Shack at Nine to Five for being so awesome, All my friends, you guys kick ass, My family for always helping out and Kyle Carlson. He kicks my ass into shape constantly and goes way out of his way to help me out. Thanks buddy, I owe you some Blue moon. Oh, and Blue Moon beer.
Dominik is a super busy dude, hes the guy behind WoozyBMX.com and does a lot of other big projects, this interview took a bit of time to work in but it was worth it. Check it out!
Name:
Dominik Wrobel
Sponsors at all?
I am lucky to get support from Sunday and Etnies.
Thanks to Bodo at Sportimport, Jim at Sunday and Benni Kopp / John
Povah over at Etnies.
Years riding?
around 12 ?
Your the man beind Woozy, how long have you been doing that for?
for around 6-7 years now.
Do you work at all outside of the website?
i film and edit videoprojects for different companies and media. and do
some layout/graphic jobs here and there.
Do you have any big changes or plans in the works with the site?
the site has been going strong for years. i am happy that some more
companies decided to work with us in 2008. things look pretty good. its
been super fun. we are working on some high quality video content right
now.
How much time do you find to ride?
i try to ride almost every day. even a little curb session can be so
much fun and stress relieving. i need it ! haha !
What was your first experience with BMX that got you hooked?
i guess it was the lovely full chrome 20 inch bike that one of the
local shops in my hometown carried…. i saw it and i had to get it !
Are you more into going big or more of a technical rider?
i guess i would have to pick the “technical rider” thing
What are some of your favorite trick and what not?
going fast, manuals – maybe 180 ?
What is one trick that gives you the most trouble?
this is a hard one…. i really dont sit down and try to learn one
trick… to me if it comes natural i am happy if not most of the time i
will skip it…
Where are some of your favorite places you have been able to travel?
spain, japan and poland have been my favourite ones so far….
Where are some places you really would like to go someday?
i still have australia on my list and austin and a couple of places in
the us aswell…. but i am really happy so far….
Who are some of your biggest riding influences?
i guess i have to say the guys in the early baco videos
Any videos or riders you are really digging right now?
everyone that has fun or looks fun is good to me….
Do you find it hard when you go to shoot photos or video to not ride?
sometimes its really hard. i went to berlin to shoot for wethepeople a
few days ago and i really felt the need to ride but if you only have a
few days to shoot and you have to get footage and a company pays you to
do your film job there is really only a slim chance that you will be
able to ride. filming is as much fun as riding to me so its all good. i
am definetly not complaining ! hahaha !
What kind of computer do you use, and what photo and video editors do you use?
apple and pc. final cut, premiere, after effects and photoshop
Do you have any other people who help you run the website or is it just you doing a million things at once?
markus wilke helps out a little currently – i am psyched on this, then
a lot of friends and readers send in videos, photos, news, – which i
always love ! thanks to everyone who ever helped out. i really
appreciate it ! but anyway i do a million things at once every day !
haha !
What is the best part about being your own boss?
freedom, i can decide what to do next
What is the worst part about being your own boss?
hmmmmmm ? probably that work never ends.
What do you think you would be doing if you never started BMX?
porn cameraman ? ha ! i dont really know but i guess definetly
something in the videography and design area.
What do you feel about the current state of BMX?
i like it.
What are your plans for 2008? Do you have any big plans?
i am working on a couple of nice videoprojects for different companies
right now. nothing i can talk of right now. just wait and see.
Will there ever be a Woozy DVD?
there were already a bunch out years ago but right now i am
concentrating to push the quality on the net. i found my niche or
whatever you want to call it and its really fun to work in.
Who are some of your favorite people to film and work with?
everyone who doesnt need a million tries to do “that trick” ! hahaha !
just kidding – its all cool. i dont want to mention any names here….
i cant think of anyone who really has been a pain in the ass to film
and work with so..i have been lucky !
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
doing the same but having more fun and learning more positive things
What are some of your favorite bands?
….. and again….
What are some of your favorite websites?
…. and again !
If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
i really dont know right now ! can you ask me again tomorrow ?
How many hours would you say you spend on a computer in a day?
this is something i can relate to…. depends if i am out shooting or
not. everything from 5 to 14 hours a day….
What are some of your interests outside of work and riding?
my girlfriend, friends, good food, movies, news, chocolate, art, music
What would your dream car be?
one that runs without fuel
Who or what is your biggest influences in your life outside of BMX?
probably my girlfriend and all my friends and people i work with
Where do you see BMX going in the next few years?
growing and getting more stylish. love it.
If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, made up, or dead, who would it be and why?
cant think of anybody right now…. sorry…..
Do you have a crazy story nobody would ever believe happend to you?
yes i have one that happened to me in tallinn but i am still not able
to talk about it….. sorry…. maybe someday….
Do you have any advice for kids getting into BMX?
yes. have fun and stay away from comments and message boards.
If you could change one thing about BMX what would it be and why?
less sh*t talk.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
thanks to you kurt for the interview. vera, all my friends and family –
i love you, all the websites that link and re-post our
videos/articles, everyone who checks out the site and videos, koln, all
the companies that work with me, chuck norris, bodo at sportimport, jim
c at sunday, povah and benni at etnies.
Anything I forgot you would like to add?
THANKS ! and sorry for freaking all you guys out….its all good. take
it easy…..
and for more videos from Woozy, check them out Right Here
The shipping industry is a key element of Greek economic activity dating back to ancient times by down dating app.
I remember back in the day when I started riding, my brothers friends all had or wanted an STA 500, if you know what that is, then you know of Rick, if you don’t you probably just started riding. Rick is the man behind Standard and has been in the game a while, hes been a big infuence on BMX, especially in the midwest. This interview was a must do.
Name:
Rick Moliterno
Sponsors:
None
Years riding?
37
Word on the street is Standard is going to be coming back big soon?
I don’t know about “back” or “big” but we are making huge changes to be better than ever by far. These changes will enable us to better supply riders and shops and therefore promote more so we may appear back and bigger media wise.
You guys are doing all in house, hows that coming along and when can we expect to see it at full force?
It is coming along great. We have already made many improvements over what we were getting from Waterford so I am pretty happy with that. I can pay more attention to detail now with it right here. We should be full force within a month or so. We have already started on our new 125R frames.
Do you have any plans for new frames or anything like that?
Like I mentioned above, there is an all new 125R race frame. We will be restyling all models and creating a few new ones including a new STA and an ultra light freestyle frame and fork for John Rodgers. The new stuff we are working on will blow away anything we have done previously.
Stronger Than All has been out for a little while, how long was that in the works at what did people expect from it?
It was only in the works for a long time because we all slack. I would expect really good riding from a diverse group of styles. Nothing too artsy, just good riding.
Any other big Standard news you care to share?
Everything is currently wrapped up in the in house project. We plan a large expansion of products we offer and improvements all around. Our hands were tied pretty tight for about five years so I am ready to get back to innovation along with quality. I am looking forward to getting out to more events and helping out where I can. We have a couple of real good road trips planned as well.
Wait, why live in Iowa of all places? Do they even have a professional sports team besides Standard?
Iowa has everything a bike rider needs. Pro sports aren’t important to me in deciding on a place to live. We have great spots to ride, a well developed scene with history, a byke company, and some good shops.
What is your typical day like?
I really don’t have a typical day. Each day is seriously different from the one before. With the in house needing so much time and Goodtimes already established, along with riding time, my days are pretty well booked.
Do you have a lot of time to ride?
Not as much as I would like but it is getting better. My neck injury is improving so I am trying to build up some skills agian.
Where are some of your spots you ride since there is snow?
Here inside Standard and at the barn in Iowa City. Sometimes we go to Madison, Wi.
A pretty big outdoor cement park opened up in Davenport about a year ago or so, hows that and is it worth a road trip to ride it?
It is smooth with good variety and is certainly worth a road trip.You could include a few other spots plus Standard is 4 blocks away….always good to see first hand how bikes and parts are made. Goodtimes is a good spot to visit too.
What is one trick you have never been able to do?
The one I never tried. I figure anyone can do any trick if they honestly try to learn it. Some tricks just don’t go along with a given riders’ style so that can be limiting I guess.
Who are some of the riders you think highly of?
That list would reach into the thousands. I would say every rider that came through or is currently on Standard plus about a thousand others who impress me constantly with innovation, energy, and skill.
What was your first BMX bike?
Home made Schwinn. Leopard banana seat for sure!
What is your current set up?
2004 Bullitt, traditional headset with Ti cups, Sun prototype freecoaster, one brake (rear), two pegs on the right, Profile 170’s, Animal pedals, 28-10.
What is the hardest part about running a business?
Riding less and worrying about the well being of others.
Outside of work and riding what are you into?
Drag racing has seemed pretty interesting lately. Motorcycles. I am pretty much deep into BMX at the moment so ask me again in 6 months!
Some of your favorite bands?
Too many to list. My answer to this changes as soon as the song changes.
What are some of your favorite websites you check?
I don’t check web sites.
Where are some of your favorite places you have travelled?
England, Colorado, Las Vegas, two lane highways of Iowa, NYC.
Where are some places you would like to go you haven’t been to yet?
Alaska, Austarlia, all over Europe. All over Asia. India.
If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
Buy a new truck, an Airstream, a Road King, and hit the road with Jessie for a while. We would come back and keep on improving Standard. Build an indoor skatepark. Help clean up some of our neighborhoods in town here. Maybe build a kick ass BMX track.
If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Alive: a carefree chill day with Jess.
Dead: maybe Elvis. Just to see how crazy it was.
Who are you going to vote for Obama, Hillary, or somebody else?
Obama as of today.
If Iowa was condemed because of a massive corn virus and you had to move, where would you move and why?
Corn virus? How far reaching would that be? Is this a trick question? If I could live close, Moline, IL. If far, Somewhere in Colorado would seem likely. Somewhere between Fort Collins and Denver.
After all the years of riding and everything, what hurts the most?
Physically, my neck.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Just keep living healthy and improving.
If you and Chuck Norris got in a fight who would win?
I would of course. He can’t even ride a spine.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza!
What is with Standard and fully automatic weapons?
Nothing. That comes from various art types who seem to think they go with the company.
What is the coolest thing you have shot?
It is pretty fun shooting anything not living.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Currently, Jessie, Ryan, Southwick, Roger, the team, everyone that helped get SBC rolling on the business side, all riders that are pushing the riding envelope.
Past, Kurt, TeddEx, C-Dub, JV, all former team riders. Plus many, many others. Nobody can do it alone.
The Lex Alamannorum is preserved in some 50 manuscripts dating to xmeets between the 8th and 12th centuries.
Tim is a guy who I recently met through an indoor park I ride at due to winter. I remember hearing stories of him doing ceiling ride flips and all sorts of other stuff from friends who have met him over the years. Since then I think we have become pretty good friends and hes always a super good guy to ride with, really surprises me when he decides to throw down. Tim deserved this interview and I think you will enjoy this.
Name:
Tim Oliver
Sponsors:
to die for clothing, crusty demons clothing, boogieman brigade fmx.
Job:
full time factory crap.
Your a Minnesota legend, how many years have you been on a BMX for?
I started riding around 1990 but really got into it about 93.
You used to do demos with Chaos On Wheels, how did that all start and what did you think of it?
well my days with chaos started out back in 2000. I was at the mankato park just riding and Jeremiah Anderson(the owner of chaos on wheels) came up to me and asked me about a sticker I had on my bike that said real men love Jesus. he asked me if I was a christian and I said yes and we sorta hit it off and a few weeks after that he called and asked me if I wanted to do a show, and I said yes for sure I would. and that was it. I started doing every show I could. ill tell ya doing shows with chaos was some of the best years of my life. I met so many good people and saw so many new places I probably would have never got a chance to see.
What is one trick you cannot do for the life of you?
360 whips I have tried that trick off and on for like 14 years.
Word on the street is you used to do half flip ceiling ride half flip out over the box at Mankato back in the day?
hahaya ya I did a couple of those. the first time was by total mistake I just went too fast and the ceilings are really low at mankato’s park. so I went for a flip and the next thing I know both wheels are on the ceiling so I just pulled as hard as I could and ended up landing it. every one there went nuts it was so scary but I just told everyone I tried to do it. hahaha but than i figured if I did it once i could do it again so i dropped in and went for it and did it again next try. it was sweet but that’s it, it’s never happened again.
Whats it like to have a skatepark so close that lets you put so much input into it?
It’s awesome mike Carlson (the owner) is such a good guy I got to know him and his family good. he doesnt know anything about bikes so when he needs something he usually asked me for my input.
What do you think of the Minnesota scene as a whole?
well as a whole I think the mn scene is good there is so much talent here in MN. Ive watched a lot of guys come up and they all rip. I’m proud to be from MN.
Where are some places you would like to go that you haven’t?
well I would love to get up to Canada and go to NYC to go street riding besides that I’m content.
Who were some of your biggest riding influences over the years?
first and foremost jay schlie. that’s the guy that really helped me fall in love with bmx. I saw the love he had and I wanted that. so thank you jay love ya bro. and I would say tom haugan for sure. tom is a great guy. he is a very humble guy. I remember I went to a contest and was watching him ride and just blew me away. I was soooo intimidated by him. thinking this guy is so good he will never even know im here. well I was way wrong. he came write up to me and started talking to me. and we have Ben friends ever since. and lets see. all the chaos on wheels guys. jermiah, frank, travis, aj, donny, sean. I spent 8 years of my life with them they are like family.
What do you think of the riding level of today compared to back in the day?
kids today are fricken nuts!!!! back in the day a flip was huge and not a lot of people did tailwhips. but today a kid will get a bike for his birthday go to a skate park and learn a flip in 5 min. its not fair haha I had to learn that stuff the old fashioned way. you build a dirt jump and just Huck yourself.
You have so much going on, how do you still find time to ride?
I will always make time to ride. riding is what keeps me sane. not only is my bike fun but its a huge stress reliever and right now more than ever in my life I need a little stress relief
What is your favorite memory from BMX?
one of my favorite memories was the day I met tom haugan. there was a dirt jumping contest in this park and me and some friends showed up to check it out. and some how tom found out I did flips and the next thing I know tom was yelling for people to stop what they were doing to watch me flip. and if I remember correctly i broke my crank first flip out. and I just remember tom invited us to come to there house to have a box jump session and I was so mad I could ride but tom invited us back up to ride again. man those days were fun.
What are some riding videos you have always really liked?
i love the mad Matt video and some of the old fbm videos
What are some bands you are into?
I like a lot of music the new august burns red is good. actually right now its all johnny cash and billy Joel.
What are some of your favorite websites?
I would like to tell ya i don’t have a myspace but i do and im on there way too much. and Interbmx.com site. and our fmx page brigadefmx.com
You also do some freestyle motocross, when did you get into that?
about 3 years ago. its just another step up from bmx. I love the adrenelaine. I don’t do any kind of drugs at all and never have. so I guess im looking for that high and let me tell ya there is no bigger rush than hitting a 10ft tall lip 3 gear pinned and jumping over 100ft.
What is the biggest difference between that and BMX for you?
just the jumping. I love to ride Mini ramps on my bmx. there is none of that on a mx bike. its all about jumping and how big you can get your tricks.
What is your worst injury from either BMX or FMX?
I broke my back in 3 spots and was almost paralyzed. it was a rough time. besides that just the typical concussions(9) and bruzes.
I broke my foot and wrist on my dirtbike thats it I have gotten really lucky.
Rumor has it you have some plans to try some backflips on the dirtbike this summer?
ya I was one of the first guys to flip bmx in mn if not the first so I want to do the same with the mx bike.
You just had another baby boy, hows that going?
wow I forgot how exhausting it is I have gotten 4 hours of sleep in two days. ya its time to go ride.
You have an interview with the local news in Fairbult coming out, how did that all come about?
I don’t know I just came to the park to ride one day and there was a name and # to call and next thing ya know I’m on the phone telling this guy my life story. It actually comes out this friday and they did a good job.
What are some things you would like to experience in your life you haven’t had a chance to yet?
oh man i have lived a good life so far I have already done so much probably more than most people will ever do in there life time. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ll take it day by day and see what life has for me.
What are some things your looking forward to for 08′?
just being a good dad to my kids and being the best person I can. I want to be a positive influence to kids coming up and just enjoy life.
If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would spend it with my dad. he passed when I was younger and I would want to show him all i have accomplished. I think he would be proud.
Your a cagefighter eh? When did you get into that?
ya it’s ben about 4 years now I did some training at the American school of martial arts. and have had some good fights and than I have had some bad ones to haha. I dont want to go anywhere with it its just a hobby a some times pain full hobby.
You have some pretty sweet tattoos, do they have any meaning or just more because they look cool?
no they all have meaning to them some are related to straight edge and my religion. the way I see it I’m only on this earth for so long so I’m going to
enjoy my time here no regrets. I got way more tattoos to come.
If you couldn’t live in Minnesota anymore, where would you go and why?
I think I would head to the west coast. so cal. I have some good friends that live out there. and Calli is the meca for bmx and fmx so when I’m done riding I could still be around the sports I love.
What kind of advice do you have for kids just getting into BMX?
first and foremost you need to ride for yourself you need to enjoy riding. don’t worry about trying to turn pro and make a ton of money. all that will come in time if you want it to. and just never forget why you picked up that bike in the first place. for the love to ride that’s it.
If you could change one thing about BMX what would it be and why?
The girl pants have to go!!!! I don’t know its so crazy to me how far the sport has come in the past 10 years. I don’t know if I would change anything its a fun ride.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I want to thank you for taking the time out to do this interview. and all the people i have ridden with over the years you all know who you are. my wife amy and my kids. jay s ,tom h, frank s, and there is so many more but I’m cant remember I have had 9 concussions haha. any one that rides for the love of bmx I thank you.
Anything else you would like to add I forgot?
no I think we are good to go. now lets go ride.
The Pactus Alamannorum or Pactus legis Alamannorum on https://bestapp.dating is the older of the two codes, dating to the early 7th century.
The other day there was a thread started over on Bikeguide some kid asked what the site was like a few years ago… And then I got thinking about how much has changed over the years with just set ups, how much media there is, how many people ride, etc. Then I got thinking about another thing.. Radical Rick.
You know what I am talking about if you have been riding for 5+ years or so, maybe even less than that. But I remember way back when I read BMXplus and I was always super excited to read the next Radical Rick.
So today I decided to google the name just to see what came up and sure enough RadicalRick.net was chillen.. Doesn’t look like it has been updated since like 2005 but it was fun to just to check out and remember that stuff.
I guess I have never really asked this, but in the comments or in the message box maybe some people have some insight on to what they thought of RR and everything.
However, it makes dating aspects of each emperor’s life and the events of the early Roman Empire difficult with https://online-dating.app.
