BMX UNION

So this is the third V-Club interview I have done this month, and to be honest I didn’t plan that. Apparently, all these dudes are super cool and put together good interviews so maybe I will have to get the rest of their crew. This one is with Garrett Reeves who recently had that super good video up on Vital BMX. I caught up with him and asked him some questions and he’s a legit dude who can ride. Enjoy.

Name:
Garrett Reeves

Location:
Baltimore, Md

Sponsors:
V-Club Clothing, Avalon Cycles

Years Riding:
7ish

What was it that originally got you into BMX and what keeps you doing it today?
A couple of my buddy’s in like 8th grade would take their bikes into the woods and build little ghetto dirt jumps, I didn’t have a bike but I would always borrow my friend Cody’s. Eventually I realized I needed my own and the rest is history.

It seems like your just starting to get noticed and you have been killing it for a while now. How do you feel about that or am I just blind?
I don’t know what qualifies as killing it but I,ve definetly been killing my self on my bike for awhile. As far as getting noticed i think getting to ride for V-Club as helped with that a great bit and thats been really cool so far. Anything that gives me the chance to ride my bike more is good.

You recently had that video on Vital BMX of you that was pretty crazy. When can we expect to see some more videos of you?
Well I,m sure ill make another web edit sometime soon. But I’m mainly filming for a new V-Club Video. I should have a full part and I’m really excited for that because i really enjoy filming. I think the video is gonna be really good so i’m pumped to be apart of it.

It seems like your an all around rider, what is your favorite stuff to ride?
Thanks. I’ve always rode just about everything and never limited myself to one type of riding but lately I have really been having the most fun riding street. I love riding street because every spot you go to is different in some way it just keeps things fresh and fun.

What is the scene like where your from?
Its super relaxed and fun. Basically everyone just meets up and rides and has fun its always a good time. I have some pretty amazing riders that i ride with on a daily basis so i never have trouble getting motivated to learn new things.

You are a pretty dialed rider, what are some tricks you could never get sick of?
Thanks Haha maybe on a good day. I love going fast and doing rail hops and wall rides. Finding a unique street spot is the best.

What are some new things you have been working on?
I have a couple things I want to try to film for the new V-Club video but I try not too worry about specific tricks I just go to a spot and figure out what I want to do there and go for it. I hate sitting at a park and just trying to learn one trick I would rather be out exploring trying to to find a good unique street spot.

What is your injury list looking like? Are you pretty lucky when it comes to that stuff?
Well i broke my left leg twice, my right foot once, and my hand. So I don’t think I have been very lucky.

If I remember right you did pretty well at the Metro Jam this year. How do you feel about contests? Do you have any plans to ride anymore anytime soon?
Yea I had a lot of fun at the toronto jam this year. I think they can be a lot of fun but not because of the riding sometimes. Just seeing friends and partying with people you never see is so much fun. I dont have too many plans for contest other then hopefully BACO and maybe toronto again.

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride so far?
I would say my top three in no order are Austin, Baltimore street and I don’t know I guess I haven’t been too many places for riding.

Where are some places you would like to go to someday?
Its weird i live so close to New york city but i have never gone there to ride. I would love to ride vancover that place always looks so amazing. But really i’ll ride anything sometimes the best spots are in the weirdest places.

Who is the typical crew you can be seen riding with and what are some usual spots you like to hit up?
I ride with tons of people around me but the most usual are probably Andy Dubicki,Jeremy Hrabal, Alex Topper, Dan foley, Ben Hittle, and Derek Bristow.

Who are some riders you have looked up to over the years?
I always looked up to a wide variety of riders. I get stoked to watch anyone that goes fast like stricker, hamilton, and ruben definitely come to my mind first. Oh and Doyle is a favorite for sure.

What is the craziest or scariest thing you have experienced because of BMX?
Probably my recent trip to Austin. Meeting so many people i have seen in magazines and videos was pretty crazy even if that sounds lame its true. As far as scary goes i dunno i mean watching people try things that they could hurt themselves doing is always scary for me i hate watching people get hurt.

How do you feel about BMX right now, would you change anything if you could?
Bmx is wild these days so many people are so good. I love getting online and being instantly given a update on everything that happened recently in bmx. I wouldn’t change a thing i like bmx for what it is.

If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
I dunno its hard to narrow it down to five people i would just say all my close friends and we would go everywhere and would have unlimited money so we could eat pizza every meal.

If you could relive any day you had on your bike, when would that be and why?
I wish i could ride with all my friends that i learned to ride from that soon quit. It sucks when people you ride with all the time just stop riding.

Where do you think you would be if you never got into BMX?
Honestly I have no clue. I think i would probably be taking school more seriously and my life would be nothing like it is now.

Outside of riding what are you up to?
I go to a community college. I work shitty jobs off and on. I hang out with my girlfriend pretty much everyday. I have been just trying to stay happy.

If I stalked your Myspace right you got a girlfriend, what is the key to success with the ladies?
haha i dunno i got lucky with my girlfriend. I would like to say being a nice guy helps but I’m not really sure if it does.

What kinds of music are you into? Anything you suggest people to check out?
Lately i have been listening to classic rock a lot. Check out the The yard birds and The Kooks are good as well.

Seen any good movies lately?
Wall-E was amazing!

Who or what are some of the biggest influences in your life?
I think my biggest influence in my life is my parents. They have always supported me and it really motivates me to do my best in what i like to do.

If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
I would rob a bank. It always looked fun in the movies and I’m running a bit low on cash.

If you could be sponsored by any company, BMX or non-BMX related. Who would you pick and why?
Well the first company is a gas company because that shit is expensive. Then probably a shoe company because I wear through shoes once every few weeks.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites?
I spend a lot of time on the computer. I usually check Bmxboard.com, Thecomupbmx.net and Myspace the most though.

If you could have any super power, what would you pick and why?
I dunno maybe x ray vision for obvious reasons.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
I would really like to just keep riding my bike as much as possible. Maybe get some sort of degree. But mainly just ride my bike as much as possible and stay happy.

What is some of the best advice you could give a person?
Just Huck it.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my parents Jeremy at V-Club, Donald at Avalon bike shop and all my friends.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks for the interview Kurt!

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.