Photo: Cale Christi
I really can’t remember where the first time I heard of the Van Orman brothers. All I know is that it was a video that involved trails and that Ted Van Orman was definitely killing them. Over the years, I’ve noticed that Ted has this way of looking things that is very interesting and almost peaceful. I recently got a request to do an interview with him and there was no hesitation when deciding if I should do it or not. I managed to get ahold of him and shot over a few questions to find out of what this trails legend has been up to these days and find out more about him. Let’s check out what he had to say…
Name: Theodore Barrett Van Orman
Location: Denver, CO
Sponsors / Hook Ups: I have hooked others up with Life?
Years Riding: 16 years
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
Watching Matt Dalton perform FREEstyle stunts on the picnic tables in the Rochester, Michigan park. His ability to answer all of my annoying questions, motivated me to get my hands on a Dyno Comp.
How are things going with Life? these days? Do you have any fresh products, trips, videos, news or anything like that you can tell us about?
Life? is going in the right direction. Garrett Wilson brought to the table the ability to design and manufacture our products in house. Knowing that we are responsible for every step of the process is something I really value. We are in it for the love and only plan on growing. Check us out www.betherain.com
The Van Orman family is one of the very well known names in BMX like the Strieby’s. What was it like growing up with brothers that all rode BMX?
Amazing- I would not trade the experience for anything.
I love my brothers- they are all very unique and I am proud of them.
Random thought, who would win in a game of B-I-K-E between the Van Orman’s and the Streiby’s?
I am not into playing “BIKE”. We could could get one hell of a train going in the forest instead.
You had a few clips in Elliot’s new video “Time Will Tell”. Have you been filming for anything else as far as web edits or video parts go? When can we expect to see so fresh footage of you?
My brother Elliot made a web video called “Denver in September”
Mike Meister has been filming me with his flip cam.
I have also filmed with Dustin Arp. He is working on a DVD.
Photo: tbvo/ Adam Baker
You spent a lot of time digging over the years. What was the first set of trails you were involved with? What was it like taking down 248 when its time came?
The backyard was the first and longest project. I dug there for 14 straight years.
All the lines ran every season and when the time came it took 6 hours with a bulldozer to level it flat. I have no regrets, because I gave 248 my all- for 14 straight years.
I also built a set of trails with my brother Jerome in Kalamazoo, MI- while attending WMU.
During the last five years I spent in Michigan I helped create / maintain a second spot known as Pipe Dreams with Brett Mckown. That experience I hold very close to my heart.
Do you currently have a set in Denver where you live these days?
I am local at two spots, Morrison and Wilson Woods. Both were in existence prior to me showing face. But I put forth much effort to make each place better and help the scene.
Approximately how many hours of your life have you spent digging? Any idea of how many shovels you may have gone through in that time?
I have never punched in, so I don’t have that record. But I have dedicated more than half of my life to building and riding trails. I have a big box of shovel blades at my parents house.
So you made the move to Denver from Michigan. What made you want to make the move there? How has the transition been?
Colorado has a lot to offer. I had contacts in the area and an itch to start fresh. I chose the city by the mountains. The transition has been smooth. I have made great friends and been able to accomplish things I had only dreamed about.
Photo: jbvo3
I know you have been around the world. Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride? Anywhere in particular you still want to get to some day?
The streets of Taipei, Taiwan with Ed Mayhew
Banos Trails- France with Marc Dioni
I want to ride everywhere, with everyone.
Who were the 3 people you rode with the most 5 years ago? What about today?
Dan Closser, Brett Mckown, JBVO3
Pat Sabo, Mike Meister, Adam Baker
I can only imagine this one will be a hard one for you to answer. You get a huge budget to go anywhere in the world for a week to ride. You can only bring 5 riders. Who do you bring, where do you go and why?
I would bring my three brothers and my mother and father.
We could ride bmx- they could ride cruisers. Argentina sounds good!
You have been shooting photos for quite a while, right? When did you get into that? Was it due to BMX?
I have had a camera since high school. My interest has progressed more and more each year. I love making images to look back on and remember my past experiences.
I understand the strength of images and enjoy showing the world my perspective. BMX played a huge part in my interest in photography.
Photo: Nic Drago
Is it something you are doing professionally for a living? Do you shoot much BMX these days?
I am pursuing photography as a career. I shoot BMX all the time. It is my favorite subject to photograph. You can see my work here TBVOPhoto.com
What’s your current camera setup looking like these days?
I use a 5d (digital) Elan 7 (35mm) Fuji GA645ZI (Medium Format). Glass- 70-200mm, 15mm, 17-35mm and a 50mm. Two flashes and a set of pocket wizards. Although I enjoy mostly shooting natural light, which is a treat in ColoRADo.
Do you have a dream setup?
I dream of places / people to experience and photograph- not cameras.
What do you think you would be doing if you didn’t find BMX?
Riding other kinds of bikes.
What are you usually up to these days when you aren’t riding or shooting photos?
Living in the moment
Photo: Chris Hatfield
Outside of BMX and photography, what are some of your other interests?
Downhill MTB, Silk Screening, gardening, sculpting dirt, writing, talking, thinking, listening and observing the world in which I live.
What’s something about yourself that might surprise people?
I am not scared of Death.
What makes for a good night out for you?
A full moon and no place to be.
Who or what are some of the biggest influences in your life?
My Mother and Father. They made all of this possible.
What are three things you would like to accomplish at some point in your life?
Touch down on all seven continents
Photograph a mountain lion killing a deer
Let everyone in my life know how happy I am to have spent time with them.
Where do you see yourself in let’s say 5 years?
Pulling back on a bike in the forest somewhere.
Photo: Dan Closser
What’s one thing you need more of and one thing you need less of in your life?
Love and Hate
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Your life is your life. Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I would like to thank my girlfriend Kelly, my parents, my brothers and the rest of my family for all the love and support. I would also like to thank all my friends on earth and all of those who have already left. Big thanks to all the riders/shops/distros who have supported Life?.
Anything else?
Do not give up.
Do not lose hope.
Persevere.
