Ride On talks to James White – Full length version from Neil Waddington on Vimeo.
During the winter months, I find myself watching more interviews than riding edits and today I came across this full length version of the James White Ride On Interview series from a couple of years ago. Almost certainly worth a re watch, Neil Waddington killed it with this video series and still does to this day.
A few things. A great listen and probably the king of stubble ducks. Funny hearing James seems to struggle rememberring how long he’s been married, haha! It amazes me how James can pump so slow and still pull off tricks etc, but great.The talk about the so call ‘recession’ years of bmx, at least that’s how it was described resonates with me. I recall putting on contests, albeit they included ramps, and with little sponsorships available. I agree, we as riders, kept it alive just by riding, putting on events, & this interview shows it was happening in various parts of the world. It shows the love of riding, and that’s part of what it’s about.
You can definitely tell James has an intimate knowledge of all those switches to be able to do them at a stand-still. Great interview, great rider- makes me want to go ride my bike for the next thirty years.
My favourite BMX Flatlander. I’ve been riding since 1985 when I got my first BMX : a Torker 280X. The modern riders and tricks are too fast, and I think ride too aggressively. Sure, all things progress, new tricks come out, which must be very very hard to learn, but his smoothness and slowness of riding does it for me every time. I’ve watched him ride for real at the South Bank centre years ago. These days Flatlanders are either spending most of their time on the front wheel spinning fast, or sometimes on the back wheel, but no where near the same style or calmness. I love the fact that he’s not interested in competition : he rides for his passion and not the prize. Once I can afford it, I’m buying a new BMX, and going to ride flatland again, and just learn about scuffing and rolling, and just enjoy it, without worrying about doing too many links. Last trick I learned was a Fire-hydrant!
Nick W