Photo credit: Jim McKay.
When I think of Todd Carter, I think of longevity, commitment, Cali, the AFA days, and love for flatland. This past weekend it’s pretty fair to say I don’t think the year end AM FLT title could have gone to a more committed rider that’s so deserving of the award. I wanted to catch up with Todd to talk about his game plan going into the final round, his runs, the Am Flat series, and a topic we are all talking about currently “turning pro”. Read on to see what one of the nicest guys in the game had to say….
Yo Todd! Firstly congrats on Second place at Texas Toast, and also winning the year end title? How you feeling about your runs, winning the title and the contest in general?
Thanks so much, Effraim. I am stoked. At the end of the 2011 AMFLT circuit, I decided to move up to Master Class. But in 2012, the classes changed. Master Class dissolved and all of that talent either moved up to Pro, or merged with the current Expert Class. So even though I didn’t really change classes, the pool of riders changed. It was pretty intimidating, and honestly still is. At the start of the season, I never would have imagined winning the Class for the year. It’s still pretty hard for me to believe. I also broke my hand just before JoMoPro and had to miss it, so I thought for sure I was out of contention. Needless to say, it was a great year, and I am very humbled.
I actually had four runs at Texas Toast, (because of the run off) and three of them felt pretty good for my riding ability. I ended up cutting down some combos and dropping some tricks from my run that I was struggling to pull. So, I didn’t bust out for sure, but rather just focused on trying to pull what I thought I could.
The contest was incredibly fun, and the Austin BMX scene is pretty inspiring. Riding at the OG also helped to make the weekend about much more than just a contest. There are so many rad people that ride flatland, and I am thankful to be a part.
What was game plan coming into the final round?
My game plan was to try not to think about it. 🙂 I really tried to just focus on hitting my tricks and not to worry about the rest. For me, I don’t focus on multiple things really well. I think I ride better when I simplify. I can’t focus on how good other riders are, or how my tricks stack up, or any title up for grabs. I chose to just think about my own tricks and hope for the best.
What kind of practise did you put into getting ready for the last contest of the year?
I rode as much as my work schedule, sleep schedule, and body would allow. It helped that there were more daylight hours through the end of summer to prepare.
Did you feel much pressure going into the final round run off with Alex Johnson, & the year end title at stake?
I felt tremendous pressure! 🙂 Probably the most pressure I have ever felt for a contest run so far in my riding career. If you watch the videos in the highest resolution (1080) you can see how badly I am shaking, haha. Ron Monis said he thought I was going to shake off my bike during the first juggler combo. 🙂 The shock of having to go back out again, in the middle or pro practice was also pretty nerve-wracking. The pros were really cool about it though, and that made it easier.
How do you feel the AM Flat series has helped flatland in the US, and also your own riding?
I think the AMFLT circuit has made a real difference for a number of riders including me. For years, I would classify myself as a rider who learned many different types of tricks, but only mastered a few. I would work on a trick until I pulled it a few times. But after that, I would start working on another new trick, and then another. Although I technically “learned” a number of tricks, I couldn’t pull most of them when I needed too. I think the AMFLT circuit helped me redefine what it means to pull my tricks. For me, it’s the difference between being able to pull a trick…and having it so dialed it is tough to miss the trick. There’s a big difference there for me. I should say that there is nothing wrong with either kind of riding at all. Who doesn’t love working on, and pulling new tricks? I just wanted to be able to pull some specific tricks when I need them most, and I believe the AMFLT circuit pushed me to dial in a few tricks in that way.
There’s been quite a bit of debate about “turning pro” after Texas Toast on the site, now you’ve won the year end title, are you moving up? It seems to me Masterclass would be a good idea? What are your thoughts?
I see both sides of the debate. I also think each side has made some very solid points. On one hand, I don’t want to make it tougher for folks like Shaun Lapsley to move up to Expert Class. The dude is super original and has a ton of potential, and the last thing I want to do is discourage riders like that. But at the same time, I quite honestly just don’t feel like I am even close to a Pro level rider. If I had to ride a contest run after really any of the Pro Class riders I watched last weekend I would feel embarrassed. I just don’t have the tricks. I want to work hard, and if I could get there one day that would be a dream come true. But in opinion, I am just not there yet. So to answer your question, I am not planning to turn Pro yet, and at the same time I am really hoping that doesn’t discourage anyone who wants to move up. This is a tough one.
What are your plans for the off season?
What off season?:) I am working on some trick ideas that I would like to have down before the Toronto contest in March. If history is any indication, I typically start working on way too many new tricks at one time, and gradually settle on a few that hopefully will stick.
Any final shoutouts?
I would like to give a shoutout to John Yull and family for putting me up the whole time I was in Texas, and letting me bum rides to and from everywhere. (Including the airport at 5:00AM) Also, a special shoutout to my AMFLT family for all of the inspiration, laughs, and support. You dudes are among my best friends in life, even though we live in different parts of North America. I have mad respect for each of you.
I also want to thank God for the gift of still being able to ride my bike, and for the experiences of meeting so many great people. Thank you Effraim, for the interview, all you do each day for flatland. And for anyone still reading this, thank you for hanging in there. I am so grateful for flatland, and I am humbled to be able to share some of my experiences. I am looking forward to seeing many of you next year! Thank you!
Thanks for your time Todd, this was awesome! Congrats once again!
Not only will you not find a nicer man in flatland, but you will never meet anyone that could possibly have anything bad to say about Todd.
His incredible consistency made him a good contender for this win from the beginning of the year in my opinion. As nice as it was to temporarily hold the first place spot (only because of the injury and lack of attendance at Jomo like he mentioned), I knew I was just keeping that spot warm for him.
Congrats once again, Todd! It’s an honour to share the podium with you.
Nice!! Can’t wait for Toronto!!
Congrats again Todd.
I think as Todd touched on here in the interview, having a Masterclass would help riders make that “jump” to pro. Theres nowhere to go for Todd but to stay expert, a masterclass would be motivating i am sure. Be interesting to see what happens next year with the AM FLT series.
I second Prasheel’s statement. I felt honored to share the podium with those two in Toronto and for the year end placings. He has got to be the nicest guy in flatland. Every time I read an interview about him or hear him speak, I hear Debbie Gibson’s “Out of the Blue” playing in the background. Flatland needs more people like Todd.
Congrats rTronCarter! You are a machine!
I can also say that as of right now the classes will remain the same in 2013.
I think people are getting caught up on a name and not the level of riding or riders involved. Master, Expert… Does the name matter if the same people are competing against each other? In expert you have Todd, Alex J, Rob, Alex P, TJ… Competing for top spot. Add a master class and what changes? Same guys competing… New name.
The riders it effects is maybe the mid level experts who would be top level in expert if master existed.
This is a 6 of one and half a dozen of the other scenario.
Kind of like saying you should translation from High School to 2 year junior college before you make the commitment to a large 4 year school.
Some do that, other jump right into the 4 year big school.
Neither is wrong, neither is right.
Kind of seeing what your saying Steve, but you might attract more riders if they know have a chance in expert, and also gives the expert riders who feel they have nowhere to go up to semi pro (ie, not ready for pro), which historically what the Masterclass was all about. Novice riders would benefit also, and have a positive knock on effect to your series. The masterclass could operate on ranking system, so not just anyone can enter, thinking outloud here….
rTronCarter is the nicest guy in flatland and has a wealth of knowledge on contest preparation. He’s hugely supportive of guys who want to progress, and he can keep you laughing for hours. I’m really happy to see him get the recognition he deserves and I’m glad that more people get to know him. It’s been an honour and a pleasour to be his circuit brou.
Congrats Todd! Very well deserved. One thing to watch Todd for is his incredible focus. During his runs you can see he is zoned right into just his riding and not his surroundings. Very cool. The circuit has developed more than just some rankings, it has created friendships and relationships which may not have happened otherwise and I’m thankful for meeting guys like Todd and Joe and the rest of the AMFLT family.
@mark k – totally agree you can feel that community vibe just on twitter alone…
Dialed, focused, progressive and kind. A great role model, and one heck of a flatland ambassador! Even my girlfriend said “he’s one of my favorite riders to watch.”
I’m hoping to get more involved with the AMflat circuit next year and would personally like the classes to remain as is. I know as of now I don’t have a shot in hell of placing in the top 5 expert class with the likes of TJ, Todd, Ron, Joe Cicman, ect but trying so is SO motivational for me.
Thats great to hear Mark! Stoked on Todd’s crank-a-roni to smith decade in his run, that was nice! So smooth!
Thank you for the interview, and very kind words. Once again, I am just so grateful for flatland, and this community of rad people.
Todd has been a huge influence on my riding and the progress I have made in my personal life since getting a bike … So grateful for that !! You are all that is man !!
One my dozen opinions on this expert / master issue …
I’m a Novice rider that is moving up to the Expert class. I’ve been riding a short period of time, but I ride hard as often as possible. I feel I am progressing fast. I’m excited for my shot at the next class. Maybe the bottom half of the class, in the beginning, but I’m excited to TRY to qualify and move up the ranks.
I was specifically motivated by JF at JOMO. A huge STACKED pro class. A lot of top notch pros from around the world, only 10 of them qualified,1 qualifying run! He was really focused and determined, found a place to practice and focused. Regardless of the result he knew he HAD to ride his best in order to qualify.
Like Todd said, “able to pull some specific tricks when I need them most”
So if you want to be a pro, you have to be able to handle that pressure. If we want the class below pro to properly prepare the best riders to become pros shouldn’t it also force them to ride their best under stress?
Texas, 25 riders in Expert. 10 qualify. If we break that into two classes say 15 in Expert and 10 in Master. Maybe 8 qualify in each class. Where is the pressure on those “top” riders ? (for the sake of argument, qualification more or less separates “experts” and “masters”)
I personally don’t want Expert and Master, I want to compete against all Expert riders. I want the top riders to feel the pressure. Pressure is on them, not me. I’m riding my ass off everyday, although I’m not top 5 in the class I’m going to be ready for my qualification run. I’ve learned from people like Todd and JF and pay attention to the details of my riding. If the top 10 slip and I kill it … might just qualify 🙂
The whole point of a contest is competition. It’s not a competition if everyone wins.
Sooo stoked that Todd won the year end title. I had dinner with Todd the night before I left and when everyone says he is the nicest person on earth, they’re very safe in assuming they don’t have to meet everyone on earth to make an educated guess about where he stands among the pack. He’s a killer rider too!