Part 1 of Viki Gomez’s interview drops later this week. For now enjoy this sweet new back wheel combo he just dropped for 4 years of FM! Thanks Viki!
Category Archives: Exclusives
Behind The Scenes – 2013 Flatland Calendar Presented by DK Bicycles (Part 2)
Text and photos by Fat Tony.
Last week we showed you seven photos from the making of the newest flatland calendar, and this week we have six more for you including Terry Adams, Jean-Francois Boulianne, and Yohei Uchino!
As always, the 2013 Flatland Calendar presented by DK Bicycles is FREE with all orders placed with flatlandfuel.com, so go get yours now!
Alex Jumelin – Las Vegas, Nevada
As empty as this road seems, we still had to break for cars pretty often. If you recall in Alex’s Freegun edit (https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-alex-jumelin-welcome-to-freegun-edit), there were a few cars that passed by before he pulled the combo at this spot. When shooting the video I had my camera on a tripod at the edge of the road, so I didn’t have to move when cars came. However, when shooting the photo for the Saint Martin page of the calendar, I had a flash on a light stand on the road, and I was lying in the middle of the road as well. Luckily Alex’s friend Michael from She Is Christine (who performed the music in the video) was with us, so he helped watch for cars and helped move the flash out of the way when they were approaching.
Dane Beardsley – Austin, Texas
Dane Beardsley typically only likes to shoot photos at locations were he would actually session, so while shooting the cover of the calendar for DK Bicycles with Dane we went to this tennis court where he used to ride when he lived in Austin for a while. The sun was going down and we were losing daylight fast, so instead of using the sunset as an obstacle to overcome, I used it to my advantage to get a really cool backlit light orb effect. I laid down in the grass to get some greenery in the foreground, and when the sun was at just the right spot and about to set I got the shot I was going for.
Eric Wright – Long Beach, California
I passed off my iPhone 5 to Eric Wright’s wife Sam while I was shooting him and asked her to snap a few pictures for a behind the scenes look at our shoot at the infamous Globe spot in Long Beach. So if you’ve ever wondered what goes into getting a flatland photo, this gives you a pretty good look at what it’s like for me to get the shot!
Jean-Francois Boulianne – Austin, Texas
JFB is always full of energy, and always super fun to be around. When Flatware agreed to sponsor the calendar I was really stoked to get JF in there this year. During the Texas Toast pre-jam at the OG Garage in Austin I set up my flashes in a back corner while everyone was sessioning and made the photo as dark as possible so the image didn’t give away where we were. Thanks to JF’s red shirt and blue jeans there was just enough color present that with the right lighting it made for a really interesting photo of one of his signature tricks.
Terry Adams – Hammond, Louisiana
Terry Adams is known for riding and shooting in some pretty wild locations, but every once in a while it’s cool to capture a rider in his natural habitat as well. One day when I was in Terry’s hometown we went to film a video at his “oak tree spot” on the SLU college campus, and after we were finished filming I snapped a few photos. One photo was shot with a fisheye and was used for a Dan’s Comp ad, and the other photo of a brakeless decade landed on the Freegun Underwear page of the calendar.
Yohei Uchino – Joplin, Missouri
I’ve been to Joplin, Missouri for the JoMoPro contest for the past five years in a row, and I tried to shoot a flatland photo somewhere around the town at least three of those years prior to this one. After coming up very empty handed and making do with some less-than-desirable situations in the past I finally decided to shoot what was right in front of me the whole time—inside the Foundry music venue where the flatland contest takes place. This year Ucchie was in town from Japan so I asked him to arrive at the venue at about 9:00am the day of the contest before the venue opened so we could shoot a photo. Jet-lagged and tired, he showed up and made it happen, then went on to win the contest later that night.
Related Links:
Behind The Scenes – 2013 Flatland Calendar Presented by DK Bicycles (Part 1)
Text and photos by Fat Tony.
Every photo has a story behind it, and to help shed some light on what went into the fifth annual Flatland Calendar, I wanted to share some of those photos and stories that were created while working on the project this year. From Adam Kun in his home country of Hungary to three crazy Canadians in the Southern United States, here are seven behind the scenes photos…
As always, the 2013 Flatland Calendar presented by DK Bicycles is FREE with all orders placed with flatlandfuel.com, so go get yours now!
Adam Kun – Budapest, Hungary
I traveled around Europe for about five weeks this summer, and on the very last day of my trip I had plans to meet up with Adam Kun in Budapest, Hungary to shoot a photo. About a half an hour before we met up I was out street riding and wanted to try a gap over a trashcan. While doing a warm up run for the gap I crashed into a metal light pole and messed up my ankle, wrist, and knee pretty bad. By the time I met Adam at the city’s most iconic riding spot (Hero’s Square) the pain was really setting in. I couldn’t even hold the camera on my own, so I mounted it on a tripod to shoot the photo. Once we were done shooting I was in so much pain I could barely stand it and had to leave as quickly as possible. Even though my entire body was in pain, we managed to get a sick shot, and Monster Energy stepped up to the plate and sponsored the calendar so the photo could get a proper home.
Alex Jumelin – Las Vegas, Nevada
If you remember Alex Jumelin’s Freegun video from a few months ago (https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-alex-jumelin-welcome-to-freegun-edit), then this scene is probably pretty familiar. The day before Alex got into town I drove around Las Vegas and the surrounding dessert area for about seven hours looking for spots to film and to shoot photos, and this freeway service road about 20 miles from the strip made for a really dope spot. We filmed a solid combo here for the edit and shot Alex’s photo for the Saint Martin page in the calendar.
Chad Johnston – Long Beach, California
This spot in Downtown Long Beach is just a few blocks from both my house and Chad’s house. It’s a really popular street riding spot, but on this sunny So Cal day Chad put it to good use for his photo on the Primo page of the calendar. The view here is looking straight down Long Beach Blvd. from the Performing Arts Center on Ocean Blvd. This is LBC at it’s best!
Dane Beardsley – Austin, Texas
After DK Bicycles agreed to be the title sponsor of the calendar I was excited to find out that Dane Beardsley was going to be in Austin for the Texas Toast contest and I’d get to shoot with him there for the cover and poster. The sun was quickly setting, so we were racing against clock to shoot the cover at a tennis court that he likes to ride at. This was the first trick we shot, but neither of us were that into it. After looking at the image on the back of my camera for a bit Dane decided to try another trick, and that other one is the one that eventually landed on the cover.
Dane Beardsley – Austin, Texas
On the way to the tennis court where Dane and I shot the cover photo he pointed out a big ditch that he thought could be good for a photo. I barely caught a glimpse of the spot out of the corner of my eye as we passed it, but I saw the water puddles and immediately knew exactly what kind of photo I could get there. After Dane and I shot the cover the sun was already gone, but we still had just enough light left for one last photo. We had to move fast and squeeze through a hole in one fence and hop another before going down a super steep bank into the ditch. Then Dane had to quickly sweep some debris out of the way while I set up my flashes—one of which was standing in water. I also had to walk through and stand in water to shoot the photo, but in the end it worked out exactly how I had planned and we got a great reflection photo that was perfect for the DK Bicycles poster.
Eric Wright – Long Beach, California
The Globe in Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor has seen countless flatland riders come and go over the years, and Innertwine Clothing’s Eric Wright is one of them that’s sessioned there more than a few times. Even though the spot is only about a mile from my house, I’ve never actually shot a photo there, so when it came time to shoot with Eric I put aside my desires to stay away from what is considered cliché’ and snapped a picture-perfect fisheye shot of Eric doing Alex Jumelin’s signature one-footed pumping cliffhanger. From this angle you can see exactly how I had my three flashes set up for the shot.
Team Pralex – New Orleans, Louisiana
If you follow flatlanders on Twitter, then you probably know that Prasheel Gopal likes to fake re-Tweet things. Sometimes it’s funny, other times it’s crossing the line, and sometimes it gets him exactly what he wants. That was the case when he fake re-Tweeted me saying that I was going to shoot with Team Pralex at Voodoo Jam for the calendar. It was pretty funny at the time, but once the idea was in my head, I actually thought it would be kind of rad to get the three guys (Prasheel Gopal, Alex Poirier, and Mark Kuhlmann) all in one photo together. I didn’t know how well it would work out, or if would be possible at all, but I wanted to give it a shot anyway. During the Voodoo Jam pre-jam I took the trio to the New Orleans Lakefront for a nice clean backdrop showing just a moody sky and the calm lake. I set up one flash pointing at each rider, and after a couple dozen attempts, all three riders managed to choreograph and time their tricks properly and the mission was a success.
Thanks to Fat Tony for exclusively showing the behind the scenes calendar shoot here on FM! Part 2 next week.
Get your calendar from: http://www.flatlandfuel.com
Jero Velasquez – Flatmatters Exclusive
Haven’t heard from Jero in a while. Peep his new back wheel combo right here!
Todd Carter Interview – AM FLT Year End Champion!
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!
TJ Perry Interview! – Texas Toast AM Flat Winner!
Intro/Interview: Effraim
Photos: Jim McKay
Flatland is full of surprises. watching TJ Perry’s winning run, I would never have thought in my wildest dreams he would ride to Tears for Fears. But it happened, and it seems to fit pretty nicely. TJ has been off the contest scene for a long time, so after this big win this weekend I wanted to catch up with him to talk about his return to the contest scene, his run, helping out with the contest, his setbacks with illness. He’s certainly not scared to voice his opinion, but and heres the but….he backs that up by getting involved, and making a difference. Without further a due lets get right into this.
Firstly congrats TJ! AM winner this past weekend in Austin Texas.You’ve had a rough few years with illnesses, this must make this win feel pretty good?
Thank you very much. It was part illness part injury. I messed up my left wrist very badly a few years ago in an accident coming home from the grocery store. I could never afford surgery to get it sorted out so I had to sit and wait this whole time in order to ride. I picked up my bike for the first time in a long while back in the summer and just rode with my left wrist wrapped very tight. After all the weird things that have happened to me these last two years this feels like I kicked bad luck square in the teeth, and it feels AWESOME.
You mentioned you hadn’t been riding much, how much preparation went into this contest for you?
This is going to make me sound stupid on a few levels, and it’s a long and weird story, but here goes.
I wanted to come down to Austin to stay with Adam Diclaudio and check out the scene since it has gained such an awesome reputation over the last couple of years, but we could never figure out a date that worked. A series of weird events lead to me being able to pick out a plane ticket, but then I got a job and couldn’t request time off right away. At this point I didn’t know about Texas Toast. I wanted to come down for a full week and Adam wanted to take off a full week so we could really get some riding in.
Rewind to York Jam. I had spent a few weeks riding here and there while I was looking for a job so I would be able to ride and enjoy myself in York, but immediately after my insurance dropped me and my stomach problems popped up again. From July 1st all the way through to maybe the beginning of August I couldn’t touch my bike if I wanted to. I felt sick all the time and was really really bummed out. Finally, after the help of a few doctors who were willing to give me some advice on over the counter things I was starting to feel healthy again. At this point I was healthy enough to work, but didn’t have any time to ride. So far, no riding in July, and I got maybe two 3 hour sessions in during August because of my work schedule.
After August my hours were rolled back and I was able to ride more so I set aside some time to ride. It rained a bit so I missed out on most of it, but I did get a day or two in. On September 10th I was at work and completely threw out my back similar to what Adam did this past weekend. My lower body completely gave out and I couldn’t move my legs. I pretty much had to be carried home to bed where I stayed for roughly three weeks. I had bought my ticket at the beginning of September and I was freaking the hell out that I wouldn’t be able to go to Austin because I couldn’t stand up without help. I was on painkillers 24/7 for at least a couple of weeks, but I did manage to watch every season of Breaking Bad, so that was a plus!
A few days into October I was able to stand up and get around on my own and physical therapy helped me limber up enough to get on my bike. I went out and just tried to do tricks to build up my lower back and my core a bit since they were the most damaged from the strain. It was a few days of pinkie squeaks and hang 5s. Real basic stuff until I felt confident pumping again. Pumping can absolutely destroy your lower back at my spot because you have to constantly pump anything to keep speed. If I can’t pump it or scuff it at my spot I can’t really do it.
I got on the plane to Austin really worried I would get down there and completely screw my back up again. I was so nervous just riding at the OG that the first few days I hardly pulled anything. I think it took me twenty or thirty tries to pull any of the links I eventually came up with for my run. I don’t know why I can ride just fine in public but in front of other riders I get very nervous until I “warm up” to them. That took a bit longer because there are a lot of really good riders down there (Adam, John Yull, Frost, Alex Johnson, just to name a few) and I was shaking at the OG. I don’t think anyone knew though since I don’t think anyone aside from Frost had ever seen me ride in person.
So in case all of that was too long for anyone to read: I was in no way prepared for this. At all. Seriously.
From the Facebook updates, It seems like you really got stuck in before the contest helping out cleaning the floor everyday, what was the set up there, why was it so dusty?
I don’t want people to misinterpret any frustration I vented on there to be a reflection of how I viewed the contest itself. The venue was basically the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s just a huge lumber yard that Taj magically transformed into this amazing contest site practically overnight. I don’t think flatlanders can really appreciate the craftsmanship that has to go into making a solid street course, or the trails that they had to actually bring dirt in for. When it came to the flatland area, it just wasn’t a super high priority with very good reason: we are not important and haven’t been for a long time. That might seem like a kick in the gut to some people, but if we as riders have any hope of being brought back into the fold of BMX we are going to have to pick up the slack and put our backs into it.
The flatland area was in a huge warehouse that had previously been used for storing and treating wood among other things. It almost looked like chemicals had been spilled everywhere on the floor and left to soak in. There was a power-washer there but it was faulty and thankfully EZ Chris Anderson was on hand to help pick up a new one to get the cleaning process rolling quicker. We tried sweeping and using leaf blowers to get some of the dust out but nothing worked. Once we had the power washer we had a lot of work to do, but with people taking shifts power-washing the area we had the contest floor prepped and ready to go for Saturday.
Chris Balles did such a great job getting flat incorporated into Texas Toast and without Taj’s enthusiasm and help this event would have never happened. Both of those guys deserve SO much respect and love for what they pulled together with regards to the flatland contest that I cannot sing their praises enough.
What I and others had a real problem with was a room full of flatlanders who will remain nameless, some of whom take it upon themselves to call themselves “organizers” pack up their things and walk out the door when we asked them to help finish up the last part of the floor for the contest on Saturday. I wanted to take the power washer and spray down the area they were riding in so that they either needed to help or leave but Adam stopped me. Instead we asked for help and were told by one rider “People came here to ride, not help.” right before that person and a whole crowd of riders took their bikes and left. Not only did they leave us to fix the flatland area but they left piles of trash for us to clean up from where they had been riding.
One person out of that whole group came up to me later on and apologized personally for leaving a few things in the area, but nobody else did to anyone else who stayed and helped. I’ve never felt so angry and frustrated with flatlanders before in my life, and it’s not like people reading this haven’t seen or heard me when I get mad about dumb things riders do. I wanted to leave and go session the OG since at that point it was getting to be around 9pm, but I was not letting this event get screwed over because nobody wanted to lift a finger to help out, and neither were any of the riders who stayed. Chris and I finished power-washing the second half of the floor while Adam filled in some cracks in the ground with quick setting concrete.
As mad as I still am about what happened I can say without any hesitation that it went from being the worst floor I’ve ever seen at a contest to being the best floor I’ve ever ridden at any event in all my years of riding. It was tedious work but it really paid off. Once it got hit with a little water and simple green it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
You haven’t competed in a long time, just for the record how long has it been? What made you decide to compete at Texas Toast?
The last time I competed was at Fight with Flight in Indianapolis in 2009. Before that maybe it was at Battle at the Beach or one of the CFBs. I really worked hard to get dialed for that contest and I just couldn’t hold it together during my qualification run. I think I ended up in 8th or 9th because I touched so much. It’s strange because I came up with very similar links for Texas Toast that I was doing back at Indy and I feel like I was even more dialed back then. I had some very rough stuff happening that I won’t go into back then, but it is what it is. I took a pretty big spanking after that.
A lot of people at the OG were telling me to enter on the eve of the contest. I was feeling so nervous about it but Chris kept encouraging me to enter. I wasn’t really consistent at the OG and I hadn’t ridden the floor at the contest site yet, but after the pre-jam at the OG I went back to Adam’s and mulled it over. After everyone went to sleep I got on my computer and pre-registered. I kind of figured, I’m halfway across the country, I worked hard getting the floor the way I would want it if I were to compete, and I haven’t shown up anywhere in years. The worst that could happen is that I screw up my run and the whole thing is forgotten about in a week or two by almost everyone, so hell why not?
You’ve gone on record many times, saying you wont go pro? For all those that don’t know, explain your decision to stay AM?
Well, first off, I don’t think my tricks are pro difficulty. I know that’s kind of subjective because some tricks are easier for some than others and obviously my tricks are going to be easier for me than say, Matthias’s tricks or Dom’s tricks, but I just don’t think they hold a candle to what the real pros do in their runs. I have a few switches that I came up with on my own, or some that I came up with the same time someone else did, but nothing like what’s done in pro. I don’t have a Katrina, or any of that insane cross footed whiplash stuff Dom does. To me, it’s insane to think I could do anything comparable to the level of riding those guys throw down.
People have pressured me over the years to turn pro, but the reality is I’m just…not pro. I can pay a contest fee and enter the pro class for sure but what does that get me? If I landed my whole run perfectly I have the potential to qualify if lots of other people screw up. Is that pro? I don’t think so. Pro to me is being able to show up and know that if I hit all my tricks, I could take the contest. It’s hitting a flawless run and coming up tied with Matthias or Terry. If I can do that, then yeah I’d be pro. The reality is, I can’t. I won’t be able to for a long time, if ever!
Pro is also being professional and taking a hobby you’re passionate about and turning it into an avenue worthy of being dubbed something of a career. I don’t do shows. I don’t have sponsors lined up to cover my air fare. I don’t have anyone giving me parts. In terms of being what a professional actually is, I’m not a professional at all and neither are quite a few other people in Pro at the moment. If I had a regular spot I could ride, and someone helping me cover expenses and a few parts, I would consider it. Until then, I’ll continue being what I am, an amateur.
Has the win got you motivated to compete more again?
Yes and no. I cannot describe how stoked I am on winning solely because of all the little setbacks I’ve had, but I feel it was some kind of fluke. I was so nervous and it was so stressful for me. During qualification Adam asked me what I should ride to since he had his MP3 player and everyone was bringing up their Ipods up with their music and i didn’t have anything. I just told him “no eighties shit!” and he said “what about tears for fears?”. I looked at him for a second and laughed and said sure. I thought it was funny and I attribute my win to just treating it like a joke. If I think about competing again it would be something I’d obsess and stress over. There are only so many cat videos on youtube I can watch to decompress some of that anxiety about competitions you know. Cat videos are finite and contest stress can go on for as long as there are contests.
I love doing well at contests and traveling, but I don’t want it to take over. I don’t look at other riders when they place below first with any animosity or anything, so nobody take this the wrong way, but Andrew Faris said it best at the end of one of the Baco videos and it accurately sums up my feeling going into any contest I’ve ever entered: “Second place is for pussies!”
How was your stay in Austin, you were there for a week right?
I had a blast. We rode every single night, and every single morning after Adam Tyler and I would wake up and go “Ok, seriously, we are taking tonight off” and by lunchtime we’d be talking about when we wanted to head to the OG. I love everyone at the OG and I don’t think I’ve laughed as much as did in the last week as I have in the last year.
As controversial as this might sound, and lord knows I avoid controversy, but York PA is dead. It’s not Mecca. it’s not some holy site that everyone should make their way to once a year. Austin is where the spirit of the sport is for me now. I’ve been to so many York jams and left so disappointed, and every single night I left the OG I felt so happy and motivated to ride again the next day. Everyone is on their bikes. Everyone is pumped for what everyone else is doing. Everyone is motivated. It just feels so alive and I’ve never experienced anything like that anywhere else. I think York jam should be cancelled and be replaced with A-Jams or something.
If you haven’t been to Austin, you don’t know what I’m talking about and probably think I’m full of it. You probably think I’m full of it regardless of my stance on Austin but whoever is reading this, just go. Wait for a contest, or wait for summer to pass. Just go with an open mind and be ready to ride your tail off.
Any final shoutouts?
I would like to thank Adam Diclaudio for being such an amazing host. He let me crash on his couch all week and took me around showing me the sights of the city. We rode every night and I wish we could have ridden more, but tempus fugit I suppose. Please get well soon!
I would like to thank everyone at the OG for being so welcoming, and I would like to apologize if at any point during my stay I screwed up the order of the jam circle and snaked anyone. A huge thanks goes out to Chris Balles for organizing the flat contest and pushing me to enter. Thank you goes out to Taj, and everyone who made Texas Toast happen, especially everyone who picked up the power washer and had their hands go numb from the vibrations. Thank you to Luke and Neil at Bunnyhop Bikes for helping me stay on a working bike these last few years.
Thank you to my awesome mom who helped me get to Austin and thank you to my beautiful girlfriend Michelle for driving me to and from the airport at the crack of dawn and the middle of the night and thank you Effraim for giving me the opportunity to share my experience down south.
Also, if you made it this far, thank you for reading this. I hope it was informative and enjoyable.
Now go ride.
Thanks TJ! Congrats once again, great winning run!
Repo: Mayko Lee’s Birthday jam w/ Josh Briars Interview
Repo/Interview: Effraim
Photos: Sophie Whiting
You may or may have not seen Louis Gane’s Mayko Lee Birthday jam edit we published last night. The jam came about partly as a joke, after the Cambridge contest was cancelled, but gathered momentum as organiser Josh Briars found more riders into the idea. I had never been to Bristol riding before, a few messages went back and forth with James White and BMXism, so I thought this jam was the perfect time to meet up with some riders before the winter sets in and also get back into riding. Thankfully the weather was kind enough to us to get almost a full days riding in. I’ll keep my repo/intro short for once, I caught up with the main man Josh Briars to ask him a few questions and let him do the talking about the jam, read on.
Bristol local, Josh Briars carving into hitch turbines, read his interview below…
Firstly tell me about the jam Josh?
The jam was just put in place of the Cambridge jam which got cancelled. Also it was Mayko Lees’ birthday so that was the main emphasis on the whole thing. Turned out more people were interested than we thought so decided to make it a proper thing.
Really good laid-back vibe at your local spot, is the spot ever a bust, whats the deal?
The spot in Bristol is always pretty chilled. Occasionally events they put on down at Lloyds run over so it can close it off the area due to tents and stuff being set up. It’s makes summers a big difficult as so much goes on at that time of year. Security are good to us and its like an unwritten rule with flatland riders. They kick off the skateboarders and riders who grind stuff. Music is usually all cool and the jam was a test to see if they minded something louder. Think we can push it a bit more with the next one!
I had a great time riding in Bristol, enjoying my second day back riding, mid crackpacker turbine.
How is the Bristol scene, recently had the UK Flat Champs there, is the scene growing as result of that contest being there, having the jam, and regular spot to ride?
The scene in Bristol is getting good again now. People know about pthe spot a bit and the flat champs gave a reason to many to come down and get involved. we got a few new faces and more people taking an interest in general. It’s like a little community we have just trying to get everyone out when we can and the jam was like an extension of that. Spot is regularly available so I think more jams are on the cards, get the local scene bigger!
Do you ever get annoyed at the general public walking past and into you without a care in the world?
Haha, the public is an issue you learn to deal with. Sometimes it’s a joke as they’ll watch you for a while then just walk through you mid link and give you a look of “don’t get in my way.” Doing tricks in the way to see how close they are willing to get is a funny way to play with it! Generally though its look before a link then see if it works.
The Bristol jam was a great chance to see riders I hadn’t seen in years! Case in point, Jon Birts, still killing it, smooth as ever!
You got some dope prizes to give out for the jam, what was the deal?
Yea the prizes for the jam were a last minute thing as soon as we thought it was going to be something with a good turnout I sent out an email to clothing sponsor Trainerspotter. Gave them the info and they were really happy to help out and sent over an awesome collection of give aways. I don’t think any rider went away empty handed. Huge thanks to them for the support and getting involved. Check out http://www.trainerspotter.com for their range!
Are you planning more jams?
I think more jams will be the case. As the weather gets better then we will get something nailed down at a point when everyone is available. Got some ideas as well about events and locations if spot isn’t free. So I’d say keep an eye out for the next one and join Bristol flatland Facebook page to stay up to date with what were up to!
James Smith, made the trip over from London on his Harley! Cruising mid two foot backyard switch right here.
Any final shoutouts Josh?
Shout outs go to the Bristol crew, Jamie Young and the fam. Mayko Lee, Rusty, Tyler, George! Also just to Trainerspotter for being a huge help with everything and of course to all that attended! If ya couldn’t make it this time, then see you the next!!
The jam was a really good day and a chance to catch up with friends. Much respect to Josh Briars and locals for putting on the jam. If you missed the video, check the post below. Put a jam on in your area, and watch your scene grow!
Alexis Desolneux – Rebel Jam Interview
Photo/Intro/Interview: Effraim
Throughout my time riding, there are always moments I remember and will no doubt relive many times. Case in point this past weekend, as Alexis Desolneux rode out of his double backwards whiplash at the Rebel jam I looked around and saw how stoked all the riders were. It was a beautiful moment. I wanted to catch up with Alexis to ask him about the weekend, his feelings on the contest format, judging, and his up and coming solo project! Read on!
Firstly, congrats for winning Hard trick, tell me about it, you were obviously stoked with double backwards whiplash! And rightly so, but that area was tiny for this trick?
Thanks a lot Effraim, I feel on a little cloud at the moment and enjoying riding so much…Yes I was completely stoked with pulling that trick at the beginning of my run last saturday for a few reasons. We only had a 10x10m floor, flexible and bumpy (though not too bad), but it was so small. In fact I didn’t manage to pull neither a double backwhip nor a single backwards turbine whip during the two days we had to get used to that floor. It was hard to get any momentum or speed, also riding in jams doesn’t help for that kind of tricks where you shouldn’t rush and need to be relaxed. I needed to go slower than usual and also to downside the second whip if I wanted to stay within the floor limits which of course made things even more complicated. I’m doing these tricks everyday at home so two days without nailing one isn’t the best situation as far as my self-confidence is concerned, ha, ha! That’s why I could hardly contain my emotion when I did it after a few seconds of my time. I felt so relieved. It wasn’t my intention to do a traditional run. James (Smith) told me minutes before : “it’s not the difficulty of the whole run that counts so just go for your hardest shit!” so I was like “OK…pressure!” ha, ha! I was just ready to fight for a couple tricks like I do when I know that I’m in the last two minutes of a dying videocamera battery… But things happened quicker. It was really fun after that, the remaining time felt like bonus where I could show some other stuff with less pressure and more focus. I’m always deeply happy to pull that trick in a contest as it was only the third time it happened, but that particular day, lots of cards except the judging system were against me, so it really gave it a sweet taste.
Do you feel like this judging format is the future?
Absolutely. It made me feel like my riding was judged fairly. This kind of tricks means years of practice. Surely the system still needs its refinement here and there like for example the question to do a traditional run to have access to that system in the finals (though I doubt it can be worked out another way…probably too complicated). But I think it naturally tends to push variety and self-expression in flatland as it gives more value to experimentation, be it in terms of mobility or through the mastering of high difficulty technics (one doesn’t usually go without the other anyways), than all the other existing judging systems. That said I think it’s cool to have different systems, it will be boring if it comes to be all standardized to one system. That’s the good thing about BMX in general, to have different styles of events. But we need a few more like the Rebel to balance things a bit at the moment. And 200 square meters minimum rectangle floors to bring back democracy in flatland, ha, ha! And to raise the level even more too, because unless you go spastic, amplitude and speed are missing. And I’m not even talking about riding on smooth asphalt or concrete (which should be standard!)…But Rebel Jam has the potential to be even better. So come on Andy, you can do it 🙂
What would you say to anyone who missed out on the Rebel jam?
An amazing location, great weather, perfect vibes between all disciplines as many park/street/dirt riders came down to the beach to enjoy the flatland finals, in return a chance for us flatlanders to watch the best park contest ever with so much variety too ! Generally speaking it was just a great atmosphere which made the event “more than riding”, somehow it reminded me of certain legendary 90’s contests…
There’s rumour of a solo project from you soon, can you confirm?
Yes I confirm a project of that kind but probably not that soon… I’m definitely more towards the end than the beginning though. I knew it would be a long process because I’m used to my riding being a long process in general so I didn’t need to talk about it. We started before I got that riding accident in 2008 which put a year hiatus on it. It’s been quite an adventure. Too long of a process? Certainly…Never again ha, ha! But I guess it has to be that way to be completed as it should.
Any final quick shoutouts?
First of all, all my friends who supported me or had a kind word to me at Rebel, especially the Peynier trail crew, Matthias D and crew, the De Jong bros, Jesse P, Roman, James and so on, there are too many to name but I love you all. Big shout out to Andy Zeiss for organization. Effraim thanks for this interview and your support as well. Shout out to the cosanostra skatepark crew for constant help, Matt@Profile and my Heresy buddies! See you guys soon.
Thanks for your time Alexis! cannot wait for the solo project!
Review: ART Issue 9
Review: Effraim
ART Issue 9 is out now, and as always it seems, brimming with flatland content! And as professional looking as its gets! So let’s get right into what’s inside:
-The first main flatland related article is a four page interview about Gonzalo Bellianti’s trip from Argentina to Europe, where he of course competed at the BMX Worlds for the first time, the interview talks about money struggles for the trip, sponsorship, the countries he visited (Spain Madrid, Amsterdam,Holland, Paris France, and its great to get perspective outside of the norm at the BMX Worlds. “I’ve never been so motivated in my life….I met a lot of riders that I only knew from the internet and videos…” the trip helped Gonzalo get two new sponsors back home, motivate other riders. Great stuff!!
– Gabriel Higa, also from Argentina has 6 page “Photo” article, this is the guy that put together the “Flatlive” DVD, great shots of the locals Emiliano Pucci, Federico Capon, Nicolas Visser, Gonzalo Bellanti, Alejando Santana. Argentina looks happening!
– The Brighton jam gets two pages, with a great repo by Johann Chan. The story focuses on some background as to how the jam came around. Which was documented in my recent interview on FlatWeb TV about the UK scene. Jam organiser Trevor Lacey has a short interview also, along with Mark Cunners, Chris Brown, and Aidwin. Jason Forde and Mark Cunners both get nice photos in this story. Top marks to Johann for the repo, really well written. Can I hire you Johann? 🙂
– The old school Haro show that took place at the BMX Worlds gets 5 pages, with quite possibly one of the best photographs I have ever seen in a BMX magazine! Bold statement I know, Dave Nourie performing a gander roll with the crowd and the Haro team in the shot, I won’t ruin it with an iphone photo. If your into photography, it is worth getting the magazine just for this shot to be honest.
– Luis Elias Benavides interviews some of the major players in the Columbian flatland scene (Jonathan Camargo, Sebastian Palencia, Esteban Plaencia, and Nelson Castro).
The article takes up four pages. One of the most interesting parts for me focusses on the development of flatland in Columbia. Jonathan Camargo states “There were limitations not only with money (sponsorship), but there was also a lack of spots to ride in the past. The police didn’t let us ride in parks or other spots because they used to say flatland was not a sport and we didn’t have permission to ride there: with the passing of time, though some riders from the capital city started to look for recognition and we finally got the permission to use some spots. We took our claims to the media to make it public and we also started to look for sponsors. We designed a sports profile and developed an image for the public and private companies. From there we got many sponsorship contracts to do different shows and projects.”
Great to read stories like this, riders taking control of their situation, and eventually after much blood, sweat and tears, prospering. The rest of the interview discusses international travel (pretty funny story about waiting for Raphael Chiquet and falling asleep in the middle of the L’Opera, great to read about riders I admittedly do not much about.
– Kip Williamson writes about Aggro Rag, which rightly focusses on the history of the Plywood Hoods and all they have contributed. Well written short article.
– MC Catfish gets a six page interview with some nice flatland shots, full page rolled, and a plasticman, the interview isn’t flatland based, so I’ll keep that short and sweet.
– Jim McKay writes about the crown jewel of contests, the 2012 gets a two pages, with some great points of view from a Veteran rider, John Simmons and Joe Cicman, Amateur rider Omari Cato, and MC Scott O’Brien has the final word, as he explains ” The Pro finals format will be looked at again. I like the 3 man battle not 4. The 2013 Voodoo jam looks set for the first week in June.
– Viki Gomez has a “travel” double page spread from The Maldives. Great shot of Viki mid two footed spinning greater one handed on pedal by Danil Kolodin.
Go get yours, ART Mag is dope!
The Friday Interview! Catching up with Kerry Gatt!
Interview/Intro: Effraim
Photos: Sean Parker & Effraim
Walnut Creek represent! Kerry owns the ice cream!
As I sit here a few weeks after the Red Bull Circle of Balance. My perspective as an older rider maybe very different than he younger generation. The Circle of Balance is a celebration of flatland, up until this year I didn’t think that included if you were 35 + years old. Now with the inclusion of Kerry to the contest, my mind thinks different, this was motivating as an older rider. As I sat on the bleachers hosting the livefeed show to everyone worldwide I wondered what was going through Kerry’s mind as he rode out to battle one of the favourites for the contest Moto Sasaki. I wanted to catch up with Kerry, and get his thoughts on being invited to what was the best contest I have ever been to.
Where you from Kerry, how old are you? How long riding? Where you at these days in 2012
I am from Auckland, New Zealand. I am 39 years old and have been riding for 25 years. I now live in Walnut Creek, CA with my wife and three girls.
Let’s get this out the way first, you must have been surprised as anyone to get the call to be invited into the COB? What did that feel like after so long away from the contest scene?
Yes, I was probably the most surprised out of anyone to receive the invite. At first I was hesitant to accept the invite because of major time away from the BMX scene, family life, etc. I had talked to my now good friend, Hiroshi, and he assured me I would be taken care of and he would be stoked to have me be a part of COB, so I decide to take the leap and go.
Did you have any doubts about competing?
Honestly, I never considered myself “competition” or a “real” threat towards the other riders at COB. My main concern was staying healthy to compete. I have problems with my lower left leg due to over-exertion over the years and the leg gets aggravated very easily. I had to pace myself and not injure myself, regardless of the outcome I wanted to be involved as much as I could. I think it is a good step forward for COB to include some surprises in their rider line-up.
For the record, when was the last time you competed before the COB?
November, 2000 AFL in SF. I had just come off of a string of shows and was kind of hurting from them. I decided to enter the comp and ignore my pain, but I really injured myself that day and was off my bike for 8 months and thought my body was done riding bikes.
Much like the ice cream, Kerry invented this one too, turbine whiplashes across the Walnut Creek basketball spot.
You came into the contest with an injury, why don’t you tell us about that?
Yeah, same injury that I have been nursing since that time in 2000.
If I ride for long periods of time my calf muscle will almost lock up in a debilitating sort of way.
For the older flatlanders out there, how do you stay motivated and fit to ride? Are you stretching and stuff?
Good question. I get regular acupuncture and take Chinese herbs to keep my body in tune, that with regular stretching lots of water are key in keeping me healthy to ride. Motivation comes and goes but that is exciting to me. I have to say I haven’t felt this motivated in riding for some time which is awesome!
How did you find the experience of competing at the COB? Battling against Moto, what were your thoughts on that
The whole experience surpassed any thoughts I had about it, it was an unbelievable time and I felt very fortunate to be a part of it. Battling against Moto was never going to be easy, he is incredible, definitely one of my favorite riders to watch. I was happy just to be there to watch him and the other riders bust out.
Ironically this was one of the first photos I took as I arrived at the Red Bull Circle of Balance, later on to be battle opponents.
How did you feel about the whole contest in general?
COB is so much more than just a contest, it is a celebration of Flatland! Hanging out with all these amazing riders for 4 days can only excite you, and although my performance at the comp was not my best effort I came away feeling pretty happy to have been a part of it– which is rare for me.
How hard is it juggling family life with three kids and riding life?
It’s a challenge, but I seem to do ok. I am not doing 8 hour flat sessions these days, which is fine. I just ride when I get a window and make the most of my time.
You stayed around after the contest, to hit up various spots in japan? What did you get up to & where did you go?
I was fortunate to visit a few different cities. After the COB, the Autumn Crew and myself went to the city of Osaka for a jam– it was awesome. A total of 60 riders came out to ride, not sure if this was a casual sesh for the locals or if more had been in town for the contest.
The riding from the locals was incredible. The surface wasn’t the best, but it did not slow the locals down. The last time I can remember witnessing this much talent in one place would have been HB in ’97, and that is saying something! After Osaka, I went to stay with Pro rider Russia (Shinichi Kiba) and his wife Chika in Kobe. I had the best time in Kobe, they treated me so well. I got to visit temples, awesome bike shops, great restaurants and bars and local riding spots.
I’m jealous Kerry, wish I could have stayed longer. Has the COB put a spring in your step would you say?
Yes, for sure– it was great to see flatland thriving in Japan. I felt like I was witnessing history in the making– so may riders with such talent and no egos!
Do you think you will compete again?
I wouldn’t rule it out completely. I would like to go to Voodoo one year, maybe next. If the vibe is right, contests can be fun.
Any final shoutouts Kerry?
Yes, shouts go out to Chad D @ Deco, Hiroshi @ 430, Chika and Russia for their awesome hospitality, all the riders I met in Japan, COB crew and riders, Red Bull, Effraim @ Flatmatters, Magic Fruits, Space Ark, Guell Bike Shop, Circle Geek, sake, rice ball, boss coffee, cold noodle, Watson, Shokupanman, Sayou, my girls, memories.
Thanks for your time Kerry! Much respect due! If your unfamilar with Kerry’s riding, hit the link below:
https://www.flatmattersonline.com/repost-kerry-gatt-ryal-edit