Category Archives: Interviews

Repo: Mayko Lee’s Birthday jam w/ Josh Briars Interview

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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

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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!

The Friday Interview! Catching up with Kerry Gatt!

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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

Viki Gomez Interview – Red Bull Circle of Balance

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Intro/Interview: Effraim
Photos: Jason Halayko & Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool

Quite an achievement took place this past weekend in Kyoto, Japan. Viki Gomez won his 3rd Red Bull Circle of Balance title, with wins in 2002, 2007, and 2012! That is spanning over ten years at the top of the sport! Quite incredible. I wanted to catch up with Viki to see how he was feeling about this epic win! I am still buzzing from the contest, I can’t even imagine how he is feeling… Read on….

So Viki, firstly Congrats on an epic win this past weekend in Kyoto, japan! You must be over the moon right now?
Yeah man I can’t believe it! It’s definitely the happiest time ever of my flatland career!

You appeared so calm and collected during the whole contest, your level of composure was evident to see. How did you focus under such crazy conditions?
I guess for the first time in my life I wasn’t stressed and I just wanted to ride good and clean. For once I was just thinking about myself and my tricks with out paying to much attention to what the other riders were doing, so I didn’t get disturbed in my mind.

The steam kickflip to halfpacker line was one of the best combos I have seen in a contest for a long time, how long did it take to get that ready for a contest?
Kickflips is a trick that you only can pull when you are relaxed, and I can pull them most of the time during training when I am alone in my spot. The moment before to pull this kick flip combo I told to my self:
“I am in my spot, alone, let s pull this combo as I always do” and then I made it! I was so stoked and happy to show this part of my style in my final run!


Photo: rutgerpauw.com/Red Bull Content Pool

For all your fans and up and comers looking at you as a rolemodel, give us some idea how much practise went into winning this event? Cause you were ready!
A lot of practice and open mind to try new tricks everyday! I am pretty stoked every day when I learn or pull some new combo! It makes every session super exiting and you look forward to come back to ride! This way the motivation keeps alive!

Three times Red Bull COB Champion, how do you feel about that achievement? And was this best victory?
Definitely this has been the best victory of my life! Thanks to the first COB I got sponsored by Red Bull and winning it again 10 years after and for the third time is a goal that makes me the happiest in my life! I gave 17 years of my mind, body and soul to Flatland in all the ways! Riding, contests, bike company, videos and I guess all the effort paid back. Now I feel relieved and I definitely have another vision for my future! My goal now is to show new tricks in every contest! I have nothing to prove anymore and I just want to focus in freestyle! I just feel free right now!

Any final shoutouts?
I am going to remove my front break and try how it feels for the next 6 months and see what I can come up with. It s a challenge that I wanted to do since long time but I was afraid to loose some of my signature tricks with breaks, but this tricks are in the videos so lets move on to the next level!
I want to thank everybody at the COB, from Organizers, riders, media, Red Bull and everyone! It was an amazing weekend where we all had so much fun! I feel that Flatland is going to be back so strong now and we ALL need to me united and strong! Ride on!

Thanks Effraim!

Thanks a lot Viki! It was a real treat watching you bust out! Much respect!

If you missed the livefeed heres the link to watch it again:

http://live.redbull.tv/events/117/rb-circle-of-balance-kyoto/

Effraim Catlow – King of Southsea interview

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Mark Noble interviewed me recently about running Southsea Skatepark and the King of Southsea contest that of course is happening this weekend! Hope to see some of you this weekend! Hit the link for the interview! Thanks to Mark for the opportunity to be on the Red Bull site…

http://www.redbull.co.uk/cs/Satellite/en_UK/Article/Southsea-Skatepark-021243247690183

Mike Daily – The BMX Society interview

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Great interview plus 18-page free PDF went live today on BMX Society: with Aggro Rag editor MIke Daily on the bmx society website. Check out our review on the Aggro rag ‘zine next week.

http://bmxsociety.com/topic/55207-mike-daily-the-bmx-society-interview/

Aggro Rag T-Shirt [Marc McKee Design] Pre-Order Until Aug. 22nd / Aggro Rag Freestyle Mag! The Hip-Hop Issue Number 13
http://bmxsociety.com/topic/55197-aggro-rag-t-shirt-marc-mckee-design-pre-order-new-plywood-hoods-zine/