With Texas Flatland Round Up 8 fast approaching (October 13-14), Rad Dad thought this was the perfect timing to start the hype! First up the creator himself, Chris Balles! Hit the link for the interview!
http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2012/08/texas-flatland-roundup-8-hype-interview.html
Photo: Atiba Jefferson/Red Bull Content Pool
Flatland is in full flow this summer, so many events, and one of the biggest is, the Dew Tour! This weekend, in Ocean City Maryland, USA. Terry Adams has a interview up on ESPN site, hit the link for the 411.
http://espn.go.com/action/bmx/blog/_/post/8271775/dew-tour-adds-flatland-bmx-discipline
Dew Tour is fast approaching, and as you all know, flatland is in this year on a trial period.
Terry breaks down the journey flatland has gone since it was dropped from the X games, his contest preparations, and a whole lot more, good interview on the Alli-sports site, hit the link for the juice!
I always dig the edits where riders give a lil’ insight into what’s going on. This edit goes into Dom’s style, his doubts, practise, expectations, really enjoyed this! You may to!
Intro: Effraim
Interview: Effraim
Photos: Keisuke Tanigawa
Translation: Gunter Mats
Style. Substance. Two words I think of when I think of Keisuke Tanagawa. Over the past year or so, Keisuke’s one clip videos and edits have really stood out to me, and he quickly became one of my favourite riders. This man is destined for great things if he wants it! I was curious to know more about him, putting this interview together was not an easy task. At which point I must thanks Gunter Mats for helping translate my words to Keisuke, and then translating his answers for you all to read. I hope you learn something you didn’t know about one of the most stylish riders on the planet.
Firstly, tell us all about yourself please! Where are you from? How long riding? How old are you?
I’m from Oita, Japan, which is in the countryside in Kyushu island. I’ve been riding for 11 years, since I was 15. I was born in 1986, and I am 26 years old.
What got you into flatland riding?
When I was 15 years old, I read a skateboard magazine, “Ollie” and I fell in love with BMX. At that time, Ollie has a how-to BMX column every month, and I saw Enoyoung on it. I think that he did a how-to junkyard and hitchhiker.
I was so amazed like “It’s impossible!!” and enthralled by BMX. A bike which I bought first by my allowance was Opera by York Fellow. After I rode it for about 3 months, I noticed that the pedal rotated during a megaspin. So I changed my bike to Flower with a freecoaster.
How is your local riding scene? Many people to ride with?
My local scene is not so big. I always ride with about 3 riders.
About 15 riders are at my local. However, they ride not for contest such as KOG but for fun. I ride at the place with a roof which is often shown on my videos, 4 days per week, 2-3 hours per day.
When you started riding, did you go immediately into the japanese contest scene, or was a lil’ time riding on your own getting ready before it?
I begun to become conscious of contests after some years since I started BMX.
I went to KOG in Fukushikma alone, and was really surprised and shocked beyond words for seeing Martti, Viki, Alex, who came to Japan at that time and Moto, who is same age as me.
Over 100 riders were at the contest, but I knew none of them and everyone has great skills. I felt like getting out from the contest because of anxiety and my powerlessness. I started to practice hard since it, and I got second place of expert class at the next KOG in Kobe. Then, I seriously got to aim to become a KOG prorider.
Who are you sponsored by?
ARESBYKES/Kagoshima FunRide.
Tell me why you think flatland is so big in japan?
I’m sure that the following riders have founded Japanese BMX scene.
York Uno/Takashi Ito/Hiroya Morisaki/Roiji Yamamoto/Akira Okamura/KotaroTanaka…
I think, however, that more riders also have. When I started BMX, they were outstanding and big goals;
”I want to become like them,” or “I want to ride better than them. “
Since then the generation changed and the scene becomes one of now. Japanese riders has played active parts in overseas before I started BMX! Moreover, they fought in overseas with ARESBYKES on their back and
foreign skilled riders also rode ARESBYKES… They are real “samurai” (haha) It’s quite natural that the next generation became enthusiastic!! We are really blessed.
Growing up who were you inspired by, and who are you inspired by these days as a pro rider?
I was influenced by Mr. Phil Dran. (Dolan?)
I was shocked to see the video that he scuffed with both feet and controlled his bike effortlessly.
Recently I was inspired by KGB. I got big influence by their mission to pursue hard tricks thoroughly.
Especially, their switches with brakes are the best now. I don’t copy them, but pursue other possibility every day.
Switches with brakes are of great depth…
Do you work for a living?
Yes.
I work normally.
For me you have one the best styles in flatland. Are you concerned with style or is it something that came to you naturally?
I always ride with ideas.
I do different combos, most of which are ad-lib every day.
Because I hate to practice same combos again and again, I practice combos made by my feelings of the days.
I make one flow by combining short combos like puzzle, so I don’t remember ones made in the day before.
Therefore, all combos in the videos I uploaded are different.
In other words, I am not a rider for contests (haha).
I think only I decide combos for the contest in the practice time on KOG… This is freestyle in a sense, for which I feel more fascination than to make a solid combos. I understand that I can’t win the contest this way…
Is this my style ??? 🙂
What for you is an ideal combo?
I call it “compressed trick”. It means tricks which consist of many tricks without interval between a trick and a trick.
It doesn’t mean single barflip to glide but shifting another trick just after barflip to glide…. it’s difficult to express…
Do you remember the movie titled “PANDORA”? I did five switches in the combo in it.
I did not pump between each trick and trick and link them up only by velocity of start and brakes.
This is my ideal trick. Since it consists of various tricks, it is of big difficulty and becoming different one from trend style.Therefore, condition of the surface, mentality and bike settings are the key. I just call it “compressed trick” at will.
I’m glad if you understand what I mean. If you watch my movie after understanding what I said, the tricks give you different meanings and become more interesting. I’m sure that compressed tricks are overwhelmingly difficult with both
high risk and high return. I have to make them easy in order to pull them out at contests.
Tell me about your bike set up? Always front brake on the left?
Yes, I put my brake on the left.
In my opinion, it is suitable for hard tricks. With a brake on the right, it is easy to make flipping switches from
steamroller but difficult to make ones to hitchhiker by braking. Many riders put brakes on the right when bikes were getting lighter and lighter. After it they put brakes off. Now, only few riders put brakes on the left with bikes of 8-9kg, so (I
think) there are big fields to explore. Adding above, I can’t think I make tricks harder than Vikki’s.(haha)
I’m very serious about the settings. Since I’m under 170cm tall like normal Japanese, I need severe settings
on many aspects. In such a situation, I met “GARUDA” by ARESBIKES, which supports me mainly.
GARUDA was made with the concept [for Japanese riders to battle in the world] by Hiroya Morizaki, and was what I want. Now I’m riding a prototype called “GARUDA-T”.
It is a sample frame with a shorter chainstay, which is not on sale. Street frames are popular now, but I’m sure that frames with bent tubes in the coming flatland scene. The lengths of foot are of course different between us and tall riders.
Small riders feel the toptubes too high, while big riders can easily step them over.
I’m sure that frames with bent tubes will be the center of attention in the future.
Any plans to travel outside of japan?
I have no plan, but I will come to foreign contests for sure!!
Are you excited about the Red Bull Circle of Balance coming back to japan again?
Yes, I’m eager for circle of balance to take place in Japan. Japanese flatland scene is progressing. Unknown young riders are appearing and pro riders are also evolving not
to be beaten by them. I think that Japan will play the key role in the coming flatland scene.
If you could talk to other countries about how to make flatland grow in their country what would your advice be?
We can watch movies of contests and tricks just after on YouTube and so on.
It’s very useful. This is very good, but on the other hand, many riders don’t dare to participate in contests because they can understand how skilled they are. Now we can make friends without seeing each other on Facebook.
I want many riders to know that they can feel much more things at real contests than from the movies. It is important, and I have to say it to myself, to come to many contests.
Do you have any advice for beginner flatland riders reading this?
Flatland has infinite possibility. I’m not very good at sports. I don’t think that I have more stamina and muscle than others.
Nevertheless, I have continued to practice to control bike as I want. Be delighted if you make tricks. Shout out if you can’t ride well. Always spend time with BMX head-on. I can do, so you can. Enjoy to your heart’s content!!
Any final words to close the interview?
First of all, thank you for featuring me, Effraim.
And I also appreciate you posting my videos.
Anyway, I love BMX and have ridden it for ten years.
I work normally now and ride for 2-3 hours after my work.
I don’t ride for contests, but concentrate only on make my skill up after
I left KOG.
I don’t mean this is the goal but will come back to the contest scene.
I want to go abroad, for example, to US, besides domestic.
I want to ride with more riders from overseas.
I will participate in KOG again.
I am I thankful to KOG.
It is always my goal.
Thank you Keisuke! Its been a pleasure catching up with you!
Photo credit: Red Bull.
Great interview by George Marshall. Matthias discusses his street riding influences, contest pressure, contest preparations. Hit the link yo!
http://www.redbull.com/en/bike/stories/1331574965379/dandois-wins-the-flatland-world-championship
Intro: Effraim
Interview: Steve Lapsley
Photos: Provided by Joe Miller
If I rewind to 1999, I was at the Louisville X trials I had just qualified first. And this guy Joe Miller, was one of the few guys I remember just being super nice, and supportive. I am stoked to see Joe is still on the scene and giving back.
We all know the Am flat series has really helped the american flatland scene to grow, with attention turning to Round 3. Why not interview the man for Part 2 of the Round 3 Hype! Thanks to Steve Lapsley for stepping up and doing this interview!
Anarchy in Anderson is right around the corner. How are things playing out?
Things are really blowing up! We’re attaining more sponsors almost daily. I’m really happy with the response we’ve received from the BMX community. My lady Angi is the one really working her butt off for this event. Anarchy in Anderson’ success will undoubtedly be in large part to her efforts.
You’ve done shows and other contests before, how has this event been different?
This event is on an entirely different level. The comps I’ve put on myself have always been primarily local, you know, small stuff. However, we have had great turnouts at the more recent events. As for shows, I ride for Fat House Productions & Solution Action Sports. I pretty much just show up where I’m told and ride/hang all day. Shows are just fun for me, you have an opportunity to reach a very wide audience, and the ramp guys I perform with are absolutely incredible! Just getting to watch those guys is fun.
The flatland scene in North America seems to be growing. New events are popping up each year. However, the business side of flatland is still pretty small in N. America. With other big events this year (JomoPro, VooDoo Jam & Texas Toast in Oct) it must not have been an easy task to organize an additional event. Walk us through some of the things you’ve had to do to make Anarchy in Anderson happen.
It actually hasn’t been as difficult as we had first thought. But, again, I remind everyone just how much work Angi has done, more than I probably know about. Once we started the planning stage, I started getting a lot of help from friends in the industry; it’s definitely been a group effort. One of the biggest things we lined up first was securing Fat Tony to MC, having Fat there will take a load off of my shoulders, and Fat being the premier flatland photographer in the industry is a huge plus as well. Then we went to work on securing quality, respected judges and sponsors. So far, I’m very happy with the way things are turning out. It’s looking like we can make this an annual event.
I’ve personally rode at the contest site and it is top notch. Aside from a smooth large surface, what can riders coming expect from this contest?
Expect to have a blast! Our goal is to have a laid back, professionally run event that will keep flatlanders everywhere talking for some time to come. As for the surface, I will go on record right now, as having said, if you have a legitimate complaint about this contest surface, I will refund your entry fee. It is totally flat & level, as well as having the perfect combination of quickness, smoothness & grip. Guys are not going to have to give the surface a second thought; they can just concentrate on shredding.
Last words? Hype? Shout outs?
I have to thank my bride Angi, as well as my entire family for the love and support. I would like to thank Fat House Productions, Solution Action Sports, Jon at Shelter Clothing, all of the companies who’ve been great enough to support Anarchy in Anderson, Tyler Davis for riding with me every day, all of “my Kids” at the skate park, as well as you Steve for doing all you do, and Effraim for giving us all a forum for expression. Last, but certainly not least, ALL members of TEAM UNKNOWN, past & present.
One Love, Joe
Intro: Effraim
Interview + Photos: Johann Chan
The last two weekends have been great for UK flatland, two weekends, two different events of sorts. To make a change from my usual repo style on jams, Johann Chan stepped up with this interview with Brighton jam organiser, Trevor Lacey. How to organise a jam in unison with a large event? Maybe you are interested in organising a jam, unsure what to do, read on, and maybe this will spark some ideas and motivation wherever you are in the world. Big up to Trevor for stepping up and making something happen for the UK scene.
Flatlanders by the seaside. Good times!
Trevor Lacey, mid turbine whiplashes.
So what triggered you to organise the jam? Did it start from Effraim’s interview on Flatweb TV?
Yeah big style! I would say it contributed a lot.. I watched ‘that’ interview and initially I admit, I felt pretty bummed out by it and what you were saying regarding the UK scene.
At the time, to put it bluntly, I felt that for a worldwide audience it was delivered with a bit too much negativity.
Afterwards I spoken to a few others about ‘the interview’, however their reactions were varied So, not getting the answers I wanted and not being one to shy from a flatland debate…Effraim and myself spoke on FB messenger.
He explained that the interview was designed to be very candid, as he almost wanted to provoke a reaction…to wake up the scene a bit. As the conversation unravelled we discussed some of the existing issues and how we could change things, as a result “The future of UK Flatland” Facebook group was spawned!
This helped with putting things into perspective, and personally wanting to do something for UK flat scene… I just had to find the perfect opportunity really.
What was your first move, how did you find out who to speak to?
While speaking to Rob at Brighton Bmx Co I learnt that The Paddle Round the Pier annual urban and water sports festival were looking for something, to replace the slalom Skateboarding. I gave one of the organisers a call, swapped ideas and thoughts, came to the conclusion it could work and we were on the ‘same page’ and the Flatland -Jam/ PRTP 2012 came about!
Did you have to make many phone calls/emails?
Yes I spend most evenings arranging the jam, and once or twice a week I touched base with the organisers with various questions and requests.
Cunners, no handed cyborg.
What sort of hurdles did you face?
Well the biggest hurdle is taking on the responsilbilty… Putting your name down for something that could possible be slammed . Flatlanders can be a fussy bunch (me included!) There are lots of factors that could make for a big fail…Fortunatley the spot was pretty much on point which is always a big concern for any flat jam.
Discussing my requirements I established I only had a very limited a budget from PRTP.
At first I was asking for things like a wooden platform (similar to the Urban Games style area) however this was not to be in the budget for this year’s.
So my main priority was to make best of the given situation, and present to PRTP the concept of making the Flatland Jam a permanent fixture at the event and therefore getting some budget for next year.
As it turns out, they were really grateful for what we had done, and due to everyones support, have since been asked if we would to come back next year!
With a few tweakes here & there, I reckon next year’s will be the beesknees!
How much time did you spend?
Took a 2/3 months, fair bit of negiotating and a fair bit of time and effort to seal the deal.
Did you use social media to promote the event?
Yes, I designed the flyer, then whipped that onto Facebook. Facebook was the obvious tool for getting the word out, the odd Tweet, and a bit of Instagram, and of course your good self popped it on Flatmattersonline (thank you very much!)
Jason Forde, halfpacker.
If you were to do it again- how would you change it?
The weather LOL, like I mentioned before, the main objective was to have as a permanant annual fixture, so we acheived that (despite that odd shower) the job was complete, it’s now up to us to steer it where we want it to go!
Any tips for people wanting to get flatland into an event?
All in all, sounds like a cliche, but perseverence is the key. I would say if you know the area or local festivals hit them up, or contact your local BMX shop!
So we hear there is more next year, how do you hope to progress the jam?
Well I’m open to suggestions!?
But I am fully aware of what’s required to make it even better for future.
Thanks Trev for your time. Look forward to next year!
Thanks FM
bmxism/Trevor Lacey
Before Alex and his family made their way to their new home in New Orleans, his bike sponsor St Martin caight up with him for a few final words before he left France. Hit the link yo!
Interview: Steve Lapsley
Photos: Joe Cicman.
Photo: Jim McKay
In 2010 I had the honor of meeting Joe Cicman in Toronto at a stop on the 1st year of the Am Flatland Circuit. I got to know him a little more at the finals that year in Dayton, Ohio and have considered him a good friend ever since. Joe’s passion for life and riding are unmatched in my book. Now with the 3rd year of the Am Flatland Circuit in full swing Joe has joined the #AMFLT crew and assisted on everything from the web page to posting “almost” live unedited raw contest run footage to the AMFLT YouTube page. With Round 3: Anarchy In Anderson less than a month away, I caught up with Joe for some Q&A. Enjoy.
You won last years Am Flatland Circuit in the Expert Class. Now with the combination of Experts and Masters, have you noticed a difference in competition this year?
Yes. The difference is that what worked for me last year isn’t working for me this year and I’ve had to sit down and re-consider my strategy. Let me put it this way: of the 3 Masters guys who beat me in Buffalo’s round 5 last year, 2 have turned pro – and one of them I beat at that contest turned pro at Voodoo. I’m really glad I pulled the Mat Hoffman-style “win-one-class-then-move-up-at-the-same-contest” move at the finals in 2011. I needed the confidence going into this year. Another difference is that I’m facing the “consistency vs. progression” question and the consequences are very real and affecting me. I took my old run’s consistency as far as it could take me, and now the fertile ground is progression and finding a new set of bangers to contend with these really incredible riders.
Round 3 is coming up soon and with a “Best 3 scores count” point system for the circuit, each round is important. Is the pressure on?
The pressure’s always there, what makes or breaks you is how to respond to it. I’ve changed the way I think about contests and what I want to get out of them. Last year, it was all about coming back from my 20 year hiatus from competitions and re-learning how to prepare. This year, it’s more about experiencing and enjoying the community and the spirit – and then finding a balance between that and becoming a better rider.
You have been a mainstay in allevents over the last few years. What do these events mean to you?
This is a great question and I’m glad you asked it. These events are a nexus of talent that ends up producing things that other forums can’t and so it adds something enriching to the community. Jams, sessions with your local crew, road trips, casual or fully produced web edits all enrich the community as well. None of them is negligible; they all nourish the community and each feeds off the others’ contributions. But back to what these events mean to me – the events and their preparation (as well as the days following) are story-makers. I’ve gotten so many awesome experiences from these events and have so many stories and have met so many awesome people. I’m really grateful and really appreciative. Is that hard?
What are you most looking forward to seeing at Round 3? Any rider in particular?
Yes, a few. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Mark Kuhlmann does. He’s weighing a run for the AM title against his rep as a pro rider and the cash pay-out. With a *subject to change* pro purse of $1500 USD, he could walk home with like $6000 CAN. I’m also keeping my eyes focused on Prasheel and Alex. I know Josh Hansen is going to be there, and @bry_huff_purple – and the Chicago crew as well. Ron and Todd brought me to tears in Joplin, those guys are so funny. I’m hoping to score free drinks from women who want me to introduce them to our TV buddy Matt Wilhelm. And I’m looking forward to seeing my road-trip bruva R. Todd Carter come back from that broken hand. #dontCallItAComeBack. I’m praying that Jimmy Kibbons makes it out. I hope Dane makes the trek and brings Jody Temple and The Duke. Joel Schallhorn should be there too. I think Mike Smick should drive out. Rad Dad and Kelly Baldwin. I’d like to thank my producer Easy D and all the people at Foot Jam Productions (I love y’all). [shut-up music plays]
Are you feeling any added pressure knowing that your mentor and metaGuru Danny Sirkin will be there judging you?
Danny Sirkin is always judging me, so there’s no incremental pressure. I’m actually feeling very good about it because Danny calls it like he sees it. A metaGuru always sees clear truth. A metaGuru is not blinded by nepotism. As far as pressure, I’d say that there’s a great deal of pent-up excitement with him coming; he’s been busy and hasn’t read the recent posts on his SuperFan site (by which I am sponsored) since well before Voodoo. He’ll get his first taste all at once at the pre-jam. If I may divert and tell a story: In late 2010, the DannySirkinSuperFan.blogspot.com site embarked on an eCommerce initiative whereby they started listing for sale items that appeared in the pictures. There was a post with a picture by Bill Keaggy of Danny doing an old-school messiah in a unique way – no knees on the bars, and instead pinching the seat with his ass. The page listed a pink hat, a tank top, and a Thigh Master. Danny called me a day later while I was riding at The TerraDome and for about 2 minutes straight repeated himself slowly “I’m going. To shove. My fist. In your […]” After a while I calmed him down, but my eyes were all teared up and my stomach ached from laughing. To this day, I get the feeling that he didn’t entirely accept my marginally sincere apology.
You switched from front and back brakes to brakeless after VooDoo jam. Is that hard?
It was hard. You’d think that all it was was just moving my hands differently but there’s more than that. Since about a year ago, my brakes were urking me. I only tapped them twice in my run. Then when I started jumping from crack to backyard, I only tapped them once to get out of the lard yard. But I kept them on like Linus and the security blanket as suggested in Fully-Verfied. After my run at Voodoo I knew I had to switch things up in a major way if I wanted to break out of my mindset. So, I went home and took them off. I was also riding with a crack in my frame and going gentle to make it last. So, all told: I’m riding Primo Comets, brakeless, on a Jungle Rider, and have my bars a bit forward…I think I’m going to buy new shoes too. Angie wants to advise on my outfits as well – the yoga pants didn’t really throw sparks. (Oh well, this is why we try things – to find the next better idea).
You are one of the most fun/well liked riders on the circuit. Do you feel pressured by Pralex to outdo them in the fun & hijinx category?
Thank you for saying that. It makes me feel good. Pressure to out-Pralex Pralex? Well, to tell you the truth, when I saw those guys at the finals in Dayton in 2010 I was like “These. Dudes. Rule.” and I did, in fact, so some soul-searching to figure out how to even hang with their level of hijinx. They can’t be topped, man. They’re on a pedestal. The #pralexInvitational shirts that Todd Carter and I collaborated on was a way of giving back and saying “thanks for all you guys do.” And to be honest, everyone benefits when dudes get zany and throw their hats in the ring with Pralex. It’s so funny. But let’s be clear – The Reverse Katrina is the gold standard of antics. I laugh every time I even think about that.
You have put a lot of effort and time in helping with the Am Flatland Circuit over the past two years. This year you are doing even more with supplying www.youtube.com/AMFLT with full contest coverage. How important do you feel the circuit and the coverage it gets is to flatland in North America?
The view counts on that channel went bananas after Toronto and they popped again before and after JoMo. There are a lot of people subscribing and giving the riders props in comments. Full Disclosure: This idea came directly from some TJ Perry feedback and he was right – the supply of contest footage had become balkanized. So, now we’ve got one source for circuit footage which respects the investment sponsors make when they support the production of the event. On a non-commercial front, I think it’s a great way for us to see guys like Kevin Gallien. That kid’s story (as told by the look on his face) is emblematic of what the sport of flatland does for riders’ lives. For people just starting to explore what flatland’s all about, this channel tells a compelling story of what it has to offer. My hope is that we can start doing tutorials on this site and running clinics at the contests using demo bikes from the pro’s (or local) sponsors.
Thanks for all you do on the circuit Joe! Any final words?
You’re quite welcome. And thank you for all your passion and effort to keep the ball rolling. I’d like to send a shout-out to Jm McKay for being a helluva video producer, the Newport Beach crew, the One Love Crew, the OG / ATX crew, the crew down in Orlando, the Canadia crew (Western and Eastern), the New York / tri-state crew, York (for making all of this for us), @bry_huff_purple and Fox Kinsman of the North Carolina crew, the guys from Chicago (aka Chi-town Hustlaz), my Columbus crew (Andy Johnson, Scott Nagy, Phil Brunet, Wes Borne, Joel Schallhorn, and by proxy Todd Carter), the whole of continental Europe, the Boston crew, China Krys Darrington, Pralex, Effraim and FlatmattersOnLine for tying so many of us together, the Chenga crew, and Danny Sirkin and the homies at Solon Bicycle, and “it’s so obvious that it falls into the background – Steve and the Lapsley clan for quite frankly making this happen”. A special thanks to Angie for being a super-supportive and amazing partner. “If you believe in yourself, you will know how to ride a bike. If you don’t, then you just keep practicing. You will get the hang of it I know it.”
