Dope production and insight into the G Shock Real Toughness contest series, more please! Check it!
Category Archives: Interviews
Mark Kuhlmann – Voodoo Jam Expert Class Winner interview
So leading up to the Voodoo jam we featured a few interviews with a whole different bunch of characters in the AM class. Mark Kuhlmann was one of those guys, part of the infamous Team Pralex crew. Mark as you know won the AM contest making it count on the big day, it made sense to catch up with him and see how he was feeling not only about the AM class win, but turning Pro and only just missing the cut for the final!
So Mark, you won the Expert class Voodoo jam 2012! Firstly, congrats to you big man! Secondly how you feeling about that win?
I’m pretty speechless and really excited. Voodoo is the biggest contest in North America, and with all the hype that happened it just made it that much more intense. It was such an amazing weekend and I now understand why everyone was ecstatic when they announced it would return for this year. I really can’t wait to go back!
Turning pro often doesn’t seem a big deal anymore, but the Voodoo jam made that feeling come back that it means something to turn pro, so how did it feel to compete in the pro class and only just miss the cut?
Riding in Pro for the first time at Voodoo jam is something I will never forget. I rode in the same heat as Alex J, JF, and Dom, this is something I hadn’t ever imagined me doing before to be honest. These 3 guys are ridiculously good and it was pretty intimidating at first. After a few minutes it just felt like I was sharing the floor with friends, as it should be. I surprised myself and rode pretty good in Pro, I was super stoked to hit my links and will ever forget that feeling.
I don’t think people would normally get to experience riding in Pro in this way and I’m glad Scott and Terry did it. Most people make a decision and enter Pro at the next contest, but being nudged in from a win and having guys tell you to stay in that class is unbelievably cool. I have a lot of work to put in now!
Obviously as you won, you had good runs, what were you especially stoked on to hit?
I always used to struggle with landing the backpacker to xfoot hiker link and it feels good to be able to pull that off more consistently now. Even though it’s small, I only learned the brakeless steam whip to halfpacker recently and I get pumped when I get that one.
How crazy did Scott go on the mic?
Scott had to hold back a little in expert I think to be able to give 100% in Pro Finals where we went nuts. He definitely kept a good vibe going and was a great MC.
Any good Bourbon St party stories you would like to share?
We were there 3 nights in a row, but I’ll keep it PG ha. There were a ton of riders on Bourbon St on the Saturday after the contest. At one point most of them gathered in the middle of the street. Lots of photos were being taken, everyone smiling and having a good time, frozen drinks in everyone’s hand, and random breakdancing going on? The #pralex post-jam at Razzoo’s on Sunday was hilarious too. We were all running on very little sleep all weekend and we were extremely giddy from exhaustion.
Besides you winning the contest, what were the highlights of the weekend for you?
This was the first contest I’ve ever flown to which as neat. Having an impromptu photo shoot near the water with Alex and Prasheel on the pre-jam day with Fat Tony was super fun. Fat was extremely generous with his time, driving us around for dinner, showing Alex, Prasheel, Waldemar, Stephan, and myself the sites on Sunday, he’s a really rad guy who puts a lot of energy in Flatland and it shows. The pre-jam was a lot of fun. It was hard to get riding in, so Alex, Prasheel and myself made the most of the rain when that happened and sessioned since most people were under the tents.
Any final shoutouts Mark?
I have to thank my wife Stef. She’s beyond supportive and pushes me to do better all the time.
Next up on the list are the two best dudes I know, Alex and Prasheel. They are the two guys who got me back into flatland a few years ago after watching them in a livestream of Jomo I think. They were having so much fun in the sport and it showed me what I was missing. In 2010 when I was staying with them at the DK stop for the circuit, they asked Fat Tony to announce I was added to the team, and then I had the worst run ever and got last place in the expert class haha (back when they were in master class). We have the BEST time everywhere we go while all the while motivating and pushing each other to ride harder and not slack. People don’t really understand us all the time, but it just makes it that much more fun.
Finally I want to give a HUGE thanks to Scott and Terry and all their family/helpers. They worked so hard to make this event an absolute success and it showed in every aspect. All their hard work definitely paid off. I’d also like to thank the sponsors they got, they showed us a lot of support this past weekend: Red Bull, Dan’s Comp, Flatland Fuel, Freegun Underwear, Raising Cane’s, Deco, 430 Clothing, Diversion TV, Odyssey, Flatware, Fiksd Apparel, Neue Creative, Purple Monkey, and dannysirkinsuperfan.blogspot.com.
FLATdev 2012 – Mat Dagu Interview Session
Mat Dagu’s turn for a FlatDev interview session, pretty hyped to see this guy using my frame!
Chad Degroot Defgrip interview
Defgrip just posted this amazing interview with Chad Degroot, never a dull moment with Chad, so hit this link yo!
Terry Adams & Scott O’Brien – Voodoo Hype interview!
Intro/Interview: Effraim
Photos: Provided by Scott O’Brien & Terry Adams
It seems only fitting to round up the pre hype to the Voodoo jam which begins tomorrow (with a jam) with the two main organisers, Scott O’Brien and Terry Adams. The energy and hard work these two riders put into the Voodoo jam has to be experienced. I am lucky enough to say I have been twice, and both times really enjoyed the New Orleans vibe, without further a due lets get cracking….
Did you both share jobs out equally this year, or working as a collective on the event?
Terry:– This year was a collaboration of both us working together on different things. The important thing for us bringing back Voodoo Jam this year is that Scott & I was both motivated enough to give the green light to this thing. We have done this event so many times that we have a team of companies, friends, and riders that help with certain things as well. We are more than stoked to have Voodoo Jam back in the mix this year because we know that the riders are very hungry for a dope event.
Scott:Little bit of both. We have sections of running a contest that we each take care of but we always communicate to each other as to what is going down. I would say its pretty split leading up to the event. But the day of the event actually running it is up to me. Terry does an excellent job getting sponsors and dealing with that end of things. We always discuss every aspect of the contest down to the small details. Everything is important to us and we give it a full effort.
Why in your opinion is the Voodoo jam so important for flatland?
Terry: The Voodoo Jam was created for the riders. We wanted to give an event that not only treated the riders the way they deserved but also put flatland in the spotlight as well. We are very passionate about flatland and the riders & spectators can see this from the moment they walk into our venue. Our goal is show the world that flatland is dope. We always succeed in doing this.
Scott: It’s very important in a lot of ways. The venue set up is great and our fans are awesome. Quality of the event is tops.
But most of all its so important because real Flatlanders put this contest on, real Flatlanders pour their hearts into every detail and real Flatlanders enjoy the passion that comes from this contest.
This contest is more then just competing its a celebration of Flatland. At the end of the day when the contest is over Flatland is pushed to another level after Voodoo Jam is over and that’s why its important.
Seems lot a real good buzz going into the contest this year, you must be hyped on that?
Terry: Yes! We are stoked because taking 2 years off was basically left the whole flatland community wanting it back So the riders & specters are more hungry than ever to watch this thing go down. Also Scott has not been on the Voodoo Jam floor in a while so you can bet things are really going to get wild.
Scott:Yeah I am really stoked on it. Glad these riders are coming and the people of New Orleans are ready for them.
Having Voodoo back on the calendar is great for flatland, is it hard for you guys to enjoy it because your so close to it all?
Terry: For me, I am excited to be a rider in the event & to watch what we have created come alive. To watch the smiles on the riders faces & the screaming fans of flatland in that building is just as important as doing good in the contest for me.
Scott: I enjoy it in a different way. At times I feel I would love to just show up and watch. I wonder what that would be like but thats never gonna happen. LOL. I wouldn’t trade places with anyone when it comes to Voodoo Jam. I will take on the difficult parts and face the challenges but I sleep for about a week after its over though. Wish I could ride in it but thats nearly impossible given what it takes to make it happen.
So the countdown is well and truly over, whats going right now in New Orleans? Your house must be pretty crazy already with people staying?
Terry: Right now Scott is making sure the schedule is on point, meeting with DJ, and preparing a ton of things to make sure the riders are taken care of. I have been speaking with all the sponsors to make sure every one is going to have proper branding placement, gathering the prizes, and collecting the money for the pro purse. We have million and 1 things to do at this point, but to say we are ready is an understatement. This event is going to amazing this year for sure!
Scott: Well summer has just arrived and its freaking hot as hell, sorry Guys! My house is in preparation mode but come June 6th all hell is gonna break loose. Its gonna be a little crazy for sure.
Matthias, Scott and Terry waiting on judges decision….
Who are you most psyched to see ride this year?
Terry: I have been riding with JF all week and he is killing it. I am SUPER pumped to watch this guy ride in the contest. He is an animal for sure!
Scott:Really man just everyone I cant wait to see these guys! Nah, that was the politically correct answer, hahaha. Waldemar, he is a killer on his bike! Stoked!
Any final shouts?
Terry: Shout out to all the companies that make this event possible… Red Bull, Dans Comp, Raising Canes, Odyssey, Flatware, Purple Monkey, Freegun Underwear, Monolithic, Diversion TV, Flatland Fuel , 430 clothing, Deco, & Neue. Creative, Flatland ID. I want to thank all the riders that are coming out to support flatland in the USA. I also want to thank Scott O’Brien for being such a great partner & life long friend.
Scott: Have all day? haha… All the companies that supported the comp this year. My family for their support,, love you guys. Thanks to all the riders that stepped up and made sacrifices to come and support Voodoo Jam I hope you enjoy it. Southriders you know who you are. Texas Flatlanders for making Voodoo Jam their own contest. Terry Adams is the man and thanks to him for all he has done!
“Voodoo Jam is not my contest it belongs to Flatland and that makes it yours!”
Related links:
https://www.flatmattersonline.com/scott-obrien-terry-adams-espn-behind-the-scenes-at-voodoo-jam
FLATdev 2012 – Botak Kuantan Interview Session
Botak let’s us hear his thoughts on this year FLATdev contest.
Prasheel Gopal – Voodoo jam Hype interview
The Voodoo jam is almost here! And it doesn’t seem right not to include Prasheel Gopal in the Voodoo Hype build up, one of the biggest characters in the game right now answers a few questions I sent to him, in this own comical fashion!
Photo: Justin Eastman
You bring a lot of personality into flat, a lot of banter to the game, care to comment on all that?
While flatland, in my opinion, is the greatest spartform ever, and should be taken seriously, it is also fun and I guess my outlook and communication via social networking just reflects that. Plus, with traveling and seeing everyone so regularly (especially with the AM Flat Circuit), a lot of us have become good friends, so it’s always a good laugh to see everyone and catch up. Besides, I’m just trying to keep up with Cicman’s twitter game, dude is hilarious.
What was all this Pralex invitational stuff all about?
That was just a bad luck actually. Turns out that Scott & Terry and I coincidentally both planned our events on the same day at the same location. After extensive negotiation, and because of the upmost respect I have for
the two of them, I let them go ahead with Voodoo, in exchange for me getting to organize (ie take credit for) the pre-jam and after party.
Luckily, this was all decided just as I was about to order engraved gold invitation letters.
In contrast to Trevor who we just interviewed you have been AM for a while now, just for the record how long have you been competing in the AM class?
Uhmm, I started riding in 2000, and competing in 2001 (IFL in Whitby, Ontario), which was the only time there was an option to enter more than one non-pro classes when I started. After that, at the annual Toronto contests,
I started competing in the expert class in 2002. In my first year there, I think I got 36th out of the 40, and if I recall, Dane won first. I guess I wasn’t technically ready to be competing in the expert class back then considering my piss-poor placings the first 5 years, but yeah, I guess 11 years now?
Following on, is anyone saying why aren’t you in the Pro Class yet Prasheel?
Recently, just Mark, but only because he gets nervous about competing against me. Luckily, Alex is always there to quickly remind me I am not good at riding bikes and barely deserve to be in the expert class, and am in no
way ready for pro. I found that when we had the masters class, there were more comments being made then about the guys that were near the top (Alex, Tyler, etc.), or even occasionally comments being made after a #pralex edit
would drop. The gap between expert in pro is still really large, and I don’t think people that made those comments realized that. Besides, I still haven’t actually won a contest before lol
Any kind of contest preparations you are going through right now to get ready for Voodoo?
I’ve been in the hot yoga studio quite a bit this past week, just trying to get acclimatized to that NOLA heat. I’ve also lowered the gearing on my fixed gear bicycle, and have been trying to increase my cadence, that’s been
a fun and interesting challenge. Lastly, been eating at Popeye’s LilWeezyana Kitchen on occasion, but I know it’s nothing like the real po’ boys down south.
The only thing left to do before Voodoo for me is to purchase Rosetta Stone and learn Czech, so I can properly congratulate Dominik on his victory next week.
Photo: Jim McKay.
How important are contests in keeping you motivated?
In terms of motivation to develop consistency, it’s great. The guys I compete with are all really good riders, with vastly different styles, and hard tricks. This year already, we’ve seen podium placers at one contest not even qualify at the next (sorry Ron) and vice versa, so it really comes down to who has a good day and hits their stuff.
With the amount of contests that Alex, Mark, and I travel to attend, I’ve noticed a decline in progression in my riding, so have been thinking of trying to fade away from contests for a bit and go back to just riding without a focus on consistency. Even when I try not to focus on contests, it’s always on the back of my mind I guess and I haven’t been able to push past that and focus on new stuff in a while (similar to how I felt when doing shows before I got burnt out on that).
All the way from canada for the trip, how you getting down to New Orleans you flying or driving?
I thought about trying to make the 2400km bike ride down, but I don’t have 4 weeks of holidays available to do that. Me and the team are using just two vacation days, and flying down at really inconveniently early times.
Between the three of us and everything we each have going on outside of riding, there are a lot of conversations and compromises that go along with attending events and rationing out our holiday time and travel budget, such
that we can attend all the events that we want to support (basically all of them).
Who are you looking to as the main competition for you?
Just Alex and Mark, ain’t no one in our class even at our level; there’s too many ninja swords, plaques, and prize bags in our way to even see the rest of our competitors. Now that Mark has been able to get over his contest
nerves, and know that he’s able to compete for those top spots, I think he’s a real threat to my victory. Plus, Alex told me a while back that his contest placings were going to suffer for a bit, as he pushed himself to change/expand on his style, but after riding with him recently, he’s going to consistently beat me at contests again soon I know.
Like I said though, the expert class is full of a lot of talented riders, any one of which is capable of taking first at Voodoo, it’s just a matter of who’s able to work through the pressure at hit the tricks we know each other
are capable of. While it’s not on the AM Flat Circuit, I think there is, at least for me, a lot of pressure as Voodoo is North America’s largest event.
Are you planning to drop any new tricks at Voodoo?
I don’t think so? But maybe. It comes down to how my run starts coming together and if I have time for it at the end. I usually don’t plan too much out in advance (and subsequently, start asking Alex and Mark mid-run what I
should do next), but I got some stuff in mind that I’d like to hit, some of which is different than the runs I’ve been able to put together in the past.
Who are you really psyched to see ride in general in New Orleans?
DOM! He’s always a blast to watch and hang out with. Glad he’s bringing his Autum teammate Waldemar, and that Kornely is even coming. With its short absence, I think everyone is really excited that Voodoo is back, and more
people are putting in that extra effort to come out and support this contest to ensure it’s a success.
Photo: Aidas Odonelis/Ruby Photo Studio.
Are you ready for Scott O’Brien getting crazy on the mic?
For sure. I remember going to Voodoo four years ago, after hearing how it’s a crazy energy at the event that doesn’t come across in videos and web edits properly, and I cannot wait to be back. Plus, after getting to know Scott
recently, it’s evident how strong his passion for flatland is, and how determined he and Terry are with ensuring this event’s success, so I’m just excited to go and support and be part of that.
Any closing comments on the Voodoo jam?
Just want to thank Scott and Terry again for the amount of work they’re putting in to this. Despite unpopular belief, success is not inevitable for a contest; it takes an incredible amount of effort, and thinking otherwise is setting yourself up to fail. #shotsfired
Also want to thank everyone that is coming out to and supporting the official #pralex pre-jam on June 8th, and the official #pralex after party on June 9th. To those that aren’t coming, you still have a week left to reconsider and figure out plans (and you really should).
If you are unable to attend, please feel free to wish me luck on my pro debut, after my imminent expert victory, via twitter, @PralexGorier.
Related Links:
http://dannysirkinsuperfan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/dew-dew-jam-hype-prasheel-gopal.html
FLATdev 2012 – Shintaro Misawa Interview Session
Shintaro Misawa (Rayyan Ibrahim) talks about his experience with last year FLATdev and how much he is looking forward for FLATdev 2012. As well as some killer riding as always!
Trevor Oleniuk – Voodoo Jam Hype Interview
Intro/Interview: Effraim
Photos: provided by Trevor Oleniuk.
So… as I was thinking who’s next for a Voodoo jam hype interview… I was scrolling through the expert class registration list for Voodoo, and I came across the name Trevor Oleniuk, and I thought hmmm but getting hold of him might take a while…. And randomly Pete Olsen got in contact and suggested Trevor and gave me a contact, almost like fate really… So you might not know the name, which in my eyes makes this all the more interesting. Voodoo bringing out new names, just what we need!!!!
Firstly Trevor introduce yourself?
I’m a twenty six year old dude from Saskatoon, SK, Canada – home of Andrew Faris, Peter Olsen, Brandon Derbowka, and formerly Cory Strat. I’ve been riding for 10 or so years, though I took a bit of a hiatus a few years back while I went through law school and got married. I’m technically a lawyer now, but I don’t work in private practice. I get a real kick in telling people at work I’m going to NOLA for a BMX contest.
You are new to the contest scene, what made you decide on competing at voodoo?
It has always been on my bucket list. I’ve been to some of the other big contests (KOG, FISE, Toronto, Vancouver Metro) and I figured I should hit up Voodoo before its too late. I also need to represent Western Canada because it doesn’t look like anyone outside of Ontario and Quebec is heading down.
Any kind of contest preparations you are going through right now to get ready for Voodoo?
I wrote out a bit of a trick list, and try to session the same links every day. I considered doing the whole five-in-a-row thing, but that process only helped to confirm how inconsistent I am.
How important are contests in keeping you motivated?
Being from Western Canada, contests have never really been all that important. When I first got into riding the Saskatoon crew (formerly known as the “SFL”) used to hit up the 1664 contests in Edmonton. Once those sort of fizzled out, western Canada started doing more jams and I think it’s influenced everyone’s riding style and perception of contests. The last contest I went to was Toronto 2011 and it changed my overall view of contests. It was rad. A lot of the same guys will be at Voodoo so I’m expecting a similar experience.
All the way from canada for the trip, how you getting down to New Orleans you flying or driving?
New Orleans is like 2100 miles (3300 KM) from Saskatoon – I’m flying.
Who are you looking to as the main competition for you?
To be honest it’s myself. There are so many good riders who will be at this contest. If they land all their stuff I don’t think I have a chance. I’m better off going for a personal best or whatever.
Are you planning to drop any new tricks at Voodoo?
There should be a few new things ready by then. I was hoping for a few more, but flatland doesn’t work that way.
Who are you really psyched to see ride in New Orleans?
Everyone? I’ve tried to narrow it to just a couple of riders, but I think I’ll be diplomatic.
Are you ready for Scott O’Brien getting crazy on the mic?
As long as he knows all the words to Dancing Queen by ABBA.
Any closing comments on the Voodoo jam?
Bring the hype!
Indeed! Bring the hype! Good luck at Voodoo Trevor! Who’s next then??
All the news, riderlists, etc, leading up to the event. Hit it!
http://www.voodoojam.com
Bryan Huffman – Voodoo Jam Hype Interview!
Intro/Interview: Effraim
Photos: Provided by Bryan.
Bryan Huffman is one of the most longstanding competitors in the US Flatland scene. Hailing from North carolina, Bryan drives to just about every contest on the calendar each year and has done for well over 15 years! The man is a legend on the flatland circuit, and well overdue an interview. And what better time than leading up to the Voodoo jam where he will not only ride in the AM Class, but he will judge the Pro Class also! Much respect Bryan!
Can you say Ouch??! Read all about Bryan’s ACL Injury below….
So you’ve been out injured a while Bryan. Tell us all what happened? How long were you out for?
I tore up my right knee way back in 1996 and had to get an ACL replacement. That took me out for about a year. After that my knee would do ok for a couple of years then I would go through periods of needing it scoped out. I think I’ve had about 9 surgeries now. It was always frustrating having to basically start over every few years. Last year right after JoMoPro I had another scope and my knee never recovered since it was basically bone against bone. I finished the year out the best I could and we decided to do a total knee replacement late November of 2011. That was about as much fun as it sounds and I finally got back on the bike right before Toronto this year. It’s still nowhere near 100%, but slowly improving. I’m just now starting to be able to scuff again.
Any kind of contest preparations you are going through right now to get ready for Voodoo?
Yeah a little bit, been trying to get a little more dialed, but I’ve learned that it has more to do with my mental attitude then anything. I get really nervous at contests so I’m just trying to get my head dialed. I also have a bad habit of trying to learn new things instead of working on a routine.
How important are contests in keeping yourself motivated?
Honestly I’m more motivated with just trying to learn new things or re-learn old things. They do motivate me to a point and I want to ride well just like everyone else, but doing well at contests is not my ultimate goal with riding.
Are you driving down to New Orleans from NC, how long of a drive is that ?
Yes I am driving. It’s about a 10 hour drive which isn’t so bad when compared to some of the other contests I go to. I hate flying so driving is better for me. I just wish someone was going with me, but looks like a solo mission this time.
Bryan has Two footed Death trucks on lock!
Have you been to the Voodoo jam before? If so, how many times have you been?
I think I’ve been to all of them except one. The earlier ones I just went to hang out and watch then started competing in the later ones.
Who are you looking to as the main competition for you?
Everybody in the class really. I think it was said best in an earlier interview that just about anyone has the chance to win it. It just depends on who is on that day. I know just about everyone who is signed up and I respect all of them.
Are you planning to drop any new tricks at Voodoo?
Most everything I’m going for this time is a variation of stuff I have been doing lately. I try hard to throw in my own little tweaks or variations that are my own. I’m not sure if anyone notices, but that’s important to me. I do have at least one new trick I want to throw in my run; I just wish we had longer runs.
Besides riding in the contest, you are judging the Pro Class too?
I am and I feel very honored to judge. I always try my best to judge properly. Sometimes I think people make judging overly complicated and I’ve definitely seen some interesting judging decisions over the years. I think sometimes people don’t realize you only have a few seconds to compare and get a score down before the next guy starts so it can be difficult at times.
Can’t wrong with a lil’ Hooters action.
Who are you really psyched to see ride in general in New Orleans?
Everyone really, but some of the pros I’ve never seen in person and it’s always interesting to see people you’ve never seen before bust out. There seems to be a lot of energy buzzing around the contest this year so I’m excited about going.
Are you ready for Scott O’Brien getting crazy on the mic?
Always! I want to see him jump down from the balcony area and go crazy. He definitely delivers and makes the contest more exciting.
Any closing comments on the Voodoo jam?
I’m glad it’s back and I want to thank everyone involved on making it happen. One of the best things about flatland is that the riders all seem to be friends so I wish everyone the best of luck even if I’m competing against them!
Thanks Bryan for your time! Good luck at Voodoo!
Related links: (Bryan sent in these combos, check it out!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XyT48k79os&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1aSvdx7P_8&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMaB9rq4g3g&list=UUL39gLqT8FuoTVVUen-BGgg&index=6&feature=plcp
And of course keep an eye on http://www.voodoojam.com leading up to the event!