Category Archives: Interviews

Brandon Fenton discusses e-clips!

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E-clips appeared on you tube yesterday, I hit up Brandon Fenton for a lil’ insight into this classic flatland video, it’s ten years since it’s release on VHS, so many of might not have have seen this. Don’t sleep on this, this is a real “classic”.

Alright the video just appeared online Brandon, how do you feel about that initially? It’s been ten years since E-clips release, are you happy more riders will get to see this classic video?
It was a surprise to see it this morning that’s for sure, but it doesn’t bother me that it is now available for even more people to see. After all, I like to share what I enjoy with others.

What was the intensity like working with Chase in this? I know your good friends, but enlighten me as to the mode he was in knowing he was going to release a video?
It blows my mind that it is already ten years old. It certainly doesn’t feel like it was that long ago. We had talked about remastering it and putting it to DVD with new bonus sections from each of us but with Chase’s poor health keeping him from riding right now it doesn’t look like that will happen in the foreseeable future so why not have it available as a window into our past? With brakeless riding being the norm now it’s funny to think that this was the first entirely brakeless flatland video (if I’m not mistaken), and back then there were really only a handful of people riding without brakes.

How long did you guys film for e-clips?
The “e” in “e-clips” stands for ‘existence’, so the meaning of the title is: “clips from our existence”. That might sound a little strange but it was really almost like a journal or diary of our daily sessions and things we were exploring over the course of about a year. Both Chase and I get a little bothered by the little black box that is the video camera so it was a challenge to pull something and then have to do it again for film. The two clips where we curse represent the frustration that accompanied filming throughout, although there were a few days that were better than others. For the most part we wanted to get combos on tape so that we could move on to something else, since we would both tire quickly of trying the exact same combo we already pulled over and over again for film.

Ten years on this still stands out, how do you feel personally about that?
After ten years I am very happy if it is still able to inspire. I am inspired in countless ways by countless people and flatlanders from the past and the present so, to have had the opportunity to give something back is very fulfilling. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of of this creative thing called flatland and it was a great honor for me to have had the chance to ride and train alongside one of the most dedicated and inspiring riders ever. This video still represents to me a window back upon my greatest friendship and the springboard for a bunch of new friendships. Every time I see it I am reminded of a great time in my life and I hope that for others that see it brings back similar good memories.

Check out e-clips below:

Steve Lapsley and the Am Flatland Circuit!

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This year the AM flat circuit gathered real pace very quickly, and helped unite the North American flatland scene, with 2011 fast approaching, it was time to catch up with the organiser Steve Lapsley to reflect on 2010, and the up and coming year, read on!

Alright Steve, the Am circuit was obviously a success this year, big ups for doing that and taking that lead role to make it happen, tell me about 2010 any lessons learnt that you add into the mix and improve for 2011?
The 2010 AM Flatland Circuit went great! I more than exceeded my expectations! 2010 was the preview, 2011 is going to be bigtime! I think by taking the lessons learned from the first year and combining that with some advice and feedback I have gotten 2011 should be a great year for flatland in North America! Big things are happening here and not just on the AM Flat side of things. Big things for the pros too so stay tuned!

Part of the problem with flatland is giving these riders a platform to shine and be seen, with that said who sprung to mind this year, as to “like wow this guy or girl is coming through?”
One of The AM Flatland Circuit’s goals is to provide a platform for amateur riders to showcase their skills on a larger stage. We are slowly moving forward on that front. I think a lot of riders in North America got more coverage this year than they did last year. From the Expert Class, Joel Schallhorn came out of no where. I had never even heard this guys name let alone seen him ride. He showed some crazy original riding in Indy and Dayton. I think he is a name to look for in the Master Class in 2011. From the Master Class, Lachlan Cameron is moving up fast! I think by the end of the Circuit a lot of people had to take notice of him as he came on strong at the end. I know he is progressing fast and could be a big name to look out for in 2011. Add in the web edits he is releasing and hopefully by the end of 2011 he will have even more publicity! These guys are what the AM Circuit is about! Getting riders names out there that you wouldn’t have heard of otherwise!

Some other riders who make you go “Wow!” and should make a big splash in 2011 are Bryan Huffman moving up to Master Class, Alexi LaGrassa in the Expert Class, Tyler Gilliard attempting to defend his 2010 Title, Alex Poirier and Prasheel Gopal are also always names to watch. A few other riders are on the cusp of the Pro Class and I am not sure if they will move up or not. Deigo Tejada, Percy Marshall & Isaiah Jordan to name a few.
Absolutely. There is a real big lack of Corporate Sponsors in BMX Flatland here in North America. My focus right now at this time with the circuit is attempting to bring in some corporate sponsors. After that I will be focusing on contacting the BMX/Flatland companies. I am pretty optimistic about 2011!

Lil rumour Am Flatland Circuit finals in York PA, care to elaborate?
Hahaha! Not really! There is truth to the rumor though. I am working on a contest in York, PA as we speak. It will not be the Finals of the Circuit however. The details are not finalized yet so I don’t want to say too much. I will tell you it will be big if all goes as planned! And not just for AMs but for the Pro Class also! I can tell you it won’t be what most people expect though! So stay tuned!
Lastly, I’d like to say that Round 1 of the AM Flatland Circuit is March 4, 5, and 6, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! The CFO Flatland Unlimited 7! Last year was a great atmosphere and I expect it to be just as good if not better in 2011! The AMs came out in droves for this last year, but it is a great Pro contest also! They have really improved the riding area and surface over the years. JW Provost & Cory Fester represented from Canada, 5 or 6 riders from Japan came out also including Shintaro/Rayan Ibrihim who won last year. Toronto is like the NYC of Canada, so that makes for a fun time also! I hope to see you all there!

Dates for 2011:
Round 1: CFO Flatland Unlimited 7, Toronto, March 4-6, 2011
Round 2: Jomopro 2011, Joplin, MO, USA April 8-10, 2011
Round 3: TBA, Indianapolis, IN, USA TBA June 2011
Round 4: TBA, Dayton, OH, USA TBA August 2011

Website:
http://www.amflatlandcircuit.com