It’s hard to put into words what I want to say regarding James White’s new, incredible “In Control” edit. I feel there is so much to cover, of course, I am compelled to give it my best shot!
Whilst many are only posting clips to Instagram and concentrating on contest riding, James — at the age of 55 — is arguably one of the most active flatland riders on the planet outside of the contest arena over the past several years. When you consider his regular Instagram posts, the quality of his creative, no compromised riding style, and the standard of his filming and editing, it’s truly a whole package.
Back in the summer, at Bob Haro’s iKonix launch, I said to James — tongue in cheek — “You’ve been quiet on socials in recent months, what’s going on?”
He replied, “I’m working on a big edit, around 13 minutes. It’ll be coming out in November.”
James is one of the most influential riders on the flatland scene, and I hope that by going the extra mile on filming this video part, it inspires others to do the same on their own journey.
I’ve just returned from my trip to Japan today, so I realise I’m a little late posting this — but it’s really good to see a video over four minutes being shared and watched over and over. Is this the start of a shift in social media trends? People do have attention spans after all judging by the view count already!
Top marks to Whiteski, one of the best edits of the year!
Mad respect to James for this . He’s created / followed his own path using BMX Flatland ” horse blinders ” to any/all trends in the sport. ( he’s done it ALL decades ago anyway , I.E. , his Fifty Shades Of White edit ! ) I’m loving the innovation to his signature freeze/ roll riding style , it’s so refreshing to watch . From the ” frozen ” no handed ice cream/ undertakers , full body varial -K-pedal drags , CRAZY X-leg whiplash techniques , switch-b , etc ,etc……this edit SSLLLLAAAMMMMMZZ ,and I bet/ guessing that K.J. , himself watched Giannis’s edits…….that K.J. IS watching appreciating THIS edit if James. A year in the making and it was so worth it , TIMES 7 . 55 and STILL shaping / pushing BMX Flatland……..55 Shades Of White -2025 ! Thank you , Big-E for peep gaming this edit …… M U S T W A T C H . BLLLEEEEEGGGGHHHHHH……( meaning hell YEEEEESSS. )
Absolutely Rodney, one of the most important things I see to come out of this edit is people sharing the video on FB, instagram and socials in general. People who didn’t even ride flatland are talking about flatland, this doesn’t happen after contests by and large,
But… people do respect someone showing their album and they understand the depth of work that can go into it.
Thats truly a beautiful thing, imagine if more pro’s did this and we had more days like this for flatland…..
Some of his best riding right there.
Chase Gouin here. Before I knew about this specific edit, I’d occasionally catch James online doing own stuff his own way at his age and I personally reached out to him to give him props for being a true dedicated rider through and through. No singular jaw dropping trick needed (although awesomely impressive nonetheless) or universally worshipped combo or routine was required to whole heartedly admire him and for it to warrant acknowledgement of him sticking with his love of flatland, staying active and creative, adjusting his styles in accordance with his age or just continue variety and challenging himself however he could…for the pure process and progress of it. I don’t see it as him going out of his way to be different than standardized modern spinning etc at high speeds or comparing or trying to “beat” others. It authentically comes across and him just doing whatever feels natural/awkward trial and error, yet smooth and bringing his ideas to full life fruition. Not even to mention having a full time career, being a husband, father, friend, steady solid stable stud of a man who I outright applaud and grandstand. This is what conquering the test of time looks like. I take a knee to this Homie James White. The Brother is simultaneously doing a lot of things right.
Agreed. Perhaps James is especially inspiring to us older cats still trying to ride despite the obstacles of age, health, and just the overall responsibilities of life as a middle aged man.
Cheers.
James IS Flatland!!! Just amazing! Hope he rides on for many years.
Chase gets it. JW was pushing Effraim back in the day. And it’s cool to see James still doing his thing, he never really stopped. Phil Dolan too back then, top of class, diamond geezers, or whatever they say. 🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Cheers from NB, Canada.
Massive inspiration from this! Creativity and originality off the charts!
On repeat. & when Chase n Fenton are in the house…you know that’s one of the best endorsments in this game.