Being born in the 70s I was amazed at seeing Evel Knievel on TV as a kid and watching kick start etc etc. I had a little fixed-wheel 12″ bike when I was about 5 or 6 and learned to wheelie it, I used to measure wheelies by the amount of lock-up doors you could wheelie past. I think the record at that age was about 7 doors. then moved onto a Raleigh Boxer which my dad made me a little numberplate for and I had mod-style mirrors on it. that would be like 79-80ish then it was Chips and E.T. and seeing the amazing ‘American clown’s bikes’ as my mum called them popping up all over the place.
First BMX?
Raleigh Burner – red and yellow, Xmas 82. It lasted about 18 months, and it snapped in half jumping stair sets when I was like 10. Luckily, those things came with a 10-year frame warranty, so I got the aero-tubed version as a free replacement.
Current BMX?
BSD Sureshot with most parts customised in some way or another. 48-spoke rear wheel, GYRO, narrow bars, extra squeaky rear brake. it’s amazing!
Favourite place to ride?
Anywhere with a good crew, a good atmosphere, and most importantly, good jive. If you’re not enjoying yourself riding, then what’s the point?
Top 3 BMX-related memories?
😎 Being a lucky boy aged 19 I went out to Cali and stayed at the POW house in Westminster for a few weeks. Imagine sharing a house with Mad Dog Moeller, Brian Foster, Mike Griffin, Dave Clymer, and Sal. We hung out at S&M, went to B&E who made the frames, saw my own frame get welded up, rode Sheep Hills, Twin Palms and Dover, rode the Blockhead Bowl, the Pelican Wall in San Diego, visited Vision Street Wear and rode their mini ramp, met McGoo, almost got arrested with Ian Morris and had police hold us at gunpoint. and went out to Oklahoma to see Mat get towed by a motorcycle and do 20+ feet airs. it really was the trip of a lifetime.
Influences?
Vic Murphy, the Mad Dog and all my friends!
Who are your perfect people to share a deck with?
I’ve mentioned this earlier, but as long as its no-one taking themselves too seriously. I’m going to mess with you, slag your bike, and criticise all your tricks. But seriously, people who have no deck etiquette fucking suck! sitting right on the coping on their shitty repop Haros, blocking other folks’ roll-in space and ramp rats who try to show off all their trick list in front of you. I’ve seen a man getting towed at a 20ft ramp by a motorcycle, it’s going to be very hard to impress me kiddo.
Music
Freedom rock, pre 95 hiphop, and other melter type stuff
Favourite BMX Video Section?
Troy McMurray S&M Video 4 was amazing. it doesn’t have to be the best tricks landed perfectly, it’s a total package, bit of gnar, bit of tech, great tune. That’s what does it for me.
Favourite single clip from BMX Video?
The scene in aggroman where aggroman gives betty his gloves.
Other interests?
Making the most of Ryanair bargains, eating nice food and driving on the wrong side of the road, and working on my 91 Honda CRX.
Last words?
It’s tough trying to stay motivated after 40 years of doing this, but i don’t know what else I’d do. Covid lockdown, when we weren’t allowed to travel or leave the house for a couple of months, was the longest I’ve ever gone without riding BMX, and I’m immensely proud of that. We’re so lucky to have the UK’s best scene here in Glasgow with 2 great indoor parks@unit23officialand@theloadingbayglasgow, as well as being home to@bsdforeverwho help out the scene big time too. just keep it rubber side down, and if you see someone riding goofy, give him a hard time. 🙂
