The Friday Interview – Alfredo Mancuso (With Hot New Video)
Interview and photos by Fat.
Video by John Hicks.
John Hicks sent over a new edit of Alfredo Mancuso, so we thought it was a perfect time to catch up with him and see what’s been going on in his world. And after hitting him up with our own questions, we let our Facebook fans ask some of their own. Come for the interview, stay for the video—you won’t want to miss either.
Name: Alfredo Mancuso
Age: Jordan
Location: Lakewood, Califonria
Sponsors: Volume Bikes, Demolition Parts, DC Shoes, Function Drinks, Epic Rideshop
What’s been going on with you these days?
Well at the moment I’m in the middle of a road trip with Biz, Jason Enns, Matty Long, and Glenn Milligan filming for the new Demolition DVD. I’m also taking an online quiz for my finance class. I’m on the home stretch of my international business degree and couldn’t be more stoked!
This was your first year making it out to Simpel Session in Estonia…how was that for you?
Oh man! Estonia! That was definitely the first time I had ever been in the snow, and for a California native 20 degrees below zero is definitely a bewildering experience.
I can honestly say that Simpel Session was one of, if not the best trip, let alone contest I’ve ever been to! Tallinn has the coolest people, is a really awesome town, and for all the single dudes out there, the ladies are jaw-dropping and know how to party. Thanks again to Risto for setting me up last minute. Get out there!
Any plans to hit other contests this year?
Definitely! I want to check out that Chicago Dew Tour stop and somehow sneak my way into the Tour itself so that I could make it to the Vegas stop! I’m also considering Jomopro, and any other international contests that might pop up last minute.
You showed up to a foreign country not knowing where you were supposed to be and without any plans whatsoever… What happened when you showed up to Estonia? How’d you end up getting from the airport to the venue and stuff?
Due to my school schedule I couldn’t make it out to Europe until the day of the event, so I didn’t arrive with any other Americans, let alone BMX riders. Upon arriving I met a really cool Estonian who was going to help me find a taxi, but instead drove 25 minutes out of their way to give me a ride to the venue and set me up with anything else I needed. Big thanks to them!
You always seem to have different vehicles, what’s the latest in your collection? Still got the blue BMW M3?
Being that the M3 is considered a sports car, along with my prior speeding tickets, and the fact that I’m still not 25 makes insurance very expensive. To compensate for this I purchased a 2002 Ford Explorer with custom REGRETS plates for $1500 from a friend. However, after a few months of driving it I decided to cash in on it and sold it for $4500! I then went halves with my brother and purchased a 2003 twin cab Toyota Tundra. So if you need someone with a v8 truck to tow you out of rut, holla!
How’s your eBay store working out for you?
With the current economic state sales have definitely begun to decline, but its still doing considerably well. Honestly, I’ve been slacking a bit on since I’ve been on the road quite a bit thus far. However I plan on revamping it within the next few weeks.
Oldie, but goodie. Flair in a So Cal ditch.
Where have you been riding lately, and who with? Got any good session stories you can share?
Over the last few months I’ve been riding with, John Hicks, Dennis Enarson, Christian Rigal, Jason Enns, and Biz. Since the Demolition video clip submission date is fast approaching a lot of the other Demo/Volume dudes have been coming into town and we’ve been hitting up spots by me, or venturing out of state.
The last good story I could think of was while riding USC with E-man and Boy late one night. We were sessioning this ledge when out of the blue a police car jumps the curb and yells for us to freeze. E-man and Boy panicked and split, while I kind of stutter stepped then decided to run, but by that time I was getting tackled and handcuffed.
At this point it’s about 8pm and I’m surrounded by campus police while the students walk past me…needless to say, we looked like bad assess haha! Then I hear over the police radio, “In pursuit of 3 hispanic males on bicycles.” and think, “Man I hope they got away,” but about five minutes later I hear, “Suspects have been apprehended.” Meanwhile I have several lieutenants asking me who my accomplices were, and what exactly we had stolen. At this point I realize they have us confused, and an officer comes over and asks me where I had gotten my bike from. I explain we’re sponsored riders and we’re here filming for a video. They soon realize that the bikes we owned, as well as video cameras we possessed were far more valuable than the items we were accused of stealing. They then explain that they thought we were trying to steal $75 beach cruisers from the campus, and when they found out that BMX bikes cost well over $2000 they let us go scott-free!
It seems like you’ve been getting around quite a bit with the Volume crew…how is it being in that mix now?
Everyone at Volume/Demolition kicks ass! From the sales guys, to the riders, to the owners (Brian Castillo and LA). The teams themselves are really diverse; from young rippers to legends, from street assassins to contest annihilators, to having one of the coolest team managers/icons, Jason Enns.
I honestly believe the Demolition DVD will be one of the most epic videos of all time! You have bike riding styles that can cater to every single taste. I mean think of the lineup! Doyle is undoubtedly one the best trail riders of our time. Dave Osato destroys any ramp setup. Rob Wise is a street powerhouse. Biz has the boost on anything! Enarson is arguably the most talented and craziest kid on the planet! Rooftop has had one of the five best video parts of all time. Brian Castillo and Jason Enns both have pioneered and invented some of today’s trendiest tricks. And then there are full parts from other shredders like Dave Dillewaard, Tate Roskelly, and some other young guns that will deliver!
When’s the last time you went to Argentina, and what’s it like there?
Actually my mom and brother got back a few days ago from a three week trip to Buenos Aires that I couldn’t make due to some tests and this very road trip. However, I plan to visit this holiday season. But the last time I visited was probably in 2005, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to! My family is lucky enough to own a beach property in Mar Del Plata, which I can only explain as Las Vegas on the beach! If you ever get a chance to travel, definitely make Argentina one of your top destinations, Just ask Brad Simms!
Okay, so it ain't no Ty Morrow, but it's still pretty high...
Here are some questions from our Facebook fans…
What’s the most interesting (not biggest or craziest) thing you’ve ever rode BMX on? -Steven Pailes
Well I’ve ridden the X-games course (not in the X-games), Rob Dyrdeck’s Fantasy Factory, and in a Museum/Park in a Turban filming a commercial for some Middle Eastern real estate company.
What was your first BMX and how long did you have it for? – Josh Jeremiah
My first official BMX bike was a Haro Ryan Nyquist Signature Backtrail x2 in Royal Blue. I loved that 35lb beast! I probably rode that bike for a year and a half until I got a Terrible One Barcode!
What would you have for a porn star name? – Hayden Halsted
Either Harry Main or Maxx Cream, haha.
Who are you? – Deviant P.
Who am I? Who are you! Just kidding… I guess since I’ve never had a Props Bio (Cough, cough, Props…) and I go to school full time I haven’t been able to go on as many trips or events as I’d like, but 2010 is looking good so watch out “Deviant P.”
Do you like having a pasta name? – Ollie Washburn
Do you like having a skateboard trick name? I think my name is pretty unique, and people tend to remember it…so yea, yeah I do!
Favorite city to ride in? Party in? – Donald Russo
Although I’ve had the privilege to ride some awesome cities, Los Angeles is still my favorite. However, partying in Estonia is definitely in the lead at the moment.
What’s your favorite trick? And what’s the biggest set of stairs you’ve done? – Alex Ramirez
I go through phases, and at the moment oppo barspins are feeling pretty good! The biggest stair set I’ve jumped…well you’ll have to wait to see the Demolition DVD, but I would have to say definitely more than 16.
BMX in the Tour de France? Why, or why not? – Tom Meraw
Le Dew Tour De France? Otherwise we’d need a motor to keep up with those guys!
