Morgan Long and Travis Kiesow hit it off after working at a bike shop together and keep things fresh by always searching out new spots. Check out this week’s Friday Interview for both of their takes on being riding partners.
Morgan Long, gap to wallride behind the tree. - Photo by Jeff Z.
Name: Morgan Long
Age: 23
Location: Long Beach, CA
Sponsors: Stolen, Dan’s Comp, Cem
How did you two become such good friends?
Travis and I worked for the same employer who owns two bike shops. When we first met we had the same work schedule so we would always get after work sessions in at one of the local parks and go street riding/spot hunting on the days off.
Who usually hits up who to go ride?
Travis is usually up earlier than me, so usually he hits me up first if he is off work. If I’m hitting a park at night I will see if he wants to meet up.
How often do you guys ride together?
Three or fours days a week.
Who talks more shit?
That would be Travis, by a long shot! He loves to talk shit, but that’s just him…can’t take it too serious.
How much do you guys push each other’s riding?
We have way different styles of riding so seeing new things always pushes me.
Who falls more often?
I guess it would be me because I’ always flipping over on nose tricks.
Who rides more?
I’m riding more these days. Travis is the manager at one of the bike shops, so he is there a lot.
What is something not many people know about your riding partner?
Might have one of the best smiths on round rails in the game.
Give as a good quote from your riding partner.
“You can’t be playing around on no handrail.”
What is the most annoying thing about your riding partner?
Travis can never remember a spot no matter how good you describe it to him, or give you directions.
What’s the last impressive thing you’ve seen him do on his bike?
During one of the Build To Shred episodes Travis jumped a gap to drop in to a sketchy metal object that went through water.
Describe a typical day when you ride together?
It’s always laid back with no plan and we just see what happens throughout the day. Bikes, hip-hop, and the beach.
Travis Kiesow, Smith grind gap into the street. - Photo by Jeff Z.
Name: Travis Kiesow
Age: 32
Location: Downey, CA
Sponsors: Failure Bikes
How did you two become such good friends?
Working at the same bike shop for a year. Having the same schedule to ride was probably key.
Who usually hits up who to go ride?
It’s a 50/50 split. I always try and get started earlier, and he’s always riding the evening session. It just depends on the day of week.
How often do you guys ride together?
Five days a week, usually. That’s if there’s no crashing going on. It can be two days one week and seven the next. Lately it’s been none ’cause I’ve been hurt.
Who talks more shit?
I’d say me, but Morgan isn’t scared to chime in when he wants, haha.
How much do you guys push each other riding?
We keep it fun, so it’s not really like I’m pushing any riding. Just riding.
Who falls more often?
I don’t fall often, but when I do it’s usually something big. He just falls on nose wheelie stuff a lot.
Who rides more?
Morgan definitely does. I work 30-40 hours a week. He pretty much quit his job, haha.
What is something not many people know about your riding partner?
He has a serious addiction to Starbucks coffee. It’s kind of gross.
Give as a good quote from your riding partner.
His last words, “Just go fast.”
What is the most annoying thing about your riding partner?
His coffee habit. I’m not a coffee drinker, so when we’re out riding, gotta stop and get a craparoachcrappa. Haha.
What’s the last impressive thing you’ve seen him do on his bike?
This pop a wheelie down the whole street.
Describe a typical day when you guys ride together?
Starts with a safety meeting, followed by Starbucks for Morgan, then either driving to a spot we found earlier in the week or just driving around looking for something new. If nobody feels like riding, then we just cruise the beach and enjoy the views.
TAGS: California, Morgan Long, Riding Partners, The Friday Interview, Travis Kiesow
