Reader Q&A with Ryan “Biz” JordanHere are the questions that didn’t fit into Biz’s Dear Pro column in the September issue of TransWorldBMX.How did you realize that you could do bunnyhop truckdrivers? Did it just happen one day?–No name given
I actually didn’t even really think about it until I was at this one contest–a bunch of people were hanging out in front of the comp and they bet me I couldn’t do it. They threw in a pot of money and gave me three tries, and I ended up doing it.–Biz
You used to be known almost strictly for your dirt jumping abilities, but after Road Fools 9, people really got to see you as an all-around rider. What is your favorite terrain to ride? From what I see in magazines, it seems like you ride everything but now get most of your coverage from street and parks. Also, you come up with the most original lines and tricks in contests. Do you enjoy riding contests, or just riding with friends the most? When do you accomplish the most?–Moos, Novocaine ‘Zine
My favorite thing to ride has always been dirt. As for contests, I like going to them for the friends part of it because they make it fun, but I also like to see if I can put together a run when I need to. When I accomplish the most can vary; it might be at the trails with my friends or at a contest during practice–it just depends. Later.–Biz
I was just curious as to how you got hooked up with the Fly Bikes deal and if we will be seeing you in a team video anytime soon. Thanks, and keep up the good riding.–No name given
I was hooked up with Fly through Steve Buddendeck. Fly was going to be distributed by System Cycle, and they wanted a rider to represent Fly; he asked me if I was down and I said yes. I have no idea about a video, so you’ll just have to wait. Thanks, later.–Biz
I am your big fan and I would like to know how long have you been riding your BMX like a pro? I want to be half that good. Thanks.–Tilen, Slovenia
I’ve skated and ridden BMX since I was like five years old, but I really stayed with riding when I was 12. I’m 22 now, and my first pro contest was in ’98, but I think I really turned pro in ’99 when I made my first pro final. Thanks.–Biz
Your riding is so bad-ass. You have the best tailwhips out of anyone I have ever seen. How did you learn them, and how did you get them so good?–Wes
I had this jump down the street from my house when I was younger, and it was so good for learning tricks. One day they just came too me; doing the trick all the time only makes you better at doing it, and that is what I did. Thanks, bye.–Biz
Yo Biz, how’s it hangin’ dawg? I think your riding is off da hizzle fo shizzle! I was wondering how long you tried bunnyhop tailwhips before you actually landed one. Peace out dawg, much love.–Robert “beat box g” Tenorio, Washington DC
At the Roots contest a few years ago, Beringer and I were riding just flat ground and he tried a couple and then I did, and I pulled it after a couple tries. Before that, I would do them into box jump landings from the deck, so it was kind of similar. Thanks, later.–Biz
I am a 15-year-old street/trail rider and you are one of my favorite riders. I have been having trouble doing barspins and I was hoping you could give me some tips. Thanks.–Jared, Texas
You should try to learn them on a tabletop jump. You want to level out in the air and just spin the bars; you’ll pinch your seat automatically so don’t worry about that; just think about getting the bars around. Thanks, bye.–Biz
Do you think you will ever make any signure parts with Fly?–No name given
I really have no idea about that question. You’ll just have to wait and see.–Biz
You seemed to be really well-liked on the Road Fools you went on and you didn’t talk any shit on anyone. Did you get along with everyone, or were there times you would have rather not been there?–Michael Rands, Hobart, Tasmania
I get along with people pretty easily, so I never really get into it with people. The guys on the trips I’ve been on were super cool, so that helps too. I always like to watch when other people get into it, so I’m glad I was there for everything.–Biz
What is the best strip club you’ve ever been to, and why?–Brian Tunney
Any strip club can be fun, but I would have to say it is the Sundowner–best ever.–Biz
I’m from Massachusetts and I go to the same trails that you rode. How do you get the courage to hit a set? I can never get the courage.–No name given
You can always go from smaller jumps and just keep working your way up, or you can just send it and try to do it. Either one of those will work.–Biz
Ryan, what’s up? I saw you at Roots and you were kicking ass. I have been doing tailwhips to pedal and frame for a few months; how would I go to the pedals? Believe me, I’ve tried. Is it one of those things that just comes to you in time? I also do those nosepick tailwhips on wedges; I go from the pedal to pedal but when I come out of it I don’t jump so I just stay on the deck of the wedge. How would I jump out of it?–Mike
On jumping tailwhips, you want to not think about landing on the pedals, just try to get over your bike and fall down on it and you should land on them. On the tailwhip nosepick, it’s easier to hop back in on a quarterpipe, so try it on that. Thanks, later Mike.–Biz
I love your barspin style. Speaking of barspins, did you ever pull that 540 barspin on the wedge at Roots ’03? I saw you get around once and spin the bars but it wasn’t what you wanted. Keep being original!–No name given
I tried it a few times and I think I actually landed one–at least that’s what Rob Darden and Adam Aloise told me–but I thought I hit my foot on the ground. They said I didn’t though, so I don’t know. Thanks, bye.–Biz
What is/are your favorite trick(s)?–No name given
I would have to say 360s and turndowns; they’re both really fun to do.–Biz
What’s up? I recently got a Fly Diablo, and you are basically one of the reasons why. You’re one of those riders I don’t know much about beside the ridiculous riding. Who is Biz and how did he get mad skills on his bike? Thanks and ride to rip!–Jordan
Who is Biz…that’s a tough one. I guess I just rode a bike and lived in Massachussetts and the next thing I know I’m in California, meeting all these new people. It’s been really cool so far, and I hope it stays this way. Thanks, later.–Biz
What was it like growing up in the Massachusetts scene? I live in Bellingham, and the scene is starting to get bigger with more local parks and trails…but we never get any coverage, and there are a limited number of pros out of Mass., unlike many other states. So what was it like then, and what did you think when you first experienced places like California where you go to a session and there are people filming for videos? Thanks, man.–Matt Ett, Bellingham, Massachusetts
Yeah, Massachusetts is kinda mellow, but it was cool. California has its good and bad stuff, and the cameras are always around. It gets kind of crazy; sometimes you just want to chill. It’s definitely a big change from Mass.–Biz
Dude, first off, you’re crazy. How tall are you, and what top tube do you run? I’m 6″1, and run a 21″, but I feel like if I run a 20.75″ I could do tailwhips with a lot of control. If you could do one trick in the whole world first try, perfect, what would it be and why? Oh, and on Road Fools you were insane. I wished you were on RF 11 cause I live in Tucson and was privileged enough to see some of you guys ride my favorite spots. Wished I could have seen you ride. Maybe next time. Lates.–No name given
I am like 6′, and I ride a 21″, but 20.75″ is such a small difference from 21″ you will hardly even notice, so it really doesn’t matter. Any trick first try…I guess it would have to be a 900 on vert; that seems like a crazy trick that I would never try. Thanks, later.–Biz
Some of the tricks you do are pretty crazy; it’d be fair to say you’re at the forefront in some fields. Do you think the ability to do these tricks comes from the cumulative confidence of constantly being on your bike and learning new things and finding it easier and easier to learn new things? Or do you feel you need/have natural ability? Thanks.–Dimitri, Australia
I really don’t know. I just think of a new trick and try it and it works out usually, so I guess it is part natural and part riding my bike a lot. Thanks, later.–Bizly a big change from Mass.–Biz
Dude, first off, you’re crazy. How tall are you, and what top tube do you run? I’m 6″1, and run a 21″, but I feel like if I run a 20.75″ I could do tailwhips with a lot of control. If you could do one trick in the whole world first try, perfect, what would it be and why? Oh, and on Road Fools you were insane. I wished you were on RF 11 cause I live in Tucson and was privileged enough to see some of you guys ride my favorite spots. Wished I could have seen you ride. Maybe next time. Lates.–No name given
I am like 6′, and I ride a 21″, but 20.75″ is such a small difference from 21″ you will hardly even notice, so it really doesn’t matter. Any trick first try…I guess it would have to be a 900 on vert; that seems like a crazy trick that I would never try. Thanks, later.–Biz
Some of the tricks you do are pretty crazy; it’d be fair to say you’re at the forefront in some fields. Do you think the ability to do these tricks comes from the cumulative confidence of constantly being on your bike and learning new things and finding it easier and easier to learn new things? Or do you feel you need/have natural ability? Thanks.–Dimitri, Australia
I really don’t know. I just think of a new trick and try it and it works out usually, so I guess it is part natural and part riding my bike a lot. Thanks, later.–Biz
