Pro Q&A: Van Homan
Keith Mulligan
- April 05 2009
- 1,966 views
- 91 comments
Pro Q&A: Van Homan
Van’s bringing the heat for his Stay Fit part, trust us. Warm-up ice in SoCal. Photo: Mulligan
On deck for the Pro Q&A section for the July issue of Ride BMX is street/ramp/dirt/pool/cement/you-name-it icon Van Homan. Van’s down to answer your questions, so don’t be shy. Some topics to kick it off might be: filming for Stay Fit, opening a second Two By Four shop in Philly, any one of his epic and legendary video parts, road trips, competing in contests, street moves, his a cappella rap fetish, what he does when not riding, etc. etc. etc. Those are the basics, get creative and dive deeper, we know you’ve got plenty to ask him about.
Post your questions for Van here in the comments section or email them to keith.mulligan@transworld.net.
* If you see a question you wanted to ask already posted, don’t bother asking it again, early bird gets the worm, Einstein. Ask something different.
Is it true that Van coordinates his T-shirts to his filming locations? A quick portrait break during a Southern California Stay Fit filming trip. Photo: Mulligan
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April 5th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
How have u kept kicking ass for so long?
Taylor Bonds
April 5th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
whats the best place you have traveled to? and whats the craziest thing that has happend to you from riding?
April 5th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
whats the one thing you would like to do different in your life?
April 5th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
biggest gap ever done with trick, any trick invented????
April 5th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
1. Did Derek Adams really close Little Devil because he was confirmed in the Catholic Church?
2. Are you filming a video part where everything is done to flat?
3. Was Chase Hawk in the movie Gummo?
4. What is the adequate nutrition to promote strong wrists and ankles?
April 5th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Has riding professionally changed your perspective and views about what BMX riding is about?
April 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
do you want to grow a full beard?
April 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
How do you tie your shoes? Do you make one hoop and tie around it or do you make two loops and tie them that way? Also, how have you stayed so nice, a lot of guys might have become a prick by now. Thanks, Steve.
April 5th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
How has your riding changed since the Criminal Mischief days?
Adrian Valdez
April 5th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Back when you were a youngster in bmx, then becoming a pro. Was there anything career wise for you instead of a bmx career?
April 5th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
You have a lot going on in your life right now. With filming for stay fit, running your shop, and being married. How do you make time for everything going on in your life. Hit cut down on your time to just be on your bike with your friends?
April 5th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Has it cut down on your time to just be on your bike with your friends?
April 5th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Do you plan on coming out with another fit van anytime soon or another signature frame?
April 5th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
After your appearance on MSNBC’s “To Catch a Predator” did any of your sponsors threaten to drop you from the team?
April 5th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
After kicking it with Fit for around 8 years now, how do you feel how the company has changed and grown?
Sam
April 5th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Do you find it ironic that you ride for a company called “FIT” and the team manager is sloppy and a good 200 lbs. overweight?
April 5th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
How much do you love Chase DeHart?
April 5th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
i heard that your signature frame “the van” won’t be produced again.. is that true??
April 5th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
What brought you the idea to start riding bmx??
April 5th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
why dont you film in mexico for the stay fit video (: ?
if you had to take 3 things to a desert island and one of them is chase dehart what else would you take?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
What is your favorite team to take trips with?
(Fit, Duo, ect)
April 5th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
whats the craziest thing youve ever done on your bike?
April 5th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Alright so, lets say some strange Extraterrestrial being kidnapped you and gave you the ability to lose one trick forever, but always have a differant one dialed. which trick would you loose, and which would you dial?
April 5th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Will Brian Foster aka blue falcon aka “old man” ever throw barspins better than you?
Will you do a whip to whip back?
And tell Gannwear DirtyDan says come to H-town and ride soon!
April 6th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Where to start. Mr.Van Homan I have looked up to you since I began riding. Alot of riders when they become big or known some seem to burn out real quick and kinda push Bmx aside. I wonder what keeps you so down to earth and such a motivated individual. Was there anyone who has helped you become who you are now.What have you gained from all your experience so far in life as a person/rider.Now you lived in Philly for a while and are a big phillies phan, why not a Phillies logo in your frame at the time. Devils are lame cmmonnn. Van keep on keeping on
April 6th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Van ur the best rider i look up2 u man
at what age did you start riding?
And what advice would you give along the way to being a pro?
April 6th, 2009 at 7:07 am
How did the opposite whips become more comfortable to you than the regular ones?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:32 am
What is one trick you can do all day everyday and not get bored of it?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:34 am
*never get bored of it*
April 6th, 2009 at 8:48 am
The first time I saw you ride was at the 1999 Dk Dirt Curcuit, and you absolutely killed it. At the time nobody knew who you were. We found out real quick. You seem to have geared your riding towards street over the past few years. Has it always been that way? And do you still ride dirt as much as you did in the past? Keep rippin! Andrew Ingram
April 6th, 2009 at 9:03 am
So Van, what got you into riding? What was your first bike?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
When you roll up to these crazy gaps you find what keeps you from saying “im gonna die never mind”?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hey Van! What did you want to do before you went on to become a professional bmx rider?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Alot of kids are going to lighter bikes these days. As an older rider(I’m 36) I think lighter isn’t always better. What is your opinion on frames being too light and fragile? Should a rider go by his/her own weight in trying to figure out how light their bike should be ? What does your bike weigh?
Thanks !
P/s
When you rode a Perigrine bike was you sporting the PEREGRINE HP 48’s ?
April 6th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
van
any plans to do the orchid casuals in any other color ways?
on my 3rd pair and they are the best, the only thing i add to them is a gel heel insert.
and what is a good pointer for locking in duster grinds?
thanks
April 6th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
You and Brian Foster have been such an inspiration to me ever since I got a Schwinn back in 97′ at the age of 11. I got out of it in my teen years but started riding again two years ago. I bought a FIT because of how badass you two were with Schwinn. How do the days of riding with Schwinn differ from riding with FIT now? FITLIFE RULES!
April 6th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
If some other company offered you a frame would you take them up on it. (*Please no cop-out answer,THANKS!)Will this Fit vid be in rider sections or spot sections? Rider sections are better(*HINT). You just get the feel of the riders vibe. Oh, your Rail ride to bar @ the X-games was def sick.
Signed,
Jhonny COCKS
April 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
How did you end up on the fit team? Are you pretty stoked on the new fit video?
April 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Hey Van, is there a new signature frame in the works for you?
-Ryan Grigoreas
April 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
How is your shop 2by4 goin with todays economy with kids haveing less money . Are you cutting back on the variety of goods or just selling less product
-Blaine Phillips
April 6th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
1. Are the rumors true that you’ve worked as a stunt-double for Michael J. Fox?
2. If not true - would you consider working as a stunt-double for Michael J. Fox?
3. Did Michael J. Fox catch that disease because his parents shook him when he was a baby?
4. Do you think that Michael J. Fox is a good role model for someone that doesn’t have shaken-baby-syndrome?
April 6th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
How weird was it for you to watch another man’s head CGI’d onto your body sack a rail on television…all while advertising beef jerky? Also, is it true that the school tried to sue you, Props, and Slim Jim for messing up the rails or something?
April 6th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
When you think back, what single trick are you most proud off? You know, the one you’ll show baby Homan to let him know how ruthless his dad once was…
April 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
When you drink, do you turn into angry Van Homan (ala throwing Nora Cups) or lovey-dovey Van Homan (ala, I love you maaaaan)?
April 6th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Why do you advertise 2×4 on thecomeup? It doesn’t seem like that site does much good for BMX… And when I look at the companies on there, I always think they’re there because they can’t do any better.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Lots of ptorein and calcium.(Duh) Fish oil helps joints.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Is still have the super pro front hub!(aka vandero)
April 6th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Heres a good one to bring back some memories! Just what went through your mind when you were in mid air of that crazy stadium stair gap?(Leading to instant hamburger hands!)!?
Issue 43-Homan and Byrnes interview.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Hey Van,
Waht was it like to go on all of the Props Road Fools back in the day, haha. Do you have like a record for most trips by a single rider?
Sebastian Fowler
April 6th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Were you bummed at all that Van Halen was salty about the stickers on the schwinn mean street?
April 6th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
What is yor favorite trick and why?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
When your filming for Stay Fit,
Does watching Dakota R. or Chase D. ride get you pushing your limits even more?
And
What do you think about full-length features getting scarce? I think its stupid and there should be way more.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Van, you’re sick!
I always see that crash video of you tryin to icepick so rail and you rack your bean bag. Did you ever try it again or land it eventually?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
van,
do you remember when i used to beat you at the track in flemington, nj when we were 14 years old? hahahaha
how you doing?
tom wicklow
April 6th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
how old were you when you did your first handrail?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Good questions, I almost asked the same, but saw you beat me…
April 6th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Do you have any good motto’s or quotes that you live by?
April 6th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Van,
when u were younger and getting better at riding, how did you get noticed and who was your first sponsor
April 6th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Were you at woodward back in like 99 or 2000? I think you were in my cabin!(I’m the guy from oklahoma that was rollin’ a general lee with hoffman lovebars) haha, not too many bmxers with the name schnell..
April 7th, 2009 at 12:00 am
On a scale from 1 to 10, you’re pretty awesome. Mac or PC ? Stones or The Beatles ? Bath or shower ?
April 7th, 2009 at 1:20 am
So, some kid on the come up was bitching the other day about how when you folks went to his skatepark, you guys didn’t shralp as hard as he wanted you to, and just chilled instead.
http://www.thecomeupboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42963
What do you think of this?
I personally think it’s all homo.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Whats the scaryest Trick you have ever seen or done
April 7th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
i just have to say that you shred
Brady E.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
first your the best bike rider who’s ever lived and props for that one , I wanna ask you what do you think about the circus tricks done ast dew tour and the fact that real man street is actually more fun and never dies + I made a poll between friends and your two by four banger was more gnarly that mike spinners 1080 or quad whip …. if I get a kid I’m gonna push him on 2 pegs and a gyro haha.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Do you have any old XS parts you could sell me?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Van you may not know it but, You are my hero! You definitely kill it at anything with a bike. What was your best choice [in life] like eating a burrito when your hungry or watching movies with friends. And what was your best choice [as a bmx pro] like sticking to a move that you wanted to land or being sponsored by a company?
Do you ever get exhausted from all the traveling you do? How have you been lately?
April 7th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
If you look back into your life. What would you say is your best choice both BMX and life wise. Did your choices involve both categories or were you just working at it one at a time?
I was also wondering, do you ever get exhausted from all the traveling you do? How have you been lately? May the force be with you, but mostly with me.
April 7th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I’ve been looking up to you as a rider since Criminal Mischief dropped. Still killin’ it. When you look back on the scene from then to now, How do you feel towards the progression of tricks, expectations and styles? It seems like the sport has become increasingly expectant of insanely huge bangers, the t-whip standard and the flip it to win it contest scene. Do you see this progression as positive evolution for bmx or as a new standard upheld in order for riders to ‘make it’ in the mainstream industry and media? How many t-whips down sets have you seen in these pages or ads over the last two years? I see kids at parks learning frontflips or sevens before crankflips or half cabs, and i can’t help but wonder if the media coverage is making these tricks the generic standard of bmx instead of pushing for style and creativity. You’ve always kept your riding on point and original since day one and for that you will always be one of my favorites. Don’t stop the hustle.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Hey Van,
Over the last few years you have been quite busy gaining responsibilities(i.e. wife, house, business, dogs). How are you able to keep everything up and running smooth, and still stay up on your riding game?
April 7th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
How do you manual down rails with so much grace and balance?Keep up the good work,hope to see on another seven road fools!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Do people often ask you if the famous rail manual in Criminal Mischief was an accident?
April 7th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I am still laughing, thanks
April 7th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
What’s shaking man?
Are you too old to jump off buildings now, and is it really a trick?
Sincerely,
-Michael J. Fox
April 8th, 2009 at 3:41 am
HI! I have only one question, which interests me) Are you going to visit Russia?
April 8th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Van,
What is Van Homans take on flatland? Aswell as the current amount of contests that include flatland in North America? Also, have you picked up any flatland oriented tricks through your years?
April 8th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Van,
First off, stay on that grind, your a great icon in and for bmx(along with a select few), keep up the good work mate. Secondly, what keeps the fire burning inside to keep on producing the way you do? Also, in your opinion, what is bmx all about and how do you feel about bmx’s movement over the past few years?
One more, whats your opinion on life and how seriously people are taking everything now?
April 8th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Heyy Van, I have looked up to you as a rider for a LONG time.. Im a girl rider, Im 21 from Texas… and i have been riding for about 4 years.. I can do nothings, xups, 360’s .. im a box junkie haa I have two questions for you..
1. Any advice on tailwhips? I want to be the first girl to land them in the US
2. Im not in this to get sponsored but I want some sponsors got any suggestions?
April 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
how much ketchup do you think you have eaten so far in life? o and how old is Dan Palumbo really?
- your little cousin
April 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Van you kick ass! Has Mikey’s situation affected you or your riding in any ways? Also do you think you can up the ante and top your Criminal Mischief part?
Thanks, Brandon
April 17th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Hey Van, what does it feel like to start your own company? Also, what struggles, if any, have you gone through in order to get where you are in bmx?
April 17th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Is fit a good company to ride for? WHY?
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Whats the biggest wave you ever surfed
April 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Van your my favorite rider.
i have yiur signature bike and i ride a lot like you.
I just wanted to know if tou ever tried 360 tailwhips because i whip and rotate like you and i just wanted some tips.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Whats the story of your BMX history before you were a pro?
How did you get started with riding?
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
How do you balance being a pro rider with owning a bike shop? If you had to choose one or the other, and you had to let go of the other for the rest of your life, which would it be?
May 9th, 2009 at 8:40 am
are you concerned about filming in Mexico now that the swine flu is going around?
May 9th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
what kind of bike do you ride and what kind would be good for a starter?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Been a big fan for a long time. I watch your section in Seek and Destroy all the time to get pumped to go ride.
Out of all your video sections, is there one clip that scarred you the most?
May 30th, 2009 at 10:34 am
What was going through your head when you grinded your first big rail? also what got you to actually do your first rail?
June 1st, 2009 at 7:38 am
What or who inspired you to start riding?
October 13th, 2009 at 4:08 am
Hi Michael jackson here,
do you know how many gears are on a BMX bike?
Your Sincerely,
Michael Jackson