Fans Fill The Sambodromo do Anhembi As X Games Brazil Kicks Off In Sao Paulo

A Total of 17,861 in Attendance For The First Day Of Competition

Sao Paulo, Brazil ˆ The inaugural X Games Brazil kicked off today in Sao Paulo as 17,861 screaming fans welcomed a world-class, international field of action sports athletes. The first day of competition showcased some of the world‚s best action sports athletes competing in BMX Street, BMX Vert, Skateboard Street and Moto X Best Trick at the Sambodromo do Anhembi in Sao Paulo.

“We knew bringing the X Games to Sao Paulo would be big, but today significantly exceeded all of our expectations,‰ said Rick Alessandri, Senior Vice President, ESPN Consumer Products and X Games Franchise Managing Director. “The fans in attendance were treated to spectacular performances by all our athletes.”

BMX Freestyle Street Final
While Leandro Moreira of Brazil received the loudest ovation from his hometown, it was USA riders Garrett Reynolds, Sean Sexton, and Aaron Ross that swept the podium with several difficult combinations including Reynolds‚ gold medal run which consisted of a no hander to ice pick grind, and then landing a 720 to flat at the buzzer.

“It was awesome to win this contest because we had such a high level of guys competing,” said gold medalist Garrett Reynolds. “Brazil is great and the fans were amazing.”

Skateboard Street Final
The fast pace of the Skateboard Street competition maintained the day‚s momentum following the BMX Street Final. As the sea of spectators stayed glued to their seats, well-known Brazilian skater Lucas Carvalho showed why he was the hometown favorite as he flexed his skate street dominance by landing a big switch 180 off the double staircase. Brazil swept the podium when Rodolfo Ramos took home the silver and Paulo Correa won the bronze. “Winning a gold medal at the first X Games Brazil is sensational,” said Carvalho. “It was great to win in Brazil.”

Moto X Best Trick Final
The crowd kept up its momentum with the wave as the final competition concluded the evening. Although all of the Moto X Best Trick competitors received roars of approval from the fans, American rider Todd Potter took the gold medal with his best trick, a Cliff Hanger Backflip. Greg Hartman took home the silver medal and Brice Izzo won the bronze.

“The competitors, the course, and the fans were all incredible,” said Potter. “I hope I can come back to Brazil next year.”

BMX Freestyle Vert Elimination
Simon Tabron secured the top spot going in to the final. Zack Warden placed second and Jimmy Walker finished in third.

Final Day Press Release From ESPN
X Games Brazil Concludes With A Sell Out Crowd At The Sambodromo do Anhembi

Final Day Draws 20,000 Spectators With A Weekend Total of 44,626 In Attendance

Sao Paulo, Brazil ˆ X Games Brazil concluded today in Sao Paulo as 20,000 fans packed the Sambodromo do Anhembi to watch some of the world‚s best action sports athletes compete in BMX Freestyle Vert, Skateboard Vert and Moto X Step Up. “The excitement at X Games Brazil this weekend reaffirmed the passion and continuing demand for action sports in Brazil,” said Rick Alessandri, Senior Vice President and X Games Franchise Managing Director. “We are thrilled with the success of the event and look forward to a long future here in Sao Paulo.”

Skateboard Vert Final
Bob Burnquist, Digo Menezes, and Lincoln Ueda demonstrated why skateboarding is practically a national pastime in Brazil as they swept the podium. All three amazed the fans with a variety of spins, huge boosts, and kickflips as they soared in the air. In the end, it was Burnquist who  edged out his fellow countrymen with his last run comprising of a fakie 180 blunt to 180 end, then throwing a huge frontside 540. Brazilian competitor Digo Menezes launched high out of the vert ramp attempting difficult maneuvers such as a Stalefish 720, earning him silver. While crowds also cheered for Lincoln Ueda‚s massive airs as well. Sandro Dias executed numerous high flying Christ-Airs and made multiple attempts at the 900 spin. Dias was unable to successfully pull the 900 during the competition but did land a 900 shortly after the contest was over. “Digo, Lincoln and I have skated together since we were children and we all wanted to put on a good showing here at home” said Burnquist.  ”The vibe and energy of Brazilians is the best in the world and the fans kept us going.”

BMX Freestyle Vert Final
Simon Tabron of Great Britain, and USA riders Zack Warden and Jimmy Walker contended for the gold with intense energy in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final. The three were the dominant riders in the head-to-head jam format with the crowd erupting into cheers as all the riders attempted to one-up each other run after run. In the last moment of the contest, Tabron pulled a 720 to lock up the gold and the top spot on the podium. Zack Warden earned the silver and Jimmy Walker took home the bronze.  

Moto X Step Up Final
Past two-time X Games Step Up gold medalist Matt Buyten claimed gold in the Moto X Step Up competition, finishing with a height of 22 feet. Last night‚s Moto X Best Trick gold medalist Todd Potter finished in second at 21.5 feet and Kyle Loza earned the bronze after just missing an attempt at 21 feet. “It was amazing to compete in Brazil. The crowd was so enthusiastic and I‚m extremely happy to walk away with the gold,” said Buyten.

How long have you and Brad been working on his video part?
Well, it’s been off and on over the last eight months or so. Brad travels a lot, so we filmed when we could.

What trick in thus part took the longest to film and why?
The one that took the longest was the gap over the brick pillar to manual to 180. Brad got the gap to manual every single time, but kept messing up on the 180. He blew his tire on one after trying it like 88 times nonstop. I have an HD camera so I can count the amount of times he tried it—88 is no exaggeration. Then he fixed his tire and came back and no joke tried it nonstop another 78 times. Then got it on the 79th. I don’t know where he gets that kind of energy. Its’ crazy.

Where was all this footage filmed and what equipment was used to produce the video?
Alot of the footage was contributed by Chad Shackelford, Justin Kosman, Ryan Navasio, and Mike Manzorri. It was filmed all over the United States, and South Africa. When I was filming I used an HVX-200 camera with a lens bastard for the fisheye shots.

Where do you see web videos going in the future? Not many people have put this much work into online video parts…
I see web and TV merging in some way. I mean look at the apple TV. You can watch high-def videos that you download on your TV. I see it going in that direction.

You put out Eli Platt’s part last year on a custom widget and now you made a custom pay-per-view player in HD for Brad’s part; how intense is it to build these custom players and where do to think to will take them?
Well, the widget took a while because I had to learn a lot as I went. Once that was built, the HD player was just an extension of that. So it wasn’t too bad. Just time consuming. As far as where it will go, we will see. As people get faster connections and better computers the sky is the limit as far as quality and download speed go.

Anything else going on we should know about?
Lots of new projects in the works. To get updates check out www.micreation.net. Also, System Cycle is now the exclusive distributor of Micreation in the U.S. Any shops interested in becoming a Micreation dealer can contact System at www.systemcycle.com.

Click here to go to the new Micreation site and watch Brad’s new video spot!

NOTE: You can view the trailer on the site for free. To view the full video part, you’ll need to sign up with a username and password. You can then purchase the video “rental” for two weeks for just $2. But if you are one of the first 50 people to use our special ridebmx.com coupon code, you’ll get it for free. Use code: E80CCE335F

Here is the official press release that prompted this interview:
There are some big changes at Micreation.

The new Micreation website is now live. You can see it at www.micreation.net. There are several features that are worth mentioning. First off, we have implemented a new way to view the videos that we release. We have a new custom HD video player for the web. You can watch videos in standard definition for slower connections, and in HD for faster connections like DSL. You can also view the videos in full screen. The player also features a drop down menu where you can choose to watch videos of unused clips, outtakes, and wrecks. Some videos will allow you to download the song and wallpaper images for your computer. Its basically an online interactive DVD.

The videos that we release in this new format are not your run of the mill low quality web videos. These are high quality productions. The video spots that we release of the riders are full video parts. Brad Simm’s video spot is the first release in this new format. It was filmed over an eight month period, and Brad really came through with an incredible part. DJ Figure produced the exclusive track “Get Me Away From Those”, for it that can be downloaded from the player.

These videos are in a pay per view format. It costs $2 for two weeks access to watch Brad’s video spot, bonus features, and download the song and wallpaper image. The profits go towards the Micreation riders, and bringing you progressively better videos in the future.

We also did a re-release of Eli Platt’s 2007 video spot that many people have already seen. It plays through the new HD player so the quality is way better. Bonus features include unused clips, outtakes, wrecks, and you can download an Eli Platt wallpaper image. It is free to watch Eli’s video.

Finally, the last major change is that System Cycle is now the exclusive U.S. distributor of Micreation. Any shops interested in becoming a Micreation dealer can contact System at www.systemcycle.com.

Thanks goes out to the Micreation crew, and everyone that has supported Micreation in one way or another. You know who you are. The new line and more video releases are coming soon. For updates, go to Micreation.net.

Peace
Dave Jacobs

- Street Riding Basics How-To Video

- Ramp Riding Basics How-To Video

- Dirt Jump & Trails Riding Basics How-To Video

- Flatland Riding Basics How-To Video

Since we reinvented the magazine a few months ago, we’ve got nothing but positive feedback from the pros, the industry, and our loyal readers. So thank you all for that, and enjoy issue 145 that has pushed the bar a little higher once again. This month we have full interviews with Daniel Dhers and Tony Cardona and other features with Adam Baker, Matt Beringer, Street One, flatlanders in Costa Rica, and much more. Full details below…

On the Cover: What you can’t see: chaotic traffic, cars going the wrong way, hot moms stopping to flirt, and a difficult line of approach… What is visible: Daniel Dhers upside down, tabled, and flaired-out on a sweet street spot in Venezuela. Photo by Keith Mulligan.

- Departments -

First Words:
The U.S. has it good. Better than most. Let our editor Keith Mulligan help you put things into perspective this month in his First Words column.

Start:
Get there any way you can. Even if it means getting a custom bike rack put on a motorcycle like Steve Crandall did.

Up Front:
The Disabled List, Fine Print and Sponsor Block make another appearance to keep you up to speed with what’s going on in BMX.

Pro Q&A – Matt Beringer:
One of the most unique individuals in our sport answers questions that you sent him…lots of questions.

Products:
Compare seven new frames and a few other parts before getting a dose of softgoods from your favorite companies.

Pro Shop – Street One:
This Naples, Florida shop is run by a husband and wife duo that have been doing a great job of serving their local BMX community.

Diversions:
Seth Kimbrough talks abouthis new band, Misery Chastain and we review the Metal video and Mega Tour Europe.

Glimpse 05:
Two pages of photos from Venezuela to make your travel bug all excited like.

Premiere – Insight:
Check out this spread of photos from our very own Insight DVD premiere.

Washed Out:
Sometimes your riding plans just don’t go as you expected. Case in point this time…rain.

Focus:
Nine of the month’s best photos ready to be hung on your wall.

Bio – Anthony “Boy” Flores
Eman gives some info about one of his good friends and riding partners from East Los Angeles.

Bio – Nick Cooper
Ryan Guettler and Colin Mackay both speak of their fellow Aussie who is really freaking good on a bike.

Letters:
Who do you want on your side in a BMX fight? What are some of the slang BMX terms? What’s up with the anonymous comments on the site? And so on, and so on…

Ten to End – Adam Baker:
Adam wants BMX to be more mature…but not too mature so it turns dorky.

- Features -

Daniel Dhers Interview – Raw In Venezuela:
We’ve got a really good, candid interview with the man who won the Dew Tour and X Games last year and is on a mission again this year. All the photos were shot in his home county, giving the interview a very personal (and non-contest-like) touch.

Snow Job – Matt Beringer & The Ski Bike:
You may have heard of Matt Beringer’s ski bike and been left wondering some things… Wonder no more and get a sweet photo of an invert, too!

Pura Vida – Flatland In Costa Rica:
In February we were in Costa Rica for the fifth annual Ticos Jam. The Caribbean getaway yielded some great photos of the beautiful country, timeless stories and experiences, and some great riding.

Waste Not:
When you spot a random roadside mini ramp and are in the company of great riders, you stop to check it out. Even if it is in the ghetto and a homeless person’s sleeping quarters.

Tony Cardona Interview:
Probably the polar opposite of Daniel Dhers who also has an interview in this issue, the now Texas local shreds with soul and lays in all out there in these nine pages.

Click here to subscribe to Ride and get a free gift.

How come you haven’t gone brake less yet? And do you have any new projects coming up? – Scallion
Funny to say, but I used to rip my brakes of back in the Sheep Hills days. I would get fed up with my brakes working for sh-t and take them off. I remember turndowns and one-footed tables worked out a lot better without brakes. Overall, I like my brakes, though. I’m not totally against the idea, but for now I like my brakes. As far as projects go we are working on a new S&M and Primo video. The S&M video should premiere at the trade show if all goes as planed.

How bad do you sweat riding while having a skull-crushing hangover? - Cheers, Gregarette
I would say sometimes it works out in my favor, but I’m not recommending it by any means. At times I feel so horrible that I really don’t think life can get any worse and I just go for it. It takes that edge off. As long as I stay away from red wine I’m usually OK. I’ve been pretty mongoed on many occasions while filming or shooting photos—I’m an idiot.

Josh Stricker, hip table. Photo by Z.

Hey babe, long time, no see. I was wondering if you wanted to go out on another date since you didn’t call me last night?
- Lil JeezyYes please, I’ll be at Side Bar, Creek Side, or Red Seven this weekend—find me. I’ll buy you a drink. I lost my phone—that is why I haven’t called, well I really miss your face. Hope to see you out, we have some catching up to do. See you soon.

Remember when we’d leave you at some random people’s houses while on the road, and me and Stevenson would go out partying with random chicks? Did you feel left out at the time being under age? - Mike McHue
Left out? No. Scared to death? Yes. I was like 12 and you guys were crazy as all hell. I had no idea what you guys were up to. Toledo, Ohio, is crazy as is, and then throw you two in the mix. What McHue is referring to is when my mom threw me in the van with all the S&M guys when I was 14 years old to go to the ABA Grands. We made a few stops on the way and Toledo, Ohio was one of them. It was a wild scene and I saw a lot as a young buck. That trip will not be forgotten, I think I almost froze to death sleeping in a van in the parking lo of Scrap. What a mess!

Would you rather run over a frog from PA or TX? - Binghamton, NY
Probably a frog from PA. Everything is bigger in TX, you know? It may just be a huge man eating frog, you never know in Texas. It could pull out a cowboy hat and a revolver and shoot me up. I choose to not mess with Texas. If I was in PA I would have frog legs for breakfast. I hear that PA frogs are turd burglers, anyway. I really hate frogs—screw it, I’d run them both over. Yeah man, r.i.p., Frogy.

Deuce is da bomb! Oh yeah… come to Bethlehem for the summer… please! - B-town rocks!Deuce would you sober up. I may make it out to B-town this summer. I thought you  were gonna take me on a vacation? What do you think? They probably wouldn’t let you in another state, though, let alone another country. Deuce you really are the bomb. Keep it real and you know I”m gonna make it out that way one of these days. Punch Sal in the nuts for me. ECD. Get your ass to Austin, punk. Miss your face.

Wallride to table from Josh’s interview in Ride three years ago. Photo by Z.

You recently went to Germany, did you enjoy it? And have you and Sean Burns ever thought of having a challenge to see which one of you could gap the furthest? You are definitely my favorite BMXer so keep doing what you are doing! - Drew Kukura
Ugh, don’t get me started on Germany. I miss that place just about every day. I spent probably the best three months of my life there last summer. It’s so relaxed and the spots never end. I made good friends and it seemed like the good times never ended. I hope to make it back this year for sure. No, Mr. Burns and I never talked about having a gap off. I think Burns would take the prize, though. I’m pretty sure his wrists are made of steal. I don’t mess around with gaps to flat too often. He was just in Austin and he’s a pretty crazy dude. Thanks a lot man, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing. Cheers.

Would you ever consider riding for Trek again if they offered you six figures? - Jesse Pavlov,  Newark, Ohio
Six figures is a lot of cash. I don’t thiink that I would be able to make a company such as Trek happy these days. Big companies like results and I’m not much of a competition rider, so results aren’t my thing. I felt like I had to do tricks and compete when I rode for them. I have changed a lot since then, so I don’t think that I could ride for them. I’m pretty happy at S&M, anyway. Perhaps, if they wanted to pay me six figures and do what I do now, of course it would be a possibility—why not?

How do you sit so still for a photograph? – Edward
It’s a lot of work, I’m a bit of an wiggle worm. High-speed cameras do the trick every time. I don’t know what kind of question is this?

Expect more action sports and entertainment when the KIA X Games Asia, Asia’s signature action sports competition, returns to Shanghai’s Jiangwan Stadium on April 30 - May 3 2008, organized by Asia’s No. 1 sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports with the Shanghai Media Group and the Shanghai Sports Federation.

The event has already earned a strong global reputation with a significant increase in awareness about action sports in the region. Last year’s event was enthusiastically received by the Shanghai community, with massive crowds enjoying three days of high-flying action sports performed by world-class athletes as well as exciting entertainment acts.  

The four-day event, themed as X’PRESS WITHOUT LIMITS, is considered the pinnacle of global action sports competition with more than 200 top athletes from more than 20 countries and five continents competing in the iconic event. Chinese action sports fans can look forward to world-class competition in skateboard, BMX freestyle, in-line skate and sport climbing, as well as a new competition called Moto X Step Up.   

KIA X Games Asia 2008 Hits the Road in China
Crowds of action sports enthusiasts got a taste of the action at last weekend’s first KIA X Games Asia 2008 roadshow at Beijing’s SOGO Shopping Centre – two days of jaw-dropping BMX freestyle and in-line skating stunts, break-dance and musical performances, and interactive activities including a skate clinic for future KIA X Games athletes in training!  Shanghai action sports fans can look forward to these high-energy roadshows coming to a venue near you in the next few weeks: 

19-20 April 2008: Yandang Rd. Pedestrian Street (near Huaihai Rd.)
26-27 April 2008: Wanda Shopping Mall

Young fans will have the chance to enjoy the KIA X Games Asia experience with an exhilarating line up of interactive activities, and get a glimpse into the unique and pulsating culture of action sports with choreographed shows by in-line and BMX athletes. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to win attractive prizes when they try their hand at the exciting interactive mini-skate park supervised by instructors. With thrilling break-dancing performances in between demonstrations, spectators will be sure to never have a dull moment! 

Powering the Growth and Popularity of Action Sports
The first X’PRESS WITHOUT LIMITS competition in 2007 was the catalyst for a surge in interest in action sports in China, and title sponsor Kia Motors Corporation expects to build on this popularity in 2008. Kia Motors, who has sponsored the event since 2005, has signed on until 2009. 

Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, Kia Motors International Business Division, said: “Kia Motors has been committed to sports and athletes around the world for a number of years, and we are especially proud to support young, Gen-Y athletes again in China, where we have been focusing many of our efforts. The passion for action sports shown at the KIA X Games Asia falls directly in line with our young-at-heart and adventurous brand aspirations.”  

Created by ESPN in 1995, the X Games is widely considered as the elite action sports competition, and a vehicle for expressing individuality and pushing one’s limits. The event celebrates the cool and trendy culture of the Generation X and Y youths of today and the KIA X Games Asia continues this tradition in China with live musical performances from popular and up-and-coming young artists, break-dancing, DJs spinning the hottest tracks, prize giveaways and other fun and interactive activities. 

About the KIA X Games Asia
 The KIA X Games Asia is the rregion’s most prestigious multi-event competition for action sports organised by Asia’s No. 1 sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports, and will showcase 200 of the best action sport athletes from over 20 countries and five continents as they compete in BMX freestyle, aggressive in-line skating, skateboarding and sport climbing and Moto X Step Up competition by some of the world’s best riders.  

The X Games Asia was first held in 1998 in Phuket, Thailand and continued to draw enthusiastic crowds until 2001. From 2002-2004, the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur was home to the Asian X Games. In 2005, the event was hosted in Seoul, Korea before returning to Kuala Lumpur again in 2006. The KIA X Games Asia was held for the first time in Shanghai, China last year. 

ESPN first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. As part of ESPN Content Development, the X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN. In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world, including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain.  The global franchise has also expanded its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs. 

Considered the pinnacle of global action sports competition, the KIA X Games Asia 2008 will be televised live from April 30 to May 3, 2008 from the KIC Jiangwan Sports Center, Yang Pu District. Visit the official websites www.Kiaxgamesasia.com and www.espnstar.com for more information and contests.  

Sponsors and Partners
 The KIA X Games Asia 2008 enjoys sponsorship support from Title Sponsor Kia Motors Corporation and Apparel Sponsor Pony. It is also supported by Official Hotel Howard Johnson Caida Plaza Shanghai, Official Media Partner Shanghai Times and ETicket as the ticketing agent. 

The event is proudly sanctioned by the Chinese Extreme Sports Association and is organized by ESPN STAR Sports, the Shanghai Media Group and the Shanghai Sports Federation. The Shanghai Yang Pu District Government is the event’s Special Organizer and the Shanghai Sports Competition Management Centre is the Co-Organizer while the Shanghai Extreme Sports Association is the Supporting Organiser. The KIC Jiangwan Sports Center is the Official Venue.

Name: Anthony Napolitan
Age: 22
Location: Youngstown, OH. Currently residing in State College, PA.
Sponsors: Hoffman Bikes, Target, Amp Energy, Levi’s, Duffs Shoes, Maxxis Tires, Kicker Audio, Woodward Camp, Ogio, Profile Racing, System Cycle and Lavs Lab Productions

Frame: Hoffman Loyalty
Fork: Odyssey Race
Bars: Manking Archangel
Stem: Shadow
Grips: Duo Van Homan
Barends: Hoffman
Detangler: SNAFU
Headset: FSA
Clamp: Profile
Seatpost: MacNeil
Seat: Macneil Slim
Cranks: Fly Version 2
Sprocket: Hoffman Dinky
Chain: KMC Kool light
Brakes: Fly
Cable: SNAFU dual cable
Brake Lever: Odyssey Trigger
Front Tire: Maxxis Grifter (prototype Kevlar tire)
Front Wheel: Profile Race hub, rainbow Ti spokes, Sun Rhyno Light rim
Rear Tire: Maxxis Grifter
Rear Wheel: Profile Mini Race, 9 tooth driver, DK double-butted spokes, Odyssey 7KA rim
Pedals: Odyssey Plastic / Fly Ruben 

Modifications/Other/Extras:
I use V-brake noodles to tighten the radius of my lower gyro cables. I also cut up an old Maxxis tire into a circle and smash them between the bottom bracket of my frame and sprocket to create pressure so I don’t have to over tighten my cranks and my chain doesn’t have to be super tight.

Which parts do you go through the most?
Ummmm, I’m not really sure. I guess I don’t really go through parts. Maybe a spoke here or there.

Describe your bike setup and how you like your bike to feel…
It’s light, I have wide bars, there not slams so there not that wide. A lot of people say I have a low and little setup. It’s dialed and my brakes always feel good.

Do you remember your first “real” BMX bike?
When I first started to get into BMX I had a Huffy that fell apart really fast. Then I got a Schwinn Powermatic with black mags. That thing was sick. It was red!

What’s the little shiny man on your stem?
That’s Jamie Bestwick doing a topside no-footed can-can. I think that Jamie has a fan club, or use to, and would send those out to his fans. But they are super hard to come across. There are only a few riders that you’ll see with these. Myself, Daniel Dhers, Zack Warden…

Last year there were a few wild looking bikes at the Dew Tour stops. Any plans to build up a fresh, brightly colored bike for this year’s contest series?
Well I’ll probably rock this one out for a couple stops. But I will build a new one around X Games time. I’m trying to venture outside of the fluorescent color book.

Speaking of Dew Tour, why don’t you ride park on the Tour?
MAN! I try so hard to compete in park. I entered in ‘05 and was so disappointed in the course and decided not to enter the second stop. Then I got there and was bummed I didn’t enter. In 0′6 I entered in Louisville, then I won the first stop and decided that I wanted to just focus on dirt. In ‘07 I separated my shoulder with full intensions to ride park. Then in Cleveland I was like 3 spots outside of the open qualifying. Hopefully this year…

And speaking of park…you are obviously a talented rider at park; do you ever run pegs for coping/grinding tricks? Ever ride street?
When I first started riding I rode pegs. I learned a lot of peg tricks and shortly realize that I used my pegs way too much and it was taking me away from box jump tricks. So I took them off and never put them back on. Plus, when I wasn’t using them they were just hurting me. So I was pretty much over them. I’ve been going for seven years without them. But look out for them on Road Fools 16. I need to get my street cred on!

Click here to see Anthony’s bike!

Just to fill in the newbies, give us some background info on yourself.
I got my first BMX in 1980, I was 10 years old and lived in Gresham, Oregon at the time. Currently I live in Long Beach, California. I ride my bike at least five days a week, usually more, but if I go longer than two days without, things don’t feel right. I’ve been dedicated to freestyle BMX since 1985.

The man, the myth, the legend. Chad Johnston.

After riding for so many years with brakes, what made you take them off?
I had been thinking about it on and off for a long time. I loved to do Death Trucks, but I would rip every pair of pants I rode in because the gyro parts were sharp and would get snagged. D-Trucks didn’t really require brakes, but most of my other tricks did. I wasn’t willing to lose any tricks. I think I had a mental block until I saw Chase Gouin ride brakeless. He proved there are no rules. He elevated riding with orchestrated combinations and perfection to the point of not needing to rely on brakes for correcting mistakes. Riders like Chase, Alexis D., Jimmy P. and Mike S. proved to me that flatland had many levels and we are limited only by our mind. So I would say they fueled that fire, along with the fact that I’m kinda nostalgic. My first bike was a classic BMX, two triangles with two-piece bars. No hand brakes, only a coaster hub. I loved how it looked and felt; tough, and all-terrain. Riding it was like being on an infinite swing, slight butterflies in your stomach, not quite controlled flight. Riding was a little different every day. I didn’t have a bike with hand brakes until ‘83 or sometime around then. Nearly 30 years later and I still can’t get enough of that coasting feeling. The feeling is more apparent now that my set-up has almost come full circle. I think it was 2002 when both brakes were off. The rear brakes had been off for a couple of years prior. It’s affected me because I’ve had to let some things go and start from scratch. Unlearning and relearning, I had to change my mental from using fingers for braking to using my foot. It’s actually less technical once you get over the initial mental trip. You have to think ahead like a chess player. Even just riding down the street is different. It’s similar to skateboarding how you’re looking down the block at the same time looking immediately in front of you. I get in a zone.

Taking a classic flatland position, subtracting the peg, and making it his own.

And now the bigger question…after riding flatland for so many years, what in the world made you take off your pegs?
Riding is organic, it grows in a cycle. A seed that was planted in my head years ago finally manifested. It’s not really a new concept. In fact, it was common in the early years of freestyle to ride without them. When freestyle was evolving from racing, it was guys doing tricks on modified race bikes. Bolt-ons became very popular. Everything from seat post loops to frame platforms and double cross bars to extra levers on your bars. Entrepreneurs were trying to cash in on the popularity of freestyle by creating these add-ons that would give you “unlimited tricks.” As time went on the riders began to eliminate these gimmicks, but pegs became a staple for BMX. I remember guys like Jason Parker and Pete Augustin killing it on flat without using pegs. It’s a part of the cycle and it takes me back to the feeling of my first BMX bike.

Like with going brakeless, I had been thinking about it on and off for a while and actually tried removing just the rear pe around 2002, but that didn’t last for long. I was really getting into pedal tricks at that time. A while later I knew it would be possible to put together a complete video section without pegs. With that in the back of my mind I began to slowly phase out tricks that required pegs. My New Years resolution for 2007 was to learn Whoppers by the end of the year.  Two months into that I hammered a rear peg into the back of my leg on an attempt. The frustration of not pulling the trick was the deciding factor for taking the pegs off. I didn’t care if I lost any other tricks. I was tired of death trucks and locked on learning hop whips. I also thought the weight loss would help me with my bunnyhops…it didn’t. It would be months before I actually pulled my first bunny hop tailwhip. In the meantime I would mess around with my other tricks and realized that they would be possible. So in February, I took the pegs off. I became more motivated each day I could get deeper into it. Now I can ride two or three hours and leave because I’m tired, not because I’m out of options. I originally thought it was temporary, but now I don’t know if that’s true. Many doors are opening and I want to check ‘em out. I’m really enjoying the challenge.

If riding pegless doesn’t make you feel like a kid again, maybe this playground will.

Once you took the pegs off, were there already tricks you could do, or did you pretty much have to start learning to ride flatland all over again?
There were a small number of tricks I could do immediately after. It slowly progressed to well-rounded sessions. Even some of the tricks I could already do, I would have to re-think, like a new intro or outro. I was already doing a lot of pedal tricks, but some required using the pegs to get into them.

What has been the reaction of other flatlanders to your new riding style and decisions?
 For the most part the reaction has been positive. I think it has opened minds of some flat riders…and maybe some street riders also? Others have done it more recently and it never really caught on. I remember seeing Joe Schiavi ride pegless in the flat class at the Roots Jam, 2004. I don’t think it will become popular among flat riders, but maybe…?

Chad spins in this position then switches the bars to an x-up and back again.

Do you think you’ll ever strip your bike down any further? No drive train? No Seat? Where is the limit?
No, I don’t see myself removing any more parts. I think a drive train is necessary. It’s a scooter without a functional transmission and I’m into BMX. I don’t have anything against others who want/have to remove parts, I’m just speaking about personal preference. BMX stands for Bicycle Moto Cross. A bicycle includes a frame, fork, two wheels, handlebars, seating and a drive train. I’ll keep my seat and post. I’ve gone treadless thanks to Fano at Primo! (Slick tires.) Hahaha. Shawn White actually convinced me to try that, so thanks Dog!

You don’t have pegs, but you do have jewel nuts on your axles giving you just enough room to step on them if needed; how often do you use those for standing?
I’ve always ran the Primo Jewels and when I took my pegs off I originally thought it was temporary, I didn’t want to cut my axles so it would be easy to go back. The Jewels went back on to fasten the wheels, not to stand on. I do touch them occasionally, but I don’t rely on them. The goal is to not use them, but for switching my feet around sometimes it makes it smoother.

There’s the illusive bunnyhop whip that haunted Chad for so long. He’s got them on lock now.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary for your video company, Intrikat; any big plans besides releasing a solo, pegless web video?
Yeah, lots of projects around here. We have some fresh new artwork, a twentieth anniversary logo, and we’re digitizing past inTRIKat videos for release on DVD. I’m illustrating the BMX Matrix and fine-tuning Ground Tactics. …And all without sacrificing riding time. Check out www.chadjohnston.net to see the video. Check these other sites if you’re interested in some of our other projects: www.TRIKology.net, www.BMXGroundTactics.net, and www.inTRIKat.net we will be updating these sites slowly. Also check out www.SickChildBikes.com for more info on the inTRIKat Instrumental frame and www.Flatclothing.com.

Here’s the video that inspired this interview…

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There’s the illusive bunnyhop whip that haunted Chad for so long. He’s got them on lock now.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary for your video company, Intrikat; any big plans besides releasing a solo, pegless web video?
Yeah, lots of projects around here. We have some fresh new artwork, a twentieth anniversary logo, and we’re digitizing past inTRIKat videos for release on DVD. I’m illustrating the BMX Matrix and fine-tuning Ground Tactics. …And all without sacrificing riding time. Check out www.chadjohnston.net to see the video. Check these other sites if you’re interested in some of our other projects: www.TRIKology.net, www.BMXGroundTactics.net, and www.inTRIKat.net we will be updating these sites slowly. Also check out www.SickChildBikes.com for more info on the inTRIKat Instrumental frame and www.Flatclothing.com.

Here’s the video that inspired this interview…

Name: Chris Arriaga
Age: 28, look 20 and feel 19. I still can’t grow facial hair.
Location: Ventura, CA
Sponsors: Just help from friends these days, Giant, Mosh, Odyssey, and Sunday are there for me when I need them. No pressure, just BMX.

Frame: Giant Method Team
Fork: Odyssey Race
Bars: Mosh Street Bars (Rich Hirsch signature.)
Stem: Mosh Digital 2
Grips: Animal Edwin
Barends: Plastic and broken
Headset: FSA Impact
Clamp: Mosh
Seatpost: Thomson
Seat: Some light mountain bike seat. I think it’s a Specialized.
Cranks: Mosh Digital 2, Mosh Spanish BB
Sprocket: Mosh Digital 2, 28t
Chain: KMC, the one with all the holes.
Brakes: Fly Bikes
Cable: Shimano
Brake Lever: Dia Compe. I’ve had this lever more than 10 years and will probably cry when it dies. If only it could speak, the stories it would tell…
Front Tire: Animal GLH    
Front Wheel: Mosh Justice Lite (Justice hub on Sun Big City Lite rim)    
Rear Tire: Animal GLH    
Rear Wheel: Mosh Justice Lite (Justice hub w/10t on Big Cuty Lite rim)
Hub Guard: Profile
Pegs: 2 Fly, 1 Animal Lite, 1 Odyssey J-Peg lighter
Pedals: Mosh Step Up 

Modifications/Other/Extras:
I cut about a half inch off my bars and cut down my post a few inches. I bend my lever so it has a nice hook to it.

Which parts do you go through the most?
Probably just grips. I change out my chain every month or so just because having a chain break and slamming your knee is the worst feeling in the world, plus it keeps my drivetrain smooth.

Describe your bike setup and how you like your bike to feel…
My bike right now is dialed since it’s basically a brand new complete Giant. I haven’t really changed my bike set up for years, with the exception of dropping my seat about a half inch, but it’s still high by today’s standards. Occasionally I go from four to two pegs. I have to have my brakes dialed or I don’t want to ride. I can’t do the brakeless thing. I like to ride too fast and enjoy fufanus too much to surrender my brakes.

That Giant bike is looking pretty fresh; how long have you been on it?
I’ve been riding it for a couple weeks now, and I’m psyched on it. I never thought I’d be riding a Giant, but it really is a very nice bike and up to the quality anything else out these days. It feels amazing having all new parts. Pretty freakin’ smooth.

Do you normally change out parts as they break or do you like to build up new bikes from scratch?
I try to ride parts for as long as I can and only replace parts as they wear. I don’t break parts, just wear them out. I hate spending money on my bike and I hate getting used to new parts. This is the first time since I was like 13 that I have had an entirely new bike. I’m pretty psyched.

What’s your affiliation with Giant/Mosh? You working there? Riding for them? What’s up?
Right now I am the Mosh sales rep and warranty guy. I am also going to be helping out with everything else from product ideas and testing to website updates. I want to be as involved as possible in building the brand. It’s really an amazing company to work for (Giant). I was skeptical and expecting a big corporate feel, but it feels just like working in a small, rider owned bike shop. Everyone here is awesome and everyone rides. People ride their bikes around the office, bring their dogs to work, plus there’s the private warehouse ramps which are amazing. I can’t begin say how nice it is to be able to leave my desk, walk through one door and ride a private skatepark on my llunch break or after work.

As far as riding for Giant or Mosh, I’m working on that (cough cough). Soon, they’ll recognize…

Do you remember your first “real” BMX bike?
Yup. My first bike was a original baby blue PK ripper (which is weird because I now work with Perry Kramer, the man himself) which I bought out of the newspaper. But my first freestyle bike was a complete Homeless Soul Bro that I bought from Trend. I remember it perfectly: fusion cranks, peregrine bars, havoc pegs, Wilkerson Air Lines forks… It was a beast. And then there was the Jad Sherman I rode for a while, but I won’t get into that…

Click here to see Chris’ setup!

Fat (12:48:22 PM): How’s Brighton treatin’ ya?
Tony Neyer (12:48:35 PM): amazing i love it here
Fat (12:48:50 PM): Awesome. i’ve never been to England. Do you have an accent yet?
Tony Neyer (12:49:31 PM): haha no im really trying not to get one the girls here love americans
Fat (12:49:55 PM): Ah nice. How are the girls out there?
Tony Neyer (12:50:11 PM): there hot i havent had any luck yet
Tony Neyer (12:50:12 PM): haha
Tony Neyer (12:50:17 PM): hoping to change that
Fat (12:50:33 PM): I hope so too! Do you like their accent?
Tony Neyer (12:50:51 PM): umm some
Tony Neyer (12:50:59 PM): some sound just like bitches
Fat (12:51:05 PM): haha!
Fat (12:51:12 PM): Who all is in the house right now?
Tony Neyer (12:51:56 PM): me dak owen claig  bas edd dan lacy Hmanand niki croft

Fat (12:52:28 PM): damn. a lot of dudes. i didn’t realize it was that many. is it a pimped out place like on the Real World?
Tony Neyer (12:53:03 PM): haha not that amazing but really good
Fat (12:53:30 PM): They keep it stocked with food and stuff for you guys?
Tony Neyer (12:54:01 PM): they keep it stocked with red bull and milk and tea but primo gave me a dak a perdium
Tony Neyer (12:54:16 PM): so its really nice not having to worry about anything
Fat (12:54:28 PM): Ah hell yeah. No doubt. What kind of stuff have you guys been riding?
Tony Neyer (12:55:05 PM): just street really just been cruising around this city trying to find stuff it hasnt been hard at all theres sooo much
Fat (12:57:06 PM): Are there ever times when everyone in the house rides together at the same time? That’s a big crew…
Tony Neyer (12:57:36 PM): yeah today we all went out and road it was amazing even john taylor came
Fat (12:57:54 PM): Do a lot of people not in the house meet up to ride with you guys?
Tony Neyer (12:58:41 PM): there some locals around the city we meet up with here and there that are super cool
Fat (12:59:30 PM): Now the real question…Do you mind if I put this whole conversation on the site as an interview?
Tony Neyer (1:01:31 PM): hah i figured that is what was going on. na not at all let me read over it and plug some shit in real fast
Tony Neyer (1:01:32 PM): hahah

Fat (1:02:04 PM): No way man, this is going up as is! I didn’t think about that until I asked the second question or so to be honest. I really wanted to know about England…
Tony Neyer (1:02:26 PM): “there some locals around the city we meet up with here and there that are super cool LIKE THIS KID DUNCAN”
Tony Neyer (1:02:44 PM):  i just want to give that kid a shout
Fat (1:02:44 PM): Haha, Ok. I’ll make sure Duncan get’s mentioned.
Tony Neyer (1:02:51 PM): awesome
Fat (1:03:07 PM): Do you guys have a point and shoot camera? Maybe you could zap me a few photos from the house or something…
Tony Neyer (1:03:31 PM): yeah im sure we can get some you want just like hanging out pictures and stuff
Fat (1:04:10 PM): Yeah. Nothing crazy. Just to show the house maybe and who is there. Anything that’s already on the camera maybe. Don’t take anything new ya know… Just whatever you guys normally take for your own personal use.
Tony Neyer (1:04:34 PM): yeah ill see what i got real fast hold on
Tony Neyer (1:04:50 PM): Ed facebooked me some random photos
Fat (1:05:04 PM): Yeah, that would be cool to get some of those.
1:06:40 PM: Attempting to directly connect to Tony Neyer.
1:06:42 PM: You are now directly connected to <Tony Neyer.
Tony Neyer (1:06:44 PM): (sent photo)
Tony Neyer (1:07:03 PM): (sent photo)
Tony Neyer (1:07:25 PM): (sent photo)

Tony Neyer (1:08:44 PM): you can pull some pictures off of the site or this streetphire site http://www.streetphire.co.uk/v5/
Fat (1:09:01 PM): What is Streetphire?
Tony Neyer (1:09:14 PM): some site that this dude hman does
Tony Neyer (1:09:34 PM): he shoots shit for ride UK
Fat (1:09:52 PM): Oh right on. Well thanks man. You coming back to Long Beach when you leave there? Or home to Ohio? Weather his been perfect out here…
Tony Neyer (1:10:13 PM): home for a little while then prolly back out there eventually
Fat (1:10:35 PM): Cool. Well have a good time out there. Talk to you soon!
Tony Neyer (1:11:13 PM):  ight s playa holla
1:11:38 PM: You are no longer directly connected to Tony Neyer.
“Tony Neyer” signed off at 1:11:52 PM.

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