The Union Tapes

Marv moved to London in 2005 (with Daniel Benson), I remember wondering why they’d moved to London - I thought they were both from Sheffield and that scene was blowing up at the time with the recent release of Joe Cox’s Voices DVD. They had a reputation that preceded them, so the buzz was out these guys were in town. We crosed paths at a Rom jam and at the time I was surprised at their amicability. I came to learn both these guys were students of the BMX game through and through. Marv was one of the big break out names in the uk around that time, he scored the last part on the Voices DVD from the then underground Sheffield scene, then ended up on the Fit bikes UK team, with many sponsors to follow. He made multiple magazine features that often provoked other riders, made endless DVD appearances aswell as making his own series of DIY DVD’s documenting the London scene he was involved in. This is the tale of kid from Berkshire moving through the BMX ranks right up to having a pro frame with Fit and far beyond… Riders mentioned Daniel Benson, Grant Stone, Joe Cox, Dan Cox, James Cox, Joe Fox, Liam Eranshaw, Reece Coren, Tim March, Dakota Roache, Cookie, The Count, Kris Bennett, Ben Lewis, Leo Forte, James Smith, Will Jackson, Northern John, Rob Hate, Bowl Head, Jersey Mike Taylor, Butcher , Troy Mcmurray, The Gonz, Joe Riley, Tom Blythe, Rob Bartlett, Ross Payne, Robin Fenlon, Jon Taylor, Ian Morris, Scott Malyon, Dean Hearne

The first pic I ever saw of some over tweaking something was Todd Anderson, who at that point in time-1985-was riding for Redline. I picked up a magazine in a mock 711 next to Faze 7 BMX centre in Waltham Cross, Todd was cranking a loopback with his feet on the cranks arms, and his front wheel hitting his shin, I'd never seen this before, until that point a look back was anything with bars passed 90 degrees. I think those pics set the standard for many people to follow with all tricks not just the look back. Todd’s BMX journey started many years before that though, we go right back to he start, first seeing freestyle at a race meet, riding for SE bikes, the infamous cover of Freestylin' magazine, local scene, building quarters, the legendary Camirrilo ramp and the sessions and riders who rode there. AFA events. As well as the lookback we discuss his iconic 1 foot fatties and being the alley oop master in the early days. Trick techniques and how he evolved his style so early, innovating tricks he isn’t really credited for. Taking big slams. Getting on General Bikes, tour life and what General were before and after their bike venture. Right up through the 2 hip KOV and Meet the street events, Vans tours with Eddie Fiola, tracking his life right up to present day where he still dabbles in BMX.

The Union tapes Episode 24 with ex S&M UK rider James Cox, we go back to the start of his BMX journey coming out of Portsmouth in the mid 90s and the routes he took a long the way. We cover BMX influence through out his life and the ever evolving projects he had, from riding to music, to creating his own brands Retribution and then later Antidote. His fascination for S&M bikes and riding for em later on, making videos and becoming a magazine regular, moving around the uk to different scenes, working at 4 down. UFO’s, lucid dreams and astral projecting…get it on! Riders mantioned Isaac Clark, Morgan from Southsea, Farren Downes, James Newrick, Daniel Benson, Cookie, Marv, Clarkie, Kris Bennett, Shaun Butler, Shane Steels, Tommy C, Geoff Slattery, Corey Martinez, Nathan Williams, Ryan Metro, Chris Moeller, Ricky Tribble, Mark Tanner, Fathead, Steve Bancroft, Paul Bromfield, Ed Docherty, Robin Fenlon, Ben Lewis, Buzzard, Dan Cox, Joe Cox, Josh Bedford, Dave Young, Steven Laidlaw, Tom Saunders

Got a little bonus going on here, and some thing a little different. Coinciding with the release of our zine 5 and Nails in the Coffin on DVD, ex Uk Fit pro Marv (Nicholas Martin) who was a young 16 years of age and a fan of Nails in the Coffin when it came out back in the late 90s, he wanted to know a few things about it, so came in and asked me some behind the scenes questions about the goings on in and around the making and riding in the video.

Shaun Allison is a name that was on my original list of guests back when I first started thinking about doing this podcast, and I’m sure many people out there won’t have even heard of? After avoiding the media spot light of the news agent mags and finding a home contributing to the zine scene where he felt more at home with the true underground of BMX, There was rumours of shaun floating around the London scene for a year or so before any of the lesser travelled kids saw him in action, He showed up to the south bank street jam in 88 with Dave Slade, I was there that day and was witness to a totally different riding style and approach to what I was used to, it was all power and aggression with a few moves I'd not even seen before. Shaun got in the public eye of BMX in the late 80s, when BMX was well and truly in its biggest decline. This is a story about riding in and around the north of England with a crew of other like minded underground innovators around the Retford, Sheffield, Nottingham and Worksop areas. Riders mentioned: Jason Ellis, Sid, David Slade, Cow-Mike Rose, Andy Brown, Jason Hassell, James Hudson, Mick Hudson, Geth Shooter, Chris Hardy, Neil Waddington, Craig Campbell, Pardeep Lail, Ed Docherty, Mad Malc Stappleton, Dave Curry, Tim March, Andy Ruffell, Lee Cewcker, Titch, Shardy, Kev Motishaw, Martin Burnstein, Lee Brown, Anthony Christian, Stu Horner, Mat Hoffman, Dave Dean, Mad Mcmad, Nick Phillip, Pete Augustin, Ron Wilkerson, Will Smyth, Clive Gosling, Zach Shaw, Mike Canning, Simon Tabron, Jim Tomlinson, Dino Squillino, Dave Voelker, Ross Marshall, Dave Beveridge, John Hall

Jumping forward a decade or so from our last episode. I first met Owain in the 90's, he was a tiny chatty kid ripping around the boneyard in Chester and the surrounding skateparks of the time. Fast forward many years and this dude has never dropped off. Rode for a bunch of big companies, won contests, flew around the world, scoring multiple magazine covers, video parts, road trips and done all there is to do in the game of BMX. We get in to the start of his BMX journey, trips to Woodward as a kid, growing up around the Chester BMX scene. Changing up riding styles, and the in-depth street riding phase and why, riding all terrain, his involvement with BMX now, the obsession with collecting old BMX media, recent barn edit and the open loop. And even some UKBMX hall of fame talk in here. Riders mentioned Jon Taylor, Alistair Whitton, Jon Hall, Paul Harrison, Chris Hamer, Barney, Tom Baskeyfield, Tom Holmes, Tommy Gore, Zach Shaw, Jerry Galley, Stuart Dawkins, Ian Morris, Caleb Kilby, Baz Keep, Robin Fenlon, Chris Souter, Lard, Northern Jon, Will Jackson, Joe Rich, Taj, Dave Friemuth, Nate Wessell, Farren Downes, Marv, Daniel Benson, Lemsip, Chico Hooke, Martin Murray, Anthony Pill, Brian Foster, Matt Hoffman, Jay Miron, Colin Winkleman, Scott Malyon, Neil Williams, Gary Simmonds, Mark Theaker, Richie Pettman, Tony Flemming, Fids, Gogo, Johnny Mingo, Hollywood, Ron Wilkerson, Dave Littleman, Cameron Birdwell, Garrett Byrnes, George Hornig, Ralph Sinisi, Edwin Delarosa, Jack Bender, Ben Lewis, James Cox

We finally caught up with Nick Philip, and we get deep into it on many topics that he had hands on involvement. This one gives us all a deep dive into much of the mystery for most of us, meeting Jess Dyrenforth, Rom trips back in the early days, starting AA as a mail order from his bedroom, Landing a job at BMX Action bike, working with Dave Curry, and talks about what an influence Curry had on the scene. All about the behind the scenes of BMX Action bike RAD magazine. Early Southbank scene, Mons jam, being a rider rep for the ukbfa, AA becoming a clothing brand, the rise and focus of street riding in the magazine, the style change with in BMX as it evolved away from its constraints. The push for evolving the of character of BMX. Moving to California in the good ole USA to work for Freestylin magazine, Homeboy and Ozone. Getting into the early rave scene in the late 80s, right up to what his up to today. Riders mentioned: Jess Dyrenforth, Dave Curry, Craig Campbell, Alisdair Mckenzie, Damon Nicholls, Eric Steel, Billy Stupple, Marco Lara, Andy Ruffell, Tim March, Dave Slade, Craig Grasso, Andy Jenkins, Spike Jonze, Maurice 'Drob' Meyer, Dave Nourie, Eddie Roman, Dave Vanderspek Skateboarders: Bod Boyle, Dobie Campbell, Joe Lopes, Todd Swank

Going right back to the start with this one, the northern start that is in sunny Manchester. Back in the early 80s Andy Preston and Mike Pardon were the superstar trick team of Moorecombe based BMX magazine 'BMX Weekly news paper then BMX Bi weekly magazine', Andy grew up around the Manchester area and both him and Mike Pardon-Pike- were everywhere you looked for a couple of years and early pioneers of UK Freestyle, with barely any contest appearances they were infamous names on the Freestyle scene. We get into the early days here, the very start, the formation of the BMX weekly trick team, demo’s up and down the country, sponsors, his own clothing/protection brand AP, BMX beat, multiple TV appearances, meeting Barry Sheen on the TV show just amazing having a regular slot on the 'Wide awake club' Tv show. meeting David Icke on a kids morning TV show and getting disillusioned with how BMX was being pushed in the mid 80s and later bailing out of the spot light altogether, also doing the off with the ramps on the GT world tour UK leg. Riders mentioned: Mike Pardon-Pike Alan Woods Andy Irwin Tim Stamp Winston Jones Jess Dyrenforth Eddie Fiola Dave Breed Ron Wilkerson John Lee Mike Chilvers Mike Buff Tim Stamp Andy Ruffell Phil Chatwood

What can anyone say about this guy that hasn’t been said? I'm not even going to try, you know why you're here and this is good deep dive into some of the mystery surrounding Taj. Topics we cover on this one besides the usual stuff, are first sponsor, how he got into jumping, the sponsor line up throughout the years, multiple S&M Holmes frames, moving around the USA, the infamous UGP Face Value part, going from Standard Bykes to Hoffman Bikes to starting T-1 with Joe Rich, where the name Terrible One originated. Some of the ideals behind T-1 Airwalk shoe sponsor, Small bars, Primo signature parts, Backyard jam experiences, Etnies shoes BMX programme and signature shoes. Multiple trick inventions, his approach to riding BMX and how it should feel, injuries, riding for Giant and almost everything else you’d want to know? Riders mentioned: Ron Kimler, Rick Moliterno, Joe Rich, Mat Hoffman, Chuck D, Brian Foster, Ian Morris, Dennis McCoy, Stuart King, Jay Miron, Dave Mirra, Pete Augustin, Chris Moeller ,Stew Johnson, Chase Hawk, Dylan Smith, Paul Buchanan, Rooftop, Chris Stauffer, James Shepherd, Barry Mcmanus, Brian Colgrove, Pete Augustin, Kip Williamson

Back in the 80's Lee Reynolds was a charismatic guy on the BMX scene, and still is a charismatic guy today. Lee Reynolds was a name that blew up in the mid 80's as BMX was falling down in the UK, despite the some what lengthy distance between Milton Keynes and London, he became one of the locals of meanwhile quarter pipes crew that would feature regularly in BMX Action bike. He’s approach was full throttle fearlessness in a time where the only real reward was self satisfaction. After a year of constant coverage, Lee ended up being sponsored by Hutch, and was a regular at BFA and halfpipe events in the UK. From there he went on a trip to the USA in the summer of 88, and ended up moving to Ron Wilkerson infamous Enchanted ramp in CA. We get into some good in-depth topics here, and as always go from his beginnings in BMX to the people he met along the way, the sponsors he scored, the tours he went on, driving the 2 hip truck around the USA, sessions at the Enchanted ramp, designing a signature bike for Haro, getting back into BMX in the 90's and 2000's, and take it right up to present day. Craig Campbell, Nick Phillip, Jess Dyrenforth, Neil Ruffell, Andy Ruffell, Dave Young, Greg Guilliotte, Dave Slade, Nick Phillipl, James Hudson, Jason Ellis, Scott Macdonald, Mike Canning, Zach Shaw, Nick Howard Elkan, Joe Johnson, Dennis McCoy, Ron Wilkerson, Chad Kagy, Ryan Nyquist, Jay Mirron, Dave Mirra, Andy Brown, Chris Potts, Mat Hoffman, Krys Dauchy, Joe Grutola, Rick Moliterno, Kevin Martin, Eric Steel, Bob Haro, Dennis Langlais, Spike Jonze, Cameron Birdwell, Brian Blyther and more... Skateboarders : Phil Chapman, Wurzel, Steve Steadham

In the mid to late 80s in the UK the small town of Retford near Sheffield was one the main hubs of BMX riding in the UK. It got known as the Trumpton scene. And featured a long side London's Meanwhile and Chingford as the new hot spots of that era. Jason Ellis was one of the main stays of that scene along with many other infamous names that come up in this talk. We get into the start, his beginnings in BMX, meeting the Hudson brothers in school, local riding crews. Getting to ride the Hudsons legendary Trumpton half pipe and its many incarnations and how that scene was built. We get in depth on some of the other key crew members and creators Sid, Dave Slade, Shaun Allison and the Hudson brothers. We get into contest drama’s, meeting new crews, Action bike/RAD photo shoots, Meeting TLB and Nick Phillip, Holeshot contests, getting on GT, Crawley and Chingford jams, Inventing tricks and new ways of progressing riding. We follow the tale right up to Jason going to the circus with Mike Canning and up to present day to find out he has been riding pretty much the whole way through…this is a fun episode, hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Riders mentioned: Nigel Taylor, Shane Hawk, Austin Codlin, Nigel Taylor, Wozo, Jamie Fagen, Mike Dominguez, Eddie Fiola, James Hudson, Mick Hudson, John Hudson, Chris Hudson, Ged McConville, Nick Martin, Jamie Bestwick, Ross Marshall, Alan Sibley, Andy Ruffell, Dave Slade, Shaun Allison, Mitch, Sid, Stuart 'Pepi' Winder, Lee Reynolds, Greg Guillotte, Andy Brown, Scott Carroll, Mark Atkins, Mike Canning, Albert Retey, Bart De jong, Zach Shaw, John Povah, Tony Pudiffer, Nick Phillip, Nick Elkan, Dave Beveridge, Jason Hassell, Craig Campbell, Neil Ruffell, John Yull, Noel, Cowan, SAW, Skateboarders Stu Allison, Andy Wells

Tim March was the other big name in 80's BMX to Andy Ruffell these guys were legitimate super stars for a couple of years in the BMX boom of the 80s, Tim goes back to the very start of UK BMX. He scored endless magazine covers, features and TV appearances. Tim moved rapidly through some of the early BMX race teams, then went on to expand his brand MRD from making handlebars, race plates, stickers and brake guards and with the help of Tran Am moved on to making UK made MRD frames with a huge team and a double decker bus to ferry 'em all around. Tim has lived it. After a hiatus from BMX he came back into it when he scored a job at 4130 publishing, home of Ride UK, and that point many other publications, the story continues on to the factory media buy out and the creation of the Albion magazine….Theres no holding back here, its another long runner, and we still need to know more! Riders mentioned: Cav Strutt, Mike Chilvers, Andy Lomas, Alice Temple, Craig Campbell, Fraser Campbell, Andy Ruffell, Geth Shooter, Craig Schofield, Mark Watkins, Anthony Revell, Neil Stevens, Craig Strong, Daniel Benson, Steve Bancroft, Will Smyth, Troy McMurray, Joe March, Neil Ruffell, Bob Haro, Pete Middleton, Zach Shaw, Ian Morris, Stuart Dawkins, Mark Noble, Chris Noble, Mark Cornick, Alan Woods, Nicky Mathews, Andy Patterson, Greg Hill, Grotbags, Don Smith, Marco Lara, Chris Young, Billy Stupple, Mat Hoffman, John Mcinnes and skateboarder Sean Goff

This is one that goes back to the creation of BMX, Maurice was there at the start when this BMX thing first started. We get into it all here, the early days pre BMX, the influential golden gate park scene and the day Bob Osbourne came to cover it for Freestylin. The infamous Curb Dogs which was the first BMX crew to get coverage in the mags as a crew. How the whole Curb dogs crew ended up riding for Skyway, How Dave Vanderspek was a total pioneer of BMX and all the antics he got up to. Skyway early tours, early AFA contests and the Curb Dogs euro tour. Early street riding adventures. BMX Action bike photo shoots, meeting the UK pro’s and visiting the remaining UK concrete skateparks. Hugo Gonzales exploits and how progressive he was. Dave Vanderspek putting on the first 2 BMX half pipe contests at Joe Lopes ramp. Working at Skyway in the office, the ins and outs of skyway, their products and how they dwindled out of BMX. Euro tour 86, transitioning out of the pro riding scene and taking it back to where he originally found the fun, riding street. Getting attention from the media again later on in the 80s with sequences in Freestylin and Go! And still riding today. And the name Drob originated from when Maurice was a child, his older brothers used to call him the Dribble Drobble.

So we've jumped forward a couple of decades for this episode of the union tapes. But is equally as fascinating as the rest of em. Dan Benson started out riding in Sheffield in the mid 90s aboard an 80s bmx frame. Sheffield always had a strong BMX scene going back to the 80s. In the 90s George French started G sport out of Sheffield which is where Dan first experienced a behind the scenes peak into the BMX industry scoring his school work experience at Gsport, Not long after that Benson found himself in the centre of one of the bigger BMX movements of the times when a guy called Joe Cox and the members of the hate house started making the infamous uk street video Voices. Not long after Voices is released, he moved to London with his riding buddy Marv-Nick Martin. Scored a spot on the UK Fit team, started contributing to Ride UK more frequently as a photographer, we get to learn the ins n outs of his stint into BMX media the Factory media buyout of Ride UK the birth of the Albion magazine and becoming the editor of the seminal magazine by default, all its trials and grief as well as its collapse! Marv Nick Martin, Liam Earny Earnshaw, Joe Cox, Dan Cox, Rob Hate, Lard, Tim March, George French, Steve Bancroft, Mark Noble, Chris Noble, Eddie Cleveland, Steven Hamilton, Ron Wilkerson, Joe Fox, Rhys Coren, Chad Kagy, Chris Moeller, Robbie Morales, Jon Gorrigan, Nathan Beddows, Josh Bedford, James Newrick, Mike Jersey Taylor, Scott Ditchburn, Owain Clegg, Tom Blyth, Ian Morris, Joe Rich, Chris Stauffer, Will Jackson, Craig Sanderson, Butcher, John Luc-E Englebert, Gonz

Dave Young was a top name pro in the mid 80s. Coming from Gateshead way up north the odds were stacked against the riders from up there, but thanks to the talent of himself, Pepi Winder and Steve Laidlaw, they shone a light on their scene and left a lasting impression as guys to look for at the contests and in the magazines. We get into the early days of the BMX scene in the north, working at a BMX shop at that time. Racing in the north east and meeting local riding crews. Catching Mike Dominguez and Eddie Fiola at the first Kellogs series back in 84 when it stopped in Gateshead. Early BFA days, shop sponsorships. How he developed landing at the top when most others were not at that time, BMX beat, Dave is the only rider that appeared in every BMX beat series. Trekking up to Livingston to ride a concrete skatepark for the first time. Early days learning 540’s, not being on GT when everyone thought he was. Getting on Vincent and riding with Steven Laidlaw and Pepi Winder and the infamous rooftop ramps in Carlisle that were Pepi’s practise ramps, The Tizer worlds, Holeshot contests, getting in the legendary Freestylin' magazine. Getting stranded in Saudi Arabia doing shows, making it out to California and riding Danny Ways ramp and a lot more…. Eddie Fiola Terry Jenkins Andy Irwin Andy Preston Mike Canning Andy Reardon Marc Reardon Derek Oakes Joe Carney Pepi Stuart Winder Macky Stephen Mcintosh Andy Ruffell Neil Ruffell Craig Campbell Neil Ruffell Mike Dominguez Stephen Laidlaw Jaime Bestwick Jerry Galley Dave Slade Gary Prosser Paul Hudson Eric Steel Nick Phillip Mat Hoffman Dennis McCoy Andy Brown Glyn Lewis Billy Stupple Chris Young Mark Atkins Dave Breed Dave Curry Josh White David Frame Duncan Frazer Scott Carrol Brian Wills Des Oakes Joe Carney Neville Potts Simon Kefford Nick Martin Josh White Joe Carney Simon Tabron Andy Lincoln Mick Stevenson James Newrick Ollie Olsen Billy McGregor Chris Souter Jay Kay Jay Parker Mike Mullen

So, we got a slightly different episode this month. The Union tapes was originally going to be a series of shows about different aspects of BMX. Everything that went along with BMX basically. The first episode we worked on was the one you are about to listen to. Its about Meanwhile quarter pipes in West London. Which was at the time the place to be if you rode BMX, this was just before halfpipe riding took over the BMX world. I don’t know why but the Westway part of the A40 has always made space for the BMX and skateboard world, it had one of the first skateparks in the U.K community built next to it and later had the Westway BMX track, one of the first BMX tracks in London right between a junction. Coming in closer to the city next to the Meanwhile 2 banks and round the corner from Royal Oak station was home of the infamous Meanwhile quarter pipes a DIY project by the West London locals which created a scene of dedicated and committed BMX riders. It received pages of coverage in BMX Action bike in a time the magazine was evolving into R.A.D. magazine. But they were just covering what was going on, this stuff would have all happened regardless and did. This place had some of the most iconic pics of that era, many a talent was honed on those ramps. So we interviewed most of the of the people involved who were part of the Meanwhile scene, to see how it came about, what happened and where it went? Interviews with: Andy Brown Greg Guilliote Lee Reynolds Nick Elkan AKA Howard John Povah Phil Dolan Zach Shaw

Mike Canning was one of the guys who caught the media spot light as BMX was well and truly going down the pan popularity wise. A start in racing, he quickly moved into Freestyle with a bunch of like minded friends around his home and they gained a reputation as a scene to watch, starting out on backyard quarters and jumping at the local tracks Mike appeared in an issue of BMX Action bike in 86 in the ‘ Zoid' feature, along side Nick Phillips. At this point Mike had just scored a ride for Dyno with the hot shop of that time-Mud machine, which later evolved into M-zone. We get into what turned into a turbulent relationship with those guys. Then got a ride in the Skyway team, we get into the conflict of riding for that team, shooting pics with Windy for Freestylin magazine, uk feature. The BFA circuit. BMX beat appearance, worlds contests, various shows, Vert comps and Circus jobs riding span his time up till 91 when he made a return to the events of the UK BMX world and continued his path of destruction on Vert and dirt contests. Mikes powerful bike riding all out approach to riding, the Can can lookback jump, and how does no one else do it? Theres a lot to cover in this one. It's long and insightful. Riders mentioned Karl Alford, Dave Munt, Chris Laney, Dave Beveridge, Zoid, Dean Rush, Steve Habbishaw, Craig Campbell, Jess Dyrenforth, Nick Phillip, Dave Curry, Marco Lara, Pepi, Neil Ruffell, Robert Ruffell, Andy Ruffell, Dennis McCoy, Fuzzy, Carl Westfield, Vince Gregory, Mark Lively, Mike Pardon, Andy Preston, Jason Ellis, Howard Radcliffe, Dave Blundell, Carl Inkpen, Stuart Dawkins, Mat Hoffman, Maurice Meyer, Steven Laidlaw, Dave Young, Greg Guilliotte, Andy Brown, Lee Reynolds, Josh White, Todd Anderson, Dino Deluca, James Hudson, Rob Alton, Effraim Catlow, Jason Hassell, Nick Elkan

Starting out in the early 80’s Jess Dyrenforth became a staple name in mid to late 80s BMX scene. From the first time anyone had seen him featured in BMX Action bike magazine's track in the woods article in 83. He would pop up multiple times in the coming years to the point where he was a regular in BMX Action bike and then RAD magazine. Jess discovered Rom skatepark early into his BMX days and established him self as one of the guys doing some of the biggest airs in the performance bowl around that time. We go into all the era’s on this one, local days in Highgate, London, building a back yard quarter pipe, Rom scene, Action bike/RAD days, getting on Faze 7 BMX. To the years on the then dream GT team, tour with Fiola in 85. Competing in BMX beat, his dislike for conventional contests. The big UKBFA conflict of that era, trying to evolve and grow BMX passed sports hall events. Mons jam deep dive, and what all the fuss was about. The story behind the wrist guards. Building his own backyard halfpipe. Touring the USA in a van for a summer at age 17 with the GT team. Demo’s in Londons Astoria club at the infamous Delirium nights and a BMX demo opening up for the Beastie Boys first London show. Moving to California in 88, competing in the 2 hip KOV and Meet the street events. Sessions at Wilkerson mythical enchanted ramp and Jamie Mousebergs iconic spine ramp. The Spike Jonze shot on the cover of Go! Its all in here and much more of it! Riders mentioned: Nick Phillips Ethan Jenkins Mass Marco Lara Billy Stupple Craig Campbell Neil Ruffell Eric Steel Dave Curry Bob Haro RL Osborn Mike Buff Ralph Tribe Tony Mackenzie Damon Nichols Jason Lunn Steve Baldry Pikey Paul Biff Paul Wright Nick Jeffries Eddie Fiola Andy Irwin Andy Ruffell Darren Robinson John Povah Ron Wilkerson Lee Reynolds Joe Johnson Mike Dominguez Glyn Lewis Spike Jonze Pete Augustin Craig Grasso Curb Dogs Joe Burlo Keith Treanor Windy Osbourne Brian Blyther Skateboarders: Paul Wright Danny Way Fred Blood Steve Cabellero

Rooftop sprung into the BMX spot light in 1993 and scored the last part on the game changing VHS dirty deeds, which was the ground breaking video in 94. From there he established himself as a solid fixture in any BMX media or event. He’s still riding at a high level and been through every bmx period since then and remained relevant to this day. We get into almost all of it in this one, drawing influence from the street skaters of that era, around Hollywood and LA area. Looking at BMX from a different angle to most others at that time. Various sponsor changes and challenges, including some very interesting ideals and views on how Mike see’s certain aspects of BMX, and some of his ‘rules’. Being the first BMX rider on Etnies and getting the Etnies BMX programme going, the story behind making the BMX signature shoe series with Joe Rich and Taj. His short lived clothing co Exhibit and his even shorter lived BMX co ‘Citizen’. Backflipping helicopters and early mega ramp records. Right up to appearing in Marvel films as as Ant Man. Theres a lot of views in this one that will polarise some people out there, but its all coming from an educated place, and definitely will make you think. Like, comment and subscribe. Riders mentioned: Brian Castillo James Shepherd Dennis McCoy Mat Hoffman Nate Wessel Joe Rich Taj Mihellich Sandy Carson Dave Clymer Stuart King Ian Morris Chris Moeller Morgan Wade Mike Griffin Dave Parrick Nate Hanson Keith Treanor Dave Osato Jay Miron Skateboarders: Jeremy Wray Jonas Wray Tony Hawk Jason Ellis

Eric Steel is a name that started getting known in the quieter times of BMX, although one of the original Rom BMX locals. The media didnt give him full credit until around 85 onward. Eric was one of the names you'd hear about at Rom back in the mid 80s. The names 'Eric and Marco' were often mentioned in the same sentence back then. Eric was elevated to pro level status when BMX Action bike run a sequence of him doing the first 540 air people had seen in print. ? The 540 in the pic he is about 5 feet out. Suddenly 540s were not only a thing but any restrictive barriers that had been placed on them psychologically had been removed. From that pic, he would become a regular in the magazines, Also becoming infamous for the hand plant-both of which he tells us the story of with in. In this interview we cover all the usuals as well as a ton of stuff, you wouldnt know about unless you were in that circle. We delve into the beginnings of the Harlow scene, Rom skatepark, getting on Faze 7, Hole shot contests, getting on Kuwhara for 48 hours, King of the skateparks 84 and 85, being on standby for BMX beat, becoming local at Jess Dyrenforth's ramp, the legendary Mons ramp jam, Chingford halfpipe, printing legendary BMX co t shirts, BFA circuit, riding for Skyway. The Tizer world tour, moving up north and re establishing himself into a different scene. Eric was one of the most progressive riders to come out of the 80's and i believe has been very under appreciated. This is good look into how he thought about BMX and where he was taking it. Riders mentioned Zach Shaw, Darren Robinson, Nick Phillip, Jess Dyrenforth, Craig Campbell, Chris Young, Pikey Paul, Neil Ruffell, Marco Lara, Dave Currey, Tony Hawk, Billy Stupple, Ron Wilkerson, Rich Sigur, Carl Westfield, Jason Hassel, Mike Canning, Bob Haro, Dean Rush, Damon nicholls, Tony Mckenzie, Dennis McCoy, Dino Deluca, Jon Taylor, Jim Tomlinson, Steven Laidlaw