Bmx Flatland Legend Jesse Puente Busting on the 12 Corazones (12 Hearts) . A Spanish dating Game Show...
Monday, 30 November 2009
France in the house on Groundtactics
Entries coming in thick and fast, Lyon looks like they have a great flatland scene!!!
Thomas Deschenaux aka Control
Gaoussou Issabre...
Remy D two part section
Jérémy Brosset Ground Tactics Edit from BMX-FORCE on Vimeo.
Thomas Deschenaux aka Control
Control aka Thomas Deschenaux Ground Tactics Edit from BMX-FORCE on Vimeo.
Gaoussou Issabre...
Gaoussou Issabre Ground Tactics Edit from BMX-FORCE on Vimeo.
Remy D two part section
RémyD Ground Tactics Part A from BMX-FORCE on Vimeo.
RémyD Ground Tactics Part B from BMX-FORCE on Vimeo.
Last day groundtactics entries coming in by the dozen!!
Patrick Ras from the Czech Republic..
Toon is back with more...
Stephan Kornely from Germany....
Tony from Panama...
Lachlan Cameron from Canada
Toon is back with more...
Stephan Kornely from Germany....
Tony from Panama...
The First Dream, By Tony from Tony Mendieta on Vimeo.
Lachlan Cameron from Canada
BEST OF 2009 from Lachlan Cameron on Vimeo.
Marcos Paulo de Jesus- FL sessions...
Always good to see this guy ride, fast, fluid, liquid flatland..
FL SESSIONS from atlflatlander on Vimeo.
More groundtactics videos-dont sleep on these!!
The last day of the groundtactics entries, things are hotting up, some great edits below, new talent, fresh faces, groundtactics is already having a big positive effect on the flatland scene...
Botek from malaysia...
More from Thomas Noyer...
Pete Olsen from Canada, one of my favourite edits so far...
One half of the Pralex crew, Alex Poirer from Canada...
Botek from malaysia...
taslem raziff aka botak from botak on Vimeo.
More from Thomas Noyer...
Two minutes left... ground tactics 2 from Thomas Noyer on Vimeo.
Pete Olsen from Canada, one of my favourite edits so far...
One half of the Pralex crew, Alex Poirer from Canada...
REPOST: Isolated: Ciaran Perry Interview
One of my favourite articles from the year, I was pretty stoked to post this interview for a number of reasons, number one Ciaran is from the UK, number two Ciaran's riding is incredible, number 3 its great to have riders in the UK that I havent met yet, if you missed this interview, carry on reading and enjoy Ciaran's unique riding style...
intro/interview: EC
Ciaran Perry is the first of the 'isolated' interviews for my blog, it's great that in a country as small as ours, there's still amazing riders that I haven't ever met yet. Throughout the UK and no doubt every other country in the world, there are pockets of riders or individual riders that help push the artform forward at their own speed, not inspired by trends, but their own personal aspirations.
Ciaran's 23 years old, and lives in the South west of England, in Taunton. Not too far from where the NASS event happens.
No doubt many of you have seen Ciaran's videos on global flat, Vimeo, you tube, if you haven't theres a few videos within this two part interview, an awesome rider, with a real creative flair. Read on.
Your quite far removed from the rest of the UK flat scene, how did you get into riding? I'm always interested how riders get exposed to flat?
Well I used to skate for 3 years + before flat and was first exposed to flat at I believe the first ever NASS. Phil Dolan was doing a show with GT, I remember being massively intrigued by what was going on, it just looked so different and so fresh. I think even then I percieved it as being super creative and pretty much limitless ironically as a skater I was full into flatland skating but without the influence. I never knew who Rodney Mullen was or even saw flatland skating till pretty much after I had finished with it, it was just my natural style, so it was transitional to move to flatland. It was the perfect sport, my love for bikes and the creativity I enjoyed in skating all came to one with flatland. So yeah, Phil Dolan and the first issue of Ride (UK) I ever owned, which again had a Phil Dolan interview and Jimmy (Petitet) and Alex (Jumelin) interview in were my first exposures to flatland.
That shows the importance of flatland being in the magazines really, and also flatland in contests, that also really proves worthwhile when something I was involved in inspired somebody to get into flatland. Now your into flatland and fully involved, I guess you don't miss the magazine coverage and everything has moved online pretty much? What's your standpoint on lack of flatland in the magazines?
I can't really say I was ever much of a magazine buyer anyway, they were more like if I happen to be going past smiths I'll have a look to see if there's anything worth purchasing, so for me whether flatland is in magazines or not is no direct concern, but now we are all online I think it's positive for a number of reasons.
Firstly its easier to reach a broader audience online which is clearly a big thing, its also free online to both access and create so the concerns of covering costs aren't so great, but also outside of that, the internet is fast and everyone now is contributing like a family, if some jam comes down you can guarantee someone was there and will be reporting it online within a day and then it will be talked about and to be honest the only negative I can ever see is the lack of quality in online videos compared to professional DVD work from Bobby and Chad, etc, but I think slowly that's improving also.
At the end of the day flatlanders aren't film makers so they just want to see the riding, which is a shame because the art of film making and presentation is important to. The end of magazines isn't a negative though, it's merely a focus shift to a more accessible online format, it's basically made the most underground riders able to show off their stuff if they want to.
+ couple of videos below to educate on Ciaran's riding
kruser flip variations. from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
Ciaran p Flatland 31.10.08 from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
Yeah, I can see what you are saying, makes a lot of sense, lets move on though. I'm intrigued by your riding Ciaran, I used to be into pedal bar flip stuff, I got to a point and just kind of stopped going in that direction, what's inspired you to push that direction as far as you have, particularly the one footed bar flips? Was it natural progression?
I guess it was natural progression, its pretty evident I've always had a personal quest with around the world/walkaround stuff, often I sit and think about how many ways are possible you know. My spot limitations have certainly encouraged this also,
and I'm also sure it will continue, what the brain can concieve the body will achieve and all that. I'm really not influenced by the mainstream flatland scene today at all either in terms of styles, so I just stick to my own thing and focus on what I want to achieve.
It's refreshing to see a rider come at riding from a different stance, I mean it's obvious you can see videos online, but it's never quite the same as being exposed to riding face to face, what do you not like about the modern day flatland scene?
Hmmm tough question, because I don't have anything much to do with with it, so I can't comment in depth, although I will say people seem far to sensitive to criticism.
I guess I don't like how much trend following there is, you know like how it got with pinky's back in the day is how it is with turbine steams styles today and that's not to say it's a negative as such, but do all these riders really have no idea of styles or tricks that they want to explore themselves?
Obviously there a stepping stones in progression to get to where you want to be, but it seems the majority are walking the same path at the moment, which again is fine, but it'd be nice to see more variation in the scene with styles, kinda makes me wonder in the eyes of a newcomer will they feel in terms of conformity. They would go away and learn the styles they see in comp vids, because they feel that's what you have to be doing to get there? I dunno, it's such a complex topic and its easy to focus on negatives, all I don't like really is how fashion and style seem to be overtaking difficulty and originality.
I was speaking to TJ (Perry) recently and were both agreeing it'd be nice to meet more riders who are really into the riding more than just the social/fashion aspect and that's not like dictating in anyway as to how flat should be, but it'd be nice to you know, for me the "fun" is perseverance, hard work and achievement so obviously it's nice to meet some more riders who you relate to with on that level. I haven't got time to discuss parts ha-ha, let's ride instead.
How often do you film your combos? Do you find that helps with your own personal progression? Like a kind of, I've done that, I'll take it to the next level...
It's a common theory that filming yourself can help with progression and for some people and in moderation it can, I mean amongst myself, Chris (Wright) and Sabu we would commonly share progression videos and give feedback to each other which became motivating in itself. Yeah I used to be very much that way, you know film a combo sweet it's done, next combo but nowadays it's not like that. I want my links to be dialled especially at this time of year in the UK when the weather is so shitty. I want to be dialled, so I don't have to fight that frustration every winter of failing links for to long due to less practise, plus I shift my focus in winter to things I can practise in the wet, which aren't even my dry weather tricks to practise.
Again it's all about planning out what works for you and I think making the most of your riding time I would definitely say having tricks you can practise in all different conditions helps a lot, because everything can be pushed anyway like this winter and my personal mission with variations of kruzer flips.
I saw the videos, crazy how you've pushed that trick. Do you work out at all? Those bar flips are serious upper body strength..
Ha-ha nah I don't work out in terms of muscle, flatland and a bit of road riding are my forms of exercise, I like to stretch also.
I'm also intrigued by your motivation, how do you stay motivated, do you ride with other riders?
It's funny. I've been asked this question a few times in the past, to be honest I've never ever had a problem with motivation I think that's for a number of reasons. I love being alone and never get bored, also as anyone who knows me will tell you I'm pretty deep into music, since I was ridiculously young so riding for me becomes like an element that goes hand in hand with music, so all these things, riding, music, and the exercise of it all add up to infinite motivation for me. I ride alone 95% of the time with the occasional meet up in near by Bristol.
I guess that brings me onto music, what are you into? Do you ride with music on being that you ride alone?
Yeah I always ride with music, I always live with music on 95% of the time, music for me is something I still sit down and dedicate time to listening to in depth, not just as background noise. Music i'm into, ha'ha well I could easily say a good 20 pages worth on this subject so I'll just keep this short. I listen to Oldskool rave/hardcore, jungle/dn'b, IDM, psytrance, speed garage, jazz, funk, classical oh and Autechre who deserve a mention on their own for a number of reasons.
How long have you been riding by the way?
I started riding in my last year of school in 2002, so 6 years.
How much do you think your riding conditions dictate your riding style? You've mentioned before that no one would want to come and ride your spot?
I think it's totally down to the individual, for example I'm pretty determined with flatland. I love it so regardless of where I have to ride I will always make do and still put my all in. We used to have a wonderful spot here in Taunton, but it was built on so I'm left with a rough carpark on weekends and after 5 in the week, which isn't so bad and a totally shocking spot which is literally 3 metres wide and 7 metres long which I usually ride in the week after 4pm, it's very close and even though limited it's forced more creativity than ever before so I'm not going to focus on the negative. But yeah I would say to anyone who isn't blessed with great spots to focus on the positives don't waste time thinking about what you can't do focus on what you can do no matter how bizarre it may be, you'll surprise yourself with what you can come up with. The only limits are the ones we apply to ourselves.
You can totally see that the majority of UK riders, who have a rolling style and also brakeless, and you could link that to the fact its wet 60% of the time, sometimes more ha-ha, unless of course you have an indoor spot. Thanks for your time doing this interview Ciaran, been great talking to you.
Some more videos so you can see what we discussed in the interview.
Ciaran Flatland from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
Ciaran p Flatland 11.10.08 from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
comments anyone?
intro/interview: EC
Ciaran Perry is the first of the 'isolated' interviews for my blog, it's great that in a country as small as ours, there's still amazing riders that I haven't ever met yet. Throughout the UK and no doubt every other country in the world, there are pockets of riders or individual riders that help push the artform forward at their own speed, not inspired by trends, but their own personal aspirations.
Ciaran's 23 years old, and lives in the South west of England, in Taunton. Not too far from where the NASS event happens.
No doubt many of you have seen Ciaran's videos on global flat, Vimeo, you tube, if you haven't theres a few videos within this two part interview, an awesome rider, with a real creative flair. Read on.
Your quite far removed from the rest of the UK flat scene, how did you get into riding? I'm always interested how riders get exposed to flat?
Well I used to skate for 3 years + before flat and was first exposed to flat at I believe the first ever NASS. Phil Dolan was doing a show with GT, I remember being massively intrigued by what was going on, it just looked so different and so fresh. I think even then I percieved it as being super creative and pretty much limitless ironically as a skater I was full into flatland skating but without the influence. I never knew who Rodney Mullen was or even saw flatland skating till pretty much after I had finished with it, it was just my natural style, so it was transitional to move to flatland. It was the perfect sport, my love for bikes and the creativity I enjoyed in skating all came to one with flatland. So yeah, Phil Dolan and the first issue of Ride (UK) I ever owned, which again had a Phil Dolan interview and Jimmy (Petitet) and Alex (Jumelin) interview in were my first exposures to flatland.
That shows the importance of flatland being in the magazines really, and also flatland in contests, that also really proves worthwhile when something I was involved in inspired somebody to get into flatland. Now your into flatland and fully involved, I guess you don't miss the magazine coverage and everything has moved online pretty much? What's your standpoint on lack of flatland in the magazines?
I can't really say I was ever much of a magazine buyer anyway, they were more like if I happen to be going past smiths I'll have a look to see if there's anything worth purchasing, so for me whether flatland is in magazines or not is no direct concern, but now we are all online I think it's positive for a number of reasons.
Firstly its easier to reach a broader audience online which is clearly a big thing, its also free online to both access and create so the concerns of covering costs aren't so great, but also outside of that, the internet is fast and everyone now is contributing like a family, if some jam comes down you can guarantee someone was there and will be reporting it online within a day and then it will be talked about and to be honest the only negative I can ever see is the lack of quality in online videos compared to professional DVD work from Bobby and Chad, etc, but I think slowly that's improving also.
At the end of the day flatlanders aren't film makers so they just want to see the riding, which is a shame because the art of film making and presentation is important to. The end of magazines isn't a negative though, it's merely a focus shift to a more accessible online format, it's basically made the most underground riders able to show off their stuff if they want to.
+ couple of videos below to educate on Ciaran's riding
kruser flip variations. from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
Ciaran p Flatland 31.10.08 from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
Yeah, I can see what you are saying, makes a lot of sense, lets move on though. I'm intrigued by your riding Ciaran, I used to be into pedal bar flip stuff, I got to a point and just kind of stopped going in that direction, what's inspired you to push that direction as far as you have, particularly the one footed bar flips? Was it natural progression?
I guess it was natural progression, its pretty evident I've always had a personal quest with around the world/walkaround stuff, often I sit and think about how many ways are possible you know. My spot limitations have certainly encouraged this also,
and I'm also sure it will continue, what the brain can concieve the body will achieve and all that. I'm really not influenced by the mainstream flatland scene today at all either in terms of styles, so I just stick to my own thing and focus on what I want to achieve.
It's refreshing to see a rider come at riding from a different stance, I mean it's obvious you can see videos online, but it's never quite the same as being exposed to riding face to face, what do you not like about the modern day flatland scene?
Hmmm tough question, because I don't have anything much to do with with it, so I can't comment in depth, although I will say people seem far to sensitive to criticism.
I guess I don't like how much trend following there is, you know like how it got with pinky's back in the day is how it is with turbine steams styles today and that's not to say it's a negative as such, but do all these riders really have no idea of styles or tricks that they want to explore themselves?
Obviously there a stepping stones in progression to get to where you want to be, but it seems the majority are walking the same path at the moment, which again is fine, but it'd be nice to see more variation in the scene with styles, kinda makes me wonder in the eyes of a newcomer will they feel in terms of conformity. They would go away and learn the styles they see in comp vids, because they feel that's what you have to be doing to get there? I dunno, it's such a complex topic and its easy to focus on negatives, all I don't like really is how fashion and style seem to be overtaking difficulty and originality.
I was speaking to TJ (Perry) recently and were both agreeing it'd be nice to meet more riders who are really into the riding more than just the social/fashion aspect and that's not like dictating in anyway as to how flat should be, but it'd be nice to you know, for me the "fun" is perseverance, hard work and achievement so obviously it's nice to meet some more riders who you relate to with on that level. I haven't got time to discuss parts ha-ha, let's ride instead.
How often do you film your combos? Do you find that helps with your own personal progression? Like a kind of, I've done that, I'll take it to the next level...
It's a common theory that filming yourself can help with progression and for some people and in moderation it can, I mean amongst myself, Chris (Wright) and Sabu we would commonly share progression videos and give feedback to each other which became motivating in itself. Yeah I used to be very much that way, you know film a combo sweet it's done, next combo but nowadays it's not like that. I want my links to be dialled especially at this time of year in the UK when the weather is so shitty. I want to be dialled, so I don't have to fight that frustration every winter of failing links for to long due to less practise, plus I shift my focus in winter to things I can practise in the wet, which aren't even my dry weather tricks to practise.
Again it's all about planning out what works for you and I think making the most of your riding time I would definitely say having tricks you can practise in all different conditions helps a lot, because everything can be pushed anyway like this winter and my personal mission with variations of kruzer flips.
I saw the videos, crazy how you've pushed that trick. Do you work out at all? Those bar flips are serious upper body strength..
Ha-ha nah I don't work out in terms of muscle, flatland and a bit of road riding are my forms of exercise, I like to stretch also.
I'm also intrigued by your motivation, how do you stay motivated, do you ride with other riders?
It's funny. I've been asked this question a few times in the past, to be honest I've never ever had a problem with motivation I think that's for a number of reasons. I love being alone and never get bored, also as anyone who knows me will tell you I'm pretty deep into music, since I was ridiculously young so riding for me becomes like an element that goes hand in hand with music, so all these things, riding, music, and the exercise of it all add up to infinite motivation for me. I ride alone 95% of the time with the occasional meet up in near by Bristol.
I guess that brings me onto music, what are you into? Do you ride with music on being that you ride alone?
Yeah I always ride with music, I always live with music on 95% of the time, music for me is something I still sit down and dedicate time to listening to in depth, not just as background noise. Music i'm into, ha'ha well I could easily say a good 20 pages worth on this subject so I'll just keep this short. I listen to Oldskool rave/hardcore, jungle/dn'b, IDM, psytrance, speed garage, jazz, funk, classical oh and Autechre who deserve a mention on their own for a number of reasons.
How long have you been riding by the way?
I started riding in my last year of school in 2002, so 6 years.
How much do you think your riding conditions dictate your riding style? You've mentioned before that no one would want to come and ride your spot?
I think it's totally down to the individual, for example I'm pretty determined with flatland. I love it so regardless of where I have to ride I will always make do and still put my all in. We used to have a wonderful spot here in Taunton, but it was built on so I'm left with a rough carpark on weekends and after 5 in the week, which isn't so bad and a totally shocking spot which is literally 3 metres wide and 7 metres long which I usually ride in the week after 4pm, it's very close and even though limited it's forced more creativity than ever before so I'm not going to focus on the negative. But yeah I would say to anyone who isn't blessed with great spots to focus on the positives don't waste time thinking about what you can't do focus on what you can do no matter how bizarre it may be, you'll surprise yourself with what you can come up with. The only limits are the ones we apply to ourselves.
You can totally see that the majority of UK riders, who have a rolling style and also brakeless, and you could link that to the fact its wet 60% of the time, sometimes more ha-ha, unless of course you have an indoor spot. Thanks for your time doing this interview Ciaran, been great talking to you.
Some more videos so you can see what we discussed in the interview.
Ciaran Flatland from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
Ciaran p Flatland 11.10.08 from ciaran perry on Vimeo.
comments anyone?
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Martti's latest groundtactics video...
Steam kickflip to crackpacker one footed kickflip to turbine steam to crackpacker, shove it decades, so much good stuff on this edit!! Can anyone keep up with this man!!!???
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
Old school sundays
The second installment of "old school sundays" is dedicated to the one and only Kevin Jones, who changed and progressed flatland forever. Bringing so many original tricks, hitchhiker, backpacker, john doenut, death truck, dump truck that have influenced every flatlander on the planet!!!, I could go on and on, the man is a legend, much respect due here from Flatmatters!!! If you want to see more of Kevin i'd suggest getting hold of the Dorkin in York boxset. Watch that, and whack on the audio soundtrack for added bonus...
Much respect due, watch through these awesome clips...
Kevin's no touch from the AFA Velodrome, Carson California....
Kevin Jones, at the Tucson, Arizona AFA, amazing run for the time, bringing his creative tricks to the bmx world...
Kevin Jones at the 6th international stunt bike show in Paris 88, the infamous show Mat Hoffman first made public the flip fakie.
52 whiplashes clip from Dorkin' 5...
Much respect due, watch through these awesome clips...
Kevin's no touch from the AFA Velodrome, Carson California....
Kevin Jones, at the Tucson, Arizona AFA, amazing run for the time, bringing his creative tricks to the bmx world...
Kevin Jones at the 6th international stunt bike show in Paris 88, the infamous show Mat Hoffman first made public the flip fakie.
52 whiplashes clip from Dorkin' 5...
More groundtactics videos
Entries are closing for groundtactics tommorow, unless already agreed extension time with Martti..Heres anpther two that popped up late last night, great stuff!!!
Navid Saleki....
Ezequiel Cámara, from Argentina, Buenos aires..
Navid Saleki....
Ezequiel Cámara, from Argentina, Buenos aires..
Shintaro Misawa on Japanese TV!
Shintaro was recently on Japanese TV on a program called “Kat-Tun” with guest Japanese comedian MoriSanCyu.
As part of the contestants goals, they had to accept challenges in riding flatland that Shintaro gave them… interesting stuff – I can't understand a word of japanese but this is definitely worth checking out!
Shintaro clips towards the end on second video...
http://www.newcircle.com.au/news
As part of the contestants goals, they had to accept challenges in riding flatland that Shintaro gave them… interesting stuff – I can't understand a word of japanese but this is definitely worth checking out!
Shintaro clips towards the end on second video...
http://www.newcircle.com.au/news
Saturday, 28 November 2009
New Moto Sasaki groundtactics edit
If you thought one was enough, think again, Moto is on it!!! Damn!!!
Madrid flatscene edit
Great riding from Viki brakeless style, and of course all the Madrid locals. Some more videos on Matthieu Bonnécuelle's flatdream blog, http://flatdream.skyrock.com
Thailand in the house on groundtactics
Martti taught these guys Golf and X two years ago, and they are coming on strong, good stuff, looks like good scene developing in Thailand...
Golf from Thailand...
Golfs brother, X.....
Golf from Thailand...
Golfs brother, X.....
REPOST: James Whites 38th birthday jam
This was a great day in the history of Uk flatland, never to be forgotten by anyone who was there!! Roll on Level Vibes next week for another chapter in UK flatland...
Whitey's birthday jam was a timely reminder to all present as to what riding is all about, especially here in the UK.
Whitey's birthday jam was a timely reminder to all present as to what riding is all about, especially here in the UK.
"Making the best of a crap situation"...
So here we were in the corner of an Asda car park, waiting to see if the rain would stop. It didn't till much later.
It seems to be written that it rains at everything we have organised outside this year, but yet we have fought past the barrier, riding in the rain, and on this day cold tempertures as well.
Part of the day was spent sessioning the corner of Asda waiting for James to arrive.
Most of you will have seen Mario's web edit with riding from all who attended. But what you wont have seen was the banter and enthusiasm between all pushing James to pull his first whopper.
"Come on, I want it today!!!"
"Effraim, give me some shit, I need to be pushed to get this done, otherwise I wont do it, it's been 2 years" was something along the lines of what Whitey said to me.
"Ok, well that tricks as old as you James come on".
Amongest other tongue in cheek lines from everyone.
As James went over and over, in reality it was prob 20 minutes, first in his vest top, then no shirt, he meant business!
Boom!
Couple of tries later, and countless heckles later, his first whopper was born. It was a beautiful moment in the history of UK flat, seeing how stoked James was at the age of 38, to land the whopper was another welcome reminder as to what flatland riding is all about.
Just the feeling of pulling a trick you've wanted for so long, finally getting it done.
I found it very inspiring, and I know everyone there did.
Everyone cranked open the beers, great end to a miserable rainy November day.
Much respect to James!
Thanks to all the TGM/London heads, Phil D, Lee Wilson, and everyone else who made the effort in making it down to Whitey's for a day to live in the memories forever.
Friday, 27 November 2009
More groundtactics videos
Entries are coming in thick and fast now, especually liking jeronimo's no handed gliding gerators, nice twist on an old trick! enjoy!!!
Lachlan Cameron from canada...
Jeronimo from Columbia..
Lachlan Cameron from canada...
Distorted Stylezzz from Lachlan Cameron on Vimeo.
Jeronimo from Columbia..
groundtactics_jero from jeronimo on Vimeo.
New Martti Kuoppa edit for flatmatters!!
Martti is pretty pumped on the readers of the blog giving him props, and learned a couple of new things today, check the kickflips!!!
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
Panama flat with Viki Gomez and Jesse Puente
Viki kindly sent this in from his trip to panama two weeks ago, he hooked up with Jesse P to promote flatland there and reports the level was pretty high. Not the best video quality, but gives you an idea...enjoy!
Panama FLAT 2009 Viki and Jesse Puente !!!! from PSYCHOSTUDIO on Vimeo.
The progressive videos of Martti Kuoppa voted your favourites of the year!!!
The recent progressive video edits Martti has been posting on his groundtactics website, are some of my favourites and yours, Martti's videos came up on top, when I asked people what their favourite video posts were from the year.
This I thought was a good time to see where hes at with all thats been going on, and how he felt about being recognised for his achievements!
Martti dropped this one exclusively for flatmatters, the soundtrack is quite fitting me thinks!
I asked the readers to flatmatters what there favourite articles/videos have been from the first year, and your videos came out on top, how do you feel about that?
Wow! Honestly, I am touched because seems like people still respect the roots of hardcore flatland. I know that this type of riding is very different from what flatland is today but I found out this year that my new way of thinking (or thinking mode that was gone for nearly 10 years) is the reason I continue riding. I do not care about winning comps anymore. Only thing I care in my personal riding is that I break my own limits. I choose a trick that feels nearly impossible, I keep trying and trying it on a video and then, many attempts later I pull it-that is such a good feeling. That is definetely one of the best feelings that I can receive in my life but still, just a feeling.
I keep pushing it and I keep showing my clips because I want to show an example to riders out there that there is still so many tricks to be done, it is just up to you if you are going to do it or not. Sooner or later, I will do it if you don´t do it first, hahahahaha.
Tell me about the part groundtactics has had to play about motivating you and your riding?
Ground Tactics brought back my motivation. When I started planning for this project with Chad we made the guidelines pretty clear. We wanted to see new tricks etc. well, from that I thought of ok, someones got to show an example and show that there is a lot of new tricks out there. Then I started filming and realized that I can still learn (yeah, I didn´t really learn or wanted to learn anything after Impulsivity and got quite sick of the current state of myself and flatland). Then after my first filming session I realized that wow, I am able to progress so let´s see if I can progress even more and it started to happen. The whole thing sort of started to feed itself inside my head and new tricks came to my mind every day. I took the challenge and each session I filmed, every day. So definetely ground tactics got me motivated, and since that is my place to be now, I stay motivated. Thanks again for all who supported so far!!!
That one week where you had almost edit every day was crazy!! Of all the clips you filmed which are you most happy with?
Yeah, haha, I aimed to have 5 clips on that week but I had to leave it to 4 because I got hurt. I´d say that I am very stoked on the 1 handed barflip whopper (new school), double tire spin on the backwheel (spinning at one spot) into decade, slider to decade, megaspin to barspin decade and few more. I am very satisfied with the tire spin megaspin type of idea because that is actually something totally new and I feel great to come up with a concept for a completely new style. Not the hardest trick out there, but the way I understood it and made it reality was just too close to my face to realize it earlier. Sometimes the coolest stuff are too close to find out! But yeah, many possibilities with tire not moving type of spins.
In a short time, groundtactics has become a project with huge potential, what part do you hope this plays in the future of flatland?
Yeah, it seems like in short time it became actually a oftenly spoken subject which is good. At least the guys behind it are pure hardcore flatlanders and noone is going to take that from me. My real goal with it is to give support for the guys out there who are not able to go to competitions etc. I want to find a way to give the winner a good support to go to his real flatland competition and hopefully in future, I can actually give the winner good amount of money.
If everything goes good I belive I am able to find a decent amount of money for the winner of the first year. My idea behind is very simple and honest. I want to support flatland from inside of flatland instead of trying to find the money outside. Let´s see what happens!
Personally for me, the dialogue and feedback you are giving on groundtactics is invalueable to the future of flatland and future generations, i think we are at a pivotal time in flatland, much respect martti!!!
Thanks Effraim for all your support as well. Just got one more message. Lot of riders hang out in internet and it is just so easy to be negative and diss others, well, ground tactics is out here to give bit more content for everyone to think further than just saying the first negative thing comes to your head. Real riding actually happens in ground tactics and the ball is rolling into more positive way. Support flatland and check on ground tactics. It will change flatland.
out!
This is the video that got everyone talking!!!(and copying)...but never duplicated.
Updates daily" http://www.ground-tactics.com
This I thought was a good time to see where hes at with all thats been going on, and how he felt about being recognised for his achievements!
Martti dropped this one exclusively for flatmatters, the soundtrack is quite fitting me thinks!
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
I asked the readers to flatmatters what there favourite articles/videos have been from the first year, and your videos came out on top, how do you feel about that?
Wow! Honestly, I am touched because seems like people still respect the roots of hardcore flatland. I know that this type of riding is very different from what flatland is today but I found out this year that my new way of thinking (or thinking mode that was gone for nearly 10 years) is the reason I continue riding. I do not care about winning comps anymore. Only thing I care in my personal riding is that I break my own limits. I choose a trick that feels nearly impossible, I keep trying and trying it on a video and then, many attempts later I pull it-that is such a good feeling. That is definetely one of the best feelings that I can receive in my life but still, just a feeling.
I keep pushing it and I keep showing my clips because I want to show an example to riders out there that there is still so many tricks to be done, it is just up to you if you are going to do it or not. Sooner or later, I will do it if you don´t do it first, hahahahaha.
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
Tell me about the part groundtactics has had to play about motivating you and your riding?
Ground Tactics brought back my motivation. When I started planning for this project with Chad we made the guidelines pretty clear. We wanted to see new tricks etc. well, from that I thought of ok, someones got to show an example and show that there is a lot of new tricks out there. Then I started filming and realized that I can still learn (yeah, I didn´t really learn or wanted to learn anything after Impulsivity and got quite sick of the current state of myself and flatland). Then after my first filming session I realized that wow, I am able to progress so let´s see if I can progress even more and it started to happen. The whole thing sort of started to feed itself inside my head and new tricks came to my mind every day. I took the challenge and each session I filmed, every day. So definetely ground tactics got me motivated, and since that is my place to be now, I stay motivated. Thanks again for all who supported so far!!!
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
That one week where you had almost edit every day was crazy!! Of all the clips you filmed which are you most happy with?
Yeah, haha, I aimed to have 5 clips on that week but I had to leave it to 4 because I got hurt. I´d say that I am very stoked on the 1 handed barflip whopper (new school), double tire spin on the backwheel (spinning at one spot) into decade, slider to decade, megaspin to barspin decade and few more. I am very satisfied with the tire spin megaspin type of idea because that is actually something totally new and I feel great to come up with a concept for a completely new style. Not the hardest trick out there, but the way I understood it and made it reality was just too close to my face to realize it earlier. Sometimes the coolest stuff are too close to find out! But yeah, many possibilities with tire not moving type of spins.
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
In a short time, groundtactics has become a project with huge potential, what part do you hope this plays in the future of flatland?
Yeah, it seems like in short time it became actually a oftenly spoken subject which is good. At least the guys behind it are pure hardcore flatlanders and noone is going to take that from me. My real goal with it is to give support for the guys out there who are not able to go to competitions etc. I want to find a way to give the winner a good support to go to his real flatland competition and hopefully in future, I can actually give the winner good amount of money.
If everything goes good I belive I am able to find a decent amount of money for the winner of the first year. My idea behind is very simple and honest. I want to support flatland from inside of flatland instead of trying to find the money outside. Let´s see what happens!
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
Personally for me, the dialogue and feedback you are giving on groundtactics is invalueable to the future of flatland and future generations, i think we are at a pivotal time in flatland, much respect martti!!!
Thanks Effraim for all your support as well. Just got one more message. Lot of riders hang out in internet and it is just so easy to be negative and diss others, well, ground tactics is out here to give bit more content for everyone to think further than just saying the first negative thing comes to your head. Real riding actually happens in ground tactics and the ball is rolling into more positive way. Support flatland and check on ground tactics. It will change flatland.
out!
This is the video that got everyone talking!!!(and copying)...but never duplicated.
Untitled from Ground Tactics on Vimeo.
Updates daily" http://www.ground-tactics.com
REPOST: To scuff or not to scuff part 2
photo: Terry Adams on his own riding spot, photo by ec.
Is pumping an extra circle no different than taking a power scuff or worse?
Terry Adams:I really have no comment on this one. I will like the trick if the person does a power scuff or if they pump a extra circle to set up. Its all impressive to me.
Sam Foakes:I think pumping an extra circle is the equivalent of a power scuff, but i think it is more graceful to pump a rolling trick than to come out of a rolling trick to scuff and then to go back into it again.
Jay Forde:It's the same thing I guess, some people cant scuff, some people cant pump.
James White:How personal do you want to get, this is peoples styles you are messing with, one may make the extra circle look fantastic, another may not. For me the goal would be to keep the speed and flow without any obvious pumps. Matthias is the master of this! But is he the master? Foakes power pumps it up like no tommorow... How do you like it? Rough and hard or soft and delicate...its a very personal choice!
To answer the question though, it depends if its done to for that extra time to get a suck on that nipple. They should be marked down if so, but this is just analysing it too much! But thats you all over "E" and we love you for it. Who else would question this?
Keelan Philips: Power scuff is worse, it means you didnt get enough momentum into the trick so you scuff to compensate.
Matthias Dandois:At a point, pumping is ugly, if you pump too much its boring. So yes, sometimes its worse to pump too much instead of one scuff! For example, in steamroller, three pumps is the limit! hehehe, no more or you die!!! DOG!!
Justin Miller:Definitely! There is no difference. Whats the difference if someone lands in a backpacker and scuffs the tyre or pumps it. For me to get enough speed pumping a trick I have to pump more than i would to scuff. Each pump is like a scuff to me. It also depends on the person too. I've been giving the tyre a quick scuff or two or years so its no big deal and I can make it look smooth. But lets say I land in the same trick and pump it, I would look like I'm out of control and I would need to pump it longer to get my speed up. I can do it, but it depends on the rider and there style.
Chad Johnston:Pumping an extra circle is different than taking a power scuff, the riders not touching the tyre. Its a more modern technique.
Cory Fester:To me its almost the same thing. I think landing into a rolling trick straight to rolling vs.landing on the tyre is harder for sure. I think there is a big difference between catching a trick with one good pump and going vs having to catch it and roll around two or three circles to get your balance and speed.
photo: sam foakes, crackpacker twist at the green mile. photo by ec
Is this whole matter a personal thing to your riding? Or can it be looked upon as something more than that?
Terry Adams:
Not personal at all. If I bust a combo with no scuffing I do get stoked. But in no way do I think I will ever be so anal about it that I will change every trick to no scuffing.
Sam Foakes:For me, pumping has opened up a number of possibilities to progress my riding. It has also enabled me to extend my combos much more than if I didnt pump.
Keelan Philips: Power scuff is worse, it means you didnt get enough momentum into the trick so you scuff to compensate.
Matthias Dandois:At a point, pumping is ugly, if you pump too much its boring. So yes, sometimes its worse to pump too much instead of one scuff! For example, in steamroller, three pumps is the limit! hehehe, no more or you die!!! DOG!!
Justin Miller:Definitely! There is no difference. Whats the difference if someone lands in a backpacker and scuffs the tyre or pumps it. For me to get enough speed pumping a trick I have to pump more than i would to scuff. Each pump is like a scuff to me. It also depends on the person too. I've been giving the tyre a quick scuff or two or years so its no big deal and I can make it look smooth. But lets say I land in the same trick and pump it, I would look like I'm out of control and I would need to pump it longer to get my speed up. I can do it, but it depends on the rider and there style.
Chad Johnston:Pumping an extra circle is different than taking a power scuff, the riders not touching the tyre. Its a more modern technique.
Cory Fester:To me its almost the same thing. I think landing into a rolling trick straight to rolling vs.landing on the tyre is harder for sure. I think there is a big difference between catching a trick with one good pump and going vs having to catch it and roll around two or three circles to get your balance and speed.
photo: sam foakes, crackpacker twist at the green mile. photo by ec
Is this whole matter a personal thing to your riding? Or can it be looked upon as something more than that?
Terry Adams:
Not personal at all. If I bust a combo with no scuffing I do get stoked. But in no way do I think I will ever be so anal about it that I will change every trick to no scuffing.
Sam Foakes:For me, pumping has opened up a number of possibilities to progress my riding. It has also enabled me to extend my combos much more than if I didnt pump.
In some cases, it can be used to stabilize a trick, I would say I am definitely guilty of that one, especially in contests. That said I dont think stabilizing pumping is as safe as stabilizing scuffing. When done to excess or without any real purpose (e.g pumping a trick with no intention of using that speed for another trick or switch) i wonder if its worth doing....
Jay Forde:It is personal, I work on a lot of different styles, rolling, pumping, scuffing, you need to work on all these to be a well rounded rider. I find myself freestyling most of the time with a lot of hustling.
James White:You could call it progression, In the 80's, I was balancing and hopping the 90's rolling and scuffing, and now I'm pumping. i think its obvious that riding will continue to get more fluid. But every time the new wave comes you think this is it, this is the bomb that cant be beat. YES! Even when I was doing petersons, gumbies, etc kitted out in full factory Skyway gear on my street corner!!! (balancing tricks for those of you werent around in the 80's).
Keelan Philips:Each rider to their own, as I said if you feel like your going to fall off and you scuff to stabilize then cool, but it technically is less hard than if you didnt scuff, and as I said about my riding, I used to not scuff at all, but as long as I have my own original tricks in a link, no matter how small it may be, I dont mind scuffing somewhere, but if any scuffing does happen, it should be kept minimal! Like if you stabilize yourself then a scuff should do.
Jay Forde:It is personal, I work on a lot of different styles, rolling, pumping, scuffing, you need to work on all these to be a well rounded rider. I find myself freestyling most of the time with a lot of hustling.
James White:You could call it progression, In the 80's, I was balancing and hopping the 90's rolling and scuffing, and now I'm pumping. i think its obvious that riding will continue to get more fluid. But every time the new wave comes you think this is it, this is the bomb that cant be beat. YES! Even when I was doing petersons, gumbies, etc kitted out in full factory Skyway gear on my street corner!!! (balancing tricks for those of you werent around in the 80's).
Keelan Philips:Each rider to their own, as I said if you feel like your going to fall off and you scuff to stabilize then cool, but it technically is less hard than if you didnt scuff, and as I said about my riding, I used to not scuff at all, but as long as I have my own original tricks in a link, no matter how small it may be, I dont mind scuffing somewhere, but if any scuffing does happen, it should be kept minimal! Like if you stabilize yourself then a scuff should do.
I obviously prefer pumping, I think I can pump just about every trick I can do (I think I was the first doing pumping cliffs -not turbines just helping it move forward and hang fives).
Matthias Dandois:There is something else, after pumping, its called jumping! You only need one jump to take full speed whether you need more than to pump to get speed. So I think this whole matter is way more than that. No limit!
Justin Miller:It's not a personal thing. This is how I've rode my whoile life and enjoy how I ride. I'm not going to change most of my tricks and pump it a million times to make a few people happy. I want my own style and tricks.
Chad Johnston:Yeah, its a personal thing, each person chooses what tricks they want to learn. It defines a riders style to eliminate or use different techniques. I think its cool to do your own thing. More flavours make riding interesting. There are two ways to look at it. If I look at it from an artistic standpoint, I say do whatever you want, especially if its something cool and unique. From a sport standpoint, I believe every position should be isolated and analysed. then, I think you have to take into account that there is a variety of techniques to move on your bike. Some are more technical than others. Some are more popular than others. Some are more popular than others. There should be an objective laid out for all to see.
Cory Fester:I just look at it like I want to do things as hard as I can. I like the challenge. I do a lot of backwards stuff and that stuff you cant really scuff and pumping it is ridiculous so I dont really have to worry about stuff like that too much. For me doing a 2 minute link with like 5 or 6 switches is boring and easy for the most part, I want to to do 5 or 6 switches in 20 seconds not in 2 minutes. I'll take one really bomb original trick over a generic, flashy 2 minute link anyday.
Thanks to all the pros that answered my questions, a few didnt get back to me, but I think this is pretty comprehensive as it is. What was interesting to me, was how opinions seem to vary country to country.
any feedback blog readers?
Matthias Dandois:There is something else, after pumping, its called jumping! You only need one jump to take full speed whether you need more than to pump to get speed. So I think this whole matter is way more than that. No limit!
Justin Miller:It's not a personal thing. This is how I've rode my whoile life and enjoy how I ride. I'm not going to change most of my tricks and pump it a million times to make a few people happy. I want my own style and tricks.
Chad Johnston:Yeah, its a personal thing, each person chooses what tricks they want to learn. It defines a riders style to eliminate or use different techniques. I think its cool to do your own thing. More flavours make riding interesting. There are two ways to look at it. If I look at it from an artistic standpoint, I say do whatever you want, especially if its something cool and unique. From a sport standpoint, I believe every position should be isolated and analysed. then, I think you have to take into account that there is a variety of techniques to move on your bike. Some are more technical than others. Some are more popular than others. Some are more popular than others. There should be an objective laid out for all to see.
Cory Fester:I just look at it like I want to do things as hard as I can. I like the challenge. I do a lot of backwards stuff and that stuff you cant really scuff and pumping it is ridiculous so I dont really have to worry about stuff like that too much. For me doing a 2 minute link with like 5 or 6 switches is boring and easy for the most part, I want to to do 5 or 6 switches in 20 seconds not in 2 minutes. I'll take one really bomb original trick over a generic, flashy 2 minute link anyday.
Thanks to all the pros that answered my questions, a few didnt get back to me, but I think this is pretty comprehensive as it is. What was interesting to me, was how opinions seem to vary country to country.
any feedback blog readers?
REPOST: To scuff or not to scuff.
This is one of my favourite articles of the year and also yours the subscribers to the blog, and ironically one of the first to launch the blog. This first article was about a month in preparation. Some great diverse answers.
Flatland always goes in cycles of progression, it's the nature of the wheel. Some riders these day are not touching the tyre at all when they ride, and using their body and bike as momentum, on the flip side contest veterans still use the tyre as a matter of stability and speed, the common trick being the halfpacker scuff (aka the circle k).
photo: phil dolan, pedal five. photo by ec.
Within your own riding, how do you view scuffing the tyre mid link?
Terry Adams: With my riding I just pretty much do whatever is fun. Sometimes I like the way a trick looks to have one power scuff instead of jerking my body to pump for speed. I just do what I think looks best most of the time.
Sam Foakes:I don't scuff mid link at all, I would sooner fall off and often do, haha.
Jay Forde:I dont have a problem with it, I love all styles of riding, just don't put your foot down, that's the main point.<
James White:A long time ago I remember Lee Musselwhite learning that backwards spinning halfpacker thing. Nine times out of ten, he could get into it and spin it, but just couldnt get out of it. I tried to get him to put his foot on the tyre at the end to slow it down, and pop out of it, Lee point blank refused, I just didnt get it! It took him a lot of hard work and determination to get that trick done. I totally respect him for that, and boy was it worth it! Way ahead of it's time! I've always tried to flow and be smooth, maybe not with the same foresight and determination as Lee (I had a life outside of riding!). But I don't think I've touched the tyre for many years. I would rather step off, than touch the tyre!! But this is a personal thing very similar to the personal choice of brakes or no brakes. I love the look of modern flatland, no brakes, pumping, spinning and flowing. However, I'm going to state that scuffing shouldnt be done. I had a lot of fun scuffing back in the day and as cringy as may sound that what its all about. Freestylin and doing what you enjoy.
Keelan Phillips:I used to be like no scuffing at all, I was like no scuffing looks smoothest and flows, but now I think it doesnt matter if you scuff mid link, in my own riding I put something original of my own in every link, so as long as I got something of my own in a link it doesnt matter if I scuff at all!
Matthias Dandois:Useless! But i guess sometimes one big scuff is better than two minutes pumping a halfpacker for example.
Justin Miller:Scuffing is part of my riding. I think its part of my style. I like to get speed out of certain tricks and I think a few quick scuffs looks good.
Chad Johnston:It's a way to stand on my wheel. I view myself as scuffing friendly. It's cool, as long as it's occasional and not excessive.
Cory Fester:For me personally I like to go switch to switch with as little time between them as possible. I like the idea of creating enough momentum from the switch itself in order to get to the next trick without having to scuff or pump.
photo: shane badman, circle k at the brum jam. photo by dnb chris. shant on geez.
At the highest level during a contest is scuffing the tyre mid link to stablize a trick lessening the degree of difficulty or is it adding another trick?
Terry Adams:Do I think scuffing the tyre is like touching the ground? (editors note I didnt ask that Terry). Nope. If a rider does an entire combo without scuffing I will recognise it and give them props. But I still enjoy watching people ride that hit their tyre to get speed before the next link. If the tricks are hard, I think the judges shouldnt worry too much about this, no scuffing only pumping so called future of flatland.
Sam Foakes:It is definitely stabilizing the trick. If you do a switch into a rolling trick then put your foot on the tyre, you are immediately making it easier because you can control the speed and counter act a mistake which may have been made. I think from a judging perspective, when close decisions need to be made, this has to be taken into consideration.
James White:You can't ask this question without pointing the finger at Justin Miller. He does the most perfect links, dropping original bombs all over the place, then kicks the tyre for no reason, its like taking a big suck on your mothers breast for comfort. I hate it. But then, it works for him to keep it together in a comp. We all know how hard it can be to pull one of your simple links in a contest, let alone what he does time and time again. I could only dream of being as dialled as he is. But to answer the question I would consider a scuff on the tyre the same as dab (touch) on the floor in this circumstance.
Keelan Philips:Obviously if you scuff to stabilize a trick it's not as difficult as without! But contests are a wierd thing, it's the same as riding at your normal spot, I think a lot of riders will throw a scuff in to stabilize at a comp, because they might be a bit off riding if they are nervous, I think if you throw a scuff in to help your riding then cool, but if you did it without then even better.
Matthias Dandois:Lessening the degree of difficulty of course! I mean, when you are unstable, its so easy to scuff, and really hard to keep both feet on the pegs without touching the tyre. And its much more stylish not to scuff. Check raphael's stubble duck, its like 1000000 more stylish than scuffing stubble duck, and much more harder.
Justin Miller:This is a hard question to answer, because there are so many riders out there with different styles and not one is better than the other. It may take away from the difficulty a bit, but its hard to say because I usually give the tyre a kick for speed, not to stabilize myself. Then again, if i have a choice between falling and scuffing the tyre a few times I'll take scuffing. There is no difference though if someone pumps a trick and rolls it a long way to stabilize themselves.
Chad Johnston:I think its adding another technique to a position. It could be scuffing, squeaking or gliding. It could behopping or stalling also. The bike is in the same pose, just motored/balanced differently. I dont believe it lessens the degree of difficulty, it actually adds variety.
Cory Fester:Definitely it lessons the degree of difficulty of the switch, so does having to pump a trick around three circles as well. Going from switch to switch without having either of those things means the switches have to be dialled. I think its a lot harder to dial in the timing of each jump or flip than dialling how to scuff or pump.
Flatland always goes in cycles of progression, it's the nature of the wheel. Some riders these day are not touching the tyre at all when they ride, and using their body and bike as momentum, on the flip side contest veterans still use the tyre as a matter of stability and speed, the common trick being the halfpacker scuff (aka the circle k).
I wondered is this technique of touching the tyre now considered a mistake at the highest level? Are you taking a break mid link and thus lessening the degree of difficulty? Is this a level everyone should strive for? Or is it just a personal thing?
I interviewed a broad range of pro riders and this is what they had to say.
Effraim Catlow
photo: phil dolan, pedal five. photo by ec.
Within your own riding, how do you view scuffing the tyre mid link?
Terry Adams: With my riding I just pretty much do whatever is fun. Sometimes I like the way a trick looks to have one power scuff instead of jerking my body to pump for speed. I just do what I think looks best most of the time.
Sam Foakes:I don't scuff mid link at all, I would sooner fall off and often do, haha.
Jay Forde:I dont have a problem with it, I love all styles of riding, just don't put your foot down, that's the main point.<
James White:A long time ago I remember Lee Musselwhite learning that backwards spinning halfpacker thing. Nine times out of ten, he could get into it and spin it, but just couldnt get out of it. I tried to get him to put his foot on the tyre at the end to slow it down, and pop out of it, Lee point blank refused, I just didnt get it! It took him a lot of hard work and determination to get that trick done. I totally respect him for that, and boy was it worth it! Way ahead of it's time! I've always tried to flow and be smooth, maybe not with the same foresight and determination as Lee (I had a life outside of riding!). But I don't think I've touched the tyre for many years. I would rather step off, than touch the tyre!! But this is a personal thing very similar to the personal choice of brakes or no brakes. I love the look of modern flatland, no brakes, pumping, spinning and flowing. However, I'm going to state that scuffing shouldnt be done. I had a lot of fun scuffing back in the day and as cringy as may sound that what its all about. Freestylin and doing what you enjoy.
Keelan Phillips:I used to be like no scuffing at all, I was like no scuffing looks smoothest and flows, but now I think it doesnt matter if you scuff mid link, in my own riding I put something original of my own in every link, so as long as I got something of my own in a link it doesnt matter if I scuff at all!
Matthias Dandois:Useless! But i guess sometimes one big scuff is better than two minutes pumping a halfpacker for example.
Justin Miller:Scuffing is part of my riding. I think its part of my style. I like to get speed out of certain tricks and I think a few quick scuffs looks good.
Chad Johnston:It's a way to stand on my wheel. I view myself as scuffing friendly. It's cool, as long as it's occasional and not excessive.
Cory Fester:For me personally I like to go switch to switch with as little time between them as possible. I like the idea of creating enough momentum from the switch itself in order to get to the next trick without having to scuff or pump.
photo: shane badman, circle k at the brum jam. photo by dnb chris. shant on geez.
At the highest level during a contest is scuffing the tyre mid link to stablize a trick lessening the degree of difficulty or is it adding another trick?
Terry Adams:Do I think scuffing the tyre is like touching the ground? (editors note I didnt ask that Terry). Nope. If a rider does an entire combo without scuffing I will recognise it and give them props. But I still enjoy watching people ride that hit their tyre to get speed before the next link. If the tricks are hard, I think the judges shouldnt worry too much about this, no scuffing only pumping so called future of flatland.
Sam Foakes:It is definitely stabilizing the trick. If you do a switch into a rolling trick then put your foot on the tyre, you are immediately making it easier because you can control the speed and counter act a mistake which may have been made. I think from a judging perspective, when close decisions need to be made, this has to be taken into consideration.
James White:You can't ask this question without pointing the finger at Justin Miller. He does the most perfect links, dropping original bombs all over the place, then kicks the tyre for no reason, its like taking a big suck on your mothers breast for comfort. I hate it. But then, it works for him to keep it together in a comp. We all know how hard it can be to pull one of your simple links in a contest, let alone what he does time and time again. I could only dream of being as dialled as he is. But to answer the question I would consider a scuff on the tyre the same as dab (touch) on the floor in this circumstance.
Keelan Philips:Obviously if you scuff to stabilize a trick it's not as difficult as without! But contests are a wierd thing, it's the same as riding at your normal spot, I think a lot of riders will throw a scuff in to stabilize at a comp, because they might be a bit off riding if they are nervous, I think if you throw a scuff in to help your riding then cool, but if you did it without then even better.
Matthias Dandois:Lessening the degree of difficulty of course! I mean, when you are unstable, its so easy to scuff, and really hard to keep both feet on the pegs without touching the tyre. And its much more stylish not to scuff. Check raphael's stubble duck, its like 1000000 more stylish than scuffing stubble duck, and much more harder.
Justin Miller:This is a hard question to answer, because there are so many riders out there with different styles and not one is better than the other. It may take away from the difficulty a bit, but its hard to say because I usually give the tyre a kick for speed, not to stabilize myself. Then again, if i have a choice between falling and scuffing the tyre a few times I'll take scuffing. There is no difference though if someone pumps a trick and rolls it a long way to stabilize themselves.
Chad Johnston:I think its adding another technique to a position. It could be scuffing, squeaking or gliding. It could behopping or stalling also. The bike is in the same pose, just motored/balanced differently. I dont believe it lessens the degree of difficulty, it actually adds variety.
Cory Fester:Definitely it lessons the degree of difficulty of the switch, so does having to pump a trick around three circles as well. Going from switch to switch without having either of those things means the switches have to be dialled. I think its a lot harder to dial in the timing of each jump or flip than dialling how to scuff or pump.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Editorial: Flatmatters is one year old!!!
Just over a year ago, my flatmatters page was kicked out of UK ride magazine, I knew that was the end of flatland in that magazine despite what was said at the time, a year later i've seen "one" decent sized photo of Jason Forde in there and that's it... Without the death of my flatmatters page in the above said magazine, I might never have produced this blog. And i'm not restricted by "a page", I can do what I like when I like. So in a funny way, I have a lot to thank them for.
It's hard to believe for me, but it's true, the flatmatters blog is one year old today!!! A lot has changed with in this year, born on a wet novembers day (that much isnt different), inspired by Mark Noble pushing me to go through with it and a conversation with Tom at the local skatestore about how easy and practical setting up a blog was, the rest as they say is history.
It's crazy for me to look back at the earlier days of the blog, all produced on dial up connection, with no clue how to embed videos, how to make the type in different weights, no contributors, to one year on, learning all technical side of producing a blog,having people sending stuff in almost daily, Taku in japan updating me with whats going on overthere, liasing with Martti at groundtactics. The blog has gone from being produced on dial up connection to iphone updated, and recently a macbook pro when im at home. So much has changed, i've gone from one extreme to the other that I wonder where the blog will be at in a years time.
Producing the blog daily has helped fuel my motivation for riding more than ever.
A year ago I didnt see any blogs, now they are growing weekly, this is great for flatland!!
This week as a celebration of our anniversary, Im going to repost some of my favourite articles videos from the year, and also some reposts of favourites from the subscribers to the blog with a few exclusives thrown in here and there.
Thanks for viewing,
Flat does matter!
Effraim Catlow
It's hard to believe for me, but it's true, the flatmatters blog is one year old today!!! A lot has changed with in this year, born on a wet novembers day (that much isnt different), inspired by Mark Noble pushing me to go through with it and a conversation with Tom at the local skatestore about how easy and practical setting up a blog was, the rest as they say is history.
It's crazy for me to look back at the earlier days of the blog, all produced on dial up connection, with no clue how to embed videos, how to make the type in different weights, no contributors, to one year on, learning all technical side of producing a blog,having people sending stuff in almost daily, Taku in japan updating me with whats going on overthere, liasing with Martti at groundtactics. The blog has gone from being produced on dial up connection to iphone updated, and recently a macbook pro when im at home. So much has changed, i've gone from one extreme to the other that I wonder where the blog will be at in a years time.
Producing the blog daily has helped fuel my motivation for riding more than ever.
A year ago I didnt see any blogs, now they are growing weekly, this is great for flatland!!
This week as a celebration of our anniversary, Im going to repost some of my favourite articles videos from the year, and also some reposts of favourites from the subscribers to the blog with a few exclusives thrown in here and there.
Thanks for viewing,
Flat does matter!
Effraim Catlow
Shane Badman & Shintaro Misawa's FAT Favourites
My good buddy down under Shane Badman has a FAT favourites up today, check it out!
http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9470
Also team-mates Shintaro's FAT Favourites...
http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9445
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Matthias Dandois "I had trouble learning bunnyhop whips"
This is one for the commercial heads, the Red Bull made him do it!!! enjoy!!
I had trouble learning Bunnyhop Whip! from Matthias Dandois on Vimeo.
More David Nagy
Since the David Nagy post last week, i've been sent a few of his videos, heres the best one, enjoy!
New Seppl short vid
Watch this.. halfpacker bar flip to xfoot halfpacker, nice seeing vids like this, in the works, close to pulling it!
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Roman Dodelier groundtactics edit
Romain Dodelier from Lyon, France, new riders, stoked to see this!!
Romain Dodelier Ground Tactics Edit from BMX-FORCE on Vimeo.
New Giannis Caternellis groundtactics video
Nice entry for the groundtactics contest, Giannis has diff style than the norm, great stuff!!!
Case BMX Magazine launch party
Good news coming out of southern england, a new magazine by Mike Netley is just starting out that is FREE!!! Check all your local good bike shops and will also be available in the US (either through Profile or Sparkys), and it will be covering flatland, starting on the second issue. Im going to be helping out with flatland content, so stay tuned!
Monday, 23 November 2009
Fat Tony interview on new circle
Short but sweet interview with Fat Tony, the face behind the camera responsible for most of the flatland coverage you see in US ride magazine, and runs the transworld.net site. The new circle site is kicking arse!!! enjoy!
http://www.newcircle.com.au/news/2009/11/fat-tony-interview/
More groundtactics videos
Entries to the groundtactics contest are hotting up as only a few days left, heres two from today! enjoy!
Thomas Noyer
William Perez
Thomas Noyer
ground tactics from Thomas Noyer on Vimeo.
William Perez
Flat jam sessions
Good riding from Brandon Fenton, Lachlan Cameron, Mazar, and few more canadian guys braving the winter.enjoy
FLATJAM SESSIONS from Lachlan Cameron on Vimeo.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Sam Foakes Level Vibes frame giveaway!
Sam Foakes will be giving away his old (virtually new) Zion Luna Frame to the person he thinks most deserves it at Level vibes. This could be anything from a beginner to someone with the worst dress sense...who knows with sam??
Old school sundays
Old school sundays...This is new to flatmatters, every sunday i'll be posting few old school videos to spark peoples memories and educate the new school who may not have seen or heard of some of the riders I post up.
This opening Old school sunday is dedicated to riders in the San Francisco area,riders such as Pete Brandt, Eric Emerson have been huge inspiration to my riding over the years, since the Realiity Tv part 1+2 days, enjoy!!.
Golden Gate park 1983
Ozone demos, San Jose, California, old school action with Pete B, Eric Emerson, Carly Garcia...
This opening Old school sunday is dedicated to riders in the San Francisco area,riders such as Pete Brandt, Eric Emerson have been huge inspiration to my riding over the years, since the Realiity Tv part 1+2 days, enjoy!!.
Golden Gate park 1983
Ozone demos, San Jose, California, old school action with Pete B, Eric Emerson, Carly Garcia...
Oone jam 09
Japan is no joke! Contests/jams almost all the time!! Congrats to Moto for once again winning another contest, how many is that this year!!! And also congrats to our japanese contributer Taku who finished in 7th place!! awesome. Heres a few photos from the jimalog blog.
http://jimalog.blogspot.com
Top 2-Moto and Shinde.
Nao spinning fast as ever.
Takahiro ikeda, looks like Marrtis influence is catching on in japan, the one handed bar spin whopper influence....
1st Moto Sasaki
2nd Yosihiro Shinde
3rd Katsushi Tanaka
4th Nao Yoshida
5th Takahiro Higaki
6th Akihiko Takahashi
7th Takuzi Kasahara
8th Yosuke Shibuya
http://jimalog.blogspot.com
Top 2-Moto and Shinde.
Nao spinning fast as ever.
Takahiro ikeda, looks like Marrtis influence is catching on in japan, the one handed bar spin whopper influence....
1st Moto Sasaki
2nd Yosihiro Shinde
3rd Katsushi Tanaka
4th Nao Yoshida
5th Takahiro Higaki
6th Akihiko Takahashi
7th Takuzi Kasahara
8th Yosuke Shibuya
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