First off I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer these silly questions. Can you tell us your age and where you're from?
I'm 20 years old and I live in a small city called Delft in the Netherlands.
How long have you been riding flatland?
I have been riding my little bike 7 years now and it change my lifestyle in good way.
A lot of Americans recently "discovered" you when you competed at Battle at the Bricks. What was that like? Good trip? Have you traveled much before this?
My trip was amazing I wish I could fly back for the first upcoming contest. During my trip I stayed at Andy Cooper great guy wonderful host. I never visit the States before so didn't know what to suspect of it. It was so perfect only one thing isn't so nice and that's called "jet lag".
I try to travel as much as possible, if my salary lets me. I love to go to contests it's such a motivation! See your friends make new friends have a good time. Sightseeing Places you never been before, hitting beautiful spots!
Your riding is super fluid, I've been wondering who some of your riding influences were, or favorite riders?
Thanks man it wasn't always like that's something from the last months. A big influence for me is Hotoke, Dez, JF Bouilanne, Michael Sommer
What is your bike set up like? Anything special about how you like it? Anything you'd like to change about it?
There's not anything special. I just like it light. I really would like to learn some back wheel but for some reason freecoasters don't wanna work with me.
What kind of music do you like?
I like all kinds of music, mostly Hiphop, Dubstep and reggae, it depends on what kind of mood I'm in.
Favorite movie?
Get him to the Greek watched it 10 times or something.I think it's so funny!
What do you think the future of flatland will be like?
In one word it will be "Massive"
Flatland is still growing there are so many people who never heard of flatland or haven't seen it. If You tell people about BMX they directly think of jumping but what if they are asking you do spin or jump on a Bmx that will be so different. Now days Flatland is still the underdog but I think that's going to change in the future. Let say I hope that's going to change in future.
This is something that every rider will answer differently- why do you ride?
Addiction!? No I really love Flatland, The feeling of your own creativity on the bike there are no rules. If you like to do it that way you can do it that way. Every rider has his own style, ten riders could do the same trick but it will look different ten times. I love being on my bike although there are days that it doesn't look like it. I don't know how my life will be without Flatland!
What kinds of things do you enjoy outside of riding? Do you party much?
Relaxing with my girlfriend hanging out with friends. I actually don't party so much. There's no good reason for that, just more focused on my riding these days.
Do you plan on travelling to more contests around the world in the future?
Yes!! For this year I'm still trying to go to these contests; Bmxmasters in Germany, King of Southsea in the UK, The Com'In Lyon in France, if it comes this year Fieldcontrol in Portugal and Flatland Fanatics in Germany. Next year or the year after that I wanna go for 2/3 months traveling to the States, Try to see as much possible.
Any words of advice for riders who are just starting flatland?
Never give up everybody can learn it. If it doesn't work out try another trick!
Don't get your brake off to early just because it's a hype. I have been hitting the ground alot! So don't worry get up your bike and try again and sometimes it isn't your day.
Thank you Jim for the Open Mic opportunity. Don't forget to check out the flatstyle exclusive one combo!
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and finally, very pleased to present:
Michael van der Kroft: Flatstyle Exclusive Video from jm on Vimeo.
click here for previous 'Open Mic' interviews
Nice one Jim! Michael is also ROTM on Global-Flat this month... going up this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you! He's on the rise!
ReplyDelete