Thanks,
- Jeff - Northbend Mat Hoffman: Hey Jeff, riding keeps me riding. I know that may sound dumb, but I've been riding ramps for almost 20 years and though I've been through a lot of pain, it has given me more pleasure. I always say, if you want to experience all of the successes and pleasure in life, you have to be willing and able to accept all the pain and failure that comes with it. The way I enjoy riding my bike, there are times I have to deal with injuries but my bike is gratifying enough that it doesn't ever make me want to ride it less? Ride to live - live to ride.
- Mat Question: First off, I'd like to say your No. 1. Now, my question: How did you start off in BMX? I can't afford to go to Woodward, but I can probably save up for some plywood to make some ramps, and a construction worker gave me a used handrail. The only problem is that since we don't have a skatepark nearby and I don't know anyone experienced, it's kinda' hard to learn to be good. Anyway, what should I do?
Thanks Mat!
- Nate - St. Louis, MO Mat Hoffman: Hey Nate, the best thing about BMX (bicycle freestyle) is that you don't need coaches. You can do it all yourself. I learned to ride ramps by going to TG&Y (an old local discount store) and sneaking a look through the BMX magazines when I was 10 years old. I'd then go home and try some of the stuff I saw on a 6-foot ¼ pipe - and I talked my uncle into helping me build it. That's why I ride vert without ever touching my back breaks in the air like other riders do. It's because I couldn't tell that's what the riders in the photos I saw were doing. What I'm getting at is: you should get some wood, build a ramp and do whatever interests you on it and I bet you'll get pretty good. You may even start your own scene in your town.
Good Luck and have fun.
- Mat Question: Mat what do I have to do to be sponsored and make it as far as you have?
- Justo - Oregon Mat Hoffman: Hey Justo, How do you get sponsored? I have no idea. You don't need sponsors to make it as far as I have. All you need is a bike and a will to keep challenging yourself with it.
Keep the faith
- Mat Question: I want to ask you when you are learning tricks, do you feel afraid or not?
- Karim - Culiacan, Mexico Mat Hoffman: Hey Karim, it depends on what trick it is. I learned wheelies down my street with no fear, but 900's on vert were pretty scary to learn. Some tricks you just have to go for and trust that you have it inside yourself to pull them off. A little fear can be helpful in the sense that it demands all your concentration and that helps you focus on the more difficult tricks?
- Mat Question: I live all the way in England and I heard that you were going to make an apperance at Bike 2001 in Birmingham City, England, from the 20-22 of April. Is this true? PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE, PLEASE COME! Everyone is buzzing on hearing that your coming to England, so please do.
- Ryan - London, England Mat Hoffman: Hey Ryan, I know you sent this to me last week, but I thought I was going to be at Bike 2001, but it's Sunday and I'm here in OKC and the Bike 2001 in Birmingham, England is going on right now. Sorry I didn't make it, but I am leaving tomorrow (Monday 4/24) to go to England for the Tony Hawk tour and I was told we will be in London, W10 on April 26 riding at the Play Station Park. Spread the word!
I hope to see yeah there!!
- Mat EXPN.com: Keep an eye out for more as Mat continues to answer users questions. If you've got a question for Mat, click here.
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