Wednesday, October 17

Bruce Crisman Interview

By Josh Root
EXPN.com

Bruce Crisman is seriously one of the nicest guys I've met in or out of the BMX world. He's one of those guys who is always interested in what you have to say and what's been going on in your life. In addition to that, he's an amazing rider. It's been great watching him progress from a scrubby Burnside rager to one of the top riders in the sport (though he'd never say so himself). Seeing him win at the X Games this summer was just about the coolest thing I've seen at a BMX contest. I couldn't think of anyone I would have rather seen win. Way to go Bruce. We went out riding the other week in his home town of Tigard. Hitting some spots that he's been riding for years and talking about what's going on in his life these days.

Josh: Give me the basics, full name, age, where you were born, years riding, favorite food, favorite color? All the boring stuff.

Bruce: Bruce Crisman, 22 yrs old, born in Portland OR, 8 yrs riding, Korean food, favorite color blue, and I ride for Salvation Clothing, Diamond Back bikes, SCG Shoes, Thor MX.

Tabletoping some good ol' concrete - Eugene OR.

J: Let's get this out of the way first, tell me about winning the X Games?

B: It was really exciting and surprising winning the X Games. I had alot of fun.

J: What was your run like?

B: I guess I just stayed on my bike every run and tried to be consistent.

J: You didn't do any "rock star" tricks, and you beat a lot of big name riders. Is that the future of contest runs?

B: I can't say that's the future of bike riding. That's just how I like to do it. I don't feel that I have to go as big as possible on every trick in a comp run. Only when I feel like it. It makes it a lot more fun for me that way.

J: What did you think of the course?

B: It was definetly the best ESPN course I have ever ridden. It had all different kinds of ramps and didn't direct to just one style.

J: Did you like the Philly setup in general?

B: Yes

Auto Steez

J: You made a big sponsor change after last summer, has that made a difference in contests for you?

B: Yeah, I've been able to travel alot more to Europe for the comps over there. Those comps are the best in the world! I try to stay over there as much as possible.

J: What's new in your life?

B: I got married, and just got back to Portland, finally.

J: Any plans for the prize money?

B: Save it.

Check out Part Two.