EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRETT DOWNS:In the past few months I have had the pleasure to come to know a rider I have looked up to for a long time. The funny thing is when I first talked to this guy I felt like a complete fool because I did not realize who I was talking to! I have always done some flow with SE Bikes and have worked with Todd Lyons for a while. Recently when coming back to ride for SE Bikes Todd told me to hit up Brett Downs the new Team Manager for the Terror Squad. The guys at SE have always been great to me and Todd mentioned this dude was a Flatland legend but, it still did not click. One day I am on the phone with Brett and I dropped a few friends names to see if he was familiar with them. Then he unleashes the secret.....I hear I use to be a Plywood Hood!!!! I about fell down right there. I was talking to a guy I have looked up to my whole life in the flatland world.....Not only that but, this guy rides just about every Bmx discipline imaginable....I was so stoked....So to the readers I know Brett has done some great interviews in the past but, I was able to hit him with a few questions and share them with you here at Flatmonkey Bmx!
Full name: Brett Downs
Age: 40 fun filled years
Location: Just outside Philadelphia, PA
Years riding: Since before you were born
Bike: I have different bikes for Flatland, Ramps and Racing.
Best and Favorite Tricks: I could never pick a real best trick but I love G-turns and quick blasting flatland tricks. Beyond that, nothing feels better than going high off any ramp.
Riders who have influenced you the most: Just my friends growing up. Like everybody else. Of course, I grew up with some amazing riders as friends.
Q: I know you have been riding for a while how did you get into BMX?
I started trying to be Evel Knievel when I was a kid. It just progressed from there. I just like riding so I do as many types of BMX as possible.
Q: You ride a lot of disciplines and I know Flatland seems to be a great passion for you.....Do you prefer one discipline over the other?
They are all fun in different ways. Flatland is so accessible since no ramps or obstacles are needed. It is also a good way to push your creativity and abilities. It is also a lot less traumatic injury wise.
Q: In all your riding and travels what has been your favorite spot to ride and why?
Another odd, question. I have favorite skateparks and little flatland corners spread out across many states and cities. You can ride flat near the Applebys in Dunwoody, Georgia or hit up the skatepark in Athens, Ohio. It is more about the session than the place.
Q: How many videos have you been in and which is your favorite and why? I have probably been in 12-15 videos. My favorites are the Dorkins in York series we put out ourselves. I was stoked that Ells Bells put me in as well. Maybe my bit in Dorkins 10.
Q: You have been around BMX longer than most riders especially the new generation of Flatland. Where do you see flatland headed in the future?
I see such an interesting style change with the brakeless, pumping style coming in. It is so different that what I started out doing. I see limitless possibilities. Today's riders are just opening the door further than the riders of the past. Old tricks will be forgotten but that is the way it goes.
Q: This is a question that always gets a lot of Flatlanders going......First; do you believe there is old school compared to new school? Second; if there is a difference in your opinion which do you prefer?
Ok, I will say it- Yes, there is old and new school. I have always said there are also good tricks and lame tricks. I prefer the good ones, no matter if the are old school or new school styles.
Q: Of all the goals you have set in your life which goal have you accomplished that has meant the most to you personally?
In riding, I would have to say that I still do it, have fun and progress. I can't put in 40 hours a week of riding anymore but it hasn't changed that much otherwise. That is what is the best part of BMX to me.
Q: You now work for SE Bikes.....Can you tell the readers a little more about how this came about and what you do?
I saw Todd Lyons at a local race and gave him my number to go ride the local spots. We went out riding and hung out a bit. He showed me around and then he eventually asked if I would like to help him out. I do a little of everything concerning SE Bikes. Todd is the man, I am his back.
Q : Flatmonkey Bmx attracts a lot of newbie Bmx riders or those just coming into the sport......Can you explain what the Plywood Hood were all about and what it was like to be a part of that Team.
Way back about a hundred years ago, riders formed teams and did shows. My friends and I started the Plywood Hoods. We wanted to get great and ride our bikes. We did shows, videos, a tour, competed, invented Jams, laughed, lived, took each other to the hospital, and grew up together. Mostly, we just rode. We all had a similar passion for fun, progression and trying our best.
Q: What advice would you give to those that are just starting out in Bmx?
Don't ride with any goal in mind other than having fun. If it is fun, you will progress both in your own riding and in the BMX world if you choose. If it gets to be a hassle or obsession, you need to lighten up a bit and go ride to 7-11 and get a Coke, sit out front on the sidewalk and look at your bike. It's all about just enjoying life.
Q: I have many young people ask me the age old question how do I get sponsored. What advice would you give these young people?
You have to have some talent first and then ride a ton to hone that talent. You have to offer something to sponsors, not just be a good rider. Be a cool person who can promote. Contests, shows, TV, Videos all get companies exposure. Most of all, be a cool person to everyone you meet.
Q: What are your current goals and where would you like to see yourself in five years/10 years?
Oh, I still plan on riding. I'm stoked on being in the industry and would love to make BMX better for everyone. Down the road I just want to be able to see people riding bikes that I had something to do with. That would be pretty cool.
Q: Do you think you will ever quit or retire from riding a Bmx bike?
Nah, just when I'm physically unable. It has been over 35 years now so how could I stop?
Q: Who do you currently ride with? Well, my best riding buddy just moved so it will be my son, Henry. He and I race and go to the skatepark together. I ride flat alone. Not too many of us out there!
Q: You are now the Team Manager for the SE Terror squad....what is that like and what vision do you have for this program in the future?
Well, the Terror Squad has been a great opportunity for BMX racers. I want to help support riders on any type of SE Bike, racing, freestyle or otherwise. I think the best way to let people know about the quality of SE Bikes is to see them in real life and hop on one. I'm also grateful that SE and I, personally, can help the next generation of riders.
Q: With everything you are involved in right now how do you balance Bmx and your family life?
Well, I believe that people have time for what they think is important. Riding is important to me so I find the time to get out. True, my family and job come first, but the bike is number three in line. The chores are way down the list.
Q:What are your favorite forms of Bmx media?
I have surfed the net for a long time. It's great to get news right away, be able to dig deeply in a topic and talk directly to those involved. That being said, I'm still a magazine reader. I love having something to really absorb. I actually don't see too many DVDs anymore. I catch my video online.
Q: Brett I want to personally thank you, TL and SE Bikes for supporting me this year and for taking time away from your busy schedule to do this interview! Do you have any last words?
First of all I would like to thank my wife the best, and kids for just being the best. Thanks also to Todd and SE Bikes for taking a chance on me. To all who read this, just remember, it is all about actually being on the bike. The rest is just incidental. Now go do a trick
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