First time in America, an interview with Italian Francesco Cailotto

Aug 27, 2010

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 4669 times

First time to the USA, was it exactly like you thought it was going to be?
Francesco Cailotto: over there is not exactly what Italian people imagine to find. Every one here think that California is like wonderland..party evertime, easy girls, and no bullshit! I found that california is quite a serious country, and that everyone is not really having always good times..but I mean, this is my opinion!

Where did you ride the most?
Francesco Cailotto: I took a trip round the whole California, but I had the best times in Venice beach, where I rode the same miniramp for three days or so..it was very fun! I also spent some time in San Francisco riding street and bowls! Finally I had some street sessions in LA with some locals!

Did you go to places that you had seen on videos?
Francesco Cailotto: I probably rode some shit in LA that was in some video, but actually I didn’t ride in really famous spots or I couldn’t recognize them! Anyway I don’t like to ride in famous spots, I prefer to discover some new rideable things.

Which riders did you meet while you were in the USA that you knew from the magazines, internet or videos?
Francesco Cailotto: I met Jesse Whaley and Mike Ardelean at that Venice miniramp. Really good guys!

Do you think that California is the mecca of BMX?
Francesco Cailotto: for me California can be one of the mecca, but I think that is not the only one in the world! There are good places to ride also in Europe, like old towns with really strange street spots and loads of trails that are pretty fun!!

Did you go to a BMX event while you were in the USA?
Francesco Cailotto: I went to X-games to see bmx street and park, but actually I didn’t ride in an event like a contest a backyard jam or something similar!

What BMX shop did you visit?
Francesco Cailotto: Unfortunately I didn’t visit famous bmx shops, I only went to some local bike shops to fix my flat tires!

How many pairs of shoes did you buy while you were in the USA?
Francesco Cailotto: I didn’t have to buy shoes there because my friend Alessandro Civera from Callemarconi periodly gives me some pairs of Orchid shoes! From riders for riders!

When is the next time you're going back?
Francesco Cailotto: I hope as soons as possible…next year I’m probably gonna have a roadtrip over there with some guys from Hungary, and it’s gonna be awesome! I’m going to look for some trails because this time I didn’t manage to find loads of them!