BMX-MX similarities. Interview with John Prutti (AUS)

Apr 26, 2020

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3584 times

Name: John Prutti
Age: 29
Occupation: Photographer/freerider
Hometown: Canberra, Australia

We met at a BMX race in Bathurst where you were taking pics before I got to know that you're actually a skilled MX rider. Did you race BMX in your early years?
John Prutti: Yeah we did. I was there shooting some content for my better half Caroline Buchanan. Not much of a BMX background to be honest. I've spent a bunch of time riding dirt jumps on hard tails but never really clicked with a BMX. The bigger frame of the dirt jumpers just suited my moto background and were a little more forgiving haha.

In BMX the two main disciplines are Racing and Freestyle. Did you go from Motocross racing to riding Freestyle Motocross? How did the transition go?
John Prutti: Yeah I did. Just last year I was racing the MX Nationals for team Suzuki. I got to a point where it seemed like I was putting in too much work and wasn't really showcasing what I was capable of.

The last 6 months has been a big transition for me into the free ride world. I wouldn't necessary call it freestyle but more of a free ride/content deal. Since making the transition, my riding has just snowballed into some really cool projects and collaborations. It was one of those things where my gut was just telling me to step away from racing and now I'm so grateful I did, I just now feel like I'm doing the riding that I should be.

What are the main similarities between BMX and MX in your opinion?
John Prutti: If you simplify it. Body position, control use, line selection and vision are the 4 main controllable's which make the two sports so similar.

You recently injured both legs on a giant quarterpipe. How big is that ramp?
John Prutti: I did unfortunately! I broke both tibias, dislocated both knees, two knee reconstructions, four blood transfusions and severed an artery on my 18ft Moto quarter. Sometimes you've gotta pay to play.

Do you feel that doing "world firsts" on a dirt bike or a BMX bike require the same mindset?
John Prutti: I believe so, at the end of the day working on something that's never been done means you have to have a certain mindset and I don't think that would change depending on the bike you're on.

Do you follow the BMX Freestyle scene for tricks?
John Prutti: Yeah I do massively. Over the last few years BMX Freestyle has just progressed so much and that's something I always have wanted to take to the moto industry. I want to bring more of the BMX riding/tricks to the moto world as opposed to the standard 75ft freestyle tricks, I want it to be like moto skate parks almost where you can really do things different.

A dirt bike is stable, has suspension and a comfy buddy seat, but the distances and heights reached are much bigger than in BMX. When things go wrong, the impact for the body is harsh. Do you take it as "part of the job" in case something happens?
John Prutti: With both BMX and Moto its not 'If' but 'When'. I train a lot and work on my flexibility, mobility and power to help prevent injuries as much as possible but at the end of the day it really is inevitable. I've been super fortunate and haven't broken a bone in over 10 years and I think that's a credit to my trainers and always being super prepared. But like I mentioned before, sometimes you've gotta pay to play!

What's your opinion on using foam pits, air bags and resi ramps in order to learn new tricks?
John Prutti: Awesome, I love it. I mean just look at what is happening in all action sports right now and we are eliminating a bunch of the risk. Don't get me wrong, when you then take the tricks to dirt, it's gnarly but the fact you can prepare in a much safer and controlled way is awesome!

How much longer before you're fully recovered and can get back on the bike?
John Prutti: That's a good question. I'm 2 days out of surgery on my second knee reco, so at this stage it's so fresh and hard to say but due to the extent of it all it'll be a good 6-8months if done properly.

Is that half of the recovery time of what the doctor said initially?
John Prutti: Haha no, but it was looking scary at one point when the artery issue meant I might lose my foot. Which honestly scared the hell out of me. So any news with my foot staying and me getting back on the bike eventually was good news, no matter how long it took!

You're looking into the future already and are focusing on taking photos, something you can learn more about while in recovery mode. Where can people see some of your work?
John Prutti: That's right, for me it's all about moto and photo, so with bikes out of the picture for a few months, I'll be using this 'downtime' to really fine-tune my craft and play with my new studio set up at home. I love photography and capturing moments so anytime I can better myself, I'll make the most of it.
You can find my business page 'Vibe Imagery' on all the socials or my website www.vibeimagery.com check it out!

Speedy recovery John. Thanks for your time.
John Prutti: Big thank you for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to cross paths with the BMX industry. I'm a big fan of anything with two wheels, so no doubt you'll be seeing me at a BMX event soon. Quick shoutout to everyone who has reached out and sent some good vibrations my way, it's all those people that are making this wild time for me so much easier! Thanks.

Pics from John Prutti / www.vibeimagery.com