“Self-filming is the most obsessive form of bike riding. When I’m riding alone with a camera, it’s all at my own pace. I’m in complete control. There are no cheers, high-fives, or anyone to say, ‘Let’s come back another day.’ When I’m self-filming, I can take as many attempts at a trick as I want. I can also film as many angles as I want. Every single detail can be fussed over. This of course has its benefits for creating a high quality product, but it can also have its downfalls.
"Vagabond Squad" is a full-length video from Canada’s Weird & Revered crew. Filmed from 2016 to 2019, the project is community rooted with a strong focus on the Edmonton BMX scene. Although a majority of the clips are from the crew’s home city, the footage spans 9 countries, 8 American states, and 4 Canadian provinces and territories.
Name: Justin Schwanke
Age: 25
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
The favorite list:
-Spot to ride: Street, preferably somewhere I've never been
-BMX video: Anthem 2
-Website: projectspoke.com
-Web video: Tate Roskelley - Headlights (part of a full-length, but now online)
-Twitter to follow: Not on Twitter
-Person on Instagram: I dunno
-Travel destination: Barcelona
-Riders to ride with: Weird & Revered crew
-Car: Hatchback
-Movie: Free Solo
"I filmed this video in my backyard throughout the summer and fall of 2016. Every session involved one camera, a tripod, an archaic MP3 player, headphones, and my ever-expanding list of trick ideas (most of which don’t actually work out). My usual audience is the assortment of birds and gophers who take up residence in the backyard. On occasion though, my neighbours may watch from afar in confusion. I can only imagine what they think when they hear grunts of frustration as I ride alone in the same line for hours on end." - Justin Schwanke
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.