FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

Seat: Odyssey Aitken
Cranks: Eastern Pro
Sprocket: FBM Wurlizter 28t
Chain: KMC
Brakes: Odyssey Evo II
Cable: Odyssey
Brake Lever: Odyssey small
Front Tire: Odyssey Elmstreet
Front Wheel: Drive
Rear Tire: Old Specialized that just wont die
Rear Wheel: KHE Geisha free 9t laced to an old Big City rim
Chain Tensioner: n/a
Pegs: Eastern slits all around
Pedals: Odyssey Trailmix

Modifications: none
Extras: weight is a little over 27lbs and I have a sweet cat sticker on my seat tube.



How did you get started riding bmx?
I started out skateboarding in middle school. I always thought biking was cool but I didn’t have a bmx bike. So I saved up for one and by my freshman year in high school I was skating and biking at the same time. I quickly decided that one had to go in order to progress like I wanted to, so I dropped the board!

What was your first bike like?
It was a rad Pacific bike from Sears, it had everything I needed, front and back brakes and four pegs.

What riders have influenced you the most?
Definitely the older local riders, Jon Armstrong has helped me out more than anybody. And when the older guys left town I found myself influencing, and being influenced by the younger local riders like Lucas Schaller and Adam Hoffman.

Did you have any favorite bmx videos?
Fox Expandable 3 never gets old. I grew up watching videos with the Gonz, Ratboy, Smoker Dave and other street shredders.

What is the best thing about the Midwest?
That’s a good question haha, I guess It would be the people, at least where I’m from. All of the Kansas riders are like brothers, I hate going to other places and seeing different cliques and gangs of bikers

The worst?
Wind and Tornadoes

What is the 'Weston' sticker about?
It's in memory of Weston Powell, one of the coolest skateboarders that went to Autumn Ramp Park

When did you become a member of the freecoaster revolution?
A little over a year ago. I had been riding backwards for 7 years without one, and after seeing the potential of a freecoaster I decided to try it out and now I can’t go back!

Where or what are some of your favorite spots or set ups?
My favorite setups are curbs, I can ride a nice curb set up all day. I also love banks, basically my favorite spots are skateboard friendly spots.

What would you say to riders who have never been to Autumn Ramp Park?
It’s like Disney World, with less mice.

Who is your usual riding crew?
Local youngsters

What are you studying in college?
Graphic Design

How do you balance riding/work/school?
It’s hard to balance those three things, school takes up most of my time, and work takes up the rest, lucky for me I work at a skatepark so sometimes I get to ride while at work! I only have one more semester left and I will be completely done with College.

What are your plans for the summer?
My plan is to relax, ride, work and ride! Hopefully I will have a chance to travel around some.

Describe your perfect day:
Wake up around 1, chill for awhile, eat some pizza, go ride some street with the locals, make our way to Autumn Ramp Park, shred the park, learn some crazy new tricks, go back home, watch some George Lopez and eat some cinnamon bun ice cream.

What advice do you have for people who are just getting started in BMX?
Don’t worry about looking like a “poser” or worry about what others think of your bike. Everybody starts from nothing, some learn faster than others, and if you like your bike set up a certain way then go with it, even if its not the popular way.



Where would you be now if you hadn’t discovered BMX?
I would definitely be playing soccer, at a better college, but still studying Graphic Design.

If you could change one thing about BMX, what would it be and why?
Less haters, too many kids out there thinking they are tough and that their way of riding is the right and only way. This is freestyle bmx, you can ride and look however you want!

Thanks:
I thank God every chance I get for giving me the talent and opportunity to ride my bike. Jon, Lucas, Adam for being awesome friends. John Andrus for making the video for me and posting it everywhere. Ashton Maxfield at Etnies for sending me shoes whenever I need them. Chad Degroot for hooking me up with some sweet clothes. Spoon for mentioning me to Chad! Paul Covey for creating this interview and helping me get my name out there.

No thanks:
Green beans

By Paul Covey