unfortunately, but I'll take what I can get. I have a collection of Vintage BMX bikes from the 70s and early 80s as well. Work-wise, I am a sales rep for Etnies, so I deal with the BMX aspects of that gig (selling to BMX accounts and going to contests/demos). I am the US Advertising manager for DIG magazine and lately, I've been doing some design work for Snafu (a stem and hubs are in the works).You've always been one of the creative guys. What is it that you do in your "spare time"?
Scott Towne: "Spare time", that's a good one. When I'm not working, spending time with our two young boys (my whole world, right there!), riding bikes, folding laundry, etc., the one activity I consider a hobby is tinkering with motorcycles. After the house is asleep, I go out to my "laboratory".
Besides not getting enough sleep, it's a healthy balance. Last night, for example, I was super busy getting work samples sorted and prepared for a big trip this week, but I would take breaks and look at my current MC projects, visualizing and contemplating the next move. I also try to play guitar (I've made the most headway in the last year). I've been doing more "art" lately too, which is mostly directed at my fUNBRO project and blog. Working on motorcycles requires a bit of a workshop. How does yours look like?
Scott Towne: Right now, it is sort of, almost, kinda organized. Okay, no it isn't. It's a mess. The bikes are organized at least. There is an engine on a bench, engine parts on another bench, wheels on the floor, parts stacked in the corner and... Yeah, it's a mess. I know where everything is, though.
What do you do on your own and where is the border where you (have to) take it to a shop?Scott Towne: I try to do everything on my own. I've tried to take my Yamaha XS engine to a couple different shops and they either refused to work on it or quoted an outrageous price to scare me away. That said, I'm pretty lost when it comes to engines. My plan is to try it myself first, then ask for help later. That's backward, isn't it?
What's your favourite tool?
Scott Towne: An angle grinder I "borrowed" from Solan Foster in 2002. I gave it back to him in 2003 and asked to borrow it again a month later. He hasn't seen it since. Sorry bro. I'd estimate I've burned through a hundred cutting discs with that thing. It's not a good idea to use that while drinking, just for the record.
With the things you do, you do not live in California. Why not?Scott Towne: Simple. I do not like it there. Too many people, too much traffic, not enough trees, weather never changes (which is nice some times, of course, but I like the seasons), too cluttered. Ironically, the activities I've spent my life doing, BMX and skateboarding, were born and bred in California. Growing up, California was my dream place to live. I lived there for three years and it was long enough. I go there a couple times a year for work and I get my fill. I'm very fortunate to be able to do what I do and live here. I'm a Michigan dude. Although looking out the window at the snow right now, California doesn't sound bad. I do like Northern California.
What kind of car do you drive?Scott Towne: A 2002 Volkswagon Eurovan. They stopped importing them to the US in 2003. Can you get me another one? This one is just about worn out.
Does it require your mechanical skills from time to time?
Scott Towne: Unlike motorcycles, I go to the mechanic for everything with this. I did change a fuse a week ago.
How does going out on a "Harley/motorcycle trip" compare to one on the BMX side?
Scott Towne: The only real motorcycle trip I've been on was on a Honda 550, by myself. It was pretty brutal. Lonely, exhausted, rattled nerves, numb hands, chilled to the bone and totally stoked. BMX trips can go either way. Less is more. The last couple I've been involved with have been way too bogged down by too many participants. The best trip BMX trip I've been on in the last few years was the "Fresh Air Cure" trip I took with Chris Hatfield and Dan Closser. It was in early November and we rode a bunch of great places and camped out every night. It rained a bunch but we lucked out time after time in regards to being able to ride and not get rained on at night. It was as if it were meant to happen.
If a motorcylce would never break down, would it still be fun to you?
Scott Towne: Good question. I bought a newer Honda XR100 four stroke dirt bike last summer. It's perfect for cruising around here, taking the boys for rides and for other people (like my wife) to learn to ride on. It fits in my van, hauls me around with no problem and can take a beating. It starts on the first kick and runs endlessly. It took me all of a day to realize that I was bored with not bein
g able to tinker with it. There's nothing to change, modify or saw off with the angle grinder. It is fun, but I must tinker.Got a story for us to wrap this up?
Scott Towne: I went out to the barn to take a couple photos for this. I finished and started walking out of the barn when I heard a loud series of crashes. I went back in to see three motorcycles lying on top of each other. Kickstands through spokes, levers hooked under tanks, all locked together, a fucking mess. Perfect.
Workshop Wednesdays back issues:
Episode 2: Mike Laird
Episode 1: Harold "McGoo" McGruther
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.