FMX Blog http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog Leyba is a bitter, retired FMX rider who likes to sit in his cubicle and call the professionals of the sport wussies for not pulling 360s and double backflips. He claims he quit riding FMX before flips were even invented ... yeah, right. 60 en-us Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:37:56 PST webmaster@espn.go.com 143 82 Ryan Leyba Blog http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog <![CDATA[One Year Later]]> Today marks the one-year anniversary of Jeremy Lusk's death. It's hard to believe that an entire year has flown by since his passing. It seems like just yesterday that I was reporting the horrific news of his crash and ultimately his death right here on ESPN.com/Action. Since Jeremy's passing, the sport hasn't been the same, but even though the FMX community's wounds are still healing, his untimely death has ultimately changed the sport for the better.

After Lusk passed, the Lusk Legacy Foundation was founded, as well as the AFMXA -- which stands for American Freestyle Motocross Association. With the focus of making FMX a stronger, successful -- and most importantly -- safer sport, both organizations wouldn't exist if it weren't for Lusk's unfortunate situation. As it turns out, the old statement really does ring true: "Sometimes you have to lose everything in order to gain something."

Since Jeremy Lusk touched so many people throughout his short, yet overly-fulfilled life, I decided to reach out to the motocross community, asking them to share a few words about Lusk.

Jeremy, thanks so much for showing us how powerful the human spirit really is. We all love and miss your presence. Click here to view our Jeremy Lusk ZOOM gallery, celebrating Lusk's life and career.

Blake "Bilko" Williams - Pro FMX Rider
Jeremy was a true competitor a great champion, but also a great friend and I have the utmost respect for him and everything he's done in our sport. Miss ya buddy!

Jeff "Ox" Kargola - Pro FMX Rider
In my eyes Jeremy Lusk is still very much alive. He is alive in the respect that his never give up and his "I can conquer anything" attitude is an attribute I look to for strength and inspiration when the odds seem stacked against me. I saw a lot of myself and who I want to be in Jeremy, which makes it hard to accept even a whole year later. Although he is no longer with us in the physical sense, his memory will live on forever. We've shared so many great times and somewhere down the road we will meet again.

I can see all the positive changes Jeremy's passing has brought. He's changed people's attitudes, riding, outlook on life and also he's also changed the structuring of FMX competitions and safety.

-- Nate Adams

Nate Adams - Pro FMX Rider
It definitely doesn't feel like it's been a year since Jeremy passed. A part of me still can't believe that he's gone. But when I look at the entire FMX community, I can definitely see all the positive changes and positive attitudes Jeremy's passing has brought. He's changed people's attitudes, riding, outlook on life and also other major changes in the structuring of FMX competitions and safety. And most importantly, I've seen so many people willing to accept God in their lives. Sometimes it takes a tragedy for us to see the bigger picture. I miss Jeremy a ton, and I'd trade all those things just to have him back. I rest in the comfort that Jeremy is well and I'll see him again. Much love Jeremy.

Adam Barker - Film Producer, Lone Gut Productions
I met Lusk at Ocotillo. He was a grom and he asked if he could tag along as I shot Tommy Clowers. He had no sponsors yet -- except maybe SRH -- but he respectfully hit every jump that Tommy hit. He had no tricks, but lots of determination and bike control -- it made me think he was maybe related to Ezra Lusk.

We did his "Blowing Up" section on Fuel TV's M80 shortly after -- it was his first ever interview. He told me he had hard set goals, and he was really focused to: 1. Get on a tour, 2. Learn the backflip, 3. Win X Games.

I didn't really give it much thought since everyone coming up says that. Shortly after -- he called me asking me to come film him on the FreestyleMX.com tour. He was so pumped to ride with established riders like Clifford Adoptante, Shawn Highland, John Distler and Jim McNeil -- and he was getting paid to ride! A year later, he invited me to Camp Chuck to film as he learned to backflip on dirt. After he dialed the flip, it was over -- he had one of the fastest, most calculated rises to the top in FMX history, and he blew everyone's mind with his rate of progression. Even though he was killing it, I would always tease him about that first interview and say "Getting 2 out of 3 goals accomplished isn't bad." After he won X-Games, I saw him at a bar and he confidently held three fingers above his head.

Destin Cantrell - Pro FMX Rider
I miss you bud and I can't wait to ride with you again someday. I'll never forget the hilarious time we had in Corpus Christi. We all love and miss you!

Dano Legere - Team Manager, DVS Shoes
I miss karaokeing with him. He had one of the best Billy Idol "White Wedding" performances I have ever seen.

Garth Milan - Photographer, The Medium Creative Group
It seems like just yesterday I was showing Jeremy the LCD screen on the back of my camera, telling him how sick he was riding and egging him on to go that much bigger. I miss you homey -- the sport ain't been the same since you left!

I actually looked down at my LUSK wristband in the shower today and realized that it is time to cut it off. The mourning can end and the celebration of Jeremy's life should begin -- that's what he would want.

-- Tes Sewell

Tes Sewell - Red Bull X-Fighters Sport Director, ESPN.com/Action Columnist
I actually looked down at my LUSK wristband in the shower today and realized that it is time to cut it off. The mourning can end and the celebration of Jeremy's life should begin -- that's what he would want. Jeremy was always such a positive force, with that wicked sense of humor.

This is one of my favorite pics -- just a quiet moment in the riders' area at Red Bull X-Fighters in Madrid 2008. Jeremy was giving Erik Apple a hard time about his "bling." It was such a funny exchange -- they were easy going times. That night, Lusk did the unthinkable and beat Spain's own Dany Torres in the Las Ventas bullring. The jester could become the warrior so convincingly.

Jay Schweitzer - Film Producer, Powerband Films
Lusk was so much fun to film and hang out with. That last helicopter shoot we did a few days before he went to Costa Rica will go down as our best heli shoot ever. Thank you Jeremy. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Dan McGranahan - Talent Manager, Icon 1 Agency
Jeremy Lusk lived life to the fullest with his family, friends and freestyle. I'm inspired to push for more every time I think of him. "In God's Hands."

Keith Sayers - Pro FMX Rider
Lusk was one of the few guys that was real. He was an average guy that wasn't afraid to follow his dreams of becoming the baddest rider in our sport! RIP Lusk!

Justin Homan - Pro FMX Rider
Lusk had characteristics of a champion. He was quiet in talk, loud in action, humble in demeanor and fearless in heart. He was the best new era FMXer I've ridden with.

Shawn Neilson - Pro FMX Rider
I only knew Lusk for a short time, but quickly gained great respect for him. I will never forget him, or what he has done for us.

Myles Richmond - Pro FMX Rider
Jeremy Lusk was a motivator. Throughout the time I knew Jeremy, he wasn't all about making just himself the best. He wanted to motivate everyone, including myself, to be the best. He wanted to compete against the best and beat them -- and that's exactly what he did. You will be missed Jeremy.

Lusk had characteristics of a champion. He was quiet in talk, loud in action, humble in demeanor and fearless in heart. He was the best new era FMXer I've ridden with.

-- Justin Homan

Mike Metzger - Pro FMX Rider, Legend
I'd like to say that he was one of the most liked, inspirational riders of my time and one hell of a champion. There aren't many people in the world like Jeremy Lusk ... He was one of kind.

Rich Van Every - Photographer, Film Producer
I met Lusk while freeriding at Ocotillo Wells and he told me that he wanted to be one of the best FMX riders. I remember thinking how advanced the sport had become and wishing him "good luck" - but he didn't need that because his passion shined through for the sport he loved. It's inspiring to me to see someone go after a dream so big -- so courageously.

Tim O'Brien - Pro FMX Rider
Jeremy Lusk's mark on FMX and the hearts of the fans will last forever. Godspeed Lusk. You are missed.

Adam Jones - Pro FMX Rider
Jeremy definitely had a desire for greatness, he never settled for less then his best -- no matter what the circumstances were. I remember at the 2009 Mexico X Games, Jeremy had already sealed up the win going into his last run. The vibe wasn't so great because a bunch of guys had crashed that night. But Jeremy went out and tried even harder to up his score in his final run, even though he didn't have too. He ended up throwing down an even sicker run, upping his score by two or three points. I think that the things like that showed Jeremy's true character and his desire to do whatever he had to do to be on top. He will be remembered as an icon in the sport of FMX forever.

Jeff Tilton - Pro FMX Rider
Jeremy is still missed and always will be. It has been a tough year for our sport, but I feel it has also made it stronger and safer. Ride safe!

Steve Haughelstine - Pro FMX Rider, Film Producer
Jeremy was a real guy. Was a worker that was not sacred to follow his dreams and make them happen. I miss him.

Chuck Carothers - Pro FMX Rider
I'm not good with things like this. Thanks for all the good times and thanks for looking out for us. You are an inspiration to me and many more.

Taylor Sterner - Pro FMX Rider
Lusk was one of the most down to earth guys in the freestyle world. He always had a smile on his face, both on and off the bike. And u can't forget the skills he had -- he will never be forgotten as a one of the best riders to ever throw a leg over the bike!

Jeremy definitely had a desire for greatness, he never settled for less then his best -- no matter what the circumstances were. He will be remembered as an icon in the sport of FMX forever.

-- Adam Jones

Chris Tedesco - Photographer, ESPN.com/Action Contributor
Jeremy was one of the most honest and down to earth people I knew. No matter what the setting was, if Jeremy was around, you were sure to have a good time. I can't begin to understand why he was taken from us so soon. Although he is gone, his legacy will continue to inspire me till the day I get to see him again.

Malcolm McCassey - Company Owner, Ethika
The talent, humor, friendship, and love Jeremy blessed us with is timeless. He's with all of us everyday. It's impossible to go a day without having some laugh thinking about a classic one liner or prank he's thrown -- and it will be the same 20 years plus from now. Jeremy Lusk is with us everywhere!

"Mad" Mike Jones - Pro FMX Rider, Legend
We had many fun times together on tour. He was a real character and he always knew how to make us laugh. He was for sure the best entertainer ever and I miss him heaps.

Julian Dusseau - Pro FMX Rider
Lusk had a positive influence on every one lucky enough to know him. Whether in riding or personal life, he always had some advise to give or he'd just make some stupid joke just to get someone to crack a smile. He will be greatly missed, but he'll live on forever in all us who knew him.

Paul Taublieb - X Games FMX Director
We were at a hotel in the desert way outside of Dubai city proper shooting FMX Riot 3 and Jeremy, whom I didn't really know well, came over and asked if he could sit down and join me. He just wanted to say thanks. He talked about his dad, and how he had learned that being appreciative was a characteristic which was important to him as a human being and out of respect for his father, and respect for the people who helped him, he wanted to say thanks.

He also asked me to thank the people at X Games for all they had done for the sport, even though he had yet to make his mark at that event. He wanted me to make sure they knew how much their support meant to the sport where his dream was to make a living and win an X Games medal. He was kind, genuine, thoughtful, mature and spoke quietly with confidence and humility at the same time. He then went out rode the dunes like a bad ass, and later his dream came true on top of the box at X. My memory of him is as a truly decent, considerate human being who had the joy of at least being able to have set a truly lofty, heroic goal and then seeing it achieved, and I'm thankful for having known him, however fleetingly. ]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4900891 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 17:52:38 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4900891 <![CDATA[Super Duper, Ya'll!]]> Whether you are or aren't a fan of football, everyone loves a good Super Bowl party. What's not to love about good friends, lots of food, and of course excessive amounts of alcohol? I have been to some good Super Bowl parties in my day, but none of them can begin to compare to Big Ron's Super Bowl extravaganza. Ron is Jimmy Fitzpatrick's uncle, and every single year, he spares absolutely no expense to make sure his guests have a memorable time at his party. With two fully-stocked open bars for the adults, an inflatable play place for the kids, and a spread of food that would rival a 5-star restaurant, Ron's party is no joke. He even had a raffle for an autographed Super Bowl football signed by Drew Brees and Payton Manning, with all the proceeds going to charity.

Attending the party were some of the sport's icons, such as Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Derek Garland, Mat Rebeaud, Andre Villa, and Wes Agee. Pro FMX'ers and two open bars make's for one heck of a party ... just check out the photos if you don't believe me.

]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4901114 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 16:23:48 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4901114 <![CDATA[You Don't Know Pain]]> I followed Travis Pastrana around the ESPN Campus in Bristol, Connecticut as he made the rounds in what we like to call "the carwash." In addition to SportsCenter and First Take, Pastrana spent a good amount of time filming with ESPN funnyman Kenny Mayne for Season 4 of the wildly popular ESPN original series, Mayne Street.

After months of patiently waiting, the episode is finally here. You don't know real pain.

]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4899966 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 09:41:41 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4899966 <![CDATA[KICKSTART Receives Nod]]> TransWorld's feature film KICKSTART has been nominated for Best Freestyle/MX Movie of the Year at the 2010 Impact Video Xtremey Awards. In honor of this honorable nomination, we decided to pick TransWorld Editor Donn Maeda's brain on the difficulty of filming and editing his first feature film, as well as get some funny behind the scenes tidbits out of him. Check it yo.
How did you come up with the name KICKSTART?

Well, I wanted to make the movie feel like an extension of the magazine, with a little of everything in it. KICKSTART is the name of the section at the front of the magazine that is made up of a bunch of fun stuff, so it was a no-brainer.

How many shots did you ruin trying to backlight them like you do in photography?

Dude. I'm a beginner with a video camera. I didn't try to do anything fancy like that. I barely used a tripod, guy! You, Taylor Congdon and Chris Williams probably got sick of me texting with camera questions. [laughs]

What was the most memorable moment of the whole process?

"Editing that movie on my 15" Macbook ruined my eyesight and I have no more fingerprint on my right index finger.

-- Donn Maeda

There were a lot of memorable moments, it's hard to narrow them down to just one. Am I allowed to list a few? Chris Kinman [Associate Editor] and I had a lot of fun jacking with Ryan Dungey when we were at his house. I kept asking him questions that made him uncomfortable, and he finally just looked me straight in the eye and said, "You make it awkward, man." Kinman and I couldn't stop laughing.

Then while we were in North Carolina filming with Josh Grant, Cody Cooper actually roosted me so hard that it blew the camera out of my hand.

Also, filming the skit with Brian Deegan was straight comedy. The whole time, I was thinking that the piece was gonna come out way too contrived, but his kid Hayden brought it all together by always crashing at just the right moment.

There are a lot of great moments and memories, but now that I think of it, the best memory of all was turning my laptop off when I was finally done with the movie. A little over a year ago I didn't even know how to plug the camera into my computer, and diving headfirst into a movie project was a way bigger bite to chew than I expected it to be. It damn near killed me.

So when do you start on number two?

Dude, I don't know. Since I finished KICKSTART, I haven't really wanted to even pick up the video camera. That was the hardest four months of my life. I am slated, though, to produce another TransWorld MX movie in 2010 though...

Anyone you'd like to thank closing this out?

I'd like to thank my wife and kids for putting up with all the travel and late nights I had to put in while making the movie. I'd like to thank Taylor Congdon for teaching me how to plug my video camera into my laptop. Brendan Lutes helped a ton and actually filmed the entire Tarah Gieger section. Of course, I have to thank all the riders who agreed to be guinea pigs in my first attempt at making a movie.

Editor: Click here to view the KICKSTART trailer. ]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4898219 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:20:37 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4898219 <![CDATA[The Fitzpatrick Files]]> Jimmy Fitzpatrick during a recent ride sesh at the Metal Mulisha Compound. Click play to hear Fitz talk about filming for the new Jay Schweitzer-produced Metal Mulisha DVD, Jeremy Lusk's impact on his riding and his mission to land the double backflip in 2010.

]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4897807 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:51:30 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4897807 <![CDATA[Nate's Fate]]> While shooting photos this past Wednesday night, I spotted Nate Adams riding at Jimmy Fitzpatrick's house. It's been a while since I've seen him because this was his first time back riding since dislocating his left thumb shortly after the first round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series. However, after talking with him for a bit, I found out that his left thumb still isn't 100%. "It's sore, but it is actually better than I was expecting it to be. I still have to baby it." But when it came to his riding, it sure didn't look like he was babying anything. Withing a matter of minutes, Nate was back to business as usual, hucking huge cordova flips and stripper flips.

So, how did Nate spend his time while off his bike for nearly a month? I can tell you it was all put to good use. Aside from running one of the most talked about new startups in action sports, DEFT Family, Nate kept busy and most importantly had fun. "I wrote a lot of dope-ass hip hop rhymes, had a pitty party for a week or so, and boarded at Winter X for four days courtesy of Target! I did a lot of soul-searching and thinking about what I want to do next."

That last sentence makes my mind race with curiosity about what Nate is planning to do "next." Could this be the end of Nate's competition career? Based on the way he was riding during his first day back on Wednesday, I would have to say that it's highly unlikely we'll see him bow out from FMX comps. Nate is still more than capable of winning another gold or two at X Games.

Perhaps Nate is thinking about when to break the news about his duet with Vanilla Ice at the next AFMXA awards? Of course I'm joking, but Nate does take his hop hop seriously. I happen to know for a fact that Mr. Leyba, AKA Iggy Chop, is responsible for some of the beats Nate uses. You never know when we might see the first Nate Adams album on iTunes. It could be sooner than you think.

Wasn't that little bit of speculation fun? Now it's time for the facts. When I asked Nate about what he meant when he said that he was "thinking of what's next" he said, "As far as FMX and racing goes, I might try to race Salt Lake Supercross, and then there is Red Bull X-Fighters, Crusty Tour, and Nuclear Cowboyz. I'm just getting a game plan in my head, dome, cranium, etc."

Nate Adams is a man on a mission this year. No wonder they call him "The Destroyer."
]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4891664 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 18:35:16 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4891664 <![CDATA[The Mike Metzger Interview]]> I've been fortunate enough to know Mike Metzger for over ten years and throughout the years, "The Godfather" has always been nothing but supportive and cool to me. Back when I was at the height of my riding career, Metz started a team including Dustin Miller, Drake McElroy, Jimmy McGuire and myself. He got us hooked up with custom graphics, gave us proper exposure throughout ads and videos and he gave us a place to ride. Metz was the man and because we were young and fresh to the FMX thing, just having the chance to hang out with Metz was an honor in itself.

In the following years Metz did the FMX thing, winning X Games gold in 2002 (the year he did the back-to-back backflips) and then branching out to Supermoto racing, truck racing, clothing, art and web ventures. Now, wiser than ever ever, Metz has gone full circle and is back at square one with his new team and clothing line, MOB Syndicate. As always, Metz doesn't pay top riders to wear his name -- he finds new, emerging talent and takes them under his wing in an effort to boost their budding FMX careers. Remember Jeremy Lusk (RIP)? Well, Metz was the first to take notice of him and launch his career into orbit -- eventually losing him to the Metal Mulisha.

Since Metz has been back in the limelight riding the US FMX/Jagermeister demos at every round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, I've been wanting to sit down with him and pick his brain about all that's been going on his hectic, but never dull life. Metz agreed to an interview and proceeded to talk my ear off about everything from MOB Syndicate vs. Metal Mulisha, to his aspirations to give Blake "Bilko" Williams a run for his money in X Games Freestyle and Todd Potter in Biggest Whip.

Click here for the full interview. ]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4891482 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:19:01 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4891482 <![CDATA[Nuclear New York ]]> I got a tip that Feld Motorsports purchased a massive space in Times Square, Manhattan to advertise for the East Rutherford, New Jersey stop of the Nuclear Cowboyz tour, so I had to head down there myself to see if the rumor was true. As you can tell by the photo above, there IS indeed an insane billboard parked right smack dab in the middle of Times Square.

This absolutely blows my freakin' mind because advertising in Times Square is like the holy grail of promotion and to see Adam Jones and Matt Buyten hucking on a billboard right next to the ESPN Zone, MTV, Planet Hollywood and more is straight up big time. Just think of how many tourists are scratching their head trying to figure out what freestyle motocross even is ... I love it. And how about the MASSIVE Metal Mulisha logo in the lower right corner? I guess they're not joking when they claim global domination.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this awesomeness with you. Check out NuclearCowboyz.com to find out if Nuclear Cowboyz is coming to a city near you and if you live anywhere near NYC, be sure to mark your calendar for February 26th and 27th and cop your tickets now! Man, it's gonna be a good time. Hopefully I can get the over to my crib for a house party. Can you say eviction?
]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4887297 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:19:16 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4887297 <![CDATA[Jeff Emig's Love Recap]]> Jeff Emig. Before Emig ripped into the stadium to announce, he took a minute to fill us in on his appearance on the national radio show, Loveline. If you didn't catch Emig on Loveline, peep the full episode here.

]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4884400 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:03:09 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4884400 <![CDATA[Lost in Translation]]> M80 more than three years ago, I met Jean-Francois Muguet -- the Editor of French FMX mag, Freestyle. Jean, or JFM as I like to call him, is a hard worker and attends every big FMX event in Europe and the states, mainly X Games. Like Australia's Freerider MX, Freestyle is an all-FMX mag that has been around for years -- in fact they've recently surpassed issue #40.

While at Summer X Games this past year, JFM asked me if I'd be into doing an interview with him for the mag. Never one to turn free press down, I jumped at the opportunity to look way cooler than I really am. Just last night I received the issue featuring my interview and after having a good laugh at my "gangster" looking pose on the opening spread, I opened up Google Translate and translated the entire article from French to English. Though Google Translate does a good job, it's not perfect and since I didn't want to change around his wording, I just left it as is. Since I'm a self-absorbed narcissist, I thought I'd share the article with you, but I just want to warn you -- it's a bit tough to read. But, if you really pay attention, you can figure out what's being said.

Disclaimer: This article was translated from French to English using Google Translate and has NOT been revised to make any sense in English. Enjoy.

Hard Core Blogger
I'm American, eccentric, extroverted, jack of all, very focused on people of different sexes of mine, a former rider from the beginning of history, hip-hop DJ in the FMX has always been happy because my blog cartonne, respected by all, co-inventor of the Kiss of Death ... I am ... I am ... I am ... Ryan Leyba, the official blogger for ESPN Action Sports FMX in the section.

Winter 2001. The very first Winter X-Games. Best trick. The young Ryan Leyba is a Kiss of Death or KOD. He took seventh place. The already famous "Mad" Mike Jones Place a Kiss of Death or KOD. He took the gold medal. Ryan Green is complete as far as the video images show that the tricks are absolutely identical. Not one to yell, it's FMX, he closes his mouth and said it is co-inventor of this trick has become inescapable. And he said that good is not so bad. The story is that Ryan, like any self-respecting rider, always trying to push a little further his tricks. And by working his Superman (it is 2001!), It throws a bit more feet each time. One day he was training in California with Mike Jo-nes, each pushing a little over his trick. This will go a little further. The name-mera Kiss of Death, the kiss of death, and claim the invention. "I was young, I started, I did not blunder, Leyba analysis today. In retrospect, it was very smart to do that. Anyway, I do not care a bit ... I did not like the contests. I preferred rider for pleasure, sir. A purist what.

In the eye of the storm
Since her childhood, near Reno, Nevada, Ryan Leyba practice motocross. Around age 13, he began to take racing very seriously. He rubs at tops guns premises as Mike Mason, Dustin Miller and Drake McElroy, who also later switched to FMX. But it differs on each sleeve above test s'enquillant endless greatest jumps circuits. Continuing his studies, he said that moving toward the Califor-nia would allow his young career to take a different turn. Much good it took one year later, he goes pro. But a nasty broken wrist from his third race will put an end to his hopes. He decides to return-ing more seriously to his studies, definitively thinks it. He still ride for fun and fell one day by chance in a shop on Manny Jubal who invited him to jump over ramps FMX. It is early 1999. The FMX is developing block. Manny is one of its leaders, its benefits have been noticed par-ticular from the legendary Video Steel Roots 2 and Crusty Demons among others. The kid is introduced booming FMX California. "I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time," Ryan confirmed. This ride from sunrise to sunset. And take the excitement California to ride his first events.

Ramp with a pen
If Ryan is doing pretty good in this new sport in full development, he decided quickly from 2002-2003 at a halt. A mother worries that he stop harassing to any before getting too bad and friends will be seriously injured both arguments that convince. "I feel like accomplished something already, I would never have expected," restraint "he said. So, with its contacts and after proper galley small jobs in poor jobs, he started the day in journalism. He bought a camera and started working freelance for dif-ferent ducks U.S., Racer X, Transworld and even the Australian Freeride MX. It's a bit difficult anyway, and he has trouble paying its bills until Mini MX offers him a job as editor that makes it instantly legitimate in the eyes of the press.


Connected to the world FMX
For two years now, Ryan Leyba runs the blog "The Brap Haps" on the website of ESPN, the sports megachaîne Rican television. His sweet name follows the mixture of the good old sound of a two-time AP-pel of a jump (braaaapp. ..) and "haps" the chances in the French text. He now lives in New York near the cen-ter nerve ESPN. Not really a concern for the party animal. "I love NYC, it's great. Culture, art, ethnic mix, energy, and girls ... pfffff! "Laughs there. Even so, day by day, "24 / 7" as they say over there, he must know everything and say everything that happens in the small world of FMX. But Ryan was recov-le.de especially since his blog, which depends on the ESPN.com website / action as well as snowboarding, skateboarding, BMX, Surf, full boxes and makes them even shade much shade. We could blandly draw a parallel between this success and that of FMX become the main event of the X-Games organized by ... ESPN. It would hardly get excited ... But he denies he has nothing to do with their organization is "a drop in the war machine that is the chain spor-tive." Then his blog ... Ryan travels the world and the events or is simply connected at home and send the word International FMX. If the success of his blog is real, he is aware that it can and must improve at all costs and monitor the progress of the sport while perpetuating the spirit. It is on the right track.

Crazy hip-hop
Respected mid-FMX because he is a former rider of the origins and thus he knows his little world on your fingertips, Ryan Leyba became chronic major marker of our beautiful sport. Even if he admits: "Now, young ri-ders, like Lance Coury, or at least guys his age do not even know that I rode ten years ago! "With independence from the ESPN machine, he can give his humor and even said his own experience and even after the last X-Games:" The FMX will ja-but just a sport, they are judges who decide ... Also, as he can not concentrate on a single activity, he became renowned in the hip-hop New York under the name Iggy Chop and even expected soon release their first album. Independent course. Fan of the scene of the 90's, he defended the free synth samples and uses good old vinyl records. A good purist who respects whatever.
]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4883592 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:30:04 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4883592 <![CDATA[At Random ...]]> Adam Barker is responsible for gangs of classic motocross cinema, including Frezno Smooth, Fuel TV's M80 and most recently Mind of the Demon: The Larry Linkogle Story. In fact, Barker and Linkogle just won the Audience Award for the best documentary at the 2010 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. And before that, the film was awarded Best Documentary at the Bel Air Film Festival.

With a freshly sold script to the Executive Producer of the Harold and Kumar films, a full Crusty Demons of Dirt feature film in the works and many other various projects, I thought it would be cool to find out a little more about this moto film maker gone Hollywood. Let's get random ya'll!

On a side note, peep this rad interview with Barker featured on mademen.com.
Your favorite trick is?
Old school: Kiss of Death. New school: Bilko's 360 heel clicker to no-handed lander is about as good-looking, yet gnarly as it comes.

The last person you called was?
Cameraman Royce Dudley.

List one word to describe yourself:
Unrelaxable.

What's one thing you regret?
Quitting Fox Racing for No fear in 2002.

The last thing you listened to was:
Toy Dolls.

Your best friend is:
My wife Heather.

Something you wish you had more of:
Skate tricks on the local mini-ramp.

Something you wish you had less of:
Daily hassles.

Your biggest fear is:
Extended downtime.

The thing you love the most is:
My son Wiley X Barker.

The thing you hate the most is:
Anyone who says "Wait till you get all your ducks in a row."

A nickname you have is:
Sparker

What shoes are you wearing right now?
Draven - Duane Peters

One thing you could do without would be?
Delays.

The best advice anyone has given you?
Never too late to pull out.

Your biggest dream is to:
With a doc, a script, and a tv show -- I'm pretty happy. But this is a lucky streak. I would love to continue getting a variety of film projects.

What's one thing you'd like to do before you die?
Throw a grenade. I heard scummy (Collin Morrison) just did it, and I'm jealous.

Most important possession you own is?
My Foundation skateboard.

One person you'd love to meet is?
Todd Phillips, Director of Old School and The Hangover.

Last thing you'd like to say is?
I owe the freestyle motocross industry a lot. Thanks for letting me run loose and for always being open to new, unique projects.
]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4881152 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 07:06:19 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4881152 <![CDATA[Malcolm Smith Mulisha]]> With the exception of a few (Twitch, Maddo, Potter), the Metal Mulisha has ditched their Alpinestars riding gear for some new MSR duds. At first I didn't really understand why so many of the riders were switching over to MSR, but it has now become evident -- Metal Mulisha and MSR have collaborated on a new line of Mulisha/MSR gear, which should be available to the public in the very near future.

So until the new Mulisha gear is available, you'll be seeing photos of the boys rocking the standard 2010 MSR gear, but as soon as it hits the streets prepare to see nearly the entire team decked out in the new collabo duds. Who could've predicted this odd pairing? Not I, that's for damn sure. At least MSR has stepped up their gear a bit from the olden days. I wonder if they'll be rocking MSR boots as well?
]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4880215 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:46:59 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4880215 <![CDATA[Pit Sighting]]> Clifford "The Flyin Hawaiian" Adoptante. Fresh out of the clank after a recent run in with the law, Clifford is on a new path and looking for a job. Somebody hook a brutha up!

]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4877966 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:32:48 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4877966 <![CDATA[Gold Member]]>
This past Friday I posted a blog congratulating Justin Hoyer for taking gold in Snowmobile Freestyle at Winter X Games 14. Justin is a part-time FMX rider, as well as a sick sled hucker. Following in Hoyer's footsteps this weekend, Heath Frisby threw a massive ruler indy flip to claim Snowmobile Best Trick gold. In the summer months, Frisby can be found throwing down on the ramps, riding his Yamaha YZ250F dirt bike. Not to mention Best Trick silver medalist Daniel Bodin, is also insanely sick on a dirt bike.

So, I just want to give props to everyone who killed it at Winter X 14, especially our moto boys Hoyer, Frisby and Bodin. Nice work fellas! Now ditch the sled and start training for Summer X!
]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4877776 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:33:41 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4877776 <![CDATA[Nate Adams Jersey Winner]]> First off, thanks to everyone for their awesome comments recently. As promised, I took all the names that commented between January 26 through January 28, put them in a hat and picked a winner at random. That winner is none other than dinonico. So, congrats to you dinonico! Please email your full name and shipping address to espnfmx@gmail.com.

Thanks everyone and be sure to stay tuned because we'll be giving away a lot more radical swag in the future. ]]> http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4877335 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 11:11:08 PST http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/blog/_/post/4877335