With the potential of flatland becoming more main stream do you think progression will be hindered?
Most riders will continue riding regardless of how mainstream it becomes. For the soul riders, it will always go on. I feel the level of riding is already amazing and will continue to become more unbelievable.
Any Last words?
I'm so happy to be a part of Flatland BMX.
Most riders will continue riding regardless of how mainstream it becomes. For the soul riders, it will always go on. I feel the level of riding is already amazing and will continue to become more unbelievable.
Any Last words?
I'm so happy to be a part of Flatland BMX.
Name: Andrew J. Cooper
Age: 32
Age: 32
What does it that to progress in Flatland and ride at your top performance?
I think to ride flatland to the fullest you have to start off with a creative spirit and lots of patience. Stay determined, set goals, be self-motivated and absolutely love doing it. In my experience riding and meeting other flatland riders, the most universal dynamic is our need to progress.
I think to ride flatland to the fullest you have to start off with a creative spirit and lots of patience. Stay determined, set goals, be self-motivated and absolutely love doing it. In my experience riding and meeting other flatland riders, the most universal dynamic is our need to progress.
What kind of riding surface do you prefer?
I usually like a wide open, flat, smooth, hard-packed, medium to fast surface. Currently it's difficult because it's the dead of winter. I've been practicing in my garage which is a very fast surface. I can't wait 'till spring when I can get outside and really stretch out my links.
What kind of surface do you like to compete in Small or Large?
I personally have a lot of long, rolling combos that thrive in a larger arena. All riders need a chance to showcase their talents. A small area is flattering to certain kinds of tricks only.
I usually like a wide open, flat, smooth, hard-packed, medium to fast surface. Currently it's difficult because it's the dead of winter. I've been practicing in my garage which is a very fast surface. I can't wait 'till spring when I can get outside and really stretch out my links.
What kind of surface do you like to compete in Small or Large?
I personally have a lot of long, rolling combos that thrive in a larger arena. All riders need a chance to showcase their talents. A small area is flattering to certain kinds of tricks only.
Do you ride minimal or zero offset forks?
I ride a zero-offset fork. It makes for a more responsive front-wheel style.
What motivated you to remove your brakes?
Before I took off the brakes I was doing mostly rolling stuff anyway. I wanted to continue progressing and become more fluid. Although taking off my brakes was a challenge, I feel it has helped me to progress.
How do you feel about judgement in a Contest?
I think it's so hard to judge flatland. It is so much fun going to contests. There are always so many other positive things to focus on. At times I've been on the other side of the coin and ya gotta take the good with the bad. With flatland it's all good!
I ride a zero-offset fork. It makes for a more responsive front-wheel style.
What motivated you to remove your brakes?
Before I took off the brakes I was doing mostly rolling stuff anyway. I wanted to continue progressing and become more fluid. Although taking off my brakes was a challenge, I feel it has helped me to progress.
How do you feel about judgement in a Contest?
I think it's so hard to judge flatland. It is so much fun going to contests. There are always so many other positive things to focus on. At times I've been on the other side of the coin and ya gotta take the good with the bad. With flatland it's all good!
What drove you to progress so quickly when you took off your brakes?
I wanted to take my riding in a different direction. I was so motivated everyday because it seemed like there was so much new stuff to learn.
Who was the one person that you say inspired you the most?
That would have to be more than one person. When I was young it was Perry Mervar, Steve Mulder, Bill Nitshke and Roman Shiavarelli - because I was much younger and they seemed like pioneers of a fascinating sport. Lately, it has been my flatland peers like Jon Dowker, Bob Walter and Kip Williamson. I ride alone mostly but I have made some great friends in this sport...so many great people..!!
I wanted to take my riding in a different direction. I was so motivated everyday because it seemed like there was so much new stuff to learn.
Who was the one person that you say inspired you the most?
That would have to be more than one person. When I was young it was Perry Mervar, Steve Mulder, Bill Nitshke and Roman Shiavarelli - because I was much younger and they seemed like pioneers of a fascinating sport. Lately, it has been my flatland peers like Jon Dowker, Bob Walter and Kip Williamson. I ride alone mostly but I have made some great friends in this sport...so many great people..!!
| I would love to give special thanks to Andrew for his patience to get this interview on to BMX Freestyler. I also want to send a Shout out to Rodney Williams for helping me put together this interview. |
| Message form BMX Freestyler!!! |
What do you do for a living?
I wait tables at St. Elmo, a 105 year-old steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis. I love food and wine and have been in the restaurant business for over 16 years. This is a great job for me because I work for nice people and I have the freedom to pursue flatland.
I wait tables at St. Elmo, a 105 year-old steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis. I love food and wine and have been in the restaurant business for over 16 years. This is a great job for me because I work for nice people and I have the freedom to pursue flatland.
How old where you when you started to ride?
I started riding when I was 11 years old. Mostly jumping stuff and doing some flatland.
I started riding when I was 11 years old. Mostly jumping stuff and doing some flatland.
What is was your biggest motive to learn Flatland?
My biggest motive for learning flatland was the freedom I felt on my bike and the joy of learning a new trick. It has been an essential and personal part of my life.
My biggest motive for learning flatland was the freedom I felt on my bike and the joy of learning a new trick. It has been an essential and personal part of my life.