Interviews: When I first met Sean (age:41), I was at the Compound in Lake Perris. I noticed this guy doing this huge transfer line from one big box jump to another’s landing. The two ramps where at least 10’ apart and the consequences on not making it were huge! Shortly thereafter, I rolled up next to the guy and the dude had grey hair! Sean, all tatted up on the outside but is one of the nices guys I've met in this sport. Later that day he taught me how to do my first wall ride. Another story, I was at Woodward West with Sean for a session on their trails. Sean had never been there before so he was walking the trails checking them out. Woodward has three main lines. The kid line, the love line and the pro level 25’ gap, big boy line. I noticed he wasn’t even looking at the first two lines; he was sizing up the pro set! Next thing I know, he’s charging it, no warm up on the small stuff! He made it through all of them on his second run.

Click on the image to see how Sean uses his tongue to make small corrections while going huge.Sean rides dirt at a whole different level than I have ever witnessed in the 40+ crowd. He’ll charge pro level dirt jumps without hesitation and what appears to be in a fearless manner. Not because he’s got a death wish, but because he’s got the skill to do it!

That is just half the story; Sean’s son Nick (age:21) is an amazing and hard charging upcoming pro. What amazes me the most, this old man keep up with his boy! I caught up with Sean and here’s a quick interview I did with him.
 
OGWR: How long have you guys been riding?Nick going big, Sean proudly watching.

Sean: Nick has been riding for 13 years and I have been on a bike since I was 5. I got my first real bmx bike at 12 back in 1981.
 
OGWR: Give us your history in the sport of BMX?

Sean: I started racing at age 12 in Tennessee for South Land Bicycle shop. I progressed really fast and moved from beginner to expert within a year. Went on to pick up a co-sponsor from SE Bikes and stayed riding for them until I was 16 yrs old. After that, I wasn’t on a bike much for the next ten years. I started racing again at 28 when I was introducing my son Nick to the sport. That was short lived because I was not enjoying the structure of racing any longer. I had more fun at the trails. That is where my passion is to this day.
 
OGWR: Do you guys have any sponsors or companies you support?

Sean: I enjoy all companies that stand behind BMX progression. Sponsors? We get love from the S&M family and Volume/Demolition. They have been very kind to us and Nick just picked up a clothing sponsor from a Long Beach company called Wreckage Clothing.Nick tail whipping at the Compound

OGWR: Who inspires you to keep riding and progressing at your age?

Sean: My passion for the trails and the love of BMX is where the inspiration comes from. I fell in love with this sport so many years ago.
 
OGWR: How would you describe your style of riding or what type of riding do you enjoy most?

Sean: My style is the praying mantis style… just kidding. All trails for me and I love a good wood park. I’m not stoked on much else. Nick rides everything.
 
OGWR: Sean, you are one of the only 40+ guys I know that is still going after really big dirt jumps. Even throwing back flips on stuff most guys our age wouldn’t even think about jumping. How do you mentally deal with stuff like that?

Sean: Once again, it’s the love and the passion. It makes me focus and it’s also the freedom and the rush that keeps me in focus. Plus I only ride once a week so it keeps me super excited to ride, have fun, and try and stay healthy.
 
Nick at Nasty's Trails in TemeculaOGWR: Your son is an amazing rider! What is it like for you to have a son like that to ride with?

Sean: It’s really exciting for me as a BMX rider and dad to watch my son’s progression. Riding with him is a blast! We have our good days and bad days like everyone else but overall its a wonderful experience that I am blessed to have. Filming with him or running a line at the trails together is a really cool thing for me and that really helps him and I stay close.

OGWR: Nick, your dad blows my mind! What is it like for you to have a dad like that to ride with?

Nick: Having a Dad that rides BMX is AWESOME! When we are running a line at the trails, whether I'm in the back or the front, it’s the craziest feeling in the world, but a good one for sure. He’s always been there to support me and guide me. I am so blessed because he’s been the best teacher, role model, fellow rider and father. I’m so lucky and grateful for all the time we get to spend together! 

Thanks Sean and Nick for your time. You are truly both an inspiration to many!

- Jon Faure