Robert Ridge – 40 y/o – Bridport, UK

OGWR: How may years have you been riding?

Rob: Since 1982 - 29 yrs

OGWR: Give us your history in the sport of BMX?

Rob: Inspired by the film ET, started to learn flatland as it was being invented. By the early 90s had also become interested in riding street and ramps and also in refining my bikes, modifying stuff to cope better with the increasing demands put on bikes/components. Never did too good at contests, consider myself to be a “nearly” guy that to this day lacks consistency. Particularly inspired by technical mini ramp riding since the early 90’s (inspiration coming from Kurt Schmidt, Rick Moliterno, Jay Miron, Dennis McCoy, Rob Noli, Dave Osato, Dave Fremuth & others). Looking back, feel that my riding was only really worth observing from the late 90s after many years of determination & trying. I always enjoyed riding but again to this day it takes me a long time to learn stuff. Also from the mid 90s got interested in filming & editing & made a few videos/DVDs on the way. Since 1999 have also run an indoor Skatepark (“The Trick Factory”) in my hometown. Apart from providing a facility for others to use, it allowed me to further progress with my riding to a point where I had the opportunity to make some of the tricks/moves I had thought up become reality.

OGWR: Do you have any sponsors or companies you support?

Rob: Standard Byke Company since 05’ I don’t look out for hook ups and am happy to pay my way, I work as a gas engineer by day & enjoy my work and would rather see companies give stuff to riders who may not be as fortunate as myself. It says a lot about Rick (Moliterno) that back in 05’ I wanted to build the bike of my choice (I so wanted a Bullit frame) so went about paying for one & Rick just gave it to me & has helped out ever since. I have used (& recommend) Ipath shoes for the last 9yrs, I have had great service from Standard/Goodtimes, Flatland Fuel & Master Blaster Planet (US) and here in England Zeal distribution & The Lab helps me out and I would also put a good word in for Mason/Custom Riders, Lifer BMX, Green Machine & Hobson Cycles.

OGWR: What do you ride? – Give us a basic bike check.

Rob: A bike that is capable of most aspects of riding so that means 2 brakes, 4 pegs and a decent sized seatpost. A bike that is light but not to the detriment of strength.

OGWR: What type of riding do you enjoy most?

Rob: Park/mini ramp/street spine (but still love flatland & street)

OGWR: What are your favorite places to ride?

Rob: My own park & anywhere local to me.

OGWR: Are there any riders out there that really inspire you?

Rob: The aforementioned and also Tobias Wicke and Clint Miller. Chase Gouin is my all time favorite flatlander and whilst on the subject of flat Efraim Catlow for his riding and what he has achieved and put into the sport. I do of course respect most who ride but as my choices and bike set ups suggest I am a creature from a past era and am mostly happy to be that way.

OGWR: How do you stay motivated and keep riding at your age?

Rob: I think it gets harder. My motives are to stay fit/healthy and to still try to be original in my own little riding sphere. When I used to watch Props more avidly it was always the guys (aforementioned riders) that would fire something out that was a little technical & different that would get me reaching for the remote to rewind the vhs tape to watch it over, that sort of “whoa - what was that?” feeling. When I set out to film something different & difficult I hope it has the same effect on others (my own video criteria these days is that if I can pull something consistently, it probably isn’t worth filming).

OGWR: How do you deal with the fear of getting hurt?

Rob: I don’t mind admitting the fear is getting to me these days. For me its what gets in the way of learning risky stuff, knowing that to learn any big moves you will probably have to take a few hits and that the “get out of jail cards” are running out

OGWR: What do you do to keep yourself progressing in your bike skills?

Rob: I try to ride as often as I can. I aspire to ride every day though its more like every other day (and then it might only be short bursts) but to ride as often as possible keeps the familiarity and confidence there.

OGWR: What do you do that’s positive for the sport of BMX?

Rob: I like all the aspects of BMX I am involved with and I guess because I spread myself pretty thin it always leaves me hungry. There is not enough hours in the day to ride park, street & flat, build/maintain ramps, noodle around in the workshop, fix bikes, design/modify components, trawl ebay for rare parts, film & edit, work a day job, keep the house tidy, feed the cat and spend time with my girlfriend. I enjoy most of what I do and hope I can do it for as long as I can.

OGWR: Anything else you would like to tell us?

Rob: Just thanks to all I have shared good times with and those that have helped over the years. I like to think of myself as a person who tries their best and achieves stuff through determination & sweat rather than raw talent.

If you haven't seen Rob's latest videos, Check them out here: Rob Ridge Power Hour and Rob Ridge's Mid Life Crisis

- Jon Faure / jon@oldguyswhoride.com