Ride On Hero
Bruce Schellinger
Nothing gets us more stoked at Ride on than a post from the mysterious Bruce Schellinger. His solo dirt jumping sessions and mag wheels are instantly recognisable.
So we dropped him a line to find out what the deal was with those huge gaps and swamp based quarter pipes.
Check out his interview below in the first ever “Ride On Heroes” interview.
Age?
52
Never stopped, New Starter or Comeback King?
Started in early 70’s and continued into the early 90’s before. I was mainly a ramp rider and competed in the AFA Florida state series for a couple of years. Then I got married and took a break during that time until I got divorced and started riding trials around 32 to 35.Took another break then began trials riding and went into mountain biking at 40. I got back into BMX at 47.
Bike?
I have several different frames I throw together from time to time but my go to now is a custom built frame from Stout Bikes out of Texas. Its a mix between a park bike and race bike. 14MM drop outs, V brakes and I can run a 44t sprocket with 2.4 wide tires. Love this thing!
Why the hell would you want to ride that?
I have always wanted my own custom bike built my way that suited my style and likes. So glad I did.
Like most of us older guys I feel more comfortable and in control with a longer wheel base/longer chain stays and top tube. I also find V brakes work great on Tuff Wheels that I love the look of along with being able to have more sprocket size choices. I’m definitely unconventional when it comes to bike parts and looks. I don’t like following the crowd so I ride what I like and the way I like.
Where do you ride?
I mainly ride portable wood jumps. I have a local spot that I can get to quick after work where I can set up any size gaps I want. It sreally the easiest and quickest way to get a ride in and I can set up whatever size gaps I like. I’m also working on an 8ft wide 8ft tall quarter with a roll in at one end. like the Camarillo ramp from back I the day.
Do you mostly Ride Solo or in a crew?
Mostly solo.
I have no issues riding solo. It may not be the safest but that doesn’t stop my from pushing myself. I certainly don’t want to get hurt seriously at my spot in the woods by myself but I’m not afraid of it happening. I always place my phone about ten feet away from the landing so if I do get hurt bad I can crawl over to it to call for help LOL There are a few locals guys in their forties I ride with on occasion but scheduling time were we are all available due to work etc. makes it harder to meet up for a quick session.
How do you fit riding in with work/life/family/whatever?
Luckily I now have an awesome girlfriend that supports me 100% and rides bikes a well. I also get out of work early and my spot is 10 minutes from work so I get enough time to hit some jumps after work so that’s mainly when I ride.
How long can you go on for?
Being in Florida the summer heat and humidity is brutal so I can push through about an hour and half but in the winters where it’s almost always in the 70’s three or for hours easy.
How do you approach riding? Are you always looking to progress or are you happy with the trick bag you have?
I am never content with were I am in my riding. I always want to go higher, farther and pull some new variation. Old school/mid school tricks are still my favorites, limbless variations and boosting high. Mat Hoffman and Chad Herrington are my favorite riders and I still watch Ride On and Head First for inspiration.
What’s the story for you and injuries now that you’re an older dude?
I have sustained more and aggravated old injuries since coming back to BMX. Mainly torn tendons and ligments in the hips, knees and ankles. That being said I do push harder than I used to so crashing happens every few sessions but 99% of the time I walk way injury free. Its the stupid little falls that usually get me.
I’m not the type to run go under the knife if wearing a brace when I ride will do the trick for now.
Do you always pad up?
I always do. One good injury can lay you up for months so reducing the risk is well worth it to me. I wear heavy duty plastic hinged ankle braces, MX knee braces, gloves and a full face helmet. I’ll throw elbow pads on when riding quarters.
Do you do any exercise or stretching to help with BMX fitness and/or injury prevention?
Never stretch. Try to eat halfway decent. I do some lifting and still mountain bike which helps a lot.
Do you sometimes struggle for motivation to get out and ride?
Not really. I feel like I did in my younger years, always thinking of riding and going bigger. When my body is hurting, stiff and aching riding loosens me right up an the pain goes away until later when i’m sleeping. Pain seems to always come at night LOL
What about Eating and Booze? Do you try to watch these so you can keep on riding BMX?
I’m not a drinker so no issues there but my weight goes up and down season to season though its getting harder to shed the extra with every year I get older. I definitely ride and feel better when at a low body weight and eating healthy.
What do you miss about the BMX scene of times gone by?
Tuff Wheels, big sprockets, chest protectors and high seat posts!!
I guess the biggest thing I miss would be the rawness of riding back then. You can see it in old vids. Jumps didn’t need to be buttery smooth with near vertical landings to be fun. No one I knew judged what you rode and tried to tell you how to ride. You just rode and had fun.
What’s next for you?
I’m injured right now (sprained right ankle and left hip flexors) so I’m finishing up the plans for my backyard old school quarter pipe which back in the day would be called a vert ramp. I’m excited to get back to it! also, keep on keepin’ on until I cant keep on no more.
Do you get support for your riding from your Wife/kids/partner/workmates/whatever?
I have an awesome girlfried hat supports me 100% and she rides bikes as well. I do get the typical comments from those who don’t ride “it’s time to slow down?”, “Why would you want to do that?”, “aren’t you too old for that?” None of that discourages me or slows me down. I still show up to work with my ramps hanging out of the truck and limping into the office because of a crash.
Any last words?
As long you have the passion and desire to ride keep at it. Don’t let others convince you it’s time to hang it up. I still get great satisfaction from riding and will always be into getting rad!