I know loads of guys that finish work, go home, slouch on the sofa and then get up next day and do the same, I couldn’t be that person.
Neil Porteous
WINGNUT
Age?
50, just…..
Location?
As close to Unit 23 (Dumbarton, Scotland)) as anyone would like to be, just 5 miles away, my good friend and probably the raddest kid in UK BMX Kriss Kyle is just 2 doors away, Old Kilpatrick is the place to be.
Never stopped, New Starter or Comeback King?
I gave up riding, (mainly racing in Falkirk and Danderhall) in 1982 after just 2 years of riding, the scene then was moved over to Break Dancing and my BMX mates all changed to this as it was cool to be involved in (and we were hitting the age of girls on the scene).
Riding a bike took a 10 year break …BMX came back to me in such a strange way, I was out one day in 2005 with my family. My son, just over 2 years old, was on the back of my MTB in a child seat. We rode along the local cycle path and after 12 miles I found myself in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, not knowing they had re-built a new skatepark there.
I couldn’t believe it, my son got chucked off my MTB, his seat got removed and I was immediately smiling and rolling the transitions, bricking every minute but also loving the thrill of it, …I went back in the car to the local bike store and bought a Haro F2, 2 brakes, 4 pegs, shiny as f@ck bright red, I was in heaven, that’s the history, the rest is just awesome times.
How has starting riding again in mid-life changed you?
When I started back at 36 I honestly had no idea that 14 years later I would still be back on it. My daughter was 7, and my son was 2, I just had a wee notion to try it again and assumed it would be a rare occasion…..despite a few early injuries I stuck with it, I have met some amazing people and had such good time mixing with these guys, it also made me appreciate the time out of work I have, and get to enjoy it.
I see it as a new way of life and getting out and rolling when I can is awesome, I know loads of guys that finish work, go home, slouch on the sofa and then get up next day and do the same, I couldn’t be that person.
Bike?
I now ride a BSD Passenger. My bike is set up mainly for ramp and park riding as that’s what I do, the Passenger geometry is perfect for that with a low BB which I’m told is more stable for my type of riding. I ride a 21.1” frame and run it brakeless. I think it’s really an all round frame, the back end isn’t super short, mine is set about 13.5”
Where do you ride?
Unit 23 Skatepark, I love it, the variety of sections and areas to ride is incredible, I do take some stick for not wanting to ride too far from my local, but it has everything any BMX’r could want.
However, that said, I do like to ride other parks, notably Shred Indoor in Ayr, the two guys David and Craig, that run that park are great guys…..my favourite outdoor park is Evolution in Stevenston, Ayrshire, again lots of options, I am not a tech or street rider, more of a transition or hip lover.
Do you mostly Ride Solo or in a crew?
Park riding in Scotland is a decreasing vibe, the street scene is becoming more relevant, I am not a street rider…. the guys I ride with are much the older group, that said, I have no problem riding with the local guys despite the age gap, and even more so, I get encouraged and supported by these guys, I get the buzz.
I have found myself riding solo on several occasions, but I can pretty much rely on Hugh Ducat AKA Shug to ride with me, I get encouraged by any of the RO guys saying they are heading to Scotland and I always try to get time to ride with them, I am very grateful to RO for the chat and feedback from other riders, and because of that chat, I have met so many rad guys through riding BMX,
How do you fit riding in with work/life/family/whatever?
I work in retail and this prevents me from riding weekend daytimes when the other guys are not working so I try to fit in riding BMX at nights where I can. I ride MTB during week days if I am on my own just to keep my fitness up, my kids are at an age where they are not dependent on me and vice versa, and my wife works shifts so we just work out where and when I can ride.
How long can you go on for?
I am pretty fit as regularly play Ice Hockey, I also run 3 or 4 times a week, so when it comes to riding I could spend a whole day if I wanted to, but most sessions are about 3 hours, within that time I don’t want to sit chatting, I just want get rolling, and if there’s a challenge I always consider if its something for me.
Are you always looking to progress or are you happy with the trick bag you have?
I have my regular tricks and ramps I love to do and ride, but at the same time, I am always up for a new opportunity to progress, I hate age being a factor but it does mentally challenge you.
Whats the story for you and injuries now that you’re an older dude?
I am not really fussed about getting injured, its part of the game, I am of the opinion it’s going to happen at some point, I accept that, I have had a few. I missed out of riding the 2009 BSD Jam at Unit 23 because I broke my wrist after not finishing a 360 over the box jump in Hall 1, I spent a night in hospital after knocking myself out in February 2017, that was probably the worst one as it shook up a few people, mainly my wife, but as I have said, it happens, and I am sure, it will again.
Do you always pad up?
Strangely enough, I have never hurt or damaged my knee’s, I put that down to always riding with knee pads on. I now actually don’t like even getting on a bike without them on, I wore elbows for a while but as I got more comfortable riding I decided to stop.… I will never ride without wearing helmet, after knocking myself out and that was with me wearing my lid, I just won’t ride without it
Do you do any exercise or stretching to help with BMX fitness and/or injury prevention?
I exercise regularly but don’t do it for the sake of riding BMX, I like the buzz of achievement, when I get to skatepark, I am already ready to go, don’t need to stretch it out,
What about Eating and Booze? Do you try to watch these so you can keep on riding BMX?
I don’t hammer shitty food, I am pretty good at eating, I have managed to lose just under 2 stone in the last 18 months, I used to eat rubbish every day….now, during the day I drink loads of water, and snack on rice crackers and less fatty foods.
What’s next for you?
I ride with BMX and MTB with Kriss Kyle, I have recently spent time away with him, Matty Lambert, Chaz Mailey and Alex Donnachie, Kriss was shooting new clips for a MTB sponsorship, I want to continue riding BMX for as long as I can and of course I want to ride with my mates, as we get older the challenge or commitment to ride gets harder, I cant see a plan to stop riding BMX anytime soon, I still have the same passion and enthusiasm to ride now as I did back in 2005, that said I am bit wiser as the bones and muscles don’t deal with the knocks the same way as they did then
Do you get support for your riding from your Wife/kids/partner/workmates/whatever?
Wife, she is cool with it, just worried I get injured……again,
21 year old daughter, doesn’t really care, as long as I can keep subbing her when she is skint,
16 year old son, probably embarrassed as his dad rides BMX, he is obviously mistaken that I give a F*#K
Work mates love it and ask for regular updates, where as the boss sees it slightly differently
Any last words?
I am all for anyone that wants to ride, I watch loads of clips on RO and there are many levels of ability….I accept and love anyone still riding later in life regardless of ability, it doesn’t matter if the trick they are doing is “basic” in your head, its a big deal to them and the fact they are sharing means they are stoked on that effort and completion, that’s a big plus for me.
I really need to mention Chick Mailey, owner and great guy at Unit 23 Skatepark, lets me ride the park regularly out of hours, if anyone knows Chick they will agree probably the most laid back guy there is, doesn’t get too fussed about much and always happy to look after people visiting his park