Matthew Dyer
Mike Duck
Jonathan Morgan
What’s the Average age of the crew?
MATTHEW – Most of the crew are in the mid/ late 40’s bracket though to 50 though we do have a fair few in their 30’s .
So how did the whole over 40s scene in Cardiff get started?
MATTHEW – It’s helped that Rampworld opened up back in 2014 and over the years quite a few riders have taken their kids there to skate or scoot and realised they’d like to get back on the steed and have a little fun on the bike with their kids.
Monthly Over 30’s nights began and it was a time to ride without their kids for many and push themselves a little more in the right company with old friends. And from there the scene has evolved.
MIKE – After a few month I created the “ over 40s” facebook page to see if there were more riders out there. I was shocked how many were hiding away locally. The site just grew and grew and so did our Wednesday nights and Road Trips.
How many riders would you say are regulars in the crew?
MATTHEW – It can vary how many ride regularly depending on the time of year and work but I’d say at least 8 – 12 will regularly ride together on a Wed night 8 til 10pm.
Summer also sees some street sessions too in an evening or weekend if the weather is too good to waste.
Have you been surprised by how the scene has developed and grown?
JONATHAN – Yea, it’s amazing and we keep seeing new faces all the time, we’re really lucky to be part of this.
MIKE – Im shocked if I’m honest with you, especially riders who haven’t ridden since the 80’s. Theres lots of dads who go to Rampworld to watch their kids. When they see us or hear about us they get a bike and join us. It’s superb.
MATTHEW – It has taken us by surprise how much our scene has grown and is well regarded by many….As well as South Wales we also have regulars to the crew from Bristol, Weston Super Mare etc such as Seb, Dean , Scotty, Scary Boy since the closure of Motion and they are very much part of our crew these days .
People are really drawn to riding with you guys. What do you think it is that makes the scene so appealing?
MIKE – No pressure. We don’t care what riding ability you have. We’re all an easy going bunch of guys who enjoy helping each other whether its fixing the bike or helping to develop their riding skills or tricks. We just have fun.
JONATHAN – You quickly get to know what moves people are capable of and sometimes the biggest cheer of the session may go for a trick some riders may think is easy or basic but for someone getting back into riding – a “pop out” for example is massive for them. We recognise this, give them encouragement and celebrate the success!
MATTHEW – Having a few decent parks to ride certainly does help but the main thing is the camaraderie and respect we have for each other. Sure we have a little friendly banter which can sometimes spur you on to try things out of their comfort zone but everyone is stoked when something new is learnt and you get congratulated. That can go a long way especially for newbie’s or those who haven’t ridden for 20 plus years. Plus we have the Medal of Honour which goes to the rider who tried their best that night regardless of ability. Riders get stoked to take that home for a week.
Are most of the riders in the crew New Starters, Comeback Kings or riders who’ve never really stopped?
MATTHEW – Personally I’ve never stopped riding but most of the crew have at some stage. We have so many Comeback Kings and they get that buzz back that used to fuel them back in their heyday and is great to watch. We do get quite a few New Starters from time to time and we all help em out with little pointers to benefit their progress and include them with any event invites , private sessions etc so everyone is equal.
Where do you all ride?
MIKE – Mostly at Rampworld as local and indoors but we do try to mix it up. We often attend Spit and Sawdust, Ashmore plus various outdoor parks around the city and a few of us also do street.
Do you think you’d ride as much if you didn’t have such a great scene of people to ride with?
JONATHAN – No. I’ve made so many new friendships over the last few years it’s been unbelievable. Even when I’m injured I’ve still turned up on a Wednesday night for the social side of things.
How do you guys fit riding in with work/life/family/whatever?
MIKE – Not many people know about my private life but I have disabled twin boys who are 8 years old. Sometimes it’s hard to find time and energy to ride, but riding is my escape from real life, it’s my therapy.
JONATHAN – It is quite a challenge to fit riding into a busy family and work schedule but my wife is just amazing and she always supports my riding. I’ll work out with her what’s fair and then once it gets written on the kitchen calendar – It’s on and I’m going!
How do you personally approach riding? Are you always looking to progress or are you happy with the trick bag you have?
MIKE – Im always trying to progress my riding in all areas. I love chasing a new trick. Mike O’Connell is always pushing me and giving me new tricks / challenges which I need and love.
JONATHAN – Progression, progression, progression. I just love the buzz of learning something new and the buzz of helping someone else too. Yes there is still a bag of go-to tricks I enjoy – but nothing beats that feeling when you accomplish something new. There’s so much to learn!
MATTHEW – I’m quite content with some of the tricks I can still do ( on flatland , small ramp nibbling, etc ) but I know I should push myself a bit harder to learn a few more and there are some tricks I want to pull before I get my Zimmer frame.
Some tricks I’ve left behind mostly from my ramp riding days and knowing I’ve done them is enough. Some documented, some not. Enjoyed the battles and frustration trying to get the reward, except for the countless hospital trips over the years. I don’t miss them.
Does riding with such a great crew help you progress and stay motivated to ride?
MIKE – Definitely. We all support each other what ever trick your trying to pull. We all share tips, support, encouragement. When the trick is pulled we all go mad as if we all did it, we all put a little something to each trick.
JONATHAN – Without doubt riding with my peers has a massive effect on me. I learned a new move last session thanks to their encouragement and tips. It may just be a comment like “keep your weight forward” or “spin a bit slower” that makes all the difference in overcoming a trick you’re finding difficult. This then motivates you to try more moves and going bigger and better.
Whats the story for you personally with injuries now that you’re an older dude?
MIKE – Ive broken so many bones over the years but most in the 90’s. Ive broken both my wrists twice, foot, ankles, pelvis, ribs, back, hand, fingers and nose. These days I take it a lot easier.
MATTHEW – I knackered my knee up on a 360 tailwhip jump at Skate Extreme , Newport back in 2001 and the injury still lingers on. Never had surgery on it at the time but I know it definitely needs it 19 years on. Torn ACL , torn / destroyed cartilage so I got a floppy leg that pops out of the knee joint. I always strap it up to ride so it limits the forward movement. Ankles I’ve wrecked with numerous bouts in plaster and fractures/ sprains (ramps again) so depending on what tricks I’m working on I may put ankle supports on (double decades etc) .
Got hit off my bike by a van in late 90’s and suffered compressed spinal fractures but luckily made a full recovery and have had no back trouble whatsoever since. Think I got lucky there as so many riders have to quit due to their back pain from years hunched over the bike, mostly it’s just a throbbing knee after a good session and probably the odd bruise. ( I did count 32 bruises on my legs from 2 days of flatland riding a while back ….) Ha.
Do you always pad up?
JONATHAN – Yea, after a few initial injuries that took an age to heal it’s protection all the way for me. Thick soled skate shoes, shin guards, knee pads, hip/bum padded shorts, elbows and always a helmet. Couldn’t give a dam how I look. Being injured and not able to ride because of a knock that could have been avoided by wearing pads – totally does my head in!
MATTHEW – I wear a sports knee support on my bad knee and just some thin neoprene knee supports from the Poundshop on my shins and other knee . Sometimes ankle supports too depending on what tricks or if I’m feeling a bit fragile. Stormtrooper flatland. Ha. Helmet too if I’m ever doing demos.
Do you or any of the group do any exercise or stretching to help with BMX fitness and/or injury prevention?
MIKE – Yeah. I always do some little stretches and push ups before any ride. Every Wednesday before Rampworld I ride street for an hour so this gets me warmed up good.
The crew has done some amazing road trips over the last few years. Which one has been your favourite and why?
MIKE – It will always be The Ride On – 3ft and Rising. The atmosphere is incredible. We go every year.
JONATHAN – I have loved all the Ride-On events that gave me the experience of riding new parks around the country. One of the best “over 40’s” road trips was last year when we went to Corby and then Flo because we had such a great turnout, awesome riding and a mega laugh.
However my favourite road trip was the Ride-On Manchester weekender last year – getting to ride Greyskull, Warrington, Boneyard, Irlam and Ramp 1 over the 3 days was an absolute blast. I could hardly hold my grips by the end of it – so many great memories from that one, cheers Neil.
MATTHEW – Roadtrips are always brilliant fun. One of the best things you can do in Bmx.
Riding and the social side of things really forge that bond with others…I always look forward to the Ride On year end Jam at Flo. Plenty of riding going down, social catch ups and the hotel bar take over at the Village Hotel.
Ride On 3 feet High and Rising 2018 rocked as so many were staying in the hotel so it was a brilliant night as we took over the bar til around 3am talking bmx and shit.
Every roadtrip also has it’s funny moments – some things you just can’t make up and these classic memories can last forever.
Does the crew hang out outside of bmx? Do you have a social side to cardiff over 40’s bmx?
MATTHEW – Most Wed nights after a Rampworld session we’ll pop to the Deri Inn for a pint and a chinwag, same with our private hires – we’ll try and get a pint afterwards . Not everyone can make it all the time but it’s good to have a social side to the Cardiff Over 40’s , even if just an hour a week in the pub after a session.
What’s next for you?
MIKE – I just hope our club keeps going, we keep having fun and it doesn’t get to serious.
JONATHAN – I’m just hoping I can stay fit and well to enjoy riding through my 50’s. Keep progressing.
MATTHEW – As long as can ride I will. I still get a good buzz from good days on the bike. If I can’t and my body starts giving up on me I like to think I’d still carry on capturing the Welsh bmx scene with the cameras.
Any last words? –
JONATHAN – Big respect to Neil & Co for everything ride-on. Big up to all my BMX family and friends – you rock! Big love to Catherine, Rowan and Hannah – you are my world xxx
MATTHEW – Thanks to everyone that has helped me in any way over the last 35 years .
Thanks to my wife Sam for putting up with everything I do with regards to the bikes and the time I spend involved in bmx and photo editing/ video editing. She’s a very patient woman.
Bmx has enriched my life and I’ve made countless friends for life because of it.
Because of bmx I started videomaking and filming.
Because of bmx I started taking photos.
Lots of little bonuses along the way like writing Welshside for Ride Uk bmx mag .
Did a few little riding segments for local tv.
Enjoyed doing them all.
Remember.
A bmx is for life. Not just for Christmas.