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(Click any image to see our Kelly Bolton Photo Album)
Photos/Interview: Sam Adams
<Click this to see Kelly's Vital BMX Profile.>
Over the past year, Kelly Bolton has been blowing up in the BMX world, and with good reason. Sam Adams recently caught up with Kelly to get some great photos and the following interview.
So let's starts with some basics; what's your name, age, and where are you from?
My name is Kelly Bolton, just turned 21, from Venice Beach, CA.
How long have you been riding?
My dad started me off riding when I was like three, I think (laughs). So I’ve had lots of time on my bike.
What is your favorite place to ride?
I have to say my favorite place is Mission Valley skatepark. That place is amazing and is totally bike-oriented. Barcelona street is amazing—I just got back to the U.S. from Barcelona and I would see a spot to ride and think to myself, "Why would anyone ever build such a thing so good for riding?"
You work at a skatepark; how is that treating you?
Yeah, I started working at the Santa Monica skatepark about one year ago. Besides the fact of being in the heart of Dogtown and having the O.G. Dogtown 70s gnar-border's come and give me a hard time… It's amazing that I get paid to sit at a place that I ride and love being at.
Do you think it helps your riding?
Well I don't get to ride while I work and we have bike/skate sessions, so it's not like I have any more time than anyone else that rides the place. The one thing I get to do is look at the park all day and figure out new lines.
You already mentioned this, but you just got back from a trip to Spain. How did that go?
The trip was for Odessa Footwear and it was absolutely nuts. Such good spots and nobody kicks you out. A few famous spots have gotten torn down already so I had a few plans that got ruined when I found out. The Odessa UK team is really good. I was super-impressed with all those guys. Josh Bedford...wild.
How do your parents feel about riding being your life?
My mom is really happy. She supports me 110% and always goes online and looks for the news and coverage I get. Hi mom—I know you're reading this (laughs).
Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy doing other than riding?
I’m really into graphic design. I've been creating some new T-shirts for Eastern Bikes and just did an ad for the UK mags. I'm working with Brian Purdy on some things for his new film, “F-This-S.” I like music a lot and play the acoustic guitar.
Do you see that hobby possibly leading to something more, later in life?
It basically already has begun. I've been making extra money on the side for graphic design and if people like the stuff I create then I think I’ll definitely have a future doing that.
Any one you would like to thank?
My mom for supporting me even when I knew she didn't want to, my girlfriend, Leigh at Eastern, Adam Banton, Olly at Odessa, you, Trevor Gonzales, Brian Purdy, and anyone else that has made my life what it is.
