Colin Mackay Q&A

When (if ever) did you formally make the transition from pro rider to BMX businessman? Do you plan on competing at all anymore in the future?

Have you ever been to Canada for riding ?

How was it making it into bmx plus?

Hands down, most crazy thing you've done on a bike?

Colin,

Throughout the transition of "bmx videos" over the past 20-30 years, videos have gotten shorter and shorter. Nowadays, a single clip is more of a norm than a full length video. In your position, I'm sure you see loads of videos that were filmed and edited in the same day, with the sole purpose of seeking a sponsorship.

So, I have two questions:

Do you feel that sometimes people lack an all around passion for bmx as a hobby and only ride to get likes, followers, shout-outs, sponsorships, etc?

Where do you see "edits" in 10 years from now?

Thanks,

Casey

kylecarlson wrote:

When (if ever) did you formally make the transition from pro rider to BMX businessman? Do you plan on competing at all anymore ...more

kylecarlson wrote:

When (if ever) did you formally make the transition from pro rider to BMX businessman? Do you plan on competing at all anymore in the future?

...more

Good morning Kyle,

I haven't stopped being a Pro. I'm more of a role model hopefully these days. I may fire up again one day. I took it back a gear a couple years ago though. I had a pretty good average at getting hurt at comps if I tried so I got over going for it. Mostly because day-to-day I didn't practice the moves I would do at comps. I didn't really like doing those moves I had to do to try and make the final! Years ago my riding did better at comps. Lines, not so burly moves. These days its about wild tricks and that's not my specialty. I have way more fun now that I got competing out of my head.

I haven't ever thought, "Well time to move on from BMX" I just seem to be busier with Vans and Haro each year and I do enjoy talking about other people (Social media) rather than myself.

I do appreciate the comps and times of the Pro life years back. I was very lucky to be looked after by many companies. I'll never be looking to get more out of it. I never imagined coming to America for real let alone spend the last 15 years here. I'm honored to still be in the scene even after the Pro days, working with great companies full of history like Vans and Premium and Haro. Not to mention getting to work with the amazing riders on those teams.

I'll still compete if it's fun. Last year I rode in the US Open and ECSC Vans comp. I'm pretty busy shooting the event too, and I probably ride worse than If I just went to ride, but I just ride like I do daily and It's fun for me.

Cheers.

eskimojay wrote:

Have you ever been to Canada for riding ?

eskimojay wrote:

Have you ever been to Canada for riding ?

...more

I have a few times. Vancouver I stayed with Osato back in 1999 for a couple weeks, we hit all the parks and spots. I went to Elevation and Metro Jam's back in 2005 in Vancouver. I rode the Toronto Metro back in 2006.

Also I did a demo on Canada day in about 2007/8 in Montreal. That was insane.

I just took the Premium team to Montreal last year. I love Canada for sure, in fact at school I remember we could choose any country in the world to do a project on and I chose Canada!

Thanks man....

With so many riders being dropped from teams in the past few years, and not nearly as many being picked up, what do you think this means for the future? Also do you predict the contest scenes such as dew tour and x games BMX events will continue to shrink in popularity and what would it take to bring them back?

biggybuggy wrote:

How was it making it into bmx plus?

Hands down, most crazy thing you've done on a bike?

biggybuggy wrote:

How was it making it into bmx plus?

Hands down, most crazy thing you've done on a bike?

...more

BMX Plus! is sweet. I would ride to the newsagency that was like 30 minutes away as a teenager to get that mag. It had a big impact on me getting into BMX for sure. I've gotten a few pics in there over the year, also some of my own photo's I've shot.

Most crazy thing? Maybe the wallride to whip in my first Vans ad in late 2005. I went to this spot so casual and confident and after a few tries it was eating me up. I ripped my face and arm a part enough to call it a day. Then the guy who shot the pics showed Vans and they said it make a great ad, so I went back a week later for round two! I rolled my ankle so bad after a couple tries and had one last shot in me before the pain and swelling took over. I kicked it again and rode away a little sketchy but I got it. My ankle was stuffed for a month after it. Got a cool Welcome to Vans ad though!

Thanks man...

caseyjsmith wrote:

Colin,

Throughout the transition of "bmx videos" over the past 20-30 years, videos have gotten shorter and shorter. Nowadays, ...more

caseyjsmith wrote:

Colin,

Throughout the transition of "bmx videos" over the past 20-30 years, videos have gotten shorter and shorter. Nowadays, a single clip is more of a norm than a full length video. In your position, I'm sure you see loads of videos that were filmed and edited in the same day, with the sole purpose of seeking a sponsorship.

So, I have two questions:

Do you feel that sometimes people lack an all around passion for bmx as a hobby and only ride to get likes, followers, shout-outs, sponsorships, etc?

Where do you see "edits" in 10 years from now?

Thanks,

Casey

...more

Hey Casey,

Modern day BMX is insane. The level, what's required socially and amount of riders that can do crazy moves really easily it's crazy!

Like I said in my last reply, As an up and comer I would ride to the newsagency to get BMX Plus! once a month to read the news and see some pics to be inspired. These days kids can see what their favorite Pro is doing daily!

The BMX passion is in me, because of how I grew up. I think it's in the kids today, it's just different.

Edit's, are already getting crazy. 15 second Insta edits or dropping a crazy clip on instagram on a tiny screen is pretty normal already. It blows my mind, but if Pro's don't do it, they're slipping behind. Who knows what the future will bring. I'm sure more social media outlets. I'm glad I lived and rode in the era I did. 92- on. I'm so thankful. BMX video's on cassette tapes, rumors of tricks pulled and BMX felt unique at school, no one knew about it.

Cheers.

Colin.
Whats stronger, your bike or your jawline?
Thoughts on scootering ?

caseyjsmith wrote:

Colin,

Throughout the transition of "bmx videos" over the past 20-30 years, videos have gotten shorter and shorter. Nowadays, ...more

caseyjsmith wrote:

Colin,

Throughout the transition of "bmx videos" over the past 20-30 years, videos have gotten shorter and shorter. Nowadays, a single clip is more of a norm than a full length video. In your position, I'm sure you see loads of videos that were filmed and edited in the same day, with the sole purpose of seeking a sponsorship.

So, I have two questions:

Do you feel that sometimes people lack an all around passion for bmx as a hobby and only ride to get likes, followers, shout-outs, sponsorships, etc?

Where do you see "edits" in 10 years from now?

Thanks,

Casey

...more

Colin Mackay wrote:

Hey Casey,

Modern day BMX is insane. The level, what's required socially and amount of riders that can do crazy moves really ...more

Colin Mackay wrote:

Hey Casey,

Modern day BMX is insane. The level, what's required socially and amount of riders that can do crazy moves really easily it's crazy!

Like I said in my last reply, As an up and comer I would ride to the newsagency to get BMX Plus! once a month to read the news and see some pics to be inspired. These days kids can see what their favorite Pro is doing daily!

The BMX passion is in me, because of how I grew up. I think it's in the kids today, it's just different.

Edit's, are already getting crazy. 15 second Insta edits or dropping a crazy clip on instagram on a tiny screen is pretty normal already. It blows my mind, but if Pro's don't do it, they're slipping behind. Who knows what the future will bring. I'm sure more social media outlets. I'm glad I lived and rode in the era I did. 92- on. I'm so thankful. BMX video's on cassette tapes, rumors of tricks pulled and BMX felt unique at school, no one knew about it.

Cheers.

...more

I'm super glad someone else agrees with me on Instagram ruining the surprise on videos. Do you encourage your team riders to hold back in that sense with social media to help build hype and encourage people to watch full videos?

liebbmx wrote:

With so many riders being dropped from teams in the past few years, and not nearly as many being picked up, what do you think ...more

liebbmx wrote:

With so many riders being dropped from teams in the past few years, and not nearly as many being picked up, what do you think this means for the future? Also do you predict the contest scenes such as dew tour and x games BMX events will continue to shrink in popularity and what would it take to bring them back?

...more

Yes it's a rough topic when a company makes cut backs, it's rarely the riders fault but the company must adjust with the times. Business is business. It bums me out when kids go off that the company made a bad decision dropping so and so, but it usually almost always isn't personal. Pro riders get paid, some quite well! A company has to make moves sometimes... Sucks letting friends go, at the end of the day they should still be your friend.

There's just so many bike companies these days all taking a piece of the pie, and that piece is smaller than a few years ago. Hopefully for Haro and Premium, kids support us and know we're doing the best we can and having a good time along the way. Both teams are stacked still and new products are on the way. We're excited for the future.

Dew and X are shrinking. They pay the riders well and there's great catering and medical staff but it's a bit of a show. Unfortunately a few years ago MMA and Moto sports killed our BMX ratings and the TV networks slowly care less. It's not our fault, it's the armchair sportsfan watching that has no clue what a switch whip is.

I've always loved comps like Rebel Jam, Roots, The Worlds comps from the early 2000's, Metro Jams. Just raw BMX!

The US Open Van Doren Invitational and Texas Toast is about the best US comps these days in USA.

Krooked wrote:

Colin.
Whats stronger, your bike or your jawline?
Thoughts on scootering ?

Krooked wrote:

Colin.
Whats stronger, your bike or your jawline?
Thoughts on scootering ?

...more

Ha I don't know what's up with the jaw. My family history is Scottish.

I've never tried scooters, don't plan on it either. Not against it, as long as kids have fun I'm cool with it. There's some local kids that used to scooter and now they ride BMX. So it pays to be cool to everyone!

Thanks!

What was it like being on the Dave mirra super tour ?

Do you see concepts like that and road fools coming back in the future of bmx DVDs ?

Will DVDs become a thing of the past in bmx ?

Any chance we'll see a new Colin Mackay edit soon? Being over 30 myself still riding I like watching older riders flow around with the insane amount of bike control you have. I can relate to that kind of riding way more witch keep me motivated to keep riding!

Colin greetings to you from Moscow) All our professionals respect you and remember the old days of your riding on BMX! I also team manager in Vans Russia and would like to invite you to Russia, we will be happy to meet you and as it should be) I have no issues just wanted to show respect to a man like you! Thanks

ChrisWilmshurst wrote:

I'm super glad someone else agrees with me on Instagram ruining the surprise on videos. Do you encourage your team riders to ...more

ChrisWilmshurst wrote:

I'm super glad someone else agrees with me on Instagram ruining the surprise on videos. Do you encourage your team riders to hold back in that sense with social media to help build hype and encourage people to watch full videos?

...more

Yes for sure. I had to pull Jason Watts up recently as he was dropping really good clips filmed on a phone on Insta and I was trying to keep him mellow before his vid dropped, so people were into the video and not bored. Instagram's good for a tease, but no new moves should be put on there. Save those moves and build a web vid around them. Just be patient kids!

eskimojay wrote:

What was it like being on the Dave mirra super tour ?

Do you see concepts like that and road fools coming back in the future ...more

eskimojay wrote:

What was it like being on the Dave mirra super tour ?

Do you see concepts like that and road fools coming back in the future of bmx DVDs ?

Will DVDs become a thing of the past in bmx ?

...more

Thanks for the message. Mirra Tour was unreal. It was 2001. Dave asked me over a phone call and I showed up to a meeting with ESPN. I thought it was just a good old road trip then we had to sign a contract and in fine print we got $5,000 each leg for the three trips! I was blown away, initially to be invited, then to be paid??!!! The trips were so good too. Bus life and VIP life with Mirra and the crew. We filmed a TV show and I have them on tape still. I plan on digitizing them soon!

I went on the last Road Fools with Premium. I've watched those trips since RF1 came out. They are a great concept, it's like a trip with your mates on a bigger scale. I hope they make a comeback. Might take someone keen with a budget from corporate sponsors. The DVD sales won't pay for the trip these days.

I would like to think DVD's will be around but they will likely fade away as time evolves. I don't have a DVD player, my laptop didn't come with one.

DVD's finacially aren't money makers, it's a marketing tool. It's really expensive to do spend a couple years and like 5-10 trips, and have a filmer on full time! Then throw a party to premiere it! I give cred to other companies pulling it off. It's a big job.

Full length team parts like the FIEND one that came online is what will happen more in the future. That was really cool.

We do a trip or two a year with Haro and Premium and just go away for a week, no stress, just hang out and ride and see what happens. Usually we come home with a classic video just because of the riders on the trip. I'd rather go and have a good time and the trips usually work out better than forcing a video on them with only a week to produce. I haven't been let down ever.

Thanks for the Q.

fortytwobmx wrote:

Any chance we'll see a new Colin Mackay edit soon? Being over 30 myself still riding I like watching older riders flow around ...more

fortytwobmx wrote:

Any chance we'll see a new Colin Mackay edit soon? Being over 30 myself still riding I like watching older riders flow around with the insane amount of bike control you have. I can relate to that kind of riding way more witch keep me motivated to keep riding!

...more

Ha that's cool. Yes I do like filming some stuff. I like working with Justin Kosman, so whenever he's at my place we usually film. Unfortunately that's maybe once a year!

I hope to catch up with him in 2015!

Ride on man! Enjoy the simple things you've learned over on the years. It's just BMX!

Colin

ivan.shmakov. wrote:

Colin greetings to you from Moscow) All our professionals respect you and remember the old days of your riding on BMX! I also ...more

ivan.shmakov. wrote:

Colin greetings to you from Moscow) All our professionals respect you and remember the old days of your riding on BMX! I also team manager in Vans Russia and would like to invite you to Russia, we will be happy to meet you and as it should be) I have no issues just wanted to show respect to a man like you! Thanks

...more

Hi Ivan, that's great you work for Vans. What a fantastic company!

I have never made it to the country of Russia and it would be great to check out.

Hopefully one day!

Thanks for the message and words.

Hey.
First off many years ago i ran into you at walmart in greenville and you gave me directions to jaycee! that was really sweet.

Over the last 15 year i have been riding there has been tons of trends. what is your favorite and least favorite. Front brakes coming back is my favorite.. brakeless was cool for a while but a lot of tricks were lost for a while. to each their own but what is your favorite and least trend.


Stephen

Colin,

What is it about the Australian BMX scene, primarily in Brisbane/ Gold Coast, that has produced so many top class riders. Guys like Yourself, Clint Millar, Tim Wood, Ryan Guettler, kyle Baldock, Logan Martin, Jason Watts, Alex Haim to name but a few. What is in the water that creates such a strong BMX lineage out of the area?

Kudos to Haro showing some support to a female rider recently on valentines day. Needs to be more of it and more support for the ladies of our sport.

What's it like having your first name spelled wrong?
Given the opportunity to either be able to ride the perfect bowl the rest of your life, or the perfect trails, but not both, which would you take?

Collin_McClenahan wrote:

What's it like having your first name spelled wrong?
Given the opportunity to either be able to ride the perfect bowl the rest ...more

Collin_McClenahan wrote:

What's it like having your first name spelled wrong?
Given the opportunity to either be able to ride the perfect bowl the rest of your life, or the perfect trails, but not both, which would you take?

...more

I don't know anyone who spells it your way so you might have it wrong??!!

Man that's a good Q, I'd probably choose trails, but the maintenance bothers me sometimes.

Thanks man.

advice on how to deal with negitive types who just annoy the crap outta ya? also favorite/hardest trick pulled?

axel05 wrote:

Colin,

What is it about the Australian BMX scene, primarily in Brisbane/ Gold Coast, that has produced so many top class ...more

axel05 wrote:

Colin,

What is it about the Australian BMX scene, primarily in Brisbane/ Gold Coast, that has produced so many top class riders. Guys like Yourself, Clint Millar, Tim Wood, Ryan Guettler, kyle Baldock, Logan Martin, Jason Watts, Alex Haim to name but a few. What is in the water that creates such a strong BMX lineage out of the area?

Kudos to Haro showing some support to a female rider recently on valentines day. Needs to be more of it and more support for the ladies of our sport.

...more

Thanks for the good Q. Obviously you're from the area to know that all those riders. I don't know what it is man. It's really cool though. I'm proud to have developed at Beenleigh and the scene we had back in the Prody days. I've idolized Clint Millar for so long, he was the first legit rider I met on the train to Beenleigh back in 93-94.

No worries on the Valentines post. Glad you liked it.

Take it easy.

dkTechEthan wrote:

advice on how to deal with negitive types who just annoy the crap outta ya? also favorite/hardest trick pulled?

dkTechEthan wrote:

advice on how to deal with negitive types who just annoy the crap outta ya? also favorite/hardest trick pulled?

...more

Just keep it positive and leave the negative stuff behind you. Lifes too short to have negative drama in your life. Go ride and enjoy your BMX! Be cool with everyone, even if they are goons.

Favourite trick? Airing a 1/4, tables or turndowns, 360's

Hardest trick? Probably learning a backy, but it's easy once you know how. Learning it just tweaked my brain out. I've never even thought of going forward!

Cheers man.

stephen.yupthatsme wrote:

Hey.
First off many years ago i ran into you at walmart in greenville and you gave me directions to jaycee! that was really ...more

stephen.yupthatsme wrote:

Hey.
First off many years ago i ran into you at walmart in greenville and you gave me directions to jaycee! that was really sweet.

Over the last 15 year i have been riding there has been tons of trends. what is your favorite and least favorite. Front brakes coming back is my favorite.. brakeless was cool for a while but a lot of tricks were lost for a while. to each their own but what is your favorite and least trend.


Stephen

...more

Hi Stephen! Glad I could help with directions back in the day.

I really like how bikes are today. They were real heavy 10 years ago. These days I like a straight cable, I'm not into brake-less for my riding. I'm glad to get rid of a Gyro, those things are too bulky.

It's cool seeing the front brake trend return. I ran them growing up.

36 spokes are way better than 48.

Less pads is better too, but a helmet is manditory!

Colin