The Simon Gibb Interview

I thought it best we did an interview with Aberdeens latest signed rider, Simon Gibb (who has by now hopefully got his application in for a job at the park too)...

Intro:

Its been 8 years since i first met Simon Gibb at Stoneywood skatepark. Si was this wee blonde kid with sack loads of energy, who dropped in at every given chance to blast at the big driveway where he would let loose the most suspect one footer's, but through his shakey one footed air's you could tell this kid had talent and couple that with his enthusiasm it was never hard to accept what he would unleash before you.

Eight years havegone by and Simon Gibb has continued to progress at the pace we all wish we could. These days Simons energy and enthusiasm for riding a 20" bike is still evident, his shady one-footers have been superseded by KLICKED lookbacks and he still snakes you at the coping whenever he can but long may this continue. - Mike Ellinggton (20Twenty)

1. Name, D.O.B, city of residence, time served and sponsors?

Simon Gibb, 15/01/83, Aberdeen , 9 Years, BSD/20Twenty/4Down/Fit/Animal

2. How do you stay motivated during the long winter months and wet summers up here?

Its been difficult in Aberdeen as there are no indoor parks, but when ever it was possible I travelled to Dundee and Glasgow to keep the momentum going, but most of all partying and hanging out with friends. Riding when the good weather is around.

3. Its impossible to deny Aberdeen has unique scene, why do you think this is?

The bikers in Aberdeen have varied styles of riding, which suits a lot ofdifferent riders personally. We all get on well and look out for each other, there's no age difference up here its all friends and banter!

4. How did your sponsorship with 4Down, Fit and Animal come about?

Generally being in the right place at the right time, giving it my all at any opportunity. Big thanks go out to Mike at 20Twenty for all his help.

5. I understand there was a bit of friction between you and Mahonney at one point, what was all that about?

Slight confusion with girls (ie I got her) Made up now, its all good.

6. You came up with the Invergroovy crew, tell us a bit about that era.

The first day they bullied me and wouldn't let me go until I pulled a trick, I ended up bending my Dyno! I used to get bullied into tricks! Thanks guys it paid off.

7. Who is the single most inspirational person in BMX for you?

Joe Rich 98, The boys is the boss!

8. What are your best and worst riding habits?

I think a trick through thoroughly and do it in my head before attempting it. Ensure bike is dallied at all times (thanks Gus) I have a tendency to throw my bike when I'm frustrated because a trick hasn't gone my way.

9. What's up with your shoe lace/T-shirt colour coordination issue? Does it effect your riding ability?

Of course it does, I am a fashion guru, still waiting for it to catch on! If I ain't comfortable in what I am wearing it'll defiantly affect my riding, I cant even leave my flat if it ain't right!

10. If you could only pack five things for a road trip, what would they be?

Bike, Pads, Helmet, 4 pairs of trainers, hats to match and a crate of cider for the partying! 120% iPod!! Thats about a dozen things but never mind!

11. A few years back you disappeared off the scene for a bit, what was going on there?

Took a break as everyone does, got a girlfriend, job and cars. Came back to what I do best.

12. What does being sponsored mean to you?

Something I have wanted since I began riding, worked hard at it, it's finally paid off, I wouldn't have got here without my friends, but Ive still got a fair bit to go yet to be where I waint to be.

13. List some of your favourite riding spots, be it spots of the past or present.

Kemnay, ABDN Uni, The old factory, The Barn R.I.P. Athens Georgia USA. Generally mooching about riding the dream.

14. Your set up is not often victim to the latest trends, yet you stillmaintain an element of style. Do you not think keeping up with the fashions would make you a better rider?

No way, I stick to my own style it seems to have worked so far. Now heres a chance for us to find out how well we both know you by answering the following five questions and comparing them to our answers which we have already decided on.......

(i) Trick you do best?

Si: Turndown, slippy hand moves, you gotta see it.

Tims answer: Busting a 1/4!

Mingos answer:Lookbacks/TD's

(ii) Trick you do worst?

Si: Tailwhip to the frame

Tims answer: No-footers

Mingos answer: Your crank flips - YUCK!

(iii) Next trick you need to learn?

Si: Bunnyhop trucks

Tims answer: To leave the house without stressing about what your wearing.

Mingos answer: Whips - sorry loon.

(iv) Favourite pastimes outside BMX?

Si: Nothing much apart from all the partying, BMXers have the best

parties.

Tims answer: Drinking cider and going to Excodus

Mingos answer: Lambrini & baking.

(v) Whats next for Simon Gibb?

Si: Progress as a rider, travel around and ride to my best ability and of

course partying! Where's the next one?!

Tims answer: Go straighten his hair.

Mingos answer: Bigger bars and lower seat - I hope..

15. Lastley, any words of thanks?

Thanks go out to the wee man himself "Mingo",Grant Smith at BSD for help over the years, Ian Morris of 4Down and to Transition for giving me this opertunity. My personal bike dialler Gus,

It needs a lot, wouldn't be here without you or the long list of friends that have pushed me to where I am now!

Interview by Elonso Vegas and Jonny Mingo

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