What were you trying to hit when you broke your collar bone?
We were at a 5 stair going for an over rail, pedal grind.

That’s pretty cool. I think you’re the only person I’ve seen actually grind down a rail. And you do it pegless.
I know there are at least a few other riders doin it, or at least on verge of starting to rip it. I’ve got to give a shout out to my boy Jesse Hilliard who is a fellow MPLS rider. He was actually the first person to stick a rail, fixed that is. I then hit it a few seconds after him. I had the glory of it all cause I was the first to get video footage of it, and the urbanvelo photo made the rounds. From what I hear, NY has been reppin on the rails recently too.

What’s the MPLS scene like? There isn’t much of a Midwest thing going on for fixed freestyle, it seems like.
The bike scene in general is off the chain. Specifically to the FGFS scene, it ebbs and flows. We’ve got a handful of riders that go all year round. But, for the most part the weather puts a real damper on a lot the drive. So, with kids riding only 7 months out the year, shit suffers. Right now it’s lookin like a revival is surging in the area. I’m stoked to get back at it with all of the talent that is starting to come out of the woodwork

That’s good to hear. It’ll be nice to see the Midwest have a stronger presence in the sport. I feel like the spot light is always on the coastal guys.
I think it’s only a matter of time until everything evens out. Take the MKE guys for instance. One event, and they’re on the map. As much as I don’t want to admit it, the midwest is sometimes behind the times. They’ve been doing this stuff for a little longer than the rest of us, while I’m just starting to wear a Starter pullover jacket. I’ve got mad respect for all those dudes that have paved the way. I’ve got no excuses, just more of a reason to get better

So, are you working on anything new?
The new stuff has been put on hold, but I expect to keep pushing speed, air, rails, and spins.

Awesome. I love that rail pic you sent by the way. I think that type of grind Looks better than pegged grinding.

Speaking of pegs and junk, what do you think about all of the bmx-like progression in the sport?                       I’ve got no beef with the bmx direction where a lot of this is going. If dudes want to rock pegs, go at it. Know you’re running a major risk on snapping even a big axle. But, even in bmx a bunch of riders go pegless and thrash rails. the versatility in grinds is depleated, but seeing a pegless grind gets my blood pumping. For all of the other style points, if dudes are shredding I’m for it. If I made the rules about what is right and wrong, everyone would be riding just like me. That would be completely lame. People got to do stuff that has never been done for ANY progression to be made.

Anyone you want to holler at, or anything like that?
Jeff and All City Cycles, Velocity, Vinny and Vs. Social Standard

Photo credit: Kevin ‘Shakes’ O’Meara

It takes a good deal of work to really pull together a full length video, huh?
Haha, definitely. It’s been a while since i released my last film, I forgot how much actually goes into it. It’s been nice to have help from Colin though it’s nice to be able to go out and just ride with the dudes once in a while and not have to worry so much about filming or actually get psyched to film a trick of my own and know the filming’s going to be on point.

What inspired you to produce a full length video in the first place?
A few months after I put out vice versa (video for sunday skate shop) I was getting really into riding everyday, it was taking over my life haha. From time to time I would mess around with filming some bike clips here and there just to get the feel and kind of experiment. I did that for about a year and got some really positive feedback from the few videos i put on vimeo, so i decided just to go for it.
I needed a new project anyway, it was about that time. Plus, I’m always a lot more motivated to get shit done when I know it’s going toward a feature length you know? Something bigger than just a web video that’s going to end up on blogs.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered during production?
Oh boy, haha. There have been quite a few since the end of summer. The weather is definitely a factor. Trying to stay positive and motivated about riding and progressing, not to mention filming, is always an ordeal in the winter. Especially when you add lake effect snow into the equation.

Is there anything special about your project that sets it apart from other films?
Fortunately, there are some really innovative videos coming out right now. Most of them are amazing because they’re paving new ground. I think what sets VéLOrue apart is simply my approach as a filmmaker. I think my style of filming differs from a lot of the stuff out there, mostly because of my roots in skateboarding. I also like to mix whatever project I’m working on, (whether it be skating or biking) with ambiguous art. Basically things I encounter that I find beautiful. You could call it video art or ambiguous photography. Not to mention Ben, Zach and Sam kill it, haha.

When will the video be available and how much do you plan to charge for it?
We’ll be finished filming around July. All we need is a few good months without snow to finish it up. With some full force editing and a little luck, it should be for sale at the beginning of August. I’m thinking about charging 10 or 15 bucks for the video, because if you’re broke like us you can’t afford a video that costs more than 20 bucks haha. We’re working really hard though, as soon as this horrible weather passes we’ll be in full force!So, any shout outs or anyone you’d like to thank?
Absolutely, I have to thank my parents for their being there for me. I’d be pretty lost without their motivation and support throughout the years.
Also the companies/people that have been helping us out. Dustin @ Cadence, thank you for your advice, it really sets me in a positive, productive frame of mind.
Mr. John Prolly @ Mishka for keeping us warm with big ass jackets and and gear to ride in these cold winter months. Also Leader Bike, Hold Fast, DVS, Fyxation, and Velocity.

How long have you been riding fixed and how long have you been into tricks?
I got into fixed gear riding for the trick aspect of it almost exactly 2 years ago. I saw the video of Keo from Cadence and it got me super stoked on it.

Are you talking about the ‘Introducing Keo’ video?
Yea probably. Its the one with the super gansta music. Before that I hadn’t really seen much in the way of track bikes or fixed gears.

That video is great. I think it was one of the first trick videos I saw too.
Yea it’s sick. He was so insanely ahead of his time. Well I guess thats obvious since he invented the tricks, and although we are moving more BMX, that style definitely paved the way for people to get into fixed gears. That and MASH.

Yeah, he’s pretty inspiring.
He’s definitely what got me into riding fixed, but I draw most of my inspiration from BMX. The opportunities for tricks are endless on BMX, and people are super creative. I’d say now BMX is what makes me want to get out and ride.

Do you ride BMX too?
When I get the chance. I dont have a bmx bike setup. I have some race parts and frame scattered in my garage. Mostly I just ride if Taylor Sizemore brings his out when we are riding.

What’s your bike set up like? I know you were running a 650 front forever, but from what I’ve seen floating around the internet, that may have changed.
I have the v1.5 with v2 fork. 700c Eero laced up to profile 3/8 hubs front and rear. I am running 35c tires, but just ordered 40cs. They should be here next week. Other than that its the same. I have a little wider bars now to help with drop impact.
Sounds like a really solid set up. Do you still commute on it?
Umm, sometimes if I want to shred on the way to work. Mostly I will ride my Sizemore so I can wear like something other than sneaker and jeans.

Makes sense.
Yeah its just easier. Less sweaty. Has gears.

So, are you working on any new tricks? How are those deathtrucks coming?
Not really working on anything new just enjoying riding around. Bike is setup for cmx now. Its a little harder to do the deathtruck. I haven’t really been trying to do them.

If I remember correctly, you went to Europe for The Revival?
Yes, it was the best experience of my life. Everyone over there is super cool, and there are a lot of young kids who are super pumped on it.

Awesome. Do you plan on doing any riding related traveling this year?
Yes, definitely. There are a few trips planned. Nothing is confirmed yet though. I am definitely hitting the next competition that is held. Well, the next one I am feeling. I had work and school so I couldn’t make it to Milwaukee.

Do you have anyone you want to holler at or thank?
I’d like to thank Leader, Profile Racing, Coal Headwear, HPLUSSON, all my buds in Seattle, and Wayne Morhart.

I’m sure almost everyone that tricks on a fixed gear knows who you are, but go ahead and introduce yourself anyway.
My name is Edward LaForte. I’m from Staten Island New York, and I’m 20 years old.

I know you’ve said it before, but why fixed, not BMX?
Umm, one man moving machine, period.

Hah good answer. Do you even own a BMX bike?
Yes I do I have a FBM Howler all laced up, but I recenly passed it off to my 10 year old brother.

So, on the subject of BMX, do you think that with all of this progression our bikes are going to end up nothing like track bikes and more like big bmx bikes?
Well, that’s already happened. Take a look at the top rider’s bikes; 40c or above, BMX
cranks, half link chains, yeah we’ve gone there already.

I want know about a bit about your bike. What size tires, gearing, how wide are you bars? I heard you run really short crank arms too.
I run 160 profile cranks on my BMX bike and my fixed. I never cut my bars and I run 39/15 with 47c tires.

Those are some big tires. The Kilroy fits them pretty easily?
You can fit up to like 52/53 on the Kilroy. The back end is WIDE!

That Kilroy seems pretty solid. You’re on a production model now, right?
Numero uno.

Nice. It’s been holding up well huh?
BOMB PROOF GUSSETLESS.

They’re pretty expensive though, you think a lot of people are going to get behind them?
I know a few people have ordered one. I mean, you pay for what you’re getting. It’s all Columbus tubing specially made for what wer’e doing and the bike’s beautiful.

You were in Tokyo recently, correct? I see a lot of strange looking set ups and some really fast riding going on over there. What do you think about the Japanese style?
I think there riding style is really cool, but they need to take it off the ground more.

About style…A lot of fixed riders just copy what everyone else is doing. Are you working on anything that hasn’t been seen yet? Any new lines?
Just watch Death Pedal 2. I’ll keep my lines to myself.

Ha, fair enough.

It seems like some people are only into one type of riding. I feel like it’s important to have a diverse style that’s a mix of BMX inspired riding and riding that uses the fixed drivertrain. What do you think?
I think all of the riding is fixed drive train. Everything is inspired from something. F*ck a diverse style I’m gonna do whatever I feel feels good.

I see a lot of kids getting props for hitting tricks that are way sketchy. You think they deserve it? Even if the trick is new/fresh?
No trick is fresh until you land it fresh. Don’t put it out if you land all wobbly.

It seems like a lot a of the big names in the ’sport’ have been getting away from the fakie side of riding. What about you? What do you think about it?
I never rode fakie and I’ve been saying fuck riding backwards, shit is weak!

Is there anyone that you look up to for their riding? Who are your favorite fixed freestyle dudes?
Um, I started a while ago so I guess my friends. Tom Lamarche, Sam Miller and my best friend Torey. I dont really look up to anyone. Oh hell yeah, and Tyler Johnson

The Banks are closing soon right? You ride there a lot?
I ride everywhere in NY a lot

That’s good. Riding just one spot would get boring. What’s your favorite type of stuff to ride?
Handrails

Yeah? You’ve hit some?
Just two, but recently I’ve figured some things out so you’ll see a lot more, pegless.

That’s awesome. Do you grind driveside?
Yessir, righty

Me too. It’s weird for me to think of a pegless driveside grind on a rail.
You’ll see.

Will I see it in DP2?
Nope. Maybe in a Wrahw exclusive.

What do you think the 2010 holds for fixed freestyle? What do you want to see in 2010?
Road trips, make new friends and have a great time.

Any shout outs or thanks you want to give?
CHARI AND CO, THE ILLEST ONLINE SHOP/SHOP ON THE PLANET.

How long have you been riding and what got you in to freestyle fixed in the first place?
I have been riding for a little over two years.
I dont remember what really got me into it, but i know that i was familiar with MASH for a while before i started riding. I used to watch that one trailer over and over again… What sealed the deal though, was in the spring of 2007 when i visited NYC for the first time. I saw dudes zooming through traffic in Soho, and after seeing the fun and aesthetics surrounding the riding, i knew that i had to get in on it.

Most people will agree that you have a uniquely developed riding style. What influences your style? How important is style when it comes to riding?
My influences come from all over. I follow all of the major extreme sports out there, seriously. I know tons of skaters, bladers and BMXers, and a lot surround each of the sports. Overall though, I am really into the creative side of any sport, mostly because it never gets boring… Why do the same thing when you can look at your surroundings and things of that nature, and come up with a completely different trick or situation? Im totally into the more thrash, speedy, side of things as well. I try to fuse the two of those things together, creativity and speed, to fabricate my own style.Go fast, get wrecked, have fun.
In terms of style, i feel that it is a key factor in most things in general. It divides you from the rest, and with it, you can be your own deal. A lot of people dont know this, but i am totally a fashion geek. Maybe that has something to do with my thoughts on all that…

What other riders do you look up to? Who, in your eyes, really brings style to the table?
As far as my favorite riders are concerned, my top six in no particular order (and with some biased-ness) are Wonka, Nasty, Tyler Johnson, Tom Lamarche, Tom Mosher, and John “Prolly” Watson. I think, hahaaa. That question is odd.
As far as style goes, Wonka is killing it. I don’t know, if you ever ride with the dude, the energy that he puts off, whether it be in traffic or at any session, is amazing. He gets me pumped to ride, no matter what the situation is. Things are pretty wiley (thrashy) with him, but at the same time, there are some graceful points.

What are you thoughts of the progression of freestyle fixed and what the future has in store?
I think that our sport is doing well at the moment. Wonka and i had a conversation recently at how many companies are coming into freestyle fixed and how many bikes are being produced. It is all pretty nuts. Besides all of that though, I feel that only a phew people are really pushing the sport trick wise, although, everyone has a slight hand in it. We are at a little plateau, but after a phew of these new full lengths come out, people will definitely go out and step up game. Ive seen some stuff done in the past phew months that no one has ever seen. It is ridiculous! I promise you that much.
As for the future, who knows? Hopefully everyone continues to push themselves in their own directions. That is the only way that our sport will develop. Fuck what people think about what you do, or how you ride. If you like it, do it.

Do you have any plans to travel or participate in any events in the upcoming months?
I am in school, so i am not doing much traveling at all. Wonka was trying to get me to come out to Europe, but there is no way. Schools first. Hahaha!
I am planning on hosting a WRAHW exclusive trip this summer. I have invited a good amount of riders (Travis you are invited of course) to come to NYC to partake in a bangin mini trip. Hopefully it works out. After joining the GOrilla family, there are some summer trips that are in the works with them as well. SoI am stoked about all that.

You’re riding for GOrilla now. Congratulations. What’s the story there?
Well not a lot of people know, but i was going to be on GOrilla flow,way before I was sponsored by anyone. Thomas came to NYC to meet Wonka, and I met Thomas and we were going to work some things out. Long story short, i got picked by another company before GOrilla was fully solidified and so I ran with that, while still being friends with Thomas, and Wonka of course. Wonka wanted me on GOrilla from the start, and has always joked about me getting on and being his team mate. This summer, after some things changed with some of my sponsors, Wonka and Thomas both agreed that I would be a good addition to the family. I was stoked then, and I am stoked now! Hahaha. Thanks again, guys.

Any ’shout outs’ or thanks you’d like to give?
My mom, sis, and family support me and my oddities, so thanks for that. Thanks to all of my friends on and off the bike… Wonka is my best boy and he looks out for a dude, always. So, for sure, shout outs to him. Tom Briggs and everyone in the Skitch/Revival family, I love you dudes. Honestly. Thanks to all the supporters of my riding, whether you helped out a little or a lot, its all relative. NYC represent, for sure! Lastly, thanks to you man, for asking me these questions and getting me to think, even though school strains me to do so always. Ha.