Interview With BMXer Robbie Morales
October 15th, 2008 Posted in InterviewsRobbie Morales is a longtime BMX personality from the early days in New York and then making the move to California and immersing himself in the industry. He has made a name for himself from smooth dirt jump skills and his connection to the street market. Robust Flavor asked Robbie a few questions recently… check ‘em out…
RF: How was growing up in New York?
Robbie: The best and the worst, summer was banging between the trail riding and NYC street. But, damn, the winters were harsh, almost like torture.
RF: Why did you move to California?
Robbie: Mainly for the industry. I felt I accomplished a lot in NY and wanted a new challenge.
RF: When did you first get into BMX?
Robbie: I was 13 and some local cats were into riding. I got hooked and rode everyday with a Walkman on, the yellow Sony Sports ones, had about 20 of them joints.
RF: What was your first set-up?
Robbie: Diamond Back Silver Streak with blue ano parts. I was shining.
RF: What was the scene like back then?
Robbie: All love. Kids just happy to be out of school and away from parents. Being able to cruise and explore was my favorite part.
RF: What was the first video you were ever in?
Robbie: I’m gonna say NY Hardcore By Glenn PP Milligan. We filmed in the rain at the Banks because we were so psyched.
RF: Which sponsors have you had throughout your career?
Robbie: Man I rode for Auburn way back. The the main ones would be S+M, Standard, DK and T1. I still work with brands like Fox and Vans they have had my back for a minute. Can’t forget about Zoo York showing love, B-Dave, Rodney, Eli and Adam. They showed a BMXer love when it was taboo to do that. I would fight to the death for those guys. For real.
RF: Where in the world has your career taken you?
Robbie: Favorite spots would be the UK, Japan and Barcelona, as well as the homeland in Puerto Rico.
RF: Where are you spending most of your time these days?
Robbie: Concrete parks in So-Cal, morning session before the grind starts.
RF: Favorite place to ride?
Robbie: Trails in NY, PA, CT and Mass…
RF: Most memorable traveling memories?
Robbie: Probably getting into fisticuffs with some crazy girls in Liverpool, England. Those were some bad bitches… glad I made it out alive. Don’t even start with the “hit a girl is wrong”, these were no ordinary girls.
RF: Explain to our readers your famous gap jump over the drainage ditch…
Robbie: We were driving down the 405, I was visiting Cali and I saw the gap. I said “pull over I got this”, I went so fast I crop dusted it, No pop. Hung up fell back and got wet, I was confused and cross eyed for a minute. It was in the days of just going for it and not caring.
RF: Why did you start FIT?
Robbie: Chris Moeller gave me the opportunity to. I was struggling with T1 on the manufacturing side and Chris offered that. I’m thankful and work hard every day to make the deal better for everyone involved.
RF: What other sponsors do you have?
Robbie: At this point I mostly work for brands. I’m a TM for Fox Riders Co. and that program is going strong. I work with Vans and Jerry Badders on colorways and team stuff. And Dans Comp, I also work with those guys.
RF: The FIT team is pretty amazing… give us a few stores of how some of them got on board.
Robbie: It really did form like Voltron, when the word got out I was lucky that the early guys like Mike Aitken, Brian Foster, Van Homan and Edwin DelaRosa had faith and believed in the brand. Other companies were failing and it worked out timing wise. The team has helped build this brand and it will always be there for them. Lifers. Here’s a quick one: I was filming in NYC for a Ride video and met up with Jeff Z. and Edwin, the first time I met Ed. He full cab’ed a big set of stairs and I had never seen riding like that. Instantly knew he was the real deal, hooked ‘em up that day and the rest is history.
RF: What else do you do for fun?
Robbie: movies, skate vids,eating at nice spots now. Got to slow down on that.
RF: What do you love about BMX?
Robbie: The freedom, being able to do your own thing.
RF: Describe a typical day:
Robbie: wake up, emails, shower, session if possible, then get over to Fit and see where the day goes. Been at the office a lot lately…
RF: Tell us about your musical tastes right now…
Robbie: Always Radiohead… caught them twice when they rolled through,so good! Then chick hop like MIA and Santogold.
RF: What do you think about the fixie craze?
Robbie: No hate over here, if it’s on 2 wheels I’m backing it. I actually want to open a BMX/Fixie shop in Santa Ana.
RF: What is next for 2008?
Robbie: Continue to dial in Fit product and get cracking on our third major video project. The film grind starts now and ends at Interbike 09.
RF: What sucks right now?
Robbie: Haters who hate for the fuck of it. There’s a lot of hate in ‘08 but there will be plenty of shine in 09. I sound like Don King.
RF: Shout outs?
Robbie: The whole Fit and S+M building and employees. the Fit team,Fox and Jim Anfuso, Vans and Jerry Badders, SHUT and Rodney Smith, Albert and LRG, Mystery and Jay Thorpe, Dom and Brooklyn Projects, Braden and New Era, Troy and Edwin at POST, Mirko for being a real dude and hooking this up. Anyone I forgot you know I love ya.
Robbie’s top Fit teamrider Mike Aitken was injured in a dirt jumping accident last week in Pennsylvania. His family and friends have set up a blog and donation site to help cover his medial expenses. Check out the site here.
