Josh Boothby Talks Ride + Style.

 How has Red Bull Ride + Style impacted the sport as a whole? I feel like Ride + Style has brought fixed gears into the mainstream. It’s helping get the riders that are pushing the sport to the next level. If you’re invited it should feel like an honor and a privilege, as it really is one of the highest-regarded events to date. Where do you see the sport going in regards to fixed gear freestyle and track racing? The sport as a whole is being divided and weeded out to the point where track racing style is becoming more extreme and intense, much like FGFS. This is awesome because it adds the intensity and the charisma of the riders; you get to see riders using skill and bike control similar to freestyle on the race course. That, mixed with the fast tricks and crazy obstacles, should have contests on TV in the next couple of years. It will be interesting to see the crossover riders like Congo (Justin Mitchell) who are good at both aspects of fixed riding. What future do you see for the professional fixed gear riders, be it fixed freestyle or racing? I feel like both styles of riding will stick around and if anything, we’ll evolve into a whole different category of riding. If you look at other disciplines like mountain biking or BMX and their lack of support in the beginning to massive success now, the future for fixed riding looks very promising. I’m trying to bring the professionalism that comes with other riding styles to fixed freestyle. The end result will be a more aggressive approach that will prove the industry to be accomplished and focused. What sets fixed gear riding apart from other disciplines? I feel that the progression of fixed gear has yet to plateau. People are still trying to learn tricks seen on BMX bikes which is crazy considering how different riding with a freewheel is. Yet everything is still possible if you go fast and high enough. Anything else you’d like to add about the event? I think it’s awesome that Red Bull Ride + Style brings in the street artists to match our wild riding with their wild imagination and creativity. I have mad respect for this year’s artists Risk, Tristan Eaton, Insa and Sam Flores. They came in and worked hard and even showed me around letting me help out with this year’s set-ups. I can’t wait to see it go off this weekend, it’s going to be sick. READ THE REST HERE!