I'm 28 years old. I've been riding since 1985 but there were plenty of times in there when I wouldn't ride for a couple months at a time because of school.

I started doing it because all of my friends in the neighborhood rode. I still ride for the community and friendship aspects of it but there are other factors pushing me now. I ride to get new riders interested in the sport. I also ride because I sometimes feel like that is all I'm really good at and I should push it as far as it can go. It feels good to progress.

Of course! I look forward to being on my bike every day. The only time I don't like riding is when my mind is occupied with distractions like money, work, or girls. I try to keep everything in perspective though.

Dick Maul's Bike Shop hooks me up whenever I'm over there. Union Cycle has always been there for me too. No companies though.

Not really. My job pays well and my cost of living is low. I think it would be nice considering that was one of my goals when I began riding but my priorities have changed over the years. I also don't feel like I'm sponsoring material. I'm not as good as the top pros and I'm not ready to ride full-time. I get nervous about the thought of riding for someone. I wouldn't want to let them down and I don't really do well in contests.

It's kind of silly having my brother interview me and say this, but you [Kieran] and Jon [Kenniston] (basically my second brother) have influenced me most. I like how riding has been a common bond among us over the past seventeen years. Not many people can say they have friends like that.

Kurt von Stetten and Gabe Kadmiri are at the top of the list too. When I wonder why I ride so hard sometimes, I look to Kurt and Gabe and it somehow makes sense. They put so much effort into their riding and it inspires me to learn more and be more creative on my bike.

I prefer the present because I can't live in the past. The King of Flatland series was very special to me because of the sense of community it created. I'm very thankful to the Cote family for that, but those days are gone. Now we have a small, tight-knit group of riders who still generate that sense of community every time we get together to ride. It may not be the hundreds of kids that got together back in the day but it's still just as fun for me. The New England Flatland Series that Chris Poulos put together is promising too. I'm glad to see the old school New England riders supporting their local scene.

All-time? This is tough. I'll say Darren Pelio, Rich Upjohn, Gabe Kadmiri, Josh Marsele, and Brian Hobson. They all had/have incredible skill. They're my favorites to watch...especially Darren. I like to pretend that he's still riding in a remote tennis court somewhere doing some crazy new links.

When I'm not riding I like to take pictures. I only started a couple of years ago but it really grew on me. I also like to build and ride classic road bikes — mostly Italian and English makes from the 70's. I'm a DJ and technical advisor at my alma mater's radio station, WSMU.

I used to do a record label (Plays-Rite) from 1997-1999 but I put that on the back burner for now. It might come back to life in the future. Home improvement stuff is always fun (just need to buy my own home now). I just got my drum set back from my friend so I started that up again.

I'm a member of the Providence Kickball League. I enjoy bowling. I do some web and computer stuff for fun but I try not to take my work home with me. I also like relaxing at my local bar. I like to stay busy.

I got my first real camera for Christmas in 1999 (?). I had an old broken Minolta SRT-101 that I had no clue how to use before that. I guess I've been seriously taking pictures since 2000. Since this hobby is still in it's infancy, I've only been taking pictures of nature and landscapes — stuff I can control. I love taking pictures of riders and bands but it seems for every roll I take there's only 4 or 5 pictures that I really like — and that's if I'm lucky. I hope to get better with practice.

They feed off of each other. I love riding and want to capture that feeling on a good print. I love taking pictures because I have so many new goals to achieve with it. There's so much beauty in everything. I get all light-headed just thinking about it.

I didn't like the music my last band produced. It wasn't my vision and I don't think I was technically capable at the time to make what I wanted to hear. No definite plans to start a band right now though.

You can get a good idea of what I listen to from the playlists at WSMU. I love the music scene in Providence too. I like electronica, experimental, dub, punk, etc. Just non-commercial stuff.

Only 5? Can I make a mix?

Augustus Clarke: Black Foundation Dub
Boards of Canada: Music Has the Right to Children
Los Crudos: Discography CD
Chisel: 8 AM All Day
Sea and Cake: The Fawn

(Almost made it — The Mountain Goats: Ghana and Braid: Frame and Canvas)

There's so much incredible music to hear and good non-commercial radio stations are few and far between. I'm happy to help keep them on the air. I love that station.

I guess it would be that hang-5 jump to cross handed steamroller. It made me feel like I can still learn new tricks. I guess I'm not that old of a dog yet.

Not really. I don't get to too many contests and jams where I can witness a rider who needs an attitude adjustment. Most riders are very friendly and supportive of each other. There are some who put down or make fun of riders who aren't at the same skill level as them or doing someone else's tricks, and that pisses me off. We were all beginners at one time. Why not share some of those beginning experiences with newcomers instead of shunning them or putting them down?

Since I answered "not really" I'll give my 2 cents on this: It won't work itself out over time. I think good attitudes are contagious. I try to have a healthy outlook on riding and hope other people will feel the same way. I think magazines, videos, and other media can fuel positive attitudes too.

Aside from the old King of Flatland contests, I'd have to say any of the ERA [Eastern Ramp Association] contests. They all had a very relaxed atmosphere.

I'm proud to be a New England flatlander. I'm proud of my riding ability. I'm proud of my brother and all that he's accomplished. Three-way tie.

I'd like to buy a house someday. Stay employed (open a bike shop?). Maybe get married? Ride my bike across the country. Get another cat. I think I'd like to do well in a contest, too. I can't practice routines though. Once I hit a trick I'm ready to move on to something new.

Until it hurts or is too damaging to my body or one of my other interests takes over. I can see a gradual move from riding to drumming or photography or road bikes or girlfriend, etc. Flatland will always be a big part of my life, though, no matter what.

I don't think all the New England flatlanders know how much I appreciate them coming out and riding on Wednesday nights and weekends. Thanks! I want to thank my mom for being supportive of my riding from the very beginning, the Kadmiri's for being the most hospitable family this side of the Mississippi, and you for giving me this interview.

Recycle your bike parts! If you have extra parts and know someone who wants to start riding but can't afford it, help 'em out. Used parts are better than no parts at all!