So, I recently got an edit done for Bobby Kanode and his current sponsor GT, we had some leisure time during the post production stage of the edit and got a little interview done. All I have to say on my part is he’s a good kid, has his priorities straight, and is a chill individual to ride/hang with..
And we’re off!!
Yo! What’s going on Bobby, how’s life?
Life is amazing right now. I’m able to ride all the time, and I just
graduated high school, turned 18, and life hasn’t been better. I just
got a full ride scholarship to ASU too!
Good stuff, how’s the weather out there in AZ?
It feels similar to being stuck in a tanning booth for 15 years.
Blistering hot. However, night time isn’t quite as bad, so midnight
sessions are great.
Speaking of AZ, how’s the riding/scene out there, Park, Dirt, Street etc.. and most of all, the riders..
parks could be better. I prefer street style stuff, so Glendale park
is alright, but Chandler is out of the question. The two Prescott
parks are incredible, but it’s a hefty drive up there. Dirt, i’m not
in the loop on this stuff, but I think ray’s sets are still running?
And last but not least, street. Street is endless in az. Soo many
spots have yet to be discovered. The riders are all amazing, I’ve
always looked up to Sean Sexton, Drew Hosselton, Smoker Dave, KC
Badger, Josh Betley, Shane Reider, and the list goes on…
Who are your choice few to ride with on the daily?
I ride with the kids I can make fun of. This includes Cleon, Matt,
Marko, Drew, Tyler, Baby, Dustin, and Brian. Occasionally the Tempe
crew makes its way out to Glendale, and it’s always fun shredding with
Loofa and Eric.
So, where did riding begin for you, what’s your life story on this ever so fulfilling activity?
I got into biking thanks to Tyler and his little mountain bike gang, just dropping off three foot drops on a 24” cruiser. Then Cleon intervened and got me started on a 20”. We watched Voices, and were
hooked on it instantly. This was about two years ago. The rest is history, just shredding everyday and having the most fun doing it.
Word, How long have you been rockin’ the Freecoaster? Do you ever throw a cassette back on?
I’ve been on a freecoaster for about a year and a half now, and I don’t ever wanna go back. I used to have to ride a cassette for a little bit every other month because the bearings in the old reverse
sucked, but ever since Eric Cuiper over at Tip-Plus helped me out with a federal prototype, I’ve had no problems whatsoever.
I’ve noticed that your riding is different from most because of the backwards things you do. Who are your main influences?
Smoker Dave basically invented the backwards manual 10 years ago on a cassette, and that was nuts. Him, Karl Poynter, and Ian Schwartz are the main reasons I went to a freecoaster and started messing around with those kinds of tricks.
What’s your local shop out there like, who do you go to when you need parts and/or technical help?
GORDYS! I feel like Gordy’s is a second home to me, and I sometimes
call Kim (assistant manager) mom. For parts, I either buy/order from
Gordy’s, or call Eric at Tipplus.
I heard your on the GT Project Team.. How are things going for you with them? What’s good ol’ Chuck been up too?
Yes I am very fortunate to be a part of the team. Things aren’t as
different as I thought they would be, but it’s still awesome to be
recognized by a big company like them. I’m excited for what’s to come
in the future. Chuck is a great guy and he’s always down to help me
out.
How do you like the new frame? Was it what you were expecting?
This frame is amazing. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s better
than any other frame I’ve ridden. It’s light, and the geometry is
perfect for the type of stuff I do. I couldn’t have designed a better
one myself…
Where do you see yourself in the future? As far as riding for companies go…
That’s a tough question. Right now all I see is just riding every day
and progressing. I’m really fortunate to be representing a company
this early in my “career”, seeing as I haven’t been riding for that
long…so I guess I will just see how things go, and be thankful for
everything I earn.
Any shout outs?
Yes sir. First to Cleon for bearing with me filming everything.
Thanks to Chuck at GT for finding me and hooking me up with the frame, thanks to Eric Cuiper for keeping me on a running freecoaster, and everyone at Gordy’s as well.
Well, lets have a gander at this edit of yours shall we? Eh?
(Click Image)
Posted by CleonCleon 
Posted by CleonCleon 
Posted by CleonCleon 
