FBM Bike Co.
Ruel Smith Interview     Photo Gallery
 
Date of birth, and years riding-
I was born on October 29, 1980, and I've been riding for 11 years now.
Current residence-
I live in Brooklyn N.Y. Originally from Jamaica.
Tell us about the big apple and the New York City scene
The scene here is good. A bunch of kids ride these days. Before there were only like 2 or 3 sets of kids, now you kinda lose track of who the hell they all are. Anyway it's a big apple and there's a lot to ride. The whole city seems to be under construction so that kinda helps. I prefer to stay in Brooklyn, there's cool shit to ride beside rails and marbles ledges and it's never crowed.
Where have you traveled to in the past year?
I went to Florida for work/vacation for 2 weeks. We rented scooters in South Beach and stayed in another town. I also went to Chi-Town twice but it was cold as fuck all the time. That was a short stay anyhow. I'm planning on making my way to the moon sometime this year though, but those space suits aren't cheap man.
What Riders influence you?
Joe Rich influenced me a lot, and the eles bell crew in AZ, and all my friends here who just like to have a good time.
What frame you are currently riding
At the moment I'm riding the Phil Wasson FBM frame. I was told I'm getting the joint frame in white to ride so....
How did you start Riding?
Well I was into B-ball back then so I got this GT vertigo just to get around to play in other parks. That's when I met Will Taubin and these other dudes. But I would just hangout and watch them ride these dirt jumps all day. Then one time they took me out to ride street and it was like hey, I can do that, so I did. Will tied an entire t-shirt around my seat and told me that's how you learn barspins. It didn't help.
Who do you ride with?
These days I ride with whoever wants to ride Brooklyn. There are a couple guys who live not to far from my place. We go cruising around.
Who do you hate riding with?
Cowboys.
Top 5 current favorite riders?
Joe Rich, Taj, Mirra, The gonz, Lance Armstrong.
Top 5 all time favorite riders?
Joe Rich, Taj, Mirra, The gonz, Lance Armstrong.
What music are you into lately?
I don't really know, I've been listening to the same songs forever. I like the kinks lately just some stuff, its really good though.
Tell us about some of the things you do when not riding?
When not riding I work, play music with my band, chill out with wifey, party, and work on building my rocket ship.
What are some of your favorite spots?
My favorite spot is this park near my house, it's fun; straight rails all over the place and ledges. Things are kinda set up there like it was meant to ride. Also, the home depot parking lot is fun to warm up in, just on curbs and manual pads. Another spot is the Manhattan streets, just riding around in the city is fun. I love that.
Interview from April 14, 2007
What are some of your all time favorite bands?
At the drive in / Modest mouse / The Beatles / The pixies / Shoe box in a bucket
Favorite Videos?
The S&M pow video, On the down low, Road fools 1 and 5, and Shank.
What are your favorite foods, and places to eat?
Pizza and anything with chicken. I like veggie foods also. I eat at this restaurant Rice. That's favorite place right now
What tricks do you like doing most?
Wall rides, and 180's.
What gets you stoked?
Good weather.
What pisses you off?
Bad weather, and broken thrusters on my rocket-ship
Worst Injury?
Fucked my knee, like three times. Didn't have insurance or money So I just live with it.
Most recent injury?
Slammed the left side of my body; that took a week off my life span. I couldn't walk for 2 days.
Do you have a job, if so, what do you do?
Yeah I work for an art handling company; delivering art, picking up art, packing, crating, installing, and storing art.
Any good late night riding stories?
Yeah, after getting drunk with Bob Scerbo. He gets thrown out of this place so we went for a ride, just pedaling around and falling. jumping on cars, and crashing into parked bikes.
Favorite Movies?
fear and loathing. Alice in wonderland ( the english version).
Most Fun place you have ridden?
Acron Ohio.
What sponsors do you have besides FBM?
Zoo York, Animal, and FBM. I was on vans but that ship sunk.
What's the strangest thing you have ever heard Ralph Sinisi say?
Sometimes I don't even know what he's saying. Coolest guy in world though.
What does FBM mean to you?
Fighting Bums on Monday
Describe an ideal day-
Wake up, eat, work, come home and play guitar, eat, bike around, dinner, hangout, sleep.
Any comments?
I dunno. Save the planet. Bastards.
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