Ryan Corrigan Interview

1. How old were you when you first started riding freestyle and how old are you now?

I got my General Hustler right before I turned 12. It was about a year after I moved to Sherwood from St. Louis. I am now just over 26 years old and have never stopped riding except for injuries.

2. What do your parents think about you being a professional bmxer? Do you think they'd rather you become a doctor or lawyer or something?

My parents are happy with what I have become. I still would not say professional bmxer because that entails that I get paid. I receive no salary from any of my sponsers. I do get help traveling, photo money, and royalties for things I help design. I don't think my parents would want me to be anything else because they know I am happy with my life and have seen more than most people ever will. They only dread it when they get calls like "mom, I broke my leg I'm coming home for awhile."

3. When you still lived in Arkansas, what were some of your favorite spots to ride? who were your favorite people to ride with?

It depends on what era of riding for the people. As for the spots they are still the same, downtown L.R., Kanis, and Tony's. As for the people Tony (Carruth) was always one of them. Probabaly from age 12-15 it was Stewart Isbell, Pat Jones, Mason Collier. Then 16- 20 it turned in to all the skater kids around Little Rock and my friend Ed Coffman, Kris Span. There were really not many bmxers at that time. then i left around age 20 to live a number of places.
(Webmaster note: Kris Spann was truly an inspiration to ride "back in the day". Kris was in a car accident and had to wear a "halo" to keep his neck straight for quite some time, but as soon as he healed up;  he was back on his bike. - Jason)

4. How old were you when you started doing shows with Aerial Dynamics; and how did you get involved with the team?

I think it was around age 14-15 I did shows with them. I probably only did about 15. Tony just asked me one day. I was the little kid kinda decent at flatland, so it was good for other little kids to see someone their size doing it.

5. At what point in your riding did you set in your mind to become a professional bmxer?

As for becoming a professinal. I never sought out to be one. I have simply just been riding my bike. I have never asked anyone to sponsor me or make tapes. I always looked at what ever happens happens and I am still amazed that people want me to represent them. I look at pepole in the X games and such as professionals. I just ride around town.

6. Exactly how did you go about getting sponsered by FBM bikes? Did they recruit you or did you contact them? Why FBM? and what is it like working for Steve Crandall?

As for FBM,  pretty much every sponsor I have ever had is because of my friend Dave Harrison. He moved to Little Rock for about six months in the end of 1993 and since then has gone on to work for a number of bmx companies. Anyway, Dave was welding bikes for Spooky and I was riding for them. At the time Spooky made the first FBM frames and when I was there Dave and I would go up and hang out with Crandall and everyone in Ithaca, Ny. Spooky was only about 4 hours away. Then as Spooky started going down hill Crandall just said, "Hey ride one of our bikes, " and the rest neither of us can figure out. But I just remember going hell yeah FBM. They are guys who don't give a fuck, sounds good to me. As for Crandall being my boss., he hates it when I call him that and its Crandall, so when shit does not show up I just tell myself that "it's Crandall." Honesltly though he is a great guy and his bark is bigger than his bite.

7. What exactly does it mean to be sponsered by a bike company? Most kids think its a glamorous life of constant bike riding, is this true or are you required to actually "work" for the company (like packing boxes with bike parts; etc)?

As for my sponsors right now they are FBM, Lord clothing, and Duffs shoes. As for FBM and Lord, they are both small companies and it is more like a family than anything else. None of us ride for them for any reason except that we are pschyed on the  end product. Duffs is the first company that I don't know everyone involved, it is a little strange for me but they all have been really great. The only requirments I have by any of my sponsors is simply ride the stuff.
(Webmasters note: I guess being sponsored is a life of constant riding!! - Jason)

8. Do you have any input in FBM's products? If so, what kind?

As for input with FBM, we all say what we think about each part to try and make it the best we can. I just got done riding a prototype Live Wire frame and Kimler and I went over it and said what should be different since we were the only two on prototypes. Now they are out in the world and it is a good bike for kids to buy. There are other things also, like the FBM/T1 contest this past winter. I was pretty much in charge of that one and it came out great somehow. I also write for DIG magazine out of the U.K. it seems to be the only magazine not over run by adveritsers with big money and has great feel to it. Tip carries it in America so any shop that has Primo, FBM, T1, etc, can get it, so make them.

9. At  this point in your life, what is your main focus on riding? (contest -promoting & competing-, videos, etc.)

I really don't have a main focus. The only thing I like to do is travel. So far this year I went on a three week trip to the West Coast and back, then a five week trip around England, Spain, Portugal, and France. That is what I love, new places and people. I am now just working and saving money to leave for the summer. I can't take the heat when i know it is nice not to far away.

10. Finally, where do you (or would like to) see yourself in the sport of freestyle in the future (promoting bigger contest, owning your own company)?

I have no clue where I will be. I do know that next winter FBM/T1 will be having another contest in Austin again so that should be fun. I will just see where life takes me and go with the flow.