The Hang 5 Podcast

For this episode, we go to the old continent and the neutral country of Switzerland where our guest has settled down. Originally from Germany, he has been riding for over 20 years. A fixture of the Euro scene, he is also attending most of the World cups events. Working part time, riding full time. We discuss his roots, his journey, his approach to competitions, living healthy, having a private riding spots, his views on the sport, what the future has in store for him and so much more. I truly enjoyed discussing with Mr Dan Hennig.

If there is one event you do not want to miss on the Flatland BMX calendar, it is One Love Jam!  Held every January during the Martin Luther King long weekend in Newport Beach California, it attracts every generation of riders from near and far.  All eager to escape the dreadful winter and shred a cool spot on the beach with the homies. I asked long time organiser Darin Wright a few questions about the jam and proceeded to ask a few fellow riders why they like it so much. Enjoy!

Young flatland prodigy from Normandy, France taking on the contest scene by storm.
Tech links on both front and back wheel, supported by We The People and Les 3 Roux BMX shop.  Studying communication
Wise beyond his years, this is the  story of Julien Baran.

For this episode we go down to the lone Star State to speak with one of the rising stars of BMX Flatland.  We discuss his roots from the rural roads to Pro rider, his first heroes, becoming teacher, starting a community flatland school, competing locally and internationally, his view on the american flatland scene, judging contests, the future  and so much more . 

From the plains of Saskatchewan, SK to the bustling coastal city of Vancouver, BC, and all the way around the world, our guest has made his mark in the sport of Flatland BMX.
Creating the Flatland Manifesto video magazine series still talked about 20 years later as well as Ronin, a flatland specific parts brand sought after by collectors, he is still as passionate and in tune with the who's who in BMX to this day.  We discuss his humble beginnings, his job, where he is at now, his take on BMX and Flatland, what's next and so much more! 

Chris is a lifelong flatland rider. We discuss his BMX roots, meeting the legendary Plywood Hoods, becoming part of the crew, riding hard, turning pro, being in the early X games, having to make difficult choices to take care of his family, reconnecting with the scene after many years and competing again, battling injuries, launching Flatland Assassins as a way to give back to the community, the evolution of the scene between then and now, organizing FA Battlegrounds and so much more. Go listen to the passion and get stoked!

Growing up in Madrid, our guest today started his BMX journey hustling in the streets of the Spanish capital with his crew of misfits. He soon discovered his love for flatland. 
Over the next decade or so, he started to compete, moved to Abu Dhabi to do shows, was one of the first riders on the Martti Kuoppa program, became a product tester for WTP, opened a BMX flatland school in Madrid and got a ride on the Fly bikes program with the aim on working on a flatland specific line. This is the story of Varo Hernandez. 

Where do I start? My guest this time around has been riding since the mid 80s and done it all: Park, street, dirt and of course Flatland for which is most renowned.
Growing up in the midwest us, He is the winner of 3 Flatland NORA cups, he was named one of the most influencial riders by Ride BMX Magazine, he is one of the founding members of BACO, He has owned skateparks, a bike shop and of course DECO BMX. This is the story of Chad Degroot!

For this episode, I linked up with up and coming Nigerian flatland shredder. We discuss his roots, his heroes, the challenges of being a rider in Africa, his vision for the sport, his training regiment, his plans for the future and much more.

The story of 2 lifelong friends from Louisiana. Riding together for over 25 years. Constantly practicing their skills,  pushing each other, travelling together to events, and now starting a bike company together. In their own words: Blood , sweat and tears with Terry Adams and Mickey Gaidos 

For this episode I sat down with smooth rolling Sietse Van Berkel from Holland.
He has been in the game for 20 years and slowly but surely cemented his place among the elite with a win at Master of Creativity in 2018 and now being invited in events such as RedBull Circle of Balance and the Japan X Games. Lots of insights into his philosophy and vision for our artform.
PS - due to some unfortunate technical issues, the sound might be low at times, I recommend you use headphones for listening to this episode.

While in Houston for the Jam Circle contest in Feb 2023, I got a chance to sit down with legendary Nor-Cal shredder Pete Brandt. We discuss his BMX roots, his influences, his tricks, his bikes, contests, travels, shows, his views on the sport and so much more 

For this episode, I sat down with the current female flatland world champion, French shredder Aude Cassagne. Currently residing in the famous wine town of Bordeaux.
While she started riding a long time ago, Aude had put her bike down while attending  Med school. She is a doctor whose specialty consists of diagnosing potentially cancerous cells. In 2022,  she picked up her bike and took the scene by storm. Winning the world championships in Abu Dhabi, Getting on the Heresy team and winning the reader's choice award for best female rider on Flatmatters. here is her story

For the latest episode, I sat down with Hector Garcia and Jerry Milborn, the organizers of the upcoming Jam Circle. A unique flatland event taking place in Houston next February. We discuss flatland of course but also what it takes to run such an event, the logistics, the partners, confirmed riders, what to expect in Houston and much more. Whether or not you plan on being in Texas for that weekend, you should listen to their contagious love for flatland.

For this episode, I sat down with Vienna based Attila Tóth, owner and operator of fourpegsbmx store. We discuss his hungarian roots, his riding, how and why he started the shop, the hungarian and austrian scene, the state of flatland and much more.
You know what to do!

For this episode, I sat down with French young gun Anatole Rahain . One of the up and coming riders on the pro flatland scene. Anatole has been riding for 10 years, turned pro a couple of years back and has a few international podiums under his belt. A few months back he decided to be a full time rider and is supporting himself through shows and contests winnings. While mostly known as a contest rider, he is also active with the flatland association in his native region of Normandy promoting flatland and with the organization of the annual Astrolab contest. He is hungry, working hard at honing his skills and wants to take flatland to new heights. Here is his story.

For this episode, we travel to New York state where Vancouver native Travis Collier is now residing. Growing up in the Vancouver Flatland scene of the late 90's, Travis went to make a big impact on the flatland world with his unique style. One of the, if not the first one to use the pumping technique during combos. A very creative mind, he also designed some flatland products still in use today. After a successful pro career, he went on to found a design agency. That eventually led him to relocate to New York and work with some famous liquor brands.
Here is his story. 

He has been on a flatland bike for the better part of the last 38 years. Originally from the West Coast of Canada, he still calls the Vancouver area home. He was involved with some of the most influential Canadian brands and hung out with some the sport's greats. Member of the elusive quad decade club, he still shreds on a regular basis. From neighbourhood kid to seasoned pro and back, here is the story of Jamie McIntosh!

German Flatland powerhouse Frank Lukas, discusses his BMX roots, becoming a pro rider, starting Deep BMX with Matti Rose, becoming a UCI judge, life after pro, Family, getting a real job, the state of the sport, XGames, collecting midschool bikes and so much more

For this episode, we travel to the south of England to discuss with british style cat Lee Musselwhite. He has been in the game for a long time as a rider, competitor, promoter, bmx company owner and now manages a multi-disciplines show team.  Listen to his life journey. Flatland at its best!