Karl Poynter

Location: Indiana
Age: 22 years, 7 months
Riding since: 1998
Frame: Journey
Favorite riding:

Backwards

Sponsors:

Eastern Bikes, The Shadow Conspiracy, Duffs Footwear, The Last People, Hardcore Sportz

 

 

What got you into the BMX world to begin with? My brother bought the both of us BMX bikes back at the end of '97. My bro was into BMX when he was growing up and thought it could be a cool thing for us to start riding together. We began going to the local BMX track and then it all evolved from there and to where I'm at with BMX today.

 What is the best thing about owning your own bike shop?That's kind of a tough one narrow down, but one of the main things I've enjoyed from owning a bike shop with my brother would be seeing how we've help make and progress our scene. It's went from nothing to a strong crew of riders. Having a kid come in and buy his first BMX bike is always something I've enjoyed as well. There's a lot I really like about owning and operating a shop.

 How about the worst thing? Dealing with the ones who aren't supportive to their local scene and shop.

 Will you ever not ride a freecoaster? Yes, when I'm riding my 26" Eastern on the dirt jumps or mountain bike trails. Also, when I'm out cruising around on my track bike. I always ride with a free-coaster on my personal BMX bike, though.

Who are the people that you ride with the most now? All the locals from my shop when I'm home and then of course all my teammates and friends from all the brands I ride for when I'm on BMX trips. I ride with anyone who's riding with a good attitude and having fun!

 What do you do outside of riding? Family, friends, my cats, my shop Hardcore Sportz, paintball, art, music, small projects on my apartment, traveling, food, and plenty more are what mostly take up my time outside of bikes.

 How would you describe your style? I always find questions like these a little awkward for me to answer. Sometimes I think it would almost be best to have someone that knows me and my riding to describe my style. I think my riding consists of more thought out tricks and lines that I work on trying to make look smooth as possible. I just ride and do the tricks that I find interesting and fun to me.

 What was the first BMX video you watched? Was it on a VHS or DVD? VHS and it was Schwinn "American Muscle"

What gets you motivated...with riding and just life in general? Sitting back and really realizing what I have to be thankful for in my everyday life.

 Top five bands at the moment:Film School, Passion Pit, Yppah, Hot Water Music, Broken Social Scene

 Any last words? Always enjoy yourself when you're on your bike! Thanks to all my family, friends, sponsors, and anyone else who have helped me out or supported me for what I do. I really appreciate it.