Ruel ‘Wormz’ Smith - 20 Questions


Just how many riders started riding because of the movie RAD? It’s nuts when you think about it. And now we have Wormz’s over-ice, at the very least. Photo: Rob Doleki

1. What is your first memory of BMX?
The movie RAD, and my brother’s friends. Oh, and some random dude jumping off three steps way back when.

2. How did you feel when you got your first bike – do you have the same feelings now when you set up a new bike?
My first bike – I was crazy excited to have a cool looking BMX bike. And I kinda spoke to it. And yeah, I get a little excited these days still, like when my bike’s feeling all solid and ready to go!

3. What was your first bike like?
It was an all purple Kent with white mags, tyres, and brakes with a rotor. The frame, fork, and bars were purple. It was like a knock off GT performer. I killed it by paint-brushing it blue. It turned out bad so I traded it for a Monopoly board game and $20.

4. What is your latest bike like?
BAD-ASS. FBM PW Moto frame, FBM Chopper forks, Animal Piff bars and Jump-off stem. Yeah, it’s not too shabby.

5. When and what was the first time you saw something amazing on a bike?
1995, Sal Pepe doing a manual at Marine Park in Brooklyn. We didn’t know each other then. That had me baffled for a while.

6. When and what was the last time you saw something amazing on a bike?
I really don’t know. It’s so crazy these days that I’m no longer easily amazed. Well, flatland still gets me. Maybe because I don’t see much of it.

7. If you haven’t discovered BMX, what do you think you would be doing now?
Playing basketball maybe, or pimping women.

8. When it comes to riding, you go for style or tricks?
I go for style I guess. Let it do what it do!

9. Do you have to work on progression, or does it come naturally to you?
I’d say it comes naturally, because I don’t really practice much. I go out, ride, and try a few things.

10. What state of mind enables you to progress your riding?
Well I know what I’m capable of doing. So I kind of envision it happening before I actually go out and do it. Then it seems like I’ve done it before. That usually works for me.

11. What one rider has influenced you the most?
Joe Rich. I also had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. Nice guy!

12. What goes down if you have a bad day?
I keep to myself. I think the bigger picture – life besides BMX. Talk to my girlfriend, play my guitar. You know, sappy stuff like that. Just the sheer feeling of being alive can brighten my day so...

13. When was the first time you tried something big / burly / scary?
It was at one of the King Of New York contests a Mullaly Skatepark in the Bronx. I tried a big gap from the street-spine somewhere in the middle of the course, into the lip of a box jump on the side of the course. My front wheel barely made it in the tranny and I fell. Luis Perez still gives me props for the attempt. He said that gap was a big deal back then.

14. When was the last time you scared yourself on a bike?
Almost every morning riding to work. It’s pretty much all downhill to get to the city from my house, and the morning traffic is no joke, man. It’s like left, right, jump, duck. You gotta be quick. Shit scares me; sometimes it does!

15. What was the last bike part you bought?
Air for my tyres at the gas station. And a Primo Balance seat like a year ago.

16. What is the greatest BMX product in the last ten years?
Internal headsets. My hat’s off to the industry for that one. I’ve always had headset trouble, but not anymore.

17. If you could choose two riders to go riding with daily, who would they be?
Tyrone and Edwin. That’s roots right there. We don’t ride together much these days because we have to grow up and do adult things now! We used to have the best times, though.

18. How would you describe your riding?
Sunny-side up.

19. What is your favourite type of riding?
To be honest, cruising around town. I just like to pedal my bike.

20. Describe an ideal day...
Good loving in the morning. Followed by a hardy breakfast. Then ride street with some friends, have a drink, play with skateboards, dinner with my lady (Alina), music with my guitar, sleep with my bed. Goodnight.

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