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THRICE: Gary Young

Past, Present and Future

Gary Young, the king of power manuals and tabes for babes heads up our new THRICE mini interview series.

Growing up, he was a big influence on my own riding (and still is), so to meet him quite early in my BMX photography career, go on several trips and get a lot of hang time has been a real pleasure. I’ve had the incredibly fortunate experience of seeing a hero become a friend.

Watching Gary approach a spot and put it to use in his classic style is always a treat. And photographing that moment is fantastic. I’ve written about Gary’s ability on a bike before, how it’s strangely funny when he’s trying something and it’s not working… Because, really, he can do whatever he wants. If it makes sense in Gary’s head, it’s probably going to happen.

A lot has changed for Gary in the last couple of years, as he builds his family life and reflects on his past, present and future achievements. There’s a rich career behind and in front of Gary Young.

Moto boost at a Jason Enns DIY spot near Norco, California.

Last tooth of the session. Battle Bowl, California.

PAST

What’s been going on?

It has been a busy year to say the least. Vans and Sunday have been working on full length videos which are both scheduled to come out in 2016. Filming trips for both of those have kept me busy and I have gotten to travel with some of the raddest dudes to some pretty wild places. When I am home I have been filming with my friend Doeby for his own project titled “Likewise”. That should be pretty rad too.

Right before X Games, my wife gave birth to our second child, Lincoln. That was an unreal experience because we didn’t find out the sex of the baby and I got to announce it as he came out. “It’s a boy!” My daughter is dropping into little ramps on her balance bike. I’m not pushing her to ride but I’m also not bummed that she gets stoked on it.

I have gotten to travel with some of the raddest dudes to some pretty wild places…

Classic Gary tyreslide / downside pedal at the Battle Bowl.

PRESENT

What’s happening now?

While filming for the Vans video I got a pretty decent cut on my arm, so I’m currently chilling while that heals, but luckily that shouldn’t be long. Traveling, riding, hanging out with my kids / family and looking for spots pretty much takes up all of my time these days. I feel very fortunate to lead this life and I can not thank my sponsors – Vans, Sunday Bikes and Odyssey – enough for these opportunities.

I want to continue to cross off some gnarly stuff that I have in mind and try to stay healthy at the same time

FUTURE

What’s next?

The Odyssey 30 Year Jam is on this Saturday, December 5th, at Full Factory. Walter (Pieringer) is putting out a team video that is going to premiere there too. Think something along the lines of a 10-15 minute mix tape of the Odyssey team. I’ve gotten to see some of the footage already and dudes have been going in. Filming is beginning to wrap up for Vans and Sunday, and I want to continue to cross off some gnarly stuff that I have in mind and try to stay healthy at the same time. Staying healthy is the real struggle. Since I have a bunch of things I want to get done I just need to keep my body healthy so I can get everything done before the deadlines come up.