Features

THRICE: Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace is arguably one of our most successful exports. He’s had a seriously impressive career so far, winning contests left, right and centre and has rightfully earned respect and a good reputation in BMX the world over.

From a strong skatepark background, Ben has moved on to find his true calling: dirt. If you organise a big dirt contest and invite Ben, expect to see him on the podium. It’s as simple as that, he absolutely rules on big jumps. In fact, he’s gone so far in this area that I’ve heard him complain about the jumpboxes in various skateparks being nowhere near big enough. He wants to do the big tricks and combos that shouldn’t be rushed – Ben demands serious air time.

That Cali lifestyle seems to suit him nicely as he now has access to plenty of big dirt spots nearby, including the Stay Strong compound at Stephen Murray’s house. With Ben back in the UK recently, we found some time just before Christmas to hang out and ride Rush – a skatepark that he helped build.

A lot has changed since Ride UK’s last encounter with Ben. Driving around and riding with him on a wintery day, we covered a hell of a lot of ground, conversation-wise. It’s clear Ben spends a lot of time considering and reflecting on his career, lifestyle and outlook on life in general.
–RP

Footplant whip – a trick that's old and new!

Another lesser-seen trick, the Cannonball. Ben does a mean one. I was stoked to shoot this.

PAST

What’s been going on?

Two years ago I made the move to Riverside, California with my wife, which has been amazing as I’ve been able to ride every day and enjoy all the sun has to offer. Unfortunately just over a year ago I snapped my my ACL and had to have surgery so was off of my bike for a good eight months, so I bought myself a Harley Davidson to rip around on to pass some time. My sponsors – Monster Energy, Mongoose and Stay Strong – were so supportive during my time off so want to say a massive thanks to them. Now I’m feeling good and with the help of my awesome CTI knee brace I’m feeling just as good as new. As for comps, things have been pretty quiet since recovery but I did ride both the Vital game of B.I.K.E. Dirt and Park comps and was pretty stoked to have got 1st and 2nd in them.

…so I bought myself a Harley Davidson to rip around on to pass some time…

A classic trick, well executed, as always.

PRESENT

What’s happening now?

At the moment I’m travelling back and forth between the UK and USA as the Mrs and I are expecting a baby girl in March, so a lot is changing! Other than that, like I say, just doing a lot of travelling and happy to be back on my bike and feeling good.

The Mrs and I are expecting a baby girl in March, so a lot is changing!

I recently came back and filmed a little edit at Unit23 with Leo Baron which was fun (other than adjusting to the Scottish weather!) As it’s the end of the year I’m just tying up a few ideas for some projects I’d like to start next year and spending some time with the family before heading back to Cali in January.

No handed flips are always awesome, especially when they're as slow and relaxed as Ben's.

I want to take my time, travel to a bunch of places and put together something special.

FUTURE

What’s next?

Well, obviously the biggest thing for me is becoming a Dad, which I can’t wait for! But it’s amazing the amount of shit advice people give you, telling you that your life’s over once baby comes. As for BMX I have a few ideas in the pipeline for future projects and in the new year want to film a bunch more and spend some time on a new edit to come out late next year. I feel like people just keep smashing out new stuff because it’s so accessible, I just want to take my time, travel to a bunch of places and put together something special.