Morgan Wade
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Tyler Texas.
How old are you?
I just turned 22 on July 13.
How and when did you start riding BMX?
I started riding flatland on the road in front of my house in 1997. My brother and I built a 7ft quarter pipe with a 6ft transition in my yard, so along with the flat I rode the quarter pipe for about a year. In 1998 the city of Tyler built a free public skate park, and that's when I really started riding mainly park and street.
Who were you riding with when you first started riding?
I guess pretty much my brother, when the park was built I started meeting a lot more riders. I'd say the guys that I learned a lot from when I started were all the Tyler locals. Most of them were old school flat slash street slash everything else riders, so you could say I had a wide variety of styles to learn from while growing up.
Do you enjoy riding in contests now?
Yeah, I enjoy contests. For me the best thing about contests is the practice though. I’m not really into the whole pressure of the actual runs part, but it's fun most of the time.
How could contests be improved?
I think the best way to improve any contest would be to let the Beast run it! Basically I think all comps should be jam format, at least that's the best way to encourage progressive riding. If you're not thinking, if I put my foot down, or wipe out I'm out of the top 10 it'll make you feel like going for harder more risky stunts! Also, there's a lot to be said for having a course that reflects current riding. If the course is made for 1994 vert riders, 28 out of 30 riders are going to be spit out of luck!
What is good/bad about being a pro?
GOOD: Free stuff, most of my travel is paid for, I get to ride and see amazing places that I might not have been able to otherwise, I don't have to have a real job, I've made friends all over the world, and the best part, lots-o-fun, but you don't have to be pro for that!
BAD: Sitting on airplanes sucks! That's about it.
What do you think of BMX videos?
BMX videos are awesome! I learn from and enjoy them a lot!
Do you enjoy shooting video parts?
Video parts are fun to shoot for when you can really focus on that part. It gets a little hectic when you've got three or four parts going at the same time.
Do you ride mini, park or vert-ramps much? If so, where?
Yes, yes, and yes. I'll ride any of the above any time and anywhere there's a good session going on!
Do you ever session backyard pools much? If so, where?
I've ridden a few pools. The best pool sesh I've ever had was at the Malibu pool! It's this real fancy place that's starting to slide off a mountain in Malibu. Absolutely nuts! It's got the best view of the ocean and a killer sunset if you are there at the right time!
What shoes were you riding before etnies?
I always purchased etnies before a company called Axis sponsored me. I rode for them for a year then made the switch back to the big.
How did you get on etnies?
Through John Povah, my deal ran out with Axis and the opportunity presented itself, so I jumped on it!
What do you like about etnies?
First of all I like the shoes and the product! The company image is awesome, and the TM is amazing!
Who do you ride with now?
I'm not in Tyler very often anymore, so I don't get to ride with all the boys like I used to, but I'll ride with anyone that's down for a good time!
Who are your other sponsors?
I ride for Mutiny Bikes, Snafu, Bell Helmets, UGP, Riffraff, Empire BMX, and etnies.
Who are your favorite riders of all time?
Joe Rich, Taj, Jamie Bestwick, Corey Martinez, Ruben, Gary Young, Mat Hoffman, Joe Simon, Neil Harrington, Walter Pieringer, Mike Aitkin, Chris Doyle, Van Homan, Brian Foster, Colin Winkleman, Aaron Ross, Danny Hickerson, Bruce Crisman, Sergio Layos, Chad Kegy, Josh Herrington, and many more that I can't think of right now!
What have been the highlights of your career?
Winning Roots '04, the CFB in '04 and '05, the Worlds '05, the Gravity Games '04. I've been on the cover of RIDE twice and the cover of BMX Plus. Going on Local Exposure 2, Road Fools 14, and I guess being in the X-Games in the past three years.
What do you enjoy besides riding?
I enjoy Art, Rubiks Cubes, swimming, eating food, and looking at cute girls, especially ones I know!
What are your future goals?
To finish college, meet a nice young lady, get married, have a family, and keep riding my bike as long as I can!
What magazines have you had profiles and interviews in?
Ride BMX, BMX Plus, Ride UK, Dig, and Transworld.
