FOLLY | Folly | Page 192

After seeing some sweet photos posted up by John Prolly featuring AJ Austin, and watching a couple of his videos; I really wanted to get in touch and interview him. John Prolly got us in touch with AJ and he was more than happy for us to pick his brain. AJ is a cool, down to earth dude that is gonna do big thing in FGFS. Check out the interview below.

F: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

AJ: My name is AJ Austin, but my legal name is Stephen F. Austin. My parents named me after “the father of Texas” because we are related to him. I’m from San Marcos, Texas. I just graduated college with a Bachelors of Arts in History and a minor in Education. I am a state certified high school teacher (scary, I know) and I just started my Masters in Public History. I’ve been riding fixed since 2007.

F: What do you like most about FGFS?

AJ: I think the thing I like most about FGFS is that I can ride it like a BMX but actually get somewhere with ease. It sounds cliche’ but I lead a fairly charmed life here in Texas and my bike plays a big role in that. When this all first started I couldn’t bunnyhop curbs or nose manual things while commuting because the bikes weren’t designed that way… and I sucked. Now I’ll gap stairs and nib jib around town while i’m commuting. In the summer I don’t drive my car for months at a time and I can get anywhere in town within 10 minutes. I can’t imagine my life if I had to drive everywhere.

F: How did you and John Prolly get together?

AJ: Good question! I don’t really know how exactly John and I got to be friends. He was always real supportive of the Ravenfeeder team (http://vimeo.com/5417654) we were doing here in Texas and I think from there we just kinda chatted over email. He met Eric Puckett and Elliot at the NYC BFF in 2009 and I think they mentioned me. A few months later John was kind enough to help me get on the Milwaukee Bike co. team.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/5417654 w=600&h=405]

RavenFeeders BFF edit from Jason Baker on Vimeo.

F: Who/what motivates you?

AJ: We use to watch bootleg session v.1 and v.2 religiously and Tom / Tony sections were always standout. I’ve looked up to them since the beginning. I really looked up to Tom Mosher, Justin Taylor, Burd Phillips, Prolly, Super Ted, Torey, etc. These days a lot of guys out there are really smooth, like Matt Spencer, Pissy, Congo, Antonio, Matt Reyes, etc. I get motivated watching them. Anything creative, techy, and stylish makes me happy. Going big has its place and time but I’d rather watch someone with bike control and style.

F: What is your favorite adult beverage?

AJ: Texas beer, dark beer, anything not a Pilsner. If I’m hanging with my grandma then we get margaritas with extra salt.

F: Where do you see yourself going in FGFS?

AJ: I don’t know. If this thing really has staying power maybe I’ll try to start a frame company when I’m too old to ride. I’ll keep putting out edits and trying to bring my own personality into it. I’ve been wanting to start a mixtape series of all the dudes still on 29ers… plus Gus Molina.