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Interview: The Alabama Slamma - Barry Nobles

Oct 9, 2013

Barry Nobles is a busy man. When he is not traveling the world racing BMX, you may spot him out ripping on his DH bike, boosting at the local dirt jumps, riding XC with Brian Lopes, or picking up a Stars-and-Stripes jersey on a special occasion. With his sights set on being part of the BMX Olympic team in 2016, you can be sure he will be training and riding hard for many years to come. Here's a glimpse into what makes him tick.

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Date of Birth: December 2, 1986
Hometown: Wetumpka, Alabama
Residence: Menifee, California
Team/Sponsors: DK / Airborne Bicycles, Maxxis Tires, Fly Racing, Odi Grips, Profile Racing, and Vans
Plate #: 95
Instagram Handle: @barrynobles95

 You just recently won your first national title in the dual slalom at the 2013 USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships in Angel Fire, New Mexico. How was that experience? How was it coming straight off the BMX Worlds in New Zealand?
Winning that title was rad. I've gotten a few podiums in BMX and 4X but never the win. Leading into BMX worlds in New Zealand I had ticked all the boxes in training only to be taken out in the final while in second. Going straight home to Angel Fire I had a little extra drive for that jersey.

 Is it tough transitioning between racing BMX to competing in a Dual Slalom event? What are the similarities?
Luckily I ride the BMX and 26" quite a bit so switching back and forth has been pretty easy.

 You've also entered a few DH races lately. How's that going?
DH is always good. I have only raced a little. It's a good brain switch off for me really. Think I like just doing runs all day more than racing though.

 Are you planning on making the switch to "full time" in either discipline?
Na, I don't think I'll ever make a full switch. BMX is always my love. I love riding MTB but it's more my relax/no stress time haha. If I could switch to anything I'd do slopestyle full time. I'd quit racing to go to rad contests all year.

 What races can we expect to see you at in 2014?
2014 is when the Olympic chase starts again but I'm still going to try to make it to some. Right now I'm just planning Sea Otter and Crankworx.

 How did you first get introduced to riding BMX? 
Nothing special about that story. Three years old, my Dad took me to the BMX track in Montgomery, Alabama. Been on the bike ever since.

 When did you realize that you wanted to pursue racing as a career? 
From day one, I've been lucky enough to never have a job, so I guess when I was about 15-16 I just wanted to ride my bike and get the bills paid. Each year things get better and better.

 What were some of the challenges and obstacles you have had to overcome to get to this point?
I'd probably only say injuries. I've always had great parents to help me reach my goals but blowing both my knees, both collar bones, wrist, ankle etc. After my second knee surgery the body started slowing down haha.

 How do you deal with recovering and getting back on track?
I try to look at it as just another injury and I'm aiming for that light at the end of the tunnel. I'm very positive during injuries and I think it puts me back on the bike quicker than most.

 How much time do you put into training, and what is your regular routine? 
That's really all my day consists of. I just love training. Whether it's for riding or self benefit. Three days a week in the gym. About five days on the bike. Track, sprints, XC rides, trails, you name it.

 What are some of the highlights in your career up to this point?

I'd say the biggest highlights are traveling the world riding a bike. I'm always trying to be a fan fave so seeing kids that are stoked to meet me or ride with me is more rewarding than anything. As far as results: one amateur world title, ABA Pro Cruiser title, National Champion, World Cup top 10, and US Olympic trials.

 What goals do you have for the future? What boxes are left to check off? 
There's always boxes to be checked haha. I want a rainbow jersey before I'm done. But long term goal is to be on the 2016 Olympic team in Rio.

 When you're not traveling and racing, what type of riding do you prefer, and who do you normally ride with? 
Trails all day! I'd probably say Derek Sipkoi is who I ride with the most. He has the same attitude I do. Just stoked to be on the bike and every jump needs to be bigger!

 Off the bike, what other interest do you have?
Cruis'n the streets on my bobber or during the winter I spend a lot of time on the snowboard.

 Tell us a bit about your motorcycle. 
It's a Honda Rebel 450 completely redone into a low raw metal bobber. I try to get out as much as I can but there are not too many dudes to ride with. Marc Willers, another BMX'er has a bike and ODI mechanic John Hall has one too. Gwinny got a cafe racer but I can never get him to go ride anymore! *( Hope you're reading this AG ).* Almost a crew. So anyone else out there in the Temecula area - let's ride!

 Any fresh ink?
In the process of getting my whole leg done. Ankle to ass. Zombies and aliens haha.

 How's your back yard pump track holding up?

Pump track is DIALED and fast but it never gets ridden enough! Too hot right now during the day so we try to get a solid hour in before the sun goes down. Tight, fast turns, and gap doubles. It's a big boy's pump track.

 Which do you prefer? Full face or half shell?
Depends what I'm doing. I've always done half shell but now I try to just leave that for sprints. I've been in a full face for trails for a few months now.

 Clips or flat pedals? 
Flats! If I could race on flats I would. No chance of winning though nowadays without clips.

 Race kit or tee shirt and jeans?
Race kit always. Keeping it as moto as I can get it. Always full kit at local practice.

 Metal or Hip hop? 
Hip hop.

 Hat or beanie? 
Snap back.

 Slim fit or baggy pants?
Skinny jeans.

 Mexican, Italian, or Thai food?
Thai food!

 Coffee or tea? 
Green tea daily.

 Sports car or truck?
Sports car with a roof rack.

 Last but not least, who would you like to thank? 
Airborne Bicycles, DK Bicycles (same company), Maxxis tires, Fly Racing, Profile Racing, ODI Grips. These companies have had my back for so long! Mom and Dad for being great parents. James Herrera (my coach, homie) and all my fans!