SE Crew: Isaac Irvine
Isaac Irvine, AKA @bigbikebmx joined the SE Crew recently, but he's a longtime member of the bike life movement. Aside from shredding on a bike, he's also part of the team behind the Big Bike BMX podcast!
How old are you?
I turned 49 this year.
Where do you live?
I grew up in Northern California and spent my days building dirt jumps in empty fields and learning flatland freestyle. I moved to Phoenix, Arizona 15 years ago and love living in the Valley of the Sun.
What’s your favorite SE bike?
The PK Ripper 27.5 is hands-down the best bike I've ever ridden. The size is big enough to be comfortable, but the geometry is snappy and agile. The PK Ripper can do it all: jump, freestyle, or rideout. It's the perfect bike for old school riders who want to ride a comfortable BMX bike again.
What’s your favorite place to ride?
Growing up, my bike was everything. It gave me freedom and a purpose. If I'm relearning a flatland trick, I'll spend time in an empty parking lot. It feels like home to me. As a dad and husband, my priorities shifted and what I cherish the most these days are the memories I'm making with my family and my bike life friends. As a kid, I chased trophies. As an adult, I chase opportunities to create memories.
What’s your favorite thing about bike life?
I love that anyone can participate at ANY skill level. Everyone is equal in bike life and we can enjoy the aspects that we like. I can wheelie with a group of like-minded friends in a pack, or I can cruise and enjoy sharing BMX memories with other old school folks.
What’s your secret to improving riding skills?
There's no substitute for simply riding your bike. The more you ride, the more your brain adapts to the feel and you'll naturally improve how you control your bike.
What’s something that people may not know about you?
I was a tattoo artist for ten years.
What advice would you give to someone just getting into bike life?
You don't have to ride a mountain bike or a beach cruiser if you're an old school rider and you want to have fun on bikes again. These big BMX bikes are time machines that ride exactly like the bikes we grew up on! Let's go ride bikes!