|
TOBY HENDERSON Interview with Toby Henderson,questions asked by myself Januari 2003
Hi Toby, First of all thanks for doing this interview. So let's begin.
JJR: When did you star with BMX? Toby: Started racing at the age of twelve in 1974 and turned PRO in 1979 at the age of 17 JJR: And when did ended your BMX career? Toby: In 1987 at the age of 26 and then turned PRO Mountain Bike Racer JJR: When did you race for Hutch? Toby: 1981 JJR: Did you race only in 1981 for Hutch? I thought it was for more years. Toby: It was so long ago but 81' to 83' so 3 full seasons! JJR: What were your best results in BMX? Toby: National Champion in 1983 on cruiser. Top 3 20' for three straight years. JJR: What Hutch bikes did you ride? Toby: Pro XL and Pro XL Cruiser JJR: That Pro XL is unknown for me. Do you mean a XL Pro Racer? Toby: Yes JJR: Did you have ever any influence on the Hutch products? Toby: I was the first Pro for Hutch. Most items were designed for me through my input to Hutch himself JJR: How was it to be a member of one of the greatest BMX factory teams ever? Toby: Even though I rode for a few good teams HUTCH was by far the most powerful team in BMX at that time. It was truly an honour to be a part of the program. JJR: What's the first thing that's comes up in your mind when reading the following: -Richard Hutchins. Toby: An awesome power father figure who would not take second place as a good day! -Hutch bikes/components. Toby:At that time Hutch was very innovative. We did have problems with new products but he did work through them. Since I was chasing points for Pro Number 1 I usually did not race prototype stuff. The Hutch Stuff was some of the best stuff I ever rode. -Hutch B.B.Q. at the races. Toby: Cool, but a distraction as a racer. -Pro Gard, the chain cover you promoted in a ad in 1983. Toby: One of the mot simple products produced but it did not work well enough for pro level riding. -Worlds 1983,Slagharen,Holland. Toby: Beer, girls with hairy armpits and a great race track! -Tim Judge,the person. Toby: Great off the track but crazy when on it or around one! -Hutch Judge frame set. Toby: Jealousy cause he had his own frame. But that is what Hutch did for him to equal him to me. See Hutch made him stay expert cause I was the PRO and Timmy was not happy about that so he got a signature frame -Coca Cola Cowboy. Toby: A lame name that had no reason for who I was. I still live with it today! JJR: How did you got that name? Toby: Bob Osbrone from BMX Action gave it to me. Why I do not know??? -Mike Miranda (I don't know if you were ever teammates). Toby: Mike took my spot when I left Hutch. He was a great promoter for Hutch. JJR: Did you leave Hutch or did Hutch dropped you? Toby: I left Hutch for SE racing. They paid me 3 times what Hutch offered. It was a mistake on my part. I should have stayed at Hutch. JJR: Can you explain that? Toby: SE paid me a lot more money than Hutch to switch, but were unable to promote me as much as Hutch therefore in the long run it was a bad move. SE did however buy my first house for me! JJR: What BMX sponsors did you have in you career? Toby: DG, Raliegh, Hutch, SE, GT in that order. JJR: I've never seen you in a GT uniform. Did you race long for GT and alone GT BMX bikes or also MTB? Toby: Mostly MTB but I did race internationally for GT BMX in 1988 JJR: What sports did you after your BMX career? And what do you still do? Toby: PRO Mountain Bike Racer till 98' and now I own 3 Bicycle related companies. JJR: If I'm right,D.H. mtb isn't it? Toby: Yes Downhill. JJR: What are you doing at present and what are your plans for the future? Toby: Working the three companies 24/7 JJR: Can you tell me what companies? Toby: Pro Bike Parts a Mail order company….THE is MTB parts and Pure Bicycles is a Bicycle company and along with Pure is SINZ a BMX parts company. JJR: Do you still own a BMX bike,maybe a Hutch? Toby: The only BMX bike I have is a GT Box series 24" JJR: Why a GT? Toby: I like the Box series and it was free. JJR: Never thought to race the Veteran class once in a while? Toby: I chased those points in 94 but not sense then. I plan to race in 2003 JJR: Great! 20" or 24"? On what brand? Toby: 24" and PURE JJR: How difficult is it to race BMX again after all those years? Toby: I think my MTB experince will help the transition more but I am not going for any titiles at this point JJR: What do you think of my JJR bikes,especially the aluminium cruiser? (see my site!) Toby: Hard to tell with out seeing it in person but it looks good from here. JJR: Never thought to bring your own brand BMX? Toby: See above!!! JJR: Can you tell me about your new deal,pro bike parts,with the ABA? Toby: We are the sole vendor at all ABA Nationals! JJR: Is there anyone in your family who's racing BMX? Toby: Nope my daughter is a MTB er JJR: So you was a BMX Pro and a MTB Pro. What bike do you like more when you see in the past. BMX or MTB? And in what sport did you have the best time? Toby: MTB cause the days are shorter…MTB cause it was more highend..Still love BMX though JJR: What's your comment for the BMXers of today? Toby: Be Professional and it will go a long way!
Well Toby, I thank you very much for the answers and wish you all the success in the future and hope to see you on a BMX soon!
|
|