I just scored the interview of the decade (well, for me anyway). Shawn Arata was an up and coming bmx pro only a few short years ago, then one day he decided to go underground…way underground. Luckily he came to the surface for a few minutes to say hi. Before he slipped away again I hit him up with a few questions for the blog. I always thought Shawn was an awesome dude and I admire him for following his heart, even if that means that we (the bmx community) don’t get to see as much of him. He sounds really happy and I couldn’t be more psyched for him. So here you go, the Shawn Arata update. Now if we can only find Chris Adamski…
What have you been up to lately?
Well lately, I have been working lots. 6 days a week, 9-10 hour days at best. You know, keeping the dream alive. I am the project manager/ head carpenter of a smaller construction company right in the heart of chi-town and when i return home I am greeted by my beautiful wife Kristina and two wonderful kids who I spend my remaining time from the day with playing, laughing, wrestling, reading books all the amazing things having a wife and kids bring.
Aren’t you married with children now?
Happily married for two and a half years with 3 beautiful kids. Connor who will be 3 on April 5th, Mikayla Mae who is 18 months old, and my lovely step-daughter Cassidy Page who just turned 7. You better start making some toddler cloths because Connor is a maniac who loves his bike and skateboard and man can he fall good.
Do you still find time to get on the bmx?
Last year I rode a lot actually. I had built a 5 ft tall, 7 wide spine that was quite boostable so I would ride that a bunch. This year I’ve been working a lot! so it’s been a little more trying but i did hit up the Racine WI jam at the end of Sept. which was amazing. Kuco can build some ramps and man can he throw a jam. Hanging out with Buck, the bros Dale and Paul. Highlight was definitely The Yates Kids, Pauls band they flipping rock. Other then that I ride the local parks when I have a spare minute. I am hitting it hard this spring so watch out boys, I’m Back.
Being a former pro rider who’s moved on to other things, do you have any advice for the youngsters coming up in the game?
I would have to say ride your bike for the love of riding a bike. Always remember the reason you kept on riding even after a broken leg, torn acl, swollen, beaten and bruised and you picked up that bike the very next day wondering what and where you can go today. Remember this, its not about how light your bike is or how many tailwhips you can do or what company you ride for. Because no matter who you are, where your from it’s all about the smirk, the itchy hands and the bounce when you see the most perfect spot.
Ultimately, when I first started riding I gave 110% percent. Went to contest, roadtrips, traveled, photoshoots and loved every minute of it. Now I still have all the joys that came with it I just added a family. There is nothing like seeing my boy on his bike for the 1st time and seeing him excited to watch a bike video, especially one with daddy in it. No matter what riding will never leave my heart.
