When did you start riding BMX and why?
My older brother started riding and I wanted to have a go. I was only 3 at the time, and still had stabilizers. Pretty soon after, I could ride without them and had a go on a track with wooden jumps at Pontins, and loved it.
What titles have you won?
About 7 or 8 national age group titles, Elite Women No. 1 in '98, 1 British Champ title, and I got 2nd at the Euros in '97…I beat the girl who won it in my semi….gutted!! What is your ambition for racing? Be National No.1 again, I was winning a lot at the end of last season, so I want the title back this year. It's a bit frustrating being at uni sometimes, I don't get to ride or train half as much as I'd like. So at some point before I'm over the hill in BMX, I'd like to spend a couple of years where BMX is my priority, devote a lot more time to it, be the best I can possibly be, and maybe race in America for a bit.
What has been your worst injury?
I've been pretty lucky with injuries, touch wood. The only thing really is I crashed on my shoulder at Farnham a year or so ago and it's still a bit loose!
What has been your favourite bike .Why?
I always loved the Ti-lites, I rode Martin and Stephen's old bikes. I went off them when the forks snapped on me though….I like my Profile I've got now, it was really easy to get used to, I liked it straight away.
Do you think you could ever make a living from BMX?
I wish. If I go to the US to ride it will probably cost me way more money than I could ever make from it.
What else do you enjoy doing?
The usual, going out and having fun with my mates. I hate clubbing but student nights are great. I like doing other sports, but only for fun.
Have you ever considered MTB racing for a possible pro career?
Yeah, but I don't know if that's even enough for a career now. When MTBing suddenly got big, loads of money was in it but I'm not sure there is now?
Do you ever ride trails ,skateparks ,flatland or street .If not why?
Trails I've ridden once or twice but haven't really given it any time, and it takes a lot of getting used to cos I find it's so different to jumping on a track. There was never any skateparks near me so I never had a go, I taught myself to turn on a quarter pipe only a couple of months back, it didn't take long but I should of done it a long time ago! Flatland doesn't appeal to me, I just know I'd be crap at it anyway, and street? I've never really thought about giving it a go.
Why don`t more girls ride BMX?
I dunno. Maybe because about 60% of girls are allergic to any physical activity….That leaves the rest playing netball or dancing and gymnastic-ing(?).
Most male riders would love a BMX ing girlfriend. Do you go out with riders and does it work?
I don't go looking for guys who ride, I usually go out with guys who don't. It wouldn't matter if they did ride though. I thought Robbie Miranda was cute till he lost his teeth.
Do you find scabs attractive?(ed.sorry couldn`t resist it)
Not really.
Is there anything else you want to tell the world?
Yeah, I'd like to apologize to anyone we insulted in the National Programmes, and let everyone know that only Rich is responsible from now on!!
an interview with
Joey has her own website if you want to see some more just click here