I’m REALLY pleased about this month’s ROTM, for a many reasons. First, we finally have a female ROTM! About time! Martin, our esteemed editor, passed on Julia’s details to me, and I couldn’t be more pleased… we need more women in Flatland, and BMX as a whole. Come on ladies, be inspired and pick up a bike! Second, Julia is also moving into art/design, and also plays Bass Guitar, which are two BIG passions of mine outside of Flatland. Here are a few words from Julia to wet your appetite: “Never give up if it becomes hard, just try it again and set your own goals. Oh and support more female BMX riders!”
Name: Julia Preuss
Age: 20
Sex: Female
Location: Berlin, Germany
When did you start riding?
August 2004
How often do you ride?
4-6 times a week
Do you ride contests? If yes, what has been your biggest success?
I did compete once, placed 4th, more to come I guess
Where do you ride? – Your Spot(s)
Mostly at a local spot in my hometown and off and on in Berlin.
Can you tell us a bit about the riding scene in your town?
There are no riders in my town, that’s why I really enjoy it to ride with the guys in Berlin.
Imagine you could make a flatland world tour, which 5 places would you like to visit for riding and why?
I’d love to go to Texas, Japan, Stuttgart as well, South America and The Green Mile.
Is there a goal you would like to reach concerning your riding?
Yeah, getting more female rider into Flatland, showing them that it’s fun and a cool sport to express yourself. It wasn’t really a goal, but I got to know a lot of great people cause of travelling with the bike. That’s awesome! When I travel the bike always has to be with me! Yepp!
Which trick/combo do you work on at the moment?
I’m still not comfortable with time machines or wheelchairs, I’m working on switch footed things and some new combos as well, oh and barflips.
What kind of music do you like? Tell us your 3 favourite songs:
I like rock, glam rock, alternative, jazz, soul, hip hop, and electro.
Air – La Femme D’ Argent
Deichkind - Voodoo
Chemical Brothers - Fuck Up Beats
Tell us 3 things you like and 3 things you don’t like...
I like: a good long riding session during 15° C weather, trips to different places and having a good time with friends
I don’t like: winter, injuries, people who are fake and annoying
What is your job/what do you study?
I’m working in a local supermarket to afford my future university place in print and media technology
What are your hobbies besides flatland and do they influence your way of riding?
I play the bass, it’s always fun to make up new music, I sometimes go swimming and because of my education I do some graphical stuff off and on.
Bikecheck:
Frame: A Bad Thing 18.2
Headset: Zion
Forks: KHE Tanaka
Handlebars: Odyssey Chase
Grips: Odi Longnecks
Bar Ends: Some plastic things
Tires: front: Odyssey Frequency 1.75; back: KHE Mac 1
Wheels: front: KHE geisha hub, Alex y303 rim; back: KHE Geisha light freecoaster, KHE Big V rim
Seat: KHE Watanabe
Seatpost: KHE Prismatic
Seat Clamp: Shadow
Pedals: Odyssey Twisted
Crank: Profile
BB: Shadow
Sprocket: Suelo 22t
Chain: KHE Tanga
Pegs: front: Suelo; back: A Bad Thing
Last words:
Thanks a lot to all those who supported me with good words, hints to do a trick better and just being there for me (I’m sure those will know who they are, Love you guys!). Never give up if it becomes hard, just try it again and set your own goals. Oh and support more female BMX riders!