Ray has progressed a lot the last couple of years, from riding at the Post Office to finishing 4th at the X-Games Phenom event and filming a bunch of web videos. I really liked the CA Daze II, by JL Media, back in January. Both the filming, editing and the riding were top notch.
You might know he can ride a bike being stylish and smooth, but if you want to know more of him, you should read his FYI interview.
Introduce yourself.
My name is Raymond Marcellus George, I am 20 years old, from Santa Cruz, CA, born and raised, I have been riding mountain bikes for almost 8 years and for the record, I’m only half black.
What do you do for a living?
I do landscaping part-time, ride my bike and dig.
How did you get involved with bicycles?
I have always ridden bikes ever since I could balance on one. I was really into skateboarding for a few years, and then dropped that once I fell in love with mountain biking in ’06 or something when my friends turned me on to it.
What is your best memory to date?
Hmm. I have millions of memories, but one of the best ones was when I first got picked up by Dartmoor. I was incredibly stoked (still am). Another one would be when I was invited to the Phenom event at X-Games Munich.
What does riding a bicycle mean for you?
It means everything to me. It’s the only thing I’m truly passionate about in life. It’s something that I’m always motivated to do and work towards; even when I’m in a terrible mood it always makes me happy. Biking keeps me going in the right direction. It keeps me away from bad habits and helps me live a really healthy lifestyle. It keeps me in shape mentally and physically. It has had a big influence on my life, and has made a much better person out of me.
Who do you ride with?
Jeff Herbertson, Ryan Howard, Kyle Jameson, Christian Wright, Keegan Quiroz, Jack Fogelquist, Cam and Tyler McCaul, Greg Watts, Carson Storch and many, many more.
Are there any riders or things that inspire you and keep you motivated?
So many! To name a few: Martin Soderstrom, mostly in the way he rides, but also how he is always stoked with a smile on his face, even when he doesn’t get 1st place. Brandon Semenuk for how insanely motivated and successful he is. Ryan Howard, because if it wasn’t for him and everyone that enforces digging policies, I would still be a grom. All of my friends and family. And everyone that has successfully made a living, or at least a happy life from action sports definitely keeps me striving for that. Thanks to T-Mac and Jeff for not letting me pussy out when I feel like pussying out.
Could you describe your riding style in five words?
Don’t want to sound conceited here… Smooth, cautious, poppy, semi-consistent, fun. Yup, I sound kinda conceited.
Have you suffered any injuries because of riding?
Luckily, only a few. I simultaneously broke my wrist and ruptured my spleen back in 2007. Other than that, I got a gnarly concussion during practice at AT’s Showdown 2012. Good thing I was wearing a helmet, or I probably wouldn’t be able to ride anymore otherwise.
What does your family think about that?
My mom hates seeing me hurt myself more than anything, my dad knows I know what I’m doing. They care about me a lot and obviously don’t enjoy it.
Is there something that scares you and nobody else knows?
I don’t think so. My friends know me well enough to know what scares me and what doesn’t. Frontflips scare me…
If you had to choose one of these three things, what would it be?
1. Getting a cover of a mountain-bike magazine.
2. Winning a well-known contest.
3. Filming a full-length video part.
Those are all such prestigious accomplishments; I would love to accomplish all 3. But the hardest and least likely would be to win a contest so I’ll choose that. I enjoy pushing my limits.
What are your thoughts on the bicycle industry?
Some parts of it are good, some parts are not so good. Too much to talk about for this interview I think. My biased perspective would say that there should be more money for riders in between being a good rider and being a “pro”. Also sketchy Slopestyle courses should not exist. And 26 will never die…
What are your plans for this year?
Do well at some contests, film a lot, spend a lot of time riding downhill and freeride stuff and also go on some epic trips.
What places would you like to visit?
Utah, Barcelona, Sunshine Coast, and eventually everywhere.
Current set-up.
Dartmoor everything, Geax tires and X-Fusion suspension.
Top 5 riders of all time.
Martin Soderstrom, Brandon Semenuk, Cam Zink, Cam McCaul & Jamie Goldman. (Really wanted to put Brett in there but he has progressed in such a small amount of time to be considered “all-time”, but in a few years he will be, no doubt).
Top 5 videos of all time.
Roam, NWD 7-10.
If there is anyone that you would like to thank or say anything to them, now it’s your time.
All my sponsors, all my riding buddies, and everyone out there who loves digging and in doing so, creates a wonderful community for us bike enthusiasts; and everyone who inspires me to be a better rider and a better person overall.
Thank you Ray.
Thank you too!
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Photos by Keegan Quiroz & Jamie Ledson.
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