After watching the video, there was most notably a wonderful sense of camaraderie, you can feel it. From the connections with all the locals, trail bosses and guest appearances to the S&M crew themselves. Beautiful to watch. This got me thinking around whether Stew had any reflections about how this kind of dynamic is created. Does it come from the aura of people like Clint and Stew, who would in all likelihood, be heros to most of the people on the trip? Or is it more simply just a thing that happens on a BMX roadtrip. Stew offered up the following thoughts:

"I mean, I think that BMX is the coolest thing in the world. To me, if you're a BMXer, then I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're a good person. My whole life as a travelling BMXer, people have been outrageously generous and taken me (us) in, offered up their floorspace, cooked a meal, a tour of their city or spots, and shared endless laughs. BMXer's are just that welcoming, I don't know any other way. 

Of course you have people that look up to Clint and the other riders on the trip, but I think they also have gathered that these guys are super friendly whether it's through videos they've seen, social media, or just word of mouth. I'd like to think that BMXers look out for each other. Ya know, the golden rule, 'treat people the way you want to be treated' kind of thing."

Further exploring the interpersonal theme, it really seemed like the dudes on the trip were hyped on each other and all got along really well. My view is that a roadtrip is a great test of character, particularly when you are roughing it and going for a week or two, you can't escape! Stew adds:

"Yeah, being out there on the road and roughing it together is the ultimate test if someone can hang with the crew. If everyone is on the same page, you're gonna have a blast. If just one guy has an ego or wants to be a pain in the ass, that can ruin the whole trip for everyone. Again, I'd like to think that S&M just supports a lot of like minded BMXer's. No one on the trip is a diva and these dudes don't expect to be treated like rock stars. It's bikes, sleeping bags and lots of laughs. Check all egos at the door and come to ride, have fun and make some memories."

Ey! Soak in those words kids.

No surprise then that the video stands as a heart-warming and engaging experience. At various points, I found myself smiling with joy at the screen, be it Jimmah being Jimmah or the boys supporting each other and being hyped on bikes or the many amazing anecdotes from the dudes in front of the mic.

With Stew living these moments and being the one to recreate this story in an edited format, I wanted to understand whether he had a sense (throughout production) that the video was going to end up being such a positive experience or whether some of the magic would be lost in translation. 

"I think when you have a great group of guys who are all amazingly talented bike riders, as well as just super cool people, and you go to all these incredible spots and meet these welcoming locals, it's impossible for that vibe not to come through in the video. It's really all about the chemistry between the riders on the trip. 

Obviously, I know that Clint, Aryei and Nate are all super solid, easy going dudes with a sense of humor. S&M supports them because we back them not only as riders, but as people that we really like. No egos, no attitudes. And we really just lucked out with Jimmah, Termite and Joe.....all kickass bike riders and fun dudes. I honestly don't think there was one disagreement the entire trip, which is kinda unbelievable. When the trip is fun, and you're having fun making the video, you can pretty much count on that translating to the viewers."

Picking up on the narration from the boys, something which I absolutely love, I was interested to hear how Stew approaches a situation in which the crew are speaking in front of the camera, describing the various moments of the day. When I've tried this for my own video projects, it has been a cumbersome and awkward experience. However, it works to add so much substance to a project, you get to build a relationship with the bikers as well as much more closely understand what went down on the trip.

"...no one ever wants to talk on camera, and I don't blame them. I usually pull out the mic every few days, so it's not something they have to endure daily. And to be honest, some days are so long that the last thing I want to do is set up the cameras, lights and mics after a taxing day of filming. It's never fun, but it does make the video that much more enjoyable for the viewer, because there's always more to the story than what you're seeing on the screen. I mean, it's that magical Road Fools vibe that Chris Rye brought to BMX. It brings the viewer along for the ride and makes them feel like they're on the trip, getting to know the riders."

So not only do you get the 'behind the scenes' treatment throughout the 'Aussie Rules' video, you get to go even deeper through Stew's insights from this piece. Including sleeping arrangements. 

I was interested to know what Stew's setup was like being on a trip of this nature, i.e. are there swags involved, what level of partying are we talking about, what's the roadtrip diet like? I ask in that this makes sense when you're 'one of the boys' and fuelled by youth and excitement, something which I myself am probably past even at the age of 35. However, I've spent enough time around Termite and Jimmah to know that they're not polished haha. 

"My setup on the trip is a sleeping bag and a small camping mat. Sometimes I get lucky and there might be a bed for me, or a quiet place that I can do some early morning editing, which is amazing, but I don't expect that at all. I'm not much of a party guy and I'm probably the first one to go to sleep haha. I naturally wake up much earlier than most of the crew, so if I go to bed late, then I'm screwed. But I've always been like that, so I'm not so sure that being fifty years old has anything to do with it. Or maybe I've just always been a geezer at heart?

I also have ear plugs and a noise machine, so Termite can do whatever it is that he needs to do haha. As far as food goes, I try to eat healthy-ish, but we all know how challenging that can be on the road. It's easier said than done most days."

Speaking of Termite and Jimmah, I loved that these boys were out there representing Australia, being such unique characters - each so committed to BMX. It makes me proud to be an Aussie and to see them go for it. 

Stew adds:

"Jimmah and Termite are both total badasses....on the bike and off. It didn't matter how many times they ate shit, they always got up and were back to ripping in no time, they just couldn't be stopped. Riding, driving, partying, they were full throttle most of the trip. Total legends in my book.

There were also a few moments where Jimmah did Jimmah things and you get to see an outsider experience this, i.e. Clint on the mic describing a few events. It's great stuff, particularly where he handles 'Aussie Posh' before the trail lords do haha. 

From Stew:

"Jimmah is basically the definition of BMX. His love for it and his determination to experience all facets of riding is just inspiring. It's that never give up, DIY spirit of BMX that made us all fall in love with bikes."

In a more basic sense, there was an interest in understanding Stew's favourite spot, as well as moment, of the trip. 

"This is a tough one, because everywhere we went was fun and the people were so welcoming. But if I had to choose, I'd say Canberra in general. Obviously, Snails is a work of art, visiting Backbone is cool as well, all the locals are sweet, but I really love visiting Russ and Emily Brindley. I've known them for quite a while and they are just THE BEST people. It also doesn't hurt that they run 'Sweet Bones', which is one of my favourite places to eat. I'm trying to get them to adopt me, but that is yet to happen.

We turned Aryei Pro for S&M at the ACT Jam. That was just super fun to surprise him with that news and see everyone's reactions. I think he made a lot of fans in Australia."

Furthermore, we discussed the most memorable person that Stew met on the trip as well as the best conversation/interaction.

"I'd say the answer to both of these questions would have to be Will Green's Dad, Karl. I don't know if I've ever met a more warm, welcoming and just downright nice person on this entire planet. He just radiates positivity and you instantly feel like you've known him forever. Super great guy and I love seeing parents be so supportive of their kids' passion."

Massive thanks to Stew for being down for this discussion. This has been something in the works for quite a while. You see, finding time to answer questions from a BMX shop in Australia might not top the priority list when you're a full time videographer - including coordinating the X-Games 'Real Street' production. 

As Stew notes:

"...then when I started doing more projects for S&M / FIT a couple of years ago, I was starting to spend more time in the van again, which was nice after the forced break during Covid. This past year, I'd say that maybe I spent 1/5 of my year on the road. I do love the lifestyle of getting out on the road and seeing old friends and making new ones. But after roughing it for a couple weeks, it's nice to get home and sleep in your own bed. It's all about balance, if I'm gone for a long time, I want to be home, and if I'm home for a long time, I get restless and want to be out on the road."

Nonetheless, with delays in our past, it is still unsettling to think about collaborating with Stew, someone who I've looked up to and admired the output of for most of my BMX life. I/we are truly grateful for the opportunity to work on a written project. Hopefully our audience finds some entertainment value in what we present!

Fuck I love BMX and all that it offers, the intangible attributes being perhaps the most rewarding. 

"I couldn't agree with you more. BMX rules and I consider myself a lucky bastard to have found it. Thanks for the interview and thank you to S&M, Backbone and every single person we crossed paths with. Y'all made it an unforgettable trip."