Interview with a model!

I'm down in Athen's OH visiting my parents for Christmas and had a little time to catch up with an old friend...

From Hometown to Hollywood:

Interview w/ X-Pro Mountain Biker Skyler Reeves

B - What’s New?

S - Hey Brian!! What the hell is going on? Its been cool reading your blog all the time lately, reminds me of many great times we had in the Midwest on our bicycles. Things are good out here in Cali for me, just opened a new lounge in West Hollywood. I have opened many bars/nightclubs/restaurants out here but this one has meant a little more because I have been a lot closer to the nitty-gritty of starting a new business.

B- When was the last time you rode a bike?

S - Bueller…..Bueller…. Bueller….

B- What was your last race and how did you finish?

S -My last race must have been where-ever the finals were in 2001, I think. Maybe Mt. Snow?... or was it the Tour De Dewey in Boulder?? To be honest I have no idea, the last half of the last year of my racing career I wasn’t exactly, um, focused.

B- What was your best result in your career as a racer?

S - Well, I remember being particularly proud of finishing the Red Zinger, the road race that went from Boulder to Breckenridge, I think I was top 20 and there were over 200 starters and very few finishers. As far as pro mountain biking I think I was top twenty a few times. It is funny going back and trying to remember because what seemed so important at the time has all blended together. The important times I remember as I look back on it now were the extra long and hard training rides, car rides to races, the camaraderie that you build with fellow racers.

B - What was your first race?
S - I’m gonna have to say Addison Oaks. I think I was 12, and if I remember correctly Jeff Buerman drove us to that race, and it was super muddy. I think I still have the t-shirt..

B - What was your first bike?
S - Well, my first real mountain bike was definitely the Peugot, it was grey and black, and had “shocks.” Then I got the Nishiki which I remember well, and I think my Dad still has it!

B - How is the pay in the modeling world compared to that of a pro cyclist?
S - Well its actually kind of similar in some ways. Meaning that you might not make any money for a while and then you might have a good week and make a killing.

B - What was your favorite modeling shoot? Can you provide a photo?
S - I got to travel to a lot of cool places, Sun Valley, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and even Paris. But I never really enjoyed shooting, just traveling and meeting interesting characters in that business. And no, no photo will be provided thank you very much.

File Photo provided as Skyler was not willing to provide his fav...

B - Can you do a quick comparison of the “talent” on the norba scene compared to the modeling scene?
S - Wow, there are SO many ways I can interpret that question! As far as actual talent, as in being a talented person who works hard and has skills, Im gonna have to say that the norba scene wins hands down. As far as other talent, what do you think?

B - Will we ever see you in spandex again?
S - Only on Tuesdays and Sundays here in West Hollywood, and if that tape ever gets out…..

B - Anything you would like to say to the old school mtb gang?
S - I truly miss all of you guys. So so so many great memories. From Thursday night rides on the “Poto” to rebuilding our bikes in Jeff Beurmans Basement, to traveling the country eating “gravel” and getting flat tires, to living in Colorado and going on endless training rides in the most beautiful scenery there is, all of it will always be looked back on as some of the best times of my life. And to those of you still doing it; you know you’re crazy right?!