FMX Insider No.30: Jordan Gillies

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the FMX Insider, penned by Ben Heidrich.

To be proficient at what you do is always a good thing, but to excel in two different actions sports shows pure talent. After mastering the art of BMX dirt jumping, Victorian rider, Jordan Gillies, is now on the verge of his freestyle motocross career. BMX dirt jams one week and FMX competitions the next – Jordan has his plate full in the two wheels department. I recently caught up with the 23-year-old rider from Warrnambool for a chat.

Ben: So I’ve seen you shred on a BMX and obviously you are right into that scene! Tell me a little about your riding history.

Jordan: I’ve ridden since I was around 14, and I love Backies. It’s my favourite trick by far. I ride brakeless and run pegs every now and then. I grew up riding skate parks but I love to ride trails/dirt jumps whenever I get the chance. Riding mostly with the local crew in Warrnambool my whole life gave me plenty of good memories, that’s for sure. Great guys.

Have you always ridden dirt bikes? When did you first start riding FMX?

I got my first real dirt bike at 19 thanks to Dad giving me a loan. It was only eight or nine months ago I started riding FMX; just mucking around on a mate’s 50ft ramp.

Riding FMX comps one weekend and then ripping it up at BMX dirt jams the next… Being able to ride both so well is pretty cool. What was it like making the transition from BMX to FMX?

Going from a BMX to a moto was great as there is no pedalling and no scooter kids (laughs), and the scene is awesome.

I’ve seen you throw big Superman Seat Grabs and Seat Grab Indies on your push bike, so did they come naturally on a dirt bike?

Yeah, I guess you could say that! Throwing myself around on a moto is way easier than a BMX, as it doesn’t move around and you have so much more time in the air.

Has riding BMX helped you progress in FMX?

I would say definitely yes, only because I’m right into doing big tricks that can also be done on a dirt bike. If I rode street or flatland, I would say no.

You recently popped up at the last round of the SAFMX Championship (and rode bloody good), so what comps are you planning to ride this year?

I’m planning to ride all the SAFMX Championship comps and any others if I get a chance.

You’ve also picked up a few shows here and there. How’s that all going?

Yeah, I can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be riding shows already. It’s such a good experience to be able to have done and I’ve already had the opportunity to ride shows with some guys I never dreamed of riding with. And what’s better then getting paid to ride your bike! I’m riding the monster truck show this weekend in Adelaide actually, so if you are around, get down there for a look.

When did you learn to Backflip a dirt bike? What was the process and how did it differ from learning to Backflip a push bike?

I learnt to Flip a dirt bike around two months ago. I did four Flips into the foam pit on the day then pushed the ramp over to the dirt, and yeah, nailed them! Not without a crash or two though… Flipping a pushy was pretty much the same! I learnt into a pit on my pushy, too, and then after a few crashes to dirt I got them! It’s all about committing to the Flip.

You seem to progress fairly quickly with your tricks, so what are you working on at the moment?

Yeah, I try and learn at least one new trick or combo every time I ride because progression is what makes it so much fun. I’m currently really wanting 75ft Flips, and working on Rock Solids. Also Side Shows and Dead Body Indies, along with a few combos.