Troy McMurray Interview Soul #70

Here is the english version to Troy's interview in #70 of Soul

Interview ?'s-Ben Bello

Photos- TBVO

For the kids who don’t know you, how would you introduce yourself ?

I am a pioneer of brakeless riding from the 90’s

How old are you ? And how long have you been riding ?

38, my entire life, I stole my first bike when I was seven years old and never looked back.

What do you think were the best years of your pro bmx « carreer » ? When you won the mtv music festival street comp?

Every year. Winning the MTV Music Fest was life changing. It allowed me to get a signature frame from S&M, my own shoe from Puma and it allowed me to travel more and gain more recognition of someone who was pushing the sport. Not to mention a finger toy bike I never saw money from. If you are going to become a pro make sure to read your contracts thoroughly, and beware of fraudulent friends who will take advantage of your fortunate situations. Just sayin

Were you in jail the night before the MTV comp ? 

Yes, I did go to jail because the Gonz was walking down the street with an open container, and because I was a dumb fuck and opened my mouth to a young ex jock meat head law enforcement officer who had law lights on his police cruiser.  Anyhow, spent the evening cozied up next to Mark Gonzales while watching maggots and roaches chasing after us. Upon release from that fine facility, I stole the county jail suit that read “Property of Austin.” After getting out of jail with no practice mind you, the Gonz and I guzzled down a 12 pk of Natty Ice, showed up to the comp. and presented everyone with brakeless originality while riding to Wu Tang Clan live. I have never seen so many tits at one time in my life.

Did you make some decent money from that period of time, or did you still have to work ?

I didn’t work for a long time, but I was on food stamps and government cheese. As they say in the text world “L.O.L.” 

Tell us the story behind the WAR PIG frame you had as a pro model (why riding the sabbath ? why so short ? ) 

How were sales for S&M ?

The Sabbath was first, and after that lucky day in Austin for the MTV Music Fest, I was presented with the opportunity to have my own pro-model. It was only fitting to name it after a Sabbath song, after all Shawn Mckinney was the reason I got on S&M. I did whatever possible to make sales of the Sabbath good for him. So yes the War Pig sold well. Back in the day we weren’t bicycle motocross , for all you new school, tight jean wearing, pink panty lovers, we were freestylers. Measurements meant nothing. We got a bike and we rode that mother fucker till the wheels fell off. Thank You!

Does the fly out jump still exist, tell us the story about this jump. Who built it, where was it, how were the sessions there, how many tricks did you learn there ?

The Fly Out Jump aka “the V” has been there since the 70’s, and it still exists. God built  “the V” in Aurora Colorado. I invented over 100 different tricks there.

I know that a magazine counted the number  3 variations you were doing at one time, do you remember how many ? Which variation was your favorite ? the most original...

Last 360 session, 50 or 60 different 360s. Among my favorite variations are the Candy bar can can, the Neil Armstrong, the nac nac to can can, rocket truck driver, no footed seat grab, the big mac, the Seigal which is a cross up to leave the bars backwards. I love 360’s! Thank You!

What is a trick you have dreamed about that you haven’t accomplished yet? ( has it been done ?)

Dream trick would be the Christmas Tree Air=A decade rocket air, and its only  been done by flat landers, never in the air.

Are you still in touch with the Ells bells crew ? 

How did you start riding with them ?

I am no longer in touch with the Ells Bells Crew. I started riding with Gonz because our styles were similar, and the Gonz lived with my boy Scott Fyffe and Clay Brown from Pusher Magazine in Arizona.

Have you ever thought about quitting riding bmx? 

I could never quit riding, never even crossed my mind. It’s my soul, its my passion, it’s my love, it’s me.

When and why do you think your pro carreer stopped ? (injuries ? just time passing ?)

I stopped my pro career on my terms to allow other kids fulfill their dreams. When I was coming up I absolutely hated all those old school fucks hogging up opportunity with their 1980’s resume. I stepped aside in 2005. Good luck young fellers! Follow your dreams, and do the same when your time is up and step aside.

What did you do when you stopped riding full time ? job ?

I returned back to the construction biz, and had a side job selling shoe strings.

How is your health right now ? Can you ride without any special pain or fear ?

How many times a week do you ride ? How long are your sessions usually ?

My health is fine and I have GIGANTIC balls and daily b.m.s, most of the time. It has been winter and riding has been limited to weather, but ideally I prefer to ride 3 to 4 times a week, for hours at a time with my big GIGANTIC balls.

What kind of riding are you into now ? Any favorite places

Trails & rails & parks & sparks. My favorite place to ride is on my bike

Where do you live?

I live in a house in Denver Colorado. No place like home Rocky Mountain High Colorado, like sunshine on my goddamn shoulders John Denver that’s who. Start your way off with your strawberries work your way up to your bananas, like the fickle steen shit kid. Goddammit! When boy are you going to get your shit together.

Are you still in contact with the guys you were riding with back in the day?

And who do you ride with now ?

I ride by myself a lot, but I do get sessions in with Clay Brown and Scott Fyffe

 Are you married or a father ? 

I plan on getting married to Amanda Massey, and because her name starts with an m and ends with a y, I’m only substituting my letters for hers and she is my b.f.f.f.f.f.f.f….Most likely by the time you read this, I will be a dad to my daughter named Laveda Louise McMurray. She is due on June 5^th. Thank you!

How do you see bmx nowadays?With how crazy and big it has become-what are your thoughts about it ? Who are the new school riders you like to watch now?

I don’t really watch or keep in touch with the new stuff. Just like when I was doing my thing I never really watched videos, but I will say it is nice to see Dakota Roche blowing up. I remember when he used to ride my mini ramp in Huntington Beach and we would make him bring the toilet paper because he was too young to bring beer and because everyone took a shit at our house, someone had to bring the t.p. I always knew he would do well.

How did it feel to make photos again ?

It’s weird being in photos because cameras make me nervous now .

Who were your friends in the media back in the day?  the ones you get along the best and shoot photos

My friends in the media were Keith Mulligan, and Mark Losey.

What are you future plans ?

My future plans are to be the best dad, husband, have faith in God, stay sober, ride my bike, and always have GIGANTIC balls.

Thanks ?

Thank-you for this interview , thank you for your love and patience, thanks Keith Trainer, Chris Moeller, Sean McKinney,  John Paul Rogers, Ted Van Orman, Clay Brown, Amanda Massey, Laveda Lou, Sheena McMurray, G-Cat, Scott Fyffe, Matt Hoffman, the entire Denver crew, the entire Huntington Beach crew, Teri Massey, Everett Fine Homes, Duke Fyffe, Duncan Gore, Saints to Sinners crew, Robie, Jammer, Soil crew, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.