Jon had a tough year in 2013, a terrible knee injury, and an extremely rough recovery. It all paid off though, because Jon has finally finished and released his Flat Edit 4. Jon's Flat Edits are some of the most popular edits to drop, and I am sure this one will be no different.
Below is an exclusive interview that Jon did with Inside-Scooters. Check it out, and enjoy the video.
- Jon, I'll be the first to say I am glad we're sitting here discussing the fact that you finished your 4th Flat Edit. Especially because at one point last year we were sitting here worried that you might not ride again due to your knee injury. Talk to us about that injury and how it happened.
Thanks for reaching out to me Steven. Yea after recovering and tripping to Cali, it's done. Well, April 7th 2013, Rye Airfield Competition was the day it happened. Half way through my run I bailed on over flipping this hip, stuck my leg out, and "pop pop pop", those exact feelings. Went to stand up and collapsed. Right there I knew I messed up hard time.
May 7th was the surgery, located at Hospital of Special Surgery in New York City. A lot of the top pros from the east coast go there to get work done. 8 months and 17 days of rehab, relearning the basics, and trying to push past that, here we are today.
- You received a huge amount of support from the community and industry with your knee, how did it feel getting that kind of support from not only people you knew, but also people that you didn't know?
One of the craziest feelings ever was the first phone call I received place an order on one of my sig decks that were part of the fundraiser. I said "Hello, Spokesman Cycles" and I heard "Wussup fool?!?!" Yup Raymond Warner. Literally teared when I knew he was calling to be the first to order. Minutes after Ryan Gould, following 51 others who called to place orders for the decks. To this day I'm so thankful for Phoenix for donating all those deck, Spokesman Cycles, for holding the headquarters down for shipping them and everyone else who donated. Also Kenny Carlile for creating
www.FixJonsKnee.com, a way of spreading the word by hosting raffles where all the proceeds went to my medial bills. Forever grateful.
- You did a LOT of physical rehab and training during your recovery, but I've always known you to be a pretty fit guy. That being said, how was the whole rehab process?
This was nothing like any other workout session. Relearning how to walk was probably the craziest experience ever. My mind knew what I had to do but my body was on pause. I had that mental block for the longest time.
- How good did it feel to finally get back on your scooter once you were all healed up?
To be able to pop a nice bunny hop was the day I knew all that work paid off and not to stop and keep going.
- Ok... Flat Edit 4. You've filmed for normal edits before, how much different is it to film for a flat edit?
So stressful. I've watched so many bmx flatland edits and dream to be able to make it possible on a scoot. There's only so much you can do with 110mm wheels and tiny pegs, but you can for sure allow your imagination to create.
- Gotta be real with you dude, some people don't respect the flat game. Does that bother you at all?
Not one bit. I ride for myself, and theres one thing that drives me to be different. To be able to create or invent a trick is the best feeling ever. R-willy must know exactly what that feels like hahaha. I'm never satisfied with a clip if I know someone has done it already or will come close.
- Regardless of what people think of flat riding, you are definitely inspiring a lot of other riders to push their flat game further. How does it feel seeing younger riders imitating your tricks in their own flat edits?
I've been getting flat clips and vids constantly from kids around the world. It's sick to see others try to create and invent as well. I can't wait to have one big session with all the flat dudes from around the world one day, maybe future competitions would be a way gathering.
- You did a lot of filming for this out in California, and it seemed like spent a lot of time with R Gould and R Dub, how'd that all go?
The Homies! Even if I went out there without my scoot, I still would have had an amazing time chilling with them. Ray going in with the filming ideas and R-Gould giving me the luxury of staying at his house. Ah that coffee ice cream..mmmm…. I so grateful to know great people like that, and without them this video would not have been possible.
- How are things with Phoenix? Any plans for a new deck or sig part in the future?
Couldn't ask for a better relationship. Phoenix is all ears, and is all about rider ideas and production of the strongest stuff. Yessir, right now we're working on the Revy V2 and a lot more of us will have sig decks this year, that way all the kids will have all the choices they want. Also coming out with sig handle by Phoenix, which I'm sure everyone pretty much knows about already. This year will be exciting.
- Well Jon, I am seriously stoked that Flat Edit 4 has dropped...and to be honest I haven't even got to watch it yet.. So let's wrap this up, and I'm gonna go hard on that Play button. Any last words or shout outs, let em go now man.
Thanks again Steven for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts and words with you and everyone who reads this. Things happen for a reason, have no regrets but learn and appreciate everything and everyone around you. Having those good feelings provide you with the positive energy you will need to achieve anything. Thanks for your support. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeUazbb5bPg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeUazbb5bPg
Yeah...that was mindblowing. Props Jon.
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