Okay, so generally someone getting a job doesn’t really merit an interview, but when it’s Van Homan becoming the outward face for the largest mail order in the world…that’s, well, different. Van has been a professional rider for more than two decades and is the prolific video part rider that BMX has (or will ever?) see. I always love to see a pro rider’s transition to to full-blown industry guy and this is Van’s latest role into becoming a well-rounded asset to any company he works with…
Ryan: So first off, the normal questions… How are ya? What ya been up to? When was the last time you did a topside no foot can?
Van: Life is good, thanks for asking. I just moved into a new spot in Philadelphia after being based out at Woodward Camp this summer. Spent a lot of the summer traveling so I didn’t really get on the training program and relearn all my old tricks as originally planned [laughs]. It’s nice to be back in Philly where there’s a little more life happening. As for topside no footed cancan updates, that would have been a couple weeks ago in NYC riding while having a quick session with old friends Garrett Byrnes and Darryl Nau.
You helped organize the Freestyle BMX event at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. What are your immediate thoughts when looking back?
Tokyo was a once in a lifetime experience. It was surreal having the opportunity to live in Tokyo and be part of organizing the first BMX Freestyle Olympic event ever. I met and worked with countless amazing people while living in Japan and working on the project. Japan has become my home away from home. I have traveled most of my life but to actually live somewhere and experience everything on a more local level was pretty special. Looking back, I’m very happy to have had the opportunity and proud of the job our team did.
After living in Tokyo for three years, what do you miss the most? And what do you miss the least?
I miss my friends the most. That’s the hardest part about traveling; you make friends all over the world but it’s not always easy to see them [laughs]. I don’t miss struggling to do certain everyday tasks like buy a train ticket or rent a hotel room because of the language barrier. My Japanese got decent after three years, but it was always a struggle.
Are you going to have any involvement in the 2024 Olympics? If not, is your role in good hands?
It’s not impossible that I could have some small involvement, but there’s too many things up in the air to comment on that right now. Regardless, I know that Bart DeJong will be working with whoever ends up in Paris to keep the best interests of BMX in mind.
You’ve recently begun working with Source. Before we get into it, how did the relationship come about?
Well, aside for some shop stops in Source’s early days, my relationship with Source started during the first Battle of Hastings. I went over to Hastings for the event and ended up sticking around for a month. During that trip I got closer with Tom Creasy [Source’s marketing manager, Mr. Do-It-All] than I already was and became friends with Marc and Rich [Moore, owners of Source BMX]. Fast forward to 2021, I got back from Japan and was trying to figure out what was next for me. I put out some feelers to people I thought would be rad to work with and one of the opportunities to bounce back was with the Source. After a few chats, we sorted out some details and started diving in on some projects together. Stoked to be part of the team.
What’s your official title over at Source and what all are your responsibilities?
Product Content Manager. Basically, the goal is simple: provide the customers with more practical information about the parts they are shopping for. We are doing that through written product reviews, videos, bike checks, product designer interviews, etc. We are trying to keep everything short and to the point to make sure the content remains interesting and informative.
Devil’s advocate here, but obviously there’s lots of specs and details provided with products. What are you adding to what’s already available?
The objective is to translate those specs into plain English. For example, if a fork has a 33mm offset, what kind of riding or rider is that good for? I am already working with the riders and brands connected to a number of products to provide a deeper insight on what each product is all about and why it may or may not be good for you. You could look at it as a behind the counter prospective but online.
The minutia of products tends to be a thankless, but important job…is it something that you’ve always been into?
I’m into bikes and bike parts, so helping people find what they need is fun for me. Working with all the riders and brands is a great way to stay connected to people and an industry I love.
I saw one of the bike checks you guys did and it had a totally different feel than a typical bike check…what are your plans for those?
Yeah, we plan to create more bike checks and look at what is special about each part or how the rider sets up their bike as opposed to just rattling off specs. Again, just trying to get more information out there in an interesting way so riders can find what they need. First on the bike check list is Gary Young, Casey Starling, Sam Jones, and Sergio Layos so be on the lookout for those.
You’ve been a professional rider for over 20 years and have dabbled in a few different industry-guy roles now…how hard is that transition (ego/mentally/etc)?
It can be challenging transitioning from pro rider to the “real world,” but I think if you use the same work ethic and your years of connections, you can continue to work and contribute in the world you love. I have to say it was a welcome change when I officially put being a pro rider behind me at the end of 2018. Obviously, I’m still riding but it’s just for me. Keeping up with today’s pros isn’t necessary and producing clips or photos only needs to happen when I’m in the mood.
Anything else in the works you can share?
At the moment, Source is my main focus right now. We are just figuring out our direction and getting into a groove which is exciting. Other than that, I’ll be traveling a bit to judge some events. Nothing else concrete enough to chat about but I’ve always got ideas brewing [laughs].
And lastly, when can you come do the podcast?
Get me to San Diego, I’m down.
And what Van interview would be complete without a link to Criminal Mischief…
