Exclusive Interview with Oklahoma FMX rider Cody Elkins

Written by Adrian Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:14

Oklahoma has produced alot of great riders and we decided that we need to interview them. So, we contacted Cody Elkins and he agreed to do our first exclusive OKmotocross.com interview.

Doing what you love to do and getting paid to ride bikes is what most riders dream about and Cody Elkins is making it happen. He has been riding bikes since age 12 and quads since he was 4, so he has tasted his fair share of dirt. Now, he travels all over riding FMX for a living! We asked him a few questions on growing up in Oklahoma and how he got started and below is our very first interview of many. Enjoy!

Photos and Videos courtesy of http://www.codyelkins.com

OKmotocross.com: What is your name and where are you from? Have you lived in Oklahoma your whole life?

Cody Elkins: Cody Elkins, from Weatherford, OK living in OKC,OK. I have lived here most of my life. I just moved away for a summer.

OKmotocross.com: When did you first start riding bikes and what on?

Cody Elkins: Well I really Started on quads at the age of four, but I bought my first bike at 12.

OKmotocross.com: Did you race before you got into Freestyle?

Cody Elkins: When I got my first bike at 12 I raced it 3 times and broke my left arm. That put me out for 2 years then I got back into it and raced as much as I could on and off due to injuries and finances till 2001. I had a great time racing. Went to all the amatuer nationals and won some titles. Racing gave me all my bike skills to be able to do freestyle.

OKmotocross.com: What got you into Freestyle and what was it like at your first event?

Cody Elkins: Well I always like doing tricks and showing off, so I went to an IFMA in Guthrie,OK in 2001. I was a fan right away. In fact after the event I jumped over the wall ran down and sat in the hot seat. I told my friend that the next year when they came back I would be on that tour. I started working on tricks and went to my first show. It was the scariest thing I ever done, because I only hit a couple ramps and this show was metal to metal and sketchy. I did fine and that show led to another and so on. I spent a year traveling and pushing myself at tricks and the next year I was on that tour full time.

OKmotocross.com: How many events do you go to on average in a year?

Cody Elkins: I try to get as many as I can, but I average about 35-40.

OKmotocross.com: Where do you normally practice at and who do you usually ride with?

Cody Elkins: I have a place in Weatherford that I ride at when its not windy, and I ride with anyone that comes out.

OKmotocross.com: Who did you look up to when you were younger?

Cody Elkins: I really looked up to Guy Cooper. He would go really big and was always be the nicest guy at the track.

OKmotocross.com: What advice do you have for younger riders that want to get into Freestyle?

Cody Elkins: 1. I would have to say stay as safe as posible. If you get hurt its hard to progress.

                         2. Stick to your word. If you say you are going to do something, do it, no matter what.

                         3. push yourself as far as you can.

                         4. Make everyshow count.

OKmotocross.com: What are your proudest accomplishments?

Cody Elkins: Right now I am pround of my daughter the most, but finally buying my own house is up there though.

OKmotocross.com: Who are your sponsors and other people that have really help you along the way?

Cody Elkins: My family is the most important. They push me and help me in every way possible. My sponsors have been great because the ones have been with me since I started freestyle are like family. Thanks Kicker, Fuel Clothing, RBP, Toyo Tires, Ogio. My newer ones are just as awesome, and I look forward to building relationships with. They are Oakley, DZ Graphics, House of Horsepower, Amsoil and others.

OKmotocross.com: Anything else you would like to say?

Cody Elkins: I would like to say thanks for giving me this chance to tell you about myself, and most important give thanks to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.