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Catching Up With Clinton Moore

Written by Goba Tuesday, 11 May 2010 08:09

Travis Pastrana watches Clint Moore's every move on his way to nailing another Body Varial on tour. Pic: gobadirt.com

It takes something special to make an impact in the world of FMX these days. There's an abundance of talent, especially in Oz, and a rider needs to make the most of any given opportunity. Emerging talent Clint Moore has been lurking in the background for some time now perfecting his craft away from the spotlight. When the chance to ride alongside Travis Pastrana and the Nitro Circus crew presented itself he knew it was now or never to make his statement, and he hasn't disappointed the people who gave him the chance. Three shows into the Nitro Circus tour Clint has thrown down clean Body Varials and 360's each night, two of the hardest tricks in the biz and in front of massive crowds. This is a good sign the kid has what it takes to go all the way. We caught up with Clint in Brisbane before Saturday nights show kicked off to get the inside on how he mastered the Body Varial and where he plans to go from here.  

Hey Clint, how long has it taken you to master the Body Varial: I've been practicing the Body Varial on and off for around two months now, every morning and arvo I could with my buddies there helping me. The week leading to Nitro opener I had it dialed then I lost it so I spent every day in the pit trying to get it back and I finally got it and decided to do two to dirt just so I wasn't rocking up to the show with a trick I hadn't pulled out of the pit. It made a big difference rocking up here with full confidence and nailing it in front of a big crowd.

What's so hard about the Body Varial compared to other tricks: I don't know, like after taking the time to learn it, and now feeling comfortable with it I don't feel it's actually as hard as it looks. I don't know why other riders, except Loza and Chuck, aren't trying it. I guess it just came to me so I rolled with it.

Clint has also been pulling clean 360's over 75-foot, another trick very few have mastered. Pic: gobadirt.com

It's one of those tricks that once riders do get their heads around and know it's possible more will try it: Yeah Schuie had it down in the foam pit and I thought he would have been the first to claim the trick in Oz, but he went away from it. I thought Loza is the only one currently doing it  so I'll step up and make a name for myself by being the first Australian.

What's the Body Varial feel like compared to other tricks: It's definitely weird, like you think it would be just like a Rock Solid where you let go of the whole bike and float, but when you start the full spin you lose focus of where the bike is and it's hard to know where you're at. I just focus on getting a hold of the bars again and then correcting the bike straight again.

How do you go finding the bars again, do you go off instinct: It's more from instinct now because I've done so many in the foam pit trying to dial it in. I spin that fast I don't really see anything else except the bars again when coming around.

Clint handled the pressure well in the opening nights of the Nitro Circus show, just like a pro. Pic: gobadirt.com

How were you feeling before performing the trick at the first Nitro show, were you shitting yourself: No, for some weird reason I was feeling really good about it and I wasn't nervous at all about doing the whole show. Even though I was thinking to myself I'm about to be riding in front of a huge crowd, the biggest I've ever ridden in front of, I should be shitting myself, but I felt fine during the show and coming up to Big Air I was calm as hell with no nerves and I started thinking is this a bad thing or a good thing? Normally nerves are a good thing because it keeps you focused. I think it just comes back to I did my homework before the show. I put so much thought and time into this trick that it just flowed really well in the moment.

How'd the call for riding Nitro Circus come about: I have to thank Steve Mini for that one, thanks a lot bud! At first we talked about me doing Crusty, and if they liked me I'd get a crack at Nitro. That was before the split happened, and then afterwards they sent me a message asking if I'd be still right to do Nitro, and of course I said yes, and it went from there.

Now you're on top of the Body Varial has it inspired you to create something totally new: Yeah definitely. As soon as I get the body Varial fully dialed I want to combo it, plus I've got another Varial up my sleeve I want to do.

You're coming on strong at the right time for X Games, do you think you'll get a call up for it now you're getting massive exposure through the Nitro tour: I don't really choose where I want to be. It's more like I put in the effort and the flow takes me to where I need to be I guess. I just go with the flow. If the opportunity arises I'll definitely go for it. If X Games comes my way I'll be in that foam pit 24/7 coming up with something new!

Thanks Clint and good luck with the rest of the tour and beyond: Yeah thanks, and also thanks to everyone who has supported me!

Clint chillin out after the show with Robbie Adelberg. Pic: gobadirt.com