Scotty Cranmer talks BMX, crashes and women

A. Isaac Senior Editor

Scotty Cranmer Scotty Cranmer talks BMX, crashes and women

Scabs, bruises, cuts, and broken bones…

When you’ve spent the better part of your life on a bike doing stunts some of us can only fathom, you’re going to get more than a few scars along the way. That’s the first thing I noticed when BMX star Scotty Cranmer came walking towards me. One injury looked fresh, a nasty looking scab on his right arm presumably from his multiple tumbles in Saturday’s X Games BMX Park event.

Guyism: Are you ok?
Scotty: What that? (points to his arm) That’s nothing man

I’m reminded of that famous line from James Caan in “The Program”–”Are you hurt or are you injured?”

Two years ago, Scotty would definitely say the latter. While practicing at his skate park, what he calls just “messing around”, he landed awkwardly after a jump and broke several bones in his foot. The injury kept him out for 9 months–a lifetime in the BMX world.

And that’s why last year’s Gold Medal in BMX Park at the X games was so satisfying to him. There were people, including his fellow riders who wrote him off.

Yea, there were people who doubted me man. I was at a school giving a talk to kids and a kid asked me what my goals were, and I can honestly say at that time, I had no idea. I was just coming off an injury you know. Then he asked if I thought I could win at the X games–and I just didn’t think I could.

Forgive Scotty–while he’s normally full of bravado on the course, he’s being quite modest here. He may have had a disappointing X games performance this year (7th place) but he is still undoubtedly one of the best at his craft.

2009 X Games Gold Medal in Park, 2007 X Games Silver Medal in Park, 2006 X Games Gold Medal in Park

He’ll be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Look for his new move by the way–Double Pits to Chesty.

I decided to fire some Guyism related questions to Scotty to see how he handled the pressure off the course.


Guyism: Who’s the Most Overrated Women in the world right now?
Scotty: Jessica Biel

Guyism: What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done to get a woman’s attention?
Scotty: Easy answer–Bike tricks. If I see a cute girl around, I’m going to step it up a notch.

Guyism: Of the following cliches, what annoys you the most: Work like a dog, good things come to those who wait, give it the old college try and what goes around comes around
Scotty: What goes around comes around. If you believe in karma, o.k. But otherwise, it just doesn’t make sense.

Guyism: As AXE’s pitch man, Matthew Stafford has been lucky enough to have Marisa Miller running her hands through his hair. So what about you? Who do you want in that position to replace Miller for your next commercial?
Scotty: No doubt, Adriana Lima. She’s so hot.

Guyism: What’s the biggest douche thing a guy can do? Sunglasses inside at night, leather pants, winter hats in the summer or a dog stroller?
Scotty: A dog stroller–what the hell is that?

Guyism: Most annoying person on a plane?
Scotty: The person on the window seat who’s always in a rush to get out once the plane lands. They’re reaching over you trying to grab their bags even though there’s several hundred people in front of them. It’s annoying.

Guyism: What’s the most important thing a guy needs to carry in his wallet? A condom, 20 bucks, a number of a friend to bail you out of jail or a lawyer’s business card.
Scotty: 20 bucks man. You can eat for a long time on that kind of money

Much thanks to Scotty Cranmer foremost for the interview. Also, the wonderful people on the AXE team for allowing us time with him. And of course, to Scotty’s buddy Ronnie Surridge for providing some hilarious off the record quotes and lightening the atmosphere poolside.

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