SITTING DOWN WITH MIKE JONES

On Apr 3, 2006

If you are a motocross aficionado, you recognize the name Mike Jones. If you are a freestyle junkie then you know the name Mike Jones. Heck, if you’re into rap then you know the name Mike Jones (but we’re not talking about the same Mike Jones). All kidding aside, Jones is one of the elder statesmen of freestyle motocross. At 40 years old, he’s still a kid at heart, doing freestyle shows for the Crusty Demons of Dirt tour down in Australia. We caught up with Mike in Mexico City, of all places, to see what he was up to.

Mike, what has been going on?

I’ve mainly been doing shows for the Crusty tour and also some stuff with Red Bull in South America. I’ve been having fun and riding.

You did some announcing at the X-Fighters in Mexico City. Are you going to be doing a lot more announcing?

The only events that I have announced are the X-Fighters. I did the one in Madrid, Spain last year, and then the one in Mexico City this year. Other than that though I have been really busy getting my bikes ready for this year. I’m riding for Jeff Cernic now and since I don’t have a factory mechanic anymore it’s tough.

How difficult is announcing?

Announcing is easier when you know all of the guys. Red Bull said that I did a good job the last two times I did it, so they invited me back. Maybe when I’m done with Monster Trucks I can do announcing for ESPN or something.

What did you think of the event in Mexico City?

I was a judge there last year. I like Mexico City and it’s a big town. There are about 18 million people and it’s kind of a nasty town, but it’s all good. The stadium itself holds 42,000 people and there’s no event like it in the world. It’s a good event.

Have you done any backflips as of late?

I quit doing backflips. I almost died at Travis Pastrana’s house. I did a 75-foot backflip to helicopter life flight. I wasn’t breathing, was knocked out, and almost didn’t make it. I won my gold medal and silver medal, so I don’t need to do backflips anymore. I just turned 40 a couple of days ago, so I’m staying away from backflips.

Why haven’t you done any competitions lately?

I’m not doing competitions anymore. If you’re not backflipping then you’re out of the loop these days. I’m having fun with shows.

What do you think about the progression of freestyle motocross?

The progression of freestyle is crazy. It’s not just about a backflip anymore; you have to do a backflip seat grab or other combination. Adam Jones is doing a backflip cordova now, and it’s just crazy. A kid from Australia just did a backflip cliffhanger. I’m glad that I’m getting out.

Tell us about your plans for the next five years.

I want to get into Monster Trucks this year. The Mad Mike Monster Truck should go good. That’s my plan at the end of this year. Hopefully Red Bull and Clear Channel will be backing me. Monster trucks are a little bit safer and I can do that until I’m 50. It’s right up my alley as far as doing crazy stuff and putting on a show.