Episode 20 - Mark Eaton

Space Brothers Podcast

Shortly after the boom of BMX freestyle in the mid 80s, flatland changed seemingly overnight with a barrage of never before seen rolling tricks which changed the sport forever. At a time when balancing and hopping tricks ruled the scene, and most sponsored riders lived in sunny CA, a group of young up and comers known as the Plywood Hoods from York PA were hungry to make a name for themselves. Little did most people know at the time, the Hoods were a well rounded group of riders who did it all. From BMX racing to riding skateparks, dirt jumps, and quarter pipes, they could hold their own. But where they really stood out, was flatland. Mark Eaton was a cornerstone of the group who not only brought original rolling tricks to the masses like the whiplash and steam roller, but he also began recording every move the Plywood Hoods would take over the next 20 years creating 10 different videos known as the "Dorkin In York" video series. Every time they showed up to a contest all eyes were on them with video cameras aimed in their direction hoping to capture the next ground breaking trick. Even the top pros at the time kept their eyes on Mark, Kevin, and the other Plywood Hoods hoping to see something new they could add to their bag of tricks. As the Plywood Hoods increased in popularity through magazine coverage and sponsor recognition, each video release became more popular. Mark continued evolving his riding skills and his talents in the video production world simultaneously. Each time a new Dorkin video was released, not only did the riding get better but the quality improved along with it. Eventually Mark took his own riding down a new path and started incorporating flatland with street riding and pushed bmx in yet another direction. The Dorks from York showed they were some of the most talented and progressive riders in the world! We sat down with Mark at the Master Blaster Planet Studios and discussed the first time he met Kevin Jones, how he almost gave up riding bmx in favor of breakdancing, coming up with original rolling tricks nobody had ever seen before, creating the Dorkin In York video series, changing up his own personal riding style over the years, video and production work including several top notch bmx titles such as Joe Kid On A Stingray the history of BMX, Stompin' Stu, and Mongoose "Know Your Roots" documentaries, and his current projects including a djing career and doing video production for Penn State University. So get comfortable, crank up your speakers, and get to know one of the most progressive bmx riders on two wheels, it's BMX legend, Mark Eaton! To learn more about Mark Eaton follow him on Instagram: @mark00eaton or visit: https://linktr.ee/mark00eaton To learn more about Chip Riggs visit: chipriggs.com and/or follow him on Instagram: @chipriggs To learn more about Kip Williamson visit: masterblasterplanet.com and/or follow him on Instagram: @kipbmx To learn more about the Space Brothers Podcast visit: spacebrotherspodcast.com