[March 2000]

<!-- I really don't know Charlie all too well, despite the fact that we've both been in the New England riding scene for almost countless years. He's kind of a quiet guy who doesn't go to a lot of contests, and doesn't usually enter the ones he does go to. He used to tear shit up at the old Maul's Brawl contests and could easily do damage today, but Charlie's energy is better spent just riding and not dealing with competition. Here's more from a hell of a nice guy who seems to prefer to let his riding do the talking... -->

Home, age, years riding:

I live in Billerica, Massachusetts. I'm 27 years old and have been riding for just about 19 years now.

How did you get started?

Well, around 1980/81 when the movie E.T. came out there were a bunch of BMXers at the end, and it got me and my older brother physced up. So he was like 15 years old then and saved his money all year and spent like $800 (which was insane then) on a Hutch, and I got his old bike which was one of cromo Team Murrays. I was so psyched 'cause I was like 8 years old then and I have never stopped.

Who's had the biggest influence on your riding?

Above all it's my close friends, new or old. They are the reason why I want to go out every day and ride. And for outside influence the Dirt Bros. and the Standard team of the mid-90's.

What's up with Team Ugly? Is it still intact?

Yes, Team Ugly is very much intact. A lot of people think we are some sort of formal team, when the truth is we're just a great group of friends. There's probably 20 of us — some ride every day, some once a week, some once a year, but these guys will be my friends for life.

Do you have any sponsors? Is that something you're even interested in?

Burlington Cycle (John is the one who makes it happen), DVS Shoes, Hometown Products, Vigor helmets, and thank you to Kink and Standard for helping me out when I've needed it.

Do you go to contests? Do you like them?

I have never been a big contest-goer. I don't feel the need to be judged on something that I love to do, and when you do well people start to expect you to do realy well. But the one thing that makes it all worth it is seeing friends that you don't get to see too often, and I think that's what it's all about: friends.

Best riding memory:

Way too many, but I would have to say that between 90-95 — "the dead years" — were so awesome because I loved the fact that we were all hardcores leftover from the 80's.

How do you deal with New England winters?

Well, as long as it is dry I will ride. I don't care how cold it is, but I would really like to thank Brian and Hakeem at the Treehouse skatepark in Peabody for hooking me up with a cool place to ride — thanks a million.

With whom & where do you ride most of the time?

Team Ugly and a lot of the BC locals. We'll ride at the Treehouse, my backyard, and street is where you find it.

How big is your backyard "skatepark" these days?

It is a living thing and too hard to describe, but it's big and there is plenty to do.

As an old-timer (no disrespect), what are your thoughts on riding's current popularity? Or does it even affect you?

It affects me very much since it has given me a great job for the past three years. I have made a lot of new friends with the new generation and it makes me happy to pass on what I have learned. I am very happy that I've been around this long, but will never consider myself an old schooler because I have never stopped progressing. There is still a million things that I want to do on my bike and I'll keep going. "I'll be one of the last standing."

What's more imporant — personality or facial hair?

Duct tape and hose clamps are the most important, but beards are cool!

Final words: