Name: Alistair 'Alstar' Tomkins
Stunt Bike: Honda CBR 600
Profession: Professional rider/Artist
Stunting Since: November 2005
Name: Chesca Miles
Profession: Professional rider/Model/MD
Stunting Since: July 2010
What got you in to stunting?
Erm, I was always in to pushing my limits, even as a kid on a bicycle and loved motorcycles. I watched this TV programme called 'Junior Kick Start' which I loved about kids on trials bikes! Man, I loved that show and was so envious of those kids. I can still hear the theme tune now! Like a lot of people I started doing wheelies on the road which is dangerous and asking for trouble! But then, I saw a video that came free with a bike magazine, like a 'how to stunt' video and went out and tried some of the tricks. I found a deserted car park for this. Maybe a year later I saw a live stunt show (around 2005) and was transfixed as well as being able to read what was happening with the tricks straight away. I soon started applying what Id seen as a part of a stunt team and 1 year later I was in the exact same show that had got me in to it!
What is your best/favourite trick and why?
That's a hard question. I love to drift but at the same time my best or most favourite trick is my newest trick which changes from one week to the next.
Why have you chosen this particular bike (Honda CBR) to stunt?
Believe it or not, it is the bike I had back in 2004/2005 and have had this bike since 2002. She just turned out to be the best bike to use as a stunt bike at that time. I was actually going to get rid of her beforehand! Just goes to show you how strong these bikes really are!
Apart from stunt riding, what else do you do inside the company?
I design and fabricate modifications for the stunt bikes as well as general maintenance and troubleshooting. Our bikes are pushed to the limits every time they are ridden so must be checked over and in tip top condition. I am also the designer for our brand of clothing - I draw up the illustrations and designs. I also cover a lot of the behind the scenes preparation for events and shows for our team.
Where would you like to see Streetbike Freestyle in 5-10 years?
In my back garden... Ahh, I'm just kiddin'. I would like to see it respected, appreciated and accepted as the powerful and expressive sport that it is. I don't want to see it become de-clawed and have its teeth removed but remain the thrilling and exciting sport it is today.
What's it like working with Chesca?
Err... ha ha. It is a genuine pleasure to work alongside Chesca because bringing her fresh approach to the sport makes for an exciting working relationship. It is also a privilege to ride with the UKs only and best female stunt rider. It is very inspiring and enjoyable to see first hand her application of talent, skill, determination, tenacity and passion.
Well I have always been in to these types of things from a young age. It started mainly with Go-Karting and toy cars and bikes etc and soon led on to BMX and rollerblades! When I grew to about 13 I started getting more into Freestyle on StreetBikes. Not as a rider though (gosh my mum would have freaked!) but as a pillion doing 2-up tricks and such. This carried on for a few years until I decided to give it ago myself on my own bike. I started with a 110cc pit bike just to get used to things which lasted for a few months - I soon wanted more! I was on my 600 as soon as I felt confident enough to try it on a bigger bike and had much success!
Switch back wheelies and drifting - But I can't do them! (YET)! I don't really think I prefer any tricks because I learn something new every time I train therefore always go home happier than the time before!
It was the rage at the time I got into it. In 2003/04 the F4i was classed as the best bike for the sport and it's still up there among the best so i'm happy with it. It is also really strong; it has one of the strongest frames of any stunt bike so it's more likely to come out of a drop in one piece than a different bike. My final reason is because I am a big fan of Honda and have been since I was old enough to know so it's my number 1 choice anyway!
I do a lot of the marketing and PR work as well as Event coordination etc. Apart from the business side of things, I also do a lot of work in the mechanical department. I do love to get involved as much as possible with every aspect of the sport!
Wow. I would like to see it as a big sport. On the same par as FMX and Moto GP etc. I think the Streetbike Freestyle is one of the best motorsports to have ever come to life! I would like to see it as a highly respected sport throughout the world and become a part of the Olympics too.
What's it like working with Alstar?
A right pain! No, I'm just kidding! He is fantastic to work with and a very hard worker at that. He really knows a hell of a lot about the bikes and is a fantastic artist. Without the addition of Al in our team, we wouldn't have half the company we have today!
Finally, what else do you do apart from Stunt Starz?
I always get asked this question! Ha-ha. My first love is my music. I am a singer/songwriter and work with my band in London. I am also a model working within the fashion industry as a fashion, editorial, commercial, lingerie, catwalk and implied model. I also work within T.V such as commercials, BBC, ITV, BBC Switch and Channel 4 programmes, as an S.A. I have also done presenting work and catwalk for LFW.
www.klan-heated-clothing.com
www.wrapmybike.co.uk
