Ryan Williams: straight toothed biker dog
A day at R Willy Land with the Nitro Circus superstar, from Issue 01. Can he chill, is it all an act, and what binds two very different kinds of biker.
It’s November 19 and I’m at my home on the Sunshine Coast, feet resting on a newly purchased rug as the rain gently falls outside. It has been 3 weeks since spending a day with Ryan Williams as we carefully sift through all we learnt and captured, turning it into something that can be presented to the world, to our beloved BMX audience. This period has been symbolic in many ways, having provoked various conversations with dudes closely aligned to the style of riding in which I find most comfortable, the well trodden path of non-competitiveness. Having thought about each conversation, as well as the project from a broader perspective, I’m still trying to work out what the conclusion is, you know, the philosophically remarkable summary that ties a neat knot to the project and what we were trying to achieve. But alas, nothing is standing out and I’m averse to hitting tired tropes.
Maybe the answer lies within this theme. What were we trying to achieve? There has always been an unresolved tension between myself and Ryan, which is certainly not the reason for this project. Nonetheless, it’s an inevitable lens which our interactions filter through. This theme went a long way to defining a clear arc for our project, however it was never intended to dominate the day, or to be the catalyst for accepting this project. That we were given the opportunity to collaborate with Ryan on a project for LUX was reason enough. Both being curious as to his lifestyle and personality, this in addition to having the opportunity to lean into a creative pursuit was more than enticing.
Reflecting the acrimony from our past just adds another dimension to the project as well as being a real-life example of an ongoing attitude towards those that compete in an action sports setting. While we weren’t seeking to change people’s views, it is an opportunity to take the time to experience Ryan Williams from a firsthand perspective and to present our findings objectively. It is certainly acknowledged that an 8 hour period is not a significant timeframe and that he was completely aware of our cameras, nonetheless, it would be difficult to hide or obscure things in front of two people highly clued into authenticity.
So what did we discover, what was it like to hang with Ryan Williams? Can he chill, is it all an act, how much cash does he have, can he ever truly be speechless, what is the biggest ice to bar he’s pulled? Throw away your biases, settle in and let me explain.
Working each other out. Photo: Mitch Morison.
Mitch Morison (my good friend and co-creator of this video project) and I approached the gated intercom to Ryan Williams’ house in late October 2024, a strange concoction of emotions were at play. It would be disingenuous to say that I wasn’t nervous, giddy with anticipation at how the day was going to unfold. Mitch and I had been planning this project for a number of weeks, carefully considering the locations, our language, goals and topics for discussion. The plan was to spend a day with Ryan, to observe him in his ‘natural habitat’ and thus gain a broader understanding as to who the dude is behind the hubris, social media and accolades.
Continuing to await our greeting, we observed a baby magpie in a nearby tree and mused about how bizarre it was to drive through a traditional suburban neighbourhood to find this globally renowned, action sports superstar. At last, he appears with a guarded smile, dressed in all black sporting a Nitro Circus t-shirt, tight jeans and a Monster hat. A tall figure with healthy skin, white teeth and a near shaved head, his aura suggesting relative normality.
Thank god the traditional hand shake was met with equal surety. We made small talk at the entrance to his garage, guilefully inspecting one another as the weight of our past crept closer to view. Having caught him between Nitro Circus tours, not to mention their baby shower which was the previous day, Ryan was seemingly relaxed. As we eased into a conversation in the garage setting, Ryan fiddling away on his wheels, myself having found comfort via his camouflage print sports car, a series of moments started to unravel which would turn out to be the beginning of our connection and a clue to what binds us despite our obvious differences.
As the topic of Tempered came up, I’d mentioned the role that Alex Liiv plays in terms of design and brand direction, to which Ryan instantly connected to the super obscure clips that Liiv posted online around 2010. Remarkably, before my smile peaked, Ryan was deep in a legitimate ‘le freaky bone’ impersonation. During this conversation, Ryan had also demonstrated familiarity with and connection to the core Australian BMX scene through a familiar longing for print (i.e. 2020 BMX Magazine), Tom Stretton as a front wheel inspiration as well as talking about his friendship with Matt ‘Tenna’ Spencer as a wee fella in Wodonga. While a subtle moment, it was nonetheless profound in that it presented a sense of scaffolding between our divide, a common denominator which permitted greater acceptance to one another.
As our time together advanced, further links to the scaffolding were presented.
Ryan offering Mike hints on how to not be a bitch.
Ryan talked about his early days, referencing the 2002 movie ‘Ultimate X’ as the first significant piece of inspiration that propelled him in the direction of action sports. This struck me as fascinating in that this same process had occurred for me (and many other bikers of my generation), only switching out ‘Ultimate X’ for the Little Devil ‘Criminal Mischief’ video, with each video leading us down our respective, contrasting paths. Could it really be so simple that we each carry with us the attributes engraved from these videos? In my scenario, this stands true in that I’ve always been drawn to debauchery, making fun of serious situations as well as respecting modesty and authenticity. One might suggest that these conflict with the attributes associated with action sports, being dramatisation, hyper-confidence and showmanship.
In this instance, the ability of Ryan to demonstrate a keen sense of self-awareness served as the antithesis to the ‘Ultimate X’ influence and once again, presented an opportunity for connection. Twice throughout our time together did Ryan make a comment that helped to ground him, to remove the exterior layers thick with hyperbole, as his online presence depicts. Firstly, in regards to social media, it were those comments which suggested ‘chilling out’ that drew his attention and made him reflect sheepishly on how he appears in front of the camera. Secondly, with respect to his YouTube channel, Ryan mentioned cringing at the sound of his voice, something he has to listen to over and over as he edits all his own videos. Both these instances, particularly his exaggerated celebrations, stuck in my mind. So to experience a sense of vulnerability was significant.
In my view, it levels him, broadens his depth of character and demonstrates that he isn’t above criticism and adaptation.
Finally, a further significant moment of understanding throughout the day was the experience of ‘R Willy Land’. As we meandered through the valleys of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, our 4WD had only just found its feet before we rose over a crest and found ourselves traversing a gravel driveway of meek descent. Parking in front of a clutter of semi-permanent structures crammed with tools, bikes and paraphernalia, we had only just eyeballed our surroundings before Ryan had shot down his iconic concrete driveway, to start the preparation before any riding can occur. Having a mate (Dylan Devitt) to hang out really brought some life to the session and was great to have the chance to pick his brain as a close ally of Ryan.
Ramps galore: big, bigger and the biggest.
With the ramp and landing prepared and the rain having sauntered off into the valley, Ryan and Dylan took their places at the crown of the roll-in. The excitement coming from the boys was palpable, unsurprising given this is essentially Ryan’s version of Disney Land. After a few casual double backflips, frontflip variations and to my liking, a beautiful 1 foot 1 hand 360 table, the boys took a moment and were starting to encourage me to take a run, something I hadn’t thought about all that much prior. The day was, after all, about Ryan.
Ascension.
Anyway, feeling mildly toey, I reckoned with the physics of the setup, internally calmed by the boys’ tips and the fact that you would have to self-destruct to not make it over. This does little to ease the fear of the first time, my body pumping with adrenaline as I nervously careened towards the ramp. Having made it over with the grace of a half-cut mule on ice, I steered the steed back to land as a buoyant smile appeared on my face. I veered back towards the boys, a borrowed Nitro Circus helmet adorning the head as I was met with cheers from my fellow biker comrades. Whatever your stripes, it’s pretty mad.
A very satisfied customer. Ryan put into perspective by his ‘smallest’ ramp.
After a few more equally ungraceful runs, I pulled up stumps and prepared myself for the ‘R Willy’ show. This portion of the day was super illuminating, whereby I was perched up on the adjacent retaining wall as Dylan shot phone footage, able to pick the kid’s brain and at the same time, absorb Ryan’s zenith moment from the day.
Focussed on what I would later find out to be dubbed a lazy boy front flip, Ryan was in complete determination mode, attempting to perfect this wild looking manoeuvre to within an inch of its life. Truly impressive, particularly in that he landed it 10 times and kept going back for more.
Ryan and Mike working out the angles.
It’s hard to not be stirred with the acrobatic elegance, the manipulated shape his body contorted into and the ease at which he managed to find his way back to the bike in a balanced fashion.
Finally content, Ryan called it and the day drew to a close as we chewed the fat for another half hour. Again, some illuminating conversations were underway, which really felt like the theme of the day, with both parties having done enough butt sniffing to work the other out and thus be able to revel in our contrast.
The thrill of R Willy Land personified.
Having clumsily addressed our past in the final moments of the day, shaken hands and on our way home, there was much to contemplate, although this could wait while we briefly soaked in the feeling of accomplishment. Like having just endured a job interview, that sweet sense of relief as you unbutton your shirt and loosen the belt, knowing that no matter the outcome, you’re better for having gone through with it.
This metaphor is perhaps an appropriate way to close out the article.
Reflecting on the criticisms of action sports and the competitive approach to riding, alongside the comments of dudes we spoke with after the ‘R-Willy’ session, it has become clear that while a lot of these views are valid in their own right, often stemming from a legit moment or behaviour, they’re ultimately narrow in focus. Having received a text from Ryan after the day was done, inviting us back another time, Mitch and I were both stoked on feeling like we had forged a genuine connection. The dude had taken two strangers from different walks of life into his inner sanctum and let his guard down, he’d spoken freely and honestly, offered a share of his paradise and brought a great energy to the day. While we might dress differently, celebrate in a more subdued way, have varied motivations and be drawn towards opposing sub-cultures, to deny the dude’s achievements and abilities would be unsophisticated.
Ryan, Mike and Dylan Devitt, good mates an’ that.
From my point of view, the criticisms towards the action sports world evolved beyond the standard response a number of years ago. How can you not respect someone when they ride this hard, year after year, contest after contest? Showing up and getting it done over a long period of time is nothing short of legit. While it might not look like the BMX that you grew up on, that doesn’t really matter, we all know that there is more than one way to skin a cat. I suppose it’s worth acknowledging the role age and maturity has played in the evolution of my thinking, which is also a means of vindicating a younger demographic who remain critical.
Ultimately, whether you’re cynical of action sports or not, it doesn’t matter and I’m not here to tell you what to think. If you’ve taken the time to read this, then we’ve had a win. As I mentioned, this project has been an opportunity to take the time to experience Ryan Williams from a firsthand perspective and to present our findings objectively. You are free to interpret this how you wish. Irrespective, Ryan will be dreaming up wild tricks, travelling the world riding bikes, chilling with his Mrs in his mortgage free home and making bank.
You can file any lingering condemnation under ‘F’ for futile.
Watch Mindsets
The video from the same day, shot and cut by Mitch Morison.
Watch Mindsets on YouTube. The printed version, with Mitch Morison’s photos, is on pages 12 to 17 of Issue 01.
