Ultra: When did you turn pro?
Charles: I turned pro back in 1987 when I was riding for Revcore.
Ultra: How did you know it was time to turn pro?
Charles: I knew it was time when I had gotten #1 in amateur in NBL and
at the World Championships. It was just the next step. It has changed
my life a great deal. I have been to places were most people have not
been and it has been a great education.
Ultra: What do you think you would be doing if you weren't racing?
Charles: If I was not racing I would be in a whole lot of trouble.
Ultra: What are your highest rankings?
Charles: I have #1 in ABA, #1 World Champion and #1 in ABA.
Ultra: What happened between you and Robinson?
Charles: Some people at Robinson just thought I did not have what it takes
to be a Champ any more.
Ultra: Who are your sponsors?
Charles: Right now, my sponsors are; Troy Lee, Haro, Vans, ODI, Knucklebone,
Answer, Clifbar.
Ultra: Tell us about your website
Charles: My website is something that I may start to sell product on.
Just for my co-sponsors though.
Ultra: How often will it be updated?
Charles: As soon as I get all of my sponsor deals done for 2000, I can
really update it.
Ultra: What effect do you think the web will have on BMX?
Charles: I think BMX will be able to benefit from the internet. One way
or another.
Ultra: Grant White lived with you in the 1998 season, what was he
like?
Charles: Grant was a good guy to live with. He snores a little loud though.
Ultra: Do you think that Grant should have stayed in the US?
Charles: I most definitely think Grant should have stayed for another
season.
Ultra: Do you keep in contact with him?
Charles: Yup, I try to stay in touch as much as possible through e-mail.
Ultra: What is your greatest BMX memory?
Charles: I have so many great BMX memories, but getting the number one
would have to be pretty high up the list.
Ultra: What is your favourite country to ride in?
Charles: One of my favorite countries would have to be Aussie and N.Z.
Ultra: What do you think of clipless pedals?
Charles: I think clipless pedals are for kooks.
Ultra: What are the biggest differences between BMX today and when
you first started?
Charles: The tracks these days are alot more technical and more jumps.
Ultra: Where do you see BMX in 5 years?
Charles: I see BMX getting more recognition in 5 years.
Ultra: What kind of music do you listen to?
Charles: I listen to all kinds of music.
Ultra: What do you think of Neil Young?
Charles: I don't like country.
Ultra: If you could change anything about BMX what would it be?
Charles: If I could change anything, it would be the schedules and of
course bigger purses.
Charles "The AMTRAK" Townsend is a power house and a living legend, one
of few 80's BMX legends that can still cut it in the AA Pro class today.
He's one of even fewer who has his own website.