I've known Hector for only a short time now but I already consider him a good friend of mine, he's a real positive dude that's just down to shred at all times. Even after knowing Hector for only a short time, I know that anything he does, he puts his full heart into. There's a lot to learn about Hector, get to know him in todays Toss Up...

Name: Hector Castro Ramirez

Age: 26 years young

Location: PACOIMA, CALIFORNIA

How long you been shreddin?

I've been shreddin on my bike for around 9 years but half of that was chillin like a villian on the injured list... But I've been shreddin yo ass for a few months now. ;)

What got you into BMX?

My friends, Ruben, Martin and Ben, they where the cool dudes on the block that had the cool chrome GT's. They would clown my ass because I couldn't bunnyhop over a brick. Hahaha I was a vagina... (R.I.P. Ruben, miss you holmes)

What's Madre Clothing all about? How did it start? Who's on it?

MADRE is a clothing company that I'm in the process of launching, it's an acronym which stands for MI AMOR DE las RAZONES por mi EXISTENCIA. In english it translates to "My Love For The Reason Of My Existance"... Something different, something deep, and meaningfull is what I hope to achieve with MADRE. The whole MADRE idea, started back in 2006 when I was recovering from a torn A.C.L. injury. I was being ultra negative and mad at the world, when the realization of how beautiful and fragile life can be, slapped me in the face and it pretty much went from there. The team currently consist of the coolest scumbags you will ever meet. Paul Aya (The Hot Fire) Louie Zaragoza (Killer Pollo) Killa Mike, Martin Vega, Paul Franco, Kris Crowel, Adan Gonzalez (Chato) David Narez, Freddy Tapia, Gary, Jesus Suarez, Ricardo, Pexsi and Baby Doll Face Alex Bermudez...

Do you have any goals for MADRE in 2010? Agressive expansion into the scooter industry perhaps?

To be honest I don't sweat it too much.. I try to take things day by day but I'm hoping in 2010 to have some cool and legit shit out so everyone can start rockin it. Threads I can be proud of and with the funds coming in, take all these douche bagels on a road trip and let the good times roll. :)

Haha, the scooter industry... If anything I was thinking of mass producing mankinis with matching nipple tassels and possiblly fishnet cuff links. The team signature models should be out early next summer. They're currently being tested. Be on the look out, its gonna be hotttt on the streets.

Where can people buy some Madre goods at? Where's the Madre site?

Currently the only shop that sells our goods is Pedalers West bike shop in the city of San Fernado but I'm currently working on different outlets to get it out there... And this sounds lame as fuck but the site still isn't up yet. I'm working on it, it should be up within the next couple weeks.

How would you describe The Valley riding scene? Would you say there's a lot of hidden talent there?

The Valley scene has kind of turned into a bunch of different cliques, a bunch of bullshit little bitch bmx drama has been going on with it as well. But it is what it is, I guess... There's a bunch of bad ass unknown shredders out here that all deserve the recognition.

A lot of "LA riders" happen to overlook The Valley and ride Downtown, East LA, Venice etc... Why is it that you never see much of pros comin through blowin up your spots? What keeps Valley spots off the radar?

A bunch of the spots have been blown up but there are a bunch of sweet spots that we have on lock. All the spots are written down in a pink diary, stashed underneath my dirty magazines.

You also happen to work at a bike shop, what's a day of work there about? I would imagine you deal with a lot of shit kids wanting a "hook up" or free shit all the time?

Dude, a day in the bike shop is pretty chill, John and George are the coolest cats to work for, they make grab ass, nipple pinching and cup check a job requirement. Haha, you would think all the local kids are always trying to freeload on something but they know better, I even try to charge them for free air... It's all part of the hustle man, times are tough.

Do you have any other responsibilities like fatherhood? Do you participate in any local gangs?

Yeah I've got like 12 kids in TJ somewhere. Haha, nah I'm actually not a parent and just recently became single. Wink wink to any pretty ladies reading this, Hollllllla. Even though I was raised in the bad part of town, I steered clear from all the gang shit. But recently me and The Hot Fire Paul Aya started our own gang called The Bareback Riders 13 and bust out random c-walks at any given time or place... Thug life homie.

It may surprise a lot of people that there are still dedicated straight edge kids out there... How long have you been Straight Edge and are there any particular reasons as to why you are?

I've been EDGE for about 8 years now, although drinking and smoking is a part of my culture and surroundings, I figured out that it wasn't for me. I choose to be this way for myself and to hopefully be a positive role model for anyone out there. Being straight edge is my belief and my way of life but I will never force it upon anyone.

You're also an artist as well, what type of art fag are you? Where can we see your work?

Hahaha, I'm the dude that wears the ultra vneck tees where my happy trail is showing, with ultra slim cut off daisy dukes and possibly a scarf, oh and I can't forget my Ray Ban shades... I don't really consider myself an artist, I just like to paint and draw for my personal reasons. I actually hate all the local wannabe hipster artsy bitches that live out here, I don't fit in with in their pathetic scene. Don't get me wrong I don't think my work is that amazing either but just because I like to paint or draw doesn't give me the reason to walk around like my shit dont stink.

You can check out most of my paintings on my Myspace but I'll be having an art show in the month of January at The House of Brews coffee shop in the city of San Fernando.

What influences you on and off your bike?

My parents, they came up from absolutely nothing and managed to survive through all the ups and downs life has to offer, all while maintaining their beliefs and views and never willing to compromise for anything less. Also, all my really good friends that I've been fortunate to meet, while riding bikes.

Describe a typical day for yourself:

My day normally starts off with getting up and having some breakfast, workout for a bit, hop in the shower get cleaned up. Depending on the day, I'll go to work or school or go ride bikes with the homies. My nights are usually spent drawing/painting or chillin with some female friends.

Anyone you would like to thank?

I would like to thank GOD, my parents, my sisters, all my very good friends on MADRE, I love you guys. Paul Aya (The Hot Fire) Louie Aaragoza(Killer Pollo) Killa Mike, Isidro Estanislao, Martin Vega, Paul Franco, Kris Crowel, Adan Gonzalez (Chato), David Narez, Freddy Tapia, Gary,Jesus Suarez, Ricardo, Pexsi, John and George of Pedalers West, Alex Garcia from DOLOROSA art company, Rene at Collaboratory, All my really good friends & anyone who I might of forgotten you know who you are. Everyone whos supported me throughout the years and last but not least Baby Doll Face Alex Bermudez for getting me this interview. Thank you.

If you're into Hector's art be sure to check his Myspace and if you're local check out Hector's upcoming art show at The House of Brews in San Fernando... I've posted a video below pertaining to the above Murshaq painting... Don't question it, just accept it.