Marshall Mullen in Malibu

Name: Marshall Mullen

Location: Malibu, California

Marshall, I personally think you have one of the most famous yards right now on the web. Everyone wants to ride there and I know you get hit all the time by other riders about filming there. How did all of this come about? Did you ever expect that to happen?
Actually I'm not sure how it happened. I started building them 6 years ago, but recently a few pictures got out and naturally, being unseen, it caught riders' attention. Then it took off.

I don't think I did… I never really thought about it. I always thought of them as just jumps in my yard.


Where did you learn how to dig?
I sort of figured out how to dig just by trial and error. I think after you spend so many hours building, you start to learn what works and what doesn't.


How did you get in to riding?
When I was younger, about 12, I rode motorcycles quite a bit. My friend Andrew had been riding mountain bikes, so eventually I started going with him. It didn't take long before I came to the realization that this sport was way more fun. It pretty much turned around right there. Just by chance my neighbor was a mountain bike fanatic, he had a big influence on me and gave me a lot of guidance.


Have you been asked to build anywhere else?
Yes. I have built some different types including for private individuals. One that turned out pretty cool was one I recently built for Oakley. I have a few new projects in the works that should be interesting.


Do you get help when you are working on your jumps?
Good question…I wonder the same sometimes... I hate to say it, but the answer is pretty much no. It takes longer by myself, and can be boring as hell, but it allows me to build it the way I have it envisioned.

Whenever Tyler McCaul comes out to ride, he ALWAYS makes sure he puts in the time to help out with whatever is needed to make the jumps work.


Some people might have a misconception about Malibu, what is the riding like around there?
Yeah, it's not all mansions and movie stars…

It is mainly limited to xc and all mountain riding. There are miles of trail that can be a really good time. The riding scene isn't huge here which is probably why there are not many DH style trails, but the extensive trail bike rides make up for it. Because of this, I have been spending a lot of time on the Stumpjumper which is great for this area.


Do you have any riding buddies?
Yes. I have been pretty lucky to have good friends who like to ride the same things I do. Mike Montgomery comes up to ride quite a bit, and whenever Tyler McCaul comes in town we squeeze in as much as possible. Also my neighbor rides almost everyday. Riding with him is beyond a challenge, but I always come home pumped.


Anyone you would like to thank?
First off I would like to thank Eric at Deity who has believed and supported me ever since we met.

I would also like to thank the following people for the support they have given me, Geoff at Specialized, Drew at Decline Magazine, Steve Blick at Oakley and Jason at Bonk Breaker. Last but not least, I would also like to thank Kenny. He has helped me with so much over the years and has taught me.….everything. I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am now if it wasn't for him.

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