Brian recently went down pretty hard and broke his jaw. I figured with a little spare time he might be having that I would shoot him over an interview. I am amazed he hasn’t slowed down at all and it doesn’t look like he will. Enjoy this and leave some comments already!
Name:
Brian Hunt
Photo: Jeff Brockmeyer
Location:
Derry NH
Sponsors:
DK bicyles/system cycle, Orchid, Maxxis, Eastern Boarder, triple 8, and Rye Airfield.
Years riding:
11
What was it that originally got you into BMX?
I started out like alot of people do just jumping off stuff and messing around all the time. Then when I saw dudes doing wild stuff I really wanted to get into it. I just wanted to go fast, high, and far.
How are things going with DK these days? When can we expect to see some Brian Hunt signature stuff? Any trips, videos, or othre cool stuff going on?
Things with DK are amazing right now. They are coming out with a ton of products I’m really excited about. There arent any plans for signature stuff at the moment. We are working on some trips and maybe a video could be in the works. We just put together a flow team and all the dudes are so good. Its outrageous. I REALLY want to do a trip with the flow guys and everyone. Things are really coming together and we’re making moves for sure. I couldnt be happier with the direction they are going.
Photo: Clint Reynolds
What’s up with you and Orchid? Anything cool going on them?
I’m on Orchid flow and I’m psyched because they have been supporting me for a while now. The fall line is about to drop in a week or so I believe. I’ve seen most of the stuff Derek has in the works and it looks awesome. The team is the best dudes on and off the bike so whenever I get to hang with them it’s a good time. Thanks again dudes. Check out Orchidfootwear.com to see whats happening.
You recently broke your jaw, how the hell did you do that?
All I know is that I’ve escaped getting killed a couple times doing something I was scared of. This was the exact opposite and probably all that stuff catching up with me. I was just cruising with my buddies having a good time. It was just a freak situation. I fell doing a toboggan air. I hung up and my hand slipped then I hit my chin off a wedge next to the quarter. If the wedge wasnt there I’d be eating normal food right now. It was some intense pain though, I haven’t felt like that for a while.
You said your jaw is wired shut and the doctor gave you the go ahead to ride. Did you get to ride at the Dew Tour stop? How is it to ride without being able to open your mouth and stuff?
Well I saw a doctor in Pennsylvania and he wanted to wire me shut for 3 weeks and put a plate in my chin. He also wanted me off the bike for 8 weeks. Then I saw my doctor and he thought that was overkill and just wired me for 2 weeks and said to ride when I feel up to it. I really wanted to visit Portland and ride with my friends at all the amazing parks out there. I rode the dew tour and it was alright. Not being able to smile or make funny faces while I ride isnt fun. I look like I’m super serious. The whole not being able to eat normal food is driving me insane. I’m really happy to be on my bike though.
Photo: Jeff Brockmeyer
Speaking of the Dew Tour, how have you been doing this year contest wise? Any big contests coming up you are going to be at?
I’ve done alright nothing too crazy. I just went to the empire of dirt and that was incredible. They know exactly how to throw an amazing event. I’m trying to do more trips with friends to shoot photos and film but I’m gonna hit some fun stuff up. I’m trying to hit metro, baco, and some stuff overseas. Those are the fun ones. Then I’m actually helping organize the big contest we’re having at Rye Dec 4th-7th so thats gonna be nonstop fun.
I remember in the old road fools watching you ride at Rye. Do you feel like having that place to ride gave you a big advantage over a lot of people to get where you are today?
Yea for sure and it helped me not lose my mind during the winter. I’m really lucky to have that kind of stuff to ride. They just built a ton of new ramps too so its dialed. The manager Beau is an awesome dude so hes made the past couple years the best he can for all the local riders.
Where are some of your all time favorite places you have had the chance to ride?
Well first would be trails in PA. I have the best time out there. Going to China and Europe was nuts though. So many amazing things to ride out there. I love Vancouver and the northwest though. There is so much to ride out there especially compared to what im used to. My recent trip to the northwest only made me want more. If I stayed out there any longer I might not want to come home.
If you could go on a road trip with 5 people and a big budget to anywhere in the world, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
If we have such a big budget why are we only bringing 5 people? Its so tough to pick just 5 dudes. I would have to say my friends because thats when you have the best time. I would bring Clint Reynolds, Aaron Smith, Brad Jameson, Catfish, and a special guest. The special guest would be someone who would just go nuts on their bike everyday and scare me. I would take them to Austrailia or New Zealand, places I’ve never been to. I know theres tons in Austrailia to ride and the beach so thats a win win for me. China is insane though. You cant go wrong there. China is plan B.
Photo: Jeff Brockmeyer
Who is your typical riding crew these days and about how much time in a week are you riding on average?
It depends where I am. Thats the best part of traveling for me. I’ve been so busy lately that I get to ride with people from all over. I’ve been riding with the DK boys a lot because we’ve been traveling a lot together. My riding crew though is Clint, Aaron, Brad, Zak Earley, Chris Childs, and sometimes Josh Heino. Those are some amazing dudes. When I go to Boston I try to meet up with Sean Burns and thats always a good time. I’m usually trying to ride everyday even if its only for a little bit.
Did you get to watch the Olypics at all? How do you feel about racing being in there?
I watched a bit of it but I didnt really see anything other than BMX. I think its awesome because its a starting point of many good things to come. I think kids could see that and get psyched on riding or racing. That kid could start racing and then get into riding everything else. Most kids racing eventually see the light. haha. It really only opens doors in BMX though. I think vert is gonna be in the next Olympics so could you imagine street or park in it as well? Garrett Reynolds winning Olympic medals in street. That would be nuts. People would start noticing it and build more parks and skate plazas to ride. I would hope it would promote riding for fun though. I wouldn’t want to see kids training anymore than they already do. Snowboarding is in the Olympics though and everyone I know does it for fun so I only hope it could grow like that.
Do you ever get burned out on riding or traveling all over all the time? What do you do to keep BMX fun for you?
I get tired sometimes and just want to be at home but then I realize how blessed I am having the opportunity to travel so much. After a while at home I get the urge to get out again. It’s the craziest thing really. I really appreciate NH when I come home though. Traveling and riding new spots keeps riding really fresh for me though. I love showing up to a new spot. Thats such a good feeling. For me keeping BMX fun is just about not taking it too serious. I just joke around with my friends everywhere we go and its awesome. Good friends keep you in check. If that doesnt work I just get towed behind a car and try to double peg a flat brick ledge.
If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I would change the amount of kids trying to “make it” in BMX. I see so many kids out there trying so hard to get sponsored or worried about the dumbest stuff. I want to see more kids just psyched to have fun and do whatever they like doing. It sucks seeing kids stressing over learning the newest trick or getting sponsored. Trust me if you are having fun with your friends you will progress and if its meant to be it will happen. If not then you’re still having a good time.
What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I would like to think I would find something I really enjoyed doing and run with it. I’d just try to find exciting things to do besides work all the time and let life pass me by.
Outside of BMX what are you usually up to?
I love anything to do with water. Swimming, boogie boarding, wakeboarding or hitting up a rope swing is the best. I really enjoy hanging with friends and tossing the frisbee, hitting golf balls or hollering at girls. Grillin and chillin maybe. Hanging with the babe and exploring the city is also pretty amazing. I’m most likely looking for the best way to relax or enjoy myself.
What is the craziest thing you have ever experienced in your life?
There are so many that its hard to pick one to the be the craziest. I would have to say getting robbed in paris was super scary and I never even realized how nieve I was. It could have been much worse but I’ve never been that scared before. If you see me around ask me about the time in cali. Thats a great story.
Do you work or go to school at all these days or is it all riding?
Right now I’m blessed enough to just be able to ride and not work. Thanks to everyone who makes that possible for me. I always keep in mind though when I was working 50 hours a week and then going out to ride as much as possible. I dont want to take things for granted and forget how things used to be if that makes sense.
What is the first song to come to mind?
lil wayne mr carter
What is the first movie to come to mind?
wedding crashers. love that movie
Have you ever been in a fight and did you win?
I dont remember the last time I was in a fight but I’m sure I thought I won. Everytime I’m out late at night with Catfish we almost get in a fight somehow. We almost had a brawl in Canada. I know theres going to come a time when I have to fight because of my friends running their mouth.
What makes for a good party?
All you need is good friends around and then you make the party. I wouldnt mind the hottest remix’s so I could light the streets or the dance floor on fire. haha
Your girlfriend is a cutie, what kind of advice do you have for us dirty BMXers looking to get ourselves a lady?
I got lucky with that one. She’s an absolute sweetheart. I’ve seen alot of riders with some lovely young ladies so I guess you just have to find an awesome girl and treat her right.
If you had the power to teleport for a day, where would you go and why?
This is a tough one and I think it would depend on my mood. Right now I would like to go somewhere tropical and just chill on the beach. I love being by the water and going surfing or being on a boat and just chillen with friends.
With the elections coming up, do you plan on voting? Care to share who for?
I’m not too educated on everyones views but I do know I’m not psyched on mccain picking a woman for vice president. If I dont figure it out completely by november then I will just vote for Clint Reynolds.
Give us some dirt on Catfish, any embarassing stories of him?
I have tons of good ones about this little man but he’s got a ton on me too I’m sure. I just love watching him freak out in instense situations or anytime when we’re traveling and he’s running super late or a problem comes up. He’s done so much for me over the last 2 years though and I couldnt thank him enough. We have seriously had some wild adventures together.
If you could be good at something you currenly can’t do, what would you choose and why?
I would love to be good at surfing or wakeboarding. Something around those lines. I can already do them but if I was a lot better it would be awesome.
Other than myspace what are some of your stops for websites?
I hit up all the usual bmx websites. thecomeup, vital, bmxonline, fatbmx, defgrip, dkbicycles.com, orchidfootwear.com and easternboarder.com other than that I’m probably talking to friends or looking up random stuff. catfishcatfish.com too
Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
I would have to say my parents because they taught me so much and just showed me how to work hard and not take anything for granted. They also put up with everything I did growing up and showed me how to be a good guy. God is also a huge influence in my life.
If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Thats a wild question. I almost feel like I’m in a miss america pageant. I would probably change the amount of people living hungry or suffering from wild dictators or something. I would probably want more peace everywhere and then we could get to the important stuff like building more skateparks. ha thats just a joke.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I would like thank God, My parents and family, my lady and all my friends. Thanks to Catfish and everyone at DK bikes/system cycle for giving me the best opportunity to have fun and see the world. Thanks to Derek Adams and everyone at Orchid for keeping me looking fresh and of course everyone at Eastern Boarder for supporting me since the very beginning and being awesome dudes. Thanks to Beau Lambert at rye airfield and anyone else who has helped me along the way or let me ride their spot. Thanks Kurt for doing this interview.
Anything else you would like to add?
Life moves quick just have fun and stay on your feet.
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