With all the recent stuff Drew had been producing I knew that I had to get him an interview. It just so happens that he had a pretty bad accident recently so he has been on the chill list and had time to fill us in. So enjoy, and let us know what you think in the comments!
Name:
Drew Orendorff, “Drew York”
Location:
Moline, Illinois
Sponsors:
Standard Bykes, Goodtimes Superstore, Team Iowa
Years Riding:
11. Half my life
To start out, you recently had a pretty good crash that left your arm real ripped up. What exactly happened to cause this and what is wrong with your arm?
I was in Tulsa Oklahoma and I found a small gap to rail. We went to film it a couple times but at the bottom was a truck so we would come back. One day we went and the truck was still there but i looked at it and figured i could make it work. (Which wasn’t the case). I hopped on a curb on the left then jumped to the right onto the rail. I grinded down the rail and leaned too far over and I had to jump off. I landed on the hood of the truck, rolled a bit, and my hand smashed through the windshield. We then rushed to the ER and I was in surgery pretty quick. I ended up with 147 stitches.
Why did they put a cast on your arm that looks like an uncircumcised penis?
The first cast I had was a pretty good resemblance to that huh! hahaha Actually I can’t move or feel my fingers so they sort of bent them into whatever position they wanted. I didnt break anything but the nerves and tendons need to regenerate without any movement, hence the cast.
How are things going with Standard these days. When can we expect to see some Drew York signature goods? Any videos, road trips, or anything planned for once your all healed up?
Standard is doing awesome. We have the new machine shop up and running and they are pumping out product left and right. As for any signature products I haven’t got to talk much about that yet but I do have some ideas and also my own custom frame that is pretty dialed I might say. I have heard wind of maybe some euro trippin some time in the near future so im pumped on gettin back on my bike.
How about the rest of the sponsors? Any new sponsors in the works? trips, videos, product once you get rolling again?
No new sponsors as of yet. Im just looking forward to healing up, doing all of my rehab, and then gettin back into some shreddin.
It seems like you came out of nowhere with some amazing web videos lately, have you stepped up your game or has there just been a camera around more these days?
I guess its a little of both. I am lucky to have two of my good friends filming a lot,(Tony Malouf and Miles Rogoish) so we try to ride together as much as possible. Also I have the priviledge of shooting photos with Justin Kosman whenever he comes home and we run into each other on the road as well.
You have been doing a little traveling lately too, I know you were in Tulsa when you got jacked up. Where all have you been lately?
Yeah I was in Tulsa for around a month and a half. Before that was a roadtrip from home out to Santa Barbara then up to Lake tahoe in January. I also went to Austin in February for a couple weeks. We hit up Jellystone campgrounds and the skatepark they have there right before tulsa too.
Where would you like to get to once you can get on that BMX again?
I would love to go back out to NYC sometime soon and hopefully I can get over to the UK before next summer. Basically I just want to keep traveling and riding new spots. People seem to be into this question.
What is your best story involving you and cops/security/hookers/homeless people/midgets/angry pedestrians while out riding?
I have quite a few but a good one was 3 years ago in NYC after a chill sesh at the brooklyn banks we were sitting in front of a pizza place and some homeless lady starts arguing with us for sitting out front of the shop. Im not gonna say we didnt give her any shit but the lady then took some keys, put them between her fingers and started swinging at me. She chased us for about 2 blocks after that.
Who all is in the crew that you are typically seen riding with? Also where could you usually be found riding?
If im in town im with Danny Gordon, Chuck Walters, Brad Whitcomb, and Justin Ferguson when im riding. We are either at the Davenport skatepark or downtown moline or davenport hittin the street spots. Out of town the crew is Miles, Tony, Russel Wadlin, and Jake Giesel. We could be anywhere at anytime.ahahahaha
What is it that gets you motivated to do a big rail or something a little to crazy?
I just look at a spot for a little bit to figure it out then just think about how psyched I will be when I pull it. Then charge. I guess sometimes thats why i do get hurt pretty bad.
Out of the whole Standard crew, who are your favorites and why?
I love riding with Russ, Jeremiah, Rick, Jaimy Spritzer, Benny, Jonah, all the UK guys. I dunno, we have fun shreddin when the whole team is together.
What is your dream set up at a spot to ride and why?
I like wierd set up rails and anything you can full pedal at. Maybe a huge step up Euro gap with a flat rail on top. hahah
What are some things BMX could use less of, and what could it use more of?
Less stocking caps.Less swans. Maybe some more chrome.
How do you feel about bike games to play like foot down and b-i-k-e? Do you have any of your own games you play?
I dont have any of my own but I grew up and worked at Rampage Skatepark and we played the shit out of some footdown. I think i beat Brian Vowell once head to head. Just sayin.
Where do you think you would be right now if you never picked up a bike?
Probably not in debt to hospitals. hahahah No but I could be anywhere. I guess im glad I chose this way. Im really into art so maybe something with that.
Outside of riding what are you up to?
A lot of chilling. Actually I am starting up a new project with my room mate right now. We are going to be doing a new clothing and accessories company. No name so far, but we have a lot of ideas and a great direction with it. We should have some product in the next few months online and out in some flyers and catalogs. It wont just be a t shirt company, we will be doing different styles of hats, various cut shirts, bags, and all sorts of smaller accessories.
Did you get any hot nurses phone numbers when you were getting checked up?
Unfortunatly no. I was pretty gone on pain killers while i was in there. But, i know I saw some good lookin girls wanderin around in there.
If you could have one thing covered for your whole life and not have to worry about it, what would that thing be and why?
Maybe a gas card so I could travel all of the time. Having rent taken care of would be nice too.
What is the dream car for you?
Im not too into cars really. Probably a truck would be cool. I could throw my bike in the back.
If you could be sponsored by any company at all, bmx related or not, who would you pick and why?
Any Jeans or shoes would be cool. I go throught them super fast.
You have 3 smoking hot girls stop you at the bar, a blonde, brunette, or red head, who do you take home?
All three but the Brunette is first.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Hopefully cross a few things off that ive wanted to do on the bike. Find a new house. Get over the pond for awhile and just keep traveling with my bike. I really want to film another video part since I got hurt during this one.
Do you work or go to school at all?
I was working at Bent River Brewery here in Moline but since this crash im kind of a chiller for awhile.
What is one food you could live on forever?
Chicken Salad Sandwhiches.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment in life?
I dont think ive reached that yet. But ive got plenty of time.
Who or what has influenced you the most?
riding bikes it would have to be Brian Kachinsky, Rick Moliterno, Van Homan, and Josh Stricker
What is the first song that comes to mind right now?
Dont stop Believin’- Journey
Seen any good movies lately?
The Dark Knight while I was in Tulsa. That movie is dope.
What is the last thing you bought?
Baker 3 dvd and Props issue 69.
What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?
Fat Tire or any Rum will do.
If you could eat at any restaurant right now, where would you go and what would you get?
Hungry Hobo. Number 11 Hobo Combo Sub
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thank you to my MOM first off. Thanks to Rick and Jess at Standard, Ryan Levsen at Goodtimes, Matt Coplon at Profile,Bent River, My room mates Owen and Parky for dealing with me coming and going all the time, Miles, Tony, Russ and Kelly, Kachinsky, Justin Kosman for way too much help and anyone that has let me crash at yer place. Thanks.
Anything else you would like to say?
First try, No warm ups.
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