Photo: Gremlin
If you follow The Daily Grind, you might have noticed a new name popping up on their website, Instagram and everything. That name is Greg Goldberg, and no, it’s not the wrestler. Greg is another one of those Ohio guys who has been absolutely crushing it lately after a 5 year hiatus due to a blown ACL! Needless to say, we were curious as to who the hell this guy is and what he was all about… So why don’t you crack a beer and find out just who this guy is!
Name: Greg Goldberg
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Photo: Gremlin
Sponsors: The Daily Grind
Years riding: 10 to 12 ish
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
Pretty much just riding around the neighborhood jumping random bullshit and knocking over trash. Criminal mischief
You’re one of the newer recruits for The Daily Grind, right? How did you get involved with Gremlin and the rest of the crew?
I’ve known Gremlin and the rest of the guys for going on ten years and rode with them back in the Season Bikes days. I’m just glad to reconnect and actually get rolling good again.
Ohio has always had a pretty solid scene despite the ups and downs with a lot of the parks closing and everything. What was it like growing up there riding BMX?
When I was a younger kid and teenager it was great because I had a father that would drive me several hours to skateparks and it was back when the Flow and Chenga were in their prime.
You actually are kind of back to BMX for the 2nd time, right? What’s the story there? Didn’t you blow your knee out or something?
Yeah, I had like a 5 year hibernation after blowing out my right ACL. I was unemployed at the time with no insurance so healing was a nightmare. During that time, my bike got stolen and it was just downhill from there. It was pretty much five years of terrible friendships and relationships with lots of alcohol before I got back into BMX.
Did you pretty much swear off BMX completely with no videos, random sessions or anything like that or did you kind of keep up with things during the time period away from your bike?
I would watch random shit online from time to time, but it was pretty much like I erased it from my life for while.
After around 5 years off, you are back on the bike and apparently killing it harder than before. Did you ever get surgery or how did you heal your knee?
I never did get any surgery and for a while I just dealt with my knee feeling shitty. Eventually, I got in the gym and just busted my ass to get my leg really strong and stable again.
Photo: Tony Cherry
What are some of the biggest differences from riding then versus now?
Well, in 2008 it seemed like nothing was focused on uniqueness of spots or set ups. Now if you have something easy to do on a good set up it’s much more appealing to the eye.
Would you say you enjoy BMX more now?
I enjoy it much more now that street beers are way more involved.
I know Gremlin has The Daily Grind crew on the move this summer to film for their 2nd DVD, right? Do you guys have any trips lined up you’re looking forward to?
We are always going a couple hours away about every other weekend, but I’m hoping to make it out to San Francisco this fall.
How has filming been going for you so far? Are you pretty excited to be filming or does it stress you out?
Filming has been going great I have a decent amount of footage so far as well as some amazing b-roll stuff. Stress is only a factor when the assholes I’m with try to shove me into something. That’s where the King Cobra comes into play.
Photo: Troy Merkle
Who has really been blowing your mind for this video? Any hints at who you think will have the craziest part?
Zack Gerbers part will be retarded.
Can we expect to see a new edit out of you from your scraps or any other video projects that will be dropping online soon?
I’m working on a little HD edit with Tony Cherry doing random little things around Dayton. Whatever isn’t used for the DVD might go to some other projects.
It sounds like you’re pretty busy with riding and filming, but you actually work full-time as a CNC programmer and operator, right? How did you get into that field?
Yeah, it’s like a thousand hours a week and it still wouldn’t be enough! I pretty much just followed in my fathers footsteps and got into it myself.
Did you go to school for it or was it something you learned on the job?
I went to a vocational school for machine trades and have just picked up programming over the past 8 years which would pay much better if I would go get a degree.
Photo: Gremlin
What are some of the typical projects you work on? Have you done any BMX parts before?
I was working on drawing a stem for a minute but then these pricks put cameras everywhere at work and put me on day shift, so now I have no real time to do that here.
Outside of riding and work, you play some music too, right? What do you play and how long have you been playing for?
Yeah, I play drums and have been for like 8 years or so.
Are you in a band or have you been in any bands in the past?
I was playing in this punk band called Date Nite but one of the dudes wife just pooped out a kid so that’s kinda on hiatus at the moment.
I’d imagine you like to party! What makes for a good night out for you? What’s the choice drink for you?
When I go out I usually pop in little hole in the wall bars and just drink high life, but when we are out riding I’ll pick up Cobra 40s or shitty gas station Vodka and Gatorade to stay hydrated.
Photo: Troy Merkle
On a scale of 1 to get fucked, how often do people reference that wrestler from back in the day when they hear your name?
Haha, it has died down a bit in the past few years. Growing up I got it all the time and now I’m thinking it should be referenced for the DVD.
What’s the last song you heard and movie you watched?
I drink Alone is playing pretty loud right now which is ironic and for the movie, I’m not sure. I usually pass out as soon as I turn one on.
Obviously a lot has changed for you in the last 5 years. Where do you hope to be in 5 more years?
Hopefully moving forward still and not where I once was. Maybe behind a desk in the damn air conditioning.
Are you on Instagram, Twitter or any of that? How can people keep up with you?
Instagram: @hell_smash
Twitter: @mightyduksgoaly
Photo: Gremlin
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to gremlin for the opportunity and all the dudes making it so there is never be a dull, sober moment! Ryan Howard for helping get me rolling on two wheels again… And King Cobra.
Anything else you want to say?
Legalize street beers
Free ATB
