Well here it is… The one I have been waiting for. I have been talking about this column for months and months now. Every time I mention to someone that I write a weekly column and tell them how many weeks that I’ve been doing it for it reminds me how crazy it is. I can’t recall anything that I’ve done specifically and routinely for 100 weeks in a row and I think that goes for most people. That is why this column is one to remember. For this week I had the chance to catch up with Brandon Dosch and interview him before he starts on his next chapter in life in a new State. Brandon is an amazing rider and has been killing it for years. He has the drive and determination to progress and continue to push his riding forward for a long time to come. He wants to give back to BMX, and understands the importance of making riding look appealing to the younger generation. Take a few minutes to see what he had to say and thank you to everyone who has been down with TTL since this column started. Here’s to 100!
Name: Brandon Dosch
Age: 24
Hometown: Lake Orion, Michigan
Current residence: Costa Mesa, Ca
Well, I guess before we dive into it, for those that don’t know why don’t you give a brief history of your riding career and what brought you to where you are today. How did it all start?
BMX started for me when I was nine years young. I had seen BMX before that and tried it but it all clicked on my 10th birthday when my Mom bought me a bike. I saw the movie Rad; went to the local race track, and the passionate feeling of riding a bike began. I raced hard for about 7 years but got over it with my buddy Scotty G. His Dad ran the race team and any time we went to races we were more concerned about finding the local park or trails rather than the actual race. Our parents got over supporting the racing because we didn’t care about it anymore. I’d like to consider my life starting at that point. From there I have traveled the world and met some of the most amazing people and have been a part of the most rad events ever along with winning a few titles in the meantime. I’ve been blessed by BMX.
Now that we have that out of the way, what’s been going on lately? A lot of people know that you have been living in California but you have some news for everyone. What’s good?
Austin, Texas is my next place of residency. I am super stoked to be a part of that scene and I have a Michigan crew that I’ll be chilling with including the homie Scotty G!
How did that come about? What is it that you like and don’t like about California?
Cali is rad… it’s just time for a change. I like being by the ocean, I like being surrounded by a lot of different riders and it’s nice to have lots if options when it comes to riding different spots. California just isn’t for me, at least right now. I think Austin will suit me better, and I’m going to find out soon.
You mentioned just simply wanting to ride trails all day, every day. With me being from the East Coast I can definitely say that the trails out here just don’t have the same “in the woods” vibe. There are a few exceptions but for the most part a lot of the spots are backyards and empty lots out in the open. What’s more appealing about Texas for trail riding?
Well the whole woods vibe is the best thing about BMX in my personal opinion. Homies chillin’ in the woods and building what they’re riding just makes the most sense to me. Not too mention that riding trails is all about going big and having style. I love that shit! The Texas trail scene is very appealing to me because of all the badass dudes that ride down there and that are committed to their trails. I have never ridden trails in Texas besides the Graveyard trails, so first I’ll be sure to pick up a shovel and see what happens.
I did notice that when you built your fresh new set-up that you put your brakes back on. You had a few dope clips in the new Markit edit brakeless and obviously could do your thing without them. What’s the motivation for taking them on and off?
It’s always fun to change it up! I just wanted to try a brakeless bike with a free-coaster. I love BMX and respect every single style of riding. But, from here on out I’ll stick with brakes and pedal pressure.
It’s no secret that you are known as a top contest rider and you mentioned having plans to head to Simple Session. What’s your take on the current contest scene and what are some of your goals for this coming year?
I’m stoked to go to Simple! I’ve actually never been. The contests are a big part of BMX. They bring in a lot of revenue to the table and create a living for some riders. I think the contest scene is rad. I have a pretty cool schedule laid out for 2014 and I’m trying to hit as many events as I can along with working on some filming projects.
You also mentioned at some point that you would love to sit down and focus on a “real” video part and out everything you have into it.
It’s looking like the dudes I started riding with and myself are going to be working on a project. If you don’t know these names you will soon. Scott Glannan, Cody Cox, Ryan Doll and Dave Gillmore. More details soon!
What else motivates you on the bike? What keeps you going?
The pure feeling of enjoyment motivates me. Learning as much as I can about riding my bike keeps me going and my friends that ride have a lot to do with that.
You have always been a good role-model for young up and coming riders and being from Michigan I’d like to think that you had some influence on Tyler Fernengal’s riding. What it about Michigan that makes you want to pedal fast and blast shit?
Ha! T.F. is the man. Shit, I’m influenced by his riding now. The kid is unreal! Us Michiganders like to go fast and keep our state on the map! Michigan is home to some very talented gentleman on bikes.
You’re always repping Michigan and actually mentioned doing your own trail Jam this coming summer. I know it’s in the early stages of planning but can you give any details on that and let people know the motivation behind it?
I flew from California to Michigan early in the summer to clear a bunch of trees out to open up an area on my Grandpa’s property that has about four acres. I’m planning on putting a big set in as soon as the snow melts and the ground thaws. My goal is to have a 4th-of-July Trail Jam.
How was it dealing with your leg injury a few years ago when you broke it at the Dew Tour and how do you handle an injury like that?
That injury kept me off my bike for too long, but I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I’d say the best thing to do is to stay positive and happy so your body has all the good energy to heal fast.
Is it hard to get back on it and keep motivated when you’re out watching everyone do their thing from the sidelines?
I think that was a very hard thing to watch people ride when I was injured, but I came to my senses and just used my time to study all styles of riding. I will admit that I sparked a huge interest in street riding more so than ever when I was injured. Dirt will always be my shit though!
Mentally, an injury can be hard to overcome but anytime we step on our bikes we know it can come at any moment. Do you block that out when it comes to sending it? It’s for sure a hard thing to block out and it had me timid for awhile. I honestly tell myself that I was put on this earth to die and I think riding BMX would be the best way to go out. Send that shit!
If anyone pays any attention to you riding, they know that you can do a ton of tricks opposite as well as regular. Where did that come from and what’s the secret to being able to mix it up like that?
I have no idea where that came from!? I’m just obsessed with learning tricks both directions. I think it had something to do with being a confused goofy footed rider when I was younger.
You also have a very racer-influenced style and pedal fast as shit but you can also flow with the best of them. Obviously racing has something to do with that but explain why it’s important to know how to pedal and go fast to the young, “ledge nibbling” generation.
I can’t thank racing enough for the bike control it has given me and I love going fast! I try and stay open minded these days about the new generation. If kids want to just ride ledges – they better be doin’ big tricks to pegs! Cause you don’t want to be a basic fool.
A lot has changed, pretty drastically lately with the Redline program. I know that you are stoked to be a part of it but what’s going on over there?
What’s going on with BMX right now? Who knows? I’m blessed to be riding for a bike company in this time and any decisions that they have made have not had anything to do with me. I’ll definitely miss the team that Flip organized though.
Financially, everyone is losing their shit as of late but the sponsor-drops and the team changes happen around this time of year, every year. It does seem like the industry is tightening up and companies are dropping out. What does that mean for you?
It just means that I need to keep riding and enjoying BMX for what it is. It’s a shame that there are lots of riders getting dropped but there will still be smiles and fun sessions going on regardless, and that’s what it’s all about.
I personally love BMX no matter what. If I could have my bike, and a dialed set of trails or a good, flowing park to ride I’d be content. But it’s different when you’re making money off of riding. How does the future look and what advice do you have for the young rider dreaming of some day becoming pro?
The best part is not knowing what the future holds, I’m going to ride BMX until I die. The best advice for kids is to enjoy riding BMX for the right reasons and to keep a good attitude. If you want to be a pro you have to earn it! Stay positive.
Well since you are going to be living in Austin, it will definitely be rad to be a local by the time the X Games come along. Is there an official word yet on if they are doing dirt again since they dropped the global series?
I’m pretty sure we will see dirt in the X Games this year in Austin. I’m crossing my fingers for another invite. I got a silver medal last year and I’m tryin’ to follow that shit up with gold!
Let’s mix it up a little bit…
Tricks, or flow? Flow.
Pegs, or no pegs? Pegs.
Contests or video parts? Video Parts.
DVD’s or web edits? DVD’s.
Print or Online? Print.
California or Michigan? Michigan.
You’ve traveled the globe in search of positive BMX vibes. Where are a few of your favorite places you have been and why?
Positive BMX vibes are world wide! There is a kid somewhere in the world right now smiling riding his BMX bike and just thinking about that means a lot to me. I’d say Colombia was my favorite place; the kids hardly had bike setups and were sending it and digging their trails everyday! It was amazing.
What’s one place you have never been to but are itching to make happen?
Simple Session!
Give us a good story from the road. Feel free to be as detailed as you like.
One time on an Albe’s trip we were giving out stickers from the bus and got pulled over by like thirty cop cars at gun point because a concerned father called in an said we were handing out drugs, ha! Stupid people.
Who were some of your early influences with riding?
Nathan Fonz, Ted Van Orman, Fuzzy, Mike Aitken, Robbie Miranda, Brian Foster, Dave Mirra… and the list goes on.
Who do you get stoked on watching currently?
Tyler Fernengel. I love and hate watching him ride only because he scares the shit out of me.
Well, that about wraps it up. Why don’t you go ahead and give some shout-outs and thanks.
Thanks to my Mom, as well as my Grandpa and Grandma for all of their support over the years. Mark Flip for being awesome! Albe’s Bike shop, Redline bikes, Rockwell Watches, Division Tattoo. Scotty G, Tyler Fernengel, Barspinner, Hucker and everyone else that loves BMX for the right reasons.
Any last words?
Huge thanks to you homie, I really appreciate you taking the time to shoot photos and do this interview. It was fun. Ride BMX everyday!
Where can people follow you and keep up on your riding?
Instagram- @bdosch
Twitter- @bdosch
Thank you all for the support, I honestly couldn’t have done it without the positive feedback that I’ve gotten over the years. It hasn’t been easy, but god damn, it’s been an amazing experience. On that note, be sure to check back next Wednesday for the one hundred-and-first edition of Through the Lens and as always feel free to leave any questions in the comments section or email me at [email protected] and I will hit you back as soon as I can. Feel free to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @jeremypavia.
