Normally, I can start an intro for an interview explaining why the person was deserving of an interview. However, Mike has clearly proven himself time and time again over the years through his video parts and edits and that’s not really neccesary. So I’m going to tell you a funny story that Mike doesn’t even know about. A few years back I was flying home from Interbike from Las Vegas to Minneapolis. As I’m sitting there, I look over and I see Mike sitting there a few seats over waiting for boarding. I’m absolutely blown away and not even sure what to do. I ended up being so blown away that I couldn’t get myself to say what’s up to him. Sure enough for that 3 hour flight back to Minneapolis, sitting 3 rows back from him on the plane, I’m kicking myself for not introducing myself.
Flash forward and these days I’m fortunate enough to talk to Mike on a regular basis about the happenings at Animal and work on different projects with the brand and team with him. It’s kind of funny how things like that happen and I’ll admit I still get a little nervous meeting pros like him. Now today, I’m stoked to be able to drop this interview with him to let you guys get to know him a little better! Check out what he had to say.
Name: Mike Brennan
Location: Portland, CT
Sponsors: Animal Bikes, We The People
Years riding: 15
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
I always had a bike when I was a kid, but never really did more then rip around town. When I was like 14/15 I had some chrome bike and me and my friends started to try and jump this hole in the ground by using bricks and plywood, haha. It was on from there.
How are things going with Wethepeople these days? Do you have any trips, fresh signature goods, videos or anything like that in the works with them?
No new parts but I just got a new sample of my frame, with a few slight changes for next year. Pretty psyched on it. I have been filming a bunch and the weather is good now. I have a few projects lined up.
What about Animal? Any trips, signature goods or stuff you are getting stoked for?
There are a few animal trips lined up, nothing too crazy but any trip with friends is a good one, going 1 town away or across the globe. I have a tire in the works with Animal we should be getting some samples soon. I can’t wait.
Any other fresh sponsor news you can tell us about?
Nothing right now but hit me up,haha.
You have been bouncing around handling all sorts of rolls at Animal these days from sales to team management. What’s your official title there these days? Care to share some stuff you guys are working on that you are stoked about?
Animal is awesome, I do whatever has to get done. I was helping out packing for a while then did sales for a few years and now I’m helping push the team and online stuff a little more. Make sure all the guys have the new stuff and their bikes are dialed. Getting guys on trips, updating the site, helping film and everything. I also handle the warranty stuff and some other odds and ends too. Everyone at the warehouse does a little of everything. No one does one job. Everyone hustles to make sure stuff gets done.
Do you ever find yourself getting burned out at all? I mean talking BMX all day every day can definitely wear a guy down a bit. What are some things you like to do to keep things fresh?
I don’t really get burned out. I just like doing other stuff too. I have a dirt bike and where I live now there’s 60 acres of woods directly across the street from my house. My friends come up and we will just rip through the woods all day. It’s good to have other things to do besides BMX.
Speaking of keeping things fresh, do you have any fresh hot spots you have been real into riding lately? I feel like now that the weather has been so nice you have been putting in some work lately.
I moved up to Connecticut about a year ago so everything up here is still pretty new to me. A ton of the local guys have been showing me some stuff and I found some more. There is way more stuff up here to ride than I thought. Mad spots!
I know you spent some time down in Austin this past winter, and made a trip to Chicago a month or two ago. What are your travel plans looking like for the summer? Are you looking to get anywhere in particular?
We headed up to Toronto with a few guys the other weekend, not sure where else yet but im always trying to hit up some new stuff in the summer. I’m planning on doing a lot of driving this summer. Ralph hooked up a rack for my car so where just gonna load up and keep driving places.
Have you been filming much for anything? I know you had that Wethepeople edit and a handful of other edits pop up the past few months. When can we expect some more footage?
Yeah, I’ve been filming a lot! I have finally given in and realized the web edit has won. I didn’t like filming real clips to use for web stuff before. Always wanted to keep the real clips for a dvd. I don’t care anymore. Now I just want to film and get the clips out there. As long as I’m happy with the edit /section in the end that’s what I care about.
Speaking of edits… You, Butcher and Jared Washington hit The Bakery recently. What did you think of the place? Was it all you could hope for? Did you leave the place wishing you did any tricks in particular?
The bakery was awesome. Thanks again Brian. It was soo much fun. Everything moves and you can make a million new set ups and stuff. I loved it. I did want to do some more stuff, I had broken my hand like a week or so before so I ended up not getting too many clips.
How do you think the final edit came out? Any plans on going back for a round two?
Im psyched on the edit! Butcher and Jared held it down I just wish I was at 100%. I would love to go back again.
I know you have been in the game for a long time and have seen a lot of riders come and go. Who are some of the newer guys that have been really getting you stoked lately?
Some of the young guys these days are crazy. Stevie Chruchill is a beast. He is killing it and he’s an awesome kid. Mike rose is another guy that I enjoy watching ride, he kills it. Look out for him.
I’d imagine this might be an impossible question to answer, but what do you think you would be doing today if you never got into BMX?
I’d be in NYC installing flooring. I used to be a union carpenter in NYC.
What are you usually up to these days when you aren’t out riding or working? Any fresh hobbies or addictions filling you time these days?
I spend a lot of time with my family. I take my daughter to the park or go to carnival or something. I get to be a kid again!
How’s the dad life treating you? I feel like everyone says it changes everything, but only motivates you to keep riding more. Do you think that’s true?
It definitely changes stuff, in a good way. You’re more aware of your time and I try not to waste it.
Any chance we’ll be seeing a Little OD putting some pegs to use in the future?
I would love to have a son, maybe soon.
Let’s say one day your door bell rings and it’ those Publisher Clearing House dudes with a massive check for you. What’s the first thing that pops into your head as something you want to buy?
I wanna buy a neighborhood. Like an entire retirement community. One of the ones with like 40 small houses. Give a house to each of my friends and family and fix the whole neighborhood so there are spots all over. Banks, rails and ledges everywhere. That’s my dream.
What are two things you need more of in your life and two things you need less of?
More money and time. Less stress and bills.
What’s the last song you heard, movie you watched and website you visited?
I just played the Beverly Hills cop theme on my phone, last movie I watched was Time Cop last night and last website I was on the was the Animal facebook… uploading some photos.
Have you been caught up in any sketchy situations lately? Got any good stories?
I try and stay away from sketchy, last weird thing I saw was a homeless person going thru my trash at 4am.
Who or what are some of the biggest influences on you these days?
Ralph Sinisi, Butcher, my Wife Lindsey and all my friends. They all keep me motivated to ride and keep doing what I do.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still riding having fun and hopefully with a bigger family in my own neighborhood.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to you, Kurt, for doing this, God, Animal, We The People, Lindsey, all my friends and family.
Anything else you want to say?
ODALLDAY
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