BMX UNION

Zac is one of those dudes who not only can kill it on a bike, but he is also a smart guy. He is working towards some bigger projects and goals involving science that sounds really cool and fun. He is up to some interesting things from his work, bikes, school, and life. Enjoy and leave him some love in the comments.

Name:
Zacharia James Costa

Location:
San Francisco, Ca

Sponsors:
solid, primo, franchise, revenge industries, team hungry

Years riding:
11

What was it that originally got you into BMX?
I picked up a BMX plus and saw some stunts I wanted to do

How are things going with the sponsors these days? Any trips or cool things like that in the works?
My sponsors are my friends so it works out pretty good. We got a Team Hungry trip to costa rica going down in January with sean ryan, jake honesto, dolecki and some wild cards. I’m planning to ditch my bike and come back to el norte by land, work on my Spanish, chill in the jungle and on some beaches and experience some real central America life.

Photo: Kyle Emery Peck

What have you been up to lately? It seems like you have been on the down low lately?
I have been on the down low lately, and its mostly because i keep getting hurt. I had some health problems with a staph infection followed quickly by a ruptured spleen followed by a sprained knee in a knee I’ve had 2 surgeries on already. Then a few weeks ago I got doored on market street going like 20mph on my bike when a little girl in the passenger seat opened a car door right in front of me which tore my hand up and nearly popped my shoulder out. Ive been riding a bit just collecting unemployment and enjoying the nightlife of frisco.

Where have you been riding these days? Have you been doing any traveling lately?
I’ve been riding the bay, went to l.a. awhile back and kicked it with eddie c and jon peacy

Where are some places you have had the chance to check out?
I’ve been to some wild spots, some foreign spots, some domestics some grimy spots, some not so grimy. By far Thailand and Laos were the best

Photo: Talia Mota

What is Team Hungry?
Team Hungry is whoever needs to eat. Me, Kurtis and Dirt would always joke about whose hungriest. Like on Thanksgiving after dinner me and Kurtis met up at sizzler, then on the way home we went to the KFC drive-through and we both got big buckets, you know the kind of hunger that will get you a pot belly at 18, tryin to eat soup with chopsticks kind of shit. So whichever of the homies is striving the most to get more than what they got, that is Team Hungry.

Do you have any new web videos, or video parts for a video in the works?
Filming for solid and baygame upcoming videos

What’s the scene like where you are from? Any up and comers you think people should be hearing about?
I grew up in Santa Rosa and the scene out there pretty much taught me the game. Skaters and bikers came up together at the Rosa skatepark back in the day, partying and blowing up the spot. Now I’m in the Bay I got the knowledge, experience, tolerance levels and various vices to keep me a contender while still having a great time. Everybody in the Bay gets along pretty well, most everybody kicks it and rides and its usually pretty laid back. As far as up and comers, the whole Bay Game crew is doing their thing, progressing and shredding, 2000-hate is almost over look out for the Bay in 2000-Shine

If you could go on a road trip anywhere in the world with 5 people, who would you pick, where would you go, and why?
I would go to Vietnam and Thailand with Kurtis Elwell, Dirt, Jake Honesto, Jesse Hall and Sean Ryan. Those dudes are all my friends and their riding and personalities just hype everybody else up to stay positive, keep their energy up and fucking shred. Plus they love to party and are grimy enough to keep up with me and the wild shit that would be going down

How do you feel about BMX becoming so main-stream? From big contests on TV, to pros dating famous chicks and everything?
I don’t know, its cool because people can get paid, but its represented on some whack shit sometimes, like the peg slider clip in a movie preview for the Transporter 3 I saw on TV. the other day, like w.t.f? It sucks when riding is portrayed as a gimmick or some kooky sport, but other than that I don’t really think it matters anyways because the opinions of the public are fickle at best, so what does it matter how they perceive bike riding?

Photo: Kyle Emery Peck

If you could change anything at all about BMX, what would you change and why?
I would take it back to the riding in the late 90’s from vids like anthem and on the down low. Too many kids are on some bitch shit worrying about scratching the paint on their bikes and getting their clothes dirty when they ride. Everybody needs to just say fuck it and huck some shit sometimes to keep it live

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I would be a mark or I would be dead or in jail

Outside of riding, what are you usually up to?
Reading, thinking, cooking, women, partying, bikram yoga, mind expansion

Did you know there is another Zac Costa who is an ultimate fighter?
I never heard of that dude

Do you work or go to school at all?
I got a Bachelor of Science degree in Evolution and Ecology from UC Davis. I worked in a plant ecology research lab for a year, now I am unemployed. I am currently applying to graduate school for ecology to pursue a master degree in some sort of amphibian ecology-based research questions

For those people not familiar with science terms can you explain what that stuff means?
Basically ecology describes how living things interact among themselves and their environment. Evolution describes the gradual process of genetic change over time caused by differential survival of individuals. Those two broad concepts basically describe how life and the great diversity of organisms therein have come about, and given such immensity, the scientific fields of evolution and ecology are very large and encompass a lot of other sub-disciplines. I think it’s cool that if you convince other people a question your asking has relevance to the world/scientific community, then they will pay you to research that question. For example, my old boss got $10,000 to send me and a few other people to Puerto Rico to film lizards react to programmable robot lizards he had constructed. This was to address questions regarding the evolution of visual communication. If I can make a living hiking around in the jungle filming lizards, catching snakes, feeding tadpoles to snakes, etc, or whatever it may be, while being intellectually challenged and turning that information into scientific data and information, then I’m happy, that is pretty much my dream job.

Photo: Andy Fitz

What is a typical day like for you?
Well I’ve been lucky enough to live that easy life lately, I sleep in late, cop some food, maybe ride a bit or do some yoga, read, kick back with the homies or a lady and catch some drinks at the bar and repeat.

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
I want to stay healthy, film a bangin video part, get my passport stamped a bunch and get a Master of Science degree in ecology.

If you won the lottery, what are the first 5 things you would spend money on?
Drink/Drugs (gotta celebrate!), Food, Land, custom house/concrete skatepark, and my family

How do you feel about Obama being elected as president?
I think its cool, though it doesn’t affect me much, but at least it shows this country is not as stupid as most of the world thinks it is. It was cool to see San Francisco so ecstatic and happy on election night, spontaneous block parties popped off all over the city, everyone was going wild, it was a fun scene.

Do you have any funny stories involving midgets, hookers, crack heads, homeless people, or pissed off people?
I can’t incriminate myself like that.

Top 5 Malt Liquors?
1. schlitz
2. Sparks Plus
3. king cobra
4. Old English
5. Crazy Horse (R.I.P.)

Top 5 bay area gangsta rap albums
1.e-40 “In a major Way”
2. Mac Dre “Stupid Doo Doo Dumb”
3. Cellski “Mr. Predictor”
4. The Jacka “The Jack Artist”
5. Ill Mannered Players “self-titled”

Photo: Sean Ryan

Jake Honesto questions:
Why do you refuse to drink coconut juice with an artificial sweetener but you’ll drink joose which has red5 in it?
It’s actually the preservative that tastes bad, I just hate the taste of sodium metabisulfite, Parrot brand is the best but it still doesn’t taste as good as fresh young jugo de coco, plus i rarely drank joose after I o.d.’d, thanks Brent Everitt!

What’s the shadiest thing you’ve ever seen while bmxing?
I haven’t seen anything that specifically grimy, I mean crack and heroin use, public defecation and sex acts are all fairly common sites in S.F., one time in Santa Rosa we were riding a wall ride and we found a 40 oz of king cobra over half-filled with vomit with the cap on? My friend broke it on a wall and it was probably the worst smell i have ever encountered, and one time at Bankzilla in Seattle there was a ridiculous amount of prostitutes and one in particular who was actually really pretty, hoped into cars with and then shortly thereafter got dropped off by like 10 dudes in the hour we were riding. I also saw a hawk viciously eat a pigeon in a tree right above my head right before I ran into that Muni bus foreshadowing? (franchise vid)

Who is the shadiest bmxer you’ve ever met?
The shadiest bmxer I ever met is probably that dude from Long Beach OnePunch, I just saw him wild out and I heard a few things, probably him or Dirt.

Photo: Noah Costa

Why don’t you start doing nice things for people so that you won’t be having all this bad karma that’s causing you to be hurt forever?
Yeah I probably should, you know it is what it is, so I do deserve what i get, but at the same time doing good deeds in the hopes of receiving something in return is a form of selfishness in its own right, therefore defeating the purpose and negating some of that good karma. I try to not hate as much as possible and I share tall cans with and drop 5’s and 10s on various homeless, and I try to be generous with whatever I got with the homies, but I guess it’s not enough!

What’s the best way to reel em’ in when your fishing around last call?
Smiling and not shitting out the mouth

If you couldn’t live where you live now, where would you move?
Thailand

If you could be sponsored by any non BMX related company, who would you choose and why?
Anheuser-Bush. I can get thirsty

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change?
No hating and redistribution of wealth

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Aaron Huff, Barney and Nate at Tip, Sean McKinney, Sean Ryan, Sacramento homies, North 530 crew, everybody in the 707s keepin it real, BayGame cats, Jon Peacy, and my friends and family for support.

Anything else you would like to say?
Keep it lit

When you have been in BMX long enough, you learn a lot of names of people who keep things going behind the scenes. Obviously, John is one of those more recognizable names due to being team manager for the Etnies BMX program. When it comes to having history and background in BMX, he has plenty of it and it shows. As busy as John is, I am amazed with how well this turned out. Don’t forget to check out the slide show of his photography at the bottom too! I think you will like this one.. Enjoy and leave some love for him in the comments!

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson
Edit: Taj took this I guess!

Name:
Jonathan Patrick Povah

Location:
I live in Corona Ca. Originally from London England. Work in Lake Forest Ca

Sponsors:
None, but working for etnies has its perks…

Years riding:
I count “years owning a BMX bike” as how long I’ve been riding BMX, not just how long I’ve been competing or racing like some people do… it’s 30 years this past September 11th

What was it that first sparked your attention for BMX, and what keeps you into it today?
I guess it’s just that daredevil gene in some of us, maybe it was Evel Knievel, who knows? I always jumped my bikes even before the term BMX was part of my vocabulary. When I was real little I skateboarded, & even did it after I’d found BMX for a while but for some reason when I was introduced to BMX it grabbed my attention more than skating & I just stuck with it.

You have been team manager for Etnies for a while now, how did that all come about it and how are things going with it?
The previous TM (Nate Hanson) got let go for some reason or another, so they were looking for a new TM. Schwinn had just recently filed bankruptcy & let their whole program go, I was working at a friends company that built ramps in the meantime but was looking for something a little more along the lines of what I was doing at Schwinn. Rooftop dropped a few good words with the powers-that-be over at etnies & the rest is history…..So I want to send a big thanks to Mike for thinking of me, & sorry to Nate for getting fired.

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

Any big Etnies news you can tell us about? Team additions/removals, new products, video projects, road trips, anything at all really?
Yeah, obviously we have the Aaron Ross “designed by” shoe, “The NUMBER”, that should be out in a few months, there’s some cool colors of that, we’re doing an Odyssey Collaboration with that too. Aaron’s shoe has been getting really good reviews from stores & accounts outside BMX which is unusual, so hopefully we can move some decent numbers in that to give back to the BMX program. We also have a Bestwick colorway out right now called the PACE as well as Morgan’s colorway the SNIPER, you can check those out on etnies.com. Next year we hope to do some more colorway stuff with team guys, maybe with some cool collaborators, maybe some team rider inspired apparel. Hopefully we’re going to be moving forward with print & web advertising again in 09, 08 was really tough financially coz of the economy etc & we had to pull a lot of ads, which in my opinion is pretty detrimental to the well being of the team, but also the mags etc which I was bummed we had to do, but if there’s no money, there’s no money. Hope to do some more video stuff in 09, no real plans for a major vid, that shit is expensive, a pain in the ass & really wares on the riders. As far as team changes, there are a few but I’ll keep it under raps for now.
We have a new indoor private street plaza being rapped up right now for teams guys to ride, that should be fun & hopefully they’ll be cool with bikes on it. I’m also personally trying to get a private bowl too at etnies.

Is there ever a “typical” day for you?
Day to day is pretty sporadic; I can come & go as I please so long as I get my shit done..There are certain daily, weekly & monthly things that I have to take care of, but so long as shit gets done my day is my own…..The one thing I will say though, is that if I’m not at work & there’s a decision to be made about BMX, something is getting screwed up coz I am the SOLE BMX employee there……If there’s a decision to be made about skate, there’s a 100 or more other people to make sure things go smoothly. So with that said, I do like to be there as much as I can…It’s a good environment though & there’s lots of cool people working there so it makes work fun.

It would appear that your job is a pretty chaotic job. Do you find much time to ride these days?
I find more time to ride with work to be honest than I do having a kid…. When that little bastard came into my life, all of a sudden there’s just not enough hours in a day. Ha ha ha. I have been planning my days a little better to make sure I do get some riding in though, even if its just a 15 minute sesh at a crappy cement park

Where are some of your all time favorite spots to ride or visit?
Singapore was an amazing place to visit, not necessarily the best to ride because of some seriously strict laws, although there were some amazing untouched spots the culture & country was awesome. As far as riding goes I would say a lot of the old cement parks in the UK are real good: Harrow, Romford, Southsea & Livingston. One of the best things I have ever ridden though was this bowl that they used to have at the VANS park in Orange County California, we all called it the “Black Bowl”…for obvious reasons, it unintentionally became the best bowl for bikes ever!!. There were only a handful of guys who could or did ride it…But that thing was amazing with endless lines & better hips than Jessica Simpson…Well, maybe not! Ha ha ha….VANS tore it out to put in some 3-foot tall nibble shit in its place for the kiddies. It was a sad day when they demolished that thing. This is the bowl I am trying to recreate in the etnies warehouse…..If I can come up with the money that is

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

I know you get to travel a bit because of your job. Where are some places you really hope you get to go to someday?
Wow! That’s a cool question! There are so many places I’d like to go. For riding I’d like to visit Australia, New Zealand & maybe Barcelona. To just travel for the sake of traveling to visit somewhere, probably Africa, Egypt, some places with heritage & cultures that I can’t imagine like Fiji or Tahiti….Some shit like that….Hard question, just so many amazing places

If you could go on a trip with 5 people, who would you bring, where you would go, would you document, and why?
Quit with the hard questions!!! Sucks having to pick just 5
If we’re talking about a riding/fun not too serious trip, I’d have to say these 5 losers.
1. Sandy Carson
2. Dave Freimuth
3. Brett walker
4. Catfish
5. Chad Degroot
Would I document it? HELL YEAH !!! & why? Coz not only are these guys in their own right pretty bad ass on bikes, but they’ll also keep me smiling, which in my opinion is how bike riding should be…It’d be not stop comedy with this crew……..But again, I have other dudes I’d love to travel with also: Ruben, Taj, Sergio, Joe, Heaton, Bohan etc….The list is seriously endless.

You used to do shows and everything so I know you got tricks. What is your favorite trick to do?
I’d have to say flips! Sound cliché, but its one of the funnest tricks I ever learned. Paid some dues learning it as there were only a few dudes doing it when I learned it, but once I got it, it was one of the best feelings to experience, just lofting a slow rotating flip feels amazing! Nowadays, my favorite trick is just staying upright on two wheels & not crashing.

Since Etnies is a big company, I imagine you get a fair share of sponsor me videos. How do you go about picking people to hook up anyways?
Dude! I get some seriously HORRIBLE submissions, I would forward links etc, but I don’t want to embarrass these kids……& they’ll think I’m a dick (Well, I am a dick) & I don’t need their dads kicking my ass!! Ha ha ha. I’m just blown away how some of these kids really think that what they are doing is even remotely close to being worthy of being sponsored…I mean! Do these kids even look at other riders out there to gauge what they’re doing against…It blows my mind !!
The only kid I have EVER sponsored from seeing his “sponsor me tape”… & it was Actually a “tape” which makes it even better was Brett Walker. The shit he was doing on the tape was pretty much worthy of being a part in a video today, it was awesome…..He sucks now though & just nibbles shit so I’m thinking of revoking his privileges though….see! Told you I was a dick!

You have been involved in BMX for quite a while. How do you feel about the current state of BMX?
Wow! What a can of worms this could be:
I’ve seen trends come & go..& come again & I figure everything comes out in the wash…Eventually. I kinda have mixed feelings about how BMX is nowadays though. On one hand I’m stoked on certain levels of trick progression, riding styles etc. On the other hand I get a little burned out on the same cookie cut repetitive tricks whether it be contest moves or street stuff. Just seems the same 4 or 5 tricks are making a living for some of these dudes, & doing 1 more tailwhip or 1 more barspin shouldn’t be the next bar to reach, trying to differentiate yourself from the other dudes out there should be….That’s kinda why dudes like Sean Burns are such a breath of fresh air….Need more of that.
The internet has given every kid a voice & a platform to show the world what they’ve got. On the other hand its also given that same kid an anonymous voice to talk shit & make them, in their eyes an authority on any given subject. Which in all honesty, they should be caring about what they have going on, & not prying into subjects that don’t involve them. Message boards are cool if used well, but it seems like 99.9% of the time shit gets off subject & into a shit talking match with another kid posting….whatever! It is what it is.

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

Where would you like to see BMX go as time goes on?
The quality & direction of bikes & parts, I think everything is amazing & is looking good for the future. But: Personally I’d like to see bikes stores really grasp the concept of softgoods, & what the possibilities really are by carrying them, whether it be Tees, shoes or even as small as hats & wallets etc…Anyone who’s talked to me about this knows I sound like a broken record right no. Maybe we need to educate them, or create the demand for bike stores, but if you look back at the history of skateboard stores & the direction they have gone, 10 years ago, they were 90% hardgoods: trucks, decks, wheels etc..Fast forward 10 years & now those same stores are primarily softgoods…..I’m by no means on skaters dicks, but I like the fact that they’ve kept to what they want & pushed things in the direction they want that’s best for them. Personally this is a direction I’d like to see things go for BMX as it appears that it makes for a stable foundation for the sport for any kind of self-sustainability & longevity. I respect brands like Lotek, Freemont, Orchid etc for their devotion to wanting to go in this direction, now we just need retailers to support it.

Since you have been in the industry from Schwinn to Etnies, could you ever imagine yourself doing something else?
I’d like to stay in the industry in one aspect or another…But only time will tell right? I used to restore cars for a living, maybe I’d get back into doing that if I really had too..Its more fun as a hobby than a 9 to 5 to be honest, but if push comes to shove I’d probably get back into that…I love Hotrods & Muscle cars

Since the kids seem to get pretty heated on this one, how do you feel about big companies like Levi’s and Nike getting involved in BMX?
I’m pretty cool with it, I have nothing against it….Kids don’t really know what they’re pissed about, they just know for one reason or another they are just supposed to be pissed at Nike etc coz someone else of influence to them was pissed about it. I hear the term “milking BMX” when it comes to these brands, but honestly, there’s nothing to milk, our sport is not that big that they (Nike, Levi’s) etc are making humongous sales from us..This can kinda tie back in with the question about the direction I’d like to see BMX go when it comes to retail. We’re gaining more from these brands investing in BMX by doing vids, ads, trips paying riders than they are ever getting from us at this point. All I’m seeing is their involvement in what we do as benefiting us by bringing exposure, notoriety & legitimacy to BMX, in turn creating, once again longevity & stability…The whole thing goes both ways & has arguments “for” & “against”, but at this stage in the game, I’m cool with it. Ask me again in a few years if they bail on BMX, then I might feel differently.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved in BMX?
Fat, drunk, still living in England & painting cars, barely making ends meet!……Well, actually, other than living in America & not painting cars anymore I am pretty much all of the above. Ha ha ha

Outside of work and anything relating to BMX, what are you usually up to?
Hanging with my wife Jacqui & son Garrett Gray, doing home improvements, Photography, designing bike parts, fishing when I get the chance, watching porn, drinking, trying to come up with the next billion dollar invention, watching movies, sitting in traffic…there’s probably lots of other things I’m up to, but for the most part I love hanging with my family.

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

I know you got one kid, how’s the role of dad going? Is there any more on the way?
Having a kid is awesome!…Definitely a drain on my time & wallet, but until you have a kid, its unexplainable how much you can love something soooo much!!!! No more kids on the way or plans thereof. I have already severed my penis as a back-up plan to ensure it doesn’t happen EVER again !!!!!!  Now its party time!!!!

Will you try and get your kid(s) into BMX, or is it something you really don’t plan on pushing?
He can already ride his 10” DK General Lee with stabilizer’s & steer pretty well……he hasn’t quite figured out the coaster brake thing quite yet, but he’s doing pretty well for a 2 ½ year old. If he wants to ride bikes cool, I’m not going to push him, if he wants to get into something else, then I’m cool with that too…I just want him to be happy & make a good life for himself (& me when I’m old )

You have had your fair share of trips, what is your all time worst horror story from traveling?
I thought about this one for a long time & I couldn’t think of anything too serious. I’m sure that there’s been some shitty trips or shitty situations, but in all honesty, all they do is make for good stories. So whether trips are good or bad, it’ll end up good in the end & something fun to reminisce about.

Have you ever been in a fight? Did you win?
I used to be into boxing & was actually trained to box from when I was about 8 or 9 years old till I was about 20. I won a good portion of matches I had, I also got my ass handed to me too a few times when I was fighting out of my league (weight class). I honestly don’t like fighting & do whatever I can to not get into fights (unless I’m drunk), but if I’m forced to, I will. People always think I’m pissed, or just look pissed & want to fight, but its not true….It does have it’s advantages though looking this way if I’m not feeling like talking to someone. I think, & I could be wrong coz I know I’ve had some tussles when I’ve drank some. The last serious fight I was in was at Gravity Games (right before 9/11) between a bunch of BMXers & the moto crew they call the Metal Mullisha….BMXers won….I did get in a little toe to toe last year at the Simpel Session too with Stricker after some dude jumped on Stricker for checking out his girl…..Couldn’t understand an F-ing word the dude was saying, Stricker got hit a few times, but the bouncers broke it up & kicked us out before it could escalate too far.

How are you feeling about the elections and government in general?
I hate politics, its all BS to me & I’m not a huge fan of the whole system. Just too much shady shit goes on behind the scenes for me to get too excited about it…..We’ll get fucked in the end one way or another by the system.

It would appear the economy is getting pretty ugly… Any thoughts on that?
Yeah it sucks! My house is now worth less than half what I bought it for 3 years ago….So yeah, the economy thing sucks balls!

What is the first song to come to mind?
Sweet Child O Mine. GnR

How about first movie come to mind?
SNATCH !

If you could have more of something in your life, what would it be and why?
Money. Obvious reasons

You find $100 on the ground, what do you do with it?
Put it in my kids saving’s account

If you could relive any day in your life, what day would you pick and why?
My wedding day / tied pretty closely by the birth of my son. Obvious reasons

I would imagine you are forced to spend quite a bit of time on the computer, any favorite websites?
Etniesbmx.com
Defgrip
Thecomeup
BMXonline
FATBMX.com
OS-BMX
RADBMX.co.uk
DIGBMX.com
Terrible1.com
B&H
Youporn
Youtube
Ebay
Amazon.com

What are some things you are looking forward to for 2009?
Watching my kid grow
Simple Session in Estonia
A stronger etnies BMX program
Getting myself in better shape & riding more
Being alive

Photo Credit: Sandy Carson

If you could have any car in the world, what would you want to drive?
I don’t really have that much love for modern American cars, but if we’re talking about Dream cars, I’ve been stoked on the FORD GT…That thing is beautiful, almost a work of art…& fast as fuck !!! Love to have me one of them!!

If you could live the life of somebody else for one day, who would you pick and why?
Megan Fox. I wouldn’t be able to stop “playing” with myself. I wouldn’t leave the bedroom !!..Good enough reason right?????

Obviously you are married, so what is the key to success with the ladies?
Just have the same respect for others that you have for yourself. Have an open mind & be understanding….But most of all: Give the wife your “balls” so she can put them in her purse.

Who or what have been the biggest influences on your life?
Friends (You know who you are) & family

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Sounds cliché. But I want everyone to just get along, no more wars. For the world to care more about life, living & love, rather than governments, oil & money. Everyone care & make changes for the better of the environment for a better future & for future generations……..Its funny how your perspectives change once you have a kid.

What is the best advice you can give somebody looking to get into the industry, or just towards life?
Be cool & don’t think your something that your not. Be humble but driven, with specific direction. Get an education whether it be for the industry of otherwise…It’ll pay off.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Shit!! Waaaaay too many….I’ll give it a shot though

Jacqui Povah, Garrett Gray Povah, Mom & Dad, Kim, Judy, Dave Osato, Mike Escamilla, Mike Manzoori, Don Brown, Eladio Correa, Megan Easley, Rob Brink, Matt Chapman, Mark Holder, Jason Smith, Wallice Mills, Etnies BMX team past & present, specifically: Taj, Joe, Ruben, Sergio, Brian, Aaron, Jamie, Morgan, Heaton, Sandy, Freimuth, Enns, Garrett, Baker, Brett Walker. Bohan, Heath, Blyther, Voelker, Dominguez, Lee Reynolds, Greg Guillotte, Andy Brown, Andy Shohara, Alvin Mullins, Mark Scurto, Moroshan, Keith Mulligan, Fudger, Z, Bauer, Nuno, Degroot, Duncan Gore, Steve Swope, Miron, Big Island, Tunney, Condor, Sean McKinney, Chris Moeller, Kimler, BF, Adam Banton, Pat Schafer, Spohn Ranch, Prestige, Tom & Tina at Empire, Treika at A1 Cycle, Mark Noble, David Haynes, Lee Alexander, Barry Southby.
BIG thanks to BMX Union for wanting to & actually have interest in the bullshit I have to spill for an interview…………………I know there’s more people & I know I’m going to be bummed that I forgot someone, but just know that I care, & thanks to you all that has ever helped me in one way or another for better or worse. Much love.

Anything else you would like to say?
Have fun, love life & make the most of opportunity. Don’t live with regret.

One thing I didn’t know about John is that he is into photography. Here is some photos he has to show for you. If you want to see some of the smaller pictures at full size, just click on it.

I still remember giving my grandma my 7th grade school picture where I was wearing a Little Devil shirt. Grandma was pretty religious so she was a little confused until I explained to her what it was all about. However, that really has nothing to do with all this. This interview is with Derek, the man behind all of that story. I figured with the L.D Funeral, and Orchid stuff it was time to get an interview. Plus I personally like interviewing company owners since they are usually pretty different from the pros. So here it is, check it out and leave him some love in the comments!

Name:
Derek Adams

Location:
Collegeville, PA

Sponsors:
Nope.

Years Riding:
24 (holy shit)

You are the man behind Orchid. When did that company get its start, and now that you are focusing all your time on it, what can we expect to see out of it?
Orchid got started in 2003. After 5 years we decided the brand was solid enough to warrant our full attention, so that’s what we’re starting to do now. We’re pretty excited to begin this new chapter. Orchid should only get better from here on.

When you first started Little Devil, what did you expect? Did you ever see yourself starting a shoe brand that you have now?
With LD I just wanted to print some goofy t-shirts in the beginning. It wasn’t anything serious at first, but it evolved. With the shoe company, I had the thought about in the back of my head since the late 90’s but I never thought we could pull it off back then. Little Devil gave me the experience I needed to take that step.

What is your next big move for the BMX industry?
A series of small moves. It’s chess, not checkers baby!

With all this work you are doing, about how much time do you find to ride these days?
I have trails in the backyard so it’s pretty easy to make time to ride when it’s nice outside. I do wish I made more time to hit different spots more often. I can never get enough of FDR.

When you first got started with BMX, did you ever imagine you would be making a career that revolves around it?
No, I never imagined I’d even be riding this long. But I’m glad I kept at it, because bmx is so awesome right now.

What was your first BMX, and what are you currently riding?
My first real bike was a Mongoose Californian. Right now I have an S&M black bike.

You obviously have had the chance to ride some amazing spots, and owning (before taking it down) one of the best ramps in BMX. What is, or where is your all time favorite place to ride and why?
Minersville Trails (rip)
FDR Park, Philly.
Magic Skatepark (rip)
Romford, UK
Dusseldorf University
Hastings Park, Vancouver
Matt Beringer’s yard
LD Bowl (rip)

Where are some places you would really like to ride at some point?
There’s a million concrete parks popping up that I’d like to ride.

Over the years you have had the chance to ride with so many people, in so many different sessions. If you could relive any one of those days, which one would you choose and why?
Mid 90’s trail days were pretty good. It’s all been good though.

What is the current trick you are trying to figure out and dial in or are you just chilling these days?
I haven’t been into doing tricks for a while. The trick to me is not crashing now. These days I could do figure 8’s in a bowl and still have fun. I’m slowly turning into an old school kook (and lovin’ every minute of it).

If you could make a living off riding alone, would you still have done Orchid and Little Devil to the extent that you do it now?
Anytime I try to ride for the camera or in front of a crowd I crash and burn. Being a pro rider wasn’t in the cards for me, but I enjoy what I do because it gives me the chance to be creative in more ways than one.

Obviously you have to follow trends a little bit to stay on top of your business, so where do you see BMX going trend wise in the future and what will fade out?
I wish bmx was less trendy, hopefully trends will fade out. Be yourself.

If you are talking to somebody who knows nothing about what BMX and they ask. How do you go about describing it and describing what you do?
I try not to talk about it with civilians, but if I must I tell people that I ride kids bikes that people do flips on. Most people have heard of the X-Games so sometimes I mention that.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
There’s too much emphasis on competition. If you want to win something, play football. BMX to me is about cruising around and having fun. It’s not that serious.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I’d probably be more into the music scene, in a band or something.

If you couldn’t do what you do right now for work, what do you think you would be doing?
Sometimes I think I should be doing something important, like a job that helps people or working with animals.

When you aren’t working, or riding, what are you usually up to?
Hanging with my girlfriend Heather and my dog Lola.

Did you ever go to college for business or anything or did you just teach yourself step by step through Little Devil?
I got a 2 year degree from community college, but I never liked going there. College is a scam to get your parent’s money. I learned everything about running a company on my own. Anyone can.

Have you ever bumped into somebody you went to high school with and been able to laugh in their face for doubting BMX would make a living for you?
Haha, no.

What is the first song to come to mind, and why do you think that was the one?
Bob Marley “Sun Is Shining” because I’m listening to it now. I wish it was true.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves, or just things that frustrate the hell out of you?
Cold rainy weather is frustrating the hell out of me right now.

I feel like you might have a pretty solid opinion on this one. Do you plan on voting, who do you plan on voting for, and why?
Wow, I really slacked on getting this interview done. I voted for Obama because war sucks. Hopefully he’s going to end that soon. I really hope.

With the economy being pretty rough these days, what kind of effects has it had on you and Orchid, and do you see it coming back any time soon?
We have to watch our expenses more closely these days. Mainly it effects how many riders we can help out and how much we can do for them. It also effects how often I get to eat sushi. Which sucks because I freaking love sushi.

What is the relationship status looking like these days? Any tips for success for us dirty BMX riders?
I’m off the market (sorry ladies). My advice would be to watch that Pickup Artist show on VH1. That dude turns nerds into studs. It’s amazing!

You win the lottery, what do you do with the cash and, do we ever hear from you again?
If I won the lottery I’d probably travel a bit more. You’d never hear from me again, but you might see me at your local concrete park.

Who would win in a fight between Spider Man and Chuck Norris?
Obviously Chuck Norris.

Who or what has been the biggest influences on your life?
My grandfather and my mom.

What is something about yourself that nobody really knows besides your closer friends?
Large crowds of bmxers freak me out.

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
Less people. There’s way too many humans on the planet for our own good.

What kinds of advice do you have for people out there looking to start their own company?
Just have fun with it and take small steps. There’s a lot to learn in business, but learning and trying new things can be really fun and rewarding.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I’ll give a shout out to my friends and family. Especially Mike Clarke for the hard work he puts in to keep Orchid going. I can’t thank that guy enough.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks to anyone who’s ever supported Little Devil and Orchid. I’m honored to be able to do what I do for a living. That’s all. Go ride.

BMX is cool because of how many different personalities there are in it. Sean is one of those guys who you really can’t judge just by looking at him. He recently won video part of the year at N.O.R.A Cup and always seems to have something badass in the works. I am willing to bet a few things in this interview will blow your mind, I know I was caught off guard by a few things. Enjoy, and leave some comments!

Name:
Sean Burns

Location:
Seattle WA

Sponsors:
Metal Bikes, Kill City Jeans, Éclat components, bone deth, dick mauls bike shop

Years riding:
13

What was it that originally got you into BMX?
I skated at first… and could not Ollie for the life of it, and then rode my brothers BMX bike and could instantly bunnyhop. I took it from there..

I cannot imagine that you would, but did you ever imagine BMX turning into what it has for you? The sponsors, N.O.R.A cups, and everything?
Not at all… especially for the era that I grew up… I started riding around 1994 and 95. My first video was props issue number 9, followed by 1201, both of them were kind of the same summer and footage… there were no N.O.R.A cups back then… and dirt jumpers I looked up to didn’t have sponsors yet, Kris Bennett and all the push locals. it all just was fun and looked fun as fuuuck.

How are things going with Metal these days? Any changes to the frame, or other signature parts, web videos, or video parts, trips, or anything cool going on with them?
WEB VIDEOS, NO. As much as kids and people like to see footage every day on the internet, that is not what Metal is about. We stand strong for QUALITY NOT QUANITY in our showcase of riders. Metal for 2009 yess is going to be very different. We have switched manufacturing companies, there are going to be some new team riders in the near future, we have a completely new line of product to be unleashed, and possible plans for starting a new video this upcoming summer. Chris Wilson has a new frame in the works titled the “Moon Unit” which has a lower top tube than the rest of the metal frames. It is something more for riders that adjust to Wilson’s style. My frame will stay the same, a few minor adjustments, and shorter drop out. bla bla etc.

You joined the Eclat team not too long ago, how are things going with them? Do you have anything in the works with them at the time?
I could not be happier, I am so stoked to be apart of this and it is going completely pureee taste. I would usually go through a pair of cranks between 2 hours or 2 months and these éclat cranks have stood up since July. That is almost 5 months, and still purring beautifully. As far as things in the works, There is not too much yet, a signature shirt that should be out soon. I believe anything parts related will come further down the line.

What about the rest of your sponsors? Do you have anything big going on with them?
There are some possible overseas trips with Éclat. I have never left North America so I am really into that…

After winning video part of the year this year, do you have any intensions on trying to do it again next year? You seemed surprised that you won it; did you honestly not expect it even though everyone was yelling your name?
Intensions! hahaha. I do not ever intend on winning anything. That’s actually the only thing I’ve ever won in my life. I just ride what I think is fun, and film what I think I would want to see in a video. Yeah I was surprised; because in my mind someone like Dakota Roche could probably do everything, I do in that video. I voted his part, it blew me away.. Tech and gnar and gnarly tech usually you only get one or the other.

It seems like you have to be a pretty badass dude to be on Metal these days, do you have much say on whose on the team?
Yes, I pretty much play a slight team manager role at Metal, but usually if were going to put a new guy on the team, first run it by Jimmy, and the rest of the guys.. Were really picky and try not to add a million kids at once and throw them on a flow team, haha I mean we can’t afford too. But yeah we try to stick to the style of speed and having no disregard for your body hahah.

You have been doing some traveling to film and do other trips lately, where are some places you have traveled?
It has just been the States, nowhere fancy, Vegas, Tulsa Oklahoma, DC, and Baltimore. haha I never go anywhere too fresh.

Where are some places you would really like to go someday?
Anywhere in Scandinavia like Finland, Norway, etc… Germany,
Greece, Africa… England, too many to keep naming…

When will the next Bonedeth contest take place? Is there anything planned so far you can tell us about?
There are no plans of when, where though most likely in the North West. We have just been too busy doing filming for the upcoming bone deth video ‘Surfin for the Ugly Broads’ which is looking to be out late spring/early summer.

Who are some of the guys you have been riding with these days? Any up and comers you think people should be watching out for?
On a regular basis I ride with Ferbert, ox, Chris Crawford, Albie Bennett
I am not really a fan of the term up and coming, and preaching new riders. I have been pretty stoked on Chris Crawford, I do not think anyone has ever seen him ride, just simple fast stuff.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change?
The negativity. I might come across as negative at some points. Mostly towards the plastic parts and slow riding, but I just mean it that I do not like it for me. There is a place for everything; if everyone rode the style I like, shit would be boring. I like that there is virtually all different styles, and it is all respectable. However, when everyone hates on each other it gets kind of retarded.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I always imagined myself doing something involving music, or even acting, or writing weird shit. Probably writing.

It seems like there are always some awesome photos of you and hot chicks floating around, what is the Sean Burns key to success with women?
Key to success? hahahah. Being a weirdo helps. There is a handful of women that love creeps, but not in the manner of child molesting creeps. Spending a lot of time around girls and knowing that there are some FREAKS out there. Your regular school girl looking lady might not be the innocent victim.. She might actually be a model for a bound and gagged website with here titties tied up and they love it!

What are you usually up to when your not riding or anything?
Ahh err when I am not riding.. Yeah I am usually getting into weird situations. There is no telling how a day goes. For some reason I cannot walk out the door for 5 minutes with out weird shit happening. My first day I moved to Seattle, I go out riding for 10 minutes and spot a half woman, half man looking fish thing, with a toilet paper made dress masturbating, while eating fish and singing “another one bites the dust”

If you could see any band live right now, who would you pick and why?
Dead Boys, with Stiv Bators being dead fuck… I would love to see them shits

What kind of movies are you into?
I am not really a movie fan, porn is good

Did you ever go to college or work at all before all the sponsors started taking care of you?
I still work. I do not make a living off riding bikes, maybe 400 dollars a month. I have to struggle to get by especially due to trips.
I go off an on with jobs, I was working at salvation army for a bit, now that I have moved it looks like I am going to be working at a tanning salon.
I always try to get a job that has benefits; Salvation Army provided free clothes and old ladies, tanning salons… Toxic tangerine boobies.

Have you ever been in a fight or arrested?
I got wacked in the face by a captain Ron look a like and a knife fight with a gay rapist in Las Vegas… All I can think of really.

There was a rumor floating around that you were straight edge? Do you know why people were saying that?
I have not heard this rumor hahaha. I hate the term straight edge. I would love to be straight, no smoking no drinking nothing, and being totally healthy. I go through phases with it. I actually hate alcohol. I am not a fan of being drunk and getting messy. The back of my mind despises it now days. People always get the idea that I do a lot of drugs and its def the complete opposite.

What makes for an awesome night for you?
Go out and ride bikes, get some clips, followed by some Brewster babes whaaat!!

If you could have any super power, what would you choose and why?
Mind control baby!

Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
Jimmy Levan, Kris Bennett, PUSH and POSH, scum videos, Anthem, 1977, zero skate videos, WElCOME TO HELL, Taj, Van Homan, the little devil videos, my friends growing up, ox and Ferbert,
Ryan Worcester’s fast plants, Stiv Bators and the dead boys, Vic Murphy’s tables, Stickers’ tables, Jim Morrison, and rock n roll n general.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive, dead, or fictitious, who would you pick and why?
Bill and Gary Jones, the legend and wildcard, 2 friends of mine who were murdered a year n half ago… to be able an get some words out of them once again would be top notch. They were the two most influential people I knew as far as personality. Most of the weirdo tongue you hear from me came from them two.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite sites?
I spend time answering emails, MySpace messages, Metal emails, nothing too weird. My ex gf looks at porn a lot so I get into it a lil bit.
Burningangel.com I check here and there

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Solidify metal bikes, bone deth video, metal video. Do some wild ass bone deth ninja course style events. fuck hell I don’t know, just keep riding and filming video parts as much as possible until my body cant take it anymore.

Do you have any crazy stories involving hookers, midgets, homeless people, or pissed off pedestrians?
I made out with a midget in Vegas… Rubbed her tummy and patted her forehead… and for homeless people and pissed off pedestrians, you’ll just have to buy the bone deth video to witness some of the madness.

When you meet somebody new, how do you explain to them what you do for a living?
How do I explain? … I work a cash register. It is pretty simple

What is the worst thing and best thing you have ever spent your money on?
The worst… a rapping Santa Claus toy at 7-11. It was only cool for a minute. And the best… lap dance in Canada that led to sex. $12 dollars whaaat!

What kind of advice do you have for the people out there?
Jumping gaps is not something just anybody can do. It takes time and effort to learn how to tuck and land correctly. IT IS NOT HUCKING unless it looks sketch!

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks diaper dad, your dick gets shitty eh?

Anything else you would like to say?
Bite the bitch

Some of the weirdest interviews for me to do are the ones people already know about. Obviously, you know who Ryan Nyquist is… Infact there is a good chance you rode one of his complete bikes when you first started. Maybe you still are riding his signature stuff. I litterally could have asked about 200 questions just because theres so much to talk about. Ryan sums up what’s going on with him these days, moving to cali, having a kid, and all that good stuff. Enjoy and leave Ryan a little love!

Name:
Ryan Nyquist

Location:
San Jose, CA

Sponsors:
Haro Bikes, Thor, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Schick Quatro Titanium, Ogio, Bell, SST, The Jiffy Market of Los Gatos

Years riding:
18 Years

You have been a pro for a long time now, do you even remember when and the reason why you started riding BMX in the first place?
Well I don’t think it was for the chicks. Hahahahaha! I started riding because I liked the freedom it gave me. Even before tricks and riding dirt or ramps came about for me, I enjoyed being able to ride around town with my friends and just be on my own. Exploring, feeling independent, and having fun.

It seems like these days pros come and go pretty fast. What do you think the difference from being pro now is from when you first got picked up?
I’m not too sure. I have a feeling that it was probably the same as it was back in the day, just on a smaller scale. Back then there were probably 5-10 riders that were the main staples of Freestyle. Guys that you knew were going to produce some amazing riding. And I’m sure there were guys that came and went as well. I think that today, the sport is bigger, more popular, and more accessible for kids to get into. So naturally there are going to be a higher number of riders producing amazing riding, but also a large number of guys who come and go. That’s a pretty scientific answer. Hahahaha!

Do you ever feel like it is hard to keep up with the kids these days? Or is it more or less, you just do your own thing and don’t really care if you can triple whip or not?
I’ve always felt like my riding was a little bit different than a lot of people, especially today with all the whips getting thrown. I don’t think it’s about keeping up with everyone else. I think it’s about doing what you think is right for you. I think I just did what I thought was fun, and let that guide me. I like doing things that nobody else does. I think that, more than anything else, helps you stand out in a crowd, and always keeps them guessing.

You did pretty well contest wise this year if I remember right. How do you feel about the Dew Tour and X-games these days?
Well the Dew Tour is great. I feel like they do a great job of promoting the event and getting people to come and watch us ride when the event is in their town. The X Games is kind of slipping in my opinion. I feel like with every year that passes, we become more and more like a side show. My prediction is that in five years there won’t be anything in the X Games besides big air. Everything else will motorsports. That’s fine with me though… one less trip to LA. Hahahaha!!!

It seems like your set up hasn’t changed up too much over the years. Have you ever tried the brakeless thing, and how do you feel about that trend?
Yeah I think the biggest thing that has changed with my bike has been the switching from 4 piece to 2 piece. It’s funny how things come back in style though. I saw an ad for Fit 4 piece bars the other day. If I could have held out for a few more years I would be waaaaaaaaaay cooler than I am right now. Hahahaha!! I rode brakeless for many years in my beginning years. Mainly because I didn’t have money to buy new rims, so I constantly had hand me down parts that were bent or on their last leg. My wheels were always so bent that I couldn’t have brakes on my bike without them rubbing, so I just took the brakes off. I like the way a bike looks brakeless. It’s very clean looking and simple. I think I could maybe go without my rear brakes, but getting rid of my front brakes would be really difficult for me now. I love them too much.

You have had some pretty crazy sponsors over the years like Slim Jim and Butterfingers, what do you feel is the weirdest sponsor you ever had?
Never had Slim Jim as a sponsor… that was Mirra. Guilt by association I guess. But I did have Butterfinger. That was good around Halloween though. Always gave out the King Size bars to all the kids in the neighborhood. One of the craziest ones that almost happened but never really panned out was a silver jewelry sponsorship where they were going to have a signature line of silver jewelry designed by me. Kinda wild! I currently ride for Schick Quatro Titanium Trimmer. I never would have thought I would be riding for a razor company, but it’s awesome having all the new razors you want. Those are pretty expensive in stores.

This might sound weird, but do you have any plans on slowing down and focusing on getting that family started or is riding still the main focus?
Well My wife and I are about to have our first child, and it’s definitely crazy to think I’m going to be a dad. It’s one of those moments in life that seems so surreal when it’s about to be a reality. As far as slowing down, I definitely am going to slow my traveling down a little bit just so I can be home with my family more. I used to pack my summer schedule full of trips, but I don’t want to be the traveling dad that just gets to see his son and wife a few days a month. I’ve kind of narrowed things down a lot this past year, and am just doing the bare necessities as far as contests and trips.

You recently moved back to California. Where have you been riding lately? Is there any plans of reviving Sheep Hills?
Yeah I’m living up in Northern Cali, San Jose to be specific. It’s the same area that I grew up riding in, so there is still a lot of parks around and some trails as well. I’ve been mainly riding a lot of cement parks. That’s all there really is to ride around here. Some are great but there are a lot of not so great parks around. I’m trying to get some ramps built for the winter so I can still progress my riding, but right now I’m carving the cement trannies.

Out of all the places you have had the chance to travel to, where are some of your favorite places?
I’d have to saw Australia, New Zealand, and Africa would have to be my top picks. I have a lot of friends that are from Australia, so it makes it really enjoyable and fun to spend time there. New Zealand is pretty much a paradise to me. Especially the South Island. No bikes needed. And I went to Africa twice last year, once to South Africa and once to Egypt. Both with out the bike, and both were amazing trips. I feel so fortunate to have been able to travel all over the world.

Where are some places you have never been before?
China, Italy, Greece, Nova Scotia… there is a lot I haven’t seen in this world. I wouldn’t mind going to Antarctica just to say I’ve been. I think italy and Greece would be my top picks for a trip though.

Do you have any big trips planned any time soon?
Nothing whatsoever. Hahahahaha! This winter I’m spending all my time at home, getting to know my new son Tristan.

You have had some really good video parts over the years, which one was your favorite, and are you working on anything new?
Thanks a lot. Video parts are fun to put together. I don’t do it very often, but when I do I really enjoy the whole process. Everything from making lists of things that I want to accomplish, to listening to music to find the perfect song, to helping with the editing process. I’m most proud of my part in End Search. Josh Harrington asked me to be apart of the project and I couldn’t resist. That was the second time he asked me to be a part of a video project, the first being in Against The Grain. He was really great about letting me take control of my part and letting me put my own little touches into my section to really make it my own. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I was nominated for Video Part of the Year at NORA Cup for it too. That was amazing for me because it was something that I never thought would happen in a million years.

I know your not exactly a Josh Harrington when it comes to height, do you feel like not being super tall makes things easier for you to do?
I think there are pluses and minuses to being both tall and short. I always wished that I had a couple more inches of height, but I think that when your limbs are longer it’s sometimes easier to get things tweaked or broken. But when your short you have a hard time getting things off the top shelf. I always have to have a step stool in the house. Hahaha!

What is the biggest thing you have learned in life because of BMX?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is just how to function in life. You can’t learn that in school. I’ve also gained a better sense of how people are and can sort through the bullshit a lot easier. That’s just something I’ve learned while dealing with people in the business for the past 12 years. There’s a lot of bullshit out there.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I hate this question. I wouldn’t change a thing. The shit talking that goes on is good and bad. Who doesn’t like to talk shit? Or at least read about it. But sometimes it’s taken too far. BMX is what you make of it and what you surround yourself with. So if you don’t like what BMX is to you, surround yourself with the right people and just do what you want.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I started to go to college for Mechanical Engineering in 1997/1998 but stopped to ride and compete. Maybe I would have continued on that path… who knows. I love being active. I used to play a lot of soccer, so maybe I would have tried to pursue that. I’ve been involved in Freestyle for so long that it’s hard to picture myself not riding. I think I would be a completely different person without the knowledge and life lessons that I’ve gained from riding and traveling.

What got you to move back to California anyways?
Well, my Mom’s health isn’t so great and I just wanted to be closer to my family. I spent 9 years living in Greenville and only seeing my parents and older brother like 4 times a year. I wanted more than that.

You were going to leave The Unit there for everyone to ride and enjoy, do you still pay the bills or is it up to the locals now?
Yeah I still take care of the bills. We have talked about them covering the utilities, but I haven’t really pressed the issue. When I decided to move back to Nor Cal, what to do with the Unit was probably the hardest thing for me to try and decide. The options in my head were to sell it and tear down the ramps, lock it up and only open it up when I was visiting, or keep it up and running and just have my close friends take care of it like it was their own. I felt like the place was too new to tear down, so that option was out the door. Plus I think it would kill me to have to dismantle that place. We put so much hard work into finishing it, that I would probably get really depressed. And the whole locking it up option was stupid. What’s the use of having a place like that and only letting people in when I was around. I’m not that selfish. It just seemed like the right thing to do was to keep it open. And so far it’s been working great. I just miss the place a lot though. Wish I could have taken it with me.

Mirra is leaving Greenville also, do you feel like that will change what GV is or do you think it will be the same pro destination?
I think he was talking about moving to NY permanently but I believe he changed his mind and is back in Greenville again. I can honestly say that the scene in Greenville is much stronger than just Dave and I. If we both left, things would continue on just fine. There are too many riders and still plenty of things to ride for things to change that much.

What are some things you are good at that people really don’t know about?
Puzzles. Or at least I think I’m good at them. I guess I should just say that I enjoy them. I can cook alright. I make a mean spaghetti sauce. ANd a excellent chicken pot pie.

How do you feel about Big Daddy always calling you out and calling you “Nyquinch”?
I think it’s funny. It’s not he’s saying anything that people don’t already know. He’s hilarious. I always look forward to the next video to drop. I wouldn’t mind filming a video of my own though, and just flip the whole thing on him. I got some great ideas…

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
First and foremost is to be a great dad. We are 6 day out of having our first kid and my wife and I are super excited. Beyond that, I’d like to keep progressing my riding, maybe travel a little bit more. I’ve been really into fixing up our home, and I wouldn’t mind learning more things like that. I guess those are some short term and long term goals.

First song to come to mind?
Pink’s “So What”. My wife has been rocking that song nonstop. and it’s stuck in my head.

First movie to come to mind?
Role Models. That shit is hilarious!!!!! I definitely recommend seeing it at least twice. Soooooo gooooooooooooood!!!!

What’s your dream car? And whatever happened to that car you had with the grill from when you did cribs?
The car that used to have the Stove and all the kitchen stuff in the trunk was a 1965 Lincoln Continental with Suicide doors. That was a fun little project, and I feel like it helped make that episode of Cribs pretty funny. The car was awesome but it was a lot of work to get it running sweet, so I sold it. My dream car used to be the Plymoth Prowler. I always liked the way that car looked. I don’t really have an exotic dream car. I’d love to have a new Tacoma Quad Cab though. Those are tight!

If you could re-live any day in your life, what would you pick and why?
I am the way I am because of the way I’ve lived my life. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Do you spend much time on the computer? Any favorite websites? Don’t you have your own website?
I have my own website… Ryannyquist.com. I spend a lot of time on Vitalbmx.com and I have a blog on BMXOnline.com. TheComeUpBMX.net is good. Pandora.com is amazing.

Have you ever been in a fight? If yes, did you win?
I was kind of in a fight in 7th grade but not really. I took a swing at a guy, missed, then just ran away. Hahahahaha. I almost fought Keith Terra back in the day. It was while all that shit talking and him writing letters into RideBMX was going on. John Paul Rodgers was going to set up a legit boxing match between us at the Christmas Classic Race/ Dirt comp in 1998. I’m not much of a fighter. I think it’s pretty stupid to be honest. Nobody wins in a fight.

Have you ever been arrested? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Never been arrested, but got chased down the street in Germany by undercover cops, because Nick Cooper kicked some guy in the face. That guy called the cops and they started looking for us. We were walking back to the hotel when a car full of 4 big german guys skidded to a stop right next to us, and all the guys got out of the car and started chasing us. I thought they were some buddies of the guy that got kicked, and that we were gonna get our asses beat. Crazy times.

This interview could go on for days, so lets end it with what is the best advice you can give to a kid just getting into BMX?
Do what you like to do, but be yourself. and wear your helmet and pads. Shit is way too crazy nowadays to not be safe.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my wife and my family. Thanks to my sponsors : Haro, Thor, Rockstar, Schick Quatro Titaium, Bell, Ogio, SST, CTI Kne Braces, The Jiffy Market of Los Gatos, Calabazas Cylery.

Anything else you would like to say?
Nope