BMX UNION

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