FAT: Tell us how you even got involved in BMX in the first place...
BADDERS: When I was nine years of age, my BMX bike broke and my Dad went to the bike shop to get some parts. He brought me home a BMX Race Flyer and that was it. I was hooked!
FAT: Where has it gotten you so far?
BADDERS: A Job. I always wanted to ride for Vans, but being sponsored at age 17 by Steve van Doren at Vans. Turned Pro in 1996 and got injured in 1999. Vans offered me a job in 2001. Love it.
Do you prefer the big events (X-Games, Dew Tour) or a smaller format (Simple Session, Fat Jam) and why?
BADDERS: I prefer the smaller format. My bosses prefer the big events, it pays the bills. I prefer the small format because it’s fun, the event and courses are always awesome. X-Games and Dew Tour are TV events and the purse is big. TV is always in your face, but it makes the sponsors happy. The core kids are into the smaller format events and the mainstream kids see the X-Games and Dew Tour on TV.
With all these insane riders on your team, how do you even find one that would qualify as a member?
BADDERS: You have got to be cool. Obviously have attitude, style and flow. But most of all bail me our when the TM is in deep shit.
What is something the kids out there might not know about being a team manager?
BADDERS: It’s hard, nothing is for free. My phone is on... 24-7. Getting phone calls from wives, girlfriends and boyfriends...at any time in the day and/or night. Everyone wants your job. I am the babysitter, chauffeur, dad, brother and mom.
Is there anything you think could be done different in BMX?
BADDERS: Girl pants. Those of you know who you are. Announcers that don’t call the right trick.
Would you ever consider getting your lazy ass back on a bike and race?
BADDERS: Ride – Yes = Ensenada/Rosarito - Ride/Race
Race – Yes = World Champion 40 over Cruiser in 2014
Then this, "Bad Boy" where the fuck does that come from? I personally think you look like a sissy...
BADDERS: Kicking Dads asses at the BMX track for hitting their kid. Secondly I either won the race, crashed you or kicked your ass.
Wanna do a shot of Jäger and tell me why you made me wait so long to ask you these stupid questions?
BADDERS: Yeah Jäger. I want you to spend more $$
Did you know BMX started in Holland?
BADDERS: (This is where “loud” falls perfect into place...) NO! It’s not true! Gerrit Does took it to Holland! I love Amsterdam.
Wanna give the world some shout outs bro?
BADDERS: Paul Roberts need to announce the Dew Tour. Thank you Steve van Doren. You Rule. Thanks VANS!
10 words, answer them with one or two words (or more in Jerry’s case).
BMX – It’s my life
Vans – Steve van Doren
Chargers – So Cal, San Diego baby!
Travel – Love it, live out of a suitcase.
Gallagher's – Drunk, Grotbags
FAT – Rambo
Vodka – Red Bull
California – SD “San Diego”, Kearny Moto Park
Team – There’s no “I” in team, but there’s M.E.
Future – Kids “Little Bad Boy”, Married
*Disclaimer? Not really: This interview was done at Gallagher's in Huntington Beach on Jerry's birthday, keep that in mind... (Happy Birthday old man...)