plan when you got to America?
Dave: It's funny 'cause that wasn't my plan. I came to the States on a 6 month holiday just to check it out and ride all the spots I've seen in videos over the years, and from there I got picked up by GT and that helped me get back the next year, and the next, and so on ha.
Who were big helps for you when you arrived in the USA?
Dave: Colin Mackay and Corey Bohan helped me out getting to the States. Colin knew all the ins and outs so it was good to have someone like him helping out at the start. Corey had been to the States the year before and also showed me the ropes and it all went from there. Also living with Nyquist, Darden and Harrington my first year over helped a lot and those guys are the best.
What sponsors have you ridden for since you “became pro”?
Dave: The ones that have come and gone are Bookoo energy drink. That was a funny one because I never even had one of their drinks but they paid me so that was nice. 661 pads. I got flow from etinies, Vans, and Corey Bohan's DC's. I rode for Redline back in the day in Australia, Carnage clothing, and Dirty Dog unnies ha. My sponsors now that I have been with a long time are GT, Famoussas.com, and Demolition!
Now being a pro rider comes with several obligations. What are the things you don’t like to do but are necessary to please the sponsors?
Dave: I dont think there is anything you can say I don't like doing for my sponsors. When I think about it, compare it to a real job and there is nothing to even say a word about. The work I have to do includes filming and shooting photos witch I have fun doing!
You’ve dealt with some injuries, how rough is that, living in the USA and not being able to ride?
Dave: It's real rough. I had a year there when I rode about 3 months out of 12 and it sucked. There's only so much online poker to play and beer to drink before it gets boring and I want to ride.. I have been serious injury free for a year now so knock on wood I can go a lot longer!
How’s your frame doing? Can you give the measurements of it?
Dave: I'm currently riding the GT Califia, It's got a 21" top tube 13 3/4" back end and a 75 degree head tube, my fav dimensions.
You’re one tall rider. Does that help you doing tricks or do you think it’s a disadvantage?
Dave: I think it helps. It takes me a little longer to stretch out tricks like nohanders, but they are bigger looking than lil ninja arms so I like that. Also falling from heights is easier because I am closer to the ground and can get away from my bike easier, also cause I'm lanky haha.
You’re one of the lucky riders who gets to enjoy two summers, one in the USA, and one in Australia. What’s on the program for the next few weeks while you’re in Oz?
Dave: The endless summer is awesome. The plan is to celebrate Xmas and New Years with my family then get into the streets and try and finish up my section for Demolition's dvd "Last Chance". Going to hit a few jams and comps while I'm out here too.
When you go back to Australia do you see more riders and more parks every time or do you have a feeling it’s getting less?
Dave: I don't see too may new parks, but every time I'm home I see about 20 new riders that are goin' off and only been riding a short time. That's good to see.
What’s the next comp/jam you’re hitting up?
Dave: I plan on hitting Bmx games in Canberra in February, and also Cam White's Hillside jam the same month. Other than that there's a few lil jams/comps around Brisbane that I will hit as they come up!
Are you all set for 2011 as far as sponsorships go?
Dave: I just signed an new Deal with GT bikes so I'm stoked on that. Famous are looking after me head to toe and Demolition are also hooking up the parts still! Hart and Huntington are flowing me gloves and pads also.
Any thank you’s?
Dave: Thanks Bart for this 'lil interview. Thanks to my Mates that are always there and fun to ride with. Thanks to GT, Famoussas.com, and Demolition for letting me live this sweet life! My family, Big dads pies, XXXX summer bright lager, My babe Lauren, and Redcliffe golf club.. Thanks!