Does it suck not having the right bike with you when you encounter a spot and the only pedals yo have are the clip pedals for instance? Nate: Yes but no, I would never let that happen, my race bike is still ready for the trails, I'm not the kind of guy to put carbon fiber parts on. I was just in Washington last month and after the races went to some of the best trails I've ever ridden and all I had was my race bike. The flat pedals live in my gearbag!
You're from Las Vegas. Have all the public concrete skateparks helped your park riding?
Nate: Definitely! Some people think I'm crazy when I say it but riding the bowls and carving like that totally helps your bike control on the track and in the turns. The jumping doesn't really help, but it doesn't make things worse either.
Who do you race with during the week? Nate: I don't really race during the week, I only race at the National events. I occasionally make it to the local track, but most of my at home riding is either dirt or park.
Who do you ride with (dirt/park) around Vegas?
Nate: I ride with Brad Wilson, TJ Lavin, Ricardo Laguna, Richard Fox, Slayer, Cesar Flores, Eric Marlis
Do you live it up in Vegas from time to time or are you too focused on doing well at the races?
Nate: I occasionally go out, not too much anymore, I was into it last year but I've calmed down. I never let it pull me from my focus on riding, but I can see how it could interfere with what I'm trying to do.
Is having fun a big part of BMX to you? Nate: It the MOST part to me, if it wasn't fun I'd have a college degree and I'd be making a bunch of money but I'm just livin' the dream and enjoying it while it's here.
What does Diamondback think when you ask them to go to a freestyle contest one weekend and a race the next?
Nate: They are into it! I was hired on as a racer, but to be able to promote their brand in all aspects of the sport just makes me more valuable to the company. I can display the race bike at the nationals and the jump bike at the Dew Tours
Do you think one discipline is more dangerous than the other?
Nate: Yes and No ... Jumping is definitely more risky, but in racing, you are going like 30-35 mph with asphalt turns, not fun at all to go down in. What do you do to keep in shape?
Nate: Mainly just riding, but I do quite a bit of leg training for racing. You have to be strong to be competitive. I also have a nice roadbike that DB sent me so Ive been takin'g that out a bit.
What place should people check out when Interbike comes to town in September?
Nate: Desert Breeze Park - TJ's Yard
Thank you's/last words:
Nate: All my friends and family for keeping me going, my sponsors for helping me with all they do, my girlfriend for always being there, anyone and everyone that is a positive influence on me!
BdJ
Pics: Diamondback/Justin Kosman/BdJ
Pics: Diamondback/Justin Kosman/BdJ
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.