"It's not about what happened in the past or what you think might happen in the future, it's about the ride for christ's sake. There's no point in going through all this crap if you're not going to enjoy the ride." Is it hard for you to relate to today's tailwhipping youngsters that are half your age?
DMC: Not really. Bike riders tend to have a lot in common. The tight pants thing kind of freaks me out, but my OP shorts from back in the day were almost as bad so I'll cut them some slack.
Putting on the Dew tour isn't an easy task. List three things that need to be taken care of that nobody gets to see?
DMC: Endless emails on every topic imaginable. Countless course designs and revisions. A lot goes in to getting it right for each arena, but it's worth it in the end. A lot of travel arrangements for a large staff. You organize the contest, you hire the judges and you ride the contest. How does that work?
DMC: Just like you summed it up.
Did you really have to throw in that 900 this summer?
DMC: The X Games 9 was painful, but I pulled 3 others including my highest 900 ever into a 540 in Orlando.
Do you feel you heal up slower at this point in life?
DMC: Maybe a little, but I'm usually riding injured anyway so it's not a big deal.
Do you ride wiser these days? DMC: Absolutely not.
How many percent of your run is routine and how many percent is the will to do great and beat the other guys?
DMC: I'm a pretty analytical person, but I must admit I've never done the math on that one.
You're a competitive person, do you always want to win?
DMC: I'm probably not as competitive as you think. Stubborn is a better way to describe me. Winning is great, but it's more important to not suck.
Are you a bad loser?
DMC: Technically speaking, to be a bad loser you would first have to be a loser. So I have to say no.
Your memory of stories is incredible. When is the book coming out? DMC: Tuesday (year and month tbd)
You have been without a bike sponsor for a while. Who have offered you rides in the last 4 years?
DMC: If you mean official offers, they add up to zero.
What bike are you currently riding?
DMC: FBM PW Moto
What sponsors are helping you out?
DMC: Vans, Brigade, Skatelite
Did you have to dig in your old (sponsored) product pile to sell stuff on eBay yet, or are you still doing okay?
DMC: I haven't sold anything on eBay as of yet, but I have sold their stock (symbol: EBAY) numerous times at significant gains. Most of the BMX memorabilia sold thru eBay is purchased by Large Ray. I'll just wait until he passes through town to save on shipping costs.
What's your next "job" going to be when you feel you're done with entering contests? DMC: Poker Superstar
Looking back at the last 25 years of BMX freestyle, what period for you was the most fun?
DMC: It's all been great, but the early 80's and early 90's stand out.
Is the BMX Brigade still going strong? DMC: That's like asking Tony Soprano if he's in the mob.
Short answers on those:
K2: retire on my own terms
McGoo: great guy
Denny's: clock scam
'87 rider of the year Isuzu pick-up truck: free, but no a/c
2012 Olympics: see you there
Glass of wine: half full
Paridy: partner in crime
Soulbowl: hang five's and poker tournaments
Europe: good people, good times, shortage of ice cubes
Thanks to: the whole lot of ya
Pics: BdJ/Steve Swope
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.