BMXTRIX Interview With Dave Mirra

For those of you living in a cave Dave Mirra is perhaps the most known face in freestyle riding today. He has a host of sponsors and is probably the HIGHEST paid rider in the world for freestyle riding today. For example- If Haro Bikes matches his contest winnings (a regular deal for most sponsors) then at the X-Games last year in which Dave WON about $30,000.00 Haro matched $30,000.00 which means in one week he earned $60,000.00- That doesn't include commercials for Adidas, Haro, and Slim Jim. Along with magazine coverage and other endorsements. He probably made close to a quarter million dollars just because of the X-Games in 1998.

This popularity leads many riders to inflict the one word that they like to upon Dave- SELLOUT. He makes money, therefore he must not be true to the sport. He sucks! He doesn't ride for a good company. He shouldn't be winning contests... etc, etc.

So for those who want to know, as I did, about what Dave thinks about all this- I asked him what HE thought of it all.

I want people to know that I have seen Dave ride and I have been around long enough to know some Mirra history- Dave is phenomenal- he is the best park rider I have seen- EVER- He is better than DMC, better than Miron, and better than Matt- I think they are all VERY comparable on Vert- but not on Street- Mirra is unreal to watch in person. He is not only flawless- he goes higher than anyone could believe- I have a couple of short videos of him HERE going off.

~P~	Dave, there are a bunch of riders out there now that are calling you a sellout. What do you think about that?
Dave	I think it's their sour grapes. They're not happy- it's their problem. I'm happy doing what I love to do. I thnk a lot of those guys haven't even ridden half as long as I have. They can say whatever they want about me cuz' it ain't gonna hurt me you know?
~P~	You started out riding with the Plywood Hoods right? (Out of York, PA - See the Dorkin' videos by Mark Eaton for some SERIOUS flatland)
Dave	Yeah- Way back! Probably those guys that think I sold out don't even know about that. So that' s even more funny. I mean ever since I began to ride a bike I've been into freestyle. I went to a Haro show in 1984- My first contest was in 1987. When it wasn't cool to ride a bike I was riding. These guys that say I'm a sellout probably started when it was cool. So it's kind of funny when you think about it. Noone has ever called me a sellout to my face. So I am only talking in general you know? I mean if someone said it to my face... It's just lame- People saying it to thier friends when they should be out riding, having fun, doing what you want to do. Don't hoist your opinions on how your supposed to ride a bike cuz' that is THE LAMEST thing I've ever heard in my life.
~P~	Any words for riders just getting into freestyle?
Dave	Wear your safety gear! If you love it and are having fun keep doing it. No matter what anyone says, just stick with it.
~P~	What happenned to your foot?
Dave	I tore some tendons around January 20th while riding street.
~P~	What do you think about being the most recognized rider in freestyle- People come up to you in the street and just go- "I know you- Your Dave Mirra!" What's that like?
Dave	(laughs) Yeah, that happens sometimes. It feels good! It's awesome. I wouldn't change a thing. The good feelings outweigh any negative things that may go along with it.
~P~	Who are your favorite riders?
Dave	DMC, Leigh Ramsdell, Mike Laird, Ryan Nyquist, and all my friends at home. There are really to many guys that I respect and like to ride with to name them all.
~P~	Steet or Vert- What do you like best?
Dave	I love it all- EVERYTHING! I've done it all- Flatland, Street, Vert. I've been getting into the park style of riding. I just love riding is what it comes down to.
~P~	Where do you see freestyle going?
Dave	I don't think street is going to progress anywhere insane. It really has been around forever. I think park riding is going to keep progressing. Vert is gonna progress- Not so much in big tricks but - Opposite stuff, both ways. It's all gonna progress- flatland, street, park... As long as there's a bunch of people riding and having fun.
~P~	What do you think of the FLATLAND COVERAGE ON ESPN?
Dave	I thnk it stinks for flatlanders. I thnk their doing a lot for flatland but- I think it's kind of tough because, obviously, viewers want to see people getting hurt - BIG tricks - putting it up. It's kind of a catch 22 kind of thing. I don't thnk ESPN DOESN'T want to put it on there (tv). But they're still looking out for their interests. Their supporting me. It kink of stinks because bike riding is bike riding. I'm glad bike riding is on TV. Flatland will never get the respect till you go out and try to learn it. You can watch it till your blue in the face, but until you try it your not gonna respect it.
~P~	Last Words?
Dave	I just want to thank God, my Mom, Dad, brother, supportive girlfriend, friends- just everybody...
~P~	SPONSORS???
Dave	(grimacing/laughing) Oh yeah, Ummm... My sponsors OF COURSE- Haro Bikes, Fox Racing, Adidas...
~P~	What's the deal with Slim Jim? They're playing up all the 'extreme' stuff...
Dave	Yeah, but beyond that they are AWESOME to work with. THANKS!

The interview left me with more respect for Dave then when I began talking to him. He doesn't seem to get off on being one of the best. He just talks the sport he loves just like any of us do. He is just in the position to make a living like none of us can.