Sometimes I'm sitting on content that I simply forget about. Such is the case with the following Quick Fire Q&A from Ryan Nyquist. Ryan, it goes without saying, is a legend in his own right, and for the past ten-something years, he has consistently been at the top of his game. Even though the '09 Dew Tour podium seemed to be littered with rippers that weren't old enough to vote for Barack Obama, Nyquist aptly demonstrated that he's not done just yet with being on top. So Ryan took home the year-end dirt title, and if that wasn't enough, won the Orlando Park stop. But there's more to Ryan than just watching him dominate a Dew Tour course a few times a year, and that's where the following Quick Fire Q&A comes in. So take a few minutes and get to know Ryan. I guarantee you'll like him. He's a swell dude.
What is your most embarrassing CD on the shelf?
Probably Enya. It's good soothing, chillin music.
Are you a daredevil?
I think I used to be more so when I was really young. The only daring stuff I do now is on my bike.
What trophy have you won that you appreciate most?
Probably my first BS Championship Belt. I always saw them in the mags and in videos and wondered what it would be like to have on. When I finally got one I was super excited and couldn't believe it.
Concerts you won't miss within an hour's drive of where you are?
Gwar, Radiohead, Deftones
Have you ever been in a mosh pit?
Yeah but not a real one. More like just a bunch of friends slamming around.
How do you release anger?
I hold it in until the veins in my head blow out and I start shaking uncontrollably.
Do you trust others easily?
Yes. I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
What was your favorite toy as a child?
Probably my He-Man action figures. I always wanted to be like him.
Do you know where your first BMX bike is right now?
Probably buried under 200-feet of trash somewhere.
Pete Demos/Shazamm/ESPN Images
No-handed spine flip, X Games 11.
What class in school do you think is totally useless?
I always thought English class in high school was pretty stupid. I already learned how to read and speak and write, so what was the point?
What do you do to help remember things that happened on your trips?
Take photos, lots of photos.
If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you?
Definitely. That guy Ryan rules.
What are your nicknames?
RJ, Ryquist, Lars
Would you bungee jump?
Nope.
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Nope.
Are you still stoked getting a picture in the magazine?
Yeah, it's still there, but it's harder to get real excited unless it's something super gnarly or unique.
Who do you like to shoot photos with?
My brother Shea.
Do you keep up with the news?
Nope. Too much bad s**t being reported.
Do you wear contacts?
Nope. Perfect eyes.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
That I need to use the bathroom.
I was always pretty psyched on this section. It's from Drop The Hammer, and aside from the trademark Nyquist moves, there's a wide variety of Osato/Freimuth influenced front wheel gnar, plus a pretty crazy rail. This is post Nyquist adding front brakes, and I think that decision added a pretty sweet element of tech to Ryan's riding. Either that, or it's just evidence that Ryan can do whatever he wants on a bike.
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Contributors
Brian Tunney
This is Brian. He lives in Jersey City, rides BMX bikes often and somehow ended up in the X Games a few times. Facebook him if needed.
Cody York
From Cleveland, Ohio, Cody was raised on a steady diet of backyard jumps and skateparks and his photos have graced the pages of Ride BMX, BMX Plus!, Ride UK, and Dig magazines. Got something to share? cyorkphoto@me.com
Mark Noble
Mark is from the U.K., and has over 28+ years experience in BMX. He has launched, published, edited and written for more BMX mags than you can shake a bike at. He also runs Deluxe BMX.
Nick Ferreira
Nick Ferreira is a BMXer, photographer and zine maker from Taunton, MA. He has been extolling the merits of tucks and tabes in print and online for the better part of the past 10 years.
Pat Nugent
Born and raised on Long Island, the only outlet to BMX that Patrick grew up knowing was racing. For a while, he got into all those weird forms of BMX, but eventually returned to the race scene. He enjoys shooting races and snaking practice laps.
Steve Crandall
Hails from Ithaca, NY, created FBM in '93, paints pictures of eggs, soup and pigeons in his spare time, throws down a mean tabletop.
