Jon WilsonDave McDermott, next to a tent down by the river.

Normally where a BMXer lives isn't that interesting to me. Whether they live in a trailer in Florida or some architectural masterpiece in Southern California, it's usually just part of some image they are trying to keep up. That's why when I heard Dave McDermott was living in a tent in the woods, it didn't strike me as something very "Dave." You see, I first met Dave not too long ago and I took Dave for a stereotypical street dragon. Like so many other times, I was wrong about my stereotypes and I soon realized Dave was just a normal dude who likes to surf, ride, and live cheaply so he could save up money and live the dream in sunny Southern California. Here's Dave's take.

So admittedly, I didn't take you as someone who would live in a tent. Why and were were you taking up residence in a tent?
I never thought that I would be forced into living in a tent. I was a victim of some unfortunate circumstances. I was traveling throughout the summer and had a house lined up to move into with some friends once I returned. Unfortunately, my roommate's father passed away just before I came home and he had to move back in with his mother to help her with everything. So I basically landed with no place to go. My friend recommended that I just borrow his tent for a while. I had planned on returning to LA soon anyway, so that's basically how it all came to be.

How was it?
It had its ups and downs. When the weather was good, I had no complaints. However, rain and humidity were a nuisance at times.

You were on a pretty long trip before that too right?
Yeah. I had just graduated and the lease was up on my place so I decided to go on a long trip. I stayed in Clifton, New Jersey for two and a half months. I visit there every summer and always have a good time. Then I flew from there to LA for my friend's wedding and stayed for a month. I really enjoyed it out there and my friends eventually convinced me to make the move. I love the East but I don't really have much going for me in Orlando at the moment, so it makes sense to try something different. I would move to Jersey in a second if it wasn't for the harsh winters.

Jon WilsonHop over to grind.

Tents aren't normally associated with Street Dragons. Were you able to still ride the stuff you really like where you were living?
Yeah for sure. I'm staying at the infamous "71 North Hell House," not far from my old place, so all the same spots are still close.

Would you recommend others try tent living, even if it's just temporary?
Definitely. I'm not the first to live in a tent here either. Greg Smee was the originator of the tent life. He managed to do it for six months! It wasn't always the most pleasant experience, but you really start to realize the things that you take for granted. It also puts into perspective that some people really have to live in those conditions or worse. I think it's cleansing to get a grasp on how easy it can be to get accustomed to certain luxuries that most people never get to have. Some people have to make do with less while raising children. It is good to get a dose of that every once in a while.

And I know you're heading out to Los Angeles soon, what's next for you? You going to start teaching or hold off on the real world stuff for as long as possible?
I'm not sure what is going to become of me. I would love to start teaching, but my major (Art Education) doesn't allow me too many options. I'm sure it will turn around again some day. As for now, I'm just taking things as they come. I am sure something will work out. I'll be fine as long as I can surf and ride.

Madera NJ Trip Mix 2 - Bryce Dave Jeff from michael wade young on Vimeo.