Pat NugentNate Berkheimer, back on the race scene, and repping the new Diamond Back race series.In BMX racing, it's often the rule that if you race, that's the only riding you do. In recent months, Kris Fox has become the main exception to the rule, but Diamond Back's Nate Berkheimer has been breaking it for years. While hitting the Dew Tour dirt series and making a name for himself in the competitive BMX dirt scene, Berkheimer's name faded from the BMX race scene over the past few years. Now living in Vancouver, BC after moving from Las Vegas, Nev., 28-year-old Berkheimer is on a new program for the new year. And at the ABA Winter Nationals in Surprise, Ariz., Berkheimer and the Diamond Back rig made an appearance, and for the first time in a while, Berkheimer loaded up onto the gate with 59 of the world's fastest pros. I shot a few questions over to Nate to catch up with him and what he's been doing with Diamond Back.
ESPN.com: Coming back from racing after a few years of being out of it, are there any changes you've noticed?
Berkheimer: I'm definitely older than most of the guys in the class, and now it's all about leg speed and finesse rather than power and strength, I dig it. I've got the bike skills, I just gotta get my feet moving fast again.
What was it like getting your first taste of the big hill on the first day of a race weekend, when most people try for some practice before jumping into it?
It was fun, I hadn't ridden one in years, but I can adapt easy. Race tracks have some pretty simple jumps these days, I'm sure that's why not many racers still ride trails. The big hill is the way things are now, so I just have to get used to it. I'll be [riding the Olympic Training Facility] in Chula Vista, Calif. in a couple weeks. Hopefully I'm more prepared.
How are things with Diamond Back? What role do you play there?
Things are great. They are always moving forward and I'm glad to be a part of it. Next year's product line will be a bit different, and I can't wait to see it. I ride BMX for them: race, dirt, parks, street, it doesn't matter. I love riding no matter what it is, but now my focus will be more on racing. I throw little ideas at them from time to time, and maybe one day I'll have a bigger role?
It's been a while since we've seen Diamond Back tents up and around at the races. Now you're racing and the team has also added Matt Pohlkamp. Is a DB camp going to become a common thing?
I think so. We've hired Phil Maxwell to setup DB tents at the races along with the ODI pits. I will be at quite a few races this season and I'm always social with the kids and fans. There's been a good response so far so if we get it all together, we'll be back on the scene to stay.
What new is in store for the Diamond Back race line?
New logos, new colors, new bikes. Just wait for it, it's gonna be good!
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