Darryl: One of the most amazing BMX contests that I've ever had the pleasure of announcing - Summer Sessions 2011!! Did you have any expectations of the country with the 10,000 lakes?
Darryl: I was hoping I could go deep into the woods and if I searched hard enough I could find death metal trolls that drink goat blood and wear face paint. I also heard the people in Finland are some of the nicest and most welcoming in the world and they did not disappoint.
Getting across the pond to announce a BMX event, how crazy does that sound to you?
Darryl: It sounds awesome! BMX is my life and life is an adventure, drink it up!
How many of the riders did you know at the Summer Session? Darryl: I would say about 80- 85 % and I was honored to meet and make friends with the people I didn't meet before.
Did you get to ride the course a bit in Helsinki?
Darryl: The course was awesome! I still can't believe they build that massive set up for only one day! The ramp builders, Session Ramps are amazing at what they do. They are such skilled craftsman and quite the drinkers too. Big shout-out to Mario and The Crew, standing ovation!
I'm currently injured with a blown out back but I couldn't resist getting out there and riding. The step box jumps were so much fun along with the huge 1/4 wall ride before it. I currently can't bunny hop up a curb but the street set up looked like so much fun. What was the general impression of the riders about the course?
Darryl: They loved it. The fact it was built for one day in the center of the city is so mind blowing. The riders knew that this would be the only time they would ever have on the course and this reflected them going for massive tricks.
What riders stood out at the comp?
Darryl:
-Daniel Tuente- Consistency like no other rider out there in the finals. Armed with very technical combinations that were very original. -Greg Illingworth- Every time he rode the course, everyone and I mean everyone stopped and watched. FULL THROTTLE and FULL SPEED! Blasting the vert 1/4 wall at full speed.
-Tommy Dugan- Unreal style and smile. I think he might have only took one limb off the whole comp and that was in a smooth 360 not to mention he had the best victory run... NAKED!!
-Gary Young- Signature style. Fast, Smooth, BIG gaps with tons of style. Gary is one of those riders that you are honored to have watched in person during your lifetime.
The partying is a big part at the comps in Europe. Did you get to mix in? Darryl: Absolutely! I have friends that live in Helsinki and they threw a huge surprise party for me the first night I was there!! It was unreal moment to be in Finland for the first time and 50 people are throwing you a surprise party. Big thank you and gratitude to Paulina and all her friends.
The event after party was such a great time too. I had a chance to really hang out and connect with the local riders. At one point in the night we were all crowd surfing and caused a 90's style mosh pit erupted the dance floor.
Do you have a new favorite foreign drink? Darryl: The local flatland riders are amazing! I love you guys! They brought me over a bottle of some type of fisherman's drink. It came in a motor oil style bottle and tasted like jagermeister and fish oil. It was brutal to go down but was an honor to drink because it was from them.
Did you spot any other people with a hipsack? Darryl: Not really, but I did meet an amazing rider, my new Finish brother Julius! He went home and changed into a neon hat and similar clothes that I was wearing in my honor. I was speechless and we had the best time together. Julius, thank you for all of the beers during the contest and crowd surfing with me at the after party!
Will you come back again for more? Darryl: In a heart beat! I would be honored. Next time I will have over come this back injury so I will be able to ride the course more with all of my friends and who knows maybe i'll even enter the contest!
Thanks to:
*Risto and Mario! Your vision is unreal. You both did such an amazing job of putting on a unique one of a kind event. Thank you for having me be apart of your creation. A true honor!
*Session Ramp builders*All of the local BMX riders but a huge highlight on the local Flatland Riders, you guys made my trip! Seeing you ride downtown reminded me of growing up in NYC and riding union square. Thanks for keeping BMX alive and pure!
*All of the Riders who made the trek half way around the world and gave their all, physically and creatively.
*Nathan Williams, Corey Martinez, Tommy Dugan, Aaron Ross, Sergio Layos and my roomates of 213- Walter Peringer and Tony Hamlin I wouldn't want to get stuck in a rainstorm while street riding with any other group of guys and have some pints at the pub together!
*Paulina for the awesome party and hospitality!
*Julius - You're the man! 'Til we party next time!
*Tommi DMG and Andy Zeiss- what an amazing group of
guys to announce a contest with! Thanks for all of your energy and making this one hell of a contest. You both got the crowd so pumped and expressed the riders passion with grace. *All of the fans who came out and gave their love, energy and support! I love you Helsinki! 'Til we ride again.
*And Fat BMX not only for the interview but for keeping BMX going for all of these years! All my love to Bart and Hardcore Drinking Team!
-Darryl Nau
BLACKEN 2018...?
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.