06.10.02
by: Alex
EXPN.com

Nate Adams has had quite a year. Having just turned 18, Nate has won the title as WFA Champion for 2002 in Freestyle and Step-Up, and will be awarded his belts at the upcoming Summer X Games in August. I spoke to Nate over the phone, while he was in Hawaii doing a three week demo for Moto-X Co.with Drake McElroy, Jeremy Carter and Brian Deegan.

You have had quite a year, what was the most unexpected thing to happen to you as an athlete?

Definitely winning the WFA Championship. I didn't set out to win as a goal. I feel that good riding just happens and I just did really well at those events. I am really stoked on that.

Nate busts out a huge Cliff Hanger.

What are the hardest three tricks that you do?

Saran-Saran, one-handed look-back hart attack, rock-solid no-handed lander.

You are known for watching someone do a trick, and being able to bust it out right away. Do you have a strategy?

I break the steps all down slowly. Once you break through slowly and get about half way, it just comes together. From there I just focus on doing the trick bigger and bigger each time.

You just turned 18, is there anything about all the travel and success that takes a toll on you?

I don't get to see my friends and do normal stuff. I miss that. I used to just go and ride, and as much as I love this, now I am aware of all my sponsors and doing well. It is a lot of pressure. I also don't get to ride as much as I used to. But I have a lot of fun.

Contests typically have three ramps and landings. If you could set each one at any distance, what do you think the best distance is to set them for pulling tricks?

I would put all three at 85ft. I think that is the best distance for getting good extension and having enough time to complete a solid trick.

You are the WFA champ in two disciplines going into X. Does that add to the pressure for the X Games?

Being the champ doesn't give me any expectations of myself. Everyone out there is really good, and it is hard to do good in every contest. When I see other athletes ride well, that is what motivates me to do better.

You took a few hard knocks this past year. How do injuries change how you ride?

The first time back you take it easy. My first contest coming back from getting stitches in my jaw I got 14th place. I try and think about what I am doing, and I know I can ride like I used to. There is a little bit of a wall there but you need to mix it up by playing it safe yet riding aggressive at the same time.

If you could change any aspect of the way contests are run right now what would it be?

I think the system right now is really good. Not every rider can do everything, and the way things are now it gives everyone the opportunity to do really well and shine. There is always something new and the fans love it. That also tells me things are on a good track.

What was the best day you ever had riding?

Filming in the dunes in Utah for Global Addiction. It was me, Jake Windham, Chuck Carothers, Kenny Bartram, Travis Pastrana and Mike Jones. We found a bunch of really cool jumps and it was just the best day ever. So much fun.

Nate and the boys hanging out at Glamis dunes.

If there was any one product or modification that could be made to your bike, what would it be?

I wish dirt bikes had tires like cars so I wouldn't pinch the tubes all the time when I have to change a tire.

You can contact Alex at alex@freestylemtx.com

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