|
XG Chat: Dave Mirra
Dave has been keeping busy this year recovering from a mean case of "Swellbow" and training for this year's bigger competitions. We're lucky to have him take time out of his busy schedule to chat with you. Dave's training paid off because he just took first in Gravity Games Park and second in Vert. After his win in X Games VII Vert, Dave is a favorite going into X Games VIII. So read what Dave had to say when he came by to field your questions. Please check our upcoming chat schedule for your chance to chat with other X Games VIII athletes. Moderator: Hello everyone, the chat time has pushed up two hours and we should get started in about 20 minutes. Dave Mirra: Hey guys what's up? I'm here, so let's chat. Dave (Largo,FL): Dave, what advice do you have for young kids starting out, my son Erik is six and is doing no footers, one footers, dropping in 6' mini's. Luckily our park has a foam pit to practice? Dave Mirra: The foam pit is a great start, just make sure you wear your safety gear and have a lot of fun. Next thing you know you're riding pro events. Katie Goodman: Is the 2003 Mirra Pro bike going to be drastically different than this years? Dave Mirra: You know the stickers always change and some components are switched out to make it the best bike out there. Lavin: I know you have that sweet Mustang but if you could own any car what car would you get? Dave Mirra: Now if you're really TJ Lavin, then I want the same Escalade as you... Philip (Derwood, MD): You are the king of BMX. At what age did you start? Dave Mirra: I started racing at age ten and I started competing in freestyle events at the age of 13. But it's never too late to start so get out there and go ride! Eddie G. (McAllen, TX): Hey what's up man! I'm really stoked about seeing you on the X Games in a couple of days...Hope ya win! Anyways what first got you into the BMXing? What age were you and where would you ride? Dave Mirra: I pretty much started out learning how to ride by just jumping curbs in the neighborhood and trying to ride wheelies. All the kids in the neighborhood rode and we would get out of school every day and just go ride - from there it turned into an addiction. England: Dave when did you perform the triple backflip and where? Dave Mirra: I haven't done a triple yet... But the first double I did was in Raleigh, North Carolina. Philip (Derwood, MD): I know I already asked you a question but I just wanted to tell you that you are my hero, you're the reason I started BMX in the first place. Anyway, I was wondering, have you ever tried to do flatland BMX? Dave Mirra: You know I started out riding flatland but then a few years later moved on to the ramps. If you've ever heard of the "Dorkin" videos then go check out #2 and you'll see what my flatland used to be like. Jamie Baltimore MD: Hey Dave, I am a big fan since the Dorkin' days. I would like to know where you see vert going? It seems there aren't as many people riding it any more. Also do you see it getting tech, or just bigger airs and bigger tricks? I also gave Colin Mackay some pictures of you ranging from chicago'92 to last year's X Games, did you get them? Dave Mirra: Yeah yeah, I got the pictures, thanks. Who knows where Vert is gonna go - tech, bigger, who knows? As long as it's progressing and fun it can go in any direction. As far as vert riding goes, the learning curve takes a lot longer to get good on vert (and it's a lot more dangerous) so the mass of people are definitely getting more into street and park riding. Magic(Oshkosh,WI): What do u think is the hardest trick to do? Dave Mirra: The hardest trick to do is the one you can't do. Darren (Canada): Nice house on-line, when are you getting a foam pit? good luck in the X Games! Dave Mirra: The foam pit is in the works and thanks for the support. I'm gonna go out and give it my best. Mexico City: Dave: will you be doing next year another Dave Mirra Tour? Dave Mirra: The tour is in the works for next year so hopefully if everything goes right we'll be touring. Darren: Have you ever been up in Canada? Dave Mirra: Yeah I toured in Canada back in 1993. It was pretty cool because it didn't get dark until about 10 at night in the summer. Elismarie NY: Dave I think ur the best in the world!!!!!! When and why did u decide 2 go pro? Dave Mirra: I went pro in 1992 because I just knew it was time and I just felt like I would fit in so I just went for it. Marco: Is Dave Mirra XXX gonna be the sickest BMX game out? Dave Mirra: It may be, but I've decided to take my name of the game because it is M Rated. The name of the game when it's released is going to be BMX XXX. Gil (Tampa,FL): How did u get sponsored by Haro? Dave Mirra: Actually I got sponsored by Haro the first time in 1987 when Ron Wilkerson, Brian Blyther and Dave Nourie came to town (Liverpool NY) on tour. They hooked me up with a bike and payed for hotels and food at contests, so I was stoked at that young age. And currently I got sponsored by Haro in 1994 and I'm still with them. You are stupid: You should still keep your name on the game for the money! Dave Mirra: I wish money was the only thing I had to worry about but I'm looking out for you guys and not putting my name on a game that's not good for the young riders. Dave: Do you like men? Dave Mirra: I gotta great girlfriend... So sorry I don't. But if you're looking for men you may want to go to a figure skating website. Kristina (Charlotte): Hey Dave, Do you have any new big tricks to throw down at the X Games? Dave Mirra: You know what... I can't tell you. You're just going to have to wait for the big surprise. John: What type of tires would you recommend for Street? What kind of Vehicles do you own? Dave Mirra: The tires I reccomend for street are - Rubber. The vehicles I own are the S351 pro model by Haro Bikes. This is Stupid (Tampa): Why are you all wasting your time? Dave Mirra: Actually it looks like you're wasting your time because you're the one sitting there writing the useless questions. Jamie (Baltimore): How long did it take to learn to ride switch? I've been trying it for months and it still feels squirrely Dave Mirra: It took me months too but I just kept doing it and the more I did it the better it felt. Elismarie: My nephew is ur biggest fan! He has ur bike, ur game and knows all ur trix. He went 2 see you when you went to Puerto Rico, and he wants to be just like you, what advice do you have for him? Dave Mirra: Tell your nephew I said what's up. Just tell him to have fun and stay safe, so good luck and have a good day. Orlando (Trenton,NJ): What up Dave you pierced your lip and cut your hair like Ryan Nyquist... Did you lost a bet? P.S. good luck a the X Games. Dave Mirra: I shaved my head but didn't pierce my lip, so no I didn't lose a bet. I just gave myself a training haircut before the X Games. Dave Mirra: Thanks guys for logging on but I gotta run... It was great chatting with you and be sure to tune into the X Games! Copyright ©2002 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site.
|
