CORE Action ran into FMX Legend Mike Metzger at the Dew Tour in Orlando, FL while watching the BMX Vert riders warming up on the ramp. Lately Metzger’s been somewhat out of commission due to nagging injuries and we used this opportunity to catch up with him.
Hey Mike, are you coming back to competing soon?
You know doing the commentating right now is a lot of fun and it’s keeping me involved.
It keeps me a part of the action. I can’t ride my bike right now because of too many injuries. I’m happy to still be a part of it, I love all the different action sports and it’s cool to be here.
What do you expect to see in FMX here at Dew Tour?
After the last round in Utah Adam Jones took the win, which was kind of a surprise. The top two guys both got hurt in practice. I don’t know, it’s really open, I really don’t have a favorite rider, everyone is on top of their game. It’s really a tough question to answer, who’s favored, it’s up in the air right now and it’s anybody’s game. Who can win? Everyone’s pretty much got every trick on lock. I’d hate to be a judge right now.
These guys are really progressing.
I’ve always expecting to see new stuff. That’s what action sports is all about. Pushing each other. In freestyle motocross it’s at such a danger level right now, you know, pushing yourself that extra little bit, you don’t know what can happen. But we all know what can happen if you don’t pull off your tricks. In motocross, most of the time you end up in the ambulance, if not the trauma center.
“WHO CAN WIN? EVERYONE’S PRETTY MUCH GOT EVERY TRICK ON LOCK. I’D HATE TO BE A JUDGE RIGHT NOW.”
Do you feel that people take for granted the danger that’s involved?
I don’t want to take anything away from these guys—they’re out there doing their homework. They got backflips and backflip kiss of deaths on lock. It’s gnarly. And for me to be out there doing the announcing—that’s cool. It’s hard to get excited sometimes because you see these guys doing the same stuff over and over again, but dude…that’s gnarly.
But, still, one wrong move…
Hanging off your back upside down where it looks like they’re not going to get back on, the consequences are pretty near when you think about hitting the ground. It’s pretty exciting no matter what, especially the kids is what it’s all about.
The top guys realize that their life is on the line, but their job is to go out and entertain and put on a good show for their fans and leave safe. I hope everyone leaves safe this weekend…That will be a good story I think.
—Chris Eudaley
Check out www.MetzgerBrand.com to see the latest on what Mike’s been up to. He also has some really sick limited edition artwork, his own apparel line, autographed items and videos available through his site.
