etnies

"Although he has been a pro for longer than most kids have been riding, the stuff that Dave is doing now is pushing ramp riding into new and scary territory."--Dennis Stancavish, Ride BMX

Dave Freimuth is hands down one of the best tech mini-ramp riders in world. And burly, too--he's not afraid to launch the most obscure and difficult tricks bigger than most. He is totally capable of manhandling park obstacle courses, as well. Dave started riding in 1987 on flatland in his parents' basement in Appleton, Wisconsin--soon progressing to wedge ramps and eight-foot quarterpipes.

Unbeknownst to many, Dave almost became a vert rider, but just before moving a friend's vert ramp to his backyard, he broke his neck riding a borrowed bike on a quarterpipe. His parents promptly sold his bike, told him he was never riding again and turned away the vert ramp. Of course, Dave proceeded onward anyway--neck brace and all--despite his parent's pleas to "grow-up and get a real job". Get a real job? Okay--so Dave got a real job. He became a teacher at Woodward J.

Born on November 9, 1971, Dave's early influences included Ron Wilkerson, Joe Johnson and Mike Dominguez. Kevin Starks, Tim Bennett, Mike Budd and Scott N. were his early cohorts. Trips to the Rampage park in Iowa heavily influenced Dave's direction toward mini-ramp riding. He entered sponsored life with Gear n' Up Bike Shop in Neenah, Wisconsin, followed later by Shuvit, Standard and Baco.

Over the years, Dave has continually progressed by inventing some of the most difficult and trend-setting tricks around, but, being an underdog, he hasn't received nearly the amount of credit or contest wins that he should. (He did, however, win the Primo La Revolution contest in 2001.) Dave still likes to try new tricks, otherwise it would "get boring". He also loves traveling to new places to explore fresh riding possibilities with friends. These days, Dave will ride pretty much anything, but likes skateparks most of all.

Rooftop asked Dave to join the etnies fold at the South Padre BS contest in 1996. He was getting free shoes from another company at the time, but jumped at the chance to ride for etnies. Smart move, because Dave likes everything about etnies and thinks, "Their entire program is one of the best in BMX."

When Dave's at home, he enjoys riding with Mark Hilson and Brian Kachinski--not to mention Jimmer (Jim Reinstra), Brian Vowell and Chad DeGroot, when they visit. His all-time favorite riders include Chad, Dave Osato, Ruben Alcantara, Joe Rich, Taj Mihelich, Jimmer, The Beast, Chase Gouin and Paul Osicka. When not riding, Dave enjoys driving, visiting the beach, riding jet skis, taking pictures, partying, working on the house and Pattie--not necessarily in that order. But, he's usually riding. Shouldn't you be, too? Turn off the computer now and go outside.