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It’s always refreshing to see BMXers who are completely disconnected from what’s going on in the mainstream. I mean this in the best way possible. When you see these guys ride, you know that they aren’t thinking about how many negative comments their line would get had it been filmed and uploaded to a popular website, or just how light and brakeless they can make their bike. Their motivation to ride hasn’t changed since the first time they bunnyhopped down a curb, and their enjoyment remains unchanged.

Taking this sentiment to the extreme is Chris Nance. A shrimper by day, BMXer by night, Chris epitomized this carefree, positive attitude. Maybe almost too much. When someone mentioned he resembled Van Homan, Chris replied, “who?” What’s more, this dude rides in his shrimpin’ boots!!! I’ll be honest, the first time I caught a glimpse of him at Rampage in New Orleans, my initial thought wasn’t, ‘Man, I bet the guy in the knee waders and camo outfit can blast some downside whips 5 feet out of the quarter.’ As it turns out, first impressions can be very misleading…

I hope Chris is doing ok in light of the cluster-fuck going on down in the gulf. As long as he has a working bike and skatepark, I’m sure he’ll be just fine.

See Chris’ riding HERE in this Miles edit.

-Andrew White