A Few Minutes With Brad Oien

Brad Oien took the National series by storm this year. Finishing second in the overall standing and winning a major event in his rookie pro season. He let me ask him a few question about his season and his off season (if there is such a thing) plans.

ODI: I just wanted to start by asking you: WTF?!?! were you doing in that picture? You definitely know we are going to have some fun with it over here right?

Bradical: me and Theo were yelling stupid stuff at each other and i surprised him with that one! Haha

ODI: That's pretty funny. I guess we should back up a little and explain where that came from. Tell us a little bit about the video droppin in March.

Bradical: Well it's all Theo from All Out Productions. The Video is gonna be called Days of Dirt. I guess you could call it the sequel to Stars and Bars, so you know its gonna be good! It covers the full National season with the Canadian world cups and some other select events too! It focuses mainly on American talent but all the boys are in it. Me and Theo will be shooting my part pretty soon before i cut out to Australia!

ODI: Well there's definitely some big name talent in that trailer. What's it been like stepping up to the pro level this year and taking the downhill scene by storm finishing second and earning the unofficial Rookie of the Year title?

Bradical: It was all a big learning experience really. It seemed like every race I did I would learn some kind of valuable lesson. The entire season was really fun though. It was cool to race a whole bunch of new people and really challenge myself. Now that I know what to expect, I think next year will be even better! haha

ODI: So you said you are going off to Australia for the Winter. What else have you got planned before you leave? And what's the plan while you're there?

Bradical: Well the last Jeep race marked our official off season. So I'm just planning the trip out, and spending time with friends and family before I leave. Once I'm there I'll follow their entire National season and only a few state races. The competition is really good there and I have a lot of friends there as well!

ODI: You did pretty good in the Jeep race in San Luis Obispo. Are you planning on hitting all three stops next year and making a run at the championship?

Bradical: Yeah definitely! I absolutely love those events. I really didnt know i was a top contender on a small bike until i beat Greg(Minnaar) in my first run against him(he got the best of me by .1 or .2 of a second haha). I honestly didnt think i was fast on a small bike. I shocked myself!

ODI:I think you shocked him a bit too, would've been a bummer for him to fly all the way over here and get eliminated in the first round. So who do you think will be your biggest competition in the US next year as you go for the number one spot?

Bradical: Yeah really! But I didnt get him. He beat me, I'll get my revenge! Im not to sure for next year. Everyone comes back with new bikes and better fitness. So we'll have to wait and see. I know I'll be better prepared though. Next year will be my best year for sure! People wont expect it either....watch and see! Haha

ODI: Well you better stop telling everyone or it'll ruin the surprise! Lol. So the plan is to stick with Team ODI/ Southridge? Who else is helping you for the 09 season anyone new?

Bradical: Yeah everything should be the same. I'm really happy with the program im on now! but we'll see who else joins for next year!

ODI: Who are some of the guys you hang out with when you're down in Australia?

Bradical: A lot of local Melbourne guys like, Jarl Jensen, Nick Cruickshank, Lincoln Verass, and Trev Burke. Also guys like Jared Rando and Bryn Atkinson. we have some good times haha!

ODI: What's the drinking age in Australia? I can only imagine you trying to keep up with the Aussies.

Bradical: Its 18, but im only competitive on a bike!

ODI: So if Foster's is Aussie for Beer, What's Aussie for Brad Oien?

Bradical: NOTHING!!! FULL ON AMERICAN! haha side note: I never saw one Fosters in 6 months, on my last trip

ODI: My final question that I want to ask you is what grips do YOU run?

Bradical: With gloves: Ruffian lock-on with out gloves: longnecks lock-on THE BEST.

ODI: Thanks for your time Bradical!

Bradical: Thanks!