Coquitlam BMXer Tory Nyhaug is accustomed to launching his bike off berms and bumps at courses around the world.
But the latest launch of the two-time Olympian and gold medalist at the Pan American Games is a little different.
Nyhaug, 26, has started a new podcast about his beloved sport, along with fellow competitor James Palmer, who’s from North Vancouver. Called “Coffee Chatter,” the two cyclists chat over cups of java with other luminaries from the BMX racing scene, like Australian rider Anthony Dean and Jauris Daudet, of France.
Nyhaug, who’s still recovering from a concussion he suffered last year at the world championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, said episodes will also shine a light behind the scenes of BMX racing, how riders got into the sport and ascended its competitive ladder, their training and preparation, as well as the challenges and rewards of competing as a pro rider around the world, including the issues of declining prize money, securing sponsorship and promoting the sport.
Last November, Nyhaug used social media to criticize a decision by Coquitlam council to approve a plan to level the city’s BMX track at Town Centre Park to make way for a larger festival lawn at the nearby TD Community Plaza.
A report to council said the facility was sparsely used, but Nyhaug said the track “was a fantastic place for kids to learn to ride a bike and be physically literate in our city.”
LIsten to a clip from Coffee Chatter:
• Coffee Chatter is available for free on iTunes.
• With a file from Grant Granger
