Whether or not the younger generation recognizes this wild-haired older guy on a T-1 who can blast the hell out of stuff with a smooth style like no other, the Garrett Byrnes influence runs deep in today’s riding. A style based not on the difficulty level of tricks, but rather on how good bike riding can look and feel, even when it’s something as simple as carving a bowl corner.
In the late 90s, Garrett emerged onto the BMX scene as one of the most talented and refreshing riders to appear in years, but something was different. He was already well down a path that followed what he wanted to do; a path that wasn’t determined by the money he could make from potential sponsors. That meant turning down lucrative offers in order to stay true to the companies that he believes in, while continuing to ride on his terms only... even if that evolved into him joining the ‘real-world’ workforce.
Despite being out of the BMX limelight in recent years while working as a heavy-equipment operator and taking care of his son, Noah, Mr. Byrnes is riding as hard as ever and arguably better than ever. Much has changed in Garrett’s life since the days when he had that epic opener part in the seminal video “Seek And Destroy,” and some things haven’t, like his penchant for doing crazy gaps at a moment’s notice with his timeless signature style, or the fact that he is still one of the most revered icons of BMX.
This project has been a long time coming and for us it’s an honor to feature someone whom everyone at DIG has not only been a huge admirer of, but someone who in many ways has inspired and reflected our approach to DIG over the years.
Garrett’s family and friends including legendary riders Van Homan, Joe Rich, Ruben Alcantara, Chase Hawk and Taj Mihelich, were more than happy to share their thoughts about one of the most unknowingly influential riders of our time. They’ve all witnessed what wildness follows after hearing those words “Coming Down” nonchalantly uttered from atop the gnarliest of run-ups.

Directed by Stew Johnson http://digbmx.com/

Buy the Limited Edition DVD Box Set here: http://www.digbmxstore.com