(Click any image to see the Brandon Turner Photo Album)
What is there to say about Brandon Turner that you might not know? A lot. For one, I would never classify Brandon as just a bike rider and I don’t believe he would either. His riding speaks for itself, though. I mean who else can show up to Pala pool when it’s full of skaters and clear the place out in one line? In general, Brandon is a puritan in the fashion that he does what he likes and that’s it, and staying true is never a bad thing. There are no sideshow flairs or whips going on, because that’s not what he’s all about. What he is all about—on and off his bike—is having fun with good people and being creative in every form he chooses. Whether that happens to be riding, surfing, graphics, drawing, DJing, or just chilling. If you ever get a chance to chill with BT, get ready for some good times because it’s always interesting. 
Who is Brandon Turner, and what makes for a good day in your eyes?
It’s hard to say who I am; it depends on my mood, ya know? I have a lot of sides. A good day to me is waking up around 7, drink some coffee, go for a surf, eat some Mexican food, go ride with the crew, follow that up with some drinks and some cannonballs back at Conner's house—in a pool, not on a bike.
So the first time I met you was at the old Escondido park. The first thing I noticed was the smooth, effortless style and lines. Where did that come from? I mean, you’re from Arizona and then Southern California. I would have expected some tailwhips or at least a classic bail or two?
Well thanks for the compliments. I am really from San Diego. I moved to AZ in junior high and then moved back to San Diego when I graduated high school. I don’t know where style comes from, I just try to take everything I see that I like inside and outside of riding and put my spin on it, I guess. When I was younger I used to be a trick ferret, but then I got hurt and managed to stay hurt for about three years or so, and that made me concentrate more on just riding and staying smooth rather than just sending it.
So you recently decided after a year or so to part ways with DiamondBack. What made for the change of mind?
I just felt like I’m going in a different direction in my life, and riding might not be my top priority at the moment, so I felt like relieving myself of being on the team. The DB team is just as good without me on it, so I bolted.
Everyone seems to think you left DB for Metal, when in actuality you where not planning on that at all. How did that work out?
Yeah, things happen quickly sometimes. When I quit DB I called Jim Bauer just to see if he had an old frame he might sell me. By the time I got home that day, Bauer forwarded an e-mail to me from Jimmy Levan asking what frame I wanted and that he would be stoked to help me out with that. At that point I still had no idea I would be on Metal, things just fell into place. I’ve always been stoked on Metal—I rode a Metal for a long-ass time up until I rode for DB. If none of this ever happened I would still be riding a Metal regardless if I was on the team or not.
What is the deal exactly? Do you just ride your bike and have fun or is Jimmy going to make you learn three-whips and fronties so you can take over the Dew Tour next year?
I just ride for fun, that’s what I think a lot of kids have lost sight of nowadays. I have never been to a Dew Tour and I’m most definitely not planning to attend one. That stuff is not bike riding—it’s gymnastics.
A lot of people don’t know this about you, but besides being a rider you actually kill it on a surfboard, DJ, and kill it with some artwork. How do you manage to juggle all of that?
There are so many fun things to do in life, why limit yourself to just one? It’s fun learning new things and progressing. I like to keep busy and learn as much as I can.
What type of DJing do you do? I keep picturing you in the middle of some rave and start laughing…
Yeah, I am still into electronic music, but not as much as I used to be. I still play, but I don't play as often anymore. I’m broke a lot and the cost of vinyl adds up.
I heard a rumor that you were shredding pegs, and then I show up at the park and you're murdering all the ledges. What gives? Are they staying?
The rumor of me shredding pegs is most definitely a lie because I have no clue what I’m doing with pegs. Pegs make an appearance from time to time on my bike—I just like to keep things fresh and not stagnant. When I want to grind something I put them on and when I don't feel like I want to grind I take them off. It's amazing how different a bike can feel just from adding or subtracting two round pieces of metal.
I’ve had the privilege on going on a couple road trips with you and I know there are some interesting stories. What’s one of the best places and times you have had when on the road with your friends?
All the trips I've been are the best; I can't pick a specific one. I really enjoyed the Northwest trip I took with the crew this last summer. So much good stuff to ride and we floated down rivers and jumped off rope swings…that was awesome
Everyone has someone to thank, so get to it!
I have a lot of peeps to thank. Mom and Dad, grandparents, Tom Z, Fudger, MG, Bauer, Gary Young, K-Bizz, Kevin Conners, Sher, Badger, Captain, Levan, Peacy… I'm sorry if I’ve left anyone off—there are so many people. Thanks
