Online Exclusive: Darren Berrecloth is Mr. December

Darren Berrecloth has appeared on the past three December issue covers of Bike magazine, as well as the December 2002 cover. We interviewed Darren and asked him about this streak of cover shots, his run at Red Bull Rampage and what’s in store for 2009.

You’ve been on the last three December covers of Bike (and the December 2002 issue, as well). What’s up?
Yeah dude, super pumped on getting the love over the years.

Do you have a favorite?
It’s a tough one because the first one is super-sick and it meant so much to be on the cover of Bike magazine for the first time. All the other ones are super-rad shots as well, but I’d probably say my favorite is the one-foot table [Photo Annual, December 2002].

What’s the secret to producing a great cover shot?
It all starts with working with a good photographer, along with a dozen other factors that have to fall in place ever so perfectly.

In the December 2002 issue, we called you an “up-and-coming” rider. When you were working on that shot with photographer Ian Hylands (a one-foot table with Vancouver in the background), did you ever think it would lead to a string of covers?
No. I never really thought it would keep coming, but at the same time it gave me more motivation to get out there and do it again.

A lot has changed since then, but you still wear sleeveless jerseys. Way to keep it real. What’s the appeal of torn cotton?
That’s funny because if anybody has spent time in the desert they will know how appealing a fresh cotton sleeve can be. And it keeps your temp down.

In 2002, a one-foot table was a pretty big move. What are you working on now?
Every dirt jumper is constantly working on new tricks. I’m just trying to get some of my switch variations dialed, some upside-down variations as well as getting more comfortable doing my tricks over larger jumps and drops.

This most recent cover shot was taken at the Red Bull Rampage. You built an entirely unique line, but didn’t have a lot of time to practice, and it hurt your results. What was your overall impression of the contest?
The event was awesome. There was a little rain that delayed the event, but made for some unreal dirt conditions. It was unfortunate that there wasn’t more practice time for the finals, but the event was an excellent success.

Do you get much riding in during the winter?
I ride as much as I can in the winter. I’ve been building some new dirt jumps near my house that will be rideable all winter so I’m pretty pumped on that.

Last winter you banged yourself up pretty good snowmobiling. Will you be sledding again this year?
For sure. Sledding is an insanely good way to cross-train. It was unfortunate that my ski fell apart on a trail and injured me, but that’s all fixed, so bring on the snow.

Other than appearing on the cover of Bike, do you have any holiday traditions?
Yeah, spend as much time with my friends and family.

What’s in store for 2009?
My goal for ’09 is to get some new tricks dialed and just feel good on the bike. Everything else will fall in place.