BMX Rider • Founder • Show Producer • Entrepreneur
BMX Background
How did you get into BMX?
I got into BMX because of my next-door neighbor Andrew Witthuhn and a group of middle school friends. Huge shoutout to my parents for letting us build dirt jumps in the backyard. I also owe a lot to Dan Sieg, Green Acres (the first park I ever rode), and G-Shock Skatepark where I really started riding nonstop.
My dream was to attend Woodward Camp. I got a job at Dairy Queen making $6.00 an hour and saved every dollar so I could go four summers in a row. That experience changed my life and completely hooked me on BMX.
How long have you been riding?
Around 20 years now. The last time I counted it was 7… time flies.
What kind of riding do you enjoy most?
I grew up riding dirt and just loved jumping in general. Park has probably been my main focus over the years, but I’ve also spent time riding street and vert. The generation I grew up with rode everything.
Sponsors Over the Years
- Link Foundation Charity
- ASA
- Stolen Bike Co
- Drive BMX
- Monster Army
- Snafu BMX
At the same time, I’ve always built my own projects:
MNBMX, InterBMX, BMX Grub App, The Factory 24 Hour Bike Park, Mega Jump Stunt Show, Lil Pros Tour, Dream Park Builder App, Ride MN, and Ride Brand. I stay busy.
Involvement in BMX
I’ve been involved in nearly every area of the sport:
- Pro contests and shows
- Industry work
- International travel
- Opening an indoor park in Minneapolis
- Booking and running a stunt show team
- Moving to California for winters
- Instructing at Woodward Camp and Lake Owen
- Private lessons
- Ramp and dirt jump building
- Hosting jams and contests
It’s wild to look back on it all. Life is good.
Why do you do so much for BMX?
I love riding, but it’s also my outlet. It keeps me in shape, keeps me balanced, and keeps me sane. I’ve always built a “real-world” career alongside BMX rather than relying solely on riding for income. Building both in parallel has allowed me to accomplish far more than focusing on just one.
What drives you to grow BMX?
Seeing kids pumped. That feeling never changes. Teaching someone a new trick, helping fix their bike, inviting them to perform, unveiling a new ramp — it’s like giving someone a surprise gift and waiting to see their reaction. It’s incredible.
X Games Involvement (2017)
We ran Lil Pros Tour youth demos at X Games on a special Sour Punch kids course. Riders included:
- Kaden “Dubby” Stone
- Dorian Giordano
- DJ Martin
- Dallas Light
- Reed Bleymeyer
- Isaac Zimmer
We surprised them with secret invite letters — their reactions were unforgettable.
Video: http://lilprostour.com/kids-reactions-invitations-to-x-games-bmx-demos-lil-pros-tour/
What’s next?
Let’s do it again — and someday get kids on the actual X Games Pro Course.
ASA High School Tour
When did ASA start?
Nearly 20 years ago.
How many shows per year?
About 6–10 weeks annually, typically spring and fall.
Where do you travel?
Denver, Kansas City, Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City (including visiting Mat Hoffman’s house), Texas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and more.
Is the Marines partnership real?
Yes — and they’ve been incredible supporters. Huge respect and gratitude for everything they do for this country.
What are the shows about?
It’s an anti-bullying program. We teach students how to handle difficult situations at school and on social media. The Marines provide prizes, and we deliver the message through BMX at high schools nationwide.
Website: http://asahighschooltour.com/
The Goal?
Leave an impact. Motivate students. Years later, I still meet people who remember those shows.
The Factory – 24 Hour Bike Park
When did it open?
January 2011.
It started with a few of us walking into an empty warehouse in Northeast Minneapolis wanting a place to ride on our own schedule.
Did it turn out how you imagined?
We never even imagined a skatepark — just a small space to ride. It evolved into something far bigger than expected.
Contact:
http://ridethefactory.com/
What is the 24/7 Program?
$25/week or $100/month gets you a key and 24/7 access. No place like it.
Session Cost (No Key):
$20 per session.
Founders:
Dustin Grice & Evan Moyle.
Notable Riders Who’ve Ridden There:
Drew Bezanson, Daniel Dhers, Brett Banasiewicz, Kenneth Tencio, Alex Landeros, Sean McElroy, Mykel Larrin, Austin Coleman, Phil Smage, Trevor Meyer, and many more.
Contests?
We prefer jams. Contests often bring drama. Jams keep the fun alive.
Where do you want it in 5 years?
Still around. Most parks close after two years. Sustainability matters more than rapid expansion.
Lil Pros Tour
Founded: 2013
What started as a spontaneous trip with Dallas Light turned into an international youth BMX movement.
We’ve filmed 30+ edits across:
USA, Canada, South America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Russia.
Videos: http://lilprostour.com/videos/
Most Popular Stop:
Unit 23 Skatepark in Scotland — 7.5 million views on YouTube.
Standout Riders (and many more):
Bryce Tryon, Rylan Kindness, Clay & Koby Drain, Marcus Christopher, Eddie Rovi, Halahan Brothers, Seth & Mason Murray, Sonny Taylor, Wyatt Oliver, Whistler Shredders, Riddle Brothers, and countless others worldwide.
Rules?
Just fun sessions for kids. Brands send product. Parents help out. We film edits to remember it all.
Next Stop?
Depends where I can afford to travel. It’s self-funded through my web development work.
Ride Brand
What is Ride?
We believe in whatever you Ride.
It’s about passion, adrenaline, camaraderie, and community across all action sports. Just Ride.
Availability:
All 50 U.S. states — hats, shirts, hoodies. Took two years to complete. Now expanding internationally (Canada, Russia, UK).
States & Countries: http://ridebrand.com/
Final Words
These projects — The Factory, Ride Brand, Lil Pros Tour, ASA — started small and turned into a movement.
We ride.
We learn.
We build.
We fall.
We encourage.
We motivate.
We get back up.
We’ve created lifelong friendships and memories through action sports.
In 2018, I began teaching part-time Web Development & Entrepreneurship courses at Hennepin Technical College — the same program that helped build my foundation years ago. It’s an honor to give back.
To every rider, parent, supporter, show attendee, and online viewer — thank you. This has been an unexpected dream come true.
If you ever want to session or have questions:
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/grice/
– Dustin Grice
Read Full Interview:
https://backyardbmx.co/ai-dustin-grice
If you’ve got an idea and don’t know what to do next…
For real. I’d love to hear what you’re working on and help you take the next step.
(Or if you prefer, you can grab a time here.)