Spotlight: Charles Nagy | Heavy Pedalz BMX

How long have you been into BMX?

It started when I was 6 in the mid seventies and my dad would put paper plates on my bike, and I would pretend that I was a MX racer. In 1985 I broke my leg learning 180's - after that I started skating and stopped riding BMX. It was all punk rock and skateboards until 1999, that's when I became a Dad. Then in 2012 I dabbled in BMX on and off. Then jumped back in 100 percent on 12-20-2016 and haven't looked back.

What got you into the lifestyle?

Man, I really just dig being at the track and skateparks. I'm not a fast racer or a good rider. Quite the opposite, I flat out suck, I just like rolling around with my friends. It's the friendships that I have built because of kid's bikes that keeps me coming back for more.

Do you remember your first bike?

Yes, my first proper BMX bike was a Columbia Pro AM with Lester mags. I got it for Christmas and I HATED IT! All I wanted was a Mongoose with Motomags (this was 1981.) I eventually came to love that bike. I remember getting some red snakebelly tires and I thought that I was the shit.

What made you start Heavy Pedalz BMX?

There is a dude named Brian Bonneau and he has a racing zine called Wholeshot. It's great, he copies and staples it himself. The last race of 2018 at Toledo Speedway BMX he was selling them. I did punk zines back in the 90's and I decided to do a BMX zine. Eventually I want(ed) to turn it into a full sized legit magazine. The first issue was horrible but it keeps getting better. I'm really working on a better design right now though. I hope to make it a little more “artsy”. I don't want it to be a nostalgia trip, but it is that sometimes. I want to keep it fairly current and highlight lesser know riders.

Who are some companies you think are taking BMX in the positive direction and you really like what you are seeing from them?

I really like the smaller companies - the hungry folks that are doing shit a little different. Villani Bags are fucking amazing, I like Tuff Luck BMX, Drake from Dead Krow Army has been super helpful and puts out cool stuff. Some of the bigger companies that I like are Cult, Standard, Demolition and S&M. I love what Cult is doing with their designs. But really I see the smaller companies out there supporting riders at the Grass Roots Level.

Who would win a fight. Pee Wee Herman or Steve Urkel?

Steve Urkel would never rebound from pulling his peter in a porn theater like Pee Wee did. Pure fucking fortitude.

If you had to plan a road trip and could only take 5 people with you, who would you take and why?

Jacob Ryan and Noah McBride - because they are the definition of fun. Joce Camara- she would keep the vibe positive and fun. Solan Foster- because follow him on IG, the guy is a wizard and is cool as all get out. Tim Torres - because he eats potato chips the loudest out of anyone that I have ever met and you would never fall asleep at the wheel.

When road tripping, what are your must haves for the road?

It's no secret that I am addicted to Diet Pepsi.

What aspect of BMX do you think is better today than say 15 or 20 yrs ago?

I'm not afraid to be the old fat guy on a BMX bike. I wasn't really around back then, so honestly I can't really say.

Where are you looking to take Heavy Pedalz BMX?

I want to keep it fresh and constantly evolve. It started as a zine selling clothes to pay for printing, and now it's pretty much an apparel company that publishes a zine. It's also a screen printing shop. I print everything myself.

I see Dans Comp is Carrying your gear. That has got be be pretty awesome knowing the history they have had and what they are trying to rebuild.

Man... I couldn't even believe it.

How did the Dans thing come about?

I reached out to their social media guy who I've known through IG since I got on IG with my train graffiti account. I asked who to talk to, I talked to him and they ordered. Also Huge shout out to bmxguru.com and Albe's.

For people who may be want to get into BMX, what would you say to them? How much has BMX given you?

Don't wait. Don't get hung up on your insecurities because no one gives a micro fuck. Just go ride, make friends who ride. Try to give back, wear a fucking helmet, ALWAYS! Oh and wear a helmet. BMX has given me this crazy life. I travel almost every weekend, sometimes to a track sometimes to a park. My wife is currently gunning at a state number 1 plate and is tied for second in the Gold Cup series. BMX is pretty much my life, I work in the bike industry. BMX is keeping me young.

I feel like we are alike in the way that you don't have to go huge or risk your life to love this sport. Just being on a bike in general is such an amazing thing. The passion, fun and support you give other riders is what its all about. Would you agree?

I could not agree more.

Is there anyone you are wanting to collaborate with, or an event you would really like to be part of in the up coming future?

I've done a collab with Everyone Sucks But Us, Poorboy Steev did some awesome graphics for Heavy Pedalz, Sailor Woody is a Toledo tattoo artist that I've been friends with for over 30 years (met at concerts in Detroit when the whole Grunge thing was still small clubs) has done a few of my graphics. In fact I commissioned him to do the Shovel Panther logo that is pretty much the main graphic. There are tons of people that I'd like to work with, but most especially that person who is wondering if they are good enough to write an article or a story. Yes you are good enough and you should.

Anyone you would like to thank or give a shout out to?

Heath Ries, Solan Foster, Scott Towne - without their encouragement there would be no Heavy Pedalz. BMX Guru for being the race team's bike shop. Aaden Reed and his family for helping me kick off the freestyle team. Anyone who has supported the cause with so much as a kind word. I am leaving out a bunch of people but the crew knows. I also need to thank Aaron Ruby at North Main Tattoos for having more faith in this then I do sometimes, and constantly pushing me to go bigger and bigger.

Your time to promote yourself. Have at it?

I'd rather promote others. But watch my IG. The Highland Park Jam in Toledo in coming back this year! Also be sure to check us out at HeavyPedalz.com

My final little words. In all honesty, I appreciate what you are doing and I hope nothing but great things come for you man. Great things need to happen to great people and you are on that track. Keep doing what you are doing 'cause its pretty damn awesome.

That means a lot, I appreciate it and right back at you!