EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-18
24 Jul 2015

Photo Journal: Etnies Atlanta

Bringing Heat and Broken Feet.

etnies

Words and photos by Andrew White

There were no riots in Atlanta, though while bringing up unexpected events there was a plane crash the day after we left. It hit the stretch of highway we took on our daily commute to caffeine and spots. Other than that, it was straightforward. Etnies planned a ten day trip in Atlanta so Nathan, Aaron, and Chase could continue filming for the long-term Chapters video. It was the usual Econoline trip as I like to think of them.

Wait at the van before 11AM.

Where should we get food?

I don’t know, maybe ask a local.

I want to go to that spot for sure.

Think we’ll get kicked out?

I mean, I’ll eat Chipotle again.

Whose trash is on the floor?

I need to stop for water.

What’s the weather looking like?

It’s actually back the other way, sorry.

I think I’m just gonna chill tonight.

https://shop.digbmx.com/collections/all-clothing

We’ve done this trip. All of the invited have been to Atlanta many times. Been on etnies trips together many times. Clocked clips for Will’s video camera, been photographed for the magazine. Stayed in a non-descript hotel just far enough out from the city that the rates are cheap but the surrounding strip still decent. Held back on some nights to be worthwhile the next day, let loose on others when the day’s accomplishments warranted. Ate enough breakfast to hold over till dinner, most days being the last table before the chairs are put up and floors swept. Dealt with the distance from home by becoming slave to the device.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-5

I think San Diego livin has rubbed off on Nathan. It’s been awesome seeing the recent fastplant progression, and Nate couldn’t pass up this angled rail setup. For the record, it’s a tall rail. And even more stressful when two bicycle cops are watching the entire thing from across the street. I was holding my breath, knowing they’d pull the plug right at the last moment.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW ChaseDehart-2

This setup begs a wallride, though it’s a bit more awkward then it looks due to a limb that blocks getting on the ledge straight. It was a mission getting ten minutes at this spot since it’s a busy clinic in a bustling part of town. All worked in the end and Chase got the clip but not before Aaron Ross was able to finish an ice cream cone from across the street.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW AaronRoss-5

Aaron got beat up in Atlanta, but that never stopped him smiling. Check back soon for a feature Aaron interview, and in the meantime follow him on social media.

What completely slices the buzz of these BMX footage missions though, is the camaraderie and nonstop interaction between the crew. Through the background noise is a constant bullshitting between everyone. It’s incredible. Really no different from anything you’re used to with your crew. Discussing the latest video, talking shit about what that guy’s doing wrong, obsessing over how this guy’s untouchable, girls, home life, observations, aspirations, etc. It’s the intangible that makes these excursions so great. And having Chase in a van will ensure constant entertainment.

To sum up, Nathan destroyed Atlanta, Aaron broke his foot early on (though still filmed and shot more photos afterward), and Chase rode well, though not up to his standards as the winter lag hadn’t fully thawed. On to the next one! - AW

We instinctually calmed our movement when we saw this cop park and get out of his squad car, but he was getting a sandwich across the street.

Chase hit persistent bumps in this trip. Hard to be discrete starting a clip in front of a security guard's station. Don't worry Chase, Atlanta ain't going anywhere.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW ChaseDehart-1

Chase always finds the east coast setups even in the heart of Dixie. A casual manual into a bank when done with signature style looks clean.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW ChaseDehart-3

Another example of making the simple look really good, Chase wanted to do this wallride as a warmup for a bigger move at the next spot. Added bonus, this loading dock is to a crossfit gym; Chase got the ultimate pop-rap/EDM mix to get pumped! What if BMX operated similarly? “C’mon! You can go a couple bricks higher! Push it!” Maybe this is how a Fat Tony photo shoot goes?

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-8

Soaking in the long Southern golden hours.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-2

Nate had to bang out this sequence over and over while trying to get the whole line to work. That’s a lot of muscle strain in one sitting but nothing a gallon of coffee and protein shakes can’t help with. I think we could have spent days at this spot, though security disagreed.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-3

Another banger line from the drummer’s boy. It’s crazy to me how often all four pegs and a freecoaster have been assimilated to today’s riding. Though in nearly all other cases the rail would be about ten inches off the ground, not well over inseam like this setup.

To sum up, Nathan destroyed Atlanta...

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-10
EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-4

Goddamn! Nathan was worked from a full day while we pulled up to this spot. Though he said he wanted to ‘check it out’ as we made a specific stop here per his request, as soon as I saw Nathan’s gears turning I instinctively started setting up. The window of motivation is only so wide and you gotta be ready to go at the right moment. I don’t know if the ice was what he had in mind from the get-go, but after he laced some perfect nollie gap to pegs there was no holding back the banger.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-1

The famous Georgia Brown Rail got murdered by Nate and the crew. It’s too perfect. Who else in the game is doing nollie crook 1’s?

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW NathanWilliams-17

...ate enough breakfast to hold over till dinner, most days being the last table before the chairs are put up and floors swept.

EtniesATL DIG BMX AW ChaseDehart-4

An iconic Atlantan spot, and an equally iconic bust, we were fortunate to get enough time here for Chase to do this wallride twice. The first go was a little dark, and he also thought he could do it better. This is maybe the best all around spot in town, though brunch at Highland Bakery is a close second.

Previous

Re Print: Legends - Brian Foster

“I’M OUT OF THE COMPETITION ERA AND INTO THE BARBECUE ERA.”

Next

Minimal Mischief

The Pool's Gold Photo Journal

Related Content

Etnies-Chapters-Another-Perspective
Play Button

Etnies 'Chapters' - Another Perspective

The Etnies crew in Austin...

2 Mar 2015
benny l bmx philly etnies grab
Play Button

Benny L - Philly Insta Raw

Quick clippin' in progress for etnies Chapters

23 Jan 2015
Dont-Ask-Questions-Mixtape-2
Play Button

Don't Ask Questions - Mixtape 2

You've got questions? Don't Ask.

24 Mar 2015
tony hamlin bmx philly etnies grab
Play Button

Tony Hamlin - Philly Insta Raw

etnies Chapters trippin' in Philadelphia

23 Jan 2015
etnies-flow-screen
Play Button

etnies - Jack Nieraeth and Joeri Veul

Double dutch

17 Apr 2015
ChaseHawk BMX etnies AW pools-1
Play Button

Chase Hawk - etnies Jameson Bloodline Video

Pool Missions in the Valley

23 Feb 2015
Malick Cahm-fit uk welcome
Play Button

Malick Cham - Welcome to FIT UK

FIT UK's latest recruit...

26 Feb 2015
chase dehart bmx philly etnies grab
Play Button

Chase Dehart - Philly Insta Raw

Is it possible that those hops whips just got even smoother?

23 Jan 2015
Clement-Baes-Soul-Etnies
Play Button

Clement Baes - Soul X Etnies

Returns from knee surgey on fire

11 May 2015
Nathan Williams hop over switch ice
Play Button

Above Below - Nathan Williams Full Section

Switch on another level

2 Jul 2015
Etnies-Park-Sessions
Play Button

Etnies Park Sessions

From Philly to Texas to Vegas with the Etnies crew...

30 Jan 2015
http://www.divisionbrand.com/news/

Latest Content

JY Ly E Qej 9ghqdefault
Play Button

GUEST LIST - Linda Grabner & Ethan Corriere - Odyssey BMX

Linda and Ethan at Full Factory

13 Jun 2025
5 AX7l1c Nn L Ehqdefault
Play Button
Pa2 Vz6n C Oc Mhqdefault
Play Button

Gaspar Guendulain - 'FOCUS' BSD

"an approach to the streets that's uniquely his own"

12 Jun 2025
4 yd C Qmup5ghqdefault
Play Button

STREET KNOWLEDGE - THE DIG BMX TRIVIA QUIZ

12 riders - 10 questions - 1 winner

12 Jun 2025
R2 Bi E4u K0kshqdefault
Play Button

ROSS DUNBAR - 'ONE STEP SHORT'

Mind The Step

11 Jun 2025
Big boyd black

Product Drop - ODYSSEY BIG BOYD RIMS

Boyd Hilder signature BIG BOYD rims in Black and Coffee.

11 Jun 2025
Ls F Rs Kyu V Uohqdefault
Play Button

THE WHISTLING IN THE DARK

Sam Waller's new analog film

11 Jun 2025
HIGHER
Play Button

Higher

The new BMX footwear brand kicks off with a trip to Colombia

10 Jun 2025
5 D Zl RJ8 Mf B8hqdefault
Play Button

BMX STREET STATION 2025 | 'CASH UP'

Lyon, France

10 Jun 2025
D13 ESEG Wqk4hqdefault
Play Button

LOW FREQUENCY – TRAILER

Preview of Addy Snowdon's Latest Video

10 Jun 2025
T V Ut Ald Vh Mhqdefault
Play Button

Introducing: BIG BOYD Rims - Odyssey BMX

Boyd Hilder Signature

10 Jun 2025
PSC5 i Ji N Eghqdefault
Play Button

DIG Partner stores

More Features

Swampfest 2025 mcgrath 9

Photo Journal: Swampfest 2025

Mud, sweat and beers.

26 Mar 2025
Manny Kilpack Elf Handoff Ektar100 35

SHAWN 'ELF' WALTERS & THE MAKING OF 'DOUBLE OR NOTHING'

"As long as I’m healthy and into it, I see no reason to slow down."

17 Mar 2025
SS 2025 digbmx mcgrath 37

Simple Session 2025 – In Photos

Celebrating 25 years strong!

14 Mar 2025
Francina 03 RGB Raisa Abal

HIGH FLYERS - AN INTERVIEW WITH FRANCINA FERNANDEZ

"Little Francina would not believe everything that is happening now in my life."

13 Mar 2025
Jack Miller vans intrv leader

HIGH FLYERS - AN INTERVIEW WITH JACK MILLER

"One time I took the day off school and went to the skatepark and snapped my knee..."

24 Feb 2025
Yanosharches 1 sur 1

HIGH FLYERS - AN INTERVIEW WITH JANOSCH KLAUS

"My close friends inspired me the most."

21 Jan 2025
Will and NJ

BMX AFTER 30 - The Hard Dad Jam

"Watching old friends step into the unknown..."

8 Jan 2025
Mankind Catalog Cover jpg
2024 E FISE WOLVERHAMPTON 0009

E-FISE Wolverhampton - In Photos

6 teams and one untapped UK city

3 Oct 2024
KG drone shot

KEEPING IT LOCAL - 20 YEARS OF KELVINGROVE SKATEPARK

Happy Birthday to our local Glasgow park.

18 Sep 2024
Jamie Pipe Tribe

A Brave New World - The history of KHE Bikes, Part 2

Taiwan, a pornstar, and innovation in a can

18 Apr 2024
Dragon Higa gap to manual copy

PROJECT X

This is Project X - This is BMX

9 Apr 2024