Trail Bike Adventure Magazine

Welcome To Oz Jerry B

Wednesday, 31 March 2010 08:19

Lookout crew Jerry B is back in town and this time for good! Pic: Peto

Boston born Jerry Bernardo is known Down Under for announcing with the Crusty’s and the Mulisha. He is also a mad helmet painter and designer. He moved from Boston to So Cal and now to Australia. Is he fidgety or does he have ADD? You be the judge. If you were around him for a day you would probably think “Caution: Contents slightly damaged.” He's only been in Oz for a few weeks so we decided to throw a few questions at the madman to see what's the deal with him leaving the good old USA for good.

So you're one of us now Jerry, welcome to the convict colony: The process of obtaining a visa seemed easy being married to an Aussie. I had two problems with the government, I have no record and I don’t drink…they almost didn’t let me in!

Why did they deport you, you must have done something bad arse!: I stole from a factory I worked at making feet for children’s shoes.

No serious, why did you decide to make the move Down Under: I was burned out on So Cal. The riding was close and epic but the other stuff started to wear on me…traffic, deros, the same old everything. My wife was a big part of the move also. I have been here at least 12 times and love the Aussie spirit…people are more or less happy. Some So Cal people are self centered and never return phone calls and shit. F that, I am all about communication.

Where have you settled and why there: I live near Mudgeerebar outside the Goldie. The green is an overdose compared to 17 years in the Upper Mojave Desert (JB lived a half hour above Glen Helen raceway) No more brown for me! We used to live in a gated community with hella neighbors. Now I am surrounded by trees and Kookaburras.

What's the plan now mate: Yeah, I would love to do the stuff I did…announcing, moto TV, designing and shit. It better happen quickly or I am going to be hopping on the fryolater at Red Rooster. I heard they got an old folks home in Ipswich; I could do some table dancing.

What type of work are you looking for out here: A gig within the motorbike industry would be sweet. I am a story teller, be it announcing or magazine work…all good. I learned how to do Photoshop and can design killer stuff like logos and posters and t shirts. I was a helmet painter for 20 plus years…I got one lung left. Plus I gave up my shop to move so I have nowhere to spew fumes.

JB is hungry to explore Aussie trails and he needs riding mates, get the hint. Pic: John Gasso

Most people know you as the killer MC, what else are you good at besides talking: See answer 6. I have a creative side of me that loves to produce. If I can work and see it in my hands at day’s end I am happy. I can paint, design, pinstripe, and do almost anything art related. Check out a site I am involved with: www.blakkempire.com

How you coping with the Aussie lingo so far: “Oy c@#t, I’m farrkin not to keen on coming off a croppa!” Is that right? I like shit like “spit the dummy” but am not too interested in “punch up”.

What's so good about Oz compared to the States: Girl watching is up 80%, a good pub steak and a salad is sweet. The roundabouts got me spinning first time I drove…LOL. I just really appreciate the fact that people talk to one another, no guarded “I don’t know you” looks when you chat up a stranger. Plus I am all Aussie…we have 2 Staffies!

Welcome aboard the big island JB, good to have you here mate, enjoy the ride: Thanks Goba, I met a guy named Brook who delivered a slab of Red Bull to my house. We got talking and he saw my 450X and also rides. He is going to come and pick me up and take me out to Toowoomba for a ride. That’s the Aussie spirit in effect right there. In So Cal the guy would be pissed he is at work and only cares when 5 pm is. “Born, rode, died” That’s my gravestone!

JB as you'll know by now is keen as to get out on his Honda CRF450X so if you live in the SE QLD region and have room any weekend soon for a laugh-a-minute riding buddy let us know and we'll hook you up with the legend. Likewise anyone in the moto industry wanting to flow JB some work let us know. Photo: Jerry out riding in his old stomping ground the Upper Mojave Desert. Pic by Joe Bonello.