Trip of a Lifetime: Performing and Exploring Bermuda with Andrei Burton
By Jason “Schwinny” Schwinabart
Planning the Adventure
The journey began a few months prior when Mary Gaglio reached out, inviting us to perform at the 84 th Annual Agricultural Exhibition at The Bermuda Botanical Gardens. Coordinating the logistics, including shipping our mountain bike trials trailer, was a challenge—especially after an initial postponement. About a month before the event, Mary informed us that the Bermuda government had decided to fund the trip. I immediately contacted Andrei Burton, and we swiftly resumed our planning.
Arrival in Bermuda
On April 21, I arrived in Bermuda and was warmly welcomed by Mary, who escorted me to our accommodation at the Brightside Resort and Guest Apartments. A central location perfect for getting around the island. Andrei joined later that evening. That night, we met up with Chris Roque from Fat Tire Massive—a key player in our trip—along with his wife Shiloh, for dinner near the hotel at The Village Pantry.
The next day, we picked up scooters from our transportation sponsors for the week, Elbow Beach Cycles and Scooter Mart, which became our primary mode of transportation. We were immediately blown away by the beauty of the island—but even more by the people. Everywhere we went, we made new friends, with some even offering to host us on future visits. The genuine hospitality and kindness of Bermudians were unforgettable.
Exploring the Island
Mary introduced us to Ian “Cheese” Bridges, a local surf coach who gave us an extensive tour—cliff jumps, Admirals Cave, Clarence Cove, Harrington Sound and up and down the North and South shores of Bermuda.
We later traveled to St. George’s Island, where Andrei turned the coastal forts and limestone terrain into his personal playground. Andrei and I explored further, capturing photos and videos of his stunts against breathtaking backdrops like Fort St. Catherine, Gates Fort, and Devonshire Dock. He pulled off massive gaps and drops with turquoise waters behind him. After filming for hours, we relaxed at the Swizzle Inn in St. George’s with Chris Roque. What a day!
One of our nights out we explored Hamilton—the island’s modern business district. No fast- food chains allowed, except a grandfathered KFC!
We stumbled into Bermuda Bistro at the Beach, were we met bartenders Charlie and Mike — who happened to know Cheese and Chris. The last dive bar in Hamilton quickly felt like home. We had stumbled into the right place and the burgers were fantastic!
Setting Up for the Exhibition
Wednesday morning, we headed to the Botanical Gardens to finalize plans for three days’ worth of shows. Our trailer was released from customs right on schedule, and we coordinated how to move our gear in and out of the horse ring for each show—a logistical twist we don’t always deal with.
Chris Roque and the Parks Department were vital here. Using a Parks Department flatbed truck, we added an extra layer of excitement by strapping a 6-foot box to the top—making it 10 feet high for Andrei to ride. He thrives on height; I don’t. Following him around the island was dangerous at times!
Performances and Community Engagement
Thursday through Saturday, we performed two shows daily. Andrei and I worked seamlessly together—he wore a wireless headset while I emceed with a handheld mic, and our banter kept crowds laughing and energized. We invited kids into the ring—an Exhibition first—and Andrei potentially broke several world records, ending our final show with a jaw-dropping 12.5-foot gap jump from our trailer to the flatbed.
Despite headset hiccups early on, Saturday’s 1:45 PM show was the pinnacle. With the sun shining and the crowd chanting “Bigger! Bigger!” the energy was electric. Afterward, we signed autographs, took photos, and shared moments with attendees.
Island Adventures
Outside of the shows, the adventure continued. We explored Horseshoe Beach, Tobacco Bay, Shelley Beach, Harrington Sound, and Devonshire Dock (shoutout to Troy and the boys there!). On Monday before my flight, we scaled cliffs, and of course, Andrei did handstands next to 60- foot drops like it was nothing. That’s Andrei for you.
Sunday was an unforgettable boat ride with Chris Roque, Captain Denis Fagundo, and Ray. We snorkeled shipwrecks, spearfished lionfish, explored coral reefs, and docked at Paradise Cove alongside some of their other boating friends who quickly became ours. It was a picture-perfect day with friends and natural beauty.
We also hosted a skills clinic for Fat Tire Massive and joined them for a group ride to Bright Moon Brewery. The coastal trails were beautiful and technical. Andrei set the pace fast—I tried to keep up. Sorry for blowing up the ride, guys! We had a blast!!
Reflections
This trip was more than a professional milestone; it was a personal journey filled with adventure, laughter, and meaningful connections. I’ve been in this industry since I was 17, and this trip brought everything full circle. Performing internationally, with such an incredible partner and human being like Andrei, was humbling and inspiring.
Andrei stayed on longer, continuing the adventure with Chris Roque and family. Leaving Bermuda was emotional, but I left with gratitude and a burning desire to return.
Acknowledgments
Heartfelt thanks to Mary Gaglio, the Bermuda Parks Department, Minister Adams, Chris Roque, Fat Tire Massive, Scooter Mart, Elbow Beach Cycles, our guys at Dialed Action Sports, and everyone who made this trip special. Special shoutouts to Reggie, Manning Smith, Gordon Smith, Shiloh Roque, Roger Paris, Remi Subair, Enrico from Scooter Mart, Ian “Cheese” Bridges, Charlie, Mike, Denis, and Ray and Billy Pitcher. If I didn’t mention your name, you are not forgotten! You all left a lasting impact.
Truly the trip of a lifetime
-Jason Schwinabart
Dialed Action Sports
