Legends Of Gathering - Sushi Danny

Every Gathering has its legends. 

For years, one of the most beloved has been ‘Sushi Danny’ – a Yeti Freak who makes the pilgrimage from LA County to the mountains of Colorado with something you wouldn’t expect at a quasi-dirtbag mountain bike event: a full sushi bar. 

Coolers packed with fresh fish. Knives. Mini stove. A custom-built traveling kitchen. All set up in whichever remote campsite that year’s Yeti Freaks descend upon. 

And then he gives it all away. 

What started as a simple idea – bring something to share – has grown into one of the most iconic traditions at Gathering. When the rides end and the sun drops behind the peaks, Danny’s tent becomes the epicenter of the night. Sushi, camaraderie, and a wild time. 

We caught up with Sushi Danny to talk about how it all started, what goes into hauling a sushi operation halfway across the country, and what Gatherings mean to a legendary Freak like himself.

Danny! Great to see you again. For the unfortunate few who don’t know you yet – who is Sushi Danny, and how did you become part of the Yeti Gathering story? 

I became part of the Yeti Gathering story when I first met Steve Hoogendoorn. Since then, I’ve been coming back every year. I’m also a very proud dad and husband with three kids and a loving wife. 

You make the pilgrimage to Gathering every year. Where are you coming from, and what keeps you making the trip back to the mountains? 

I’m coming from LA County. 
What keeps me coming back? It’s all about the riding. Riding epic Colorado trails and partying with the Yeti Freaks. 

Sushi Danny is only part of the story – who’s the crew you roll into Gatherings with? They’re always a good time. 

My crew includes my buddy Casey Marshall, the Wolverines, Rod Nero, Marvin and his crew, Mario, Kiki, Pete, Lloyd, and of course my sushi bar helpers. 

What was the first Gathering you attended? What hooked you?

My first Gathering was the 16th Yeti Gathering in Crested Butte, Colorado. 
What hooked me was the feeling when I first arrived and saw all the riders and all the different crews together. The excitement is unreal. 

Why sushi? What’s your origin story of how it became a Gathering staple? 

When I was growing up, my mom always told me:  
“If you go to a Gathering, make sure you bring something to share.” 
I love sushi, and it’s perfect for sharing because it’s finger food. 
The first year, I set up my tent and table, and some of the Yeti crew walked by. I saw who I thought was Hoog, one of the owners of Yeti, and I asked him if that’s who he was. He said yeah. He asked what I was making, and I told him yellowtail ceviche. 
He said, “Brother, I’ve got the perfect bottle for that.” 
He brought out a bottle of Casamigos Reposado. 
That was the start of it. 
After that I started making sushi… and the party just blew up. 

You’re basically shipping an entire kitchen with you… What actually goes into pulling this off? Walk us through the logistics. 

I run a sushi catering side business called Sushi on the Spot. 
I built my own custom sushi bar that fits in my small van. 
I pack everything I need: 

• coolers 
• mini stove 
• pots and pans 
• knives 
• all the little tools you need to run a sushi bar 

It’s a full traveling operation. 

How many pounds of fish are we talking in a typical year?  What else are you packing with you to make it all happen? 

Honestly, I don’t know exactly. 
But I make sure we have: 

• Tuna 
• Salmon 
• Yellowtail 
• Albacore 
• Kampachi 
• Unagi 
• Japanese scallops 

And about 200 egg rolls. 

What’s the most popular item you serve up at Gathering? 

Salmon, for sure. 

What does it feel like when the tent turns into the epicenter of the night? 

Organized chaos. 

How would you describe the Yeti Freak community to someone who’s never been? 

Two days of an epic party. 

Favorite trail or ride moment from a Gathering? 

Teocalli Ridge Trail... and the bacon station on the ride. 

What bike(s) are you riding right now? 

SB150 and 160e. Hopefully an LTe soon. 

Sick rides! Now, if you had to pair sushi with you or your buddies’ bikes, what would be their match ups? 

LTe – Yeti Freak-n Roll
SB160 – spicy tuna 
SB165 – yellowtail sushi
SB140 – albacore sushi 
SB130 – salmon sushi 

What advice would you give to someone coming to their first Gathering? Any pro tips? 

Enjoy the ride. 
And be ready for a post-ride party. 

You’re a legendary Freak – both self-proclaimed and Gathering-validated. What does being a ‘Freak’ mean to you? 

Stay cool and in control. 

Bonus round! Finish these sentences: 

Gatherings are... “a party that never ends.”  

The best part about Yeti Freaks is... “having a kickass bike.” 

“The Muffler”... if you know, you know.