BMX News Editorial: The Fight For BMX Racing's Identity Options

[MikeCarruth]

(IMG:http://www.bmxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/identity_crisis.jpg)

With the Olympic Test Event coming up this weekend--and with it network TV coverage on NBC, I thought this would be a good time to continue the discussion on BMX Racing's on-going identity crisis, and what we, as participants, can do to fix it (or, at least stop it from getting worse).

Read the story on BMXNEWS.COM


Then, come back over here and discuss.

Looking forward to hearing all points of view.


Best,

M

[Bill Hayden]

Nice piece Mike

[lumpy]

Ok.. So we are getting some potentially good exposure, now what? Did USABMX buy some commerical time during this event? Remember those commericals we would see at least 4 times in 30 minutes while watching the races on Versus? It's great that we are getting the air time, but what is happening to drive people towards the local tracks? Or at least getting them to a computer to start searching?

Also, let's look at what the term BMX has evolved into.. To me, BMX now describes a 20in bike and is followed by the use of said bike.. IE racing, freestyle, ect.... Much like mountain bikes have bikes for different intended uses, they are all still considered mountain bikes..

I have the DVR set to record it.. Won't be able to watch until sometime Sunday night most likely...

Brian

[sxebmx]

Well done.

Ps. I brought my BMX bike to London with me. It has pegs.

[MikeCarruth]

Traitor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

(in my best "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" voice) "Put him in the iron maiden"

I get that it's all BMX, and lots of guys ride street on their way to the trails, which is right next door to the track. What I am talking about here is not the core-to-the-marrow types. I'm talking about the guy I met at the elementary school ice cream social yesterday who said, almost as if on cue, "wow, he does all those flips and tricks?"

[BS]

I agree with most of what you wrote except for the "Freestyle co-opted the term" thing. Mat Hoffman fought it being called "BMX". It was pretty much the media that defined it that way and despite the best efforts of the freestyle community, it persisted.

BMX "Racing"

BMX "Freestyle"

BMX "Supercross"???

I dunno. Just call it what it is. I don't think many people like the word "freestyle" anymore though. It reminds everyone of break dancing or something.

To me, and I know I'm in the minority, BMX is a bike. I do all kinds of different stuff on it but I'm old and nobody cares what I think.

[MikeCarruth]

I know, I think lots of guys don't like the word "Freestyle," which makes our problem even worse, since they have all taken to calling it "BMX." But when they do that, they always, always, ALWAYS leave racing off the list of disciplines.

[BS]

I know, I think lots of guys don't like the word "Freestyle," which makes our problem even worse, since they have all taken to calling it "BMX." But when they do that, they always, always, ALWAYS leave racing off the list of disciplines.

Mike, you do a great job and I appreciate what you do immensely.

I've already typed this a couple years ago and I'm pretty sure you already read it but I'll put it out there again anyway. I think what you're looking for is (and correct me if I'm wrong) education, on national television, about what BMX racing actually is. Right? BMX racing is going to be on national television so lets get some education to go along with it, right?

OK, they already did that years ago on the X-Games telecasts. Mat Hoffman started highlighting the fact that what his crew were doing wasn't really "BMX" it was Bicycle Stunts (the reason he called his comps "BS" comps). They were actually calling the stuff "Bicycle Stunt-vert, street, etc" that year. Suzy Kolber stood there and did a feature between the events on what real BMX racing was and why this stuff isn't "BMX". I know that maybe not many of the current audience saw it but it really did happen. I don't know at what point everybody just gave up to the rising tide. I guess if you feel like we need another session of BMX 101: What the heck is it? then I guess more power to you. I just feel like at what point do we stop fighting a losing battle and just ride our bikes?

I really do think you have a point, I just suspect that this generation really doesn't give a you-know-what.

[Rodogg]

Great article. I'm excited for the London event being on NBC but I don't think/feel that the Olympics is something that will really help the sport out. Its the Olympics, every four years and many people don't pay attention to it. Can anyone name half the medalists in the summer Olympics that weren't a main attraction like swimming. No one follows shot put and hurdles anymore and I fear BMX racing would be one of those lesser known/watched events. That coupled with only happening every four years, leads me to believe that its just a "false hope" in thinking that being in the Olympics will have any real affect on growth of the sport. I think our sites need to be on the X games far more than the Olympics. Its more widely televised here and its an every year event with much more big name "BMX" companies already involved. Frankly, I was really disappointed to see some events at the X games and not BMX. The street skateboarding didn't even have the skaters wearing helmets. IMO its not an "extreme" sport if you don't need a helmet. Another bonus or reason to focus on the X games more than the Olympics is that the X games can have a SX and a normal track so people can see the normal stuff that they can do at their local track. Another plus to the x games is that it would bring both sides of the sport together in one place. There would be pro racers along side pro street riders. I really don't think the Olympics will grow the sport when there are better venues for it out there not being utilized. We need to get racing in the X games. They had flatland for a couple years for pete's sake. Thats so not anything to do with extreme.

[BS]

One more thing: modern "freestyle" bikes have more in common with racing bikes of yesteryear than freestyle bikes of yesteryear. No standing platforms, long front triangles, pegs only on one side, not for standing on. Many of the best "freestylers" were racers: Brian Foster, Mike Aitken, Chase Hawk, Aaron Ross, Scotty Cranmer etc. The lines got blurred years ago. I just don't see it coming back.

Sorry for pooping in your punch bowl. I really do have a ton of respect for what you're doing.

[BS]

We need to get racing in the X games.

Already been there.

[Elvis]

All due respect, but this is being over thought.

The stuff builds brand awareness in a general sense, and "all" (*cough*) that needs to happen after that is to get 'em out to the local track. One glance of Father Time (heart powered by batteries) getting in the gate and they'll know it ain't no Supercross taking place in the back of the city park.

The flip side of this being, the "BMX?! It's just so dangerous" are the same people who would find so many other things dangerous.

I don't think it needs any curve or inserted message to the marketing, no more than X Games needs to explain that most half-pipes aren't that big, or the users that skilled (and most motocross bike owners don't use the machines for backflips).

All, all which needs to happen is "BMX" become a term of familiarity, one which resonates. After that it's up to the usual promotion efforts.

[MikeCarruth]

I appreciate the props...and the opportunity to back & forth on this, as I think it is important.

I didn't know about the Mat Hoffman story you laid down, but knowing how he feels about racing, I can totally see that (full disclosure: I like Mat, and don't hold his BMX politics against him, not that he'd give a rip, but still...). He would have done us a huge favor if he would have stayed that course.

Are you saying that because it was done on the X-Games 15 years ago, it has already been said? I sure hope not.

Strictly speaking, we need these vignettes done by OUR people--people who know and care about racing. If I am not mistaken, not even the commentators for NBC this weekend will be BMX racers...it's not Craig Reynolds, or Dale Holmes or someone that knows what we're all about. Whatever. We're on NBC, and that's awesome! But is there anyone we can call up from a bullpen somewhere to be a candidate for the Olympic coverage? Or the hundreds of local TV stations who should/will do BMX Olympic stories?

I'm not sure who "this generation" would be, but really, I am trying to impress upon dads of young kids (6-10yrs) that this is a great sport for your boys & girls alike. And I would also hope to excite the kids, themselves, by the speed and high-flying, adrenaline-charged competition...then show them "here's how Sam Willoughby got started at his local track in Happy Valley (Australia)...you could get started this way too."

Edit: But, E, let me say that you are looking at this as a BMXer (bless your battery-operated heart). Dude sitting on the couch in Hinsdale, IL doesn't know there IS such a thing as a local track. BMX Racing, to him, is Mike Day on the 30-Foot hill and some Norway dude tossing his bike over the box jump, and jumping up after it. "Lost In Translation." It ain't just a movie.



Best,

M

[BS]

Good words, both E and Mike.

It was a little less than 15 years ago but I do understand your point. I'm glad you have the energy and some time and resources. I look forward to what might be accomplished.

"This generation": To me is today's teenager. All those rats I see running around my town on Fit Bikes (and thank God for that!).

We need to get racing in the Dew Tour.

Already been there.

We need to get racing on national television.

Already been there.

We need to get "BMX!" in BS' back yard.

Why yes, yes we do! I just need to get a back yard!

We need to get racing in Ride BMX magazine.

Already been there.

We need to get racing in Props Video Magazine (based in Chicago, IL btw!)

Already been there.

We need to get racing...

Let's race!

[Rodogg]

Strictly speaking, we need these vignettes done by OUR people--people who know and care about racing. If I am not mistaken, not even the commentators for NBC this weekend will be BMX racers...it's not Craig Reynolds, or Dale Holmes or someone that knows what we're all about. Whatever. We're on NBC, and that's awesome! But is there anyone we can call up from a bullpen somewhere to be a candidate for the Olympic coverage? Or the hundreds of local TV stations who should/will do BMX Olympic stories?

This makes me wonder who is doing the BMX thing on NBC. We need to be able to give them feedback like with the commentator thing. We need to get contact information for whoever is putting BMX on NBC. I also want to know if any racing companies like redline are going to advertise during the broadcast. There needs to be a commercial with a local track and a family with mom and dad and the kids all out there racing a normal track.