Full Version: Highlight of your BMXing ???
camel, Bruno and Johnson work for the same company I do. Broward County Schools. I'm a maintenance supervisor, Adam is a carpenter, and Jason is the ground supervisor at Atlantic Tech. I see Adam almost everyday.....small world
El-Bump-A-Roonie
as a parent -
after a tough battle for scr finishes and some bad luck, it came down to the last qualifier and my son knew he had to get a win to be able to drop a bad finish and have it basically come down to the final between him and another kid. he did exactly what he needed to do and got a first. i was spotting for the announcer in the tower one of the corner officials is saying over the radio that my son is dq'ed. i keep asking for the reason because i can't go talk to my son and he won't say. but then he walks over the the finish line (where his team owner is scoring and not in view of the site of the alleged foul) and talks to her and then he announces the reason. says my son ran the other boy off the track. didn't happen. my son was in the lead and this kid tried to squeeze in on the inside where there wasn't room and went off the track. no one who saw it agreed with the dq. of course the protesting rider was on that same team. the only dq and/or protest my son has ever received against him.
fast forward to the finals. we weren't going to go because i knew it would be hard for my son but he wanted to race anyway. he wanted to know if he could have done it. had he gotten the first he was denied, he still would have needed to place two places in front of that rider in the final. he raced that race like he still had a chance to win the championship. one of his best races ever.
coming out of the last turn in the main just behind that kid, he gets a blast of energy from somewhere and pulls ahead of the jerk and then manages to pull ahead of the kid in front of him. he crossed the line with a huge smile on his face but as he rode past i saw he was crying. silent tears of frustration. it would have been his first and only state championship. he rode and behaved like a champion. i was very proud of him.
as a rider -
taking the gate friday night at rockford 05. first race ever. i was so nervous i thought i was going to puke walking up that hill. i wish my son could have seen me. well not if i had puked because then he probably would have just pretended he didn't know me but sans puke, i think he would have been proud. and maybe a little amazed. it still makes me giggle when i think of myself as a racer. what's gotten into me? no clue but i hope it stays there because i am having a blast
after a tough battle for scr finishes and some bad luck, it came down to the last qualifier and my son knew he had to get a win to be able to drop a bad finish and have it basically come down to the final between him and another kid. he did exactly what he needed to do and got a first. i was spotting for the announcer in the tower one of the corner officials is saying over the radio that my son is dq'ed. i keep asking for the reason because i can't go talk to my son and he won't say. but then he walks over the the finish line (where his team owner is scoring and not in view of the site of the alleged foul) and talks to her and then he announces the reason. says my son ran the other boy off the track. didn't happen. my son was in the lead and this kid tried to squeeze in on the inside where there wasn't room and went off the track. no one who saw it agreed with the dq. of course the protesting rider was on that same team. the only dq and/or protest my son has ever received against him.
fast forward to the finals. we weren't going to go because i knew it would be hard for my son but he wanted to race anyway. he wanted to know if he could have done it. had he gotten the first he was denied, he still would have needed to place two places in front of that rider in the final. he raced that race like he still had a chance to win the championship. one of his best races ever.
coming out of the last turn in the main just behind that kid, he gets a blast of energy from somewhere and pulls ahead of the jerk and then manages to pull ahead of the kid in front of him. he crossed the line with a huge smile on his face but as he rode past i saw he was crying. silent tears of frustration. it would have been his first and only state championship. he rode and behaved like a champion. i was very proud of him.
as a rider -
taking the gate friday night at rockford 05. first race ever. i was so nervous i thought i was going to puke walking up that hill. i wish my son could have seen me. well not if i had puked because then he probably would have just pretended he didn't know me but sans puke, i think he would have been proud. and maybe a little amazed. it still makes me giggle when i think of myself as a racer. what's gotten into me? no clue but i hope it stays there because i am having a blast
My best and worst in the same weekend. 1997 Lonestar Nats in Desoto. Got 1st on Saturday in 28 & over I, turning X making semis on Sunday and being takin out on the starting hill. Six riders taking four to the main. Two crash in the first turn and both break there bikes, all I had to do was get on my bike and ride the track. Go to get on my bike and a friend of mine is standing there holding it. DQed. Really sucked but atleast i knew where I stood. On the side lines in the main. hahahaha
This summer at a Michigan State qualifier having both my 5 year old and my (just turned) 3 year old son make the 5 & under rookie main. They drew lanes 1 & 2 so I was able to stand between and balance them both on the gate. My wife took a pic! That has to be the coolest moment of all to date. I love being a BMX dad!
1981 after breaking my leg (bad) jumping and feeling like my life was at an all time low because BMX was everything and I was done. My friend comes over and hands me a copy of the new BMXA its got a full page picture of me with my "NOBODY" pants on from the Indy Jag race. Big smiles:)
Heres one for Roy R.
Passing Roy and Jeff Gaswint on the last straight and getting 3rd in the main at the NBL Grands in I think 1992? the year your frame said "Andrew Proof" More smiles:)
Life is good
1981 after breaking my leg (bad) jumping and feeling like my life was at an all time low because BMX was everything and I was done. My friend comes over and hands me a copy of the new BMXA its got a full page picture of me with my "NOBODY" pants on from the Indy Jag race. Big smiles:)
Heres one for Roy R.
Passing Roy and Jeff Gaswint on the last straight and getting 3rd in the main at the NBL Grands in I think 1992? the year your frame said "Andrew Proof" More smiles:)
Life is good
The highlight of my bmxing was being a part of it
in 81/82. I was twelve yrs old when Voris Dixon
came over to my house and asked my mom if i
would be interested in racing his new bike (Changa)
for him on his team. Ofcourse i said yes, and so my short unforgetable BMX career began. It just so
happens that my mom went to high school with
voris and bought my first bike from him at bikeland
in anaheim. I think i was the only factory sponsored
"Beginer" out there. Ill never forget the look on the
other riders faces while waiting in line for our moto.
They were intimidated by my leathers and factory
jersey. (priceless) I did make novice and got to race
in a couple of nationals. Lubuc Texas, took 4th and Vegas.took 3rd. The first time i had ever been on an
airplane was to lubuc for the nationals and being twelve yrs old, that was to cool for words. My home track was orange ymca. Its still going strong
but i think its called somthing else now. My career
ended at orange when i broke my arm crashing in the first turn. Unfortunatly, i dont have either of
my changas anymore. I started looking for a changa so that i could not only have one, but pass
it on to my 9 yr old son. I havnt had much luck. The ones that i have found were a bit pricey. On the other hand, i did find vintage.com and this site is great.I am a BMX not a mountain bike dad though. I have a GT MACH 1,GT pro,SE PK RIPPER,
SE BRONCO, DYNO VFR, DIAMOND BACK SS II and a REDLINE im trying to i d. My son rides a MOSH.But my heart is in in finding a VDC CHANGA. If anyone can help me in finding one, please give me an e-mail at flysr@sbcglobal.net. Glad to be a part of vintage.com
in 81/82. I was twelve yrs old when Voris Dixon
came over to my house and asked my mom if i
would be interested in racing his new bike (Changa)
for him on his team. Ofcourse i said yes, and so my short unforgetable BMX career began. It just so
happens that my mom went to high school with
voris and bought my first bike from him at bikeland
in anaheim. I think i was the only factory sponsored
"Beginer" out there. Ill never forget the look on the
other riders faces while waiting in line for our moto.
They were intimidated by my leathers and factory
jersey. (priceless) I did make novice and got to race
in a couple of nationals. Lubuc Texas, took 4th and Vegas.took 3rd. The first time i had ever been on an
airplane was to lubuc for the nationals and being twelve yrs old, that was to cool for words. My home track was orange ymca. Its still going strong
but i think its called somthing else now. My career
ended at orange when i broke my arm crashing in the first turn. Unfortunatly, i dont have either of
my changas anymore. I started looking for a changa so that i could not only have one, but pass
it on to my 9 yr old son. I havnt had much luck. The ones that i have found were a bit pricey. On the other hand, i did find vintage.com and this site is great.I am a BMX not a mountain bike dad though. I have a GT MACH 1,GT pro,SE PK RIPPER,
SE BRONCO, DYNO VFR, DIAMOND BACK SS II and a REDLINE im trying to i d. My son rides a MOSH.But my heart is in in finding a VDC CHANGA. If anyone can help me in finding one, please give me an e-mail at flysr@sbcglobal.net. Glad to be a part of vintage.com
Thank you OZ........
quote:
I have so many great memories from the BMX ACTION years that it's just not possible to select one as being the best (although reading and answering DEAR WIZ letters, making up stories about Capt. Cosmo, covering races, watching guys like Greg Hill and Richie Anderson and Doug Davis and Jason Jensen and Stevie Skibel and Derick Garcia race...AND being friends with them, and witnessing the unbelievable things BMXers and freestylers were doing are a few things that jump out right now).
But a fairly recent thing that ranks with the best of those great old memories is when I got on VINTAGE BMX and was told of the impact BMX ACTION magazine had on a lot of you guys when you were kids. Back then I knew I was doing my best and I believed the magazine was really good and I was really proud of it, but I just had no idea!
That was like winning an Oscar for past achievments. No, it was better than that. More real, or more human or something.
Add Rockford 2005 and you've got a couple memories that I'll be remembering until the end of my time here.
So, thanks for the memories, you guys.
[ December 05, 2005, 08:30 PM: Message edited by: Oz ]
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Posts: 1220 | From: ...somewhere in the middle of... | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |
simple this one... rockford 2003
graeme
graeme
For me it was finding out about organized BMX racing in '74. I was motoxing as a youngster and built a track behind my house hidden in the woods. I would ride my Stingray down there once and awhile to work on it. Built a double and with the motorcycle it was easy to clear but decided to try my bike. I cased due to not enough speed but eventually got it. It was a great feeling to use your horsepower vs. the motorcycle.
Saw On Any Sunday and that blew me away what the kids were doing, I was doing the same thing! My Mom couldn't afford motorcycle parts anymore so I switched to BMX.
Organized three other riders from my track and the local bike shop to drive us 170 miles to a NBA BMX race. Somewhat like a SE tour it was bare bones to say the least. There were so many good racers there and felt out of place.
To make a long story short I came out pretty bloody going for it but didn't do well in the main. With that one race I regrouped, came back, and was a different racer! Every week was a new and fun challenge! The victories were bittersweet!
That was a start of a whole new lifestyle for me! Traveling, meeting new friends and families, starting/managing a team, training others, building tracks, and eventually starting my own business.
BMX has shaped who I am and wouldn't be where I'm at today without it!
As for actual racing...
The last race of the '81 season which had a foot of water in the first corner. Racers were spinning out at the start so in the Main I decided to do a one foot start. Got the holeshot, hit the mudhole then instead of pedaling through I ran with my bike over the next double then when the track was somewhat ridable I hopped on and peddled.
Year end overall points winner and for that race...it was a highlight!
Also, 2nd place in the MN state championship series for 16x. Lost by a knobby but it was a race elbow to elbow the whole way, true full on racing!
Just had a 25 year reunion with some of the team and that was so gnarly!
J.T.
Saw On Any Sunday and that blew me away what the kids were doing, I was doing the same thing! My Mom couldn't afford motorcycle parts anymore so I switched to BMX.
Organized three other riders from my track and the local bike shop to drive us 170 miles to a NBA BMX race. Somewhat like a SE tour it was bare bones to say the least. There were so many good racers there and felt out of place.
To make a long story short I came out pretty bloody going for it but didn't do well in the main. With that one race I regrouped, came back, and was a different racer! Every week was a new and fun challenge! The victories were bittersweet!
That was a start of a whole new lifestyle for me! Traveling, meeting new friends and families, starting/managing a team, training others, building tracks, and eventually starting my own business.
BMX has shaped who I am and wouldn't be where I'm at today without it!
As for actual racing...
The last race of the '81 season which had a foot of water in the first corner. Racers were spinning out at the start so in the Main I decided to do a one foot start. Got the holeshot, hit the mudhole then instead of pedaling through I ran with my bike over the next double then when the track was somewhat ridable I hopped on and peddled.
Year end overall points winner and for that race...it was a highlight!
Also, 2nd place in the MN state championship series for 16x. Lost by a knobby but it was a race elbow to elbow the whole way, true full on racing!
Just had a 25 year reunion with some of the team and that was so gnarly!
J.T.
Best momment? Getting second place in my first race ever in Bothel, Wa. The weather was crappy, I was wearing Levis and a down vest to artfully match my Protec helmet, but I was on it. I was obliterated the next race, but hey.
Still my biggest claim to fame lol.
Beating Brent "pee wee" Lee in my first BMX race ever at north Sea-Tac (I was 28 and I think he was about 10)
I got 2nd overall behind Mark Evans and Pee wee got 3rd, I still have the trophy.
Whenever Brents name comes up I tell people "yeah I only raced him once and I beat him"
I usually leave out the part where he was only about 10 years old at the time lol.
Beating Brent "pee wee" Lee in my first BMX race ever at north Sea-Tac (I was 28 and I think he was about 10)
I got 2nd overall behind Mark Evans and Pee wee got 3rd, I still have the trophy.
Whenever Brents name comes up I tell people "yeah I only raced him once and I beat him"
I usually leave out the part where he was only about 10 years old at the time lol.
If you haven't posted, please do....
finding vintage bmx
My highlight is Tripling at the ABA SABER National as a privateer. This win resulted in getting a factory ride with CW. Still have the three trophies.
Justin
Justin
Getting the phone call from Scot in 75 to join the Dan Gurney team. (I still have the BMX Weekly with Scot's # written on the cover because my mom couldn't find anything else to write on!)
Of course the ABA hall of fame and then getting misty eyed seeing Oz on stage at Rockford and having 32 years of memories start coming back.
Of course the ABA hall of fame and then getting misty eyed seeing Oz on stage at Rockford and having 32 years of memories start coming back.
Watching Jeff Utterback and Scot at the 1976 NBA Summer Nationals in Shawnee Oklahoma and getting to meet Matt and Cash. Getting fourth place and kissing the trophy girl along with my 15 novice fourth place trophy. Scot and Jeff raced side hacks that day, and I have some old photos somewhere showing them with their FMF outfits.
What a great site. I just found it. Anyway, my best moments were beating my idol, Steve Veltman, the first time we ever competed against each other. I think it was in PA in 1985 and it was my first national win. Also, finishing National #2 in 15 Expert (1986). Biggest regret was quitting in 1987.
So many BMX memories. Some of the more memorable:
Probably have to go with the first NBL #1 plate in 1984. Followed up by the double #1's in 1985 and splitting the 15X and 15 Cruiser with Mike Crehan (which he referenced earlier in the thread) in 1986.
The cover of BMXA in 1985.
Carrying the flag at the 1986 Worlds for Team USA in Slough, England with teammates Charles Townsend, Eric Carter and Shelby James.
I just found this site today, but dang the memories it has brought back.
Bird
[ April 22, 2006, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: Bird ]
Probably have to go with the first NBL #1 plate in 1984. Followed up by the double #1's in 1985 and splitting the 15X and 15 Cruiser with Mike Crehan (which he referenced earlier in the thread) in 1986.
The cover of BMXA in 1985.
Carrying the flag at the 1986 Worlds for Team USA in Slough, England with teammates Charles Townsend, Eric Carter and Shelby James.
I just found this site today, but dang the memories it has brought back.
Bird
[ April 22, 2006, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: Bird ]
Great to hear from Brad Birdwell. He rocked...It was great to be his teamate back in the '80's. There are a lot of guys here who were wondering what you were up to.
My man....WELCOME MY FRIEND......wow...that's all I can really say at the moment
Memories!!!
Any time spent with Eric "Big E" Bartoldus and the Zellwood VS Knobhill days in Orlando.
The best thing about BMX was the friends I made and the list is too long to mention. Also that my family was involved in the scene and that was great.
My love for FLORIDA and the scene we had from 1982-1988 when I was deep in it.
One of the top memories was a national race in Clewiston Fl. and Renny Rokker was announcing. I was on the gate in a novice class race and he called it the "wiggly squiggly class". I snapped out of the gate flying. He yells "Who is that!" Everyone was screaming my name! I won my class at that national that weekend.
Hey Dave Campbell! Is that "Spanky"???
Any time spent with Eric "Big E" Bartoldus and the Zellwood VS Knobhill days in Orlando.
The best thing about BMX was the friends I made and the list is too long to mention. Also that my family was involved in the scene and that was great.
My love for FLORIDA and the scene we had from 1982-1988 when I was deep in it.
One of the top memories was a national race in Clewiston Fl. and Renny Rokker was announcing. I was on the gate in a novice class race and he called it the "wiggly squiggly class". I snapped out of the gate flying. He yells "Who is that!" Everyone was screaming my name! I won my class at that national that weekend.
Hey Dave Campbell! Is that "Spanky"???
Seems that we to bump this one up
my best memory is driving into the park at the Hubbard BMX track (outside of Youngstown, OH) with my dad for my first race. After watching the Schwinn promo video in my lbs every day for six months, we were finally schlepping my JC Penny bike (that I had plastered with Roger DeCoster stickers) to the track for the real thing. This was 1979 and I was eleven years old. First thing I see is a guy riding his bike down the road, full gear, helmet hanging on his bars, bike with anodized everything, red tires. Within seconds, it was full technicolor! Everyone looked full-on pro and I was speechless. It was bigger, better, and cooler than I could have ever imagined. I recently asked my dad if it really was as impressive as it is in my memory and he said absolutely. That day determined what the rest of my childhood would be - I lived on my bike. Oh, and my 5 year old son raced in his first race last weekend...another bike addict is born! Talk about surreal.
cool story and welcome!
mike
mike
For me it would either be my very first bmx race or my first win. They're both a highlights to me. Oh by the way also meeting the O.M. was pretty cool too!
Time for some more highlights....
First BMX race, September 1st, 1974. First Place. Plano, Texas.
I don't have a scanned photo handy fromthat race, so I submit a photo from my second BMX race a few weeks later. Second place. I won several hundred trophies over the next twenty years, but that one is the only one I bothered to keep.
Carpe Diem.
I don't have a scanned photo handy fromthat race, so I submit a photo from my second BMX race a few weeks later. Second place. I won several hundred trophies over the next twenty years, but that one is the only one I bothered to keep.
Carpe Diem.
my first trophy won at texas bmx park in houston where it all began.
all my friendships and good times and memories from bmx that no one can take away and will always be with me.
One day walking into a store and going to the magazine rack and picking up a new magazine called snap and seeing my best friend Cory Demberger on the cover and finding out he had turned pro!
one weird memory I think it was the last race ever at boys town someone crashed and lost a finger I think the handlebar cut it off. BMX friends are the best friends!!!
all my friendships and good times and memories from bmx that no one can take away and will always be with me.
One day walking into a store and going to the magazine rack and picking up a new magazine called snap and seeing my best friend Cory Demberger on the cover and finding out he had turned pro!
one weird memory I think it was the last race ever at boys town someone crashed and lost a finger I think the handlebar cut it off. BMX friends are the best friends!!!
Having a good feeling from something I have never enjoyed more than bmx.I get on the bmx sites and the good old feelings come back.BMX was the best thing in my life as a child and teenager I think many of us here share the same feeling and I am glad such a large group of people could share something like we do.remember feeling nervous when meeting pros or someone you always see in magazines as a kid.Doing book reports in middle school on an issue of BMX Action and getting away with it several times
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