Growing up with Bicycle Motocross
Peter Sanchez
Western International University
COM 112 Utilizing Information In College Writing
Janell Robinson
February 19, 2006

Growing up with Bicycle Motocross

A child rides his bicycle through an empty dirt field as fast as he can; his friends are at his sides, each with a big smile. They are racing each other; they are jumping, zigzagging around obstacles, going through mud-pits and carving through turns. They are Bicycle Motocross riders. Bicycle Motocross (BMX) was started on July 10, 1969, ten days before Neil Armstrong first set foot on the surface of the moon, in Santa Monica by a couple kids wanting to imitate their motorcycle heroes. These same kids convinced Ron Mackler, a city park attendant of Palms Park, to help them run some races at the park because they were not old enough to race motorcycles. (Osborn, 2005) For the next two decades after that sunny day in Santa Monica, BMX would captivate kids from all over the world. Word started spreading amongst the neighborhoods and more organized races started to emerge. Within five years, specialized bicycle companies would be formed to keep up with the demand for quality BMX products. Bicycle Motocross News; a newspaper-type publication containing race information, advertisers and interviews, would be started by Elaine Holt to help spread the word of BMX throughout the United States. A freelance writer and photographer for BMX News would start Bicycle Motocross Action magazine two years later, which would be responsible for spreading BMX throughout the world. (Osborn, 2005)

As the word spread, more youngsters joined the ranks. Kids would not get off their bicycles, riding all hours of the day and night. It was a time of freedom and expression for these youngsters. They had their own independence. They learned valuable lessons of competition and friendship. John Thawley, author of How to Win Bicycle Motocross wrote the following note to parents of BMX riders in his book.
From what I have seen, BMX is the best thing to happen to kids since the game of marbles. The kids are racing their bikes and they are having fun. They are learning about life – its triumphs and disappointments – in their own time, on their own terms. I think that’s healthy. I think as a parent you owe it to the racer in your family to help keep the sport safe, fair, fun and healthy. (Thawley, 1975, p.1)

This was a time some will never forget because BMX was the driving force for a lot of kids who grew up around that time. A time where kids could be themselves, have fun and have the freedom kids were meant to have. A time that has been long forgotten about because life, career, marriage, and family have taken over as priority. Fortunately for some, the fire that burned within the ex-BMX rider has never been extinguished. The fire still dwells deep within each of them, waiting for that instance when it will burn at full blaze. Some of these BMX riders have gotten back on their bikes, lighting the blaze once more and fiercer than ever. They have had a chance to relive their youth yet again; Bicycle Motocross riders feel BMX played a major role in the foundation of their mental development into adulthood by teaching memorable lessons about independence, life’s challenges, personal successes, failures, and responsibilities that came along with freedom; they are experiencing all the emotions once more and their lives have taken a turn for the better.


In most cases, as the child grew out of the sport, around the end of high school for some, they had gained the necessary life skills needed for their future. So much was learned from something that merely consisted of metal tubes with two wheels and a little friendly competition. Shawn Sheely from Brooklyn Park, MN, who started racing in 1978 at age 13, describes it best. “It was an era to be part of, one that will never be repeated again”(Sheely, 2006, p.4) He describes BMXer’s as being outcasts from football and baseball and other things. “BMX saved my life”, he states after describing how at age 13, prior to discovering BMX, he was part of a small town gang that was breaking into warehouses and stealing anything they could get there hands on. According to Shawn, a friend of his had a conversation with John Sandberg, a journalist who grew up racing BMX. Shawn wrote about the conversation he had,
He [Shawn’s friend] was saying that John [Sandberg] had gotten a bit emotional about how much of an impact those early days had on his [John’s] development – and that he thought [Shawn’s friend] it was a bit over the top when John said BMX had saved/changed his life and taught him so many primary lessons in life that made him who he is today. I explained that I [Shawn] felt the same way, and that is was hard to explain without experiencing it…BMX was the foundation for our adult development, teaching us great lessons about independence, challenge success and failure. Things we experience every day in our adult lives, BMX was valuable to us in so many ways. (Sheely, 2006, p.4)
On their way to their adulthood, most racers left their bicycle behind. Each of their priorities changed as is expected. Significant others, cars, starting college, careers, and for some starting a family, took over. Most left the BMX scene altogether and went on their with lives. Some of these ex-BMX riders are rediscovering their never-forgotten sport. As they find themselves remembering their joyful past, some have reentered the sport in different forms. Some use the newly discovered joy as a stress reliever, some as a way to change their lives, some reacquaint themselves with friends from the past and collect and rebuild their “dream” bikes. Some re-enter the sport as a way to strengthen their relationship with their family.
Today, it has been 36 years since that memorable day in Palms Park. BMX riders, some in search of reminiscing part of their youth, have found some websites that cater to their needs. Vintage BMX is one of those sites. The Vintage BMX website is an active style-forum with over 7030 members as of December 29, 2005. The website offers interviews, museum pictures, and active chat where members can converse with one another about different topics relating to BMX riding past and present. As BMX riders from all over the world start to rediscover their youth, this website gives them a chance to meet others like themselves.
As we start a new year in 2006, each of these BMX riders has fully saturated themselves in their careers and family, which is a normal part of life. Depending on their chosen career paths, some lead very stressful lives and although voluntary, have sacrificed certain things in order to be good providers. My GJS (screen name), an original racer from the 1970’s found the site in April of 2004. He had stopped racing in 1982 and never went back until 2002 when he was back on the track 20 years later with his kids. My GJS states he has a very stressful job as a Chief Operating Officer of a large hospital and feels returning to BMX as an adult has lifted his stress and made him feel alive again. The bonding he has with his son has never been stronger than now because of a sport they can both relate to. Having a stressful job and stressful life can lead some people to the edge of self-destruction. It seems this person has found a positive way to relieve his stress that is both healthy to his mind and body. My GJS wrote,
I am happy around and about BMX. It was a formative force growing up. Here I get to talk with my heroes, I get to know a lot about them, and the site really completes a circle in my life, or more to the point, has brought back an enjoyment that I missed for years. (My GJS, 2005, p.1)
Some have entered into a life of vices and are sincerely looking for a way out. Mike Rush, an early racer the 1970’s quit drinking once he rediscovered BMX. He wrote in a post on Vintage BMX that he was on a dry spell of not drinking; he “…started messin' with my Champion [Champion was a brand of BMX bicycle] that had sat on my balcony for almost 10 years…[he] used to ride it down to the beach later on with a little bottle of Jack Daniels in my back pocket”(Spike, 2006, p.5) He states that was that was exact thing he did the last day he ever drank again. He started going to AA for support and found the Vintage BMX website.
Now at 46, I ride my Champion around the area I live and instead of walking my bike up the hills I ride up them. Riding keeps me young in my mind, for a little while at least, and maybe it's a small part of why I've been sober for just over 10 months. Lately I have been hanging out with Rick Twomey and looking through the wealth of Rick's Bike Shop Team stuff he has stashed away, hanging with THE guy who in my eyes had THE best team when I was racing has made my sobriety worth while, if I was still drinking I'd have never met Rick and all the other cool guys. (Spike, 2006, p.5)


Rick Gaytan, who goes by the screen name Reilley1, is a law enforcement officer. A series of tense situations while on duty and in his private life lead him to start searching for a part of his joyful past.
A little less than 2 years ago I was involved in a confrontation with a suspect. It got pretty bad and went to the point where I ended up sticking my weapon up to the suspect head and it would have taken the slightest movement from the subject for me to have pulled the final few millimeters of the trigger. Having gone through the losing end of a divorce and a child custody battle not long before, I came home to an empty house at an early morning hour. I knew that I needed something to remind me of a simpler time when I did not have adult problems and adult worries. (Gaytan, 2006, p.3)
Rick found the Vintage BMX website with the help of a friend and has become a well-known collector of BMX bicycles from the past and present. In a personal interview, Rick explained rebuilding the bicycles as he remembers them from the past helps relieve the stress and mental anguish he accumulates at work. He stated he values the friendships he has made in the last two years more so than any bike in his collection. “The bikes mean a lot to me, but the friendship, memories and “time-away” from the realities of work is what I treasure them most.” (Gaytan, 2006, p.3)
There have been those who have incorporated BMX into their everyday lives. They have returned to racing as adults and love every minute of it. These same people saw an opportunity to change their lives and took advantage of it. They have become healthier and become more fit simply by riding their bicycles again. A member of Vintage BMX who uses the screen name “Elvis” writes, “I get up early, I train, I’ve hurt myself, healed up and gotten back on the track.” (Elvis, 2005, p.2) Elvis sums up his situation with this statement,
I pay attention, act to create an environment where my fullest performance is realized, and am not intimidated when others rub elbows with me, and very much enjoy the competition. And with that I was able to take a money-losing business and turn it into a profit center. Life, you see, is BMX racing. When I'm in a room making a deal and some goon's trying to zoom me it's no different than having to brake-check in the second turn. Yeah, sure, I've done - and accomplished - in other hobbies, but for all those odd reasons too complex to list BMX just resonates with me like no other hobby. (To the point where it seems a shame to call it a mere "hobby." More like "lifestyle," for lack of a better term.) (Elvis, 2005, p.2)
Phuture, another member of Vintage BMX states he is much more aware of himself. He feels since he started riding again, he has got thighs and calves made of steel. He is thankful to be healthy and has a new appreciation for life. There is another area some of the ex-BMX riders have come back to the sport. Phuture touches on this area while posting on Vintage BMX, “Most importantly, though, getting back into my BMX roots had given my daughter a new interest, as she is now into bikes as well.” (Phuture, 2005, p.1) Some people have been able to strengthen their family by providing they can all do together.
In 1984, Ted Carl left the BMX world because his bicycle was stolen and had to start his career and adulthood. After being laid off from his current job with a large severance pay, he has been able to return to relive his childhood thoughts as an adult and share it with his son. Carl feels his life has lead him in many different directions. At this point in time, he feels his layoff is a blessing in disguise because he was so fed-up with his life and career. The layoff has enabled him to get in touch with some of his childhood memories and allowed him to undo some of his stress. With a 6-month layoff with pay, he has been able to become his child’s best friend and gained one himself by sharing his experiences. Ted had allowed himself to be turned away from a sport he loved because of an unfortunate incident and repressed most of his memories. He now realizes his BMX past was some of the best times he has in his life. Ted Carl wrote, “My life returned to one of the best chapters of my life! ...A life of childhood pleasures, and irresponsibility, a life where the biggest decision involves asking your best friend (my son) "where do we want to ride today?” (Carl, 2005,p.1)
Some have their whole family racing. A member of Vintage BMX who uses the screen name loopy813 mentioned he has 3 generations back on the track. His father, himself and his son are back on track racing competitively. Loopy states “So getting back into BMX and find these websites was great for my family life and having fun with my kids and parents again. Made us a stronger family.” (Loopy813, 2005, p.1)

An opinion poll was taken on Vintage BMX website. 142 voted on different questions regarding their health and overall state of mind. These were the results:
Poll Results: Drugs, cigs, and stuff bad for your health (142 votes.)
Have you ever smoked? Choose 1
Yes 56% (80)
No 22% (31)
Tried it, did not like it 22% (31)
Have you ever smoked/taken illegal drugs? Choose 1
Yes 66% (94)
No 21% (30)
Tried it, did not like it 13% (18)
Do you drink alcoholic beverages? Choose 1
No 22% (31)
Occasionally 36% (51)
Socially 33% (47)
I carry a bottle opener in my back pocket 9% (13)
Do you feel BMX has made you lead a healthier lifestyle? Choose 1
Yes 74% (105)
No 26% (37)
Do you feel you are better off by having BMX in your life. Choose 1
Yes 95% (135)
No 5% (7)


The key question of this poll was the last one. 95% of the people polled felt they are better off by having BMX in their lives.
There is an opposing view to these adults rediscovering their youth. In comes in the way of addiction and forgetting about everyday responsibilities. The world of collecting is becoming more popular everyday. A search on Ebay for BMX related products brings up over 7219 items on any given day. The most expensive item up for auction at the time of the search was a 83 SE Quadangle complete bicycle. The current bid was $2100.01. Some of these collectors have spent their families’ savings trying to build a bicycle they either once had or wanted as a youth. As any with any addiction, with help from loved ones, it can be curbed. Some of the spouses of these BMX riders feel they spend too much time on the Internet reading about their sport. These are some of the drawbacks but most automatically get worked with time.
The fact remains that those who rediscover their childhood pastime and get involved with it again, their lives improve in one way or another. Some see their return to BMX as a stress reliever, some take the opportunity to become healthier, some take advantage of the sport and use it as a social outlet to make and reconnect with old friends, but a lot use their love for BMX to strengthen their family bond and togetherness. Overall, those lucky enough to have been able to have been raised in the wonderful world of BMX, they will never forget where they came from.



References

Carl, Ted. (2005, December 31). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 16].
Message posted to http://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-
bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=1

Ebay Inc. (2006) Retrieve February 15, 2006 from http://cgi.ebay.com/SE-RACING-CHROME-
QUADANGLE-OLD-SCHOOL
BMX_W0QQitemZ7219117468QQcategoryZ98082QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Elvis. (2005, January 7). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 29]. Message
posted to http://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-
bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=2

Gaytan, Rick. (2006, January 18). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 45]. Message
posted to http://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-
bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=3

Loopy318. (2005, December 30). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 15].
Message posted tohttp://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=1


References (con’t)

My GJS. (2005, December 29). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 3].
Message posted tohttp://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=1

Phuture. (2005, December 30). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 12].
Message posted tohttp://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=1

Rush, Mike. (2006, January 26). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 62].
Message posted tohttp://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=5

Sheely, Shawn. (2006, January 19). What brought you back to BMX? [Msg 50].
Message posted tohttp://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021127;p=4

Thawley, John. (1975). How to Win Bicycle Motocross, Tucson, AZ: HP Books

[ February 21, 2006, 07:44 PM: Message edited by: Sidehack Guy ]

Nice, where's my red pen?

Awesome job Pete. I enjoyed every word of it. I'm going to print this off and save it and read it whenever I need to.
Thanks,
~mike

Very, very nice job brutha

Hey - I'm editing vintage footage for a local film festival on bicycles. Can I read section of this over my footage? I can do up to 5 mins. It'll be old footage and photos.

This is exactly what I feel!
Someone who never rode BMX won't understand us!

Thank you. The essay is on Word format and has some of the pics you all posted on the What brought you back to BMX thread.

Nice job, well said (or written...)

Non riders seldom get it, often times just seeing us as adults on kids bikes. You have crystallized what it means to us, and hopefully bridged that gap. Nice job!

Blain Claypool



[ February 24, 2006, 01:48 AM: Message edited by: MyGJS ]

Thanks Blain! You gave me some great material.

Wow. That is a pleasure to read. I feel honored to be given a part in it. There is a lot of inspirational material there.

BMX, VBMX, and everything in between, is simply a pleasure to be a part of. You guys rock!

Great job! And thanks for sharing it with all of us! Doing so, highlites another important aspect of life that BMX helped cultivate in each of us. Courage.

Nice job!

Hey - I just got the news - I scored 238 points out of 250 which gave me an A in the class!!! I'm stoked!!! Thank you all for such great material! If anyone wants in WORD format - let me know. I will email it to you! Thanks again guys! You all rock!!