Hard to believe it was 24 years ago today that ABA's first ever National #1 rider, Kyle Fleming was killed in the car/train accident.
RIP Kyle.
Full Version: Kyle Fleming....this day in 1982.
Good kid. A young one in BMX heaven.
I too remember, a very sad day indeed
My first loss of a sports hero
My first loss of a sports hero
Kyle Fleming was the second person to pass away that I had been in contact with. First was my grandmother in 1977.
I think about Kyle Fleming often. Wonder if anyone is or has been in touch with his parents, siblings (if any), or relatives since his induction into the BMX Hall of Fame.
I wonder how suprised they would be to know we still think about Kyle.
I remember I was in staging during practice at a DG national at La Mirada in 1980. Kyle was in front of me and just about to get on the gate. At the last minute, he decided he was gonna let me take his lane on the gate. Think he said, "Hey, go ahead!" and motioned for me to take his lane. I remember saying, "Geez, thanks Kyle!" He was a superstar and I respected him.
At that time, I knew a few DG factory team riders like Byron Friday and John Piant as well as co- factory (San Diego) riders Mario Jeter and Eric Braegger, and Todd Cotton. Plus I got to check out the DG Green Duck factory in Ramona California.
When I got word Kyle passed away, I was shocked. I had a tough time understanding that he was gone forever. Made me sad and wish I had spoken to him more.
In 82' my dad helped start a local BMX publication called the BMXA Newsletter.
For one issue, I interviewed my good friend Doug Davis (Diamond Back). One question I asked was "Out of all the riders you've raced, which three do you respect the most?" His response was "Chris Torres, Kyle Fleming, and Gary Renteria."
Every time a BMX person has passed away like John Phillips (San Diego), Mario Soto (Powerlite), Ken Scarborough (San Diego), Cecil Johns (Boss) my first BMX hero Kris Parenteau (Wheels N' Things, SE Racing), or my friend Sandy Finkelman (Wheels N' Things, R&R, Diamond Back) ..... it always makes me think of Kyle Fleming.
[ August 02, 2006, 05:12 AM: Message edited by: JohnnyJohnson OMAS DirtSlinger ]
I think about Kyle Fleming often. Wonder if anyone is or has been in touch with his parents, siblings (if any), or relatives since his induction into the BMX Hall of Fame.
I wonder how suprised they would be to know we still think about Kyle.
I remember I was in staging during practice at a DG national at La Mirada in 1980. Kyle was in front of me and just about to get on the gate. At the last minute, he decided he was gonna let me take his lane on the gate. Think he said, "Hey, go ahead!" and motioned for me to take his lane. I remember saying, "Geez, thanks Kyle!" He was a superstar and I respected him.
At that time, I knew a few DG factory team riders like Byron Friday and John Piant as well as co- factory (San Diego) riders Mario Jeter and Eric Braegger, and Todd Cotton. Plus I got to check out the DG Green Duck factory in Ramona California.
When I got word Kyle passed away, I was shocked. I had a tough time understanding that he was gone forever. Made me sad and wish I had spoken to him more.
In 82' my dad helped start a local BMX publication called the BMXA Newsletter.
For one issue, I interviewed my good friend Doug Davis (Diamond Back). One question I asked was "Out of all the riders you've raced, which three do you respect the most?" His response was "Chris Torres, Kyle Fleming, and Gary Renteria."
Every time a BMX person has passed away like John Phillips (San Diego), Mario Soto (Powerlite), Ken Scarborough (San Diego), Cecil Johns (Boss) my first BMX hero Kris Parenteau (Wheels N' Things, SE Racing), or my friend Sandy Finkelman (Wheels N' Things, R&R, Diamond Back) ..... it always makes me think of Kyle Fleming.
[ August 02, 2006, 05:12 AM: Message edited by: JohnnyJohnson OMAS DirtSlinger ]
A friend of mine was going to be with them but his grandfather wouldn't let him get in a car driven by Dana, it proved to be a wise move. Too bad Kyle Fleming, Bruce Bunch, and Rick Hemme didn't get the same break, the 80s/90s motocross record books may have looked quite different.
Kyles parents gave him one of the DGs after he died which he has to this day.
[ August 02, 2006, 12:17 PM: Message edited by: RandyS ]
Kyles parents gave him one of the DGs after he died which he has to this day.
[ August 02, 2006, 12:17 PM: Message edited by: RandyS ]
Kyle was super fast, super smooth, and a super
nice kid.
nice kid.
Makes you remember that this life we have is a gift. A very short gift I might add.
I vaguely remember Kyle, I hope he is smiling down on us all.
I vaguely remember Kyle, I hope he is smiling down on us all.
To Johnny Johnson:
Kyle's death must have been especially wrenching to you, since you two were close in age.
Not to get too morbid, it is surprising actually how many of the pioneers of racing are still around. I can't think of any other racer of the fame of Kyle Flemming that has left us and we are coming up fast on the 40th year of the invention of BMX (1969-2009).
Oldtimer1980s
Kyle's death must have been especially wrenching to you, since you two were close in age.
Not to get too morbid, it is surprising actually how many of the pioneers of racing are still around. I can't think of any other racer of the fame of Kyle Flemming that has left us and we are coming up fast on the 40th year of the invention of BMX (1969-2009).
Oldtimer1980s
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