I scored a old redline catalog and this pic was tucked in the back of it.

Sweet find! Had one of those on my wall when I was a kid.

nice find know ya gotta build a stu replica,good luck finding that haro plate

And, I was in shape back then.
Yea I know nice short and headband.


[ September 02, 2006, 12:01 AM: Message edited by: Stu Thomsen ]

Nice pic waza
Stu, nice pic. Shows why you were #1 for so long!
btw , yeah nice shorts lol

Thats awesum!!

That pic has a perfect angle to see a brake lever you just never see anymore - the hand-bent straight lever. No one ever puts one of those on a rebuild, not that I remember.
Geez, Stu! No wonder you were so bloody fast, you were frickin' RIPPED back then!
How many years back is that pic?

I found an old pic of myself not long ago, I was almost cryin' as I compared it to my current old broken down, scarred, lumpy troll-like physique.
While I never looked quite as buffed out as Mr. Thomsen there, I did have it somewhat together BITD.

Mr Corvin,
That picture was taken 20yrs ago when I was 28. Then I was 6-1 at 195. Still 6-1 but pushing 220. Heavest I have ever been. After I get better I will look like that again. Giving myself 6 months.

Hey Stu... At 195 pounds did you snap many frames,wheels,axles etc?? That's what i weigh now and i'm a little bit worried that if i ride my bikes like i did bitd i might have some hassles. I do know the way that you land is very important.. Thanks mate!
Scotty

Scotty,

I was always smooth. Broke things when I got careless. Never a real problem. If you rode hard bitd, you may not have changed your style much. If your weight is up, then you may have problems. The tabletop or doubles now look a thousand mile long or apart. How I long for the good old days. But I look in the mirror and see, crap I am old and don't ride but two or three times a year. I guess I'll just look at an old video and daydream and say to myself, "self, I used to be able to do that." and I leave it at that.

Here's one of Stu racing in Dunedin, New Zealand back in the early 80's. (Btw, the arrow is pointing to someone in the NZ BMX manufacturing industry back then)

The Dunedin track had a downhill first straight, with a sharp first corner. The rest of the track was pretty rough. There was only one guy there that day who seemed to glide over that track, and not miss a beat. He was some American guy riding a Redline . That was a great day Stu. You rode like the pro you are

so amazing to see stu thomsen here. sorry, i'm a starstruck newbie. don't be so hard on yourself stu. from the pics in bmxa bitd, you always seemed to be having a good time. a lotta kids looked up to you.

What a great shot Mike.. Dunedin.. WOW.. brings back memories..

and here is Stu fresh arriving from the USofA.. and kick'n hardcore!!

Hey Stu :question: what was going through your mind back then? coming to Australia? are we ever going to get there? hehehe..

How long were you in Australia and NZ?



Enjoy
Luis

Luis,
Was there a couple times. On my second visit Tanya and I had just gotten married and Redline sent her with me we, toured Aus/Nz for 6 weeks. Did a lot of sighting, from what I can remember.

Luis,
When we arrived the local newspaper was waiting outside the arrival gate. We put I bikes together right out side the airport and just started riding for the photographer. No much you can do but bunnyhop into a little cross up. If I remember right I raffled that bike of at the last stop of our tour before going home. Lynn and I didn't see eye to eye on that day. He wanted half the money made, said that I ride Redlines bikes and they belong to them and they are not mine to sell or give away. I wonder what happened to that bike.

Stu

I don't buy the "I ride 3 times a year and can't ride anymore.." stuff. It's a trick where you'll let your guard down and he'll kick you *** on the track.

Around 2000 Stu sent me this. Does that look like a guy who can't still ride?

:) I spent the weekend with family at the coast and brought your situation up. My family knows you as the guy who sent me to college. Best broke bone I ever had. Get well Stu.

Ben Ben, Ben Ben Ben.

Only I know for sure. My recliner has gotten a lot of use the last two weeks. Getting used to doing nothing.

Stu "Who"

WOW Stu.. thanks for sharing those memories..

Since we've got your ear, thanks for the autographs circa 81' Chandler Winter Nationals. We brought an RV full of kids 800 miles and you made the trip by signing something for everyone. None of us made it past the quarters, but we grinned from ear to ear all the way home! Thanks, I still appreciate it!

.... Cowabunga you flew!

Get well and enjoy the life ahead!

Ben

Hey Stu, you may not "do it" anymore, but when you did it, nobody did it better ! Do I hear an amen. WM

Heck Ya, AMEN!

WM,
I will "do it" again. Just not as "it" as before. Ben "flew" is past tense. I still fly. Hopefuly soon.
Stu

You'll be back. I know it. Just do what the doctor recommends you do for your recovery. Take it from a guy that went through a triple bypass less then two years ago. The human bodies ability to recover is an amazing thing. They split me open like the catch of the day! Stopped my heart and lungs and had me on machines to give my blood oxygen while they did the procedure. 24 hours later they had me out of bed and walking around the hospital corridors. (Within reason of course) Nine weeks later after my sternum was completely healed and my doctor gave me the green light I went to Orange Y for my first practice. Along the way I have lost almost 60 lbs and looking loose 35 more! (Your results may vary) I think you’re over all physical condition and mental attitude going in a major surgery directly reflect on your recovery. You have always been strong physically so just keep your attitude positive mentally. And also listen to what you body tells you. If you listen closely it will tell you a lot! But I’m sure you already know that.

quote:

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I don't buy the "I ride 3 times a year and can't ride anymore.." stuff. It's a trick where you'll let your guard down and he'll kick you *** on the track.

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And by the way “Mr. 3 times a year” didn’t you double at the Del Mar national in 2004? Now be truthful! And remember I was there!