Ok what started out as a joke rumor PintoB was playing on me is now "On"

The weekend of the 07 ABA Winter Nationals, March 24, I will be hosting a Racers BBQ.
My intent is to Toast a few Legands.

My plan is to gather Stu Thomson, Greg Hill, Eric Rupe, Heary Leary and Brent Patterson in honor of a Toasting. All have played a major roll in the History of BMX as Professional Racers and More.

Currently both Stu Thomson and Greg Hill have shown interest in showing with vintage riders Johnny Johnson, Reilley1, HinkDog and more making plans.

I do not wish to exclude any riders, all are welcome! Bring those great stories and be a toaster!

This will be an RSVP gathering so make plans now.

The gears are rolling let me hear what you think!!!

Gary

[ December 28, 2006, 06:45 PM: Message edited by: Gary Haselhorst ]

sounds good do you need a chef?

Yeah. I will be settin up several BBQ's.

I need to know if any of the people that got behind this have spoke to Eric.

I've sent an e-mail to him, I'll let you know what I hear back.

Eric is a must show! I believe he should be in town racing. "Did I say Racing" (Still), enough said.

Gary

Rupe said that he can't commit, but he'll try. He'll be in Phoenix but he says it's going to be a busy weekend for him. He's at the Christmas Classic right now.

hmmmm, This sounds a bit interesting.
I may check on a plane to Phoenix. I can picture some serious bench (lying) racing going on.

Greg Esser

I think I might have to be there for that one...what a minute, I'll already be there working the race.

I'm gonna have to pull some strings to get that one off. THis might work into a an event, not to miss!

Be there or be square!

[ December 29, 2006, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: Quetzalcoatl AKA Bill Curtin ]

Greg

It would be great to have you here. We need some east coast reps. Will try and keep poodle head jokes to Hill. Your family was always cool and helpful, Thank you!!!!!!

Bill
What time do the races usually end on Sat. I can't see this group hittin the sack early, even for their age.

Greg Esser!!!!!!!!
Whats up man!
Come out to AZ!!!!

Bring some firecrackers for Hill!
Hahahahahaha!
If Piant comes, bring a hedgehog!

All hell will break loose if Greg Esser shows up!

Eddy King said he'll try to tie that in with a family visit out there.
I'll keep you posted.

You left coast guys have all the fun. Esser we should charter a plane and bring an East Coast contingent.

Justin

For me, this is my High School Reunion. I missed my graduation ceremony so Jamie Hails (Mongoose Australia), Dave Cooper (Australia), Daddy-O and myself could make it to a race in Utah.

My Year Book is filled with racers and its time to sign it!!!.

Johnny, Reilley1, Hinkdog, ThumperPilot, AZ Crew and anyone else that is getting in on this, please PM me your e-mail address. It might be a good idea to be able to forward information to all involved.

The list of interested vintage riders is growing.

Thank you for all that have offered help. At this point it will be greatly appreciated.

Gary

Without work demands getting in the way. I got "Sounds good to me" from.

Hill, Stu, Grubbs, Esser and more. Rupe planes on making the main. Wounder if he ever missed a motto (Johnny), in what 35 years of racing. I Got a maybe after that.

Also

Johnny Johnson, Reilley1, HinkDog, PintoB, ThumperPilot, The Arizona Crew and many more. Thank you for the help of putting this together.

Some BMX Media has also said "Sounds Good"

Thank You,
Gary

About what time do the Saturday National races end.

Add "Gork" to the list!!!!

Reilley1 any reply from the NBA riders

Gary

Stu said he would like to race Fri/Sun but has not trained or road since last years health issue. He is requesting a little motavation.

Would Utterback ditch the Yellow dress for a Cheerleading Outfit.

Gary

What's on the menu? Im hungry..

Gary, does your invitation extend to people of the red hair persuasion? I knew someone once who had red hair and he is interested in this BMX crowd. ( I can't imagine why...)

Where were all you guys at my 05 Fall Nationals gathering, shure, I move to IL. and they all can make it LOL. Say Hi to Debbie Kelly and her crew for me (sniffle)

[ January 02, 2007, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: cheez ]

Denis you have been invited. (Please Show) I can't believe what you have kept.

Greg,
Asada, Burgers, Links and Dogs or anything else that cooks. I once had a fear factor eating contest so who knows!!!!

Who would dress in a Cheerleader outfit to get Stu to race after last years Health Issue.

Cheez, Come on back for the weekend!!!. I wasn't on here in 05, sorry. I would of shown!!!!.

Gary

Shure, you only want me there to put me in that Cheerleader outfit I would love to be there, but too much time to drive and too much cash for a plane ride at this time. I miss the gang from Black Mountain, they are the best! Ask Rick how many bikes will fit into a Mazda Tribute? I thought it would be dark before we got them all out. I used Famous Dave's BBQ in Peoria. The BBQ beef briskit kicks arse, and the Wilber beans could be a meal all by themselves.

Stu's past health issue only makes it fair for everone else, when he raced in Del Mar he clobbered the field, takes bucu time off from racing then pops up at a National to totaly dominate, amazing.

Day 1, 01/03/07. In preperation for Black Mountain.
Weight: 225lbs
3 slight up hill sprints 75yds.
3 sets of 8 squats, 120lbs
3 sets of 10 seated cable rows, 75lbs
3 sets of 8 flat bench, 135lbs
finish with slow ride around neighborhood.
Outcome of first days workout. Lightheaded, nauseated, overly elevated heartrate for the workout done. 85 to 90% of my max. (not good).
I'll start a post regarding my preperation and training.

Hey Stu,

First, good to see you're doing okay.
Second, what class will you be racing in Phoenix? I need to know what not....errrrr.....what bike to bring for the race! 36+ Ex or are you racing cruiser?

I drank a beer celebrating Stu's decision to race in AZ.

Mr. 411,

I will be doing most my riding on my 20. About two weeks out I'll start riding the cruiser. The way I see it if I race any other class then 36+ Ex it won't look to good. Sooo I guess it will be 36 Ex. If I get beat, oh well. The man thing is that I have fun. I won't know until I get there if I am in over my head. I want to put on a good showing but on the other hand I don't want to hurt myself. There are a lot of fast guys out there and if my memory serves me right the ground hurts falling at full speed. The next ? I am sure to be asked is: flats or clips. Most likely I will be clipped in.

Gary,
Have a beer on ice for me when I get there.

Stu

1st I'm in Peoria, AZ and can't swing a trip to Rockford, then I'm living in IL and can't swing a trip back to AZ.... AAAAARG!

Drink one for me to Gary. Ya know, I can see why my gathering may not have got off to the start yours did. The response my have been better if had used the vintage board instead of the gathering board, plus you seem to know alot more people than I do........ Cool finally made it to AA.

[ January 03, 2007, 04:35 PM: Message edited by: cheez ]

Cheez. Start Pedlin!!!!

Too funny, with that kinda work out I might be able to take Stu.....not

Beer will be waiting!!

So Stu, do you find the cruiser easier when you do more of your training on the 20? I never raced cruiser BITD and have never realy felt that comfortable on one. I was told when I got back into racing that it was the way to go to get used to things again "more forgiving" and such. It hurts just the same to crash on one, so I can't see that advice as useful.
Chuck

[ January 03, 2007, 05:02 PM: Message edited by: cheez ]

Your killin me Gary, LOL. hey you comin to Rockford?

Well, it looks like I'll be racing Mr. Thomsen anyway. Stu, my name is Jon BTW and we have met before at a few BMX races and at Sea Otter back in 2000. I WAS hoping you'd race the cruiser, as then I wouldn't be racing you (I think I'll get whupped!), but it will be my honor to get whupped by you on a 20"!

All kidding aside, I look forward to it, you'd be the second of my "childhood heroes" I've gotten to line up against, the first being Big Daddy Rupe back in '97 in my only Pro main event appearance. Yes, it was Vet Pro, but hey, it was cool. I look forward to racing you in Phoenix!

After the race, I'll have a beer myself!

See ya there!

-Jon "HinkDog" Hinkle

Cheez,
Cruiser is easier to ride and doesn't take as long to get back in the groove. However I like 20's better and no matter how squirrelly I get I mean no harm to anyone in 36+x motos. If the track is dry and the conditions are good I will have a harder time doing well. See, I don't take kindly to rhythms and still have that old school style. I will do my best to stay up on two wheels. Anybody have a good recommendation for knee/shin pads/guards?

Training sucks because that’s when I am going to get the scrapes. I remember the pain involved in training and staying in top shape. Now it's 10 fold because I let myself fall way behind in the "I can still ride a BMX bike" category.

Anybody in the SoCal area with a "very" flexible schedule need a training partner to ride with?

Stu

Sounds kinda like me, I really miss the old school tracks, alot more pedaling and pure power involved, sliding around the flat turns was a gas. Chandler in the 70's was my favorite track, a perfect mix. I was racing MX on a Yamaha enduro 60 at 7, had it before my first bmx bike, probably another reason why I prefer the old school tracks. Knowing the crew at black mountain, if it's not raining it will be wicked fast and technical. Historicaly, rain is always a factor at this race, maybe it will play into your hand? Best of luck Stu.

Cheez - we are gonna miss ya! You sure you can't swing it? We can make up for last year!

For those who are interested, I am offering my humble home for those who need a place to crash. Reilley has got one bed reserved, I've got 4 more available plus some floor space.

4 more,....Damn! How many kids are planning on havin Peter, LOL

Last year was very good, the looks on those guy's faces when they saw bikes they had or always wanted was worth all the time, effort and $ that went into it.

It doesn't get any better then that. An invitation from the mighty one Stompin Stu.
HinkDog?????

Stu, sorry but your just looking for a reason to train. The week before the race you could start riding to get aquainted with your bike and still make the main pulling a top 3.

I raced BMX, Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes against some of the best. Stu and John Tomac were two of the most gifted natural rides to put a foot on a pedal!!. To this I owe you a toast!!!

Note: Just got off the phone with Miller. "Did he win the 1st World Championship out of the US?"
He is also going to work on Heary and try to make it to AZ.

Gary

[ January 03, 2007, 11:52 PM: Message edited by: Gary Haselhorst ]

Sidehack Guy, Thank you!

Cheez, see what you can do to make it. it's 2 1/2 months away. (Road Trip!!!!)

Stu sounds motivated...

Not good for you guys lining up with him!

Whats the date of this clambake again?

3/24/07. One dang day after my anniversary...

JU or PK you going?

Somebody contact PK for me. Friday too!. I just PM'ed Jeff.

BenOr. Make that gift a good one!!!!

Gary,
I would have thought Johnny T. would have been a young whipper snapper back when you were racing.

I just talked to Johnny T. He's a Michigan native and were all pretty proud of his accomplishments on a Mountain Bike.

He was, but I still knew who he was. Later when he road for 7-11 on Road bikes I was riding for Schwinn-Gatorade so we were two that came from BMX. We also had Charlie in common.

I PM'ed you can you help me out.

Gary