I was always jealous of you guys who could run those big gears. If you could keep clear of the traffic...

I remember when I turned 16, I FINALLY went from 42-16 to 43-16. The next year I bumped it up to 44-16. (Probably why I was so good at starts...that and the countless hours Pops, Tommy and I spend doing practice starts in the street outside of our house!)

When I started racing, I went to a clinic at Fort Hamilton put on by factory Schwinn. Their motto was "Spin to win"... I ALWAYS adhered to that policy. One reason why I really liked Hilliard. Put on the old 39-16 and spin away.

I was a big gear guy and always had to try to pass you spinner guys. I agree "spin to win" thats why you were and still are faster than me!

I always ran between a 44-16 to a 46-16 on my 20". But my cruiser was always a 41-18, always, never changed it the entire six or seven years I raced it.

I changed gears so much that one time I changed Tiffany's gear right before her moto at Brookville. I was watching her on the gate and when it dropped she lost the ring gear - I had not tightened the chain-ring bolts and they fell out on the hill. There is something to be said for never changing gears.

Mike


p.s.
"Mike, you scanning all these at work if you dont mind me asking?? Cause I would like to get a job there."

I actually scanned all of these photos during lunch breaks back in December.

That is how Tommy K was. He would go up and down 1/2 a gear sometimes... changing both the chain ring and the freewheel. He was very anal about his gearing.

Hey Mike,
I just got done flipping through the Dec. 87 issue of BMX Action (I won't mention where I was while flipping through this issue...but most of you can relate..LOL). I saw that you got 2nd place behind Mike King is Superclass. Nice Job!! I still have that race on VHS and was thinking about how big of a deal that race was back then. From what I can remember, you were one of the most successful riders out of Ohio back then as far as results and coverage, so what was your favorite race/finish from those days?

Interesting question. Thinking back over the years, two races stand out in my mind.

The first was actually my brother's first B-Pro win. It was one of the big Nashville races. The Pro's had to race 3 mains and Tommy K won all three. It was a BIG race with all of the big names and he DOMINATED. I remember him being completely out of it the entire weekend from a major crash in practice. Definately had a concussion. I think that is why he did so well. (Did not have the faculties to actually worry about what he was doing.) It was truly a great thrill for me to watch win him that weekend...

I won my share of nationals, but the race that is my favorite was an Ohio state race in West Chester. Maybe 1985 or 1986. In the main, I flipped the gate coming out of gate 1...Managed to get up and come out of the first turn in 7th and worked my way through the crowd and was third in the third straight. Got passed Billy Au in that straight and was second behind Mike R. Jr. Passed him in the last turn for the win. (Sorry Mike Sr. :=) Considering how good our class was in Ohio, that race really stands out in my mind. I have heard that someone has it on video, but I have never seen it.

Once I got on World Class, I really seemed to get WAY more coverage. Good factory team, cool uniforms and about 10 years of racing did pay off...There were LOTS of Ohio racers who probably deserved equal or more, but as my dad used to say, "I would rather be lucky than good!"

Good answer... that would be a good race to see on tape!! And I just realized that I didn't mention that the race featured in that issue of BMXA was the Worlds from Orlando back in 87 (for anyone that didn't know what race I was referring to).
I don't know if it's the same track or not, but my car keyring is still a medal that I won from a state race at what I think may have been West Chester from 86 or 87 maybe. Actually, I just checked... it was a Race Ohio Series race and it says McGinnis BMX on it. Not sure if that's the same track, but it sounds familiar. I remember there was an older rider (maybe on a cruiser) who's wheel came off as he was jumping a jump that year. I guess he hadn't tightened the wheel up after working on it that day. Does anyone remember that??
What about some of you other guys?? Got a race that has always stuck out as your favorite win or just your favorite race for whatever reason??

First, Mike K, great story, I'd like to see that tape too. If Mike R had to get passed in the last turn, at least it was part of a great race.


The racer that lost the wheel was Dale Massey a talented racer that did indeed forget to tighten the front wheel. At least that was what he figured at the moment, I think he had a bit of a concussion too. It was the Madison track over the water jump. The front forks dug into the dirt on landing.


I have several races that I liked of mine as well as Tiffany's and Mike's. I can't remember the race track now, but there was one where we were racing to turn one and it had rained so much that there was a huge "lake" covering 95% of the turn and probably 20' long. I decided before getting on the gate to take it really wide to avoid the water. Everyone drove tight into the corner and bogged down and I took the really long route around them all.
But boy weren't the indoors in Ohio always fun too? - Except when Tiffany got the wind knocked out of her at Hilliard.

Mike

the indoor tracks were fantastic here in the buckeye state. I got started racing at the indoor Burbank track. Then of course it was mandatory to race at Hilliard in the winter. Just hated it was every two weeks, but it was always like a family renuion when you saw everyone again. Funny now that I think about it. No cell phones, internet, or anything like that back then. Always had to do all our catchin up when we saw everyone at the track on the weekends. A vivid memory I have is always having my head on a swivel when me and my dad were pulling in to a track to see where everyone was parked and to see who was already there. Getting all excited to jump out of the car to go and say hello to everyone that I hadnt spoke to in weeks or for that matter maybe a month. AAhhh the good old days!!

Who here raced at that indoor track that was near Mansfield (just south of there). Cant remember the name, maybe lexington. track had two straightaways, you did two laps.

Lexington 2 laps. That was proof we would race anywhere

We raced in Lexington a lot since it was only about 15 minutes from home. That track had two different layouts over the years, but I vividly remember making two laps. I remember it being very cold in there and at bigger races, they made us put the bikes in another room. They'd have condensation on them when you brought them into the room with the track.

Did you ever race outdoors there at the same location with the big bridge?

I think Dean Reynolds Sr. was behind that track. His son, Dean, was a very fast racer too.

I never raced the out door but it looked cool. It was ABA and i raced nbl so much when it was nice out that i never made it there

[quote name='steve smith' date='Feb 10 2009, 12:18 PM' post='717547']
Hope to see you and lump at columbus too !I lost billy jones # and regular email he isnt responding to p.m.s on here anymore if you guys have it shoot it down..

Steve,
I'll give you all of Bills info this weekend in Columbus, I think I have Lumpy convinced to go with. I think he has bad memories of the track beatings Bill and I gave him so he gets a little nervous to show up from time to time! LOL You guys have no idea but every Monday, sometimes Tuesday if it was a national weekend, all the rest of our high school friends would be waiting to hear how the weekends racing went. Lumpkin always had these hilarious stories he would "invent" as to why he didn't beat Bill or myself that weekend. He's actually a much better comedian than he was a racer! LOL Hopefully a lot of the old boyz show up this weekend, anybody have a schedule? I will just be there Sunday!

I brought a camera home from work to take to the races this weekend, but I unexpectedly have to head out of town instead so you guys have a great race.

Mike

I remember the reynolds. I think I raced at the outdoor track once or twice. Not sure. But if there was a starting gate, some jumps, officials to mak it official we had a race. Any time-Any place!!!

Ohio riders from the 80's represented the State pretty well at the Buckeye National. On Sat in 35-39 cruiser had 3 ohio guys in the main (Greg Boring, Tommy Riggle, and Steve Smith). On Sun we had 4 in the main (Greg Boring, Chris Cline, Steve Smith, and Jack Carnes). I also think that all the Ohio riders that raced made it out of their resective motos both days.

Greg Boring

Fun weekend ,it was really nice bumping into larry adams , eddie nelson ,shannon williams[sorry i allways confuse u and your bro]
Didnt see cheever was kinda bummed bout missin you and lump .
So neat racing some of the elders like cline ,AND youngsters like boring,carnes,riggle, hill,shroeder ..Wished more woulda came .Sorry if i missed anyone i had my son there and hes a handfull i didnt roam much in between motos .

It was fun. My heart and head must not have been into it Saturay - I just was not grooving on the track at all. Sunday, I came with a different attitude. It's amazing what that will do. It was fun follwing Steve around in all the motos! That main was crazy and would love to see it on video. I think I did the right thing and am not sure I could have done anythign different - just 4-5 guys all getting to the same place at the same time, I guess.

Heres chris,me,jack ,and greg? semi ill post both days video/mains when i get them on u tube
Chris is holeshotting from lane 5 or 6 ,im in lane 3 ...

Cool shot! Let us know when they are up on youtube.

Thanks Steve!

That's Zizzo not me Steve. I was in the other semi

Day 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xMIRudcHMM...re=channel_page

Today day 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSje3Npx6CM...re=channel_page

Make sure to click the WATCH IN HI QUALITY Its worth it .

Heres another cool still shot .

Steve

Thanks for the vids from the mains.

Cool pictures of the start!

Funny ,you never saw the dads doing starts like this at our age when we were kids in the 80's.
Ed nelson was on a dk cruiser friday practicing ...

No doubt Steve. I looked at some side by sides of my snaps from the 80s and today - that is the only thing that looks similar. You and I look similar in that pic.

watching you guys race was a blast. when I get in a little better shape, I'll get out there with you guys. The first two straights were fun. The last 2 were energy suckers. I didn't want to pay $50 for three more practice laps. I watched my kids race as rookies and they had a blast. I enjoyed moto dad status. They said they want to race now. so I might try to get out more often. I even updated my helmet. I could use the exercise. Locals & States? Akron National??? I always hated that long track that is only 15 min. my house. See you around. Love the posts. If you havent posted in a while we miss you. You guys are family!!

Here is a cool all Ohio rider pic from Mike Carruth - he takes amazing pics!

On the left Jack Carnes, then it's me and Steve Smith wheel to wheel into turn one.

great pic! Love the intense look in your eyes

It looks like you guys had a good time. I wish that I could have made it. Steve. I don't see that "fat" slowing you down. You're going to have to find something else to make others think that your not fast. See you soon, if not in Hobart, than in Dayton on the 15th. Tommy

thats fantastic. the vids are awsome. Now I really got to get my you know what together and get riding. I see you guys run new new cruisers, what about your 20"s? Or is the 35-39 cruiser the only class they run for us old farts?

They have 35-40 and 41+ 20" classes. I put my 20" up this year due to not enjoying riding it like I am my cruiser. Plus the 20" class is alot smaller than the cruiser class. They only had 6 in 35-40 x both days this past weekend and in 35-39 cruiser we had around 22 I think

k. Next question. Who is making 24" cruisers these days that are good bikes? Steve I see you are riding a SE, but that thing is easy to make out. Who else is making em?

Billy, there are a number of great bikes out there now. Seemingly, the most comon are INtense and Standard (I am riding a Standard). Check out the racing today section, there are several threads about new bikes. GHP, Hyper, Clayborn, all make good bikes. S&M is killer stuff.

I think its hard to ride both bikes at $50 a shot for entry fees at NBL Nationals. Thats got to hurt if the kids are riding too. Of course if you have a SPONSER it makes it a little easier. About which bike, go to the track and ride a few of your friend's bikes. Thats what seem to work for most. Just a thought before spending $ and not liking it after. Tommy

Ha ,not all of us can still fit in our 80's reggies outfits .
If its true about me crashing- better protect that fragile cruiser you race with sew ups tommy i may fall on it
Was fun i seen your friend too tommy i didnt get to watch him race but said hi several times [all the toledo crew are nice guys]
My advice billy would be to get a se ,standard,crupi,sm these are all riders frames and NOT designed by some japanese cad programmer .The se was a lil long but tl says theyre all getting trimmed 3/4s an inch in the rear for 2010.
Also try and avoid the sale bikes and saving $ youll regret not getting a good riding bike if you try to be cheap.[at least at a riders like you were bitd]if your doing parking lot skids then get a walmart cruiser but if you wanna have fun/serious then get a good bike]

I liked my china DK. It actually rode pretty good. And I'm FAT. Could use some updated parts but it's a good start. Price up building a new S&M and wow. Man how we miss free bikes and parents!

I just piked up a new Intense pro 24 complete for my wife and it s really nice for a better than entry level complete. It has Sinz parts, aluminum frame and is pretty light. Its not anywhere as good as a custom build but its better than a lot of the other completes out there and the price is not to bad.

There is a member on this forum that goes by the screen name oldfatboy who has a few of these for sale right now at a very very good price.

Hey Steve,
I apologize for not making it up, I was in West Chester at my Moms and got ahold of Lumkin around 1pm, just running waaaaay late. I will catch up with you at a local soon hopefully. Hope your little guy did well? Looks like all you guys had fun judging by the pics and video. The pic of you, Cline, and Carnes is sweet! When this weather breaks, I might start riding a little bit, I bought a 20" Crupi to go along with the Kuwahara cruiser. I checked out that track in Monroe, Holy #%$*! That is like a Supercross track, definitely caught my interest, wonder when its going to be complete? Going to Chicago this weekend with Lumpy and then Indy next for Supercross but maybe catchup with you in after that if Dayton Indoor is racing the following weekend? Always good to get around the old BMX family!

were all looking forward to that monroe track .
The dayton outdoor rides awesome too[off stanley near the green lime pool]
Dayton indoor will be running the 7th but im hoping to be at the morristown tn nbl national that weekend .
I think the following weekend dayton may run sat and sunday.
The indy track has 5 $ practice on fridays [some guys i know have went without a liscense]
Bob at dayton wont let you slide on the liscense in practice very long unless he just doesnt see you.
The cruiser class hasnt been big this winter there were 3 guys always there last year ,this year me and my buddy dave is about it ,occasionally tommy merryman and a few of his buddys come down from toledo.Hope to see you guys soon [i have a 20' now too but no liscense yet]

Dayton Indoor has racing in March Sat-14 & Sunday-15(RCQ) which should be a bigger race. Also there is the Race for Life on the Sat. 28th (no liscense required for this race). I'll be bringing some friends with me and the cruiser class should be fun. Hope to see you all there. Tommy

bump to the front

Billy,
you going to start racing again?
I've got a squat rack set up in my basement in rocky river
jim kavalec

thinking about it. Not sure if my lower back can take it though. Going to pick up a cruiser in the next few weeks, not sure what brand though. Have a couple of 20"'s already (a 83 patterson PR200 & a 83 GT). Debating between buying a complete bike or build up a cruiser. We will see. And I know I cant do the squat rack but we need to hook up and head over to Rays one day soon.

Billy,
i was joking about the squat rack-screwed up my lowerback 2yrs ago @ the christmas classic so I'm done. What did you pick-up cruiser wise? You should race/our class is fun as $hit. Definantly hit up the national @ rockford-even just to watch/hang out.
Jim Kavalec

This will serve as a bump ...





I don't think I put this one up before.

Mike

B.A. on the inside looks strong with the inside line. How's it turn out?

My memory is not that good. I'm sure he won going away. Billy was always a treat to watch, smooth, fast, skilled and smart.

Mike

?