Iv'e posted a ton of stuff in the new school forum over at VBMX if anybodys cares to go over & read about it. I'd like to take a moment to talk Utah BMX in here though.
- Heather winning cruiser from behind on Sunday against a legend like Roper no less.
- Brandon Smith & Mike Kelly letting the big one get away. I thought it was in the bag baby, both you guys deserve huge props. BTW Kelly, the dude that pulled you in that main beat me from behind in my 1st round of 20"x on Sunday!
- Roland being one of the best announcers in BMX.
- Rob......You have proven the skeptics wrong about being able to handle the T.O. role here. Your laid back attitude how you deal with the public went a long way this weekend. Your easy to deal with & the track ran like a well tuned machine. Major props!
- All the volunteers that helped out, you know who you are.....thanks.
- Seeing Pat & Cole Simmons, Dylan Collings & his dad, Derek Peterson & the Proctors......I wish I had more time to visit. Nice seeing everybody.
- The pro's. Props to Aire for racing the guys, she held her own big time & looked great. TP looked good too but man, I hope your OK. That A-Pro class is the toughest IMO because all those guys are hungry & will take out their own grandma for a 4th place in a semi.
- Jason Gallo & I did sit down with Matt from ISTV for an interview. I was more nervous doing this than being in the gate for my semi on Saturday! We talked about Utah BMX.com & Vintage BMX.com. If & when the interview comes up, it will be here. For those that don't know, www.istv.com rocks & is only $9 a month for a card carrying ABA member. I would highly suggest you join & support this company that is supporting our great sport.
Things I just have to know.........
- Can anybody tell me what happened in the 6 & under mixed open class on Sunday that caused such a ruckas? OZ Dad or something? I heard Redman say something over the speaker.
- I didn't appreciate the "big dude" that was walking around with Terry Lowry Saturday trying to intimitate us/me into picking up my whole base camp & moving over by the motorhomes. The guy wouldn't shutup about how many spaces we had even though Beau had 2 passes for his trailer & truck & we all had passes for our cars. Our EZ Up & bikes took up 1 parking space after I talked to Rob on Friday & he asked me politely to try to consolidate our camp, we did. Iv'e been to every national here since 97' & this is the first time someone has hassled us about our setup. It's not going to change. Next time someone I don't even recognize tries to muscle us into doing something a million other people are doing, there's going to be a problem. More space? How about next year making people who are parking their 5th wheels or RV's the wrong way, taking up 6 parking spots, park the RIGHT WAY. That should take care of the overcrowding problem.
- A guy showed up Saturday with 2 pitbulls on a leash. He was over by us & I told him to leave for obvious reasons. I went to a security guard & asked him to escort him out of the complex, he checked with the ABA & they *alledgelly* said he could stay....WTF!!!! I don't mind dogs at the track, I had Jack with us all weekend & I saw plenty of nice, mild-mannered dogs with alot of people but inherantly vicious & unpredictable dogs should not be allowed on the property, period! Let me remind you all that 2 years ago at a Texas race a little girl was attacked & bitten by a so-called "friendly pit-bull on a leash". You might as well leave a loaded gun laying in the parking lot just waiting for a kid to come by & play with it.
Other than the last 2 issues this years national was by far the best I have ever attended. Nothing but positive feedback has come my way because of the hospitality us Utonians showed the out-of-towners. Next year should be even better.
b.
A few comments on my SLC nat weekend.
I got this from Roland....
-------------------------------------------------------
Will ya gimme me a Hell Yeah!!!
Was that a great weekend of BMX or what?
If I were a poet… and I’m not.
But if I were, I’d surely have been gifted with a masterpiece to write about this weekend.
The weather got warm and the BMX got Hot!!!
Before I get too far into the weekend events, let me apologize to a couple of people I really wanted to say hello too. At the time these long time BMX friends came up to say hello, I couldn’t verbally respond since the microphone was keyed up live.
I had Gnarly stomach butterflies this weekend!!!
For the first time, I let realization set in that our BMX Nationals are now broadcast live via satellite across the world. Top that with ISTV.COM being live at Rad Canyon filming the event. I’ll admit, I did have some Stage Fright.
Anyway, Deanna Allred, Tim “Fuzzy” Hall, The McGovern’s, Pat Simmon’s, etc.
Please forgive me, you all have been good friends and I wanted to hop down and shoot the Sh.t with you for a few minutes.I hope all is going well for you guys and thanks a bunch for coming out to
see the peeps at the BMX races.
OK, now that I have sounded all (gushy-mushy) let me take my hat off to the following BMX’ers.
The following riders rode some fantastic races this weekend. I would personally like to congratulate them for their performance and efforts throughout the weekend.
Believe it or not, you guys are helping me live my dream. I wish I could be out there Racing along side of you all the time. Part of me is feeling the Rush of the Big Jump or the Rhythm Section while
you are Slicin’, Dicin’ and Racin’. Who knows, (maybe soon) ???
Jason Melton,
What Is On Your Mind???
Will ya give the Brathas some Love!!!The new spark is lit and the Big Guns have been warned.Ever since you made the big decision. The ladies must have a clear understanding that BMX is your passion and if
you are gonna hang with this Cowboy it’s gonna be near your Stable.Don’t get me wrong. I have enjoyed getting to know some of your lady friends but… since you choose BMX. I just wanted to say it is great to see that your time has been wisely spent on healthy things like BMX, physical conditioning, nutrition, etc. vs. sitting on the couch or going to the Bar and wasting your $$$. We are glad to have the Racin' Jason back in the Saddle. Very nice racing this weekend!
“TP” Todd Parry, taking one for the Home Team!!! Vet Pro’s (30+ year old. Professional BMX Racers) generally don’t consider racing the A-Pro Class. For some of our newer riders and parents, the A Pro class is the step a top amateur takes when he or she feels that racing BMX on a Professional level
is in their best interest.The A Pro’s range from brand new Rookie Pro’s to the National HotShot up an
d comer on the brink of going to the Bigs – AA PRO. These dudes are on a mission if I may use the term. They are generally 18-25 yrs. old with a lot to prove if they want to make it to the top (AA). And… it’s time to cut their teeth, if you will.
Since the A Pro points are kept separate from Vet points, most Vet riders (30+ Pro’s) will race just the Vet specific races (in select cities across the country). This is (Economically responsible, lessens the chance for injury, family, professional career, etc...).Not you… at 37 yrs. young, you hung tight with some of the fastest 18-25 year old BMX’ers in the world this weekend. Many Top BMX Pro’s are from overseas these days and this weekend--you made the Utah folk proud!!! Hat’s off to you, we appreciate the never die philosophy.
For those that are newer to the BMX scene, TP raced BMX as a kid in the 80’s (10-17 yrs. old) and came back to win multiple National Amateur Titles at the ripe age of 34ish.Stepping up and competing in the Vet Pro Class was Todd’s next challenge.
This is much more than most happily married 37-yr. Old fathers of three (3) active kids consider attempting. Let me tell you… my plate is plenty full and I don’t even race anymore!!! Let alone a schedule that requires so much conditioning, riding and traveling.You must be doing something right!!!
“TP” is on his way to get his arm looked at after some serious soil sampling this weekend.This just in, “TP” Todd Parry has been x-rayed and is starting a cycle of Anti-biotics. Todd went down today and re-injured his lower arm from a hard crash in California recently. The Dr. said he has suffered a great deal of trauma to his arm and will need to take it easy for awhile.But as you might imagine, “TP” assured me he would be ready for racing the next round.
By the way, we love ya Todd, and we won’t hold anything against you for not qualifying to a main event twice in one weekend. I mention this only to illustrate your consistency. Since you’ve made your main for the last 2-3 years straight, we will cut ya some slack. Do us proud upon your return!!!
Happy to hear you got a quick start on the Anti-Biotics. Get Well Soon!!!
“By the way, long live the Barefoot Hillbillies” Keep Rockin’
Speaking of the Never die stuff… 36+ Expert racer Steve Spencer made one of the most incredible moves of the weekend. Unfortunately most of the spectators had left their seats.Steve made an awesome move in the last corner. He found just enough space between the 1st place and the 2nd place riders (both former World Champions) to push his way through and ride off to Victory Lane.You know the brothas were proud of the local Hot Shoe from Draper, Utah.
“Maverick” Mitch Ropelato, where do ya want me to start???How about the “Eye of the Tiger Song inserted here”… for starters!!!No sooner did I see you hit the gate during qualifying today, I had to literally run to the fence to see how far you could catch up. I knew you weren’t going to quit.
I got to the fence in time to see you swoop from dead last place into 2nd place against a group of the fastest 13-yr. old boys in the country. You my friend have the passion, keep up the good work and Great Sportsmanship, we WILL see you at the TOP!!! (Thanks Zig!!!)
Halvy, Halvy, Halverson, keepin the dream alive!!! After coming off a long stint on the injured list, the BMX fire is still stoked!!!Racing down a class and puttin the hurt to some of the greats in 19-27 yr. old Expert Class. Not Shabby Abby. Keep the fire lit!!!
Another guy coming off some injuries…on top of a large construction project, Brandon Smith was above Par this weekend. Brandon was runnin' out in front of some of the guys he wished he could kee
p up with 6 months ago…Since we are on the subject of the Smith boyz. Jordan Smith who celebrated
his 14th Birthday this weekend raced some fine moto’s and showed nice poise running with the top 14 Experts around. Jordan should see himself contending if he keeps up the good attitude and the killer instinct.
Good attitude must be in the air. Mike Kelley was still smiling after a near win in front of the home crowd. You made me proud, I was doing what I could to help a brother pedal down the last straight. What can I say… more sprints for you Mister!!!
And then there was one…Twin Sister on the sidelines, National contenders in town…
Never slowed you down before!!!Heather Allred, all I can say is “You came, You Saw, You Kicked Some A$$”.
Nice strength to the finish girl, you had a GOAL!!! (insert South American Soccer Announcer here “ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL” achieved
Going big has always been an Eglintine motto!!! (Ski’s, Mtn. Biking, BMX)Jake, Mikey(5) and Wes (5) had an awesome weekend with some great Main Event finishes!!!
Newer rider McKinley Wachter, pulled out all the stops and put the Pedal to the Medal 1st Place Sunday...“Welcome to BMX, it’s a family sport… you’ve been bit”.
Families like the Patterson’s from Roy, Utah had Danny and Robbie tearing up both their Expert and Cruiser Classes.
Mains were a place you’d find Phoenix Passey this weekend. Phoenix was on the gas and showed he can hang with the Factory Racers on any Track in any city.By the way, Phoenix made an awesome gesture of kindness and friendship today. After having an out of body experience with his Bike. Phoenix came and apologized to me for a bad sportsmanship moment with true sincerity. Phoenix, with that apology, you were definitely on the podium in my book… Learn from the mistakes and keep the Rubber Side down.
Smiley Riley Winn… son of always quick Oldschooler Guy Winn. Riley is definitely one of the up and comer’s!!!Although showing signs of greatness Riley spent more time dusting off than
doing the usual dusting. With some track time and a little more National exposure, this kid could go
Big!!!By the way, Riley’s mom and sister make some awesome Cookies!!!
Ron Melton and family boast three generations of BMX’ers.Ron is a Spring Chicken at the tender age of 61 and showing signs of the very amazing cyclist, Lance Armstrong. Far stretch you say?
Ron was a Nationally Ranked BMX’er and Mountain Bike Racer throughout the 90’s.
While attending the Redline Cup Finals in the Vegas area, Ron got the call from his Dr. who diagnosed Ron with Cancer about four years ago.
Ron took a short hiatus while undergoing treatment for the Cancer. Putting the time in to gain back the speed, strength and agility, Ron was back in rare form this weekend. Come to think of it Ron did very well as the oldest Fart from Utah still keeping the dream alive.
Thanks for sticking around Ron. You are an inspiration for many of us (some of us for many years past and future).If you remember Ron from the 80’s, go up and say hello. He may even talk you into participating in a Grass Roots BMX Clinic.The Clinics are very rider friendly. The newest riders along with those with prior BMX experience can learn a lot from this past World Champion and hi
s Team of Trainers.
Travis Healey—was riding strong all weekend. Pitted against some of the fastest of the fast amateurs in the world Travis should stand tall knowing how he stacked up against the best in the business.
Jeremiah Fazzio—last years inductee into the ABA’s 20,000 Point Club (1st Utahn to earn that many points in a single year) was riding smooth and efficient all weekend. Making National main events in the 16-yr. Old expert class is a huge task.
Put Sonshine in the gate, he has earned his wings.
This weekend exemplified the fact that against some tough odds, Utah BMX’ers still rose to the occasion. We witnessed some of the fastest BMX racers in the World. Yes, I meant WORLD.
Set aside the fact that the Utah riders have only raced outdoors for a very short time (due to weather and muddy track conditions). We should be very proud to have done as well as we did.
The riders from out of state making the trip to race the Great Salt Lake National did not do it for their health (No pun intended). For the most part, unless they live fairly close to the race, the majority of local riders from other states don’t travel to a National BMX Race. That is unless their rider has some great skill and a fighting chance of doing fairly well at the National level..
Trust me, the gas is expensive all across the country and we had riders from Florida, Japan, etc.
Oh yeah, you say well a lot of them flew here… same story, Jet Fuel isn’t cheap either!!!
Some old faces in the crowd…
Not quite sure whats brewin' in here in River City.
Many faces from the BMX past were spotted around Rad Canyon this weekend. Could there be a return of some of the Local Hot Shoes from back in the day???
BMX in Utah was very very popular in the early 80’s Revolution has happened before…
I talked to Mike Poulson, he was in the pits looking around. He tells me we should be seeing him at the track soon. Who would be faster?
The 40 yr. Old former BMX Superstar fresh off the Couch or Otto, Mike’s 15 yr. Old son???
JP Scofield was spending time in the infield watching his son. Has he got the Bug?
Does he still have the skills?
Tim “Fuzzy” Hall was in the house!!! Fuzzy has been instrumental in promoting BMX to some of its highest levels (AA Pro Racing and a World Class Freestyle rider)Fuzzy still rides for Mongoose.
Will the World Famous One load into the starting gate anytime soon? Fuzzy is staying fit and still shredding the BMX Scene!!!We’ve seen Fuzz at two local BMX Events over the last couple of weeks.
Will there be a new generation of Mongoose riders taking the local BMX scene by storm?
Chuck Fallen, Local Stud & all around nice guy was trollin’ the Pits with his little Chick Magnet…
Chuck is a talented BMX’er in his own right. Chuck is working in the cycling industry, he’s got a kid about BMX age (3)… Does he have enough pull at the plant to get a pair of new rides for himself and his lifelong riding partner?
Travis Chipres. Former Professional AA Pro Rider from California with several BMX ties in Utah. Travis was reportedly roaming the pits with the once in-famous Fudd a.k.a. Ron Duncombe.Dunk has ties to all sorts of Extreme sports, is he coming back to his Roots?
Dave Beeson, former BMX shoe from the late 80’s.Dave, I was trying to re-introduce myself and the timing just missed. You were coming into the BMX scene at the same time I was retiring in the m
id to late 80’s.Dave is now working in the cycling industry… Do they produce a bike that would fit Dave’s style?
Grandma Nancy Melton was seen carousing the pits.Probabilities of Nancy’s return are on the rise.
After keeping Ron propped up and nursed back to good health, Nancy was feeling under the weather herself. Nancy tells me she is feeling pretty good and may have a comeback plan. Not seen during the weekends events were 80’s National Star Julie Lindsay.
We spoke with Julie a couple of week’s back and her boys are getting the itch to race BMX.
Will Julie dust off some of the Schwinn Factory gear from the 80’s and come back racing???
Speaking of the Schwinn crew, Keith Archibald from Ogden is back and working the cycling industry. What would stop Keith from coming back and showing off some of his HorsePower?
Could we see the Bingham Schwinn Dominators anytime soon?
Former BMX’ers from Utah made the trip to the Great Salt Lake National.Derrick Peterson whose family operated the BMX Facility in Tooele, Utah came to town to catch up with some friends and race some BMX. Mini Me, you’ll always be a Utah BMX kid in my eyes.
Brayden Bringhurst who started racing BMX in Utah several years ago was seen tearing up some of the fastest Experts in the Country.
Showing signs of greatness!!! The following riders showed potential this weekend and should not be overlooked.
Tiffernie Freeman – If Tiff can light the fire that was lit going into Grand’s 04’ Tiff could make some heads turn…
Joe Winebrenner – Although a tough weekend didn’t put you in the top slot, the smile after defeat is worth much more than any trophy. You are doing what you love!!! Keep up the hard work.
Ian Elliot – Go on, take a win or two!!! It’s your home track and you only get these chances every so often. Don’t let the top rung of the ladder bother you. You are still are BMX’n and most of us old timers have to race cruiser anyway. Take the wins. You never know how much fun racing some of the oldschooler’s may be. Plan a surprise attack. That too has worked before.
Mitch Froisland – Injuries have kept Mitch sidelined recently. Watch this kid improve over the summer.
Nate Scofield – Glad to see another 2nd generation kid clawing his way up the BMX Ranks. Keep ridin hard, have the Old Man show you a couple of Oldschool secrets.
Davis Blankenship who shares the same Oldschool style that puts Beau Mahaffey on top of my list of fun to watch. Both of these riders were takin care of Biz this weekend.
Greg Prawitt – You are always willing to go as hard as possible. Keep up the dedication!!!
Cody Kelly – Your time is coming. Relax and ride the way you do in practice and local races. That class won’t know what hit them.
Jason Stout – another Utah old-schooler is making National Mains.The same era produced the Oblad family. Mike, Bryan, Steve This family is another one of the 3rd generation BMX families.
Mike Oblad and niece Brooke were looking great this weekend.
Tyler Halavachek (sorry if spelling is incorrect) showing that being in the right place at the time pays some dividends. Someone in Tyler’s moto was disqualified for a rule violation during qualifying rounds, which moved Tyler into the Main Event. Tyler was coming on strong prior to taking several months off of the BMX Track.
Other Items of Interest
ISTV.COM was on the scene. Video production companies are jumping onto the BMX Bandwagon. Jack had his Team of Professional Photographers working the Cameras from multiple angles. Now that BMX is recognized as an Olympic Sport, We are starting to see some Big Time stuff.(National Sponsors: Hyundai, GT, Schwinn, Yamaha, etc.)
The Geddings family from the Hill Air Force Base was on hand tearing up moto’s and mains. Rumor had it that they had the entire US Military helping them in the draft. Father, Lee Geddings is a local BMX’er stationed in Iraq. Lee and the crew tuned into the Live Webcast via the Internet and listened all day to hear how the Geddings kids were doing.Thanks to you and the rest of the Troops Lee, we were able to enjoy a very nice weekend of BMX. Take Care, Come Home Soon and God Bless.
Silent but then again SOOOOOOOOOO loud and peaceful…
Austin Gren 16, brother of the tough local girl BMX’er that chose to race against the boys from the get go. And Son of the teenage phenom Moto-X’er from the late 70’s and early 80’s.Austin is a well-studied professional on the Guitar. On Saturday, Day 1 of the Great Salt Lake Nationals Austin played the National Anthem, live to the entire world. Jimmy Hendricks Style. Signifying the freedom we cherish as American’s.
Heather Cody, thanks for being sooo approachable, I know for a fact there are some families glad you answered their questions and addressed their concerns over the weekend. (Heather is an E.R. Dr. in SLC).I have known many a BMX’er in my day (27 yrs. in the sport, to some degree or the other).
Not many Doctors kids come through the system, let alone the Dr. herself racing a BMX Bicycle!!!
You guys are great people, thanks for coming out and joining the rest of us BMX Noodlers!!!
Mike Redman, you are my Mentor.I say that from the Heart!!! You handled a situation very nice this afternoon. It could have easily gotten ugly!!! You handled yourself very professionally.
BMX is a better sport with you in it.“I learned a lot from you this weekend and I appreciate the lessons”. Mike Redman is the Team Manager for Yamaha Waverunner as well as a very talented BMX Announcer.
“TP” & Cathy Parry, you guys were awesome Hosts. We appreciate the BBQ and camaraderie. It was awesome to hang out with Berlin and Bubba Harris. Watching them interact with people is very refreshing. They are the Best of Friends and treat everyone with so much respect.
Speaking of the Supercamp Crew. This group of down to Earth classy Racers should be commended for their kindness. Since we were sitting down with the National #1 AA Pro and a bunch of World-Class riders, one would wonder what types of kids get to these levels. We were impressed by their compassion for each other and all of the people around us.
I can tell you that any of them would be welcome under my roof. They showed the utmost Courtesy and Professionalism to my Family and I.Keep up the great work, You Guys are awesome people.
BMX’ers are a tough breed of Athletes. Other than Moto-X, Bull Riding and X-Treme Rock Jogging, nothing hurts worse than being spit off your bicycle at 20+ MPH. face first into an unforgiving mound of rock hard Dirt!!!
There were many tough racers this weekend that very well could have had bigger Trophies, More prize money or more glory… had they stayed in position vs. going for the WIN.Instead the tough ones are always looking for the way to make up a position or two and do not fear the elements of defeat.
“Never settle for 2nd if your mind is set on 1st.”
If your name didn’t appear in this message, please don’t be offended I really only got to see ½ of the races and these are the ones I recalled. Although I arguably have the best seat in the house, I see more of the race when I am off the microphone and in the Grandstands. So if I missed mentioning you, I will keep an eye on ya next time.
Last Remarks & Closing Thoughts
Before I sign off, I want to give a 3rd perspective of BMX that I think is really, really important. I say 3rd, since I have been involved as a Rider, Parent and now a bystander from 1978 to present to some degree or another.
Let’s face it. Other than a select few, if it weren’t for our kids being involved in BMX Racing we would probably be camping, boating, etc. not sitting in the blistering heat and wind waiting to see a 13 intermediate round of qualifying.Anyway, for the most part we can all agree that BMX is a kid’s sport supported by loving parents and families.This is where the lesson came in.
I watched several parents witch and bellyache about the way their kid(s) did during the races.
Most of the kids were hurt more by getting their butt chewed by the parent(s) than not qualifying or heaven forbid crashing on the track.
Yell and carry on during practice and training exercises if you must… but yelling, grabbing and screaming is not going to make your kid any faster or more competitive on Race Day.
Just a suggestion… give them a big hug and a vote of confidence. Tell them how proud you are that they are actually competing at a high level in an Extreme Sport.We’ve got it good if our kids are at the racetrack. Consider the alternative, Juvenile Detention is full of kids just like ours. (flesh and blood)
God gave us two ears and one mouth. He suggests that we use them accordingly.Listen to the child, try to understand what it is that has them acting up.
Recognize what they are saying and deal with discipline when the time is right.“Remember, Cooler Heads Prevail.”
Now I know what you are thinkin, your kid just ticked you off for one reason or the other and you felt it was the right time to make a point.Well, the BMX Track is not the time or the place!!! Not a soul would want to be chewed out in front of their peers… Step back and ask yourself… would I rather have my kid here racing BMX with other healthy families or playing Hood Rat and making life really hard on
me and the rest of society???
If it is a behavioral issue (bad sport--making a scene when not winning –bullying other kids). Take away their privileges.BMX is a privilege for kids to enjoy. Not a place the BMX parent is obligated to take them.If they are acting like a fool, pull them aside and give them the one more strike and you’re out talk.After all, you are the parent that just spent your hard-earned money on a weekend of BMX.
If it continues, load up the Bike and give the kid the experience of having the privilege taken away.
My kids learned a tremendous lesson on a Tuesday… a couple of year’s back.
We were planning on racing Rad Canyon that night. The two of them couldn’t seem to get it together and get along. So without hesitation, we put them to work for the rest of the evening until dark. My
yard was weed free that week.
I don’t claim to have all of the answers, however seeing the sport from several different views gives me the confidence to at least throw in my two cents.
I hope the BMXperience this weekend was as good for you as it was for me.
Thanks to all the riders, you are all great athletes. They didn’t recognize BMX as an Olympic Sport for Nothing.
Last and certainly not least. A Special Thanks goes out to The ABA and Rad Canyon Crews. You guys make running a huge weekend of high level BMX Racing look easy. I must have softened up over the years or something. I‘ve been spoiled, sitting under the Canopy with a Cool Mist-ified Mist and a comfy Chair.
Your efforts made for an awesome Weekend of Racing
p.s. Scoot over Fazzio, you’ve already been de-seeded. You didn’t think I would give in to defeat that easy… Did Ya???
Signed,
Roland Critchfield
The Oldschooler with dreams of being like Dan Mooney some day…
Ciao
-------------------------------------------------------
Will ya gimme me a Hell Yeah!!!
Was that a great weekend of BMX or what?
If I were a poet… and I’m not.
But if I were, I’d surely have been gifted with a masterpiece to write about this weekend.
The weather got warm and the BMX got Hot!!!
Before I get too far into the weekend events, let me apologize to a couple of people I really wanted to say hello too. At the time these long time BMX friends came up to say hello, I couldn’t verbally respond since the microphone was keyed up live.
I had Gnarly stomach butterflies this weekend!!!
For the first time, I let realization set in that our BMX Nationals are now broadcast live via satellite across the world. Top that with ISTV.COM being live at Rad Canyon filming the event. I’ll admit, I did have some Stage Fright.
Anyway, Deanna Allred, Tim “Fuzzy” Hall, The McGovern’s, Pat Simmon’s, etc.
Please forgive me, you all have been good friends and I wanted to hop down and shoot the Sh.t with you for a few minutes.I hope all is going well for you guys and thanks a bunch for coming out to
see the peeps at the BMX races.
OK, now that I have sounded all (gushy-mushy) let me take my hat off to the following BMX’ers.
The following riders rode some fantastic races this weekend. I would personally like to congratulate them for their performance and efforts throughout the weekend.
Believe it or not, you guys are helping me live my dream. I wish I could be out there Racing along side of you all the time. Part of me is feeling the Rush of the Big Jump or the Rhythm Section while
you are Slicin’, Dicin’ and Racin’. Who knows, (maybe soon) ???
Jason Melton,
What Is On Your Mind???
Will ya give the Brathas some Love!!!The new spark is lit and the Big Guns have been warned.Ever since you made the big decision. The ladies must have a clear understanding that BMX is your passion and if
you are gonna hang with this Cowboy it’s gonna be near your Stable.Don’t get me wrong. I have enjoyed getting to know some of your lady friends but… since you choose BMX. I just wanted to say it is great to see that your time has been wisely spent on healthy things like BMX, physical conditioning, nutrition, etc. vs. sitting on the couch or going to the Bar and wasting your $$$. We are glad to have the Racin' Jason back in the Saddle. Very nice racing this weekend!
“TP” Todd Parry, taking one for the Home Team!!! Vet Pro’s (30+ year old. Professional BMX Racers) generally don’t consider racing the A-Pro Class. For some of our newer riders and parents, the A Pro class is the step a top amateur takes when he or she feels that racing BMX on a Professional level
is in their best interest.The A Pro’s range from brand new Rookie Pro’s to the National HotShot up an
d comer on the brink of going to the Bigs – AA PRO. These dudes are on a mission if I may use the term. They are generally 18-25 yrs. old with a lot to prove if they want to make it to the top (AA). And… it’s time to cut their teeth, if you will.
Since the A Pro points are kept separate from Vet points, most Vet riders (30+ Pro’s) will race just the Vet specific races (in select cities across the country). This is (Economically responsible, lessens the chance for injury, family, professional career, etc...).Not you… at 37 yrs. young, you hung tight with some of the fastest 18-25 year old BMX’ers in the world this weekend. Many Top BMX Pro’s are from overseas these days and this weekend--you made the Utah folk proud!!! Hat’s off to you, we appreciate the never die philosophy.
For those that are newer to the BMX scene, TP raced BMX as a kid in the 80’s (10-17 yrs. old) and came back to win multiple National Amateur Titles at the ripe age of 34ish.Stepping up and competing in the Vet Pro Class was Todd’s next challenge.
This is much more than most happily married 37-yr. Old fathers of three (3) active kids consider attempting. Let me tell you… my plate is plenty full and I don’t even race anymore!!! Let alone a schedule that requires so much conditioning, riding and traveling.You must be doing something right!!!
“TP” is on his way to get his arm looked at after some serious soil sampling this weekend.This just in, “TP” Todd Parry has been x-rayed and is starting a cycle of Anti-biotics. Todd went down today and re-injured his lower arm from a hard crash in California recently. The Dr. said he has suffered a great deal of trauma to his arm and will need to take it easy for awhile.But as you might imagine, “TP” assured me he would be ready for racing the next round.
By the way, we love ya Todd, and we won’t hold anything against you for not qualifying to a main event twice in one weekend. I mention this only to illustrate your consistency. Since you’ve made your main for the last 2-3 years straight, we will cut ya some slack. Do us proud upon your return!!!
Happy to hear you got a quick start on the Anti-Biotics. Get Well Soon!!!
“By the way, long live the Barefoot Hillbillies” Keep Rockin’
Speaking of the Never die stuff… 36+ Expert racer Steve Spencer made one of the most incredible moves of the weekend. Unfortunately most of the spectators had left their seats.Steve made an awesome move in the last corner. He found just enough space between the 1st place and the 2nd place riders (both former World Champions) to push his way through and ride off to Victory Lane.You know the brothas were proud of the local Hot Shoe from Draper, Utah.
“Maverick” Mitch Ropelato, where do ya want me to start???How about the “Eye of the Tiger Song inserted here”… for starters!!!No sooner did I see you hit the gate during qualifying today, I had to literally run to the fence to see how far you could catch up. I knew you weren’t going to quit.
I got to the fence in time to see you swoop from dead last place into 2nd place against a group of the fastest 13-yr. old boys in the country. You my friend have the passion, keep up the good work and Great Sportsmanship, we WILL see you at the TOP!!! (Thanks Zig!!!)
Halvy, Halvy, Halverson, keepin the dream alive!!! After coming off a long stint on the injured list, the BMX fire is still stoked!!!Racing down a class and puttin the hurt to some of the greats in 19-27 yr. old Expert Class. Not Shabby Abby. Keep the fire lit!!!
Another guy coming off some injuries…on top of a large construction project, Brandon Smith was above Par this weekend. Brandon was runnin' out in front of some of the guys he wished he could kee
p up with 6 months ago…Since we are on the subject of the Smith boyz. Jordan Smith who celebrated
his 14th Birthday this weekend raced some fine moto’s and showed nice poise running with the top 14 Experts around. Jordan should see himself contending if he keeps up the good attitude and the killer instinct.
Good attitude must be in the air. Mike Kelley was still smiling after a near win in front of the home crowd. You made me proud, I was doing what I could to help a brother pedal down the last straight. What can I say… more sprints for you Mister!!!
And then there was one…Twin Sister on the sidelines, National contenders in town…
Never slowed you down before!!!Heather Allred, all I can say is “You came, You Saw, You Kicked Some A$$”.
Nice strength to the finish girl, you had a GOAL!!! (insert South American Soccer Announcer here “ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL” achieved
Going big has always been an Eglintine motto!!! (Ski’s, Mtn. Biking, BMX)Jake, Mikey(5) and Wes (5) had an awesome weekend with some great Main Event finishes!!!
Newer rider McKinley Wachter, pulled out all the stops and put the Pedal to the Medal 1st Place Sunday...“Welcome to BMX, it’s a family sport… you’ve been bit”.
Families like the Patterson’s from Roy, Utah had Danny and Robbie tearing up both their Expert and Cruiser Classes.
Mains were a place you’d find Phoenix Passey this weekend. Phoenix was on the gas and showed he can hang with the Factory Racers on any Track in any city.By the way, Phoenix made an awesome gesture of kindness and friendship today. After having an out of body experience with his Bike. Phoenix came and apologized to me for a bad sportsmanship moment with true sincerity. Phoenix, with that apology, you were definitely on the podium in my book… Learn from the mistakes and keep the Rubber Side down.
Smiley Riley Winn… son of always quick Oldschooler Guy Winn. Riley is definitely one of the up and comer’s!!!Although showing signs of greatness Riley spent more time dusting off than
doing the usual dusting. With some track time and a little more National exposure, this kid could go
Big!!!By the way, Riley’s mom and sister make some awesome Cookies!!!
Ron Melton and family boast three generations of BMX’ers.Ron is a Spring Chicken at the tender age of 61 and showing signs of the very amazing cyclist, Lance Armstrong. Far stretch you say?
Ron was a Nationally Ranked BMX’er and Mountain Bike Racer throughout the 90’s.
While attending the Redline Cup Finals in the Vegas area, Ron got the call from his Dr. who diagnosed Ron with Cancer about four years ago.
Ron took a short hiatus while undergoing treatment for the Cancer. Putting the time in to gain back the speed, strength and agility, Ron was back in rare form this weekend. Come to think of it Ron did very well as the oldest Fart from Utah still keeping the dream alive.
Thanks for sticking around Ron. You are an inspiration for many of us (some of us for many years past and future).If you remember Ron from the 80’s, go up and say hello. He may even talk you into participating in a Grass Roots BMX Clinic.The Clinics are very rider friendly. The newest riders along with those with prior BMX experience can learn a lot from this past World Champion and hi
s Team of Trainers.
Travis Healey—was riding strong all weekend. Pitted against some of the fastest of the fast amateurs in the world Travis should stand tall knowing how he stacked up against the best in the business.
Jeremiah Fazzio—last years inductee into the ABA’s 20,000 Point Club (1st Utahn to earn that many points in a single year) was riding smooth and efficient all weekend. Making National main events in the 16-yr. Old expert class is a huge task.
Put Sonshine in the gate, he has earned his wings.
This weekend exemplified the fact that against some tough odds, Utah BMX’ers still rose to the occasion. We witnessed some of the fastest BMX racers in the World. Yes, I meant WORLD.
Set aside the fact that the Utah riders have only raced outdoors for a very short time (due to weather and muddy track conditions). We should be very proud to have done as well as we did.
The riders from out of state making the trip to race the Great Salt Lake National did not do it for their health (No pun intended). For the most part, unless they live fairly close to the race, the majority of local riders from other states don’t travel to a National BMX Race. That is unless their rider has some great skill and a fighting chance of doing fairly well at the National level..
Trust me, the gas is expensive all across the country and we had riders from Florida, Japan, etc.
Oh yeah, you say well a lot of them flew here… same story, Jet Fuel isn’t cheap either!!!
Some old faces in the crowd…
Not quite sure whats brewin' in here in River City.
Many faces from the BMX past were spotted around Rad Canyon this weekend. Could there be a return of some of the Local Hot Shoes from back in the day???
BMX in Utah was very very popular in the early 80’s Revolution has happened before…
I talked to Mike Poulson, he was in the pits looking around. He tells me we should be seeing him at the track soon. Who would be faster?
The 40 yr. Old former BMX Superstar fresh off the Couch or Otto, Mike’s 15 yr. Old son???
JP Scofield was spending time in the infield watching his son. Has he got the Bug?
Does he still have the skills?
Tim “Fuzzy” Hall was in the house!!! Fuzzy has been instrumental in promoting BMX to some of its highest levels (AA Pro Racing and a World Class Freestyle rider)Fuzzy still rides for Mongoose.
Will the World Famous One load into the starting gate anytime soon? Fuzzy is staying fit and still shredding the BMX Scene!!!We’ve seen Fuzz at two local BMX Events over the last couple of weeks.
Will there be a new generation of Mongoose riders taking the local BMX scene by storm?
Chuck Fallen, Local Stud & all around nice guy was trollin’ the Pits with his little Chick Magnet…
Chuck is a talented BMX’er in his own right. Chuck is working in the cycling industry, he’s got a kid about BMX age (3)… Does he have enough pull at the plant to get a pair of new rides for himself and his lifelong riding partner?
Travis Chipres. Former Professional AA Pro Rider from California with several BMX ties in Utah. Travis was reportedly roaming the pits with the once in-famous Fudd a.k.a. Ron Duncombe.Dunk has ties to all sorts of Extreme sports, is he coming back to his Roots?
Dave Beeson, former BMX shoe from the late 80’s.Dave, I was trying to re-introduce myself and the timing just missed. You were coming into the BMX scene at the same time I was retiring in the m
id to late 80’s.Dave is now working in the cycling industry… Do they produce a bike that would fit Dave’s style?
Grandma Nancy Melton was seen carousing the pits.Probabilities of Nancy’s return are on the rise.
After keeping Ron propped up and nursed back to good health, Nancy was feeling under the weather herself. Nancy tells me she is feeling pretty good and may have a comeback plan. Not seen during the weekends events were 80’s National Star Julie Lindsay.
We spoke with Julie a couple of week’s back and her boys are getting the itch to race BMX.
Will Julie dust off some of the Schwinn Factory gear from the 80’s and come back racing???
Speaking of the Schwinn crew, Keith Archibald from Ogden is back and working the cycling industry. What would stop Keith from coming back and showing off some of his HorsePower?
Could we see the Bingham Schwinn Dominators anytime soon?
Former BMX’ers from Utah made the trip to the Great Salt Lake National.Derrick Peterson whose family operated the BMX Facility in Tooele, Utah came to town to catch up with some friends and race some BMX. Mini Me, you’ll always be a Utah BMX kid in my eyes.
Brayden Bringhurst who started racing BMX in Utah several years ago was seen tearing up some of the fastest Experts in the Country.
Showing signs of greatness!!! The following riders showed potential this weekend and should not be overlooked.
Tiffernie Freeman – If Tiff can light the fire that was lit going into Grand’s 04’ Tiff could make some heads turn…
Joe Winebrenner – Although a tough weekend didn’t put you in the top slot, the smile after defeat is worth much more than any trophy. You are doing what you love!!! Keep up the hard work.
Ian Elliot – Go on, take a win or two!!! It’s your home track and you only get these chances every so often. Don’t let the top rung of the ladder bother you. You are still are BMX’n and most of us old timers have to race cruiser anyway. Take the wins. You never know how much fun racing some of the oldschooler’s may be. Plan a surprise attack. That too has worked before.
Mitch Froisland – Injuries have kept Mitch sidelined recently. Watch this kid improve over the summer.
Nate Scofield – Glad to see another 2nd generation kid clawing his way up the BMX Ranks. Keep ridin hard, have the Old Man show you a couple of Oldschool secrets.
Davis Blankenship who shares the same Oldschool style that puts Beau Mahaffey on top of my list of fun to watch. Both of these riders were takin care of Biz this weekend.
Greg Prawitt – You are always willing to go as hard as possible. Keep up the dedication!!!
Cody Kelly – Your time is coming. Relax and ride the way you do in practice and local races. That class won’t know what hit them.
Jason Stout – another Utah old-schooler is making National Mains.The same era produced the Oblad family. Mike, Bryan, Steve This family is another one of the 3rd generation BMX families.
Mike Oblad and niece Brooke were looking great this weekend.
Tyler Halavachek (sorry if spelling is incorrect) showing that being in the right place at the time pays some dividends. Someone in Tyler’s moto was disqualified for a rule violation during qualifying rounds, which moved Tyler into the Main Event. Tyler was coming on strong prior to taking several months off of the BMX Track.
Other Items of Interest
ISTV.COM was on the scene. Video production companies are jumping onto the BMX Bandwagon. Jack had his Team of Professional Photographers working the Cameras from multiple angles. Now that BMX is recognized as an Olympic Sport, We are starting to see some Big Time stuff.(National Sponsors: Hyundai, GT, Schwinn, Yamaha, etc.)
The Geddings family from the Hill Air Force Base was on hand tearing up moto’s and mains. Rumor had it that they had the entire US Military helping them in the draft. Father, Lee Geddings is a local BMX’er stationed in Iraq. Lee and the crew tuned into the Live Webcast via the Internet and listened all day to hear how the Geddings kids were doing.Thanks to you and the rest of the Troops Lee, we were able to enjoy a very nice weekend of BMX. Take Care, Come Home Soon and God Bless.
Silent but then again SOOOOOOOOOO loud and peaceful…
Austin Gren 16, brother of the tough local girl BMX’er that chose to race against the boys from the get go. And Son of the teenage phenom Moto-X’er from the late 70’s and early 80’s.Austin is a well-studied professional on the Guitar. On Saturday, Day 1 of the Great Salt Lake Nationals Austin played the National Anthem, live to the entire world. Jimmy Hendricks Style. Signifying the freedom we cherish as American’s.
Heather Cody, thanks for being sooo approachable, I know for a fact there are some families glad you answered their questions and addressed their concerns over the weekend. (Heather is an E.R. Dr. in SLC).I have known many a BMX’er in my day (27 yrs. in the sport, to some degree or the other).
Not many Doctors kids come through the system, let alone the Dr. herself racing a BMX Bicycle!!!
You guys are great people, thanks for coming out and joining the rest of us BMX Noodlers!!!
Mike Redman, you are my Mentor.I say that from the Heart!!! You handled a situation very nice this afternoon. It could have easily gotten ugly!!! You handled yourself very professionally.
BMX is a better sport with you in it.“I learned a lot from you this weekend and I appreciate the lessons”. Mike Redman is the Team Manager for Yamaha Waverunner as well as a very talented BMX Announcer.
“TP” & Cathy Parry, you guys were awesome Hosts. We appreciate the BBQ and camaraderie. It was awesome to hang out with Berlin and Bubba Harris. Watching them interact with people is very refreshing. They are the Best of Friends and treat everyone with so much respect.
Speaking of the Supercamp Crew. This group of down to Earth classy Racers should be commended for their kindness. Since we were sitting down with the National #1 AA Pro and a bunch of World-Class riders, one would wonder what types of kids get to these levels. We were impressed by their compassion for each other and all of the people around us.
I can tell you that any of them would be welcome under my roof. They showed the utmost Courtesy and Professionalism to my Family and I.Keep up the great work, You Guys are awesome people.
BMX’ers are a tough breed of Athletes. Other than Moto-X, Bull Riding and X-Treme Rock Jogging, nothing hurts worse than being spit off your bicycle at 20+ MPH. face first into an unforgiving mound of rock hard Dirt!!!
There were many tough racers this weekend that very well could have had bigger Trophies, More prize money or more glory… had they stayed in position vs. going for the WIN.Instead the tough ones are always looking for the way to make up a position or two and do not fear the elements of defeat.
“Never settle for 2nd if your mind is set on 1st.”
If your name didn’t appear in this message, please don’t be offended I really only got to see ½ of the races and these are the ones I recalled. Although I arguably have the best seat in the house, I see more of the race when I am off the microphone and in the Grandstands. So if I missed mentioning you, I will keep an eye on ya next time.
Last Remarks & Closing Thoughts
Before I sign off, I want to give a 3rd perspective of BMX that I think is really, really important. I say 3rd, since I have been involved as a Rider, Parent and now a bystander from 1978 to present to some degree or another.
Let’s face it. Other than a select few, if it weren’t for our kids being involved in BMX Racing we would probably be camping, boating, etc. not sitting in the blistering heat and wind waiting to see a 13 intermediate round of qualifying.Anyway, for the most part we can all agree that BMX is a kid’s sport supported by loving parents and families.This is where the lesson came in.
I watched several parents witch and bellyache about the way their kid(s) did during the races.
Most of the kids were hurt more by getting their butt chewed by the parent(s) than not qualifying or heaven forbid crashing on the track.
Yell and carry on during practice and training exercises if you must… but yelling, grabbing and screaming is not going to make your kid any faster or more competitive on Race Day.
Just a suggestion… give them a big hug and a vote of confidence. Tell them how proud you are that they are actually competing at a high level in an Extreme Sport.We’ve got it good if our kids are at the racetrack. Consider the alternative, Juvenile Detention is full of kids just like ours. (flesh and blood)
God gave us two ears and one mouth. He suggests that we use them accordingly.Listen to the child, try to understand what it is that has them acting up.
Recognize what they are saying and deal with discipline when the time is right.“Remember, Cooler Heads Prevail.”
Now I know what you are thinkin, your kid just ticked you off for one reason or the other and you felt it was the right time to make a point.Well, the BMX Track is not the time or the place!!! Not a soul would want to be chewed out in front of their peers… Step back and ask yourself… would I rather have my kid here racing BMX with other healthy families or playing Hood Rat and making life really hard on
me and the rest of society???
If it is a behavioral issue (bad sport--making a scene when not winning –bullying other kids). Take away their privileges.BMX is a privilege for kids to enjoy. Not a place the BMX parent is obligated to take them.If they are acting like a fool, pull them aside and give them the one more strike and you’re out talk.After all, you are the parent that just spent your hard-earned money on a weekend of BMX.
If it continues, load up the Bike and give the kid the experience of having the privilege taken away.
My kids learned a tremendous lesson on a Tuesday… a couple of year’s back.
We were planning on racing Rad Canyon that night. The two of them couldn’t seem to get it together and get along. So without hesitation, we put them to work for the rest of the evening until dark. My
yard was weed free that week.
I don’t claim to have all of the answers, however seeing the sport from several different views gives me the confidence to at least throw in my two cents.
I hope the BMXperience this weekend was as good for you as it was for me.
Thanks to all the riders, you are all great athletes. They didn’t recognize BMX as an Olympic Sport for Nothing.
Last and certainly not least. A Special Thanks goes out to The ABA and Rad Canyon Crews. You guys make running a huge weekend of high level BMX Racing look easy. I must have softened up over the years or something. I‘ve been spoiled, sitting under the Canopy with a Cool Mist-ified Mist and a comfy Chair.
Your efforts made for an awesome Weekend of Racing
p.s. Scoot over Fazzio, you’ve already been de-seeded. You didn’t think I would give in to defeat that easy… Did Ya???
Signed,
Roland Critchfield
The Oldschooler with dreams of being like Dan Mooney some day…
Ciao
-
greg
- 2004 36-40 Cruiser State Champ
- Posts: 469
- Joined: Tue May 11, 2004 6:52 am
- Location: west jordan, utah
Wow, I was actually mentioned by Roland. Hehehehe
I’m not sure how much more can be said, but man was this a great weekend or what! I have to add my thanks to all of those that make racing possible, especially at such a great place as Rad. I’ve been reading all of the positive remarks said over at VintageBMX.com, and if you haven’t seen them, then you are missing out. Utah BMX definitely moved up a rung on the ladder because of all of the dedication, hard work, and hospitality that was on display over the weekend.
My adrenalin is still pretty high. I’m very glad that I pulled out the 20” and gave it a go on that. It felt good to actually be in a class where I was somewhat competitive, and not just looking at the back of the pack 30 feet in front of me. I know, I know! You guys are asking yourself “when was Greg ever within 30 feet of the pack?”
Anyway, I want to say thanks for the words of encouragement that I received over the weekend. It means allot to me. One of the funniest things I heard was “hey, you’re pretty fast for a big dude”. 
I don’t think I even said anything to this remark……I was trying to decide if that was a compliment or a slam! 
Actually hearing some one say that I was pretty fast was……well……just funny when I was in the company of so many truly fast riders.
My son Spencer didn’t have the results he was hoping for, but I don’t think he was too surprised. He was pretty nervous and wound-up before the weekend, and I’m sure it affected his riding allot. I don’t think he put together a good lap the whole time. He continuously bonked, clipped, slid, or just got squeezed out, and could not keep himself in the race. I felt pretty bad for him. He seemed upbeat, and still had a great time, but just couldn’t loosen up and let it flow. I have to commend him on his great attitude and his commitment to staying with it. He loves racing, and although other sports have tugged at him from time to time, he stays pretty focused. I’m sure he’ll improve with more time in the expert class, and more time on the track.
Thanks again everyone for such a great weekend.
I’m not sure how much more can be said, but man was this a great weekend or what! I have to add my thanks to all of those that make racing possible, especially at such a great place as Rad. I’ve been reading all of the positive remarks said over at VintageBMX.com, and if you haven’t seen them, then you are missing out. Utah BMX definitely moved up a rung on the ladder because of all of the dedication, hard work, and hospitality that was on display over the weekend.
My adrenalin is still pretty high. I’m very glad that I pulled out the 20” and gave it a go on that. It felt good to actually be in a class where I was somewhat competitive, and not just looking at the back of the pack 30 feet in front of me. I know, I know! You guys are asking yourself “when was Greg ever within 30 feet of the pack?”
Anyway, I want to say thanks for the words of encouragement that I received over the weekend. It means allot to me. One of the funniest things I heard was “hey, you’re pretty fast for a big dude”. I don’t think I even said anything to this remark……I was trying to decide if that was a compliment or a slam! Actually hearing some one say that I was pretty fast was……well……just funny when I was in the company of so many truly fast riders.
My son Spencer didn’t have the results he was hoping for, but I don’t think he was too surprised. He was pretty nervous and wound-up before the weekend, and I’m sure it affected his riding allot. I don’t think he put together a good lap the whole time. He continuously bonked, clipped, slid, or just got squeezed out, and could not keep himself in the race. I felt pretty bad for him. He seemed upbeat, and still had a great time, but just couldn’t loosen up and let it flow. I have to commend him on his great attitude and his commitment to staying with it. He loves racing, and although other sports have tugged at him from time to time, he stays pretty focused. I’m sure he’ll improve with more time in the expert class, and more time on the track.
Thanks again everyone for such a great weekend.
Greg "how long does it take you to crash" prawitt
-
justinsbmxmom
- SE Floval Flyer
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2004 8:19 pm
- Location: Idaho Falls
- Contact:
I had the privilege of helping at the finishing line during the mains on Sunday. I saw so many kids cross the finish line in tears. One kid in particular was sobbing uncontrollable. I gave him his 4th place paper and told him he looked great. He was holding his side so I thought he was hurt. I asked him if he was ok. He told me he was afraid to see his dad cuz he'd get in BIG trouble. I asked him if his dad has ever raced. He said no. I told him to look his dad in the eye and inform him he did his best and he had fun and to get his own fanny out there on a bike and try that hard. Poor kid. I wanted to scoop him up and bring him home with me. It's all about having fun. I don't go out there to win (obviously)! I go out there to race against myself.
The big commotion about the open class....Over the last obstacle, some kid cut off another kid for the win. The big guy in the tower was yelling down trying to tell the announcers they were wrong. I thought it was awesome to hear the announcer say, "Just because you're yelling in the tower above, doesn't mean you're going to get your way." What I heard...the kid that did the cutting off was disqualified.
Steve Spencer, thanks for that AWESOME grand finale.
I think everyone had to stop and take a moment to let things sink in.
The big commotion about the open class....Over the last obstacle, some kid cut off another kid for the win. The big guy in the tower was yelling down trying to tell the announcers they were wrong. I thought it was awesome to hear the announcer say, "Just because you're yelling in the tower above, doesn't mean you're going to get your way." What I heard...the kid that did the cutting off was disqualified.
Steve Spencer, thanks for that AWESOME grand finale.
I think everyone had to stop and take a moment to let things sink in.Jenni - SE Ridin' BMX Chic
-
bmxmomof2racers
- Wyoming Correspondent
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:27 pm
- Location: Gillette, WY
I just wanted to let you all know you put on an amazing race this weekend. Our family and team from Wyoming had a blast! The track was in great shape! We envy that it is your home track and you get to ride it every week. The facility was great and the people extremely nice. We have been lucky enough to come down to a couple of indoors this summer and have met some great people from Utah. Your group is really like a large family. Again, something that I personally envy!!
Take a deep breath and pat yourselves on the back!! Weekends like this past are what keeps my family living, breathing bmx. It really is a bug. Thank you again for putting on a great show and for making people feel welcome in your track! We hope to get to know more of you soon!
Toni Overman
Gillette, Wyoming
Take a deep breath and pat yourselves on the back!! Weekends like this past are what keeps my family living, breathing bmx. It really is a bug. Thank you again for putting on a great show and for making people feel welcome in your track! We hope to get to know more of you soon!
Toni Overman
Gillette, Wyoming
-
rythum time
- Schwinn
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Mon May 03, 2004 3:45 pm
- Location: Park City
- Contact:
Congratulations to all for putting on a great event! Thank you to everyone involved in making the past weekend of racing a huge success. We are very fortunate to have on of the best facilities in the nation and to go along with that, the greatest people in bmx.
The Utah bmx family continues to blow me away. When Jake and I first got involved in the sport no way did I imagine what we would be getting involved in. I was looking for a biking sport that I could share the passion I have for riding with my son. I would have never imagined what that first day out at Desert Peak bmx would turn into. Now, not only do I have Jake asking me when are we going to the track, but Mikey and Wes are always ready to go ride their bikes and see all the people out at the track.
My family is honored and blessed to be apart of the Utah Bmx community. Thanks to everyone that gives words of encourgement to my boys, you are a great group of people.
See ya at the track!
Rick E.
The Utah bmx family continues to blow me away. When Jake and I first got involved in the sport no way did I imagine what we would be getting involved in. I was looking for a biking sport that I could share the passion I have for riding with my son. I would have never imagined what that first day out at Desert Peak bmx would turn into. Now, not only do I have Jake asking me when are we going to the track, but Mikey and Wes are always ready to go ride their bikes and see all the people out at the track.
My family is honored and blessed to be apart of the Utah Bmx community. Thanks to everyone that gives words of encourgement to my boys, you are a great group of people.
See ya at the track!
Rick E.
-
Curtis Newkirk
- Photog Extraordinaire
- Posts: 821
- Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:02 am
- Location: Riehen, Switzerland
- Contact:
Thanks to everyone for a great weekend of racing! It was a really cool experience to see our home track converted into the absolute best national track I have ever seen. The racing and comraderie were incredible and the weather could not have been more perfect.
This Utah BMX community is flat-out amazing. While the Newkirks are still the new kids on the block, everyone has really made us feel welcome and at home. I will never forget showing up for Bennetts first race. I did not get two steps out of the car when Rob Both came up with a big smile (as always) introduced himself, talked to Bennett, and asked him what he wanted his nickname to be. This is something I always try to remember when I see the new family showing up at the track. We owe it to the Utah BMX family to make them feel as welcome as we were.
Some of those crashes were spectaclar...well, at least the on-track ones. The off-track ones were scary. This is our fourth national in the past six months and at each one of these I am always amazed more kids don't get hurt in the parking lot. Unfortunately, two little girls got hit by vehicles on Saturday. One was during qualifying and she broke her leg. The other one was during the Supercamp and I am not sure what happened there, but it involved paramedics. Not that it makes it any better, but I do not think either girl was from Utah. Still, we need to keep close tabs on our little ones.
What a weekend though! That was simply amazing and I consider us very fortunate to have Rad as our home track and the Utah BMX family as our support network. Like Rick said, I had no idea what were about to get involved in when Bennett asked if he could "race his bike". That simple request has turned into an incredible experience for the whole family.
Thanks!
This Utah BMX community is flat-out amazing. While the Newkirks are still the new kids on the block, everyone has really made us feel welcome and at home. I will never forget showing up for Bennetts first race. I did not get two steps out of the car when Rob Both came up with a big smile (as always) introduced himself, talked to Bennett, and asked him what he wanted his nickname to be. This is something I always try to remember when I see the new family showing up at the track. We owe it to the Utah BMX family to make them feel as welcome as we were.
Some of those crashes were spectaclar...well, at least the on-track ones. The off-track ones were scary. This is our fourth national in the past six months and at each one of these I am always amazed more kids don't get hurt in the parking lot. Unfortunately, two little girls got hit by vehicles on Saturday. One was during qualifying and she broke her leg. The other one was during the Supercamp and I am not sure what happened there, but it involved paramedics. Not that it makes it any better, but I do not think either girl was from Utah. Still, we need to keep close tabs on our little ones.
What a weekend though! That was simply amazing and I consider us very fortunate to have Rad as our home track and the Utah BMX family as our support network. Like Rick said, I had no idea what were about to get involved in when Bennett asked if he could "race his bike". That simple request has turned into an incredible experience for the whole family.
Thanks!
~Curtis
WOW!!!!
What an amazing weekend. Thanks to all of the volunteers. You are all an amazing group of people. The weather had us all stressed but it turned out great. A little too windy on Sunday but at least it didn't rain.
Everyone that worked in the kitchen my hat is off to you. That is by far the hardest and the most thankless job out there and you guys pulled it off wonderfully.
The track was awesome. Thanks to everyone that worked their butts off the weeks and days before to get it ready. With all the rain it could have been a mess but you guys worked hard and it definetly paid off.
To all the racers, you went out without much track time and you kicked butt. Whether you made your main or not you gave it 100% and it showed. I am very PROUD of each and everyone of you. Utah is definatly on the map now as the National to be at.
It was so great to see some old faces from BMX past. Pat and Cole Simmons. (Danna we missed you). Darrick Peterson was here and racing as well as always. (Todd and Melinda we missed you).
To my boys thanks for letting me share this awesome sport with you. Colton just got off a broken arm but took a 4th on Friday. He got first in the second qualifier. He didn't make his main Sunday but gave it is best and for that he is a winner. Brody got 2 4ths on Friday in open and class.
Saturday made it to semi's and Sunday made it to semi's and was in qualifying postion and tangled with another rider and went down. Thanks for giving it your all and most of all having fun. I enjoy watching you both race and I am very PROUD of both of you.
Thanks to all the Utah BMX family. You guys are truly the greatest people around. It is because of you that this sport is the greatest family-oriented sport ever.
See ya at the track,
Darla
What an amazing weekend. Thanks to all of the volunteers. You are all an amazing group of people. The weather had us all stressed but it turned out great. A little too windy on Sunday but at least it didn't rain.
Everyone that worked in the kitchen my hat is off to you. That is by far the hardest and the most thankless job out there and you guys pulled it off wonderfully.
The track was awesome. Thanks to everyone that worked their butts off the weeks and days before to get it ready. With all the rain it could have been a mess but you guys worked hard and it definetly paid off.
To all the racers, you went out without much track time and you kicked butt. Whether you made your main or not you gave it 100% and it showed. I am very PROUD of each and everyone of you. Utah is definatly on the map now as the National to be at.
It was so great to see some old faces from BMX past. Pat and Cole Simmons. (Danna we missed you). Darrick Peterson was here and racing as well as always. (Todd and Melinda we missed you).
To my boys thanks for letting me share this awesome sport with you. Colton just got off a broken arm but took a 4th on Friday. He got first in the second qualifier. He didn't make his main Sunday but gave it is best and for that he is a winner. Brody got 2 4ths on Friday in open and class.
Saturday made it to semi's and Sunday made it to semi's and was in qualifying postion and tangled with another rider and went down. Thanks for giving it your all and most of all having fun. I enjoy watching you both race and I am very PROUD of both of you.
Thanks to all the Utah BMX family. You guys are truly the greatest people around. It is because of you that this sport is the greatest family-oriented sport ever.
See ya at the track,
Darla
-
Guest
Darla, Bruce, and Rowland surely do make a person reminisce and think of the past in this great sport. While we were not able to make it to the nationals at Rad Canyon, our hearts were there and so was our spirit.
I was thinking about the last year at Twin Peaks, and how everyone was so paranoid when Bob Lunak had given up the track to a relative outsider, and we were all wondering if BMX was going to survive in Utah. Fuzzy even said that ''bmx racing is dead in Utah" in an interview with a national magazine. Well, as we can all see, BMX is ALIVE AND WELL in Utah
And it is because for some reason when its time to step up, someone always does, and the BMX community emerges stronger than ever. All of you should take a bow, and share in the success story that has become the norm here in Utah. The ABA keeps coming back for a reason, they had the Worlds here for a reason back in 2000, and the Van's Triple Crown in 2001, for a reason. Let it be known, that Utah riders have always done us proud, no matter what the competition, National or local.
Our family was talking about some of the great races we have seen and some of the character and class that those races bestowed on the riders as well as us as
spectators. I can remember when Heather and Holly Allred raced Arielle Martin and Alisha Headly when it was hard to find enough girls to make a class. I'd stack that foursome up against any gate of ladies, anywhere in the country. Not bad for a cold weather state huh?
And Kris Park, Jake Wallace, and Courtney Green just to mention a few whos races in the mid-nineties were so intense. And that Jonas Harmon kid who's family drove from Price twice or three times a week, so the kid could do what he loved. He's now a wonderful young man I hear.
Darla and Rowland mentioned seeing Derrick "mini me'' Peterson and Cole ''oreo'' Simmons at the Nationals too. Wow, there's two guys who fought it out tooth and nail on many occasions, and one that I'd still pay to see . We were so happy to see that Derrick is still racing, and I take it from your referring to Cole as a past BMXer, that he no longer does.
Thats too bad for all of us, but as I said before, when one really great one hangs it up another is waiting in line to take his place. It sounds like there are many right at the front of that line now, and how fantastik that is, because it shows how strong this sport has grown and will continue to grow here in Utah and all over the country.
Id like to say one more thing, and then Im movin on. To all of you who have raced, please, please, never forget why it was possible! Your parents, obviously, but just as important, all of the volunteers, not just a few, but ALL of them! Remember to tell them thank you for all that they do, and that you appreciate them and are glad that they are there for you.
And remember, that includes the people in signups and the snack bar too!
Rad Canyon's snack bar is the best in the country, second to none and so is the entire facility. Be proud of what you have, and continue to represent it with pride. Being a Utah BMXer puts you in some pretty awsome company and we are elated that it is still growing and getting stronger.
LM and the gang
BTW, Jason Gallo is a winner on and off the track. I'm going to petition the dictionary people to put his picture and name in their next edition under "Volunteer-consumate"
I was thinking about the last year at Twin Peaks, and how everyone was so paranoid when Bob Lunak had given up the track to a relative outsider, and we were all wondering if BMX was going to survive in Utah. Fuzzy even said that ''bmx racing is dead in Utah" in an interview with a national magazine. Well, as we can all see, BMX is ALIVE AND WELL in Utah
And it is because for some reason when its time to step up, someone always does, and the BMX community emerges stronger than ever. All of you should take a bow, and share in the success story that has become the norm here in Utah. The ABA keeps coming back for a reason, they had the Worlds here for a reason back in 2000, and the Van's Triple Crown in 2001, for a reason. Let it be known, that Utah riders have always done us proud, no matter what the competition, National or local.
Our family was talking about some of the great races we have seen and some of the character and class that those races bestowed on the riders as well as us as
spectators. I can remember when Heather and Holly Allred raced Arielle Martin and Alisha Headly when it was hard to find enough girls to make a class. I'd stack that foursome up against any gate of ladies, anywhere in the country. Not bad for a cold weather state huh?
And Kris Park, Jake Wallace, and Courtney Green just to mention a few whos races in the mid-nineties were so intense. And that Jonas Harmon kid who's family drove from Price twice or three times a week, so the kid could do what he loved. He's now a wonderful young man I hear.
Darla and Rowland mentioned seeing Derrick "mini me'' Peterson and Cole ''oreo'' Simmons at the Nationals too. Wow, there's two guys who fought it out tooth and nail on many occasions, and one that I'd still pay to see
. We were so happy to see that Derrick is still racing, and I take it from your referring to Cole as a past BMXer, that he no longer does.
Thats too bad for all of us, but as I said before, when one really great one hangs it up another is waiting in line to take his place. It sounds like there are many right at the front of that line now, and how fantastik that is, because it shows how strong this sport has grown and will continue to grow here in Utah and all over the country.
Id like to say one more thing, and then Im movin on. To all of you who have raced, please, please, never forget why it was possible! Your parents, obviously, but just as important, all of the volunteers, not just a few, but ALL of them! Remember to tell them thank you for all that they do, and that you appreciate them and are glad that they are there for you.
And remember, that includes the people in signups and the snack bar too!
Rad Canyon's snack bar is the best in the country, second to none and so is the entire facility. Be proud of what you have, and continue to represent it with pride. Being a Utah BMXer puts you in some pretty awsome company and we are elated that it is still growing and getting stronger.
LM and the gang
BTW, Jason Gallo is a winner on and off the track. I'm going to petition the dictionary people to put his picture and name in their next edition under "Volunteer-consumate"
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests