BMX Bikes from the Past pt.2

As mentioned in my previous post, the HUTCH Pro Raider would be the last BMX Racing frame I would own. That's because shortly after having that bike I moved to Pasadena, CA. and met some Freestylers, from that point forward my BMX life as I knew it was changed forever.

It was 1984, I had moved to Pasadena, and started my freshman year at John Muir High School. It was the biggest school I had ever attended, and one morning I noticed a couple of guys riding there BMX bikes across the campus doing wheelies. I ran over to the bike cage where they were locking up there bikes and introduced my self. I can't remember all of the names, but I'll never forget Nick. Nick was a Filipino guy that rode a chrome 84 GT Pro Performer like the on in the picture above. I met up with them again after school and just watched as Nick and his friends would do tricks on there bikes, tricks like front endos, front & rear pogos, and tailwhips. It was some of the coolest stuff I had seen done on a bike. I became good friends with the guys, and over the course of time met more guys from nearby neighborhoods that also rode freestyle bikes. This was one of the Best places to live at the right time to learn BMX Freestyle! (to be continued)

BMX Bikes from the Past...

I remember when I saw a guy in my old neighborhood do a 360 on his BMX bike. I'm not sure what bike it was, only that it was chrome with blue and red parts, it was nice! I also remember thinking that someday I want to have a bike like that.

Eventually, I did get myself a "Cool" BMX bike. It was a HUTCH Pro Racer, similar to this one (pictured above). I had that bike for a few years, until I made the mistake of leaving it unattended at a fast food joint, where a thief saw an opportunity to steal my bike and did... :( .

A few more years would pass by before I acquired another decent bike, this time it was a HUTCH Pro Raider. This is the last BMX Racing frame I would own. (to be continued)

Winter Riding!

I can remember back in the day, when I lived and rode in California. Winters in Los Angeles are mild for the most part, but it wasn't the harsh weather that made us seek out covered parking garages 2 ride in. It was the well lit, flat surfaces that beckoned us. And it seems that we had so many choices, at least in the City of Pasadena.
I can recall one garage inparticular that was truly a great spot to ride. It was 2-3 floors underground, clean and flat, and it had electrical outlets. That allowed us 2 have music, as well as fresh air via an industrial size fan. We would ride for hours, completely safe and uninterupted, it was great. And we made it a point 2 take care of the place, we cleaned up after ourselves, and never damaged any property.
Cut 2 the present, finding a spot like that these days has proven 2 be a real task. If it isn't locked, then it has survelance cameras, or security guards...or both. Then there are the Police, who truly believe that I must be a criminal trying 2 steal something. It saddens me that we (BMX enthusiasts) are treated like wanted felons half the time.
I've spent the last year or so, trying 2 find a place I can ride during the harsh winter months here in Washington. But I have 2 tell you, it's hard! Real Hard!!!
Still, I ride where I can, when I can, and continue 2 keep my eye's peeled looking for that spot.

Do it while you can...Ride!!!

What was your first bike?

I'm not sure what company made the bike, but it had that classic Schwinn stingray design. I remember that it was a metallic blue with Red and White stripes and the STP logo on the headtube.  I've been trying to find a similar pic of it.

And I Think 2 Myself...What A Wonderful World!!! Louis Armstrong

If you hear the word "BMX", what comes 2 mind? I suppose it depends on who you ask. As 4 me? I think of a 20" bike. Then I think of the many different styles of 20" bikes and the types of things that a rider would do on them.

Back in the day, when I first started riding BMX, it represented a new beginning. It changed the person I was, into the person that I would become...forever!

I was 7 years old when I got my 1st BMX bike, and it looked nothing like the BMX bikes of 2day. It was a Schwinn Stingray that was Midnight Blue with Red and White Racing Stripes. It had huge handle bars and a banana seat, as well as fenders! I can still remember my dad teaching me how 2 ride that bike on our street back in 1977. Once I knew how 2 ride by myself, that was it! I was hooked!!!

 Fast Forward 2 1984, BMX has evolved, and now has another form known as BMX Freestyle! This new style offers up an exciting and fresh artistic outlet for many young riders like myself.
My first exposure 2 BMX Freestyle took place in Pasadena,CA. where I met a couple of guys doing tricks on their bikes. Not just jumps and wheelies, but front and rear wheel pogos, rock-walks and others that amazed me back then.This would be the moment in time when, just like that day I learned 2 ride my bike, I would be forever changed.