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.