Whether you are good at it or not, pro or just your average bmx rider, these tiny kids bikes have brought joy to generations of riders. These tiny bikes have given us countless memories, stories, smiles, friends, entertainment, and for a few of us priceless family fun that I would not trade for the world.
You can say BMX is about being the best, about having the best bike, about doing the best trick, about going bigger, but it is not. BMX is what you yourself as a individual make it. When it comes down to it, the only thing that can truely push, or drive you to get better is yourself. Sure you can draw inspiration from all kinds of subjects in life, but ultimately that drive comes from deep within.
BMX is not just a hobby, or a job, as I hear some pro's say! Who in there right mind picks a hobby knowing they can get hurt, crippled for life, or worse die!? A person who chooses to ride knowing what the outcome could be, is a person who truely loves what they do. Some say you have to be a little sick in the head, brave, fearless or have a death wish, to do some of the things we do. I guess it can be true to some but not to me, and many other riders out there. It's not something you can explain to people who don't understand, but rather somthing you just feel inside and out of your body when you ride. Every rider that is truely passionate about riding knows of what I speak, and is reason enough to ride!
There is alot of great riders out there, and even more kids that look up to them. Whether you are pro or not, you will always be older then someone else that rides. And being an older rider if there is any thing called a job or duty in bmx, it would be to set an example for the riders under you. Don't get me wrong there is some great role models out there in the world of BMX, but the way it is these days we don't hear about that because its not considered good interesting news. I feel I have a unique perspective about bmx, because I am both a rider and a father. So what I have seen from what our kids have to look up to as far as pro's go, I am ashamed. That is not the bmx I know and love, and is not what I am or ever will teach my boys what bmx is about. Whether you want it or not everyone needs to remember that they are a role model to someone. It's up to you how you want younger riders to see you for who you are.
BMX will always be a great sport to me, even with all the drama crap. But if people would keep the drama where it belongs, it could be even greater then what it is. It's sad to get on a bmx site, and see that the next big thing is drama, and not some new big trick that is out, or some new parts. BMX has come a long ways from the days of banana seats and ape hangers, but sadly still has a long way to go as far as the way we treat and try to hurt each other. Anyone would be naive to think bmx could be perfect, but there is so much we all could to to make it better, and keep the sport going in a good direction, and not being pushed towards an airing of a Jerry Springer show.
In the end it all comes back to you as a individule. You ultimately choose how you want to perceive bmx. Wether you want to drag it down, or help build up this great sport. You can choose to just dwell on the negatives aspects of bmx, or get out there and fix them. It is not the bike companies or the pros that run bmx! It is you the average Joe that decides where to take bmx. So if you buy into all the crap they try to feed you that is where you will lead bmx. If you stand up and try to make an honest mark you will lead BMX and youger riders into the right direction. You might even feel proud of yourselfs!
What else is left to say, but get out there and ride your bike. While your riding try to remember why you started riding in the first place. Some day we will all be to old to ride. When you look back on your career, how do you want to remember your days in BMX!? BMX is what you put into, and as a rider you, even if you don't know it, you help shape other riders!
Feel free to add to this, and by all meens leave comments. Good, or bad! I respect all thoughts and feelings, even if I don't agree with you.
