Jeff Hester

Years Riding

Began riding in 1980 and continued through 2009. Taking breaks for injuries, etc.

Riding Experience

In 1980, at the age of 10, Jeff Hester started riding BMX bikes for fun with his friends Charles Long and Dallas LaBrada. The 1980s welcomed this era of BMX freestyle riding. Today, Jeff and riders like him are referred to as “original riders” or “old school” riders.

As a kid, Jeff rode BMX freestyle every waking hour he wasn’t at school, working ground tricks, launching off roofs and building homemade ramps. In 1984, Jeff became a founding member of the Freestyle Flyboys, an OKC BMX Team, alongside founding member J.C. Stacy and lead founder Charles Long. The Freestyle Flyboys had a vision to ride and promote the sport of BMX Freestyle at the local level, emulating the national BMX teams of the day. By the time Jeff was 15, the Flyboys Team had garnered sponsorship by both local bike shops and national companies, including Nike and Diamondback. Jeff earned a local reputation and the nickname “Rad Lad” riding with the Freestyle Flyboys. He shared his passion for the sport with the public by showcasing the tricks, skills and talent necessary to pull off this up and coming Vert Ramp freestyle form of BMX riding.

In the AFA contests in OKC, Jeff competed at AFA Affiliate BMX competitions in the state. Jeff rose to the category of Expert rider and was the point leader in vert riding in 1989. This earned him the title of 1989 Oklahoma State Champion Vert Rider in the 16+ Expert Level category.

Favorite Bike & Trick

I loved the first GT Pro Performer frame. Then went to grow fond of my Diamondback Mike Dominguez custom bike. Favorite tricks were No Footer Can Cans top sided.

Accomplishments

1989 Oklahoma State Champion Vert Rider in the 16+ Expert Level category

Inducted into the BMX Hall of Fame in 2023