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Years Riding
1968 – Present
Riding Experience
Biography of a BMX Freestyle Pioneer
I began my freestyle journey before it even had a name, immersed in the world of racing, wheelies, jumps, and ramp-building. In 1978, I took a memorable trip to Amarillo, Texas, for the ABA Summer BMX Nationals, where I watched legends like Bob Haro, RL Osborne, and Jumping Jim Pratt perform. Inspired by their tricks, my friend Dallas and I built our first quarter pipe, soon followed by a kickturn ramp.
While we continued racing, we had two types of bikes: our race bikes and our trick bikes, equipped with front and rear hand brakes, coaster brakes, Tuff Wheels, and number plates adorned with progressive clothing and bike manufacturing decals. Our afternoons were filled with riding sessions, the front door wide open as we spun the latest imported punk rock records inside. We practiced tricks like rollbacks, curb endoes, and 180 aerials, pushing each other to take our stunts to the limit. I particularly loved drop-ins—the exhilarating feeling of gliding down the ramp was unmatched.
As our passion grew, we started showcasing our skills at car shows, music festivals, shopping centers, and parades. In 1983, I ventured to Huntington Beach, California, where I discovered a freestyle contest organized by Bob Morales. The event’s format fascinated me, and I realized that something similar could thrive in Oklahoma. Knowing there were many riders who shared my enthusiasm for BMX freestyle, I set out to create contests that would foster a sense of community.
I was fortunate to connect with hundreds of riders not just from Oklahoma, but also from Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas. The journey involved loading ramps, sweat, blood, and plenty of laughter as we set up venues and sound systems. Throughout this process, I forged lifelong friendships that became the highlight of my BMX experience.
In my quest to make tricks easier, I invented a few innovative components, including a detangler that resembled an ACR rotor but was smaller and more compact. I also developed a braking mechanism that doubled braking power with half the effort, which I patented and assigned to ACS, earning enough to support my riding and purchase new gear.
After my friend Dallas injured his knee and lost his passion for riding, I reformed our group from the L&L Freestyle Duo into the Freestyle Flyboyz. I was blessed to ride with fellow enthusiasts who shared my love for the sport. Our late-night sessions filled with wild antics became a cherished part of my life. I also worked with the National AFA and the ABA to organize contests, creating more opportunities for riders to connect.
Throughout my journey, the friendships I’ve built have been invaluable, and I owe much of my success to my wife, Juanita, whose support made everything possible. I was fortunate to have numerous sponsors along the way, including Nike, ACS, AXO, Diamondback, House of Wheels, and many others. My journey in BMX freestyle has been a thrilling adventure, filled with camaraderie, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
Favorite Bike: Redline RL20II
