Hey guys,

Just wanted to post up an article for all the older riders getting back into riding and some of the things I have noticed in getting back into riding after quite a few years of not doing it.... I started riding back in 1986 racing competitively riding an 18" Kuwahara and did quite well... Back then I had the no fear attitude that I see is still alive and well at today's skateparks and streets. I controlled the bike with ease and winning race after race, going big, and just OWNING the skills required to be successful on a bike just came to me. I was 12 back then. Learning balance just came to me, I rarely was injured and didn't fear the repurcussions of a fall....

I stopped riding in 1990 or so when my bike was stolen and I just lost interest and had other interests like girls and cars. Looking back that was stupid. I'd have close to 20 years riding experience if I hadn't stopped. Water under the bridge I guess. I started riding again in roughly 1995 as primarily exercise and because I felt I still had the "juice" to do it. And I did well riding a intermediate GT mostly street and some dirt jumping... But again I lost interest for some reason...

Okay, fast forward to today. I now have kids age 6 and 3. I'm 30. Well past my "riding prime" but lately as a way to connect to and spend time with my kids, remain healthy and to again search out the skills I had in my past I re-entered the world of BMX. I'm now riding a Haro Mirra 540.... I started out slowly about 3 months ago just readjusting to the stuff I used to do easily. Bunny hopping came easily and it's something you don't forget..... It seems like I ride almost everyday now, either with my kids or by myself as a way of unwinding. I'm a regular at the local skateparks and I've lost 25 lbs just getting out there doing it. I'm starting to get manuals, I can ride 5-6' quarterpipes and numerous terrain at the parks, can land disasters, can drop into pretty much any ramp, and am practicing tailtaps, and a few other lips tricks.... The skills are coming back faster than I expected and kids at the skateparks have commented that I'm not as bad as I think I am.... The point of this whole article is for the older riders that think to themselves "I can never again get on a 20" bike and reclaim my youth" is crazy..... Whether you rode before or not there is no feeling like being 30 and getting the guts to do stuff you used to do when you were young. Whether or not I learn tailwhips to taps on a quarterpipe, or abubaca's on a sub-box doesn't matter. The fact of the matter is that everyday I get out there is another day I prove myself wrong that this hobby I had a long time ago doesn't end because I turned 30. I plan on riding till I'm 40 and beyond. To ANYONE that is an older rider and is contemplating getting back out there with the "young'n's" DO IT! Don't let age stop you.... If you had the skills before, you will find them again. It will just take longer and you might be a little bit more sore in the morning.... I've probably crashed more in the last 3 months than I did in the 4 years I raced competitively. But when I crash I learn what not to do..... And when you crash, dust your 30+ year old body off, get back on that bike and try again... You will not be sorry you did..... And remember there are 16 year olds out there that can't bunnyhop. Not everybody is going to be better than you. The food chain starts at the bottom for everyone.... It's up to you to decide to work your way up it........

Now get on that bike and practice!!!!!!!