MICHAEL LEWIS

Motorcycles have been part of my life from when l was 8 years old. My mom met and married a motorcycle rider/racer that was the president of a dirt racing club here in CALIFORNIA named the Four Aces. He taught me to ride his 250cc Greeves, l couldn’t reach the ground but starting from the tailgate of his Ford Ranchero l learned to start and stop. In 1963 he bought me a Yamaha YG-1 80cc street bike that we modifi ed for dirt, all 2.5 inches of Travel. 59 years later, lost limb, broken neck, collarbone, broken hip x2, broken ribs, wrist, fi ngers, toes and countless other injuries l still can’t get enough seat time. I spend time off the bike in the gym training in order to be better on the motorcycle. I love Motorcycles, but it’s the family and friends I’ve met and made from Motorcycles that made this so special. The encouragement l have received and others l have been able assist in their life challenges that inspire me to ride.

My Skateboard career was primarily Freestyle however l enjoyed downhill, Skatepark riding and cross-country skating as well. In the late 70’s l was general manager of three of the most popular Skateboard parks in California; Oxnard Endless Wave, The Big O and Skate City Whittier. While there I began Skateboarding in swimming type pools/bowls in addition to reservoirs and 3/4 pipes. Abrasions and broken bones taught me to limit my pursuit of dropping into the pools. Ultimately l went to work for Van’s tennis shoes in Anaheim, CA. This became among the funniest part of my life, Skateboarding, Roller skating and performing everywhere from coast to coast doing shows/demonstrations from LA Laker Halftime shows to Wide World of Sports, Sports Spectacular, TV shows, Movies, Books and countless newspapers and magazines. At 25, l was being paid as a professional Skateboarder on one leg. Sponsors such as; Gordon & Smith, Hobie, Madrid Tracker Trucks, Sims, Huff y, GT, Vera and Van’s. Unbelievable and not planned. l left Van’s and began working in the fi shing industry for a publishing company that was focused on Bass fi shing tournaments. The company also owned a saltwater fi shing magazine, as an avid fi sherman l got very involved and became big-game tournament angler. Mostly Marlin and Tuna but sometimes Shark and other species of fi sh. At the same time l still enjoyed Skateboarding, Snow skiing, Water skiing, Climbing and then dancing the nights away.

I attempted a World Water skiing speed record for one leg and fell at 73 miles per hour and sustained a hematoma and lacerations in both

Set your own limits in life! Missing a tool doesn’t prevent you from doing the job! I’m 70% of the man l once was, still giving 100%!

eyes. The whites of my eyes were blood red for a long time. Maharaja was my Water skiing sponsor and Skiwarm my wet suits. I did exhibitions at the Long Beach Marine Stadium and Irvine Lake boat races. I was once asked to do a TV news show/interview Water skiing, l said when they said this weekend at Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino, CA. It was February the ground was covered in snow and the lake was really cold. l sat on the dock, the boat took off and l skied around for a while and then did a beach landing without getting wet. Not because of being that good, l just didn’t want to freeze.