Just pretend you’re in the lumber yard... go balls out.
the official ‘zine of the BMX Hall of Fame
RE-POPS ARE RUINING COLLECTING
There has always been something extra cool about finding a rare BMX part or bike. Those long, lost barn-finds at a garage sale, or a dusty collectible discovered in the rafters of an old bike shop or garage. Scrounging through swap meets, garage sales and visiting classic bike shops took a lot of work and time, but if you happened upon that NOS frameset from 1976 that you’ve been searching for and dreamt of owning as a kid, it was all worth the effort. THATis what so many original collectors lived for. Then, along came the Internet, making things easier, and opening up instant communication between BMX collectors all across the U.S.A.. Soon after that, E-Bay happened, and that’s when the floodgates opened wide. All of the sudden, collecting vintage BMX stuff could be done from behind your computer, from a chair in your basement. The search could be a success without even leaving your house. ...and if you ask me, that’s kindalame .
Then, came these re-pops. Newly-made replicas of classic bikes. Call ‘em re-productions, tribute frames, recreations or whatever you want. They are knock-offs. And to me, that is like the cheapest and laziest way to collect Vintage BMX stuff there is. I mean, sure it’s cool that you can now own a 26” or 29” version of that same bike you owned as a kid, but when a person or brand starts recreating the same identical product - from color to decals, as it was back in the glory days, thatjustsucks. Is it just me, or has that taken away the value of those rare originals that are still out there, waiting to be found?! Call me nostalgic, but I’d much rather see a beat-up, oxidized original frame that shows its age, than that newly welded-inChina knock-off that looks like it’s straight off the showroom floor at Bob’s Bike Shop in 1981. Sure, it’s cool. But there’s no “journey” behind getting it. All you did was go on the internet and deduct money from your PayPal, pal. In fact, you didn’t even get dressed - you’re still in your pajamas! LOOKatYOU!
YES.I firmly believe that Re-pops have ruined Collecting. ...and I think it’s sad.
But my flat-bill camo USA BMX hat is off to you, if you are still doing the Vintage thing the original way. Searching for it by foot or car, going to strange places and hole-in-the-wall bike shops to discover OG long-lost BMX treasures. THAT , my friend, is how Vintage BMX should still be done.
–gOrk Full-time Curator/Archivist for Tulsa’s BMX Hall
of Fame & Museum
ON THE COVER: Yoshimura marketing man and former Auburn pro “Big-E” - Erick Bartoldus, finally gets that cover he’s been waiting 40 years for.
4 8 10 16 20 22 24 32 34 ON THIS PAGE: Known as the founder of the AFA and inventer of DYNO, many people forget that first, Bob Morales too, was a RIDER.
Photo by gOrk / Desert Hot Springs, CA 1990
QUOTABLES
“You will never ever hear ‘Tracer? Oh yea, he is smooth.’ I’ve had more of a crash test dummy career.” –CW legend Tracer Finn, talkin’ smoothness.
“I’m not a keeper. I have my memories, and they’ll last until I get Alzheimer’s.”
–British Team USA coach Jamie Staff
“It’s the ghosts of NAG 1’s past.”
–Marianna
Carlson, with the best explanation on the web, about why people get the Grands Crud.
“It took the French BMX men 5 Olympic Cycles to get medals. It took Joris 4 Olympic Games to get his medal, to whom many say “The Goat.” The average age and also median age of the three French medalists was 31 years old! Success sometimes requires a long game, especially at the height of international success.”
–Coach Greg Romero, giving us a LOT to think about.
“Belts are for pants and blowers.”
“Duke Best would be proud!”
–Brian Cole, scoring the best comment on Mongoose’s Cam Wood No.1 Pro thread.
–Shannon Gillette, on his views of belt-driven bikes.
“He raced at a different level than everyone else.”
–Chris Ham, referring to fellow Texan Steve Veltman.
“Greg Hill should open a winery. He’s a world class whiner full
of sour grapes.”
–Mark Lopez,
saying it out loud.
“I’m the oldest I’ve ever been.”
–Joe Rogan, stating the truth that many old school BMXers ignore.
“I chose working at Wizard instead of college and I think it was the best decision I ever made.”
–Valerie Adlam - part of the FREESTYLIN’ staff Hall of Fame class.
“It’s crazy what a broke young fella will do for money! I went from like $2 in my pocket, to being flush with cash, just for running around naked in the crowd a bit, then racing with that bag on my head! I even had enough to buy a Nor-Cal Boys sweatshirt!”
–Jason Carnes, commenting on a recently scanned photo of him wearing the infamous “Bag” on his helmet in a Grands quarter - the day after his legendary streak through the lobby of the Grands host hotel.
“Looking at Hall of Fame votes, the one thing I’ve noticed is that those who vote for themselves, rarely ever win.”
–gOrk, with some insider insight on Hall of Fame tallies.
“To me, magazines were like an episode of FRIENDS - you knew the main characters and every once in awhile, there’d be a new character introduced. And every month, you cared about these people.”
–”Rooftop” Mike Escamila, with a perfect analogy, in a UnClicked podcast.
“Jason Carnes - that’s literally a boatload of BMX moms you’re going to disappoint.”
–Mike Albright, hearing that Batchelor-for-Life, Jason Carne$, won’t be making Mighty Moe’s BMX cruise.
“He was one of the few guys who was smart enough to Patent all of his ideas. If you know
the bike business
everyone’s got a
new
idea that someone else came up with.”
--Bike Alley owner and the last Orange-Y track operator, Ruben Sanchez, giving props to 2025 Industry inductee Brian Scura.
“This is the movie that first caused me to mistrust the Government.”
–a visitor to the BMX HoF Museum, talking about the movie ET.
“The V12 engine is gone, but there is still a solid V8 under the hood.”
–Hall of Famer Maris Strombergs, talking about occasionally hitting some gates at the BMX track.
“GT
put
up more money
than
I would say almost all the others combined.”
–Supercross owner and former GT employee Bill Ryan, for the record.
“Two wheels meant freedom - that’s why we still ride today.”
–a couple of Harley riders from Kansas City, visiting the HQ for the Black Wall Street biker rally, being flooded with childhood memories as they checked out the HoF Museum.
Brent Patterson, on his way to an ABA No.1 Pro title and Trans-Am, gets the inside line on a pre-CW Clarence Perry (riding for Sekai). Tacoma, WA.
DO A TRICK, DALE
These photos have been floating around the inter-webs lately, while Netflix airs its new minidoc called EARNHARDT. Check it out if you haven’t already.
It’s about @#%$ing time to bring back the popular monthly BMXer magazine feature from the 90’s ::
Travis Chipres
Back when Bryan Curnell’s mom styled his hair.
David Cassidy
Back when every BMXer wanted as many chicks as he’d get.
Sam from Cheers
What’s-his-name - the bartender from CHEERS, doing his best Woody Itson impersonation..
Woody Itson
Cheers for Woody, who for decades (no pun intended) was famous for “Doin’ a Trick.”
Tulsa locals - Faith David (USA BMX employee) and Elite Woman “P-Nut” Payton Ridenauer.
SYNDYT owner and BMX Hall of Famer Toby Henderson and his lovely better-half.
Hot Rod HoF’er Tim Strange with his waaaaay better half, Keri.
New inductee Jay Miron now holds the record for F-bombs in a speech.
The King - Eddie Fiola, and his better half Mindy.
USA BMX president Shane Fernandez and his better half Marnie.
HoF’er Mad Dog Moeller, flanked by his long time pal John Paul Rogers (the UnaBomber) and Travis Chipres.
All Hall of Famers in attendance ... plus one wanna-be (Pyscho, doing a Bill Allen on us).
Davin and Dravin ... aka “Psycho & Son.”
Each year, the stars come out for the annual BMX Hall of Fame Ceremony. You too, can mingle with the greats in 2025when you join us on Saturday, September 20 - at the USA BMX HQ and Hall of Fame Museum.
“Large Ray” still knows how to party it up like its 1987.
Wiz Pubs reunion :: gOrk, Andy Jenkins, Oz, Dian Harlan, Mark “Lew” Lewman and Don Toshach - 4 of the 7 new Wiz inductees and 2 old ones.
Eddy King, scqueezed in by girlfriend Patti and momma King..
Mat Hoffman and wife made a rare appearance to honor Jay Miron.
This was the 6th year for CoopFest; held in Stillwater, OK at MX legend Guy Cooper’s awesome home and backyard. He and his wife Wanda are the coolest, to host all of these BMX lunatics each year for a full weekend of fun and vintage BMX stuff. After narrowly escaping the OK fires earlier this year, Guy had his hands on a loader and used to to create the ultimate old school BMX course - making it the best track we’ve seen. This year, it was also the return of the Texas/Oklahoma Shootout, and a stop on the Texas Vintage Series. Racing was top notch, including sidehacks (dominated by those Torker kooks) and the 16” Pitbike class (where Guy Coop himself ruled). Overall, two days of fun, thrills, friendship and bench-racing was had by all. Aside from the Cooper family, we’ve gotta thank Cash Matthews and The King; Jimmy McCann for pullin’ it off - and special thanks to Eddy King for making it out this year to experience what EVERYONE needs to at least once in their lifetime. ... #COOPFEST Rules!
2025 Season
A rare crackless DG Racer. Pure 70’s Greatness!
WINNER, WINNERS
The Lopez Bros. will stop at no length to find the best cruisers in the country ... as they did with this OG Best o’ Show RRS!
B.R. Anderson just bought this Bottemareplica Ralieigh, which will eventually land at Tulsa’s HoF Museum!
Oakley guy Sean Puckett’s mint FMF won Best 70’s
The DG’s were out in force this year at CoopFest! T-Bone’s incredible DG Pitbike won Best 16”
So, so many clean bikes, MOTOS crew had a tough time judging.
The bike that really should have a No.1 on the plate.
FROM THE GRAVE:
RENNY on ANTHONY
(from a FB post on Aug. 30, 2011)
Renny Roker: “Pound for pound, there will never be another Anthony Sewell. The 1st World Champion in BMX, and the only rider to hold a No.1 plate in the same year in six different sanctioning bodies. They called him the “PANTHER” and he rode for JAG / Safety Cycle Bike Shop. Anthony was “THE PEOPLES CHOICE” around the world. The only rider who could pedal full speed (all out) around a flat curve with the bike leaning til’ the pedals were just a few inches off the ground. He ran a 100 meter dash in 10 flat, and he had 1% body fat. We would help every youngster that asked for help and even those who didn’t. Although he suffered daily by a physical disorder, he never complained. He loved BMX, and most BMXers loved him.
Leader of The JAG BMX TEAMRIP. (BMX is) searching for the next Anthony Sewell, and just being fast is only just a portion of the requirements.”
Sewell, hitting mach speeds in Hawaii.
photo by Chuck Robinson
1991 ABA Spring Nationals - Napa, CA
photo by gOrk
the fantastiC FOURTH
Long Live
What's Old is NEW
1977 R&R -vs- 2025 SYNDYT
In the early days of BMX, the R&R (or Centurion) frame was the lowest-slung frame design there was. After the first models had failures at the head tube, they added the “box” gussett, for the twin top tubes. The seat tube was also super tall, often leading to cracked frames if the rider ran his seatpost too high. R&R even had a sponsored team for a short time, which included the radical Rupe Bros.
R&R’s are iconic, but racers leaned toward taller top tubes . That is ... until now.
2025 SYNDYT
When we first saw Toby Henderson’s new creatively-named SYNDYT frame (yes, it’s pronounced “Send-It”), our first thought was “That’samodern-dayR&R!“ It’s straight angle from the top of the head tube to the rear axle is unmistakedly R&R’ish, and this side-by-side comparison shows the contrast between 48 years of BMX evolution. Kids today slam their seat all the way down, so there’s no need for the extendo-seatpost tube, and obviously front ends and wheelbase have stretched over the decades. But essentiually, top-tube wise - they are pretty identical. The biggest difference? The alloy Syndyt, with it’s large head tube juncture (and built-in side-panel), won’t be prone to the steel R&R’s common breakage points.
CHANDLER BMX
ABA Winter Nationals - 1983
turn two.
Clint Miller out front, into
The lil’ track on the corner of Frye & McQueen is closing in on their 50th Anniversary ...and dreaming of a re-location.
URBAN SPRAWL
Once upon a time, there was a BMX track in Arizona, located out in the middle of nowhere, amongst all the miles and miles of cotton fields. But these days, the track has been surrounded by HOA communities on all three sides, plus a school next door. Amazingly, Chandler BMX remains despite urban sprawl.
THE JAYCEE’S
The property was leased by the Chandler Jaycee’s. In one of the rare times he’d missed a Jaycee’s meeting, Merl Mennenga was voted to be in charge of their Bicycle races.
“Hey Merl, you’re in charge” was a way to make sure nobody skipped any meetings in the future,
BIRTHPLACE OF THE ABA
Merl liked BMX though, as he had two sons who got into it. Chandler BMX quickly built up a reputation as far away as So.Cal - thanks to help from Anahaiem Bikes owner Rich Long. Unsanctioned, Chandler BMX was introduced to IBMX - ran by the TO of Western Sport-a-Rama. But when he flaked out and was a no-show for a bus-trip to Colorado, Merl chartered his own bus and when he got there, he threatened him : “When I get back
Drone shots by Eddy King
home, I’m going to start my own sanction and YOU are going to be the first guy I bury.”
And THAT is how the ABA started. Merl quickly went to work with help from the locals, such as the Harding
family, the Ames’ and others. Not too long later, it’d become home to the annual Winter Nationals.
1983 ABA Winter Nationals - Chandler, AZ
AA-pro Main event / Greg Hill for the win. Who’s got the best gate?
THE CLASS OF 2025
Meet your newest INDUCTEES-to-be, for the Sept. 20th Ceremony.
Track Crews
Erma & Dave Miller
Bruce & Betty Mulligan
John and Debi Diaz
Don & Kathy Olson
DO NOT BUY.
ILLEGAL PRODUCTS
“There’s nothing we can do,” SE’s main man, Todd Lyons, told me, when asked about Mr. Trademark Infringement himself - Mr.BMX Thailand.
“He’s 100% shady, knocking off brands with shit frames. I’ve informed our factory multiple times and they talked to their lawyers, but there’s really nothing they can do to stop him”
Mr.Knockoff from Thailand is just one of many Asian thieves who are blatantly stealing American trade-
marks - from logos to patented frame designs, and then advertise it cheaply on places like Facebook or Instagram. They know all too well that people will buy their crap and that the Real Brands who actually own the rights to that product or logo, can’t do a thing about it.
So what can us - the vintage BMX consumer do about it? First off, REPORT THEM. Make sure FB knows it;s Trademark Iinfringement. Sure, it might not do anything, but it also migth shut them down for a bit.
Sure, days later, a new site selling the same illegal merchandise will likely pop up, so ... repeat and report their crime.
Secondly, and most importantlyDO NOT BUY THEIR FAKES. I don’t care how much you wanted that RL 20-II that is hundreds less than the new Kastan re-pops. RESIST THE URGE to buy illegal products and clothing. And make sure none of your friends do too. The only way to stop these Trademark theives is to bring their sales income down to $0.00.
Will
AI someday
be able to draw like Bob Haro?
We doubt it. But, AI is trying to learn, and it’s learning faster than Frank Post at an ABA Grands.
For now, there are small details that are missing from AI-created BMX artwork. Stuff that the average person might not see, yet easy-to-spot by anybody who’s ever worked on a bike. Here are just some of the mistakes AI is generating:
Will they get it right next week? Next year?
BENT CRANKS?
Or is this the new bendable rubber crank from Addicks?
PEGS?
AI loves adding Pegs to all BMX bikes.
CHAIN
BREAKER
Good thing there’s two.
No
Or is he running Junior Bars?
Braked too hard and broke the lever off of his dual-cable invisable brake set.
Invisable Cranks or Floating Pedal! Or maybe Kastan’s Strutcrank!
Uni-Cable!
Roger Berg’s useless brake cable goes from one lever to the other!
Bent Spindle
Must be Harry Leary - not only a bent spindle, but running a 125mm right arm with a 185mm lefty.
Stem
Cable: Ingenious Stem-lever?
Peg-Bolts:
Is it a Peg? Or wide axle bolt? Only Artificial Intelegence knows...
FRIDAY - SEPT. 20
Reception Party @ BMX HoF Museum
Join the crowd for drinks and appetizers with inductees from the Class of 2024.
SATURDAY - SEPT. 21
Vintage Nationals & Bike Show ‘n Swap
Old School racing on wood jumps & concrete, along with the 3rd Annual Bike show & swap.
BMX HoF Induction Ceremony
Who will be in the Class of 2024? Find out.
SUNDAY - SEPT. 22
Tulsa Ride-Out
Sponsored by The Outiders House. Join us for a ride-out, riding to and stopping at all of Tulsa’s hot spots.