By Brad Cook
We’re here at the Supercross track in San Francisco, where the latest phenom to hit the dirt bike racing scene crossed the finish line in first place just moments ago. Tell us how you managed to rise through the ranks to become one of the top riders in the sport.
“Well, it all started at Travis Pastrana’s house. He taught me everything I know, from basic techniques to some of the more advanced tricks. He has this excellent compound at his place where you can ride the trails and really become comfortable on a bike.
“I even jumped over his house once. That was scary.”
Make Your Choice
Wow. That’s amazing. Pastrana was one of the riders you beat today. How does that make you feel?
“Well, I’ve always wanted to be Travis. Or Carey Hart. Or one of ten other guys who ride the circuit. But now that I’ve tried being them, I just want to be myself. You know, like a custom rider.”
Of course. You’ve raced both Motocross and Supercross, each of which has eight tracks, but what about the freestyle arena? Do you have plans to tackle that side of the sport?
“Totally. I’m always up for hitting a freestyle exhibition and showing off my latest tricks. I swear, every time I stop by Travis’ place, or just chill out and have some fun in the Everglades, I learn something new.”
The Everglades? Sounds dangerous.
“Yeah, you know, maybe it is, but I never see any crocodiles.”
You mean alligators.
“Whatever. Nothing bites me. I did run into this dude who calls himself Officer Dick, though. I think he ran away from the police force or something. He hangs around with this Speed Demon guy. They’re kinda strange but harmless. They seem to have fun.
“There’s also a redwood forest and a rock quarry I take free rides through, you know, just to blow off some steam or whatever. Plus it seems like there’s always some bike riding mystery I feel the need to unlock.”
The X-Factor
So do you want to participate in a professional freestyle competition?
“No doubt about it. I love the Butterfinger, Nixon and Puma arenas, but my main goal is to reach the X Games and pick up a medal or two. That would be so awesome.”
What else do you like to do for fun?
“I get together with friends and play King of the Hill or Freestyle Battle. We have this gnarly helmet that some dude spray-painted gold and we just go at it. You know, you have to either keep it away from everyone else long enough or try to snag it while pulling off tricks and scoring points for them.”
Who awards the points?
“Good question. I don’t know. It’s always like, wow, dude, you scored a lot of points there. I don’t really think about it.
“Oh, and there’s one more thing: I like to build tracks in my spare time. You know, like I did when I was a kid, only these are bigger and way cooler. Then I invite some friends over to ride with me. Man, being a dirt bike racer rocks.”
