Butter

"I got that nickname when I first turned pro," said Bennett. "A couple older guys gave it to me, saying I was smooth, like butter, on my bike. I think it's a good nickname. It's stuck with me."*

Our BMX family heard the tragic news early this morning, before the local media in Montgomery County Texas reported it. In their early report, there was no mention that Kyle Bennett was on the first ever U.S. Olympic BMX team; a legend paving the way for the future of the sport. Once realized though, tributes were planned, and a more in-depth story was written.

When we heard, we couldn't believe it. We were hoping it was a mistake. But no, Kyle Bennett died in an early morning car crash, leaving his fiancee and young daughter. 

My heart broke for them. They were suddenly living a nightmare, hoping to wake up, only to discover that what happened was real. 

Kyle Bennett was raised in Conroe, TX, by his grandparents. His grandfather "Pepa" first took his grandson to a BMX track when he was 7. He built Armadillo BMX, which is now known as "Kyle Bennett Armadillo BMX Park". The former Olympian hosted a clinic there just last Wednesday.

"I'm real proud of him," said Collins as he sits with Bennett outside his house. "He's my beloved grandson. When he first started, I'd say to him, 'Just don't give up.' If he lost, I'd say, 'Don't worry. You've got another one coming up.' "*

Today we watched Felix Baumgartner make his leap from the edge of space. Oddly, I found myself thinking of Kyle Bennett and his family as the live feed showed Baumgartner's mother - sometimes watching intently, and sometimes burying her face in her hands - as her son spiraled towards earth. While it was a nerve wracking 6 minutes for us, I can't begin to contemplate what it felt like for her.

Baumgartner made it though, landing smooth as butter, for his family to embrace him once more.

Please help Kyle's family by visiting http://www.kbarmadillobmx.com/KB_Armadillo_BMX/Kyle_Bennett_Memorial.html to donate to the Kyle Bennett Memorial Fund.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Kyle Bennett. 

BMX Mom

*http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/beijing/cycling/2008-07-28-bmx-bennett_N.htm

Branded: Turning Sacrifice into Profit

Non-BMXers often ask us, how do you do it? One word: SACRIFICE. All BMX parents understand this. If there's a race coming up, and someone growth spurted and outgrew the $150 clips that you bought last month, you quickly get a new pair. If your child has worked hard all season and is sitting at #11 in N.A.G. points in late summer, you put another national on the schedule. All vacations revolve around racing. This isn't something we complain about. It's just a fact of life.

There are some parents, however, who have turned this crazy lifestyle into a profitable affair.

Beach BMX Designs

Bike chain and leather bracelet by Beach BMX Designs
A great way to say "thank you!" to that special BMX mom!

Vann noticed them first, a year or two ago at a national. "Look! Bracelets made from old bike chains. What a great idea!" While I have yet to make a purchase from Beach BMX Designs, I often nose around their display of artistically recycled BMX parts. With a houseful of boys racing BMX, jewelry designer Maribeth says,  "I created Beach BMX to provide us a way to continue our love of the sport and pursue my passion for recycling and repurposing materials!" Personally, I'm all about creatively recycling and repurposing, while getting back some of those race expenses. What a great idea! Maribeth gives back too...With the purchase of anything PINK, she'll make a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation and with the purchase of anything YELLOW, she'll donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation! Check out Beach BMX Designs at www.beachbmx.com.

Wyatt is sporting his new KDM belt
that we picked up in Louisville.
A tee and hoody are in his near future.

Kid DynaMite Apparel Co.

Launched in May 2012, Kid DynaMite took off with a blast. Catering to the action sports family, "KDM's mission is to provide Today's Youth with some Real Options in clothing while providing the best Quality products to fit their everyday Intense Lifestyle." KDM's founder, Eric Bess has been heavily involved in BMX racing and freestyle throughout his life. He's also a well-known bass guitarist! How cool is that? I have no doubt that KDM, with their vibrant colors and bold designs, will be filling the closets of action sports aficionados everywhere.

Order a tee, and check out the sponsorship opportunities at www.kid-dynamite.com. Look for the release of their new line of hoodies in October!

Find this and more at pinchgear.com!

Pinch Gear
"Maliek Byndloss' mom gave me a tank top to give to you. I stuck it in your bag." Huh?

While in Louisville, William and a friend were visiting in the SSquared pits. Stacy Byndloss struck up a conversation with William, and gave him the tank-- for me! When I had a chance to investigate, I discovered a heavy-weight, high quality, slim fit white tank with "Pinch Gear.com" printed on the front. Admittedly, I had never heard of Pinch Gear, and my first thought was bike parts! Curiosity won, and soon I was googling "pinch gear". I struck gold!

What I found was a website full of shiny accessories, from sunglasses and handbags, to jewelry. "With style that stuns and attitude that stops traffic, these fashions don’t just make a statement. They make an entrance." Wow!

While these beautiful things aren't BMX related, Stacy Byndloss can still use her BMX connections to promote her business, and support her son's dreams.

Thank you, Stacy Byndloss, for the tank!

I believe that BMX families need to support one another, and our young athletes. Next time you're looking for an artfully designed BMX bracelet, a rockin' new tee, or just something to make you feel beautiful, keep it in the BMX family.

BMX Mom

Heading to South Park? Say Hello to Andy and Frank

I turned off my Kindle on a flight home from Houston on Sunday to avoid scrambled airwaves and mortal peril. With light quickly fading as we waited on the jetway, I thumbed through the Sky magazine. The word Pittsburgh caught my eye, forcing me to disrupt my sleeping neighbor and turn on the overhead. For twenty pages I read of Pittsburgh's success in avoiding recession, and their boast of a "healthy higher education sector" fostering their "knowledge based economy".

Still, what's there to see?

My jaw dropped when I saw it. I can't believe I didn't know!  I swear I wiped away drool upon discovering that there in Steel City is the largest museum in the country devoted to a single artist -- Andy Warhol.

Andy Warhol by Annie Leibowitz, 1976

He's not my favorite, but he's home-grown, wildly pop, and his art will influence others for years-- no--- forever.

I immediately checked museum hours (open Friday until 10pm with half price admission after 5!), and  distance from the track (a mere 13 miles). My mind was made up.

As if this weren't exciting enough, an hour outside of town, tiered above a rocky hillside is Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Wright's Prairie Style, which ended abruptly after a tragic incident involving his cook, his mistress, and an axe, made him famous, but Fallingwater (1935) was his crown jewel. Wright achieved something wholly American; a structure communing with a Pennsylvania waterfall, and existing as one.

Regrettably, we won't have time to visit Fallingwater. We're going to race after all!  However, we will be visiting Andy Warhol Friday night. Won't you join us?

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987)
Moonwalk, 1987
screen print on Lenox Museum Board
38 x 38 in. (96.5 x 96.5 cm.)
The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection,
Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.

© The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.

Safe travels to everyone headed to Pittsburgh. See you there!

BMX Mom

Olympic Dreams

I was once a future Olympian. Weren't we all?

When I was seven, my dream was to become an Olympic swimmer. I swam laps relentlessly, burning off excess childhood energy that, if bottled, would be the finest wine to me now. I've recently been informed that I was a terror; a spoiled child who played my divorced parents like a fiddle. The only person who had patience for me was my older cousin Craig. He indulged me for hours with his stop watch as I swam on and on in our Papa's Palm Beach pool, confident that my Wonder Woman bathing suit was shaving off time. Did Craig maybe believe in me? Did he think I could be an Olympic swimmer? No one ever said, and my dream slowly died, as I outgrew my chlorine faded Wonder Woman suit.

Beginning last Friday, tracks all over the country celebrated the upcoming 2012 Olympics by offering Olympic Day. Racing was free for all, along with complimentary one-day USA BMX memberships for new riders. On Saturday, our family participated with our friends at Circle City BMX in Dothan. There was a good crowd and energy in the air. To add to the nostalgia the Olympics invariably invoke, the "Chicken Dance" blared, sending the kids onto the track to shake their tail feathers before taking their bikes into staging.

William Parker, Wyatt Parker and Britt Dooley had a blast racing together
in both 20" and cruiser, at Olympic Day at Circle City BMX

I asked a couple of fellow BMX families how they felt about the Olympics:

"Britt never thought much about the Olympics until he started racing BMX 3 years ago. Because he participates in BMX and it's an Olympic Sport he's actually followed it more this year than in the past and not just the BMX stuff. He's become fascinated with the process that one has to go through to qualify for the Olympics. And how hard it is to get there. He has the lofty goal of getting there someday and representing the US. Watching Barry (Nobles)  barely miss out making it opened his eyes to just how hard it really is. He looks up to Barry, Connor (Fields), Mike Day and the rest.

In Britt's perspective, the Olympics has gone from being an after thought to something he has begun to appreciate. It's now a goal of his one day to stand on that podium and hear the National Anthem played.

Big dreams, little guy doesn't understand just how hard it is to get there."

- Payton Dooley, dad of Britt Dooley (11int)

"The Olympic games are a way for a person or a team to represent their country by competing against the best athletes from other countries in the sport they love, in the biggest race in the world. There is such excitement about supporting USA because of the freedom we have that makes living in the USA so great. This year it's even more exciting and meaningful because the sport Warren loves most, BMX racing, is in the Olympics. The fact that Barry (Nobles) was competing to go made it even more meaningful. Although Barry didn't make the cut, Warren's looking forward to watching and cheering on team USA. Warren hopes to have the chance to go to the Olympics one day & race BMX for team USA."

- Shannon Lee, Mom of Warren Lee (10x), Thorsby, Alabama

Warren Lee (center) earned gold medals in 10x and 10c
participating in the Olympic Day race at Weaver BMX (Alabama).
Warren hopes to race in the Olympics one day.

Will there be two Olympics for Connor Fields?

Ever since our time in England for BMX World Championships, the Olympics have been a hot topic in our home. We know the young men and women who earned their positions on Team USA will represent their country well. I asked William his predictions for 2016. It didn't take him long to make his list. "I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings". He hesitated. "This could change."

William's picks for Team USA in 2016:

• Felicia Stancil
• Dani George
• Cole Tesar
• Maliek Byndloss
• Collin Hudson
• or maybe Connor Fields again

I made the point to William that for the 2020 Olympics he'll be nineteen. "I suppose I have a shot in 2020 and 2024", he contemplated. "I'm going to go ahead and go in 2020. Then I can finish my education and start my career. I don't want to be stuck with nothing to do after the Olympics." 

He said it as matter-of-fact-ly as if he had told me he was going to brush his teeth and go to bed.

Congratulations Olympians! Never stop dreaming!

BMX Mom

England Swings Part Deux: Life is like a box of chocolates

"My momma always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.'"


During the World Championships, Vann met William between each qualifying round, talking through a fence that kept the riders quarantined. "Is he eating?" "Did you tell him to go to the bathroom?" "How are his nerves?" Vann nodded his head emphatically at each of my overbearing questions.


As it was, William remained cool as a cucumber throughout, which I can only attribute to the confidence that comes from 6 months of intense preparation. I, on the other hand, was nothing short of a basket case. Completely out of character, I'm ashamed to say I lost my marbles on one of the two ticket-takers at the NIA. I won't go into details, but the poor guy didn't deserve my wrath. He'll never see it, but I offer my public apology just the same.

Remember to breathe was the best advice I received, from a BMX mom who'd been there before. (Thanks Josette!) As motos went on, our group began to relax and have a good time. Our USA pits were directly behind the Japanese, who, without a lick of English, cheered enthusiastically each time the announcer uttered "Germany". The Germans didn't have a big crew there, so I'm sure they appreciated it.


We knew it would have to be more than skill to carry William through eighths, quarters and semis. Strong riders were falling out left and right. As William crossed the line in a qualifying position in his semi, I finally felt at ease. He would have a world plate!

Partly due to fate, and mostly because William always cranks to the line, William was able to choose an inside gate for the main. When he came out of the gate, no one could argue that he deserved to be there. He quickly fell into a third place position entering the first turn. Attempting to move into second, his pedal struck the ground, jamming his knee, and moving him into the fourth spot. He was lucky to hold on, but was unable to gain back a medal position, and finished fourth. We were unbelievably proud and excited!


After awards, photos and hugs, when "Let's party all night!" turned into "Let's grab a quick bite at the hotel and go to bed", we finally had an opportunity to discuss the race with William. 

"WELL?" I said. That was all he needed. His tired, but happy face turned to us as he began his tale. Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. He said his favorite line from "Forrest Gump", and I wondered. Did he not think he would do so well? Did he expect more?

He told us of the friends he made, and we laughed as he described how he communicated with his new Japanese friend (3rd place finisher Yuichi Masuda) through head shakes and sign language. The kids from Great Britain were shocked to learn that policeman in the U.S. carry guns, and William proudly described to them his own personal arsenal, which really had them in awe. Surprisingly, they asked about one another's governments, and compared the differences. We learned too, that we're not just the spawn of England or France, but our own unique culture-- wild, crazy Americans!


When he finished, I understood what William meant. Take advantage of what's in front of you. Live life now. You never know what you're gonna get.


Watch this awesome Video of Factory Felt riders at Worlds by Phillip Habib

The very next day, William turned eleven. We celebrated with our friends the Habibs, in proper Medieval fashion. It's not everyday an 11-yr-old boy gets to visit a castle, chop off his brother's head, and see a Shakespeare play on his birthday. It was a great time with great friends!


Sunday morning we made our leave, sad to miss our friends racing cruiser, but happy to be on our way. We headed to Paris on a 24-hour lay over. Not wanting to waste one minute, we hit the cobblestones running. Notre Dame was crowded, but amazing just the same. We had dinner with my cousin Jill and her family, while the boys played soccer with their Parisian cousin Jude in the gardens of the Louvre.


By 10 pm we were all worn out, and contemplating the long flight ahead, when Wyatt pulled the Puss in Boots face. "Oh pleez can we go to the Eiffel Tower?"

With rubber legs and tired faces, we rode to the top at midnight. Too tired to walk to the hotel, Vann hailed a cab. Wyatt was asleep within the minute.

Go to England. Ride your race. Skip and hold hands. See a Shakespeare play. Be crazy. See the Eiffel Tower at midnight. Go to New Zealand.


Live.


Because...

"My momma always said, 'life was like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you're gonna get.'"

Many thanks for all the love, support, well-wishes, and congratulations sent out to William. Your presence was felt!

BMX Mom

England Swings: Part I of the 2012 BMX World Championships

"England swings like a pendulum dooooo..."*

Here I sit alone in the small foyer of our adjoining rooms, the only wi-fi hot spot in our home of 8 days. Luckily I have my warm (no ice or fridge) sauvignon blanc that Vann so lovingly procured. Snores surround me.

J.R.R. Tolkien honeymooned here in 1916!

We're staying at THE Plough and Harrow, and I do mean THE. This was THE place!--  Back in the 1800s that is. Today we figured out the plumbing.

HA HA! Actually, this was in fact the posh potty in the gruesome Tower of London.
The plumbing is quite tricky here though.

But now for the real deal... Why are we here?

We're here because I have a son who deserves it.

We're here because he's earned it.

We're here because he's willing to give it his all.

William Parker and Coleman Habib:
 representing Felt Bikes and the USA!

Today was first practice. I won't lie. The track is tough, and the first straight has William worried. He's not the only one though. There were multiple wrecks coming off the first jump. William did wreck in practice today, but his only injury was a little blood and dirt on his coveted USA jersey. THAT's what mattered to him, but a little soap and scrubbing in the hotel sink had it good as new.

Tomorrow's practice promises good things. William knows how to dial in a track, and he has a plan. I can hardly wait for him to take on the World on Thursday. GO USA!!

BMX Mom

*From "England Swings" by Roger Miller

A Wet Winning Weekend at the USA BMX Dixieland Nationals

The rain was falling Saturday morning as we huddled under the Felt tents.

Sam Brown dominated 16 girls
Photo credit: Mike Carruth

"What are you doing?" Sam (Samantha) Brown glared at William as he was gearing up for practice. "You're just going to slip on the gate... and fall... and hurt yourself... or get muddy!"

His dad and I had been giving him the same speech for 30 minutes, but it took a pretty team mate to talk some sense into him. He stayed safe and clean by warming up in the parking lot.

By race time, the rain had ceased, and the sun had come out to dry the track. First rounds went well, with nearly the whole Felt crew, plus Wyatt and Charlie "Chooch" Christopher, transferring out.

Semis were thankfully uneventful. Everyone under the Felt tent easily moved on to their respective mains.

Racing in Georgia comes with the added bonus of family. My Georgia cousins came to watch the races and cheer on the boys. With the boys transferring out first round, there was a lot of time to hang out and visit in the pits, and discuss all of the fishing, baseball, boogie boarding, etc. that's going to take place on our upcoming family beach vacation.

As we stood on the fence waiting for Wyatt's 9 intermediate main, a screaming parent startled my cousin Judy's 7-month old daughter who had been sleeping peacefully in her sling. Judy leaned in to me and asked, "Do you guys yell like that?" Vann laughed. "Heather used to!" I then explained that I am now well under control, and proved it by standing demurely at the fence as Wyatt finished 5th in his first main as a 9-year-old.

Not long after, William was on the hill for 10x. He shot out of gate 4, and never looked back.

I lost it.

Wyatt covered his ears and crept away. Vann, in between his own shouts of "Stay on the cranks!" and "Close the door!" urged me to calm down. There was no calming me. I was a BMX mom possessed.

I screamed my head off as William brought in his first USA BMX national win.

I quickly turned my attention to William's friends racing 11x. As Joey Leto took the lead, I continued to cheer. Joey crossed the line for a win just as William approached me at the fence. A smile lit his face like sunshine and warmed my heart.

I hugged him. "I won!" He said.

He rode off to congratulate Joey, whose smile was the size of William's. As the boys exchanged accolades, I heard William say, "that was just the confidence boost I needed".

Indeed it was. With Sunday's race cancelled due to weather, we left Atlanta on a high note.

I won, I heard William say to himself in the car. I WON.

Look out England, here we come!

BMX Mom