#64: Try something Extreme

This kind of relates to Kristin’s awesome post about learning to skateboard, but I’m going to take another angle and go with BMX biking! I have to admit that I am still a little nervous to try this one out, but again, it’s on THE 144 LIST so I have to do it!

Pete doing his thing in Dallas Courtesy: Peter Rosendahl

I’m bringing back my friend Pete again, the pilot from the 23rd post, because this is definitely his favorite hobby, (and he’s really good at it!) Anyway, I asked him a few questions and he’s just a pretty simple guy, but he thinks that everyone should try it out at some point in their lives, definitely before they die.

We went to the bike trails off of 9th street and Lamar and here is a little look at what the jumps look like with Pete giving me a little run:

I talked with him afterwards and asked him a few questions, keep in mind that Pete is a simple man with simple answers. I interviewed him on my small digital camera so you can’t really hear him, but here’s a better look at some of the jumps and of Pete basically talking about riding.

Pete says he rides “because it’s fun” and because he can “meet some interesting folk out here”, meaning on the 9th street trails. He’s been riding since he was about 13 and he and his buddies find any ramp or tunnel they can to see what kinds of tricks they can come up with. I asked if he’s been hurt and that was a definite yes. Pete has separated his shoulder, fallen on his face, scraped up more parts of his body than he can remember, but he says it’s “totally worth it”.

So if you ever get the chance, or the guts to practice your bike tricks, Pete recommends that you make a stop at Empire BMX on 5th street first to make sure you have the right gear and get some tips from more experienced riders before you head over to the 9th street trails. If you go on a Friday afternoon, you will probably see Pete there!

Be careful!