Just what is BMX racing? The definition is right here

Check this out. You can click on the image to enlarge it. The guys at Scholastic.com actually put this definition on the cover of their magazine, called Gearing Up For The Olympic Games. This is just about the best, shortened definition of what BMX is about as far as descriptions go. Maybe the Ministry of Community Youth and Sports in Singapore (MCYS) and some of our Caldecott media folks can get this magazine and actually see what BMX and the Youth Olympic Games is all about, instead of showing other BMX disciplines that just will just about make them the laughing stock of the whole world. While we ae at it, Singapore prides itself in being a media hub. Can any of these media companies focus on what BMX is, by basing what is written on the cover of this magazine? It is not so hard to do and it will go a long way in educating the masses about BMX and what it is. Now you so-called "BMX consultants" out there...read this and read this magazine. Maybe this might, this just might start you on your journey to knowing more about BMX.

Profile re-issuing their early cranks

Looks like Profile are making a limited number of these cranks to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Seems like they will be using the same old tooling from the very early 80s as well. They will be a limited number as I said, plus they will come with a free T-shirt. Cost of these? Well, about USD$400.

Are our young ready for 2010?

I received an interesting PM (personal message that is) via the BMX forums and the person asked if the BMX training currently underway will adequately prepare him for the Youth Olympics in 2010 as he was pretty disheartened when he did a a search on YouTube and saw that BMX racing elsewhere, the riders were so fast and he said that he was feeling pretty pessimistic about being able to take them on, given the training that he is getting. I replied to him in a PM that a journey always begins with a first step and while I have never gone to those training camps currently conducted at the Tampines BMX Track, I told him that at least there was something going on. Even though I answered his question, I began to ponder about what he asked.

Are we ready to field a team for the Youth Olympics Singapore BMX squad? Heck, I am too old to race anymore. If you had asked me that question some twenty odd years ago, I would have given an emphatic "YES!" But this person that sent me the PM was pretty concerned. It seems that he feels that the training is not sufficient. We have less than two years to groom up a BMX squad for the Youth Olympics. We have the advantage of home ground but what else? Maybe it is not just the training. How about the infrastructure? Mindset of the general public? Can we change that?

Kuwahara 25th Anniversary 2008 frames and forks

I do not know how official this is but it seems that Kuwahara are releasing the 25th anniversary of their frames and forks. It seems that only 250 are made. This may be an April Fool joke or it might be kosher. The pic above was taken from a UK BMX website. If it is true, I might seriously consider getting one. If I can't, no big deal. I will just be happy with my current Kuwahara Survivor bike. But I like the look of the new one. Looks so clean!

The monkeys are still around

Had a brief chat with an old cycling friend of mine yesterday. He confirmed that the rumours are indeed true. Tthere are some monkeys who are exploiting the Youth Olympics for personal gain or even monetary gain. No names mentioned but some among these monkeys are not even BMXers now nor in the past. Perfect. Just perfect. I told my friend to just relax and watch the freak show happen. I wonder if any of the monkeys are reading it now?

29'er PK Ripper

These bikes were custom-made for the Rob and Big show in the USA. Custom PK Rippers. I have heard that SE might be making these in the near future. Who knows? I might get myself one...despite the fact that I have one-too-many bikes already!

Clemtwins cranks

They were certainly innovative back in the day. Check out these cranks. I was searching through Ebay and I came upon some guy selling this. These are Clemtwins cranks, the only cranks back in the day that came with two sprockets. Yep, you heard me. Two sprockets. Naturally, one would need a special hub with two freewheels. I do not have a pic of that hub but I must say, it certainly helped out in the chain-braking gate-snapping issues, while putting on some more weight on the bike. But nevertheless, a great idea!

Beware of wolves in sheep clothing

Ever since Singapore won the bid to host the Youth Olympics in 2010, there are many oout there who all of a sudden have labelled themselves "BMX consultants". Some of these clowns have not even raced in a BMX race before. Some of these fellas do not even OWN a BMX bike, let alone even raced on a BMX track! What gives here?

Do not get me wrong. It is gratifying to see more people wanting to help with the development of BMX here in Singapore but get the goddam BMX racing fundamentals first. Until you have raced in a real BMX race, have paid your dues as a BMXer, you are in NO position to call yourself a consultant to a BMX race or even a BMXer. Honestly. Lots of monkeys here in Singapore who just want to bask in the limelight when they have done NOTHING for BMX in Singapore in the past and now all of a sudden they want to because of the Youth Olympics. Let me tell you this. You are sending a wrong signal to those who generally want to know more about BMX. This includes several monkeys in our local media too. Can you media guys get your facts right before you write or produce your articles?

The best bars around

In the world of BMX, there are handlebars and then there are S&M Slam Bars. these bars are the most popular bars out there right now with the right width (28") a good height and just the right degree of swingback. Lots of people run these on their rides and I am no exception. They are relatively inexpensive and they are just great!

Even The New Paper wants to know about BMX

Seems that the BMX fever is hitting everyone. I just checked an old email address that I have not used for quite some time and I noticed this guy or girl from The New Paper wanting to know about BMX in Singapore. His email to me was:

I am writing a story on young BMX talents who may be interested to represent Singapore in lesser known sports for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in 2010. These talents should be 16 years and below. Basically, I'm looking for someone who is talented, and has the drive to win a medal.

That is great but why all of a sudden now? When I called The New Paper in 2001 to come and do a write-up about a BMX race in Tampines, they were not interested. But all of a sudden, now with the Youth Olympics coming up, they are interested? Strange is it not?

But anyway. Better late than never.