I’ve had this site long enough, so I guess it’s about time I posted a healthy rant post.  Well, this isn’t a rant post per-say, but I’ll say it’s a dedicated opinion piece on how I view the BMX race scene since getting back into it a few years back.

When I first moved here, I didn’t know anybody and Cape Coral is a pretty laid-back place compared to Massapequa, so I had to actually look for things to do.  While looking through some websites a few years back, I read that Cape Coral had its own BMX track, and that it was only a few miles from my house.  Awesome, I thought - heck, this sounds like a good reason to get back on a BMX bike.  So I went to Paradise Bicycles, purchased a new Haro BMX race bike and signed up with the National Bicycle League (NBL) at the Cape Coral BMX track.

:: As the gate drops: Brian Callahan (right) and I practicing gate starts - click to enlarge ::

Fast forward a few years to where I am today - inspired by BMX and yet disappointed at the same time.  Soon after I began riding at Cape Coral BMX, I soon realized that there are essentially two types of people there - the ‘core’ of the track - those that run it, maintain it, and help instruct new riders - these people are what inspired me to keep riding.  People like Todd Lackey and Mike Powers - racers that are genuinely happy to help people with endless patience - even though I’ve even tested their patience a little sometimes.  Like any good role model, racers like them made me want to improve - they motivated me to gain their respect.  Not just them, there are many others too - respectful, good people. Most of the people at Cape Coral BMX are this way, and I’ve made some great friends there.

Then there’s the other contingent at the track - these people will shake your hand and in the same day talk behind your back.  No big deal I suppose, but some of the things these people say can be pretty alarming.  Yeah, these types are everywhere, not just the BMX track, but in all the performance boat races and events I’ve frequented, I’ve never seen this level of ruthless immaturity.   Why do I care?  Because these people seem to go out of their way to want to upset a great family-oriented community.  Does it kill the fun I had there?  Not really so much, but often times while riding there, the old saying of “too many chiefs in one small tribe” comes to mind.  This brings me to my final thought - the double-edge sword of reaching out.

:: A typical summer evening at Cape Coral BMX - click to enlarge ::

I won’t get into a long dissertation here, but since I am in a position to, I’ve always felt that helping others is a moral obligation for those that are able to.  Without getting into the details, I’ll just say that sometimes feeding the dolphins baits the waters for sharks.  I wasn’t looking for cred or respect - or even appreciation, I just like helping people.  Sometimes, once people get what they want, they have little or no use for you afterward - a sad truth.  In the end, it’s a shame because a feel-good thing like having fun at the BMX track and contributing in a positive manner becomes complicated and a catalyst for stress.  Do I lose sleep over it?  Nah, it’s not worth it, but in my life I’ve learned never to burn the wrong bridges.

Some people take BMX very seriously, even to a fault.  I do not.  I’m there just to have fun and socialize.  But it’s not as fun as it used to be, and I’ve come to realize that somtimes I can’t march lock-step with everybody.  Sure, I’ll still ride, but I think I’m due for a break.  Before BMX I was an avid mountain biker, and I understand Florida has some great cross-country trails.  One thing I’ve always liked about MTB riding is the independance and much less structured riding environment - it’s essentially the rider and the trail, and nothing else.  BMX will always be in my blood though.   So, thank you and a shout-out to Todd, Chuck, Brian, Chris, Mike, Paul, and everyone else that made Cape Coral BMX a great experience for me.