My First BMX Session
-Adam Harvick

I realized from the first thought of starting this magazine that I wanted to include BMX biking even though I have no experience with it. Sure I could fool everyone and learn the lingo even buy a bike and gear and just pretend that I use it but I did not want to be a poser. So here I am decked out in more protective gear than an undersized 8 year old with an overprotective mom. I am on top of a half pipe ramp that has to be 300 feet tall even though my instructor keeps assuring me it is only 10. I know he is lying he has to be there is no way I would be scared of just 10 feet. I drop 10 feet no problem on my mountain bike but I guess the sight of dirt is a lot more reassuring than the sight of a sea of blood stained concrete from past patrons who dared to test there skills on two wheels. I am really sweating and my heart is about to pound out of my chest. I guess I better go a 7 year old is waiting on me and he looks a little miffed that it is taking me so long. Isn’t it a school night, shouldn’t his parents have him home doing homework? I think he was making fun of me with his friends because I am wearing so many pads. I close my eyes (this is not the best idea) and I shift my wait forward and take the 300 foot plunge. It was exhilarating, the wind flowing around my giant motorcycle helmet. That is where it hit me that I am about to shoot up the other side of this 300 foot ramp. The panic sets in and all I can think about is Mirra lacerating his liver during practice at the X Games…HIS LIVER PEOPLE!!! I hit the other side of the ramp and launch into the clouds. As I am flying through the air I realize that I am going to have to find someone else to cover the BMX side of the bike page. I wonder if Dave would be interested, because he cut his liver maybe he has some free time. I come down with out the bike and I slide and tumble for what has to be the better part of half a mile. it is over I assess the damage, scratched up "body armor", the bike is half way across the park, the group of mean 7 year olds are bent over with laughter along with my instructor who called me buddy about ten minutes ago, and my pride is hurt horribly. I did come away with a whole new perspective of what these guys do and with a lot more respect not to mention a lot of humility, and thanks to the gross amount of protective gear I am as scratch less as the undersized 8 year old with an overprotective mother.

You can contact Adam at adamh@xtremexistence.com