tyler sparr: king of bmx

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23 October 2012 Volume 1 Issue 2 BMX

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All about Tyler Sparr and his life as a professional BMX rider. By Lauren Custis

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23 October 2012 Volume 1 Issue 2

BMX

Competitions, Tournaments and Shows are all just a part of work for professional BMX rider Tyler Sparr. Inspiring kids throughout the midwest to follow their dreams as well competing for national BMX titles is all just a part of a days work.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY LAUREN CUSTIS

The Athens Community Center Skate Park stays illuminated from the crack of dawn into the late hours of the night to ac-commodate the local skaters, riders, and risk takers.

‹‹THE SHY ONE04 05

Some people sigh and mutter the word: crazy. Crazy? Doing what you love most in life every day

isn’t crazy. Understanding your utmost limits and the finite details of your environment isn’t crazy. But “crazy” comes to define the professional riders of dirt and concrete ramps in the world of BMX. The ac-ronym stands for ‘Bicycle Motocross’, but it doesn’t accurately reflect the passion of barreling through air at rapid speeds, hurtling over concrete mountains and defying gravity with flips and twists, all the while keeping a bike under control.

Born of dirt ramps and elevated trails, BMX has made a resounding impact in the world of concrete capsules, ramps, bowls, and quarter pipes in many skate parks across the United States. At its essence, riders resist their instincts, to find themselves plummeting headfirst down a vertical ramp, something that isn’t on the to-do list of the general population (commonly referred to as ‘G.Pop’ by many professional athletes). But Tyler Sparr does what he loves and he does it well.

Grown in Milton, Florida, 25-year-old Tyler Sparr was introduced to his first BMX bike at age 11 thanks to some friendly neighbors who took pity on the shy boy with four sisters. Since age 11 Sparr has never wanted to do anything else except ride.

During his high school days, Sparr waved away sports in order to pursue his riding career in hopes that his efforts would pay off. And pay off it did. Tyler became a professional BMX rider at age 19, after he moved to Minnesota and joined Wonder Wheels, an anti-bullying/inspirational BMX show geared towards younger kid, and signed with Plan9, a professional BMX sponsor. Sparr stumbled upon Wonder Wheels after a well-timed recommendation from then injured friend, Jake Wheeler, who could not perform. It took only one show for Sparr to realize his love for Wonder Wheels.

“I kept buggin’ Bill for shows and asking to work, [and] eventually we just teamed up,” said Sparr. Now Co-owners of Wonder Wheels, Sparr and Nitschke have developed the program into a thriving business and established a strong friendship despite their 20-year age gap.

Now a contracted rider for Plan9 and co-owner of Wonder Wheels: BMX Stunt Team World Wide, Sparr spends the majority of his time traveling the Midwest to deliver positive messages to kids of all ages. One of the best BMX bikers in the country, Sparr is a prime example of the dedication and commitment required to succeed. While still possessing a shy streak, Sparr’s quiet demeanor still

Tyler Sparr performs as a part of Wonder Wheels at Wellston Middle School for grades K-9.

Sparr waits before the show begins at Wellston Middle School watching the crowd and often getting heckled to smile.

THE BIG REACTION06

Eric Hough gets his cast signed by Sparr after the Wonder Wheels show at Wellston

Middle School.

Wellston third graders enjoy the Wonder Wheels performance to its fullest extent as they

watch enraptured.

‹‹07

SEQUENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER08‹‹

09

A Fat Line? A coke head would love a fat line of coke. If your ride was a ‘Fat Line,’ it was gnarly.

“appeals to crowds and speaks to the humbleness that is rare and appreciated in the world of professional sports.

The 19th century gave birth to the bicycle, which quickly became a popular form of transportation

and exercise. The ability to perform miscellaneous “tricks” on the bike happened all over the world, but it wasn’t until the 1970’s that a new younger generation began exploring their possibilities on dirt motorbike racing tracks. This new avenue of “off-roading” with a bike became popular – and quickly. Specialty bikes evolved with a focus on the ability to be easily handled and modified to work better on a non-traditional roadway. BMX spanned terrain, gaining acceptance in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. BMX was finally debuted as an official sport in 1995, in the Summer X Games broadcasted by ESPN and a por-tion by ABC.

Today BMX riding has a long list of stars that have made their mark. Despite it’s short history, BMX breaks down into specific styles and groups that parallel age: the “Old School”, “Mid School,” “New Mid School,” and “New/Current School,” – all featuring a variety of riders that compete in the competitions across the country. Professional Tyler Sparr works his magic in the “New/Current School”.

“You don’t have to gain respect from anyone, you can jump in and sign up to be a ‘pro.’ but you better be able to hang,” Sparr explains. With three “King of BMX” titles and two Dew Tour appearances, Tyler Sparr has become a known name in the world of BMX. Dew Tours, hosted by Mountain Dew annually to showcase the best of the best in the extreme sport world, have recently become invitation only and “bullshit, it’s a lot of politics,” said Sparr. As one of the most famous and televised competitions second to the X-Games, Dew Tours are exciting events to be a part of.

“Tyler is one of the most talented ramp riders I’ve ever seen,” said Nitschke. Being dubbed “King of BMX” first in ’07, again in ’08, and once more in ‘11. Holding the royal title three times isn’t the easiest of feats: it involves winning the competition at Emerald

Sparr rides for fun at the Athens Community Center Skate Park in Athens, Ohio as he spent some time in the area performing and visiting friends.

A sequence of a tail whip by Tyler Sparr at the Athens Community Center Skate Park in Athens, Ohio.

THE INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE

BEHIND THE SCENES10 ‹‹11

Coast Dirt & Vert hosted by owner, Bill Madden. An intense three-day competition boils down to: time trials on dirt BMX tracks, dirt jump competitions, and a skate park contest that are all evaluated and scored by judges. Sparr races in the “Stud (open cash) category” which consists of professional and advanced riders competing for the King of BMX title. The competition includes professional riders from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana that must show skill in all categories to be considered for the title. Forcing competitors to be well rounded, King of BMX is challenging title to attain.

“A fat line? A coke head would love a fat line of coke. If your ride was a ‘fat line’ it was gnarly,” said Sparr about a good ride.

While professional is typically synonymous with “high paid”, in the professional BMX world it’s

not quite as true. Sparr lives from paycheck to pay-check and carries everything of importance, aside from his Australian Shepherd mix Suzie, in his 2006 Trail Blazer. His $2,300 bike, helmet, clothes, toiletries, tools and ever-faithful leather bag stuffed with clothes for all weather are all sprawled across the back seat and trunk of his vehicle. From competing across the country to traveling with Wonder Wheels, Sparr totes his world

along with him and sleeps when he can.“We’re pretty used to sleeping on floors,” said Sparr

who often shares a Motel 6 or Budget Inn room with Nitschke. Though not a glamorous lifestyle, Sparr acknowledges he has his dream job and is content having fun every day rather than being monetarily wealthy. For Sparr, it can’t get any better than riding bikes and inspiring kids.

“My favorite thing is when the kids are responsive to what we’re doing,” said Sparr, “It gets old when they ask if I’m Tony Hawk or Sean White just because that’s who they know…” Sparr admits messing up a trick in front of hundreds of high school and/or middle school students is completely embarrassing, but as his own toughest critic says it’s something you have to learn to get over. At the end of the day, the main goal is to teach kids that they too can do what they love if they work hard for it: just like Sparr and Nitschke.

The young rider has a long future ahead of him as a BMX professional. With plans to expand Wonder Wheels further, Sparr hopes to push the limits and find a means to increase his income.

“Money isn’t everything, I know that. But it makes things easier,” Sparr said nonchalantly about his future. With a laid-back point of view on life, Sparr has no worries about his financial future having faith his hard work will pay off doing what he loves.

Sparr puts a lot of time into his hygiene and being on the road doesn’t change that. An avid teeth-brusher and hair care enthusiast; Sparr takes time to dry his hair before riding.

Sparr packs the usual leather bag full of clothes and toiletries no matter where he travels. The Bag is always present in his car and ready for use.

Sparr refers to his car as his room and keeps all of his vital amenities within the SUV, including his favorite flat bills that have long since been replaced by new versions.

Sparr keeps his bike in the back of his car along with tools and gear for performing.

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LOVING THE LIFE HE LEADS