When I started BMX racing, it was seemingly a wholesome all American sport.
There were families everywhere and kids goofing off between the races. Many vendors all over the place and air that you could talk to just about anyone.

Fast forward to now. All that is gone. Elitist. Alcohol (sure the tracks say you cant have any, but people smell of it and I am sure they are sneaking it in), smoking (both legal and illegal). Times they have changed and not for the good.

As I sat and watched several families chat, I realized that I could not really contribute to their conversation because I did not have anything of value to add. They were from a different economic background and had different values for life. Sure, thats American but its also not something I can converse with them about without sounding like I am coming down on them for not being sucessful in life.

Tattoos are everywhere. OMG! What has happened to make that the norm? Why is it accepted so much? Mothers in their 40s with middriff showing, their daughters wearing clothing I would not let mine wear. Much less out in public. I personally do not like them at all and dont wish for my kids to see them as just an accepted form of expression.. Just like curse words are not an accepted form of expression at our home.

Values have gone down hill. Big time.

I analyzed it very much this past racing weekend and came up with Americas core values are down the tube because of the breakdown of Family.

I dont enjoy racing. I do it to stay in shape. I dont want to be around these people because I dont like smokers, drinkers and generally trashy people. Sure, there are people that shine above them all but its too rare a find and not worth looking anymore. I just keep to myself now.

After hearing stories about how so many of the people that were popular in the racing scene were actually pot heads I was certain that I am part of a very small circle of riders that have a pure joy of BMX and do it for the activity and competition. I now have lost any desire to promote it like I used to. I used to tell everyone to give it a shot but now its so dirty that I feel it best to not promote the sport as someone may associate me directly with it.

This may very well be my last year racing BMX. I may have to start road racing or something next.