Up Close And Personal With Jimmy Levan

Up Front & Personal With

Jimmy Levan

Publication Date: September 1996

In a sport where being the best is only perhaps a temporary status, if perfection can even be achieved, how does one measure himself? Well, according to Freestyle biker Jimmy Levan, it is all a matter of having a good day...like being able to land a trick successfully. Of course, the more you practice, the more at ease you are in doing it, thus the better you become. Though some say that freestyle is a showoff sport, Jimmy says that even if there wasn't a crowd, he "would still perform the tricks." "It just so happens this sport has an audience for it." The other riders continually develop new stunts to push each other, and their sport, forward.

While preparing for the BMX Grand National competitions Labor Day weekend, Jimmy took time out to chat with Jenny and answered the following questions:

We understand there is a distinct difference between freestyle and BMX. What styles do you ride and which do you prefer?

I like both styles and switch back and forth between BMX and Freestyle. Right now I'm into BMX, which is jumping and doing tricks on a dirt course; freestyle is done on streets and ramps.

What do the Grand Nationals consist of and how are they judged? Is money involved in winning?

They consist of racing and jumping on a dirt track. The racing is determined by who finishes first and in what order. The freestyle competition is determined on the tricks, their difficulty, how high you jump, and how well you land. There is no written criteria; yet everyone participating knows there are certain levels you have to do to compete.

There are different classes: Beginners, Novice and Expert classes compete for trophies, while there are two pro classes that compete for money.

How and when did you get involved in freestyle and BMX?

I started riding in BMX as it was popular in the late 70's in my neighborhood. My big turning point came when I was 15-years-old. I built wooden ramps in my back yard and practiced until I progressed to national competition level in 81 and actually started racing in 1983. My first bike was a Mongoose.

Are you professionally ranked?

Dirt jumping doesn't start ranking until November. Since I haven't raced in almost a year, I'm not ranked in racing. However, I plan to start racing next year for ranking status.

Where have you raced nationally?

Just about everywhere...I couldn't begin to list all the places. I've been racing for about ten years and usually race 12-13 races a year all over...I've done a lot of travelling.

Who is your current sponsor?

For the past seven years I've been sponsored by S & M Bikes (Huntington Beach, California), but have recently left them for a new sponsor to be announced in the next few weeks.

What did you think of the X Games; was this your first year to participate and how did you rank?

This was my second year to participate. My first year I ranked 4th and this year I ranked 5th. I will be participating in the winter X Games, which are being held in San Diego. I'll be competing in freestyle and dirt jumping.

Did you participate in the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games? What do you think of the idea of combining the X Games with the Olympics?

I did not participate in the closing ceremonies, but had friends who did. I feel they should keep the two events separate, but feel it is inevitable that they will be combined. I feel the X Games will become too mainstreamed; glamorous; Hollywood! The sports are what you make them, and I would do them whether they are mainstreamed or not!

What other sports do you enjoy and participate in?

I enjoy snowboarding and skateboarding. My favorite place to snowboard is Bear Mountain, California.

What is your favorite and hardest trick?

What ever feels best that day! Tricks are thought up in your head and then you try to do them; you mess up and learn from your mistakes.

Who has been your biggest influence in freestyle and BMX?

When I was younger, my biggest influence was Chris Moeller, who owns S & M Bikes. I rode for his company for seven years and know him well.

What are your plans for the future?

Riding bikes for a while, but I'm not going to be 30-years-old and still riding BMX. I've been approached by a couple of companies to travel and perform in exhibitions and demos. I will probably be moving to another state soon which has a skatepark.

Jimmy is 22-years-old and owns his own clothing company called "Secret Service." His clothing line is currently being sold in bike shops out west and at races and competitions. Jimmy will be wearing his line of clothing while competing in the Grand Nationals.