X Marks the Spot

It is really exciting how Austin has become a magnet for so many cool events. Notwithstanding the downsides of traffic and congestion, our town is developing into a bit of a mecca for what is “in.” Austin is simply cool, even when it’s hot. We have SXSW, gigantic and sprawling with its technology, movies, and music; “Woodstock” is revisited with two weekends of music at ACL; world-class racing comes to town with Formula One, the most viewed sporting event on the globe; MotoGP is back for its second year for the two-wheelers; and now, the X Games is coming to Austin! How cool is that? 

I hate to admit that the closest I have come to even understanding the enormous talents of these athletes is skateboarding down 36th Street in Philadelphia at 2 a.m. (college insanity). Oh yeah, and there was the one time I attempted mountain biking down a single track and learned that front brakes equals an endo.

Now on the heels of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, we get to see the summer version of some of these gymnastics right here in ATX, and I can’t wait. I have to admit that I was glued to the TV during this year’s winter Olympics and the acrobatic snowboarding and skiing were electrifying. I participated in gymnastics and competed in high school, so I have a healthy respect for single and double somersaults even without the twists, bikes, or boards. Landing on your feet is one thing; landing on wheels while moving at a rapid rate of speed on uneven terrain is quite another!

Morgan Wade for Empire BMX from Empire Bmx on Vimeo.

And don’t kid yourself: it’s not all gravity. These folks are really fit, and BMX is a case in point. Aside from the mind-numbing and body-bruising risks, the sport demands power, balance, endurance, flexibility, incredible concentration, and nerve. But don’t take my word for it; check out our cover feature on BMX rider and world champion—and native Texan—Morgan Wade. The AFM team headed to Tyler, Texas, to catch Wade in action at home. And if you want a preview of what Wade will be bringing to Austin’s X Games (June 5–8 at COTA), check out this video at http://vimeo.com/83549762. You won’t believe it!

Keep Austin Fit,

Lou Earle, Publisher, CEO