August 2, 2008

Rising BMX star rides wave



BY JASON SHEDD

For the Beacon

Sometimes you struggle to find your place in life. Sometimes things just fit.

Windsor's Justin Hill has had his share of obstacles, but clearly, he and the sport of BMX were just made for each other.

Somewhat a newcomer to BMX racing, Hill is continuing his winning ways with his journey from novice to expert in just a year.

Hill took first place in the Cornhusker Nationals in Kearney, Neb., in late February.

He rode that race in the age-14 intermediate class, but Hill won his "expert" status just a few months ago during a weekend that was marked by drama, and even adversity.

The May 24-25 weekend after Windsor's tornado, Hill was scheduled to race in Albuquerque's Spring Nationals. Even though he was forced to evacuate his house on Thursday, his mother joked about the blessing in disguise.

"I was just happy to have reservations and a place to stay for the weekend," said Darlene Hill, who has become somewhat of a BMX addict while supporting her son during the past year of competition.

But even after driving through the night on Thursday, Hill was on top of his game for the weekend event. He placed first in Friday's bracket and then won the class on Saturday.

"We just went to the house, packed up a little food and our three dogs, and hit the road," Hill said about the sudden change of plans that weekend.

More than 500 miles from the damage at home, the topic of national discussion was also a concern around the racing crowd.

"When people noticed that we were from Colorado, they started coming over to ask about our house and find out if we were OK," Hill said.

And with a trophy already in hand for dominating his intermediate class over Friday and Saturday, Hill was awarded a new challenge for Sunday's event.

According to the guidelines of the American Bicycle Association (ABA), the sanctioning body of BMX racing, a rider moves into the expert class after 25 wins.

Hill won his 25th race on Saturday, which vaulted him into the field of 32 experts for the final event Sunday.

He placed ninth in the bracket qualifier, missing the final eight by one spot, but he was thrilled with his performance in the new class.

"I was happy to have done that well, since most of those guys out there were from factory teams," he said.

Factory sponsors pick up the tab for all race entrance fees and travel expenses, and typically throw in top-of-the-line equipment as a perk.

It's a little more challenging for riders like Hill, a member of the Rocky Mountain Racing team, to compete with that level of support. "It's the high life of BMX," he said.

Although he has plenty of goals remaining, the BMX life has been pretty good for Hill, who, for all his success, has been in the sport for less than two years.

Having just turned 15, the 6-foot sophomore gave himself an edge on opponents after having gained 15 pounds in the weight room since December.

"The size helps a lot," he said. "I can get pretty big with my elbows now when guys try to pass me. And there is a lot of pushing that goes on, too. Bumping is racing."

Lately, Hill has had company both in major events as well as on the practice track. His step-brother, Zach Hoffschneider, competes in the age-11 novice class and has not lost a race since coming into the sport eight months ago.

On the slate for both racers is a state qualifying event in Littleton on Aug. 17, followed by the state championship in Grand Junction on Labor Day weekend.

For Hill, BMX is a way to be something positive in his own life as well as in the community.

He participates in local service events, such as the bike training clinic for youngsters that was held at the EPIC center in Fort Collins during its recent Bike Week.

"We got a chance to introduce kids to BMX and just show them that we're not just punks with blue hair that sit around and smoke in the parks all day."

Through the fall and winter, Hill plans to balance school and racing, along with a part-time job. It's a crowded schedule, but one that suits him just fine.

"It's a hobby and a joy for me. It keeps me humble," he said. "Some people do scrapbooking, some like photography. This is really what makes me happy, but it also helps me to give back a little."