There are very fast learners, and then there's 14-year-old Justin Hill.
The Windsor High School freshman has become an expert at BMX racing in just six months.
Hill recently won a state competition for his age group, much to the satisfaction of his mother Darlene and his father Mike. He also has an older sister, Amanda, who is 20 and currently living in Johnstown.
Hill discussed with the Beacon about his passion for flying high, getting dirty and eating unhealthy breakfasts.
Beacon: Take me back to the very first time that you thought about BMX racing.
Hill: Just three or four months ago. I liked to ride around town with my friends and stuff. But my step brother, who used to race, told me that I should try racing. So the first time I came out here to the track (at Edora Park), I really liked it. Plus, I started hearing about all the national tournaments you can enter and all the prizes you can win.
Beacon: You don't participate in any sports at school right?
Hill: That's right.
Beacon: Well, do you miss the atmosphere of playing team sports and having stands full of your classmates?
Hill: No, not really. I go to all the football games. I just come out here to the track after school and on the weekends.
Beacon: What's one thing that you wish everyone knew about BMX racing?
Hill: That it's not as easy as it looks, but it is just as fun as it looks.
Beacon: It looks like something you can hurt yourself doing.
Hill: It's not that dangerous. The worst that I've seen is broken arms and collarbones.
Beacon: What's the biggest race you've won so far?
Hill: The Colorado State Championship in Montrose. That's where we'll be spending Thanksgiving. I think they are actually going to have a Thanksgiving dinner there for us.
Beacon: What's the next big event for you?
Hill: The ABA Grands - it's the biggest national event. They have it every year out in Tulsa.
Beacon: Let's say that I strapped on a helmet and wanted to give it a try. Give me BMX in a nut shell so that I don't go out and kill myself.
Hill: If you feel like you're going to flip off a jump, clamp down on the brake. Don't lock your arms or legs while you ride, just let the bike flow.
Beacon: So does a big time BMX-er like you have a favorite game-time meal?
Hill: Either green-chili burritos or a hamburger.
Beacon: What would someone have to give you in exchange for your bike?
Hill: A million dollars.
Beacon: Really, what's it actually worth?
Hill: Well, I paid $500 for it, but I've won races on it and it's got the sponsor stuff on it too. Plus I paid for it myself with the money I made doing landscape curbing with my step-dad.
Beacon: So is there much contact out there?
Hill: Oh, there's definitely a lot of bumping going on. Guys like to push you up and over the berm, which is a steep turning bank in the track.
Beacon: So can I get some BMX "insider" terminology to make me sound cool?
Hill: Well, "manualing" is when you try to keep your tires on the track while going over jumps. "Rhythm" is the bumpy section with lots of hills back to back. The "berm" is the tall banking where you turn. A "step-up" is where the second jump is taller than the first one.
Beacon: Nice. Give us the rundown of one of your recent races, just as you would say it to a BMX buddy of yours.
Hill: He stole my line then I stole his. He cut under me and passed me in the berm. I passed him in the rhythm. Then I doubled the step-up, step-down. I hung on through the rollers for the win.