Associated learning page: https://sites.google.com/view/lititzbmxinventorylist/learning-resources/quizzes/1985-bmx-history-quiz
Source: BMX Action, December 1986 retrospective sequence
Printed pages: 56–57
Transcription basis: Supplied two-page magazine spread
Archive package version: 1.0
Prepared: July 19, 2026
Original headings, quotations, names, colloquial wording, capitalization, and visible punctuation are preserved as closely as the supplied image permits.
Freestyle was massively peaking. There were more trick teams on tour than ever before, there were freestyle frames out, and instead of taking away the BMX’ers to make them into freestylers, a whole new breed of kids—ones who had never ridden a bike before—showed up in the streets to style.
The total highlight of ’85 was the colors that popped up. CW made an exclusive deal with Skyway to make lavender Tuffs, which were soon followed by light green, orange, pink, etc. . . . Red Line had some radical new colors like turquoise and raspberry on their frames. This was definitely a bright year!
Also, new and advanced freestyle tricks that had a major effect on the F/S world premiered. BMX ACTION gave the public the Miami Hopper, the Osborn Twirl, the Switzerland Squeaker, the frame plant, and the hop drop, just to name a few.
Mike Buff blew minds when he quit the BMX ACTION Trick Team to go to CW and their lavender love crew. I remember when it happened . . . the BMX world was shocked!
Meanwhile, Haro’s Ron Wilton took Buffy’s place on the team, and R.L. and Ronnie made the BMXA video and prepared for the annual summer tour. Little did anyone suspect that it would be the LAST tour the BMX ACTION Trick Team would ever make.
Tommy Brackens goes bigtime! A brand spankin’ new ride with GT, soon after Torker bit the dust was all the “Human Dragster” needed. He’s been on the gas ever since! Photo by Gibey.
And the award for most controversial rider in the entire ten years of BMX goes to . . . (envelope please), Ronnie Anderson!
Another year, another March issue—which means another NORA Cup. Can you believe that Greg Hill won it AGAIN? Three in a row! It was undeniably mind boggling to think that a guy at his age (21) could do so much and get so far. Only in BMX.
Clint Miller joined Greg on GHP for the first part of the year—the dynamic duo. Most of the factories were cuttin’ way down on their race teams in order to make up for starting a freestyle force.
At this point in time, Pete Loncarevich was rising to super stardom faster than a Porsche 959 on the Autobahn. Pete had scarfed on the ABA No. 1 Pro title in a real amazing finish. It looked as if Pete was the main man to beat in ’85.
Pete, Ronnie Anderson, and Tommy Brackens were stealing the show. Actually, it was “Crazy Ronnie” and “Pistol Pete” headlining the shows, with Tommy opening up for them. Pete and Ronnie’s names stuck together like Woody and Martin did in freestylin’—only one difference, though . . . they weren’t friends!
But when it came down to the end of the year, Greg was up there in the No. 1 NBL and USBA spots. Pete was the closest challenger to Greg in the NBL and Toby Henderson was closest to Greg in USBA.
Greg swept the USBA Grands, going away with two No. 1’s: Pro and Cruiser. Next stop was Louisville for the NBL Grands. When it was all over, everyone thought that Greg got No. 1 Cruiser and Pete got No. 1 Pro . . . That meant Greg had three No. 1 plates, which was darn good for being invisible most of the year. Then a few weeks later, after re-counting the points, it was discovered that the NBL had made a mistake in points, giving Pete too many—just enough to give Greg his fourth No. 1 Pro plate.
Pete went into the ABA Grands with a smidgen of a lead over Ronnie Anderson. All weekend long, they battled it out elbow to elbow until it got
[The supplied spread ends this paragraph mid-sentence.]
An artist at work. For years, Mike Miranda studied John Crews. It shows.
Geoff Scofield has won so many races at so many places, that he’s probably traveled more miles than most thirty-year-old businessmen. Not bad for being 12, huh?
Never, and we do mean NEVER, has there been a girl who’s as fast as Cheri Elliott. She’s one of da’ kind. Three time ABA National No. 1 girl.
“That year (’85) was the best year I’ve ever had. The best year ANYONE ever had.”
Greg Hill
BMX ACTION, May 1986.
Jumping insanity by one of the masters, BMX ACTION’s test thrasher, “Capt. Kirk” Chrisco. The guy flew off the wall until injuries took their toll. But ya never know when the Captain will return . . .