Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. Every once in a while, a man comes along that changes the world. From Neil Armstrong to Evel Knievel to Travis Pastrana I see so much similarity. Of course, everything is relative and comparing Knievel’s jumping of buses on a 600 pound Harley to Armstrong becoming the first supersonic human is a stretch. Where does the skill start and where do the balls end? To both of those badasses it is immeasurable. They will forever be two of the gnarliest men (sans combat veterans) of all-time.
Or are they?
The ballad of Travis Pastrana began for me at Gatorback Cycle Park circa 1990. There used to be a gigantic double coming out of the Gator Pit called the “Scott USA Double.” It was huge for big bikes, and only the upper echelon of mini cycle racers dared to send it. I remember following Gregory “Golden” Rand over it the first time and being scared to death. I was in the 12-13 class and after my practice I watched the 7-11 riders from the fence line and none of them were jumping it. That is until a rider with a stuffed animal (Wile. E. Coyote) zip tied to his chest protector came screaming out of the Gator Pit and took off into orbit in the middle of the pack. Everyone screamed, but the tiny Suzuki rider landed safely. A collective, “Who the hell was that?” came from the wood splinter adorned bleachers. Just then I heard someone say, “That’s that Travis Pastrana kid.”
Ten years later I accompanied that Pastrana kid to the X Games on pier 32 and saw him throwing the craziest tricks anyone had ever witnessed. This after his first pro race at Mammoth Mountain where he crashed out. To cap the weekend off he sent his RM125 into the Bay and into the history books forever.
Another 10 years would pass by like so many broken fenders, bones and concussions and Pastrana’s racing career was over. His body an obliterated mess of swollen knees, jelly-like shoulders and spongy head. Yet, something else had begun. Travis and his merry band of Nitro Circus compadres have left us with our jaws on the ground time and time again. Throw in an ill-fated NASCAR career that was shorter than a midget on his knees, and there just isn’t much left in the world for Pastrana to take on.
Can he still ride a dirtbike fast? You damn right, son.
It’s crazy how life catches you every once in a while and you just have to walk outside and stare out of the window and shake your head. I watched that link this morning and just had myself a laugh for a good couple minutes watching and listening to TP twist the loud side of that hybrid 500cc through that long set of whoops. Do you know how many men in the world could ride this Red Bull Straight Rhythm course that fast on that bike? Only one.
How special of a person is Travis? In my opinion, he is one of those guys that only comes around every 100 years or so. However, he may be even more unique than that. Two weeks ago he was doing some shit into a 100 ft by 100 ft airbag that I don’t even really want to talk about. Action Figures? I mean, come on man. I suppose we all just have to be grateful to be inspired by his courage and skill. How will he do this afternoon? Will he crash his brains out or will he make it to the second round and go head to head with James Stewart? Would it surprise any of you if either one or BOTH of those things happened?
I said it at the beginning of this column and I’ll reiterate. Neil Armstrong, Evel Knievel, or King Kong himself have to give TP199 a nod. He is the madman. Good luck TP.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
