BMX Last Stand

The USA BMX Grand Nationals have been held in Tulsa, OK for many years. In November I raced in what was possibly my last Grands ever and came away with the win after avoiding a last turn crash. As I move to more of a full time mountain and road season I don't expect to do any nationals next year. I was happy to just be there that weekend and see everyone who I've grown up around for the last 12 years of racing. I can't put into words how lucky and grateful I am to have raced BMX and had the experiences I've had. It's made me into the person I am today, both on, and off the bike. There are so many people I want to thank who've helped me throughout the years. Thanks to Donavon and Haro/Promax for being the only team I've been on and the best team I could ask for; to the best coaches and mentors in the world, Rich Anderson, Bubba Harris, Jason Rogers, Kenth Fallen and others; to everyone at USA BMX and Durango BMX; to any one in my age class who've I've raced with throughout the years; and the biggest thanks to my family, especially my dad who has been my number one supporter and right hand man at every race. I've got love for you all. Stopping BMX feels more like graduating to bigger things. This weekend was the best finish to this chapter of my life racing bikes. Here's to BMX!

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Giving Back

Over the Holiday's I had the opportunity to work with the non-profit organization One More Move. One More Move is a local charity founded by a few local racers/friends that donates bikes to children in need (please visit and like their Facebook page link below). The director of the organization, Matt Hawkesworth, connects with social workers throughout Los Angeles County to reach with needy families they work with that have children that would be so blessed with a bike for the holidays. A few days before Christmas, organization members and I set out for South Central Los Angeles for a final giveaway day before Christmas. We stopped at 5 different homes and were able to meet and greet different families in need of early Christmas presents, with the grand present being a bicycle. I don't think I've ever seen children so appreciative and ecstatic in receiving their very first bicycle. The first boy we gave a bicycle to was so excited, he even invited us in his home to show us his new bed he gets to sleep in. It was the first time he's ever slept in a bed. Imagine his excitement of having  his own bed to sleep in and his first bike to have fun on. Sweet! This boy's excitement was emotionally overwhelming. The living conditions of some of these families helped me appreciate the life I've been so fortunate to live, to not take anything I have for granted, and to give back to my community. I am extremely grateful that I was able to share the joy I have for the bike with children in need who just want the freedom of riding their own bicycle.

A big thank you to One More Move for including me in this life changing opportunity to give back and for broadening my perspective on our everyday society. It's good to give back on something you are passionate about. Pay it forward, friends.

Please visit One More Move's web page and consider donating to a worthy cause.

http://www.onemoremove.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/One-More-Move/145390118867958

-Nick Castellano