I admit to being a cheerleader for BMX. My articles are generally upbeat and hopeful if not inspiring. However, not every story comes to a graceful end. Not every crash is redeemed by a comeback victory. One rider in particular has experienced an extraordinarily unfortunate set of circumstances so much so that people cringe when his tale is retold. This is the story of Dennis Bell.
Dennis was a dominant racer for Team Ripxx, the terminator of the 41+ Challenger division. He had a booming voice, a quick wit and the fastest wheels in his age group. In the 2011 State Series he was having an amazing season. He was nailing perfects at nearly every qualifier but still had to collect those eight perfect locals. It was with this in mind that he decided to race at Sarasota BMX on a random Friday night.
Having always been a fearless competitor Dennis was accustomed to taking chances. If he had to dive deep into a corner surrounded by racers with sharp elbows to guide the way, he would not hesitate. So during his race at Sarasota he wasn't doing anything new, he was being confidently aggressive in trying to win but that was when the crash happened.
The details are a bit blurry as Dennis exploded in the first corner and found himself on the ground. There was something wrong with his hand. It wasn't responding correctly so he grabbed it and pulled back on the skin only to have all of the loose muscles move under his fingers. They were disconnected. Wobbling around in a state of shock he struggled to find his way off the track. This race was over.
Dennis spent an inordinate amount of time in the hospital having metal pins inserted into his forearm. He could barely move his hand for weeks. Repeated visits and constant pain gave birth to endless frustration.While the physical difficulties hindered the progress of his work as a Landscaper, he also had to face the knowledge that he could lose the number one state rank that he worked so hard for.
After a couple months Dennis had recovered and got himself back on the bike. While wearing a wrist brace and cringing with sharp pains each time he hit a jarring bump, he returned to racing. Within a couple weeks he completed the last local perfect that now gave him the maximum season score for going into the State Championships.
Had he been content with his progress maybe this story would have ended differently. But alas it does not. Dennis wanted to test his abilities by racing at two Nationals. The first was the Easter Classic. There he took top honors in a packed field and completely renewed his self-confidence.
Then he traveled over to Okeeheelee park for the Gator National and this is where our story ends. Dennis was pushing hard and looking for another National win. One of his opponents was a ringer, a guy who showed up to the National as if it were his first race of the year. He was fast and raced dirty. During one of the motos on the opening day this unnamed rider
elbowed Dennis while they were both in the air off a jump. Dennis crashed off the track and broke his arm.
There is only so much you can sacrifice for your sport. Many of the adult men racing have full time jobs and families to take care of. Dennis had thought about retiring after the first crash but many people have wrist injuries and come back quickly. Adding a second serious injury to the mix was just too much.
Dennis attended the State Championships and rolled the gate so that he could receive his plate and award. However, by not being able to race at State, he had fallen back from 1st position to 4th. After the ceremony he was staring at the stage when I approached, "Are you OK?" He nodded somberly, "It's just hard watching someone else walk away with my trophy and there is nothing I can do."
What all riders fear is a premature end to their cycling career. Dennis's story reminds us that sometimes you have to let go even when you are on top. There are more important things in life than racing. You'll still hear Dennis at the track but now he's there to support his son Austin and help out as a volunteer. He is working hard as a husband and a father, proving that he doesn't need to be on a bike to set a good example.
Dennis reminds me of another athlete who had to walk away from the sport he loved. His name was Muhammad Ali, former Heavyweight Boxing World Champion. Ali had a booming voice, a quick wit and was considered the fastest fighter in the world. Later in life Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome which severely limited his mobility. When asked why he thought this happened to him, he answered, "It was God's way of telling me to slow down."
Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 15, 2010) -- Elite male and female BMX racers wishing to receive a permanent “career number” from the UCI for the upcoming 2012 UCI season can submit their requests to USA Cycling up until July 15.
