State Champion BMX Racer | Video

Alexander Gorney | 8/30/2012

BMX racing started out in the X-games and now it`s getting more exposure as an Olympic event. One Bismarck biker has multiple state titles under his belt already and he seems well on his way to making a name for himself as the best BMX rider in the state.

"Winning isn`t everything, it`s the only thing." That famous quote suits Josh Erdmann.

"Not really thinking a whole lot when I`m out there. Just pedal where you can, thinking about the line you need to be on riding where it`s going to be fast."

Erdmann is more than an everyday BMX racer. He`s a four time state champion. BMX is a sport that`s gotten his adrenaline going since he was just a kid.

"My parents brought me me down when I was like 5 to watch one night. Just thought it was cool. Got into it after that, loved riding ever since."

It`s at Fasttrax BMX in Bismarck where Erdmann has developed his skills to become one of North Dakota`s best BMX racers.

"In the four years I`ve been here, he`s out here working hard. He does a lot of practice. Works on the rhythm, section starts. We had a pro clinic this summer. A guy came out from Oregon and Josh was right so he could get better. He`s already the fastest kid in the state but he knows there`s more he can learn and he`s willing to share it with anybody," said Fasttrax board member Steve Young.

Twelve hours of practice a week is what prepares Erdmann for a race that lasts less than 30 seconds. He also juggles school, work, and track and field, being an all state pole vaulter at the same time. But it`s during his practice runs on the track when Erdmann tries riskier moves. Some of them work and others, just hurt.

"When I was younger, I was always racing against older guys, and I hated losing to them so there was always the drive to catch them and beat them. I wanted to be the best and push it. You feed off the other rider to get better."

This extreme sport athlete is self propelled and self motivated on the BMX track..

"Only you can make yourself better. Your pushing against yourself. You`re not worrying about the rest of your team doing what they need to do. It`s doing your own thing."

Erdmann isn`t sure if he`ll take his skills to the professional level, but his friends on the track see a big and bright future for this young racer.

Erdmann is also talented on a snowboard. This weekend, he and his bikes will be in to Aberdeen for the South Dakota Championships and Wild Oats Pro-AM Spectacular.

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