Woody Itson was always in the old BMX magazines and was know for "power tricks" like rolling handstands and gut levers. However, he knew old and new school tricks and I like how he would do a trick and cleanly ride out of it which takes a lot of skill and practice. There is video of him in a contest doing a very low 540 on a quarter pipe after his flatland run. He rode for companies like Hutch and Diamondback. Word on the internet is that he still rides and has contributed greatly to the growth of the sport.
Photo From: http://www.hutchbmx.be/intertest/HutchWindstyler86b.jpg
Dizz hicks was a dope rider to watch on the streets or on a kick turn ramp. His flip/seat pivot tricks on Flatland have been making a comeback. His style was unique and he brought that L.A. headbanger attitude to riding.
Photo From: http://bmxmuseum.com/reference/982?expanded=1#images
Kevin Jones is pretty much known as the "King of Flatland" because of his ability to invent and dial tricks in addition to his detication to the sport or "way of life" as some hardcore riders have made it. Along with his crew the "Plywood Hoods", they went from a B-Boy breakdancing crew to a BMX one. They created, "must see" BMX videos that chart the evolution of all types of BMX riding. Everything from dirt, to street, to ramps is covered showing the diversity of riding styles and types. Mr. Jones has had a couple of signiture frames made by Hoffman Bikes and his riding speaks for itself.
Photo From: http://hoffmanbikes.com/team-riders/kevin-jones/
R.L. Osborn has been involved in BMX Freestyle from the beginning. He would be regularly featured in magazines and ads. His signature Redline and General bicycles are considered collectors items. He made up classic variation tricks like the cyborg(shown in the picture) and produced one of the first "bash-guard" street bikes known as Bully bikes.
Photo From: Credit: windyosborn.com via http://www.vitalbmx.com/photos/member/OS,44179/RL-Osborn-Hanging-5-1988,114935/Windy-O,102790
Last but not least, if there is anyone that comes to mind when you think of BMX freestyle, it is Martin Aparijo. A long time rider and stunt man he rode with GT bicycles alongside team mate Eddie Fiola who should also be on the list but I am saving that for a post on ramp/vert riders. Mr. Aparijo invented tricks and also maintained a high level of riding from the old school tricks to the new ones. Like Woody Itson, his tricks were very professional. He would ride alongside R.L. in the BMX classic movie known as RAD offering a handshake to R.L. Osborn while both doing Cherry pickers. The only thing that can be said is that there wouldn't be a sport of BMX without this rider. After looking up his name on the internet, it is evident that he still rides which is one of the sickest things I have heard in while.
Photo From: http://bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=1370018
In a time where having your own style is replaced by conformity and what seems to be a BMX mono-culture, with older riders getting back in the game, there is no telling how the sport will evolve. I think it will get better and help the sport grow while staying true to the name "FREE STYLE". Get yours and keep it fun while lasts.
