They were flipping out in Fryeburg.

Not only were the high-flying riders doing backflips, but 360s, tail whips, wheelies, and other amazing BMX bike feats much to the delight of the children and parents in the bleachers of the small western Maine fairgrounds arena normally used for livestock shows.

Even with sawdust sprinkled on the hard floor, a pair of twenty-something riders with the Pennsylvania-based Dialed Sports Action Team wowed the crowd with their tricks while espousing messages of bike safety, healthy living, and making smart choices just in time for summer vacation.

“We want kids to understand the message,” said rider Cristian Maya, 24, of Norwalk, Connecticut. “They’re impressed by someone closer to their age group. They see us as peers instead of parents or teachers.”

Sponsored by a local parent teacher association Maya and fellow rider PJ Stokes were rolling role models, first spending time during the day in an elementary school before taking to the ramps on a recent evening.

The pair rode their small bicycles with 20-inch wheels backwards before taking to the jump, the tricks getting progressively higher and harder as the crowd got amped and louder.

Though many were fixed on the tricks, Maya also made sure he talked about bicycle safety, not just for the children, but for the parents too.

He told moms and dads to make sure the bicycles are tuned up with no loose or broken parts. Be sure the handlebars are tight and don’t move. Check the brakes. Spin the wheels to make sure they’re not wobbly. Check the tire pressure, noting the PSI numbers on the tire walls. Be sure the pedals are tight. Check the chain tension with your foot, not fingers.

“We always make sure our bikes are working properly,” he said. “If they don’t, we can get hurt.”

And most importantly, wear a helmet and make sure it’s strapped on.

He implored parents to wear helmets too, as he too often sees kids wearing them but not moms and dads.

“Accidents happen to everyone,” he said.

Maya has been riding BMX for 12 years. Competing in local and regional events, he also spoke to the kids about getting exercise, eating well and staying hydrated—especially with summer nearly here. He urged kids to get outside and away from video games, which parents applauded.

The assembled also got a sense of the training and dedication that goes with BMX riding seen in events like the X Games and Dew Tours and made popular by riders like Ryan Nyquist. Both Stokes and Maya have sustained injuries in their careers, mostly sprains for Stokes, but a broken back, wrist and ankle for Maya.

“A lot of this is bike control,” he said. “You have to start slowly before doing bigger tricks. Manage the risk. Do what you feel comfortable doing but then motivate yourself to go out of your comfort zone.”

Maya’s been with the team for five years, traveling up and down the East Coast.

Stokes, 22, is in his rookie year on the team and also has been riding BMX for 12 years. The Southfield, Connecticut. rider does local jams but mostly rides with friends.

“You need coordination, focus and confidence,” he says about doing what he does. “Definitely start small first. We like to tell kids to learn to walk before you can run.”

He also encourages parents to support their children if they want to ride BMX, even if they naturally fear their kids might hurt themselves. He urges young riders to wear pads too.

“Having support is a huge factor,” he said.

Stokes loves what he does, with riding helping him get through his school years.

“I love BMX,” he said. “You want to put time and effort into something constructive.”

Images by Marty Basch