In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1985. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: In August 1985, Whistler hosted the International BMX Championships, with over 4,300 visitors and competitors coming to the resort to participate and spectate. Riders came from Mexico, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Chile, France, Australia, Spain, Columbia, Japan, England, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, Denmark, the US, Sweden, Canada and more and the Championships included both competitions and recreational events.
Question: Why do you find BMX racing so exciting?
Gonzalo Harambellet – Student – Santiago, Chile
Because there’s speed and it’s a little bit dangerous. It’s also a sport for kids where the parents don’t intervene. I like to race by myself but when there’s money involved it’s better to be with a team.
Alexandro Ramirez – Chile
Alexandro supplied the translation for the answer of Gonzalo.
Ryan Ledebur – Student – Tilbourg, the Netherlands
Because I like to race and win. I saw it on Dutch TV, BMX racing, and I’ve been doing it for five years. I guess I’ll do it until I’m 20. I especially like it because it’s exciting.
My recollection is that this (for then) huge event took place in 1986. My husband, Rich Miller, spearheaded the event (with Drew Meredith) and he (Rich) was overseeing the building of the track on a deadline when I (3 weeks overdue) was induced with our 3rd child. He drove down on Monday – no appearance; on Wednesday – no appearance; on Thursday afternoon and, eventually, on Friday June 27, 1986 Suzanne was born. He rather wanted to call her 99 for the number of trips he had made up and down the highway.