SUPERHEROES have, along with their powers, alter egos and secret identities. Ryan Nyquist is no exception. He may throw down a 720 barspin like he did two years ago at Denver's Dew Action Sports Tour, but he's still got his human side.

Ryan grew up right next door in Los Gatos, and he still finds time to ride in the ramp-on-wheels Cadillac in the Christmas Parade, hang out with his family and see his friends at the Jiffy Market where he worked.

From being a mechanical engineering major at Cal Poly, with the occasional bowling class on the side, Ryan decided to go big and turn pro. He's been riding professionally for about 10 years now and it's been quite the life lesson. Traveling everywhere and seeing other cultures has been his school. How many people can say they've been to Estonia, Brazil, Japan and New Zealand—to name only a few—all to ride a bike for hundreds of fans? When I asked if he's thought about going back to college he says, "I've thought about it ... maybe someday. But school will always be there, and this won't." Carpe diem, man! Three years back, he signed up for all three BMX events: Dirt, Park and Vert. And don't think he just showed up and smiled for the cameras—he got to the finals of all three disciplines.

But it's not all fun and X-Games with Ryan. Summer is very busy, between competing in the tour and now recovering from injury to his ACL. All superheroes have weaknesses, but he still musters up the strength to compete and he's looking forward to hitting the course at HP Pavilion this week. So make sure to get out there and cheer on our local boy as he dons his helmet-shaped cape and goes big at the Dirt and Park BMX events at the Dew Action Sports Tour that will be taking place at the Pavilion Sept. 9 and 10.

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