History CW Trick Team

By 1985, CW Racing was a dominant force in the freestyle BMX. The CW Trick Team featured popular riders such as Mike Buff, John “Dizz” Hicks and Ceppie Maes. The team’s time was divided between competitions, working in their own capacities at CW and tours. Team members had heavy, year round touring schedules, and were often involved in creating the shows. The team stood out with its unique reputation and talents in freestyle BMX, making it one of the most prominent and popular teams in history. Significant tours included:

1985: CW Freestyle Tour

1986: CW Back to School Bash

1987: CW Hit & Run Tour

BMX Plus, October 1984

Mike Buff

Mike Buff is best known as being a pioneer of freestyle BMX. He was well known as a member of the Bicycle Motocross Action (later BMX Action) Trick Team and is credited for setting many flat, ramp and jumping style trends during the early 1980s.

Bicycle Motocross Action Magazine, 1982

BMX Action Magazine, February 1983

Mike Buff joined CW Racing in 1985 and was a prominent member of the CW Trick Team, helping to give the team direction and fresh ideas.

Freestylin' Magazine March 1985

During his time at CW Racing, Mike Buff assisted with the redesign of the CW California Freestyle bike by changing some angles and adding a standing platform, giving it features unique for its time. The “Luggage Rack” version of the California Freestyle was recalled and a limited run of the improved “Buff” version was released to CW dealers.

John “Dizz” Hicks

John “Dizz” Hicks was one of the more memorable characters in CW history and joined the Trick Team in 1985. He had a particular expertise in small ramp tricks, and spent the majority of his time at CW touring. He assisted in giving the team a unique appearance and was one reason the team was immensely popular.

Freestylin' Magazine March 1985

1986

#4 Expert Ramp class, AFA Master Series Finals, New Hampshire

#2 Expert Flatland class, AFA Master Series Finals, New Hampshire

#3 Expert Flatland class, AFA Huntington Beach Competition

Freestylin' Magazine March 1985

Freestylin' Generation F Book

Ceppie Maes

Ceppie Maes was an innovative flatland rider and a pioneer in the freestyle revolution. He represented the CW Trick Team at the height of its popularity, and was involved in developing shows for CW freestyle tours. Like other CW team members he worked at CW as well as ride on the team, in manufacturing and design.

His design feats included helping develop a Gravity Powered Vehicle at CW. He transformed a CW Phase I into a downhill bike, and helped establish the associated downhill racing competitions for this new genre, the “Gravity Fest Series”.