Hey Crew,  

Thought i better throw you all a couple of pics from my latest venture, road racing. As you can see im still wrapped in the greatest gear available from Alpinestars and Arai, still aboard the greatest bike available from Sportzone Suzuki, and still buzzing off the greatest energy drink out from Demon (which i reckon knocks off about a second a lap per can!) Im actually in the process of planning the new paint scheme for the bike and helmet which will be completely Demonized just like my old freestyle bikes, so while im learning if im not at the front of the pack ill at least have the most bad-ass looking bike!  

Also, my first solo skydive is going down next week so no doubt you guys will hear about that…if i survive?  

Huge thanks to sportz fotoz for the great shots, check out more at www.sportzfotoz.co.nz.  

Keep it upright, 
Steve Gregor 
www.runfmx.co.nz

Hey Crew,

So most of you have heard the news by now but for those of you who havent or for those of you who want a proper explanation, this email is for you.

Last weekend at my 21st birthday, after 6 years of throwing everything I have at a sport i am so passionate about, I announced my official retirement from the sport of Freestyle Motocross. Not only will you not see me jumping ramps anymore but, for now at least, I wont be riding dirt bikes at all.

Make no mistake about it, this was not an easy decision to make nor was it one i took lightly. This literally kept me awake at nights, but in the end a few key reasons convinced me this was a good idea:

1). Ive broken 9 bones in the 6 years ive been doing FMX. Each time I injured myself I came back a vengance and had something to prove, too stubborn to give up. But now, its at the point where ive started to develop arthritis, i cant turn my head past 90 degrees without shooting pains…im 21 years old and i cant even run properly. Ive just ruined my body. There has to be a point where you put your stubborness behind you and learn when to stop.

2). My very good friend and riding buddy Luke Smith has recently suffered a severe head trauma while practicing in Auckland. This kind of news scares me at the best of times, but when its a friend of yours, and its so serious, it hits home twice as hard. This was the final straw for me. Luke is making great recovery but please keep him and his family in your thoughts through this time.

3). 6 years is a long time. That means ive been solely focused on this one thing for well over one quarter of my life, sacrificing a lot of great things and opportunities. Anyone thats seen me ride knows damn well i have no natural talent on a dirt bike, this is just a huge passion thing for me. I dont believe i was put on this earth to do this like i believe some other people were. I am extremely proud of the things i accomplished on 2 wheels: I backlfipped, i rode with the Crustys, i got countless live radio interviews, made my way into the newspaper and TV, inspired others and more than anything pushed myself beyond my own limits, but its now time to walk a different path and see what else is out there for me.

Its really important to me that all of you know how much i appreciate the support ive had over these years. Support from my family, my friends, my fans and my sponsors. I genuinely believe I have the greatest sponsors in the industry and I will continue to support them through whatever it is i take on next.

So whats next on the cards for Steve Gregor? Im not 100% sure just yet. Motorcycle road racing is definitely something im going to give a red hot go starting in a few weeks time. Something im really excited about also is I have just enrolled in the NZ school of skydiving. Skydiving is just something ive always wanted to be able to do and now I have time to chase that dream, purely for myself. Rest assured what ever challenge i take on next i will take it on with the same dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm that allowed me to enjoy the fruits of a payed FMX rider.

So thank you all again for an amazing journey. You have not heard the last of me, i cant wait to run in to each and every one of you again as I see what else the world has to offer.

Until then, I hope each of you is smiling and chasing your own dreams.

Steve Gregor
RUN FMX
www.runfmx.co.nz