10 EXPERT — WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA — GT BICYCLES

After another dominating Grands performance, Bubba is a name to remember as he moves through the Expert ranks. If the name is any indication, he can expect plenty more Alise Post victory kisses in the future.

Name: Michael Gonzales

Sponsors: GT, Fly,  and JB.com

Describe your riding style:  Smooth

What parts of riding come naturally and what do you have to work on? Jumping comes naturally and I’m always working on the rhythm sections.

What are you most proud of so far in your career? Winning the NBL title and doubling at the ABA Grands last year.

Who do you usually ride with? Is there a typical crew of friends? My friend, Ryan Pettigrew [current National #2 11 Expert].

What do you do when you’re not riding? I’m usually always riding!

Do you ride anything besides the track? Ramps, trails, and dirt jumps.

Who are some riders you look up to? Joey Bradford, Gavin Lubbe, and Anthony DeRosa.

Pick one: Gate 1 or gate 8? Why? Gate 1, because if I am battling down the first straight, I can take them up high.

Who is your toughest competition? All of the kids in my class are tough competition, and I just train hard for every race.

Any superstitions? I never ride without my puka shells. I think they give me good luck.

What was your worst race moment and how did you come back from it? Reno, two years ago when I crashed into the only mud puddle on the track and Jerry Bradford pulled my pants down to check on my injury in front of the entire crowd! Luckily, they ran the moto over and I took second.

Tell us something about you that nobody knows. I am very shy.

What do you eat before a race? I try to eat a turkey sandwich.

If I gave you $1 million right now, what would you buy with it? Lots of bike parts.

What puts you in the mood to race? Thinking about winning.

What are your short-term and long-term goals in BMX? To stay #1 and do the next World Championships without crashing.

Thanks? Jerry Bradford, all my sponsors, and my Dad and Mom.

FAVORITES

Track  Derby City BMX

Pro  Joey Bradford

Music  Three Doors Down

Food  McDonalds French Fries

Drink  Dr. Pepper

School Subject  P.E.

Movie  Step Brothers

Piece of Clothing  Skinny jeans

TV Show  Fuel

Racing Memory  Getting my victory kiss from Alise Post after winning the ABA Grands.