What’s your full name?
Todd “Wildman” Lyons.
How did you get your nickname?
I used to do all kinds of crazy stuff on and off the BMX track. On the track, I used to do backflips and other tricks in the middle of races. Off the track I used to… Well, I can’t tell you. LOL
How old are you?
51. Sounds crazy!
Where do you live?
Huntington Beach, CA. I moved out here from Ohio right after I graduated high school and I’ve never looked back.
What’s your history with SE Bikes?
Going way, way back to the early '80s, my brother’s friends used to do freestyle tricks and race on PK Rippers. That’s probably the first time I ever saw an SE bike. Then in the mid ‘80s, I used to race an SE factory rider named Brian Lopes. We had some great battles! Then in the early ‘90s after I moved to California, I remember driving to SE to pick up Landing Gear forks for my bike. Fast-forward to the end of 2002 and that’s when I went to the Interbike tradeshow in Las Vegas to meet with the new owners of SE to discuss them sponsoring me in 2003. I was the only sponsored rider for 2003 and 2004. But, during that time, they and I realized that I could bring more to SE if I was running the brand and designing the bikes. So, in the summer of 2004, I was hired as the SE Brand Manager/Product Manager. Twenty years later, I am now the SE Director & I LOVE MY JOB!
How did you get into racing?
My uncle Jim bought me a race bike when I was nine years old. He took me to my first race and I was immediately hooked! BMX has literally been my life ever since.
What did you accomplish during your BMX career?
The titles that I'm most proud of are winning the BMX racing World Championships three times, winning the BMX Dirt Jump World Championships once, and being the USA National Champion BMX racer twice. I competed in the X Games ten times. And, I was the first rider to ever do a backflip in the middle of a race!
How far can you wheelie?
I always tell people, “Until my arms get tired," which sometimes isn’t too far. LOL
What’s the BMX scene like where you live?
Huntington Beach used to be the mecca for BMX racers and dirt jumpers. The Sheep Hills trails used to attract riders from all around the world. It’s not really like that nowadays, but it’s still awesome here. As far as bike life, it’s pretty big in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
What is your favorite thing about BMX?
BMX is LIFE. The friendships. The creativity you can express on your bike. The freedom your bike gives you. The fun. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
What’s the best rideout you’ve ever been on?
The So Cal BMX Ride! It’s like a three-day rolling vacation down the coast of Southern California with hundreds of friends.
Where is your favorite place to ride?
I’ve always loved going to BMX races and jump contests in other countries, especially South America. The crowds would go crazy down there! As far as the bike life scene of today, I love doing rideouts in the cities. NYC, Philly, and Oakland are some of the best.
How many SE bikes do you currently own?
Oh man, too many! Thirteen or so. Four Big Rippers, STR-29, Fast Ripper, Beast Mode Ripper, Killer Quad, OM Flyer, Fat Quad, Fat Ripper, $100 Wrap OM Flyer, Vans PK Ripper Looptail. My wife has a 20” Ripper, and my daughter has a Wildman, two LiL’ Rippers, and a LiL’ Flyer.
How many followers do you have on Instagram?
86.6K
What is your favorite SE bike?
I haven’t been riding it much lately, but I’d say the Beast Mode Ripper. It’s the perfect size for me. I can throw it around and hit the jumps on it with ease.
Are you part of a riding crew?
Yeah, I’m part of the SE Crew!
What is a fun fact that people may not know about you?
My first real job was when I started working at SE. I had never worked a full workweek before then.
What advice would you give to someone getting into riding today?
Ride and have fun! That’s what it’s all about.
What’s your secret to improving your riding skills?
Ha, it’s all about maintaining the skills now! I really pushed myself in my 20s. Nowadays, I’m just having fun.
What would you do if you had never found riding?
I’ve never thought of that in my whole life. LOL
Will you ever stop riding?
Not ‘till the wheels fall off. Can’t stop, won’t stop!
