Former drug addict, BMX help kids put brakes on bad behavior

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A former drug addict went from rock bottom to role model. A Valley man with a passion for BMX racing is giving kids the tools they need to turn their lives around and stay on a positive path.

Jumping the hills, shredding the trails, kids are exposed to BMX riding at Fresno's Woodward Park.

"It's a lot harder than riding a scooter, that makes it fun," said 8-year-old Joseph Joy.

The sport is helping 12-year-old Nicolas Martinez put the brakes on bad behavior.

"I would hit other kids and kick them, and eventually that caught up with me, and I learned my lesson the hard way by going to juvenile hall," said Martinez.

Martinez changed his ways after meeting Tony Hoffman -- a former professional BMX racer and the founder of the Freewheel Project. Hundreds of kids at his summer camp learn about BMX plus responsibility.

"The most important thing that we want kids to come away with is how to be a leader, how to make a good choice, how to be inside a Taco Bell and find a wallet with $100 in it and not put that $100 in your pocket, to turn it in; that's what we want," said Hoffman.

They learn about financial literacy, earning a paycheck by showing up and participating. On this final day of camp, they use that check to buy a new $350 Haro bike.

They also come away with a reality check.

"I talk about being on the cover of a magazine in high school, to the lows of walking the street with a spoon a needle and drugs and that's it; a sleeping bag, I slept at the high school I graduated from, 400 yards from my parent's house where they wouldn't let me come home because of my drug addiction," said Hoffman.

A life of prescription drugs, crack and heroine led to stealing and prison time.

"BMX was something that was given to me to get me out of the hole that I dug with my drug addiction. So, if I feel like if it can work for me, it can work for these hundreds of kids that are out here today," said Hoffman.

Martinez was once expelled from three schools. With Hoffman's guidance, he's on a better path which includes giving to others.

"I have been doing community service willingly, and I have been volunteering at my school; I have been picking up trash and helping the janitors," said Martinez.

For some kids, this is the first bike they've owned. Volunteers and local businesses and organizations team up with Hoffman and provide bikes, helmets, school supplies, plus self-confidence. Many parents see changes off the track.

"His responsibility level has increased, he's taking on chores at the house, he's doing things like that so he can work through the program, and he's really dedicated to it," said Jeff Spivey.

Martinez now wants to pay it forward.

"This is a big part of inspiring me to be someone who can help other kids like this and still let kids have fun," said Martinez. "He's one of the greatest men that I have met in my lifetime."

The man who once hit rock bottom, proves, it's never too late to rise up and change course.

"I like seeing smiles on people's faces," said Hoffman. "There's just no better reward than that."

Hoffman has a team of volunteers helping instruct students. Many are professional BMX racers.

For more information about the Freewheel Project, visit www.freewheelproject.org.