Tricks on a bike and tips to live a better life

What can you learn from a guy who rides a stunt bicycle? Our Middle School students discovered that you can learn a lot—that is when the rider is former Bicycle Stunt World Champion Chris Poulos.

Chris spent an hour in the high school gym on the first day of school, riding his bikes and performing stunts as he shared the lessons he has learned as a competitor and in everyday life.

Over the past 22 years, Chris has competed in 413 contest in 40 different countries, won 85 gold medals and earned the title of World Champion in 1991. He is a certified physical education teacher, a husband, the father of two children, and a motivational speaker.

Among the lessons he shared:

• Start with basic skills, master them, and then use those skill to do other incredible things.

• When you mess up, stop and examine what went wrong so that when you try again, you don't repeat the same mistakes.

• Remember how it feels to get laughed at—and you won't be so eager to laugh at others when they stumble.

• Do your best in school. School provides all sorts of opportunities that will enable you to follow your dreams.

• Remember the qualities that make a good friend, dependability, helpfulness, and honesty—and make those a part of your life.

• Try to do good things everyday to improve your health, your mind, and the environment, help someone else, and be thankful for all you have.

• Protect your body. Take every precaution to minimize the chances that you might permanently damage your brain or body.

• Never underestimate the value of teamwork. Together people can accomplish all sorts of amazing things.

• Take time to be nice to everyone, even people you don't know.

• Thank people who are important to you. One day you may not have the chance to say thanks.

And all of this while "riding" a stunt bike! Check out some of the amazing things he can do.

(click on any thumbnail to view a 3" x 4" image in a new window)

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