Re-UpP: Preserving BMX History. Episode 91: Six-Pack-To-Go (USA)

Jun 15, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2453 times

Name: E (Six-Pack-To-Go)
Hometown: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
Started riding BMX in: As a kid in the '80s, just around town, never raced or rode anything organized.
Number of bikes in the collection: Fluctuates but I’ve had up to 50 at one time.

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Six-Pack-to-go: Yes, at was at the Race of Gentlemen in Wildwood NJ years ago and I saw a woman riding a Skyway TA and I was like damn, my buddy had that bike. That’s what sparked it. It was probably 2017.

You've got a museum in your shed, how often do you go in and just sit there with a 6-pack looking at all the stuff?

Six-Pack-to-go: Lol, often.

Next to BMX bikes, what else do you collect?
Six-Pack-to-go: I’m into hot rods, motorcycles and guitars so I collect cool stuff in those areas as well.

At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Six-Pack-to-go: I got in at the right time, before the price boom when you could still find good stuff pretty cheap but yea, earlier would have been better to find stuff.

Any specific reason for you to stay on the DL with your collection?
Six-Pack-to-go: I put it all out there on Instagram Six_Pack_To_Go and I also hit the local shows but I don’t like to put myself out there.

What's your take on companies reproducing bikes in the oldskool style, Mongoose now also bringing back 20" models?
Six-Pack-to-go: Obviously original will always be better but I’m not against it. Prices for original stuff has made it difficult to build and original to ride. Also, new re-pop bikes ride and stop smoother than riding a 40 year old OG!

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Six-Pack-to-go: 1975 Mathews MS1 that I restored.

When you started riding, what bike was the dream bike for you?
Six-Pack-to-go: 1987 GT Performer, I was 10 years old in 1987 and everybody wanted a Performer. Think one kid in the town I grew up in had one.

Do you have that bike in your collection today?
Six-Pack-to-go: I have a 100% OG 1987 GT Pro Freestyle Tour. Not a Performer but better. Lol.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Six-Pack-to-go: I’ve met many good people since I got into BMX collecting but the top 3 I respect are my buddies, Pete, Chris and Robbie. These guys have helped me along the way with my collection as I have helped them. Many good people in this hobby.

If you can't fix something on a bike you're working on, what do you do?
Six-Pack-to-go: I’m past that point but do your research before you mess up a rare or old part.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Six-Pack-to-go: Blue magic and tin foil.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Six-Pack-to-go: I don’t look on eBay at all. I have my daily routine for other sites. At this point most of my leads come from friends.

Do you still learn things on the daily about BMX history?
Six-Pack-to-go: Always learning, the more you know the better. I love history!