Richie Anderson (BMX rider)

American bicycle motocross rider

Richard Anderson (born March 14, 1967, in Vallejo, California U. S.) is a former American "Old School" professional bicycle motocross (BMX) racer whose prime competitive years were 1978–1986. Anderson is the younger of what was one of the most potent sibling combinations that bicycle motocross has ever seen. Only the Pattersons, Brian and Brent, whom Richie raced with on the same factory team for seven years, had more titles between them and were more dominant in BMX. His older brother Ronnie Anderson, whose amateur career Richie overshadowed, would become National number one pro with the American Bicycle Association (ABA) and the United Bicycle Racers (UBR) an achievement Richie never achieved after he turned professional. He is nicknamed "Richie Rich," an allusion to the comic book character Richie Rich and by simple alliteration. He was most commonly called "The Avalanche". He received the moniker due to being so dominant during the 1980 season (on his way to winning his second consecutive amateur ABA No.1 title) that it was thought no one and nothing could stop him. He was also nicked named "Mr. Smooth" for his effortless racing and huge natural ability, particularly in speed jumping over single "whoop de doos" which are similar to a mogul in skiing (effectively a very large speed bump) while still pedaling (many racers would get the "Mr. Smooth" moniker for their seemingly effortless riding skill particularly over speed jumps, including Eric Carter). Even most top pros stop pedaling over speed jumps to keep the chances of crashing to a minimum. However, doing so would be just coasting while a few racers like Richie Anderson kept applying the power, a great advantage. Indeed, his speed jumping skills were featured in a November 1980 article of Bicycle Motocross Action called "Method Speed Jumping" showcasing his abilities.

Note: Professional first are on the national level unless otherwise indicated. Milestone Event DetailsStarted racing: 1976 at nine years old at Concord track in Concord, California. Sanctioning body: Home sanctioning body district(s): National Bicycle Association (NBA) Region N (Northern California)First race bike: First race result: 9 Novice, second place. He was actually leading going into a turn but was "swooped", i. e. passed on the inside of him by another racer. He vowed to perfect that move for himself, which he did and became known for. First win (local): In his second race. First sponsor: Patterson Racing Products 1977. His first sponsor was full factory and not the local bike shop as it usually is with racers that show talent. First national win: Turned professional: January 1, 1985, at age 17. First professional race result: Fourth in "A" pro and Fifth in Pro Cruiser in the 1985 American Bicycle Association (ABA) Reno Pro Spectacular on January 4, 1985, in Reno, Nevada. He won US$90 in "A" pro and US$90 in Pro Cruiser; the equivalent to US$172 in 2007 each (Cost of living Calculator)First professional win: At the ABA Silver Dollar Nationals in Pro Cruiser on January 6, 1985, in Reno, Nevada. He won US$150First Senior Pro** race result: Sixth in "AA" Pro at the ABA U. S. Nationals in Bakersfield, California, on March 31, 1985. He won US$100, US$191.17 in 2007 dollars. First Senior Pro win: In "AA" pro at the ABA Lone Star Nationals in Austin, Texas, on April 14, 1985. He won US$400, the equivalent to US$764.68 in 2007. Height and weight at height of his career: Ht: 6'2.5" Wt:~175 180 lbs. From between early 1981, just before he turned 14 years old, to Mid 1982 when he was 15 he grew from 5'2" to 6'1". Retired: 1988 at age 21. The 1988 ABA Grand national seems to have been his last race in "AA" pro or any other pro class since his name disappears from the results tables the following season. He did not make the main in the Grand Nationals. It is possible that a hip injury prompted his retirement. *In the NBL Junior Pro is "B" Pro/Superclass/"A" Pro depending on the era; in the ABA it is "A" Pro. **In the NBL Senior Pro is "A" or Elite Pro; in the ABA it is "AA" Pro.

Note: This listing only denotes the racer's primary sponsors. At any given time a racer could have numerous co sponsors. Primary sponsorships can be verified by BMX press coverage and sponsor's advertisements at the time in question. When possible exact dates are given.

Note: Listed are District, State/Provincial/Department, Regional, National, and International titles in italics. Depending on point totals of individual racers, winners of Grand Nationals do not necessarily win National titles. Only sanctioning bodies active during the racer's career are listed.