The Gary's Bike Mart Team

The Gary's Bike Mart Team (1974–1976) Editor's Note Much of the history presented in this article comes from the firsthand recollections of Tom Hand, an original member of the Gary's Bike Mart Team. His memories, photographs, and research provide one of the most complete surviving accounts of Kansas City's earliest BMX years.

Where Kansas City BMX Became a Team Sport Before factory sponsorships and organized BMX programs, Gary's Bike Mart in Raytown assembled one of the earliest organized BMX teams in the Kansas City area. The team represented riders, families, and a local bike shop working together to build a new sport.

The Team According to Tom Hand, the Gary's Bike Mart Team (1974–1976) consisted of Tom Hand, Mark Poole, Nick Sistrunk, and Kyle Mallot.

More Than Sponsorship Tom Hand recalls: 'Gary sponsored us by selling us parts for barely over his cost and we helped him do whatever it took to have the races.' This cooperative relationship reflected the spirit of early BMX.

Innovation Tom Hand recalls that Mark Poole became the first rider in the Kansas City area to own a WEBCO frame and the first local rider to race a Sachs Duomatic automatic two-speed rear hub.

Building the Sport From Farley Fields to Gary's Bike Mart and Kernodle's Park, the riders and their families helped build tracks, organize races, and establish one of Kansas City's earliest BMX communities.

Historical Significance

The Gary's Bike Mart Team helped establish the model that defined Kansas City BMX: bike shops supporting racers, families volunteering, and riders helping build the sport.

Team Roster Tom Hand

Mark Poole

Nick Sistrunk

Kyle Mallot

Sources

Primary Source

• Tom Hand – Firsthand written recollections of the Gary's Bike Mart Team (1974–1976).

Additional Sources

• Team photographs supplied by Tom Hand.
• Gary's Bike Mart photographs.
• Contemporary newspaper articles and BMX publications where available.