Wes Cline

Wes Cline didn't begin his BMX career wearing factory colors. He began with a hand-painted helmet, a three-quarter-sleeve baseball shirt, sweatpants, and a determination to become better every time the gate dropped.

Over the next several years, that determination carried him from a simple grass track in Shawnee, Kansas, to factory teams and the respect of competitors throughout the Midwest.

Introduced to BMX by Ed Bondurant, Wes raced his first events at Herman Laird Park in Shawnee, Kansas. The track reflected the simplicity of BMX during its formative years—a grass course outlined with banners and a rubber-band starting gate. Riders weren't attracted by polished facilities or factory sponsorships.

They came because they loved to race.

Wes embodied that spirit. Like many racers of the late 1970s, he started with whatever equipment he could afford, relying on hard work and persistence rather than expensive equipment or natural advantages.

Much of Wes's development came under the guidance of Henry Meyer, a former Olympic track cyclist whose training methods were considered unconventional by many BMX racers of the day. While some questioned Meyer's methods, time proved there was considerable wisdom behind them. His emphasis on conditioning, technique, and discipline helped shape Wes into one of the Midwest's most respected competitors.

Steady improvement eventually replaced humble beginnings. Wes earned positions on the Turner's Schwinn Co-Factory Team before later joining Factory TRS—a remarkable journey for a rider who had started with homemade equipment and an unwavering commitment to getting better. Among fellow racers, one description of Wes has endured through the years:

"Wes wasn't the fastest guy, but he always kept you honest."

Within BMX, few compliments carry greater respect. Wes had a gift for staying in contention, capitalizing on opportunities, and forcing everyone on the gate to perform at their best.

Whether racing a local qualifier or a national event, competitors knew every position would have to be earned.

His accomplishments reflected that consistency. Wes earned NBL Missouri No. 1 plates in both 20-inch and Cruiser, finished No. 4 in the ABA Kansas District class standings and No. 9 in Cruiser, recorded multiple ABA National podium finishes, and placed sixth in the 16 & Over Cruiser class at the 1983 Jag BMX World Championships.

More than four decades after taking his first gate, Wes Cline's career stands as a testament to perseverance. He proved that determination, disciplined training, and an unwavering love for competition could carry a rider from a modest grass track in Shawnee to factory teams, national podiums, and the lasting respect of the BMX community.

Teams

Turner's Schwinn Co-Factory

Team Factory TRS

Peddlers Bike Shop / Redline Colors