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Yadum FMX

Yadum FMX! | Adam Jones Blog #1

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Photo by Destin Cantrell

Whats up Swap Moto Live followers! I’m Adam Jones, and to all that don’t know who I am, I am a professional Freestyle Motocross rider. I’ve been riding FMX consistently for longer than anyone in the world, I may have just made that fact up, but whatever…fact check me, Facebook! I’ve ridden FMX for the past 20 years of my life, and have made it a point to stay as sharp as I was back when I was winning medals. To be honest, I’m not sure why at times. Is it passion, or is it a necessity? It seems like some days it’s one, and some days it’s the other. I think if you could get inside the head of any long-term professional moto guy, they would probably tell you that some days it’s all they want to do, and others it’s just what they have to do.

Photo by Kurtis Downs

At the end of the day, no matter what, I’ll bet that they are happy as shit to be providing for themselves and their families by doing that thing they love the most. Sometimes for me, it seems like all I CAN do. Although bikes are my passion and give me a purpose in life, the feeling that I probably have zero other options (besides being a Chipotle burrito maker) makes it feel like an absolute necessity to succeed on my bike. So the days I don’t want to go out and give it my all, I have to anyway because this is the only way forward for me. 

Family portrait by Kimberly Anne

Freestyle has gone through so many different phases in the amount of time I’ve been in it. Some years we were just kids making a few bucks touring the country, other years Action Sports seemed to rule the world, and unfortunately, there have been a few years where it has seemed hopeless and like the end may be near. Red Bull X Fighters used to have five stops a year, all over the world, the Dew Tour had five in the US, and X Games was massive for us, and even developed into a worldwide tour at one point…all of which are no longer around for the Freestyle Motocross discipline. Despite all that, I have kept moving forward. Sure, I’ve had some low points and some bad days, but I feel like if you love something you should chase it with all your heart and good things will happen. The times that I have reminded myself of exactly that are the times I have made the biggest turnaround in my life and my career.

Self-portrait by Kimberly Anne

Things have changed a lot, and making money can be different, and more difficult, but nevertheless, the opportunities are still there if you chase them. So, 20 years later and this is where I’m at…chasing it! Why? Because I need to, or because I have to? I don’t know…bit of both I guess. Whatever the reason may be, I feel the best I ever have doing what I love, chasing my dream, and now contributing as an expert blogger with impeccable grammar and writing abilities for Swapmoto Live. That last part is a bit of a stretch, but I’m happy to be doing what I love, and thanks to everyone for tuning in. See you again soon!

Photo by Destin Cantrell

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Donn Maeda

Donn Maeda is a 30-year veteran in moto-journalism, having worked at Cycle News and Dirt Rider before launching MXracer Magazine and TransWorld Motocross Magazine. Maeda is the Editor-In-Chief at Swapmoto Live and you can catch him on a dirt bike or in the saddle of a mountain bike on most days.

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1 Comment

  1. Larren NAGEL October 30, 2021

    It would be a dream come true just to meet you. I watch Swapmoto all the time. I’m going to start chasing my dreams of racing and riding freestyle motocross. I just purchased a 2020Honda CRF 450R WORKS EDITION BIKE and want to kick ass and take names on the motocross track. However my dream is to become one of the greatest Freeriders who ever lived. Just because i ain’t famous don’t mean I can’t keep up with T.b., Raha, twitch Steinberg, and scummy Morrison. Peace and love to all my mxbro’s around the world and God Bless You all. Thanks