Evomo Rider Profile: Jason Hughen
by Bryan on August 30th, 2007
Something you don’t hear or read much about are the riders who are married, have kids and are just as competitive as the twenty-something kids. The “kids” like Shea Jordan and Jami Pellegrino are the guys you typical hear about hitting it big and parting it up.
On the flip side is a guy like Jay Hughen who competes in Observed Trials (also know as bike trials or just trials). Personally, I don’t understand how these guys pull this stuff off. If you have not ever seen trials, you need to. These guys can pretty much move their bike from one location to another with out ever putting a foot on the ground or actually pedaling. Its some serious balancing skills that would put any fire breathing tight rope walker to shame.
Hughen is 37, which isn’t that old really, is a father of two boys, 12 and 8 years old, and of course is married (I am sure to a smokin’ hot woman). His bike is an Echo Hi-fi and has only been competing in trials for 2 years now and has been finishing in the top 5 consistently.
We had a chance to ask Jay a few questions about this strange sport and see what make him tick.
EVOMO: So how did you get into Trials?
JAY: I first got interested in trials while I was still racing motocross. In-between one of my races at Motorama in Harrisburg PA I watched a few guys hopping around on these strange looking bikes and I was hooked.
EVOMO: How does one begin training for trials with never even been on a trials bike?
JAY: I was pretty confident that I could learn how to ride trials because of my history in BMX / motocross racing and also in freestyle. When I first bought my bike it felt very strange to me and rode unlike any bike I never had because of the high bottom bracket and the short chain stays, so even just riding the bike took some getting used to. I took advice from many other trials riders on some trials bike forums in order to learn how to practice the different techniques. I believe what helped me most was a video by Ryan Leech called, “Mastering the art of trials.” After learning the basics, I just built on them with practice and more practice.
EVOMO: do your kids have any interest in trials or cycling?
JAY: I taught both of my boys how to ride a bike at the age of 3. My oldest son Justyn started racing BMX at 3 ½ and won over 13 races before deciding that he wanted to try other sports instead. I even bought him a smaller trials bike called a mod because he showed an interest, but he found it too difficult and got frustrated. My youngest son Caleb tried his hand at racing one time, but stated to me after the race, “Dad… I’m not a bike kid.” They currently both love riding their bike around the neighborhood and we are now looking into buying the whole family XC mountain bikes.
EVOMO: How supportive is your family?
JAY: They are great. I’m sure they get tired of listening to me talk about trials and my competition schedule but they know it is my passion. My two boys travel with me to almost every competition and my wife makes it whenever she can because she is a nurse and usually works crazy hours. My boys get a kick out of being able to travel to so many different states, plus a hotel pool is always an added bonus for them.
EVOMO: What is your favorite spot to ride?
JAY: St. Peters Village in PA., but my favorite competition spot is Belle Isle, Richmond Virginia
EVOMO: What was your hardest competition ever?
JAY: I would have to say that the competition I had in Tennessee last season at the trials training center was my hardest basically because of all the mechanical problems that I had in addition to bending my rim after hopping off a large boulder sideways onto a pretty steep hill. After that, my whole rhythm was off and I let myself get frustrated.
Trials competitions are generally pretty laid back and everyone has a lot of fun. I really like going to comps mainly because I get to watch the pros and ride with them and they are usually really helpful with helping me with my technique. I’ve learned more in a few hours of riding with some pros than I did in weeks of practicing.
EVOMO: What is your favorite Evomo shirt?
JAY: I would say the Team Jersey for sure, however I love the Braincase t-shirt because it is just plain sick! Something you will never see me without is my Evomo Team flex hat.
EVOMO: Have you ever crashed, what was your worst injury?
JAY: My worst injury ever was not from trials but while racing motocross. I collided with someone while jumping off a huge double. I broke both of my collar bones; my right hip was dislocated 5 inches out of the socket and ended up in my groin. (The doctor said in 20 years of practice that he never saw a dislocation go that way before!) In addition to that, I had all kinds of back problems. I was out of work for two months and had many weeks of therapy.
As far as a trials bike injury goes, I had my brakes fail on my while hopping from one set of wooden pallets to another and ended up cracking my tail bone and injuring my elbow. I had a hard time sitting down for weeks. (heh heh) I always ride with a helmet, even while practicing. I’ve had too many close calls to take a chance.
Well there you go, I little taste of the world of Trials and Evomo sponsored rider, Jay Hugen. We definitely look forward to seeing Jay dominiate the podium in 2008.
August 31st, 2007 at 5:22 am
Competing at 37 thats great keep it up, I just started learning and i’m in my 30s.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:37 am
Jay Hughen is a God among men.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:24 am
Jason, that’s amazing! You should feel so proud of yourself!
August 31st, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Jay- You were always messed up riding on the roof of the house and jumping ramps. I’ll never forgive you for wrecking my bike but…
You rock!
Love, Your sister
August 31st, 2007 at 6:00 pm
no matter what brian says I think your alright. lets have a beer.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:11 pm
trials riding in 37?! Let me explain greates respect to You, Jay!
September 1st, 2007 at 9:25 am
Great Job Jay! Hey when did you get all those muscles? Tee Hee seriously your awesome! Good Luck!
September 1st, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Nice to see some info of trials in a non-trials page or forum… Keep riding dude!!
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:19 am
Trials eh? That’s pretty cool. The most I can really do is a bunny hop…So where’s the vids of you pulling off some tricks? If you got em’ we’ll post them on MtnBikeRiders.com
RL
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:29 am
Great job Jay. I’m very impressed. I’ve got to dig up those pictures of you riding on the roof Cheryl mentions. I know I have one of you on a wheelie on top of our chimney when you were around 12 that might be worth a few bucks if you keep this up. Seriously, keep up the good work.
Your brother.
Mark
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Nice write up!!! Very Impressive!!!
September 4th, 2007 at 5:03 am
Wow man, and I thought my injuries were bad!!
Thats seriously cool - keep it up!!
September 6th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
You continue to amaze me everyday. I love that you always take life to the extreme. I am very proud of you and love you with all my heart.