Last night the legendary Travis Pastrana, Motocross rider, Rally Car Racer, Nitro Circus Troublemaker, got toasted by his friends and family at the Avalon in Hollywood California. A veritable who’s who of action sports heros were in attendance as well as celebrities galore. Red Bull was flowing like the elixir of life and an open bar always finds fast friends.

Surrounded by a room full of dare-devils and wild men I pondered a minute on the lives of these guys. How about a day in the office consisting of jumping out of an airplane sans parachute, while your buddy jumps out to catch you before you fall to your certain death? How does that effect my 401K? And does it come with a corner office? But these guys punch their time card, put on a smile and laugh all the way, either to the emergency room or the bank. And then it hit me, if you’re clearly not afraid to die, what are you afraid of?

I found skateboarding Cutie-Pie Ryan Sheckler hanging out in the lounge before the show and I grabbed him to chat for minute. (Mainly because I’d get mad cred with my nephews but also because he’s got the world in the palm of his hand). Not even 21 years old yet he’s got a mansion, a Ferrari, and a black book that reads like the original King James. Ryan has started getting serious ink, and being a fan of the needle myself we bonded. I asked him if he’s ever worried about crashing and wrecking his art. “Naw, its all good, I’ve wrecked em a bit already”. Regarding his thoughts on the man of the hour Travis, “He’s just a big redneck! But he’s the most talented, nicest guy on the planet and I feel truly privileged to call him a friend.”  What Ryan’s afraid of…spiders.

Moving around the room, fresh cocktail in hand I spy with my little eye the original Hart-breaker, Carey Hart. Ryan has been taking his tattoo queues from this guy, along with some sage business advice. Now retired from Supercross, Carey is working on building his empire. He spends a good bit of time at his club inside the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas, Wasted Space. I’ve been remiss in checking it out but next time I’m in town, I’m so going! After a quick Jager shot and before he slips ninja like out the door I hit him up for what he’s afraid of? His answer….life.

Next I seek out the head looney in this crazy house, Travis himself. He’s of course surrounded by …well simply everyone. But I elbow my way front and center. Big hugs and then straight to the question at hand…Travis, what are you afraid of? His eyes get wide, he leans towards me in the chaos and he says in a near whisper…sleep! I have horrible dreams.  Yea, me too. I have this one where I dream I’m falling without a parachute…….well…..I’m sure he understands.

Finally I run into Motocross racer, Ashley Fiolek. Not only is she 18,& looks a little like a young Drew Barrymore, but she’s deaf and has been riding pro for a year now. Her Dad was nice enough to translate for me. Amazing, I’m 20 years her senior and I kind of want to be her when i grow up. Ashley, how do you deal with all the attention you must get from the guys being a super cute girl in such a rough sport? A cool girl on a bike is just hot! She blushes. I don’t pay any attention to that stuff, I just like to ride. Her relationship with Travis is that of a big brother. He talks to her all the time, anything she needs day or night. I can see how a nice guy like Travis would make himself available for a great girl like Ashley. Finally…I bring up what’s been on my mind all evening. Ashley, if not death, what? She looks at her Dad with a furrowed brow and for a second I think maybe she doesn’t understand the question. But she gets it completely….looking me dead in the eye with a big smile she says the only thing a girl immersed in action sports can say…. I’m not afraid of anything.

Words by Barbie Brady, photos by Curious Josh