Schwinn Jim Johnson

Jim Johnson was an American BMX Flatland Freestyler who competed in the American Freestyle Association AFA Masters series in 1986 through 1989.

Biography

Jim started his career being sponsored by Farmingdale Bicycles Inc, along with teammates Vic Dicara and Mike Karanik. At the very first AFA of Long Island event, the team known as the FBI, showed up in MCS uniforms and MCS Bicycles. Although not sponsored by MCS as factory riders they looked the part and dominated. Jim Johnson, Mike Karanik, and Vic Dicara would all win 1st or 2nd place trophies in their classes.

In 1987 Jim Johnson caught the eye of Schwinn Bicycles and was signed as a Full Factory rider. He would also be co-sponsored by Awesome footwear. Jim was first given a Schwinn Free Form Pro Yo but quickly changed to a green and pink Predator Free Form EX as the Free Form Pro YO platform was not comfortable to his riding. Jim and along with Robert Peterson and others would complete the Schwinn tour "Rollin in the States" in 1988 traveling the country performing shows.

Jim Johnson was also best friends with Haro's Joe Gruttola and went to high school together. Jim and Joe would battle each other all over the country at AFA Masters events each of them beating each other multiple times for top positions.

In 1989 Schwinn dropped its freestyle team in favor of the mountain bike craze. Jim left the sport entirely in 1990.

Accomplishments

*1986 AFA Masters round 4, 14-15 expert flatland, 2nd place.
*1987 AFA Masters round 4, 16-18 expert flatland, 4th place tie.
*1988 AFA Masters round 1, 17 expert flatland, 2nd place.
*1988 AFA Masters round 2, 17 expert flatland 4th place.
*1988 AFA Masters round 3, 17 expert flatland 1st place.
*1989 AFA Masters round 3, 18 and over expert flatland 3rd place.
*1989 AFA Masters round 4, 18 and over expert flatland 3rd place.
*1989 AFA Masters Finals, 18 and over expert flatland 3rd place.
*1989 AFA Masters 18 and over expert flatland points champion.