GREENVILLE – Bill Nitschke’s Wonder Wheels BMX Stunt Shows returned for a second year at the Bash at Bish, entertaining large crowds this past weekend in Greenville.
The 53-year-old Nitschke, owner, began performing BMX stunt shows in 1984 at age 14. He started his first company, Pulse Products, in 1989 and was the first in the industry to manufacture the bolt-on axle, revolutionizing BMX Freestyle. He turned Pro in 1990.
“Been riding since 1976,” said Nitschke. “Just poppin’ wheelies and having fun. I have been doing this for a long time. This is all I do – it’s all I’ve ever done.”
Nitschke brought an excellent experience crew with him for the Greenville show, including Michael Teal and Kenny Rumple.
“These guys have been riding for 27-plus years each,” said Nitschke. “We’re having a good time in Greenville.”
Since last performing in Greenville at the 2023 Bash at Bish, Nitschke has had both hips replaced.
“Two new hips wore the old ones out; had to get new ones,” Nitschke noted. “Working them in at today’s shows and all the other shows we’ve been doing since I got new hips.”
Nitschke credits being in shape and in excellent condition for not missing a beat in performing bicycle stunts.
“It didn’t set me back,” Nitschke said. “I did a show in between having both of them done – I had them done five weeks apart. It helps to be in shape. I have to rebuild my leg muscles; other than that, that’s about it. Everything else went smooth.”
Nitschke did note that being in shape does not mean you will not need hip, shoulder, or knee replacements, stating, “Being in shape doesn’t mean you won’t need replacements. Wear them out – they have new parts now, so that’s good.”
Nitschke’s advice for getting older, “Staying in shape really helped me. Staying healthy goes even further.”
