DIG ARCHIVES: CALEB RUECKER
It may seem strange to some but back as recently as 2004 ‘the Metal Bikes look’ (as it came to be known) wasn’t as commonplace in BMX as it is today. In fact, when we ran this piece in DIG issue 38 on a Portland up and comer by the name of Caleb Ruecker, we were actually accused of making the whole thing up. It was all too much for some to handle for whatever reason. Caleb was (and is still) very much a real rider though and recently Joey Spinoza caught up with him to find out what he’s up to these days… Go here to read that.
CALEB RUECKER: STURDY WRISTS - ARTICLE REPRINTED FOM DIG 38 JUNE 2004.
Caleb Ruecker, next up in a decisive line of Portland, Oregon area loose cannons. Caleb is 19 years old, reeks of Ramones-era fashion, and indirectly descends from the same line of Dave Young inspired BMX that spurned fellow Oregon riders such as Lou Rajsich and Jeremy Davis. Present are the omnipotent 4-piece Castillo bars, a rather long straight rear cable and a clear disregard for the preservation of self while riding. Caleb receives help from Metal Bikes and Salvation Clothing, eats grapes religiously and enjoys a good shut eye. Before you judge the book by the cover, take the time to read the inside jacket, even if it is covered in studs, leopard print and grape stains.... This is Caleb Ruecker, Sturdy Wrists and all.
I was fortunate enough to first meet Caleb about 4 years ago in our high school freshmen P.E. class. I remember him being this skinny little kid with short bleach blond hair who never seems to show up to class on time. He also happened to be the first kid that I ever meet that was really good at riding BMX.
Today, Caleb’s looks have changed a bit sense our freshmen days. And you might be hesitant to stop Caleb on the street or to say hi to him at the skate park. But do not let his long black hair, studded leather jacket, tattoos, and skin tight pants stop you from meeting this great guy. He’s super into doing his own thing and that is what makes Caleb so special from the rest. He’s as nice as they come and if you have grapes near by, you’ll have a friend for life.
Currently, Caleb is one of Portland’s rising talent. In just the last few months, he’s managed to grace the pages of magazines and had short parts in videos. This kid really has a desire to ride his bike to the best of his ability. It’s a safe bet that you’ll find him riding street most of the time and for good reason. However, when he does hit the ramps, he always has this street style that definitely makes him stand out from the rest. If you do get the chance to ride with Caleb, you won’t be disappointed. He has the confidence to try (and nail) almost anything and has more then enough smaller (but just as impressive lines to keep you pushing yourself just that much harder.) Well there you have it, Caleb Kilby & I mean Ruecker. Man I always get those two mixed up. Must be the pants… - Matt Brown
Caleb spent a summer on my couch a year ago, and during that time, I realized he has too much flair and is way too hyper! When we go out riding, he makes me realize that I’m becoming an old man with all the energy he has. I love it though. It makes me remember what it’s like to be a young BMX rat. Anyways, he kills it on a bike and I’m very glad to call him my friend. - Shad Johnson
I don’t know Caleb too well, so when I was asked to write something about him, I realized all the other writers would tell you the same thing. (Caleb is a nice kid, he’s super rad, and he wears tight pants, bla bla bla.) So I thought I would try to fill you in on a not so obvious fact about Caleb. His mom is smokin’ hot! She’s in her 40’s and has a pretty rockin’ body. I would totally put it to his mom. I think that would be pretty fun, and the best part is, I would make Caleb call me “Dad.” Caleb might be younger than me and way radder, but I would just ground his ass and make him do the dishes. If Caleb’s mom’s boyfriend is reading this, I’m just joking. (That guy could kick my ass with one hand.) - Jamie McParland
