Learning Resources - Profiles - Rider Profiles - Debbi Kalsow
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Rider Profile: Debbi Kalsow
Born: 23 Jan. 1968 in Big Rapids, Mi
National BMX Hall of Fame Inductee: 2018
"We could race the Nationals and Grand Nationals, but there were no points - no number one plate for girls."
…
“The points series was for the boys only. That's how you got the plate. I could complain all I wanted, but I was just a teenage girl. Nobody was going to care what I had to say.” - Debbi Kaslow
Q: How did Debbi get into racing?
A: In 1979, at the age of 11, Debbi persuaded her father to reluctantly agree to let her race - like her brother Dennis “Digger” Kalsow.
Q: Who was Debbi’s first sponsor?
A: East Lansing Cycle Shop - 1979
Q: Was her Dad involved in BMX too?
A: He built the first track in Michigan, then relocated the family to Phoenix, Az in 1980 where he opened four tracks in the surrounding area.
“Google Debbi Kalsow and you'll discover that she won all the big races that were available to women and wore the number one plate for all four of the BMX federations in the USA during a meteoric career that ended abruptly in 1985.” - Pink Bike (2019)
Sampling of Wins:
- 1979 NBL (11) Girls National 1
- 1980 ABA Intermediate Powder Puff Grandnational Champion
- 1981 ABA 13 Girls U.S. Gold Cup Champion
- 1982 ABA National No.1 Girl.
- 1983 ABA 15 & Over Girls U.S. Gold Cup Champion
Interviews & Articles:
- "CW'S #1 Girl" ABA Action April 1983 Vol.6 No.4 pg.18
- "Debbi Kalsow" Bicycles and Dirt July 1983 Vol.1 No.10 pg.54
What is she up to since…
- For one, she is the founder of Tuff Gurlz BMX - sponsoring young women rides. The group has since been rebranded as Tuff Gurls/Guyz BMX Teams.
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