Cowboy Kenny Bartram

When describing Kenny Bartram, ESPN called him “the best freestyle rider in the world.” This may seem like a bold statement, but fans of the high-flying sport know that it’s a hard one to argue with. As a ten-year veteran of the freestyle motocross circuit, Bartram has placed in the top five in most of the major MTX events around the country, with his constant innovation and unrelenting style on the bike. But just as recognizable as his big-air tricks is the persona; known as “Cowboy” Kenny, the rider takes pride in his western roots and old fashioned values.

Raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Bartram has always stood out from other pros in his sport, which is dominated by West Coast-surf style and attitude. When he isn’t traveling, Bartram still lives on the five acre piece of land in the heart of the Old West and is proud to call Oklahoma home. And unlike many other notable pro-riders, Bartram favors country music to punk rock and would rather drive his diesel pickup truck than a custom low-rider. Cowboy Kenny also uses his down-to-earth personality to regularly correspond with his loyal fan base.

On Bartram’s website (aptly called Cowboykenny.com), he takes time to answer and post individual emails, write regular updates to his fans and post photos from his latest events. He is a fan-favorite at many freestyle MTX events, and thanks to a hard work ethic and incredible natural ability, he is also a judges’ favorite. For years, the Cowboy has been a force on the pro circuit taking home numerous victories at the X Games, the Arenacross National and Gravity Games.

For most of 2005, Bartram was sidelined with a hip injury which has kept him off the bike for the better part of four months. During the time off Bartram did more than just nurse his injury; he made appearances at photo shoots, helped host an upcoming TV show about off-road trucks and even flew to Canada to appear in this summer’s The Fantastic Four movie. At the end of April, the rider flew to Mexico to perform in his first contest since his injury, at a huge 45,000 people event sponsored by Red Bull. Bartram took a third place finish, but with an intense schedule ahead of him, fans of the Cowboy have a lot more to look forward to.

By Jesse Carey