I must have been living under a rock, because the first time I heard about sweetheart Perris Benegas was when she released her video just a few days ago. I quickly got the help of Samantha Lyons and her ultra powerful connections to connect me with this rider.
Name: Perris Benegas
Age: 18
Hometown: Reno, NV
How did you get into BMX and how long have you been riding? Growing up I would always watch my brother, Tyler, ride around with the neighbourhood boys and I’ve always looked up to him. Of course, I had to get on a bike to follow in his footsteps and I’ve loved it since day one. I’ve been riding on and off for about seven years now.
Where do you usually ride?
Burgess Skatepark in Sparks, NV. Sometimes I’ll make my way to Downtown Reno to ride some street as well.
Who do you usually ride with?
I usually ride with the Burgess locals, and over the years they have all become my brothers.
What’s a good riding day to you? A day full of laughter and smiling, having a good time with my friends on a nice, sunny day at an awesome skatepark.
We had an anonymous commentator that said “I don’t respect riding without a helmet” what do you have to say about that? I respect their opinion, however it is my personal choice and preference.
I’ve seen some great comments where people called you an inspiration, how does that feel? Knowing that people are inspired by me is unreal. I never imagined being an inspiration for others. With that being said, it feels good to be able to be the person that people look up to. One comment in particular that stood out to me was a young father who said he showed my edit to his five year old daughter. He said that he hoped someday his daughter could meet me and he’s determined to teach his daughter to ride like me. I’d love to be able to help people who aspire to be successful BMX riders.
Who are your inspirations? My biggest inspiration would have to be my friend Taylor that recently passed away. Taylor wanted nothing but the best for me when it came to riding and he was always there to encourage me and help me to become a better rider. Although he is greatly missed, he’s been a huge inspiration for me in pushing me to achieve my goals and he continues to determine me to progress.
Who would be your dream sponsor and why? Redbull is my dream sponsor because I have always looked up to their riders and the events that they put on are awesome. It’s one of my goals to participate in one of those events.
What’s your plan in the next 5 years? My plan is to travel the world to ride, go to college, and most importantly to become a professional female rider.
Thank you’s: I’d like to thank my friends and family. I know it sounds cliché, but they truly are the reason any of this is possible. They are constantly reassuring me that I can do anything that I put my mind to and encouraging me to do my best in everything that I do. Also, I’d like to thank my videographer for taking the time and effort to create my edit.
