Wade Simmons and Richie Schley pretty much invented freeride with kranked, but at the moment I think the most influential rider is Andreu Lacondeguy.If he does a backflip, he puts another trick into it, like a superman, and then extends the superman until his back and legs are actually bent backwards. He can take a trick and make it amazing and original.
Kyle Strait. I remember way back in the day, probley around end of season 2003 I was reading an issue of Bike magazine, and they had an article featuring Strait and Bourdon, and I was absolutely amazed that Kyle was 16 and absolutely killing it. I guess that inspired me because it showed me that even the youngest of kids can go and compete with the top dogs, and finish with good results. Winning the Rampage before he was legal age?