Bimbo - A Life On 2 Wheels

Jun 7, 2010
by Beto Torres  
My name is Beto and today I want to tell you the story of a really good friend of mine that passed away recently.

His name is William Canizalez, but was better known as Bimbo, and he was responsible for introducing downhill in El Salvador and other central American countries like Guatemala and Honduras. He also created a link between these countries in order for the sport to grow in this part of the world, he dedicated 13 years of his life to this sport, and this is his story.

Story inside,

*Editor's note
: Beto does not speak English as a first language, so some grammatical errors are to be expected in the telling of this story*Bimbo first started to practice MTB in the year of 1998. MTB was a sport that was just starting in El Salvador at his time, but his early beginning he had and idea of changing the sport into something more than just the regular XC, trying to follow this desire he first created "Rin-Tin" that was the first official bike team of El Salvador, the group of friends went out every saturday afternoon to ride in the local trails. But Bimbo was in the constant search for trails that were every time faster and steeper. What this caused Rin-tin to divide into two main groups, the XC guys and the DH guys.

At this time the sport was trying to find it self as it grew more into the free-ride scene as each time Bimbo and his group where searching the biggest drop, or the fastest trail, but this where not overall technical they were most flat out speed. of course the bikes that were used in this time were not close to a DH bike, most of them were hard-tails, and if had a 100mm fork you were lucky.

As time move on each time more and more people were attracted to this new sport, but the problem was that the bike shops had no interest in buying DH bikes due the market was still too small, so if you wanted to have a DH bike you will have to buy it from the US, this caused the sport to have a slow progression. 5 years after the start of Bimbo into MTB he had the first DH bike in El Salvador, this was a Kona Stinky and in this time it just blew people minds when seeing the long travel bike.

Each time Bimbo was trying to make an effort so more people could get into the sport, as El Salvador had a really reduced number of people that were riding DH, he focused on Guatemala, as the sport was a little but stronger in this place, some races were made, and more and more tracks came up each time , of course this catch the attention of more people and slowly the sports started to gain strength in El Salvador. Around 2004-2005 the first DH bikes were sold by a bike store in El Salvador, and this was the Giant DH One. Bimbo keep insisting to the bike stores in bringing more DH bikes and all his effort payed off, Bicimania a local Bike shop started bringing DH bike to El Salvador.

photo


As bikes came people started to but them and suddenly a small group of friends dedicated to ride DH, the big drops were left behind and each time more difficult trails were discovered, this trails started to be more technical. over two years the sport grew and each time more young people were attracted by it. In 2007 Bimbo introduced the former DHES (Downhill El Salvador) and some races started to be organized. Always Bimbo having the lead the Kona was replaced by an Azonic Eliminator, with Manitou Dorado fork, and simply was the best of the best. 2007 was an important year for DH in El Salvador there was an important race witch attracted riders from Guatemala and Honduras, Bimbo staying up in the nights manage to organized an really good event.

photo

In 2008, 3 different races were organized by Bimbo and the first official track was made in a local Eco-park this proper DH course consisted of 2 Km of trails, each trails was technical and also the course consisted of 2 main jumps, and 3 smaller jumps, the level achieved by the riders was exceptional and the course was even taken into consideration for an Central American Race. of course all this wouldn't have been possible without all the hard work of Bimbo

photo

photo


All of Bimbo hard work was paying off and the sport had chosen its own direction, regardless Bimbo each time kept on pushing the limit of what could been made on a bike, the sport moved from being only of 10 members to having almost 200 in 2008. Bimbo fighted to have more sponsorship for the events and he manage to have Redbull, all the local bike shops, Tigo, Gatorade, and even some local hotels. At this point as the sport grew, Bimbo changed the Azonic for a Santa cruz V-10, and as normall he had the best bike in the country.

photo

2009 was the best year an event was organized that was the best bike event that Central America have seen till this point. over 250 riders races form countries like Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. the event was a total success and Bimbo was as happy as never, the DH was an official spot in El Salvador, with the attention of the media and more. Also Bimbo encouraged DHES riders to go and race in Guatemala and Honduras and Salvadorian rides races 5 different events in this countries. DHES was put high and was a DH group that was no longer taken as a joke.

photo

In 2010 6 Salvadorian riders want and represented there country, ( 3 Elite, 2 Juniors, 1 Girl) the sport was huge now and Bimbo was really proud of it, sadly he could not longer see the Pam-Am he was already sick, as he was discovered Cancer, trying to fight against it , he could no longer resist and he was taken away from us this past week. He might no be with us now, but his legacy still remains, all the work he did for this sport will stay and it growing at a rate that it can not be stopped, we now have kids that are into the sport since they are 6 years and all this could not be possible without Bimbo dedication to the sport that he loved, He lived for DH and he will live in our rides for life

Author Info:
VTODH avatar

Member since Dec 1, 2008
4 articles

102 Comments
  • 15 0
 ride like you stole it!!!!! -Bimbo
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 9 0
 ...unbelievable that one man has done so much for the sport of mountain biking. His influence is sure to be felt for years to come. Much respect
  • 1 0
 what a badass
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 4 1
 Bimbo, I'm sure you would make to to DH to San Pedro and all the people who are in heaven, you are that kind of person that put 200% of its part for the DH was a success, Thanks for the shared moments, we will meet later to continue DH in heaven. RIP my friend, the freecaster.tv stream world cup is not the same without you chatting sunday mornigs.. Misses you.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 5 1
 God calls all the good ones first. Bimbo started turning a wheel that will never stop. Now it's up to you and your fellow riders to continue his vision! I am truely sorry for your loss. Frown
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 3 0
 Here is the name of the profile of bimbo "bimbodh" in order that they could know it better and to know his work ... we are working to do a championship in his honor called "BIMBO CaƱisales Cup " ......... my friend we miss you very much but we are working hard in order that your legacy lives forever... thanks for all the advice you gave us that without them there would be no DH in El Salvador and thanks to you El Salvador participated for first time in a DH Pan-American ...
thank you for being such a good teacher
for being such a good friend..
El Salvador thanked you for giving us this beautiful sport
will live forever in our hearts ... my friend thanks for everything
  • 4 1
 sigan adelante con el trabajo que Bimbo empeso, con el regalo que les dejo antes de irse porque no es solamente un deporte sino tabien un modo de aser amigos de por vida, un modo de mantenernos fijos en la vida, i pa los mas jovenes un modo de alejarlos de ser delinquentes o algo que les perjudique la vida. el deporte abre las puertas a un mejor futuro, Ride on guys, ride on! and for Bimbo, he will be remembered even by people who never met him.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 8 1
 respect to bimbo!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 4 1
 Bimbo was the true father of Salvadorian DH and he will be in all of our hearts for years to come! He was a true inspiration for many and now he is riding with us in spirit. Rest in peace man!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 6 1
 Its an honor for me that, you took the time to read this story, it really means a lot too me
  • 2 0
 Beto - as a visitor to El Salvador at least 4 times over the years but only to surf, your story of Bimbo and the DH scene is incredible. What I think everyone on this site needs to realize is that a $4,000 bike, let alone a $1,000 bike, which may be more common in your country is incredibly difficult even impossible for many to afford in countries like El Salvador. I applaud your courage to write an article about your friend in English. I will personally be promoting this article, but more effectively, how can I/we promote the Central Amer DH scene? Where can we get more information online? I'm sure many of us want to come ride with you and your crew in El Sal - what better way to honor Bimbo?
  • 1 0
 thanks for the support, we all appreciate it
  • 1 0
 It would be excellent that you came to ride to El Salvador, when you want to come just contact me in my pinkbike profile and I can you help organize your DH trip to El Salvador. Thanks for the comments.
  • 1 0
 To get info about El Salvador Downhill join Facebook group DHES
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 2 0
 Bimbo,,,R.I.P...i also have cancer(prostate)...found out in November 2009...I still try and ride as much as I can...my treatment makes me sleepy and sometimes a bit dizzy...not good for skinnies...I can't ride all day like I used too...1 or 2 runs and I am done...I will keep riding DH...it is my passion...the worst day on a trail is still better than a good day on a couch...Thanks for the insperation...Rob Lange aka Rider Up
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 2 0
 Beto, I am very sorry for your loss, but at the same time very glad that you included us all in this fantastic story. Bimbo sounded like a great ambassador to the sport, and a very very good friend who sadly left this world much sooner than he should have. It is people like this who truly make us all see how lucky we really are and not to take advantage of what we have. I wish you all the best of luck in keeping what he started rolling, in his memory and for your love of the sport. R.I.P. Bimbo
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 2 0
 What a beautiful article, I'm always so happy to watch the sport flourish in different parts of the world. It really is an amazing journey we can all identify with as downhill racing and freeride is so new to the world, without pioneers like bimbo the sport wouldn't be where it is today. Its bittersweet cause you know bimbo is shredding a beauty line in heaven
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 7 1
 live life to the fullist
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 6 2
 i'm sure Bimbo is riding a Holy DH trail in heaven. Respect for people like him
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 5 1
 R.I.P. Bimbo! I guess people like him could make the world to a better place.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 Gentlemen, here's the poster for the first race of "Bimbo Canizales Cup" to see the work we are doing to his legacy live forever. we'll keep abreast of events in honor of our good friend
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=657945959#!/photo.php?pid=5592862&id=657945959
  • 1 0
 Thank you very much for your comments, we really appreciate them, and I am sure bimbo is up in the sky smiling and he feels proud to be on a pinkbike page. Bimbo was a great person, he never backed down. He was a lover of downhill sport and i am sure he is riding epic trails now. It would be really nice if riders from other countries came, it would an honor for us, a huge honor.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 I am member of rintin group, and I know what He made for MTB in general, people here has respect for Bimbo, so many people miss him, but thanks his effort many of those riders nowaday are riding many trails that were not known if this sport was grew lik today We always will remember BImbo!!!! Ahora RINTIN!!!!!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 7 1
 very inspiring
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 6 1
 RESPECT!!! A true DH hero!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 2 0
 wow,Bimbo sounds like an amazing man. moving story, inspired me to finish off my track behind my house. nothing motivated me before, but this has. R.I.P Bimbo, never knew you but you sound amazing.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 Thank You Bimbo for bringing my point home that i have stated many times on PB : when the dust settles from all the negative comments, sarcasm, fault finding and egos, your story reminds us all of what a blessing it is to be able to ride - and though we all want give our sport some meaning and importance in this life, it is after all 'just bikes, not a cure for cancer' in other words lets just have fun and remember: health is not everything, but everything is nothing without health.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 6 1
 Rest in Peace Bimbo.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 5 1
 super awesome!!! Bimbo was a great man!!!!! Ride On!!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 5 1
 RESPECT! DH is the next thing. Soon it will be in the Olympics.
  • 1 0
 Thats right man. Impressive story of an amazing life. Would be cool to do something in his memory whenever that happens....RIP Bimbo
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 6 2
 Long Live Bimbo!
  • 8 1
 dude its too late. his legacy remains
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 4 1
 this world need more people like him!!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 4 1
 Ps... you can also see some other photos of Bimbo and DHES en my profile
  • 4 1
 So sorry for your loss and the loss to the sport. :-( Bimbo was truly RAD.
  • 1 0
 200% biker..2000% biker advocate...20000% pure awesome! RIP Bimbo, you gave 3 countries much and the world of mountain bikers a true mountain biker role model! cheers!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 4 1
 Probably the best stories of advocacy in dh.... Much respect
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 4 1
 absolute HERO
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 2 0
 Ride In Peace Bimbo, A true hero of DH.
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 amazing what you've done translating someone's life in a nutshell long life to bimbo!!!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 BiMbo THE legend and hero for DH at el salvador..respect and salute for him!!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 mis respetos para Bimbo para los que te conocimos una gran persona descance en paz recordado amigo.
  • 1 0
 A true advocate... RIP Bimbo
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 Bimbo is definitely to be nominated into Hall-of-Fame in DH history book.
  • 1 0
 He deserves it...
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 may he RIP Bimbo... respect!
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 I'm sure he's riding "The Track" and enjoying it, as always
R.I.P. Bimbo,
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 To get info about El Salvador Downhill join Facebook group DHES
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 what an amazing story. i need to go back to el salvador and ride.
  • 1 0
 To get info about El Salvador Downhill join Facebook group DHES
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 RIP
  • 1 0
 RIP
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 to bimbo
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 1 0
 Rest in Peace Bimbo
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907
  • 33 0
 wow, that was a really moving story . . . Bimbo should be remembered in an official way for his efforts in growing the sport, this really made me realize how lucky most of us actually are and made me remember where i came from in the early days just a group of mates with cheap bikes having the time of their (or my) life. i think perhaps we should organise a memorial DH event with all proceeds going to cancer research!
  • 14 0
 Truly inspiring man Smile
  • 7 1
 Legend.... pretty simple to say with such a person!!
  • 3 0
 Wow im very impressed. Im happy to know you guys are able to ride DH and im happy to hear that Bimbo succeeded in his task. Every time you guys do a run, do a competition he will be watching im sure. RIP Bimbo
  • 1 0
 To get info about El Salvador Downhill join Facebook group DHES
  • 1 0
 watch this please, its bimbo's last production.
www.pinkbike.com/video/146907







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