Dick Cheeseburger

Top BMX racer? Rolling comedian? Pump track and dirt jump shredder? Jason Morris is all of those wrapped into one! Photos by @racedayimages, @mwikanphoto, and @marklosey.

Questions & Answers

What’s your full name?
Jason Morris, aka Dick Cheeseburger.

How did you come up with Dick Cheeseburger?
My brother came up with Dick Cheeseburger back in 2006 when we were naming our WiFi network. We thought it was funny that the neighbors could see the name when they searched the local WiFi networks. As I got older, I started looking for a job, but the jobs I was applying for would check social media outlets of all the applicants. The problem was that they saw I raced BMX and I was more susceptible of getting injured, and most companies wouldn’t hire me because I was a “risk”. I then changed my name on social media to Dick Cheeseburger. Employers and companies then found nothing under my real name and had no idea I even rode bicycles. From there, Dick Cheeseburger stuck and ended up turning into what it is now. 

How old are you?
I am 35 years old.

Where do you live?
Moreno Valley, CA.

What’s it like riding for SE Bikes?
Fun and exciting. It’s different than any other team I’ve ever been on. Honestly, it’s a dream come true.

How did you get into riding?
I got into riding as a young kid riding the local neighborhood jumps. Then I got into racing BMX at ten years old and never looked back. 

How far can you wheelie?
I’m not sure. Far enough for quite a few blocks.

What’s the bike life scene like where you live? 
The bike life scene is alive and well where I live. All the surrounding cities have rides regularly with great turnouts 

What is your favorite thing about riding? 
My favorite thing about riding is leaving all my worries or problems behind. Riding bicycles keeps me healthy and happy. It creates bonds and It brings friends and family together. I have created so many great memories in my life, and I now have a beautiful wife and kids all because riding bicycles played such a huge role in my life.

How did you get into BMX racing, and at one point did you think it was something you really liked? 
When I was eight years old, I had a Batman bike. There happened to be some local neighborhood jumps nearby that I thought were really fun. The good riders were actually racers, and they would talk about racing all the time. Throughout the next year or so, I had my dad make me a number plate, and every time I went to the jumps I pretended to be a racer. I upgraded my bike and I bugged my dad to take me to the track. When he finally did, I never looked back. I loved it so much that I quit playing baseball that year. I realized team sports wasn’t my thing and BMX was what I really wanted to do.

What are couple fun memories you have from your years growing up racing? 
There are so many memories created and places bicycles have taken me. I could go on and on with stories. But here’s a fun one: When I was around 14 years old, there was this top 14-year-old amateur girl named Courtney Tomei that I had a crush on. We both were too scared to ask each other out. So, at a National Race in Reno, NV, our team manager, Scott Angus, said that if Courtney and myself both won our races, I’d have to ask her out. Well, we both won. I asked her out and, of course, she said yes. So, then on local race nights at Grand Prix BMX or Rancho BMX, we would go behind the turn and kiss each other goodbye before our parents took us home. And now we’re married and have two kids together!

You’re a laid-back and fun guy. How does that conflict with the mentality of top BMX racing? 
To be at the top in BMX racing takes a lot of time, effort, and discipline. You have to work really hard. Sometimes the work that’s required to be fast may not be so fun. It’s hard going from a bike life rideout doing wheelies with friends one day to hitting the gym and doing sprints the next day. Sometimes I just want to ride and not worry about training. But, as long as the motivation is there, I will continue to enjoy the process, be competitive, and have fun all at the same time.

What does BMX racing give you that’s different than bike life? And vice versa? 
BMX racing gives me that competitiveness and a sense of well-being after a race day. It keeps me in shape and makes me feel good. Bike life is super-fun, stress-free riding with your friends. Less competitive and a great time with good vibes.

Is winning always your number-one goal in BMX racing?
Over the 25 years I’ve been racing, there have been periods where winning was my only goal. But, if that was always the goal, then I don’t think I would have lasted as long as I have. Sometimes instead of focusing on winning, my goal is to have a clean lap and do a cool line in a rhythm section. My current goal is to always do my best and have fun doing it. Winning is a bonus.

Do you coach kids BMX racing, too?
Yes, I coach a lot of kids in racing. Maybe one day I’ll put most of my efforts into coaching. But, until then, I will continue to have my own track time while making time to help the youth be the best they can be through training sessions, workout programs, and/or clinics. 

Are you a gear-head who has to keep their bikes dialed at all times?
Nope. Not at all. I like to run the same gear everywhere I go. It’s rare I change my gear. The only place I will change my gear is at the USA BMX Nationals in Las Vegas. It’s a very small indoor track with little-to-no starting hill. In bike life, I’ll run what’s on the bike, bone stock, whatever. Other than that, I do like to keep my bikes clean, greased up, and working properly.

Since you race, ride, and jump, what bike is calling your name when you open the garage?
Probably my 29er (Vans Big Ripper). She doesn’t get enough love and I could really step up my wheelie game if I put more effort into it. But racing keeps me busy and I find that the majority of the time I’m on my PK Ripper Super Elite. Also, seeing how I ride pump tracks and trails quite often, I love riding my Gaudium. So, when my garage opens, the Gaudium, PK Ripper, and Big Ripper are all calling my name, like having three kids simultaneously trying to get my attention. 

When is the best time for Jason Morris to get on the bike, and when is the best time for Dick Cheeseburger to get on the bike?
The best time for Jason to get on the bike is when it’s time to focus. When I want to give my best effort and I care about how I finish. The best time for Cheeseburger is when nothing is on the line. It’s all for the pure fun and enjoyment of being on my bike. 

What’s the best rideout you’ve ever been on? 
The best rideout I’ve ever been on is the SoCal BMX ride. I’ve done some really cool rides in some really cool places, but nothing beats ocean views, hill bombs, and good people.

Where is your favorite place to ride and why?
I like riding everything. It’s hard to choose just one place. I like numerous race tracks, pump tracks, trails, skateparks, and leisurely neighborhood rides with my family. But, if I were to choose a place to ride for the rest of my life, it would probably be Colorado because they have a variety of everything for BMX.

How many SE bikes do you currently own?
I own about 12 SE Bikes: a LiL’ Ripper, PK Ripper Super Elite, Floval Flyer, Gaudium, DJ Ripper, Fat Quad, OM-Duro, OM Flyer, Beast Mode Ripper, and a Vans Big Ripper.

How many followers do you have on Instagram?
25,000.

What is your favorite SE bike?
Almost every SE bike I own is my favorite and serves a different purpose. It all depends on where I’m riding. For race tracks it’s the PK Ripper Super Elite. For wheelies it’s the Vans Big Ripper. Trails/ jumps is the Gaudium. Oh, and the LiL’ Ripper is awesome for my mini backyard pump track.

Are you part of a riding crew/group?
I’m part of the SE Factory Squad, SE’s race team. I’ve been a part of the team since 2015.

What is a fun fact that people may not know about you?  
Here are a couple. I work for the Water District. I’m married to the fastest BMX mom in the world. I coach kids out at the BMX tracks.

What advice would you give to someone getting into riding today? 
Keep it fun. 

What’s your secret to improving your riding skills?
My secret is consistency. As long as I’m having fun and riding all the time, the skills will come. Not to mention, changing it up and trying new things keeps it different and motivating.

What would you do if you never found riding?
No clue. It’s hard to imagine. So much of my life revolves around BMX. Maybe race motorcycles or play guitar in a band.

Will you ever stop riding? 
I don’t think I’ll ever stop riding... unless I physically can’t ride anymore.