Written by Chris Rockwell
Photography by Beiron Andersson

If you think I’m being dramatic, then you didn’t watch the Peraza brothers being showcased on “New Pollution” on Fuel TV. Believe me when I say these King Duce athletes are a dynasty in the making. They’re sending shock waves throughout the BMX world. And the oldest Peraza boy is not even twenty years old. We met up with Kevin Peraza and his family in Fresno over Memorial weekend for the King of Cali competition. After spending a couple days filming and relaxing over dinners, I can say that I don’t know if I’ve met a better family. The Peraza’s symbolize what the King Duce culture is all about.

(A King Duce Family Tradition – Victor Peraza (Dad), Kevin Peraza, Lil Victor Peraza, Rockwell and Ty Calais)

It begins with the charismatic father, Victor Peraza, a former pro BMX rider originating from Hermosillo, Mexico and residing in Tucson, Arizona. Aside from being a pro rider, he’s also a certified metal head, made apparent by the Iron Maiden tattoos circling his upper right arm. I could easily imagine hanging out with Victor at a rock concert, or riding quads in the sand dunes on vacation. He’s fun to be around. And his positive attitude and smile are infectious. But, beyond the fun times, Victor is a solid father figure that leads by example. His boys have clearly adopted their dad’s strong work ethic and adventurous personality. And his wife Maria is a perfect match of cool and old school mom, keeping her boys grounded, while promoting their individuality.

(David Peraza in his hometown of Tucson, Arizona – photo by Kevin Peraza)

David Peraza is the big brother. I relate to him because of this fact. He paved the way by becoming a great rider in his own right. But he’s constantly talking up his little brothers and pushing them to the forefront. I was bummed David was missing during the King of Cali competition. But it was for good reason. He was in Ecuador representing Mexico in the Panamericano competition. Unfortunately he broke his wrist during the race. But he hit me with a text message to assure me that all was good and he was ready for more.

(Kevin Peraza showing off his farmer tan at the King of Cali Competition in Fresno)

Kevin Peraza is the rock star at fifteen years old. He has a look and riding style that is effortlessly cool. Kevin could easily be an actor or the lead singer of a rock band. But he’d rather be flying through the air, defying gravity like a fighter jet. I noticed that when Kevin showed up to the event he was clearly the crowd favorite. It’s easy to see why. Despite his overflowing gifts, he’s genuinely grounded by his family values and realizes that he has a long way to go to become one of the legends of his sport. And that’s why I think he’s special.

(Little Victor Peraza doing his superman rendition at 9 Years old)

Then there’s little Victor Peraza. This kid has no idea that he’s nine years old! He rolls into the bike park like the big dog, calling out teenage riders using Spanglish slang for comical effect. His innocent swagger makes all the older riders embrace him like he’s part of the crew. And he’s probably the best nine year old BMX rider in the world, pulling back flips and other moves that seem unthinkable when you see his little smiling face. Mark my words, Little Victor will be one of the biggest BMX riders in the world, IF he feels like it. Or he might end up on a Telemundo Soap Opera as the leading man.

(The Peraza Family – from left Kevin, Eduardo, Maria, Lil Victor, Big Victor and David – photo taken by friend)

Eduardo is the youngest Peraza brother at seven years old. He didn’t make the trip, opting to stay back in Tucson with his grandparents. I hear he’s not sure about joining the family business, his dad says he’s more interested in the business side of sports (Don’t be surprised if Eduardo is interning with me one of these days!). I can’t say enough good things about the Peraza family and the impact they’ve made. The world would be a better place if more people were like them. I know they’re presence has made King Duce a better place. Stay tuned for more…
Duce Up!!

By Chris Rockwell

I am stoked to welcome David and Kevin Peraza to the King Duce BMX team. The Peraza brothers have exploded onto the BMX scene and have already been showcased on FuelTV and graced the cover of BMX magazines. David and Kevin have the rock star attitude and swagger that has built a crazy fan base of chicas everywhere, but they are respected by the top BMX riders because they consistently compete and win major events by pulling sick tricks that defy physics… Read More »

By Chris Rockwell

He crashes to earth with a bone crushing face plant into the concrete. As he slowly rises, with a grimacing laugh, he yells out to our camera crew, “Let’s do it again!”

Ty Callais is our newest King Duce BMX rider who is quickly winning respect from the top pro riders and fans everywhere.

He has a personality and riding style that is fearless, unpredictable and exciting. “Ty Stick”, as his buddies refer to him as, is a rock star in every sense of the word, minus the huge ego. To make the point, he was recently invited down to Las Vegas for a “Who’s Who” of the top pro riders and made a loud entrance onto the pro scene when he placed among some of the best riders in the country.

As the old saying goes about rock stars, guys want to be like him, and girls want to be with him. I personally think Ty’s secret weapon is the fact that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. But he rides like every day might be his last. I think that is something we all could learn from. We’re stoked to have Ty in the King Duce Family and look forward to watching his rise to the top of the game.

Duce Up!!