More specifically, things like motocross are just his idea of a good time.
Riding motor bikes has been a part of Ruiz’s life on and off since the 25-year-old was just a young boy.
“I started riding motor bikes when I was 9 then I fell off and again when I was 14,” Ruiz said. “Two years ago I started with them again. I’ve always ridden, my dad has always ridden, so I’ve always enjoyed being around two wheels.
“With something like motocross it’s about the challenge and sportsmanship.”
Ruiz has tackled a motorcycle and is now exclusively involved with motocross. But he’s not alone in his venture this time around.
His sons, 5-year-old Nickolay and 7-year-old Nathaniel, share his high-speed interests.
Not only are his children fans of motocross, but they also have their own motor bikes and gear. Both started on electric bikes, but by this past Christmas all were on motor bikes.
From the start, Vince noticed Nickolay’s and Nathaniel’s desire to ride.
“The first time they saw a bike I knew they had a passion for it and they wanted to learn,” Vincent said. “They fell a few times, but they got back up and you could just see the passion they had for it.”
The family’s passion has been one they have enjoyed, visiting multiple tracks in the Valley on a regular basis.
For mother, Ashley Saldivar, however, it wasn’t always easy to watch. Despite the danger, she concedes that it’s mostly her natural motherly instinct that made her feel cautious
“When they first started, I feared that they would fall and break a bone,” Saldivar explained. “However, I still feel like that every time they ride; it’s part of being a mom. You’re scared for them, you’re worried for them and you just want to protect them all the time.”
Still, it’s not all bad in her eyes.
“The boys have definitely been more confident in themselves when they’re on their bikes and they meet a lot of kids. They have picked up a lot of skills learning to ride,” Saldivar said. “The boys aren’t cocky about it and they have learned a lot about sportsmanship.
“They understand that they aren’t always going to win races.”
Nathaniel and Nickolay have participated in four races so far and have placed.
For Vincent, it isn’t about winning those races as much as building character. He hopes that Nathaniel and Nickolay’s interest can help him lead by example.
“I get on that bike now mostly because I see how much my sons love it. As a father, that makes me feel good,” Vincent said.
“It’s a unique sport and it’s forgotten sometimes here in the RGV. Kids are playing baseball and other common sports, but hopefully them doing something that isn’t so common among other youths around here will help their self-esteem as they grow up.”