Mike Aitken and Tim "Fuzzy" Hall got hero's welcomes.
Riding their BMX bikes in front a more-than-friendly crowd at the BMX Dirt course had both cyclists — Utah natives and residents — riding a wave of emotion and energy. For Aitken, a Taylorsville High grad and Murray resident, it was enough to get him a spot in the finals tonight at the AST Dew Tour.
His first-round 87.33 gave him ninth.
For Hall, a Brigham City native who designed and built the course he rode on during Thursday's preliminary round, the finals were not truly the objective. Just riding in front of his family and friends was enough.
"I made it through without getting hurt," Hall exclaimed after completing his second run through a series of five drops, jumps and landings. "I was so nervous. This was my first competition this year because I separated my shoulder. I haven't done a big set like that for a while."
His score of 74.67 was good enough for 24th, but only the top 12 advanced. California's James Foster was first at 91.67 followed by Australia's Cameron White at 91.17.
Aitken, who celebrated his berth in the finals by grabbing his young son, Owen, and hugging his wife, Trista, amid the frenzied crowd, was the first cyclist to drop out of the starting gate. He smoked his run and stayed amid the leaders until the final riders of the second heat hit the dirt.

And though he dropped in the standings a bit, he'll be giving it his all tonight.
"I never take it too seriously," Aitken said. "I don't do well with pressure, so I just go out and have some fun."
Fun, apparently, means whipping his BMX bike around and nailing back flips with ease.
It also means he's got a decent shot at finishing high in the money.
SALT LAKE SUPPORT: There were some who questioned how well buttoned-down Utah would support the on-the-edge Dew Tour.
Those worries can be put to bed.
Near-capacity crowds impressed Dew Tour officials and athletes alike.
"They're crazy," skateboard park leader Ryan Sheckler said after scoring an 89.50 in his first preliminary heat. "We never have an almost packed in qualifying. The finals are going to be nuts."

SCHEDULE CHANGE: It doesn't take much wind at all to scare the freestyle motocross athletes off the course. The speeds, heights and impacts associated with the event mean conditions need to be just about perfect before the motorcycles take to the air. A little wind is all it takes to blow a bike off its course, risking the life of the rider.
With that in mind, and with just a little breeze, preliminary heats for the popular event were postponed. The Freestyle Motocross prelims will now be held, weather permitting, at 11 a.m. today with the finals scheduled for Saturday at 11:45 a.m.

CHEVELLE CONCERT: Tonight, after the final athlete is finished competing, rock band Chevelle will perform a concert inside EnergySolutions Arena.
The concert, estimated to begin at about 9 p.m., is free with your admission to the Dew Tour.