Kevin Robinson is considered an innovator, a wonder in midair, but he knows he can't go it alone.

One of the world's premier BMX riders is just like a slick fielding shortstop and his glove or a golfer and his putter.

"There is definitely a personal connection with my bike," Robinson said. "They are with you through thick and thin. I've been able to see the world and never would have half the life experiences if it wasn't for it." OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1')

Those travels bring Robinson, 36, to Glendale as part of the Nissan Half-Pipe Jam Saturday and Sunday at Westgate City Center.

The Half-Pipe Jam is part of the Nissan Action Sports Series. It features top BMX vert, inline skaters and skate vert performers putting on shows throughout both days, with autograph sessions mixed in.

"It depends on the venue, but these events are getting bigger and louder every time out," Robinson said. "The parents bring their kids, and they end up being just as involved as the kids once they realize how much work and practice we put in to get ready for the shows."

Joining Robinson are BMXer John Parker, a former Gilbert resident, inline vert champions Shane Yost and Marc Englehart and skate vert competitors Danny Mayer and Pierre-Luc Gagnon.

Robinson, a Rhode Island native living in State College, Pa., has been competing since 1985 and is known for creating the corkscrew flare and several flare variations. It's his signature move and one of the reasons he was nominated for an ESPY in the Action Sports Athlete of the Year category.

"I never envisioned the sport would ever get to where it is at, but as a kid I never thought about it, either," said Robinson, who is married with two children. "I just loved riding my bike. It was a way to express myself, and something that I'm still doing today."