2020V17 by 2020 BMX Magazine

STEVE BUDDENDECK PHOTO.

DISTRIBUTED BY DC SHOES AUSTRALIA

WWW.DCSHOES.COM.AU

TO SEE THE LATEST NEWS, TEAM INFORMATION AND SHOES,GO TO:

WWW.DCSHOES.COM

010

013 news and assorted junk

026

state of the nation

028

reformist

032

bmx games 2005

044

shane badman Interview

052

heavy metal heroes 11

056

2X20 dirt and park comp

060

signature frames

064

behind bars

070

how to

072

beats and pieces

076

bike check

078

new products

082

the lure

3 months is a long time for stuff to happen + win a GT Bump and a signed Little Devil DVD! From around the country, state by state Flatland for a flat land. If you were there, you know how good it was! Riding, life and the odd philosophy. It was on again and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got no more metal fonts... Adelaide puts on a 2 day 20inch fest. Greenville from a different perspective. Three riders to take notice of. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have you manualling to 180 in no time. Beats and Riffs plus DVD reviews. New rides from KHE, Dragonfly, Norco and GT. Just a taste of what you can spend hard earned coin on. Of a backyard pool....

an roBinson COVER//Stuart Dolley no brake manual in the lush green of Victoria//ian roBinson CONTENTS//Pete Radivo getting tech on the steeps//i

2020bmxmagazine

v17

Makin mags//Matt Holmes, Mike Daly Pixel and paper manipulation//Holmes Contributors//Jamie Mahon, Ross D Lavender, Clint Millar, Dave Sayer, Jamie Moore, Nitai, Shane Badman, Simon O’brien, Grub, Brett Mason, Dao Radivo, Luke Batchelor, John Young, Shaun Jarvis, Zoli Barbossi, Markus Rowsell, Beardo, Josh Willet, Alfonzo deJesus and many more. Photos//Graeme Pereira, Jamie Mahon, Chris Polack, Chris Moore, Beardo, John Young, Tim Kiddle, Steve Morissey, Nitai, Kade Hillier, Dave Sayer, Zack Musarsa, Ian Robinson, Chris Raethke, Stephen Hillenbrand. Photographic + digital mentor//Tony Nolan Advertising info//sales@2020bmxmag.com.au Publishers//Holmes & MikeD Webheads//www.2020bmxmag.com.au Editorial and photographic contributions are welcome, but 2020bmxmagazine cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage of material. Send a stamped self-addressed envelope if requiring return pronto. That said, we do look after your stuff like our own, but label it good! ed@2020bmxmag.com.au for all editorial or other enquiries or astrology questions? 2020bmxmagazine is published four times a year by 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd. RRP AUD$7.95 NZD$8.95* Every issue more and more crew get themselves involved in 2020bmxmagazine, making it the riders manual for the whole of Australia and NZ. If you think your scene is going off, let us know. If you want to find out how to submit words, ideas, photos or fill our ipod with good tunes then contact us. Yo, what you waiting for? Distributed in all states of Australia by Gordon&Gotch. New Zealand distribution by Gordon&Gotch NZ. Bikeshop sales in Oz sales@2020bmxmag.com.au or 0415 585 243. And for New Zealand call 09 625 3018 or FAX 1800 186 640. Printed in Australia by Quality Images. Created on Apple: 1.8 Dual G5, G4/450 and one old PM5500 All material copyright ©2005 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers, but possibly that of the author. Respect yourself and others, when riding and in life, you’re always responsible for your own actions. Always wear protection regardless of where your riding. *Recommended and maximum price, cheap eh?

Correspondence and competition entries to// 2020bmxmagazine PO Box 498 Newtown NSW 2042 or email bmxrules@2020bmxmag.com.au

KES SEE THE NEW 2005 BI AT THESE EASTERN DEALERS

WETERN Ventoux Cycles AUSTR ALIA Hoffy Cycles QUEENSLAND R BOU COFFS HAR TE DGA SAN Bike Time Ashgrove Cycles 02 6651 3355 07 3269 1213 EDGEWATER VE ASHGRO les Cyc J.R 08 9300 2992 er ow Sportsp 07 3366 0379 Coffs Harbour Isa nt Mou Bykford BMX Surf & Sk8 Bicycle Centre CAIRNS 02 6652 4962 5157 9 474 07 BYFORD MANUNDA Gordon Street Cycles 1 300 361911 The Peddler 07 4033 6800 PORT MACQUARIE BUNDABERG Cycles Mandurah Big Bike Shop 02 6583 3633 5353 4152 07 MANDURAH UNDERWOOD VICTORIA 08 9535 3490 4 W 744 1 NE 334 07 le Cyc ter swa Bay Guildford Cycles SOUTH Bikeline TER SWA BAY S LE GUILDFORD WA TOOWOOMBA 9720 8491 03 08 9279 5613 les 2 Cyc 224 Alstar 07 4638 s Bike r’s Bea E VILL Oliver’s Cycle & Tackle EST FOR les Breakaway Cyc AM ENH PAK 2 Mart 02 9451 634 MANGO HILL 8 299 1 594 03 CANNINGTON ers 07 3491 7177 Bicycle Headquart 08 9458 7716 les Cyc digo Ben ELD les Caboolture City Cyc SMITHFI DIGO BEN Port Kennedy Cycles 02 9609 3015 CABOOLTURE 3532 1 544 03 PORT KENNEDY 07 5495 4884 Bike Barn 08 9524 6774 Mad BMX Liverpool City Centre Cycles BORONIA Dempster Sporting 02 9602 0244 ROCKHAMPTON 5210 2 976 03 ESPERANCE 07 4921 1332 Bikecology 08 9071 1823 les Cyc Denham Cleveland Supercycle WEST RYDE TON SOUTH MEL 02 9874 5836 CLEVELAND 8 008 7 974 AUSTR ALIA 03 3597 3286 07 Bikes At The Basin Bernie Jones Cycles Glenroy Cycles SANCTUARY POINT Cycle Evolution Y NRO WARRADALE GLE WYNNUM 02 4443 3777 9651 08 8296 9652 9306 03 7 557 07 3396 Bikes in Byron Lilydale Cycles/Total BMX Cycle Mania Forest Lake Cycles INVERELL BLAIR ATHOL LILYDALE 9 599 1 FOREST LAKE 02 672 7 507 5 0413 576 162 973 03 07 3879 8600 Cycology Sydney les Cyc d Standish Cycles lar Mal NRG Cycles GLADESVILLE KLEMZIG gon ral Tra IPSWICH 02 9879 7000 08 8261 1696 03 5176 5711 07 3202 4208 Lifecycles Standish Cycles les Mildura Cyc Ridgeway Cycles Penrith SALISBURY A DUR ST MIL STAFFORD WE 02 4721 0500 08 8285 1144 1584 5021 03 07 3355 9653 Phantom Sports & h Cycles le Watsonia Super Cyc Standis The Pedal Shoppe Cycles END E MIL IA WATSON RUNAWAY BAY TAHMOOR 08 8443 5435 03 9434 3433 07 5537 2722 02 4683 1262

take the power back...

Seems the times they are a changing. It’s not like they weren’t going to change, but it can always catch you out when the ball begins to roll. Take for example the roller coaster ride FBMX has been upon for the last three years. From the early meetings a few of us attended, it was made clear that if there was to be an association that represented riders interests, then there should be riders heavily involved. Added to this was the plan to get a big national event series underway, something that cannot happen without the support and involvement of the riding community.

Some respect is necessary...

Come 2005 and the BMX Games proved to be the first event run by FBMX that fulfilled this dream. The BMX Games was the biggest comp Australia has had in a long time, with a level of riding above and beyond what a lot of people believed possible. Although the event was a success, how much more could have been achieved with 100% rider involvement and support. How many extra sponsors could have been secured? How much extra media coverage? We will never know, but we could find out next year, if... The riders are more involved. After all the effort and dollars spent setting up FBMX the powers that be still don’t seem to have figured out what freestyle BMX is about. Do they know that the vast majority of riders will donate massive amounts of time to BMX without looking for any more reward than the good it will bring? Do they know that, worldwide, freestyle is “run by riders”? And did any of them show up at the BMX Games to see what it was all about? Finally do they understand how ridiculous it is to the average rider that there is a governing body having a say in what we do, full of people with little knowledge and perhaps little interest in what we do?

But then you could get tied up in talking and arguing about this kinda crap all day long and ultimately it will get you nowhere fast. More likely it’ll just piss you off and waste more than a little precious riding time. But that’s where more than a few riders in this country have taken a step back and like Zach de la Rocha so passionately said, ‘take the power back’. Judging by what’s going on around this country, that’s the road more travelled (a road no riderless governing body could ever hope to tread!). Be this through frustration or through a blatant disregard, or even knowledge of the authority, the reality that is that riders already run freestyle. From the makers of zines documenting local scenes, to the many who choose to organise jams and demos all the way through to those producing feature length DVD’s, it’s clear who is running the show in Australia. And it ain’t some boardroom full of people who have never ridden a bike with pegs… This whole discussion is but an annoying sideline to the positive and progressive freestyle scene we have in Australia. If changes are not made to FBMX and the riders lose interest, will freestyle decline? Sure opportunities will be lost but this wont effect the big picture, it will just be another one of those stories of what could have been and what a shame that didn’t work out… Freestyle will still be strong, comps, jams, zines, videos, roadtrips and riding will continue and fun will be had on 20inch bikes. We create our own scene, our own reality. What you put in is what you get back, and right now in Australia there’s a scene that’s growing stronger by the day and standing tall in eyes of the rest of the world. 2020

Mick Bayzand doing what should be done on a regualr basis//roBinson

08 2020bmxmag.com.au

guettler cruising

With a few new bangers and a huge win already, 2005 is shaping up to be a huge year for Ryan.

39 riders representing 11 nations gathered at the 2005 UK Bike Show for the first contest on the world’s largest mobile mini-ramp. The 250m2 ramp, designed by Peter Jandt and Stephan Prantl, has a 2m high (6.6 feet) spine which proved to be a challenge even to the very best. The spine contest proved to be the pinnacle event of the 2005 UK Bike Show. 2004 mini-ramp world champion Paddy Gross from Germany finished 7th and had this to say: ‘I’m stoked, finishing 7th with such a field riding, did you see who was there, it’s just unbelievable. I’m really looking forward to defending my title in Prague at the upcoming world championships, especially on such a great ramp’. After attempting a tail whip to ice pick on the sub box, Dave Osato finished fourth with a combination of 540 tricks, nose picks and airs. He had this to say: ‘This my kind of ramp, I can’t wait to come back, I’ve now got some unfinished business to do …’ Alistair Whitton from the UK finished 3rd while Ryan Nyquist took second overall. But in the end it was all about the overall winner, guess who.... Ryan Guettler. Ryan rocked the crowd and other riders with his usual combination of back to back massive 540s, spine 720s and added in a flair whip to end it off. ‘I love that spine ramp, that’s what I feel comfortable on. I did all the stuff I wanted to do and I had more time left. I wasn’t hurt already so I thought lets serve out the 7 and tried a flair whip… so that’s what happened. I will try to come to as many stages of the cruZer Tour as I can.’ We'll be checking to see how it goes...

Hell yeah!//aLeXsCheLBerT.De

10 2020bmxmag.com.au

Dave Dilleward turning it down in the good ol US of A on a GT much longer and newer than the old hockey stick Performer he rode at an Xgaymes in Melbourne so long ago...

In this crazy mixed up world, the one thing you can count on is there being a bike getting given away in every single issue of 2020bmxmag. This issue GT comes to the party with their Bump complete. GT's pro team have always had input into the range they ride, 2005's lineup is no different. With Dave Dilleward on the team as well, you know the bikes will be sweet. The GT legacy of straight forward, quality 20inch rides continues with their entry level Bump complete. Starting with a 20.5 top tube matched to a 74.5° head angle, the Bump is a sorted all round dirt, street and park ride. To score yourself this fine blue machine, we’ve made it pretty simple. QUESTION: Name 3 other GT BMX’s from the 2005 freestyle range* (cause we ain’t no race mag!)

Simply email your answer to gtbump@2020bmxmag.com.au with GT Bump in the subject field before the 3rd of August 2005 for you chance to win.

gt bump giveaway

win this!

*check www.gtbicycles.com and follow the links to the Aussie range…

2006 crispy calendar Chris Polack is due to release V2 of his 100% BMX calendar in September this year. We hear Chris has a few interesting shoots up his sleeve and planned for this one. The calendar features all Australian riders showcasing their latest tricks and styles all laid out on big pages. (30cm by 60cm poster size) Just so you’ll have plenty of inspiration to hang on your walls. 2006 follows the same concept as the 2005 calendar with lifestyle, portraits and personality info on each rider featured for each month, plus the bike shop listing and random BMX info. There is also talk about giveaways with every calendar so keep your eyes peeled for that one. Chris says that the interest on the last calendar was rather positive considering it was released so late in the year and he has made it a high priority to have this one on the shelves by September 2005. Newsagent's and bike stores will carry the calendar as per usual so be sure to get your copy before they run out. The title of the calendar is to be released within the next month so keep an eye on www.polackphoto.com to gain more info as it progresses along. By the way Chris says there are copies of the 2005 calendar (forty degrees in the shade) still available for $10, so if you don’t already have a copy email him: chris@polackphoto.com

2020bmxmag.com.au

Gee getting more than manly on his own creation, all with a shirt on. Rock shit up!//Mahon

more than three amigos The first Amigos jam kicked off at Mona Vale bowl on a sunny as usual Sydney afternoon. With a large wall ride and sub-box constructed for the jam (big props go out to Andrew G for pulling through with that one) it was all on. The Jam went off without a hitch with large numbers of people showing up from the far reaches of Sydney to come and enjoy a great ride with friends while chilling out with a few beers. Seaton Spratt came down firing out the big guns with tail whips to tap to nose picks everywhere and a very very cool fufanu on top of the wall ride (This thing was easily at least 8 foot high). Brendan Jones was flowing with style but had to sit out after a crash to the sternum that put him out of action. Gee manned up and pulled some very cool sub box tech moves and the large wall ride which was very intimidating to hit. All in all the Amigos and the Emancipate crew had a good day and all riders who attended enjoyed themselves. Look forward to the next one. Paul Stringer

tim wood 900 in asian xgames win a limited edition up 2 gold medals for Australia at the Asian little devil box set Chalk littledevil Xgames along with nearly every other podium in BMX.

Tim Wood is now in the 900 club//MikeD

In 1995 a soul was traded for a brand name. 10 years later that soul has been captured on DVD.

Now out the Little Devil Box Set Collector’s Edition DVD includes: Seek And Destroy, Criminal Mischief, Canadian Road Trip, France Road Trip, and footage from the famous Little Devil Warehouse. This Video has been anticipated by every BMXer that has ever had the pleasure of picking up a bike. Thanks to Triple Six crew, we have one box set to give away to one evil mutha. To win simply email littledevil@2020BMXmag.com. littledevil@2020BMXmag.com.au with the answer to this question: Name one Little Devil video who features in the box set. Entries close August 13th 2005. Hit up your local bike shop if you don’t win for your own little piece of hell…

BMX Park preliminaries belonged to Ryan Guettler and nothing changed in the final. Ryan ruled the course and landed nearly everything he attempted, think a 720 and a massive front flip over the box. Luke Fink finished with the silver medal and was impressed by Guettler's run. “He’s a robot, he had it all planned out.” Luke ended up less than a point behind with a score of 93.50 to Ryan’s 94.25 but crashed a 720 and a 900. Colin Mackay also crashed while trying a 720 but still ended up with a score of 92.25 and third place. The highlight for many was the ridiculously huge 900 Tim Wood threw down in his second run during the vert final, I'm sure he’ll remember that day for a very long time. The crowd went nuts. “It’s the highlight of my life, this is what I’ve been riding for since I was 8 years old!" Tim just couldn’t stop smiling after his run and considering he had to extend the loan on his house back here just to make it to Seoul, you can understand why.“ It’s the first 900 I’ve done. Koji rode so well and after he knocked me out of first place I thought it was all or nothing. I was praying a lot, I thought that stretcher over there had my name on it.” Not only did he make it but according to the other riders it was one of the best 900's they’ve ever seen. Koji Kraft who was pushed back into second place said he’d never seen a first time 900 so good. Matt Fairbairn took the bronze. Rock on.

Luke Barling going high//Cooper

Shaun Jarvis//WWW.DiGiTaLshUTTerspeeD.CoM

w.a.n.k.s.

After putting comps on in WA for a long time, Freestyle Now thought it was about time to get a series happening. The theory was wherever Freestyle Now is asked to do a comp, that comp is then part of the state series. This was going to be Western Australia’s New Komp Series or W.A.N.K.S. for short.

focalpoint knox bowl jam It's nearly a week after the jam was held and i'm having a hard time writing something about it. So I thought I would keep it plain and simple just like the jam was. Knox bowl is one of, if not the oldest park kicking around Melbourne. Snake runs, bad transitions, good transitions and a few coats of paint make up what’s known as Knox. Cooper Brownlee of Focal Point fame and myself decided that this would be the perfect place to get everyone together for a relaxed jam of riding, drinking, bbq’ing and catching up with old mates. Everyone knows Melbourne’s weather is a moody bitch but lucky enough on the 14th of May it held off from raining and wrecking everything. Coops decided that he hasn’t done enough for the Melb BMX scene already, so he woke up at the crack of dawn and brought down a few extra ramps consisting of a sub box, landing ramp and a monster of a height pole for the infamous Knox fly out. Everything started to take off around 1pm with a lot of riders showing up, a lot of which id never seen or heard anything about. The familiar faces also rolled in and began riding, drinking and talking shit. Thoughout the day we had a bunny hop comp, which was taken out by a new rider to the Melb scene who goes by the name of Luke Baring, clearing 42 inches. Then came the height comp out the Knox fly out. If you haven’t heard about the Knox fly out it’s a open runway into a 7 foot bowl to a flat landing. As I write this there’s probably some kid launching himself out of it on a stolen bike, loving life and yelling that was coota. On this particular day it would be Mike Bayzand and Luke Fink going ape shit. They both cleared about 10 feet straight up over a 2 foot gap into the landing ramp. There were no tricks involved but it was better to watch than any trick. Riding continued well into the night with heaps of good shit going down. Phil Johnston foot jammed the log sub rail and hurricaned the sub box out of the deep bowl. Knox Dave showed his hometown skills along side Lindsey Brown while countless beers got drunk. Towards the end of the night there was a half assed long jump comp with one kid doing a textbook front wheel one footed nosedive scoring himself a Strictly gift voucher for a new front wheel. All in all it was a relaxed day with a bit of everything going down, drinking, riding and catching up with mates were all achieved. Thanks to Strictly BMX for helping out, everyone who came along and Beardo for the backup slab. Leon Sablinskis.

14 2020bmxmag.com.au

Round 1 Joondalup festival For seven years the Joondalup festival has hosted the biggest bikers comp in WA. This year was no exception. With a great ramp course set up this year I was sure that the riding was going to be well and truly off the hook. Saturday saw the riders hit up the course with 4 runs in two classes for park, studs and duds. In the duds class Pierre Westaway was looking good but we would have to wait and see what Shaun Travis could bring to the comp on Sunday. The Mandurah crew made the journey up to ride at the comp and they were stoked to be there. Kie Ashworth was doing the highest flips over the box jump and Chris Hanson flip transferred from spine to jump box. The favourite to win was Jamie Mauri, Jamie has all the tricks, both tech and burly. 900 tail taps are the norm as well as 540’s over the spine. Jamie was totally killing the course and was packing more tricks into his runs than anyone else. To end his run he dropped in cranked to the spine and spun a 720 but his landing sucked and a broken ankle was what the ambos said as they carried him off (it was only sprained though). Ryan Gardener’s bike was doing all types of super star tricks over the spine and this was happening while Ryan stayed on it the whole time. Sunday was all about flatland and there were some super slick moves being made. Mr flatlandwa.com Aaron Droboski was busting out, as was Matt Bielecki, Jason Parker (kept his bike under control and did not let it hit any one in the crowd this year) and Michael Bielecki had the backwards hitchhikers down. But it was Aaron Bandy for the win with nice flowing links and crack packers thrown in to secure his win. Back to the park action and the duds class this weekend belonged to Shaun Travis as he took out the win with some great jumping skills. Pierre Westaway grabbed the number 2 spot with Scott Griffith and Michael brooks taking 3rd and 4th. After two qualifying runs it was time for the big guns in the finals and the winner was going to get $500 thanks to the city of Joondalup. The format for the finals was a drop out system where the top five riders went for their runs and the lowest point scorer was dropped. Ryan Gardener almost missed his spot due to the fact that there was a pub across from the event site, Ryan was rather thirsty. First to drop out was Chadd Walton, big flips and tail whips. Jamie Warren is only 13 but that young punk can ride a bike dam well. Bar spin airs, tail whips and some pedalling as well took him to 4th. Chris Brown dropped out in number 3 spot with a back flip over the spine and Kie Ashworth settled for 2nd with the highest back flips over the box. For the second year in a row the first place glory was all for Ryan Gardener. Bar spin to ice pick on the sub box on top of the 8 foot quarter was one of the winning tricks as well as a fufanu on the same sub box, just to show that he deserved the win.

too sure to insure?

The majority of us mere mortals when shown images of injuries, accidents or death often proclaim, ‘Nahh mate, that shit wont happen to me' or ‘I always watch my stuff’. Even when told first hand stories we are all guilty of some kind of ignorance to any harm or misfortune, be it something minor like a twisted ankle or something major like broken bones, death or even worse, your beloved 20inch pinched from a skatepark or by being rolled by a dodgy Dutch street rat. After almost losing a leg in the Philippines and knocking myself and some teeth out in Europe, I have become a firm believer in forking out some hard earned for a little peace of mind. So check it, 2020 and myself are hookin you all up with some info worth considering before you jump on that plane, train or bus overloaded with chickens, pigs and sacks of rice. Now, before you even book your trip there are a number of things to consider…

visas This point is a crucial one. I was very close to being put in jail in one country because I’d overstayed my visa. Not a fun thought. Just look at what our own immigration department is doing! In most countries, visas are essential for travel, in some cases, such as in the EU countries, you are permitted to stay for 3 months without a visa. Student, working and extended holiday visas are also available, though require proof that you are actually studying or that you can support yourself etc. It can be a little tricky getting all this together, so research and plan it right! Some countries have formed agreements with their neighbours, so you can cross borders without being checked, namely the European Union, which consists of 25 countries. If you plan to cruise around Europe for a while, I’d advise to get a stamp from the embassy in the countries you visit, so as to make sure your passport is up to date before you get to immigration. It may be a pain in the ass at the time, but its better than dealing with a fired up immigration officer with the moustache from hell. Australian citizens are eligible for a 6 month visa straight up for the UK. Cheers Queen Pom. Australia has a visa waiver program with the US, meaning we don’t need a visa for entry into the US for ‘tourism’ purposes. This only applies to stays of up to 90 days. Every country has their own terms and policies. Contact the Consulate of the country you wish to travel to in your capital city. http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/sydney/ http://europa.eu.int/index_en.htm

destination(s) This might sound obvious, though if you haven’t watched the news in the past 3 years and turn up to ride street in Baghdad, you might be a little surprised to find the curved wallride you saw in Middle East Road Fools isn't there anymore. The political climate in some countries can be

16 2020bmxmag.com.au

quite unstable and can change from good to real bad overnight. So check out whether Fallujah trails are running before you book your flight. If you are intending to travel to a place where its a bit shady, consider registering with the local Australian embassy in that country. If it all goes bad, they come for you, guns blazin, with meat pies and long necks in tow. Travel advice for specific countries is provided by DFAT (Department Of Foreign Affairs and Trade). This is up to date security advice for the region(s) your travelling to. Check out www.smartraveller.gov.au for info.

travel insurance You’ve heard the stories, seen the scars and still reckon your tough and witty enough to get over any obstacle in your way? Bullshit. BMXers are quite competent in getting out of dangerous situations, though the 180 skid doesn’t always work. There are a few options with travel insurance worth considering. It can seem a little daunting at first, so we’ve done some research to guide you. Ultimately though, its up to you to thoroughly read your policy before you handover the cash. Basically, you pay a premium to an insurer which is based on the area you are travelling to and the length of time you wish to travel. Some areas, such as the U.S. require a higher level of cover. The insurer then provides you cover for things like; medical expenses, loss of luggage/personal effects, personal liability, rental vehicle excess, accidental death, cancellations and resumption of journey etc. The amount you pay depends on the type of cover, destination and length of stay. Which in turn, determines the amount of cover you will receive. Just like with normal car or house insurance, should something happen, you will need to make a claim. This involves paying an excess, (usually a percentage of the policy). It can be anywhere from $200 upwards for each claim, depending on your companies policy. There is usually an option to ‘buy out’ your excess before you leave, which is a good idea as if you make more than one claim, this ‘buy out’ option will cover all claims made, literally saving you hundreds. This excess buy out amount will range from $30-$100, depending on the length of your trip.

Some policies also have a fixed excess on sporting goods, to which bikes are usually included ($50-$150). So if your bike is pinched, you may have to pay the sporting excess regardless. That's if you say your bike was stolen.. You’ll probably be asked whether or not you have an existing medical condition that might cause you to end up in hospital or cause you to make a claim. If you don't answer honestly and something happens, you may not be covered. Let's look at some examples with prices from STA Travels’ insurance policy. Example A: Wazza wants to jet to the US with his 20inch for 6 weeks. He may want to stay an extra 3 weeks for the Gravity Games but doesn’t think he’ll make a claim so doesn’t take the excess buy out option. On the top plan (A+), 10 Weeks in the US = $455. Unfortunately, he is rolled and his ride is stolen. His excess is $250 + $100 fixed sporting goods excess = $350. Instead of buying out his excess ($60) + $100 sporting goods excess = $160, he is $190 out of pocket. Still, Wazza has a rad time and gets to session Mt Baldy full pipe with the T1 crew on his new ride. Example B: Davo is heading to the UK for the backyard jam. He is shooting for 2020 and will also do a euro tour for 3 weeks. His gear is worth about $12,000. He takes the excess buy out option ($30) and his policy (A) is $154 for 3 weeks. His policy only covers his camera gear up to $10,000. There is an option with most companies to insure additional items not covered by the set limit. This will cost extra, though can give you additional cover from $1000-$10,000. Proof of purchase and/or valuations must be provided for this extra cover. Davo takes out the extra cover for his gear ($80) and returns home unscathed with some killer frames. Holmes and Daly are way stoked. All up his insurance cost $264. Another option when dealing with additional items is to simply upgrade your policy. Not only do you get better cover for personal effects, but better cover for every other component of that policy. This amount is usually smaller than the additional percentage you pay! Why not?

Brendan Jones is off OS on a six month working holiday in Saudia Arabia doing demos for Sheiks. I hope Critter sorted him out before he left//CRISPY

Example C: Shazza decides to her join her man who is living in Japan. She’s a rad flat rider who's down with pinky squeaks and time machines. She decides after taking out a 3 month policy that she’s having such a good time riding with her man and her new crew that she wants to stay another 2 months for some flat jams and a bit of chillin’. Her problem is her policy runs out in two weeks. She reads up and finds out its possible to extend her policy another two months. Shazza can only extend her policy before it ends. She hooks it up and stays for the jams, eventually getting hooked up on Ares Bykes. Sweet. If you are a lucky lad like Davo or you just started out touring the world and are regularly coming back and forth to Aus, then a multi-trip policy may be for you. These policies allow you to make unlimited trips abroad for periods of up to 90 days per trip for a maximum of 12 months. Similar options are provided as with the previous policies. Excesses still apply, though the advantage is being able to make multiple trips whilst paying the one premium. Your travel agent can advise you on policies for your destination. With all the good things about insurance, one must be cautious when choosing a policy. Some things to look out for are; Who underwrites the policy? Are they an Aussie company? Check them out, if they are a company with a dodgy name run out of Mallorca by Skase’s missus. Forget it. Can you get 24 hour support anywhere? If your insured for $A5 million for medical expenses and your in the UK, you’ll only have a third of that in English pounds to play with. It may sound like a lot of pounds, but after a couple of helicopter flights and spongebaths from cute pom chicks in tight nurse’s outfits. The bill could get up there. What will the policy cover you for and how much? Unlimited Medical? Can you run with the bulls? If you get sick and have to come home, will the policy cover you to resume your trip? Can your pushy and/or camera/laptop/etnies be covered under the policy? Check out the rental vehicle excess. Some rental companies won’t let you take their wheels to certain countries and/or charge higher excess if you do. Some travel insurance policies cover rental car excess and the savings you can make here by not taking the rental companies extra insurance can be huge. How long will it take to replace something if its stolen? So you’ve got your bags packed, bike boxed and you left the grass out of your boogie board bag. You’ve remembered to make multiple copies of your insurance policy, itinerary, passport and visa(s). Give a copy to someone like your mum\dad\partner\lawyer or editor. If you get in the shit and can’t find your info, they’ll have a copy to help you out with. Put a copy of your documents in with your originals and one in another piece of luggage. Having a stash of cash for emergencies is another good idea or alternatively, a credit card. Unfortunately though, cops don't carry eftpos terminals. The boarding call is announced for your flight and as your walk towards the gate you think to yourself, I want to have the best time I can, ride all the spots, meet some new crew and party with cute French girls at uni bars. You also know to keep a watchful eye on your surroundings, to ALWAYS know where your shit is at and to keep your valuables close to you. Be discrete, stealth styles. Respect the places you go and the people you meet. Just like 1200 Techniques put it, ‘what goes around comes around.’ Mostly though, ride and have fun. After all, if you never take risks, you’ll never be rewarded. Servus, Chris Samuel This story is here to inspire you to think about travel insurance and other travel issues. 2020bmxmag is not offering you advice beyond wording you up on some of our experiences. Research is the Key. 2020bmxmag will not be held responsible if something goes wrong...

FUEL TV. 24/7 Action Sports Television

Available on Foxtel Digital and Austar Digital

As well as showcasing the best Surf, Skate, Moto, Snow and Wake, there is also a bucket load of shows dedicated just to BMX! Here’s the list of programs we think you’ll want to watch!

June

what’s the deal with focalpoint? Approximately 4 years ago there was a bit of talk between a few friends and I about how we should do a free zine to get a bit of coverage for a lot of unknown riders out there. As with a lot of ideas it sort of just faded away to the back of my mind, until myself and Leon Sablinskis got our shit together and actually got it happening. With the help of Andrei, Dolley and Stu Clarke the first issue was produced, 50 sketchy black and white photocopied copies distributed through Strictly BMX and Total BMX bike shops and out of the back of my car. I guess time and a lot of riding got in the way of issue 2 because it was almost a year before it was finished. The contributors list had grown a bit but it was still just locally based due to the fact that it was too expensive to get more out copies there. In August of 2004 I made the decision to expand focalpoint and get more input from other riders outside of Melbourne and make this zine more then just something I did in my spare time into an actual business (not that it makes any money) So with the help of an internet connection and a bit of advertising from Strictly BMX and Stowaway distribution issue 3 was produced! Issue 4 saw 300 copies printed and sent to bike shops all around Australia, with a lot more input from riders outside of Melbs and a few more advertisers to add to the list which I really appreciated, the fact that more and more riders are getting involved puts a smile on my face and motivates me to only work harder on future issues. Why do I spend countless hours on the computer and a fair bit of cash producing this zine? Because this lifestyle that we are a part of has given me so many good times and memories and want to try to do my part in helping others enjoy it as much as I do. The amount of riders we have in Australia is growing which is awesome and Focalpoint is just another way to help riders in Oz build a relationship with each other and have the opportunity to show others what their riding scene is like. If you want to help support your local scene and make other riders realize there are tight grouped riding crews out side of the main cities then hit us up because that’s one of the main reasons why the zine exists. I’d like to say a big thanks to every single person who contributes to the zine (without you guys it wouldn’t be possible) it is much appreciated, an extra shout out to Leon Sablinskis, Chris “Flagz” Matthews, Allan Briotti and Marc Urlich for all the help. Cooper Brownlee

g-sport?

A look into one of the creative forces in our industry and their rise from backyard production to working with one of the biggest companies in BMX. Read on...

Tell us a little about G-Sport, and why you started? I started G-Sport way back in 1994, in those days pretty much every single bike part was a heap of junk that had just been adopted from other branches of cycling or was a race component. Every single riding session would involve lots of loose headsets, bent axles, snapped chains, bent forks etc. As a recently graduated mechanical engineer on the dole I couldn’t really afford to buy many parts if they were going to break in a week so I started working on my own stronger versions. It just kind of grew from there.

for a stem that I had been sitting on for a good few years. As we worked together on the Elementary stem I realised how good it was to work with everyone at Odyssey and it got me thinking what else we could do. Rather than try to keep up everything involved with running G-Sport on my own I approached them to see if we could sort out some sort of deal so that I would be free to concentrate on design and development work.

I guess the big news recently was your agreement with Odyssey, how did that come about? It was largely thanks to BMXboard. I had seen Chris (Cotsonas) posting there and making a real effort to improve the products and help out riders. I knew that they were prepared to consider some ideas from outside sources so I got in touch with him about a design I had

Definitely. Odyssey are infinitely better at all that sort of thing than I ever was. They will make sure that there is plenty of stock and be able to use their existing distributors. If a shop can get Odyssey then they will be able to get G-Sport.

Will working with Odyssey make G-Sport products easier to get hold of in Australia?

Has the connection with Odyssey helped with your product development or allowed you to use different manufacturing processes or materials? Absolutely. I was so constrained in what I could do before, complex milling or forging operations were out of my reach, but with the new set-up I can choose from pretty much any material or process known. What new products are you working on at the moment? That’s not something I want to go into in too much detail. Development of new products can be really unpredictable and if you let the cat out of the bag too soon it can seem like you are hyping the product when really you just want to be 100% sure it is right. We kept the Elementary hidden for over a year because with such a radical design we knew it needed to be fantastic before we could risk showing it to anyone. Just keep an eye out for cardboard boxes over things!

18 2020bmxmag.com.au

Thursday 16th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Sunday 19th 12.30pm & 8.30pm Dig 25 (premiere) Sunday 19th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 20th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Tuesday 21st 11am & 7pm Heavy Metal Heroes 10, co-hosted by Corey Bohan Thursday 23rd 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Sunday 26th 2.30pm & 10.30pm Trick or Treat, an old skool flick from the UK Monday 27th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Wednesday 29th 10am & 6pm Blue Torch Thursday 30th 10am & 6pm Blue Torch Thursday 30th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools

July

Sunday 3rd 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 4th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Thursday 7th 10am & 6pm Blue Torch Thursday 7th 2.30pm & 10.30pm Firsthand on TJ Lavin Thursday 7th 23rd 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Sunday 10th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Sunday 10th 12.30pm & 8.30pm Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom Huck Jam Monday 11th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Thursday 14th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Saturday 16th 11.30am & 7.30pm FBM Ghetto Street Jam Sunday 17th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 18th 10am & 6pm Blue Torch Monday 18th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Wednesday 20th 9pm & 5pm Firsthand on TJ Lavin Thursday 21st 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Sunday 24th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Sunday 24th 12.30pm & 8.30pm 2005 BMX Games (premiere) with co-host Matt Holmes Monday 25th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Tuesday 26th 1.30pm & 9.30pm Heavy Metal Heroes 10 Wednesday 27th 1pm & 9pm Gravity Games 2003 Thursday 28th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Saturday 30th 12.30pm & 8.30pm Expendable 3 Sunday 31st 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools

August Monday 1st 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Wednesday 3rd 1pm Gravity Games 2003 Thursday 4th 1.30pm & 9.30pm LG Asian Champs Thursday 4th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Saturday 6th 8am & 4pm Culture Count featuring Mike Daly Sunday 7th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 8th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Wednesday 10th 1pm Gravity Games 2003 Thursday 11th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Sunday 14th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 15th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Thursday 18th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Saturday 20th 11am & 7pm Mobile Skatepark Series Saturday 20th 12pm & 8pm 2005 BMX Games Sunday 21st 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 22nd 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Wednesday 24th 1pm Gravity Games 2003 Thursday 25th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Road Fools Sunday 28th 10.30am & 6.30pm Road Fools Monday 29th 3.30pm & 11.30pm Props Plus, Check out 54321 Weekly Update for your weekly action sport news report and footage of all the comps from the USA! Tuesdays @ 12pm & 8pm. BMX PIG starts in September!

www.fuel.net.au

Total Domination t 2005 BMX Games Pro park final

3eradton

S ratt Sp

s 1 Luke Fink

2nd

Brendan Jones

a i t i l i M BMX

Phone 0414 540 360

vert's dead is it?

Matt Fairbairn, on the recent Verthaus Jam and his beloved pastime of going bigger

Recently I was invited to a jam in Oberhausen in Germany, which was organized by my friend Achim Kujawski. Achim recently rented a warehouse and got Red Bull to store one of their ramps there so he could have somewhere to ride in the cold German winter. Achim’s idea was to invite 10 of his friends to ride the vert ramp, invite some media and have a relaxed session. Red Bull paid for everything, including each riders travel to the jam. The plan was to get everyone together on Friday night, then chill out and ride all day Saturday. The riding on Saturday was a treat to watch. Even though it wasn’t a comp the riding standard was high and everybody on the deck was pushing themselves. Highlights of the jam for me were Achim’s alley oop turndown, carving the whole width of the ramp and clicking the turndown as far as possible, and Peter Geys and Eduardo Terreros going super high and throwing down a ton of variations. At the end of the day all of the riders voted for the highest air and rider of the weekend. Peter Geys got highest air and I got rider of the weekend. It was so much fun being on the deck of a vert ramp with 9 other guys who love to ride vert as much as I do. The only time I usually see this many people who are so into vert is at big comps or demos. Park and dirt riders don’t normally have a problem finding people to ride with or places to ride, but as a vert rider it is hard to get people motivated to come ride with you. This jam made me wish more people were into riding vert so that I could enjoy weekends like this more often. So why aren’t that many people into riding vert these days? For me there is no better feeling than going as high as I can and carving all over a vert ramp. I think there a few reasons why vert is not as popular as the other forms of BMX. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to get good at riding vert. A lot of riders see how you can pick up tricks quicker in other areas of BMX then compare it to their vert riding attempts and get disheartened. It can take years to get good on vert, the average age at most vert comp’s is about 30!

20 2020bmxmag.com.au

Vert isn’t the latest trend. I think the media is partly to blame for this one. There is a lack of vert coverage in the media and a lot of sheep out there who are only into whatever the magazines or videos promote as being cool. There are a lack of vert ramps. A lot of older ramps are being torn down and few new ramps are being built. It therefore takes a lot more effort to get into vert as you’ve usually got to travel a distance to find a decent ramp. Crashes are more severe on vert than other forms of riding which discourages a lot of people. I think the size of competition ramps these days is very off-putting to a lot of people. Most comp size ramps are 13-14ft tall which is very intimidating for a new rider. If there were more ramps around 8-9ft tall then I think there would be a lot more people getting into vert. There has been a lack of local comps that cater for new vert riders. Most of the vert comps these days are at the bigger events where there is only one class. It is very off-putting as a newcomer to be on the deck being compared to riders such as Jamie Bestwick.

I think that vert may start to get more popular in the next year or so due to a few things happening. Red Bull are doing their bit to promote vert riding this year by running clinics at various skateparks throughout the UK. This year there will be a few smaller comps in Europe, which will cater for everyone; the ‘Spinlikehell’ jam at Simon Tabron’s ramp in May and Peter Geys’ ‘Garden of Vert’ jam in Belgium in August. It also looks like vert may become part of the Olympic Games soon. It will be interesting to see how things change if it does become part of the Olympics. I think there will be a lot more money poured into the sport with new facilities and sponsorships on offer as well as a lot more media coverage. I just hope that the fun doesn’t get taken out of it, and people don’t ride just because they want an Olympic medal. Matt Fairbairn

A US! E T N C I DO MA

gallivant around on the web

I sit about in front of my computer and wonder what is so different about this web column from other web columns. I promised something a little different with this, but fell into a trend of just pretty much suggesting good places to frequent when you’ve ended your day of riding, much like every other magazine web section. I weighed up ideas of what I could do, what I could’ve done better and wanted to do. I have a couple of plans on the way, but for now you get the same old. So, in the end, simplicity is all that’s needed if you ask me. I type too much shit, just read and ride the web the easy way...

zombie flesh eaters www.zombie-flesh-eaters.co.nz The Deal: Don't let the name fool you. They aren’t a sect of the undead feasting on human BMXers brains, they’re just BMXers like you and me. First time I visited this site I saw a picture of Adelaide’s war memorial and thought, this is an odd thing for a Kiwi site. Anyone who has a soft spot for Adelaide is my friend. On content, the usual is dealt up with a clean layout and easy navigation, but I found a strange lack of videos. Photos are all go of course and what you get is a photographer with great timing. Tricks clicked and maximum height achieved from street to ramps to dirt. The team pages are slowly growing, so you get to check out what’s up when the zombies aren’t munching brains. They linked my site and I’ll gladly return the link. It’s worthy. Webhead Mike Davies bmx_is_rad@hotmail.com

global flat www.global-flat.com The Deal: To rip something straight from the source, “What is global-flat.com ? Global-flat.com is a place for flatland riders from all over the world”. That sums it up better than I ever could. Put any site on a global level and you gotta have the goods, luckily here that is the case. With a bunch of dedicated riders from around the world contributing what they can of their local scene, it makes sure that everyone is represented. From our own Back2Basics jam to Ninja Spin and Flatground comps, it’s all taken care of. Vids, pics, news, reviews, forums... It’s all there. A definite must for any flatlander. Webhead Martin (Metalsoft) wfp@freakmail.de

BMXigans www.BMXigans.com The Deal: I just hit up this site for the first time and I’m impressed. If you like aerial antics, this is the site for you. Movies of the month are nice and large with big names in there and photos are quality through and through, although preview pictures would be nice (All you get is a coloured square and pot luck). It’s all laid out with minimal pages (only what you need) and everything is organized the way I like it. The way I like it? well I’m a fussy bastard at times with websites, so if I like it, I assume you will too. Winding down. The BMX Games live web updates idea? Too much work for one person. While I was upstairs connecting to a dial up connection thinking something was wrong because it took too long to load stuff, then realizing I’ve had broadband for a while and wasn’t used to it, I missed too much action with the cam. I did grab a lot of stuff though. Head on over to www. bmxgames.net for a 4 part video and pictures of the games. Then keep an eye on my main site www.safreestyle.com for further pictures from the games. Well, four installments of the Galivant and I still haven’t been axed. Roll with it or get rolled over! Dave Sayer www.safreestyle.com

martial: one world ban jam

The sun is now sleeping. The moon casts an ominous light from above, shining through my bedroom window. I sit at my desk after devouring some much needed sustenance and fluids, coming to gather my thoughts of what has transpired over the past few days. Multiple arrests, hours staring out of random windows, vegan farts, hunger and yeah, the 2nd Martial Clothing One World Ban Jam.

I met Nick Edwards (of Martial Clothing fame) a few years back at Forster skate park. Interesting fellow I thought to myself and interestingly enough not too bad a rider. We talked for a bit and ended up at Martial, I was psyched on his attitude and designs so I bought a tee. (Which still now doubles as a work shirt and PJ’s for my lady friend…) Since that day I have watched Nick bring Martial steadily forward and has now hooked up a crew of shredders from around our great vast land. Namely, Scott Greentree, Jay Upton, Alex Liiv, Michael Cernotta, Mullet and himself. The random window staring started at my place as I waited for Nick to pick me up, then on to domestic where we picked up Martial Clothing’s WA rider, Michael Cernotta. We were informed of a certain airline’s policy about mandatory G-string wearing for their hostesses, which made the beginning of our journey all the better. I know who I’m flying with now. With thoughts of fit women and a couple of days on the road, the three of us drove into the night. After stopping in at Nicks place in Raymond Terrace for juice and avocado on pizza bread, Jimi, Slash, Bon and the Wolfs Mother sung sweet metal lullaby’s with dirty riffs and wailing solos for the remaining hours until we reached Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is on the central coast of NSW, roughly 6 hours north of Sydney depending on how many times you have to stop to air the car from stinky asses. (Mental note; don’t try and out fart a vegan.) On arrival, we met up with some of the Sydney and Newcastle crew, whom were grabbing floor space at Nicks’ girl’s house. So after a few ‘oi mate what ups’ and cold ones, it was off to bed for us all. Some received floor space, some the couch and others were lucky enough to spoon with martial riders in the available beds...

22 2020bmxmag.com.au

LEFT//Brendan took the challenge and the guitar//ABOVE FROM LEFT//Mike Cernotta wallride to whip//Preston Black on the slap tip//Luce rocks spines//Seaton has balls//Brendan J and Nick Edwards rockin//Chris saMUeL

Jam day dawns, toast is eaten and some sleepy eyed lads head to the park to begin proceedings. Banners were put up, ramps were swept and the PA hooked up. Doors opened at 10am and as the riders began to flow in, the skills soon followed. I’d never ridden Switch before and opted for a roll before the ensuing mayhem. Where do I start? There was crew from all over the map that made the trip to Port, this combined with the locals proved a treat to watch and a pleasure to shoot. At any one time the whole park was being sessioned pretty solidly. From the vert quarter I saw Rick from Brisbane (sorry mate, I forgot your last name) nail a wall ride 540, also large old skool no handers to fakie and turndowns to fakie. He runs nice shiny gold rims too. Shane Conlon turned shit upside down with lines all over the shop! Wall ride to whip out, wall ride 540, flips, you name it. Todd Price, downside whips and flips into the bank on the back of the mini. Jay Upton, (Wan-Gee pride represent) was busting rad high wall rides to flatty out, doing about 15 for me till I got my shot. Michael Cernotta ripped some shit up landing his first wall ride to whip out, solid. Whips to tailtap, sweet lookbacks and more all whilst dreaming of showing his hairy bum at rest stops. Preston Black, seeing a dodgy 4ft quarter leading to the side of the grandstand, decided to slap a wall tap on a little orange piece of wood.. Sick. Need more? A young fella named Ethen Gavenloch was laying down no footed seat grabs and no footed one handers over the street spine, not bad for a 12yr old. Jimmy was riding super solid, 540 tap to barspin in just a few hours before the security got him. Gee rides pretty well, though when he gets that shirt off it gets crazy. Fuf to barspin in on the vert monster quarter in between Seaton Spratt downside whipping out of the vert and into the flat bank at height.. 2020’s Mike D was carvin up the mini, super smooth as usual. Speaking of carving it up, look

out for Luc Becher, little fella on a 16 inch, all over the mini and nose bonking the street spine. He jumped further than me in the long jump. Grrr. Ben Metz had nice styled airs on the monster bank quarter. The street spine was getting a work out in the afternoon by the Brisbane guys and Scott Greentree plus others, Scott was wearing a green Tree bike shirt whilst doing 180 tyre grabs over it. Freaky. So much to tell! I know as I write this there are dudes who ripped whom aren’t mentioned here, names I’ve forgotten. My bad, limited brain space! Props nonetheless yo!

The Hair, the fuf and a B.C. Rich limited edition.... My Canon and I had a little chill time in the arvo and we were standing with ‘The Hair’ (its out now mate), aka Brendan Jones. Being my usual smart ass self, I jokingly ask Brendan ‘ So, are you gonna fuf the back rail on that big ole’ monster quarter?’ To which he replies half serious, half jokingly, ‘ Yeah, I’m gonna give it a go’... Mmm, 13 ft tall bank with a vert kicker on it plus 3-4 ft to the top of the rail. 16 ft straight down on the backside to a collection of chairs and bikes. The kid was getting on alright, getting back in was the issue. So after a few attempts and multiple flashes firing, the hair comes back into the tranny, not the bank, smooth as. Everyone goes nuts, Brendan gets swamped and all the girls get naked. Off the richter. Oh yeah, just quietly, whilst on the fuf topic, I saw The Hair fuf the stairs on the back of the mini. I think Gee also fuf’d them? Not totally sure. WTF double time. A set of Federal bars was put up for the long jump comp, to which Shane Mooney from Port won by almost jumping into the mini from the flat bank on the downside of the mini. Must be the Port air. Prize time comes around and as last year, the riders chose the prizes for who they think deserved them. What a assortment of goodies! DVD’s, videos, hats, tees, stickers and yes, a limited edition BC

Rich guitar and tee. Which, almost could have gone to Alex Liiv for his air guitar skills whilst Slayer cranked on the p.a. Considering the Hair threw some major shit down, the vote was unanimous and Brendan walked away with the goods. Catch him doing BMX\solo guitar halftime shows at footy games this year. After the sticker wrestling had finished we pulled the banners down, left the ramps dirty and unhooked the p.a. It was time to eat, shower and watch Jay Upton walk 30 mins to town with no shoes on. When we hit the strip I knew there was going to be trouble. Local bogan pissheads wearing salmon (not pink) polos and sporting Beckham hair wanting to punch on with any ‘blow ins’. Even pub security (no cctv here kids) were keen to show their 'I'm too fat and stupid to be a cop so I’ll assault minors instead and cos there's no cameras its all good syndrome’ pathetic. Some riders went home, though I stayed to hear the stories of BMXer v’s security guard and hang out with the other 50 riders at the cop shop. Something about a standard rider and some ‘kick and run’... yeah guy. An eventful evening nonetheless, some being stripped searched, others searching for strippers. Never a dull moment with the BMX crowd. Sunday was drive day, cars were loaded and long goodbyes were made. We cruised the highway to Newcastle in the afternoon sun, I was loving it. Staring out of the window, I looked over the weekends events and it was all good. With the wind in my face and sun drenching the car, it felt good. No stress, just chillin after a rad trip. Just your mates, your bikes and time. That's what its about. Maybe if more of the world took a page from the road trip book the world could be a better place? I hope everyone had a good a time as I did, get there next year and don’t forget to bring your knifey spoony game for the nightlife. Critta

Abbs absolutely punishing the grind box with an up to barspin at warp speed//Chris saMUeL

Big ups must go to a few for their support of the jam. Firstly, Nick Edwards @ Martial Clothing for putting on the jam and picking our asses up from Sydney, Nicks girlfriend Caitlin for letting us all crash at her place, 2020 for their coverage and proddy, Stowaway Distribution for proddy, Coalition, Federal, Animal, Coastal Music for the sweet hook ups, John from Switch Indoor park and all the riders who turned up, rode, helped out and shredded. No thanks to the dodgy cops and security. We shall return. Contact Martial Clothing: 0415919406 martialclothing@westnet.com.au

2020bmxmag.com.au

Anton//MORRISEY

smile conservation

Our sport puts a lot of strain on our bodies, with flying metal coming at you in every direction, you sometimes can not avoid being hurt. All that aside, injuries are a big part of freestyle, but what about our teeth? How come so many athletes have the body of an Adonis, but the mouth of a hobo? Lets get down to it and get technical. I am not the first one to say I’ve got bad teeth, I let myself go and my teeth started rotting and falling out. Combined with a chocolate addiction and many face plants, my teeth were ruined and I was in pain all the time. I was more compelled to go riding in excruciating pain rather that endure the medieval torture of the dentist. I now realize how silly I was. On a recent check up visit to the doctor, he commented on how much erosion I had and it was in layers, suggesting that I was an athlete. I hadn’t told him that I was a freestyler and was interested to know how he knew this by looking into my mouth. He told me that he had seen many of this type of erosion before in athletes who do long physical workouts and then educated me on the dangers of sports water.

the grumet show

Capalaba in Brisbane has a tight crew that over the years have progressed from the younger kids starting out to older shredders in quite a short amount of time.

They are all down for the 20 inch thing and Anton, one of the OG kids has, over the years put out a couple of videos and now a DVD which is reviewed elsewhere in this issue. The good thing about this crew is that they keep to themselves and really have carved out their own spot in the Brisbane scene, totally by themselves and in their own way, not just jumping on the bandwagon. Getting to know them has also been good as they kinda sidestep a lot of BS and give it their own twist. To tell you the truth I just think they like to have fun and love a good laugh most of the time, plus they throw down a stunt here and there. The fact that they have progressed into riding really good is pretty much second nature as when you enjoy what your doing you will be compelled to do it more often. I will let them fill in the blanks and pretty much what you read is what they are about. Stephen Morrisey You’d think it would be easy to sit here and write 200 words about your best mates but I don’t know where to start. I guess I’d better tell the truth. Living in Capalaba back in the day nobody wanted to hire a father of 4 who was in grade 7 so I had a lot of free time on my hands. My parents had stolen me a bike a few years back so I thought I’d try out these treadlies. I met this guy called Trav whose flanno was so mean that I knew this guy had potential. I knew this BMX game could be my ticket out of the ghetto so I devised a plan to round up a bunch of riders, film their shenanigans, slap together a movie and sell it for top dollar. I put an ad in the paper and before I knew it I had riders from all over auditioning for the parts. In the end I chose Bono, Sam, Clarke, Callum, Macca, Poyser, NZ Richie and Dafles because they offered to do it for free. We cruised around town looking for stuff to ride and before we knew it we had found the sickest curbs and stair drops Brisbane has to offer. We probably spent more time talking shit than assassinating the streets but we got a movie done. Before I knew it I had made five and all of them became cult classics. I started accepting awards and making guest appearances in shopping malls and daytime TV shows, we were world famous. But fame has gone to our heads. Fast cars and fast women have become our downfall and after all the time we spent in rehab we’re a bit rusty. Dude, we used to be a billion times better than what you see here... Anton and Clarke represent 41fifthstreet fo’ life yo www.grumetsBMX.com

Clark//MORRISEY

24 2020bmxmag.com.au

Basically what happens when you go for a ride with your mates and have a huge session, you get dehydrated, and that means you loose saliva. Saliva is one of the many important body secretions we take for granted and has many functions including being necessary for talking, eating, swallowing and tasting. It also does one important job and that is neutralization of the acids that are produced when we eat our food. This acid will eat the teeth away if it isn’t neutralized and can cause decay such as holes and discoloration. When we become dehydrated, we stop the flow of saliva to the mouth and become thirsty and what is the first thing we do? We grab a bottle of sports or soft drink and down it to quench the thirst, but what we don’t realize is that soft drinks are acidic but sports drinks are ultra acidic, with sometimes close to the acid level found in batteries or your stomach! Simply put, when we become sports dehydrated and without saliva to protect out pearly whites for a few hours, when we have out sports drink, we are basically washing our teeth with acid. Makes sense doesn’t it? So without saliva neutralizing your mouth, both the enamel and dentine tooth substance corrode unchecked. Your teeth become smaller and more brittle and cannot be restored, as this kind of damage is permanent. What is the solution to this problem? Well there are a few steps to help you but it comes down to you knowing what you are putting in your mouth. One way to combat the erosion is to make up a bottle of water with one teaspoon of baking soda in it and frequently take a swig and spit it out. This creates a neutral barrier for your teeth and can be used before and after drinking sports water for protection. Another way is my favourite and that is to chew sugar free gum, it doesn’t cost much and comes in all types of flavours. Also it is important a good toothbrush, like an oral-b electric and to use fluoride toothpaste like the new Listerine toothpaste after eating and a fluoride mouthwash last thing at night, something like Listerine should work well. Even though it may seem pointless now, don’t procrastinate yourself into dentures because they are more hassle than their worth and they aren’t cheap either. Now, when you hit the big time and get some magazine coverage or an ad, you can smile your ass off with the brightest teeth in BMX. Now go and smile up a storm! Stumpy

NICK COOPER

photo: RYAN GUETTLER

www.wethepeople.de

ARRANTY ETIME W NEW LIF FORKS EPEOPLE ce our ON WETH d to introdu u ro p re a le xcalibur, Wethepeop anty on all E lifetime warr m forks oming Heliu 2005. D12 and upc er June 1st ft a r o n o d to purchase y difference n’t make an o w it re y il y’ k e c th u t L a we know th us because k. a re b to g not goin e infos! Check web

for mor

etc teamvideo 1st video of the whole wethepeople worldteam. featuring riders like: Clint Millar, Brian Terada, Ashley Charles, Will Jackson, Dave Osato, Dustin Guenther, Travis Collier, Frank Lucas and many more. 49 min. plus 18min bonus

Excalibur

lightweight fork

Super lightweight, full increased heat-treated Sanko 4130 cr-mo, with or without u-brake pivots, lasercut heat-treated 5mm dropouts with 3/8 slots only, 1.1kg (2.42lbs), in black or pearl cocoa PO BOX 3105, ERINA, NSW, AUSTRALIA PH 61-2-4368-2811 info@triplesix,com.au

flat news

With some serious flat action elsewhere this issue, reformist has had the diet treatment. Expect more next issue!

Melbourne Flatland Zine issue 2 is available. Issue 2 has stepped up and looking pretty good for a free zine. Keep your eyes open for issue 3 over the next few months. Want a copy? Email or write to Ali alialltheway@hotmail.com or MFZ, 11/59 Station Street, Fairfield Victoria 3078. Jammage Action #5 has been and gone, expect a write-up from the guys in Perth about what went down. Bielecki is a sexy animal… Hungry for Shane Badman? The monk himself has returned from his trip to Hungary to ride with the O.G. crew. For the story and photos check out www.flatlandaustralia.com and check Shane’s interview elsewhere in this issue. Wethepeople have been busy getting their product line ready for another year, with the Div frame remodelled for 2006. The frame will be much lighter with thinner tubing, refined gussets and a single butted seat tube. The brake pivots have been re-aligned for better braking and it will be available in Spanish BB. Travis Collier has new signature WTP bars called the Heartbreaker. The 2pce bars have 3 degree sweep and 7 inch rise. The Frank Lucas signature bar the Flowcash V2, looking heaps better than the original Flowcash. The bar has the same geometry as the Heartbreaker bar but just in a rounded 4pce unit. On the complete bike front, there is a new entry level flatland bike which looks really impressive. To keep the price down they’ve opted for a Tri-moly frame than going full Cro-mo. WTP will be keeping the Sinus frame and Mantis flat forks as per 2005. Whilst on the German bike co. mission the Dragonfly MikeS SOLO Titanium frame, fork and bars are available now by special order only, check www.kickassbmx.com for more. Not a lot of other news this issue or anything else for that matter. Remember, contributions are welcome, email reformist@2020bmxmag.com.au to help fill in the blanks. rosslav

Mitch Brown//Moore

28 2020bmxmag.com.au

FOR A STICKER PACK SEND $5 AND A SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE TO: ETNIES / QUATTRO SPORTS P.O. BOX 203 COLLAROY, NSW 2097 WWW.QUATTROSPORTS.COM.AU

TA J M I H E L I C H

OUT ETNIES.COM/BMX FOR TEAM NEWS AND UPDATES.

DESIGN

E T N I E S : CHECK

{BLACK+GREY}

{BROWN+ORANGE}

{NAVY}

AJ ED BY T

SCOE T H E R OM I H E L I C H

BMX Games

2005

The BMX Games always had the potential to be the big national comp that the riders of Australia have been crying out for, crying out for a long time. But with a stack of organisational issues leading up to the event, things were looking a little sketchy. Questions about street courses, ramps and prize money, left the organiser with a minimal budget, minimal help and a hell of a lot to get together. Still, this comp was a first for Australia, both in size and the fact that it was a comp run for riders, no TV sales gimmicks or sellouts. This was a big Australian BMX comp for Australian BMX riders of all kinds and levels. Whatever you think of FBMX, the fact is that Heath pulled this one off with a huge effort over the weekend and weeks leading up to the event. More than a few riders have pushed and pushed to help get FBMX set up right and more still needs to be done but if this event is a sign of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come then the future is looking bright...

Games MX

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

Luke Fink makes history with a 900//Mahon

32 2020bmxmag.com.au

s Seaton Spratt mid double whip. The pro fianl saw Seaton go so big on this it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t funny//Mahon

2020bmxmag.com.au

Tom Boorman effortlessly turning it down//hoLMes

Shane Conlon rode dirt, mini and street which added up to some serious $. Flipwhip//Mahon

Games X BM

Jesse Puente. Maybe the most original and positive force in flatland//hoLMes

34 2020bmxmag.com.au

Tim Wood on route to the vert win//Chris saMUeL

Sydney Olympic Park was the venue. And while the proposed permanent ramp and trail facilities weren’t finished for the event (coming soon…), Heath and ARD with help from Mike Daly and Brad Grantham pulled together a pretty solid set up of ramps and jumps. Add a few grandstands, fencing and a mini tradeshow and you had all the earmarks of a big OS comp, except this was 100% Australian made, for all Australian BMX riders from the spectators to the winners of the pro events. While the release of info on the lead up wasn’t the best, the grapevine provided the riders with the dates and times and brought in almost everyone from all around the country to Sydney Olympic Park.

Vert The vert ramp was big, no shit, 14ft high with 2ft of vert, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the days of 8ft quarters are long gone so if you wanna ride vert you better get used to big ramps. Vert was run as one class only, not too many Am’s were keen to hit up the monster so it was left to five brave souls to battle it out. Mark Schneider made the trip down from Brissy but seemed to struggle with the size of the ramp, he still got through a 540, whips and a stack of other variations. Andrew Gul showed that he can ride anything by competing in Pro dirt, street, mini and vert. Andrew flowed the big ramp with a bunch of variations thrown in for good measure. C-Town local Dermo made a surprise venture onto the vert ramp and

took third place, throwing down a long list of bar spin variations and liptricks. Second went to another rider that showed his versatility over the weekend, Luke Fink. Luke showed us a stack of tech liptricks and fast airs and rode the monster ramp like a mini. Try a foot jam nose pick on a 14ft ramp why don’t you, second place. First was always going to one man, probably the only guy in the entire contest who would call himself a vert rider, Tim Wood took a break from commentating to win Pro vert. Tim recently spent two weeks doing demos on this ramp and had it dialled. Big 540’s, stretched variations and back to back huge flairs had Tim in league of his own.

Flatland The flat comp was inside on the super smooth Olympic concrete of the sports hall and the turn out was pretty damn good. 12 guys rode in Am flat, including a large contingent of WA crew who made the long flight over the desert to scuff their way around the floor. The Bielecki brothers showed up in some colourful outfits representing the west coast and helping flatland maintain its quirky image. Sydney’s Mitch Brown and Glen Downey ripped and there was even an appearance from Brisbane’s old schooler Tony Newton. Jason Parker was stoked with the win and extra stoked to grab a Dragonfly SOLO frame for his trouble, Aaron Bandy took second and June Dungca flew over from New Zealand to take out third. Pro flat had some familiar names including Australia’s world dominating flatlander,

Andrew Gul. Spine nohander//Mahon

2020bmxmag.com.au

Games X BM

SA’s Shane Badman, Vinnie Pugh from Sydney plus Stumpy and Stu John down from Brisbane. On top of the usual Aussie crew everyone was stoked to see KHE’s Jesse Puente head over for the comp. Jesse brought with him his unique and often copied style and his positive vibes had the close knit flatland community stoked the whole weekend long. Simon proved that endless riding in your front yard pays off by taking out first with his usual smooth and dialled style, warp speed time machines and endless linked runs. Jesse showed the progression from pegs to pedal tricks has come a long way with his powerful style and so many nameless tricks and links for second place, in what was a true showing of freestyling freestyle ala hip hops Freestyle fellowship, cept it was spinning wheels instead of rhymes. Simon and Jesse had everyone in the building transfixed, even those more used to transitions than flatland trickery. Shane Badman showed his strength in versatility to take out third (to find

TOP//Brett Mason//hoLMes//MIDDLE LEFT//Brad Grantham fuf’n the mini edge//hoLMes//MIDDLE RIGHT//Simon O’Brien//Chris Moore//BELOW// Unidentified flip turndown//Chris Moore//riGhT//Clint Millar over-ice//hoLMes

36 2020bmxmag.com.au

out more about Shane check out his interview elsewhere in this issue). Fourth went to Brett Mason (Stumpy) with Vinnie Pugh and Stewart Munro following close behind. I think it would have to be said that this was one of the biggest flatland comps that Australia has ever seen and will keep the flat riders amped for a longtime along with opening up the eyes of more than a few riders present.

Dirt With only a day or two to get the dirt sculpted, it’s always a rush to get the set up right. This leaves the diggers working flat out getting the jumps refined, maintained and ridden in to make them ride like your hidden local trails. With some last minute refinements the jumps rocked and provided for some spectacular riding throughout the weekend. Not unlike any other one off dirt comp, the deal went, shitty jumping day one, starting to get flowy on day two, then come Sunday finals, they were bedded in and everyone went off…

Games X BM

Am dirt showed that there is a big future for Australian dirt jumping. With some of the best jumpers in the world right now coming from Australia, these are the guys to look out for in the future. Andrew Vasquez took out first, Zac Miner second and Chris Symons third, all of whom will be stepping up very soon. The list of pro riders included some big names and the comp went off. The start ramp drop off brought out a few of the highlights with Clint Bensley launching a gutsy 360 and no foot can on his way to the first jump. Further down the jumps Nick Cooper rolled away from a bike flip, only a foot dab away from pulling it cleanly. Luke Parslow (riding in a lot of pain with serious ankle damage) brought his big list of tricks including the ever popular flipwhip and Luke Fink threw down 720’s amongst pretty much every trick you could think of. But, Coffs Harbour ruler Shane Conlon stepped it up more than anyone, throwing down so many back to back variations and walking away with first place. Try turn down flip to suicide double truck to no foot can 360 for a run. Parslow took second, Fink third and Nick Cooper fourth.

Mini Ramp The mini ramp was 20ft wide and ARD’s new ramp surface made it super smooth and fast. There were about 10 riders in am and 20 or so in pro with finals running in both. In Am some stand out’s were Jaie Toohey and Andrew Bulhworth flowing all over the ramp with a good mix of airs and lip tricks Jay took 4th and Andrew 5th. Thomas Foroyle and Thomas Payne were ripping it up with a bunch of tech tricks and smooth style. In the end Zac Miner took out 1st with a stash of jumping styles including superman’s and nothings over the spine. The pro comp was very simply out of control. Pete Radivo had a big crash and dropped out, could that have been due to the Homebush nightlife? Pete was trying 360 tail taps on the spine to whip out and also whip to over ice, sick, what more can be said? Shane Conlon took 7th with his super fast and burly style. Mike Daly ended up in 6th with his usual mix of speed, airs and lip tricks. Brendan Jones almost killed some spectators with a rail fuf gone wrong, his bike headed over the fence and took out some of the crowd. Brendan also did super high and smooth airs, getting about 8ft over the spine. Puni took out 4th with a good mix of airs, whips and tech. Brad Grantham rode really well for 3rd, his stand out trick was a backwards fuf on the side rail, he pulled it several times super smooth. Brad also had big airs and a bunch of spine tricks too, think 360’s at 7+ feet out. 2nd went to the simply unstoppable Luke Fink. Luke was all over the ramp with all sorts of tricks that no one else was doing, try tooth pick to 360 over the spine at about 100 miles an hour. Oh yeah, Luke also pulled a 900 on the mini at the end of

Clint Bensley with a very un-turndowned un-turndown//Chris saMUeL

TIm Casey//hoLMes

2020bmxmag.com.au

Nick Cooper//Chris saMUeL

Chris Soulon//Chris saMUeL

the comp. That’s two and a half rotations. On landing he was compressing so hard it hurt watching. First place belonged to Clint Millar, and for good reason. Clint’s mini skills are well known, but for those that have been asleep for 10 years, try nose pick to tooth, to downside whip out, he also got real close to a whip to nose pick… All up the mini comp was awesome, can’t wait for that ramp to be twice as wide.

Street Street took place inside one of the massive empty buildings on an amazingly well put together course considering it was dragged together from a stack of bits and pieces from the ARD ramp stockpile. Full of sub rails, street spines, banks, quarters and ledges, the last minute course proved to be a winner. The Street contest had a good vibe all weekend, indoor venues seem to provide this especially when spectator viewing was prime real estate. The crowd was literally hanging from the walls to get a good view. Am street belonged to Sydney local Daniel Donges who took out 1st with Queensland ripper and all around stoked guy Mickey Soole second and Shane Batchelor third. Pro street was just big trick after big trick! Seaton Spratt with a double whip and 360 nose pick over the huge sub rail/spine set up, Luke Fink somehow still firing after dirt and mini came out strong with a hand plant to fakie and 360 tailtap to bar spin over the same giant street spine! Brad Grantham went off trying to reach the very skinny and far back rail on the 7ft quarter and also 180 tail tapped over the street spine to fakie. Pete Radivo whipped off everything and pulled a 360 spine tail tap to whip out. The results ended up with Fink taking a well deserved win, Brendan Jones took second with fast, smooth lines all over the course and some big flips and Seaton double whipped his way to third. It was a crazy afternoon, both riders and crowd really giving it all they had! When it was all over it has to said that the BMX Games pushed the envelope of comps in Australia, bringing riders together from all around the country to session and compete on what is the beginning of Australia’s premier BMX facilities. The huge range of riding styles and skills was thrown into the mixing pot and even with the absence of some of our countries top riders, the level of riding showcased was simply mind blowing. With so many new faces rocking skills that will see them at a world standard in no time, the future looks good for BMX in Australia. Add to this the inspirational value of the younger crew seeing the level of riding from all around the country and the future looks even brighter. If you hear word of next years, make sure you chase it up and get there. 2020 Luke Parslow throwing his now signature trick//Chris Moore

Games X BM Results Pro Dirt

Pro Park

Pro Mini

4th Brett Mason

1st Shane Conlon

1st Luke Fink

1st Clint Millar

5th Vinnie Pugh

2nd Luke Parslow

2nd Brendan Jones

2nd Luke Fink

6th Stewart Munro

3rd Luke Fink

3rd Seaton Spratt

3rd Brad Grantham

Am Flatland

4th Nick Cooper

4th Brad Grantham

4th Michael Puniard

1st Jason Parker

5th Ricardo Laguna

5th Pete Radivo

5th Brendan Jones

2nd Aaron Bandy

6th Clint Bensley

6th Clint Millar

6th Mike Daly

3rd June Dungca

7th Andrew Gul

7th Andrew Gregory

7th Shane Conlon

4th Derek Blaike

8th Brett Pople

8th Shane Conlon

8th Pete Radivo

5th Mike Bielecki

Best Trick Dirt

Am Park

Am Mini

6th Karl Hughs

Luke Parslow/Clint Bensley

1st Daniel Donges

1st Zac Miner

7th Matt Bielecki

Am Dirt

2nd Mickey Soole

2nd Thomas Payne

8th Mitch Brown

1st Andrew Vasquez

3rd Shane Batchler

3rd Thomas Forooyle

Vert

2nd Zac Miner

4th Joshua Kane

4th Jaie Toohey

1st Tim Wood

3rd Chris Symons

5th Chris Solon

5th Andrew Bulhworthy

2nd Luke Fink

4th Daniel Donges

6th Tom Boorman

3rd Dermo Rowland

7th Chris Poole

Pro Flatland

5th Chris Solon

1st Simon O’Brien

4th Andrew Gull

6th Tom Boorman

8th Chris Odonnell

2nd Jesse Puente

5th Mark Schneider

7th Chris Houghton 8th Chris Jones

40 2020bmxmag.com.au

Pete Radivo unleashing on the spine//Chris Moore

3rd Shane Badman

Fink street spine 360 tap to bar spin,what?//Mahon

Games X BM

shane badman philosophy for riding and life

Always be good to your mum, no ones cooking is better than mums. There are always two sides to a story and decisions should be made when you have all the facts. I never listen to rumours other than to wonder why a person must have so little going on in their own life that they must look to someone else’s to get fulfilment. Last but not least, treat people how you would like to be treated.

interview by ross lav

Flatland is full of clichés. Pretty ironic considering flatland was once described as:

“let originality define your individuality” Being the first major flatland inspired interview for a long time, I wanted a rider who didn’t fit the flatland stereotype and also had something constructive to say. There are no unemployed fruity vego flatlanders here. Think something along the lines of sharp business suits, eleven hour riding sessions and philosophy, all within the physique of a Rugby player.

44 2020bmxmag.com.au

For a change, lets start off with some family background. I was born in Portland Victoria at the ripe old age of zero, life began for me at this stage and I haven’t looked back. It was a moment that changed my perspective on riding, but it was still a little time before I opened my eyes to the world. My Dad immigrated to Australia with his family at age 16 from the UK. He left home shortly after, arriving to work on various cattle stations in northern Australia ultimately followed by an academic career. He’s now a Doctor with his PhD in Vegetation Ecology, not bad for someone who didn’t finish school. My mum was an accountant for a company called Toshiba while living in the Philippines. After they married, someone drew the short straw and along I came. Home was in a caravan on the shores of Lake Eyre in South Australia until I was about 2 years old or so before we moved to a big city called Marree with a population of 30 (33 after we arrived). Think Marree, think central SA.

You’re a very proud Adelaide resident, the city is renowned for dirt jumpers, what can you tell me about the history of flatland in South Australia. Adelaide has what the big cities have to offer, but with its own personality. Nothing is ever too far away or too hard to get to, it’s a place of convenience. There was a group of maybe a half dozen flatlanders back in the early to mid 90’s that rode constantly together. Kym Fielke was a part of that group with another little known rider Matt Holmes (not sure what he does now though…) The scene was pretty good for a while. I came in as things were winding up and unfortunately never got a chance to ride with Kym. I think I was about 14 or 15 at the time and just starting to find my way. Since that group split there hasn’t been another to replace it.

Showing the big wheel who's boss//Crispy

2020bmxmag.com.au

What interests did you have as a child? Being outside. I’ve never been someone that likes being indoors. I was always out exploring and since I learnt to ride a bike when I was 4, that’s where it all started. Being an only child I had to make my own fun. Despite not having regular kids my own age to spend time with I was never bored. There was always something to do, or something to see and some way to get in trouble! You completed your secondary education at boarding school, what impact did it have on you? People have this stereotype about boarding schools. I don’t know where they get those ideas from, but some of my best memories growing up are from being there. I met a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds/cultures/ countries and learnt a lot of things that you would never learn at school. It taught me how to get on well with nearly everyone and that sometimes the best idea is not always your own. At the same time, it taught me independence and that no matter how you live or where you live, there is always going to be a pecking order in life, you either be pecked on or you do the pecking. I didn’t ride a lot during my first few years. A friend at school let me keep my bike at his place and I would ride mostly on weekends. Once I got in my senior years, I was able to have it in my room. From then on, I pretty much rode everyday after school and every weekend.

You played Rugby at school and you look more like a Rugby player than a flatlander, why did you choose flatland over football? Ha! Rugby Union was something I guess I inherited from my Dad. He played a lot when he was at school and I enjoy doing anything physical. Most of my mates played and it was something that appealed a lot more to me than Aussie Rules Footy. I will try almost anything once and after trying Rugby I loved it and continued with it. I was playing state level for a short while. During a carnival in Perth I broke my knee, I snapped my ACL and PCL ligament in my knee, basically my knee could bend 45 degrees to the left before I had it reconstructed. I have not and don’t expect to feel pain like I did when that happened. I was running flat out and got bumped and landed straight legged… I heard my knee snap and next thing I know I couldn’t move and was getting taken to hospital. A routine 45 min operation took 4 hours to put both ligaments back together including taking one ligament from my hamstring and attaching with a bunch of screws. This was followed by 3 months in a full leg brace where all my leg muscles wasted away, then 8 months of daily rehabilitation to build my strength, learn to run and above all get my confidence back. After this I spent the next year re-learning every trick I learnt in the past 4 years as my body and confidence levels had changed over the time taken to heal. At this point it occurred to me

Federation Square cliff hanger//Crispy

46 2020bmxmag.com.au

that the most important thing I had in my life was my riding and I valued that more than I do anything else, I haven’t played Rugby since. Looking back, having that injury was probably one of the best things to happen to me. I learnt about depression, frustration, anger, fear, to name a few, but then I learnt about determination, perseverance, self-belief and above all happiness. I will never forget the feeling of pulling my old tricks over a year later and knowing that all the hard work to get back to roughly where I was had paid off. It felt good. What is your motivation to ride? My biggest motivation to ride everyday is to show myself that there is nothing that I cannot do. It feels good to be riding and learning new tricks, or learning new combos. The feeling I get from pulling a trick the first time when I have been practising it for ages is tough to describe, it’s a total buzz.

Zen and the art of flatland//Crispy

Are you a competitive person? Yes. I compete against myself every minute that I’m on my bike. My self-competition and having to prove to myself that I can do something is what makes me come back the next day to ride. With others, that depends on who they are and in what situation. In a competition, I’m more competitive against myself as I feel that I have to prove to myself that all the time I spend riding should pay off otherwise I’m wasting my time being there. I enjoy watching others ride for motivation and to see how other people do things. Why haven’t you gone overseas to compete? Full blown competitions have never been a real interest to me. Having to dial tricks in for comps bores me to sleep. I’d rather spend my time trying things I’ve never done before rather than pull the same link 10 times in row every day leading up to a comp. I’m happier learning a link, getting it on video, then moving on to learn something new. The

only advantage to me I see of comps is to meet and spend time with other riders. When I’m travelling, I’m much more interested in learning about the riding scene locally. It seems to be that the comp scene is the same wherever you go, but every local scene is different. How does being far from other riders impact your riding? Other than motivate me to travel from time to time, I don’t really think that it has impacted my riding a great deal. In recent years though, I think it has helped my riding “lifespan” in the long-term. I don’t feel a part of any scene as I ride by myself mostly, but I guess I still witness what goes on elsewhere. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I see a lot of things that sometimes make me thankful that I’m not part of the larger BMX community. Everyone rides for different reasons and everyone is a different person, so I guess as BMX gets larger you will always have bigger personalities. You can interpret

shane badman 2020bmxmag.com.au

Pedal based contortions//Chris Moore

Under the brige downtown is where I... //Chris Moore

48 2020bmxmag.com.au

What are your thoughts on the Aussie Flatland scene? There are a few riders that I keep in regular contact with, but on the whole I don’t have a lot do with the scene as such. I think comps have been the healthiest thing for it in respects to bringing everyone together. The internet and in particular discussion forums have helped raise the local profile to a worldwide audience, but at the same time I see a lot of whiny and complaining riders on there that I think need to spend some time interacting with people on a face to face level. Some of the things I’ve read on forums I’m pretty sure would earn you a pretty quick beating if you said it to someone’s face. I guess that’s the advantage of sitting behind a computer screen, everyone’s got balls then. The people you spend time with back home, how do they influence you? On a riding level not at all. Most of my friends are street and park riders and I don’t really spend a great deal of time with them other than chilling together occasionally on weekends. Being a flatlander you tend to spend a lot of time by yourself. Having said that though, there are a couple of riders that I really enjoy riding with. Mark Colpo and Josh Pathon are both awesome riders doing what comes to them naturally

and not to any agenda. Not part of any scene, not responsible to any group, not out to prove anything, just riding when they feel like it. More importantly, they are just great people to be around. Riding for them is just that. There is no politics, no static and no attitudes, just straight up fun. Outside of riding the people I hang out with regularly tend to be pretty driven individuals. One of my mates who is a big inspiration was looking at a map of Australia one day and decided to ride his bike from Perth to Brisbane through the middle of Australia, just himself, his bike and a trailer and his own company for 6 months. The same person also sea-kayaked from Papua New Guinea to Cape York and did an open sea paddle from New Caledonia to Papua New Guinea with another guy sleeping in 4 hour shifts for 18 days. I find things like that very inspirational. So if you quit riding and did take up another sport, do you think you would have ended up a different person? I think about that sometimes. That if all the time I have spent riding I put into something else what would happen? I don’t think I would have ended up a different person, in fact I can’t see how any other activity would have appealed to me like flatland unless I was another person. I am who

life and riding Some simple philosophies

number one Always be good to your mum: no ones cooking is better than mums. There are always two sides to a story and decisions should be made when you have all the facts. I never listen to rumours other than to wonder why a person must have so little going on in their own life that they must look to someone else’s to get fulfilment. Last but not least: treat people how you would like to be treated

life balancing and motivation Balance is the fundamental key to successful living. Everything that is a part of nature demonstrates this in one way or another. Whether it is a tree growing, the seasons changing or day turning into night. If all I did was ride, I’m pretty sure I’d be sick of it by now. Sure it would be great in the short term, but long term I’m certain I’d be burnt out pretty quick. My motivation to ride comes from the fact that I don’t spend every waking moment riding, but I sure spend almost every waking moment thinking about riding. Time is a big motivational factor for me in the sense that the less time I have to ride, typically, the harder I will ride to compensate.

make the time and priorities in life Another rider once told me that he never has any time to ride. My response would be if riding meant that much to you then you would make the time. I think that is a good test of ones dedication and commitment through the time that they devote to doing something. This is made especially harder when there is no obligation to do it, you just want to do it. Everyone has different priorities in life but keeping the same priorities I think is hard for some people.

taking opportunity in life: making most of it Life is an opportunity. Every chance I’ve ever been offered I’d like to think that I made the most of it and even created some opportunities that have benefited me in the long run. While riding still remains the most important thing to me at this point in time, every decision I make relates back to riding in some way. For me, opportunity is typically interpreted whether I will get to ride in a new spot, meet new people or travel somewhere I’ve never been before. Opportunity was something my parents offered me from very early on. There was never an obligation to do anything, but they always encouraged me to give things a go cos I might just actually enjoy what I was doing. I responded well to this as it made me realise that just because there is a door in front of you, doesn’t necessarily mean you will walk through it. Sometimes you need someone to help you along the way and show you the better path.

everyones got the same potential: it’s a matter wanting it to happen Again, I was very fortunate that I discovered the one thing in life that I wanted to devote all my time to at an early age. Some people go through their entire life without ever having a true passion for something. I’m a firm believer that everyone has a “sweet spot” in them somewhere with something that they do with their life and once they find it, this will go a long way to realising their true potential. Really the only thing that separates one person from another is their attitude.

I am and that has shaped me to embrace flatland. I don’t see it as the other way round. Why did you buy a street bike? I used to ride a bit of street when I was younger, then kinda got away from it for a few years. Street has always appealed to me because the rider has to adapt to the terrain, not adapt the terrain to suit the rider, for example a skatepark. It just seems a purer form of riding and has those similarities with flatland. So what other things are you interested in outside of purely riding? I guess my mind is on riding almost every minute every day. Outside of this I spend a lot of times outdoors doing multi-day hikes, going for MTB rides and visiting out of the way places and looking for obscure places to ride flatland. Personally I like doing things that will test me physically and mentally. I went skydiving last year for an experience, I used to rock climb regularly for a while and would love to get back into that more. Another interest I have which developed through riding, but has carried over to other areas would be video stuff. I’ve been doing a lot of filming for a while now and really enjoy that. Not so thrilled on the editing side, but I’ve been putting a bit

of time into it lately. I’d rather film and let someone else put it together. Some riders need people to ride with to be challenged, what challenges you? I challenge myself. I challenge myself when someone tells me I can’t or shouldn’t do something, or when I’m told that something can only be done a certain way. I feel challenged when something doesn’t go the way I expect it, but I know it should work. I feel challenged when I look at my bike and realise that as much as I’ve learnt I’ve still got a long way to go. I’m challenged that everyday I’m getting older and that feeling puts a sense of urgency in me to learn things immediately. You once said you do not enjoy riding or more to the point you don’t do it for fun, then why do you ride? That is true. The amount of time riding when I can actually say it is fun is very small. Usually it gets “fun” after I’ve spent the past 2 weeks feeling frustrated about a trick, then finally pulling it! Having that feeling at the end makes it worthwhile, because I know that I’ve earnt it. My riding brings out the best and the worst traits in me. I’m not scared to say that I get emotional when I ride. I’ve thrown

my bike and had it get stuck at the top of a tennis court fence, then eventually calmed down and saw what an idiot I am. I’ve gotten so frustrated at not being able to pull a trick I thought I had dialled that I punched myself in the head and saw stars. But then I’ve also learnt what it means to be dedicated to something, to have that bit of satisfaction that every time I go ride and bust tricks, that I couldn’t have done that without putting time and effort into it and I have something to show for it. There is no glory in practice, but without practice there is no glory. Highlights inside and outside of riding. Highlights inside of riding: Despite having a total love/hate relationship with my bike, the fact that after learning to ride a BMX aged 4, I’m still on one now 21 years later. All the people I’ve met through BMX that have become my good friends and the travelling that BMX has afforded me. Highlights outside of riding: Having good parents and friends that understand my riding and are surprised when I’m not riding. Living all the places where I have in the past including everywhere from a caravan on Lake Eyre to suburban Adelaide. Getting my education and learning the whole while that the real world is very different to the one they teach you in the classroom. The word “Corporate” appears to be a taboo in BMX, you work long hours for a corporation, you wear suits and still front the Dickies on the weekends. I guess I see life as a big strategy game. We all have to earn money to survive, but I think in this game the rules are flexible as it doesn’t say how you have to make that money. I was fortunate to be given opportunities, but I was more fortunate to be given the freedom of choice to take those opportunities and not be pushed into them. Growing up, my parents never told me I had to do something or be someone. Instead they gave me options and let me decide what direction I’d like to take my life. They supported me irrespective of what I put my time and effort into, I really appreciate them having done that. Self-discovery is the best way to learn. Although small, another factor in going this direction is the stereotype. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “I’d hate to be working the 9-5” or “I’d hate to be working a boring office job”. People have this misconception that having a job (especially an office job) will be a negative on your riding. I don’t find that so. My riding now is better than it was a year ago and it will be much better in a year’s time from now. I still ride everyday and I haven’t changed from the person I’ve always been and I still ride as hard as I always have. I think that is probably more a reflection of the person. If they are too lazy to go ride after a few hours at work, then maybe they shouldn’t call themselves a rider? From the job front, I mean if you’re stupid enough to do a job you hate… then you’re getting what you deserve. Life is full of decisions, make the right ones people! What’s your daily routine, where do you find time to ride? Daily routine is pretty tight. Get up at 7.20, head to work by 8. Finish work around 6, then head to my spot to ride until around 10.30-11pm. Head home, cook dinner, watch a DVD, then usually bed by 12.30-1. This can change, but that’s a typical weekday for me. Weekends are a little different. Saturday morning, get all my stuff done around the house, shopping and so on. Usually ride flat in the

2020bmxmag.com.au

shane badman

Who helps you out? I help myself out. I have a job that allows me to eat and buy the parts I need and some money to travel with. Jamie at Stowaway has been great to me over the past few years. Despite our small numbers in flatland, Jamie always lends the support where it’s needed whether through supporting nationwide flat jams or comps to helping a brutha out with parts or frames. I’m totally appreciative of all the support he’s offered me over the years and I’ll always do my best to promote Stowaway. Jamie has his heart in the right place. Its dudes like him that make sure BMX doesn’t forget its roots. Beau and Cha at SkateFX help me out with an indoor spot all year round and go out of their way to make sure BMX along with Skateboarding has a future in South Australia. Big props to them for their commitment Thank-you to: I like to say a big thank you to my Mum and Dad for buying me my first BMX when I was 4, then my first freestyle bike when I was 13. All their support and help over the years is much appreciated. I also want to throw a massive shout out to my extended family of Beau and Cha at Skatefx for always having a place for me to ride and helping me get in the right frame of mind to keep learning new tricks. Those guys have been a big influence on my progression. Lookout for the new Skatefx… it’s in the works. Also big thank you goes out to Ross D Lav for being himself and lending an ear when I’m hating riding and for bouncing strange ideas off. Clint Millar for being the first rider I ever spoke to that took the time to help me learn tricks when I was starting and hooking me up with the Prody vids. Hard to believe we wrote to each other for 7 years before we actually met! Nice one Millar! Stewart Munro for helping Australian flatland in a way that only Stewart can. Cheers to all the good conversations we’ve had on BMX and flatland. I cannot forgot my good mate Dave Sayer, his dedication to keeping the SA BMX scene alive for the world to see through his eyes is amazing: www.safreestyle.com by a rider, for riders. Finally to the small, but strong contingent of flatlanders in Australia that support the comps and jams, keep the spirit of flatland alive! 2020

One roll, one take//Crispy

and keep your riding on the ball. Do you think other riders are lazy? Everyone rides and does things for different reasons. It can be easy to see whether people are driven or motivated to achieve not just with their riding, but with life in general. Personally, I enjoy my time when I’m spending it with people that are self-motivated and pro-active. I get inspired by people with these traits. People that “can’t be bothered” or “it’s all too hard” I have no time whatsoever for. You always talked about trees and their roots as a philosophy, explain what this means and do you still think that way? Definitely. Riding flatland usually means a lot of hours spent with your own thoughts. I like being outside and with nature and my best spots usually reflect this through the old trees that are there. Riding one day I realised that a tree would be the perfect symbolism for flatland. The analogy is this: Every rider, like every tree is different: we all come in different shapes and sizes. Our environment and the conditions of that environment ultimately determine how we grow.

2020bmxmag.com.au 50 2020bmxmag.com.au

A dedicated flatlander will eventually adapt their riding to suit their environment as a tree would grow accordingly to match its surrounds. Through all of this, there is one key element a tree never loses: its true balance point. No matter what direction it grows, it is in perfect symmetry. I don’t think I need to elaborate why balance is so crucial to flatland. Trees and riding also share one other similarity and this is more from a trick perspective. We all start with very little raw skill, but through time this develops. Our “trunks” become bigger as we ride more, meaning that our core skills improve. Following this growth, we learn more tricks and so we “branch” out into these areas. The branches are thin to begin with as we are learning these new tricks, but as we dial them in the “branches” become thicker and then new branches grow from the now more established ones. Basically, we can learn one trick, build on it with another and continue to grow from there. All this occurs while our “trunks” remain solid with our core skills and our “roots” are buried firmly in our BMX culture (metaphor for environment).

SkateFX hitch flip//Chris Moore

eleven..

Here is an A-Z of what went down at hmh11at Beenleigh on May 7 & 8th. By Clint Millar A

Always fun. HMH11 was no exception to the rule.

Beenleigh BMX park, as always is the venue for HMH. It’s Australia’s oldest ramp park in existence and hopefully will be around for many more years to come. With the work that the BBSA have been doing, I am sure it will be doing just that.

Krowds…. OK I can spell. I just had nothing else to write for K. There were great crowds at this HMH as always. Even on the Sunday when the weather sucked there were still a few hundred people hanging out having fun.

Is for cleaning your bike after I actually rode dirt!! I jumped the big sets for the first time ever. I think after my efforts everyone can see why I don’t ride dirt that often!

Is for Luke Fink. He made it up for his first HMH and walked away with a big piece of the prize money. Luke rode well and impressed many with his unique style. Luke also took out the skid comp with an amazingly long skid. It was good to have some more riders from down south support this rider run comp series.

Is for dirt ruler, Shane Conlon, once again showed his recent rise to the top of all that is dirt jumping in Australia. He took out the dirt comp with impressive runs. X-up Backies, double trucks & whips were amongst his arsenal.

Stands for Mark Schneider, president of the BBSA and the father of the HMH series who rode well and peg stalled the huge sub he made on the mini. Mark once again doing it for everyone else and keeping BMX alive at Beenleigh.

Stands for Nick Cooper who rode well enough for a 3rd in dirt. He once again came close to the bike flip that he pulled at the BMX games. He did however mess up his ankle on his last attempt and this kept him out of riding mini later that day.

Stands for outstanding efforts by all those that helped out on the day at the comp. The Richardson family for all their efforts as always, Clint Sibbald, Roy Jarmey and wife, Daniel Dahl Helm, Tim Wood and Richo’s mates’ Michelle and Lisa in the canteen.

Stands for eleven and a half. HMH 11.5 that is... The street comp has been rescheduled for June 12th at this stage. Check www.bbsai.org for more up to date info as I could be wrong.

Stands for certain people f*@#ing whinging, you know who I mean?

Is for Gannon. Matt Gannon to be precise. He did an amazing footjam nosepick on the sub box of the mini ramp. Crazy shit that had to be seen or ridden to be believed.

Is for huge sub box that Mark made for the mini ramp, this thing was scary. 5 foot tall at least on a 7 foot tall mini ramp. Anyone that has ridden the ramp will know it’s rough and so hard to get speed. Getting onto this thing was tough.

Probably one of the most stress free comps we have ran yet. Despite the crap weather and vandals this comp seemed a breeze to run. Maybe we are finally getting pro at running these things? Who knows but it was fun all the way.

Is for the idiots that took it upon themselves to destroy the sub-box that Schneider made. I don’t know who or why but let me say that if Mark ever finds out who you are, watch out for flying hammers coming your way. You’ve been warned...

Is for the question that I got asked a thousand times. “Have you got a sticker?” After I made the mistake of getting a bag of stickers out for a polite kid that asked for some. I told him to not tell his friends that I had stickers. What did he do straight away? You guessed it… oh well, kids will love their stickers.

Is for rain. This was the first ever HMH comp to be rained out. Saturday was awesome but Sunday was a total washout. We did however have fun with a whole slew of old school comps just for fun. Such as the good old bunnyhop comp, Macca’s skid tray comps & piston races amongst other things. All making most of the bad weather.

Jed, cousin Jed from Taupo, NZ. He rode well and headed back to NZ a few days after the comp. Jed migrated out to Beenleigh and loved it enough to stay for a few months before the comp. Lets hope he is back again soon.

52 2020bmxmag.com.au

Not even a broken jaw can stop Lee Kirkman, huge indian seatgrab on his new KHE ride//Moore

2020bmxmag.com.au

Shane Conlon rips. Burly and tech//Moore

eleven.. 54 2020bmxmag.com.au

Matt Gannon has a cool lookin bike//Moore

Is the first letter in sponsored….. WeThePeople, DK, Bigdeal Clothing, Odyssey, Shadow Conspiracy, Macneil, Orchid Footwear, Pryme, Snafu, Crossley Cycles and Maxxis were the main sponsors of HMH11. So support these companies as they are supporting BMX in Australia.

Is for tuck no handers. With Richo out with his knee recovery, I missed seeing that little punk ride. I really like his ability to tuck no hander almost anything. Pitty he wears painted on tee shirts and girls jeans now.

Undisclosed Clothing Co. sponsored the First Aid tent by re filling the first aid kit and decking out the tent with all that Roy Jarmey needs to look after anyone that needs it. Well done!

Very impressed was I, on the level of riding displayed. There are so many riders out there that are killing it, many I have never even seen before. Its good to see more and more riders coming to events like the good old days.

Stands for the wankers that stole every single ramp sticker I put up on the ramps sometime Saturday night, not impressed. What they don’t seem to understand is that if the sponsors don’t get the coverage they deserve they may not support future events….. which means no more HMH (well with cool prizes anyway)

Nah nothing Xtreme here at all.

Year End titles are once again on offer for all classes. So the more comps you make it too and the more of an all round rider you are, the more points you will acquire towards the great year end prizes and titles.

I cant think of anything to go with Z. So stop reading this and just make sure you attend the next HMH. Heavy Metal Heroes 12 is set for August 13 and 14th. With HMH 11.5 set for June 12th but check the website. Word. 2020

Adelaides day dirt and street comp april

BOTHSHOTS//Andrew Gul ripped all weekend//HILLENBRAND

56 2020bmxmag.com.au

l th

Daniell Dunn throwing the big whip//HILLENBRAND

The sunny skies of Adelaide made for near perfect conditions for the combined two day skate park & dirt park competition, held at the City Skate Park and Karrungga Park Dirt Park on April 16th and 17th 2005... The Saturday Skate comp had the North Terrace facility packed by 2pm with the park open to everyone between official competitions. The tunes flowed and the Red Bull girls were on hand to help amp up the testosterone as the riding heated up and the day progressed. Riders under 16 in the Junior competition started the day off with brake-less rider Joe Decorso flowing smooth lines backed with tech moves to place first ahead of Steven Kennedy and Anthony Dean. The amateur comp began later in the day with local rider Tom Blanch impressing the judges with a flawless first run, setting the standard for an unbelievable level of riding for the group and finishing in first place overall. Melbourne rider Anthony Gul pulled his first flip on concrete alongside seamless runs to place second ahead of Dale Hastings. The pro’s were pulling big moves in practice and the field of 11 riders pulled out all the stops when it came to their final runs. Riders had two runs with the top five moving into the finals, held as the sunlight disappeared into the East and the park lights glowed. Daniel Dunn (aka Mozzie) blew the crowd away with back to back to back to back technical wizardry on two wheels, while also throwing down some of the biggest moves ever seen at the park. Flying in from Melton for the weekend, Andrew Gul also made it into the top five with his display of incredible skills. Paul Windley also made a weekend of it, driving across from Victoria with a few riders to show some of the locals how to lay down some big lines, as did local rider, recently back from Queensland, Damon Huntley. With these names down for a third and final run. Brad Grantham arrived at the comp late in the day after recently breaking his nose, decided not to compete, but borrowed Jamie’s bike (from Stowaway), had a quick ride and placed in third after his first two runs without even pushing it, happy to sit it out in the finals, making way for ‘Cairns’ to step up to the plate. Another rider unlucky in his heats was David Ludbrook, pulling together an awesome first run, but injuring his knee in a fall in the second ruled him out for the rest of the weekend. Big props to all the other pro riders who entered, including Sean Westcombe, Terry Durham, Glenn Lucas, Craig Peters and Craig Bennet.

Subscribe to 2020bmxmag for a year and you’re in with a chance to win one of 10 Odyssey T’shirts! Not only do you get to check the best in Australian BMX, but you’ll get to look the goods in your new T... Answer the easy question when you subscribe to go in the running!

I want an Odyssey T-shirt with my subscription! All I gotta do is answer this easy question: Name one Odyssey team rider: ___________________________________________________________* And count me in for a subscription for a years worth of 2020bmxmagazine.

One year subscription (4 issues) $A33 delivered to your door! Plus the chance to win one of 10 Odyssey Tshirts! MR/MRS/MISS/MS:_____ FIRST NAME:____________________ SURNAME:______________________________________________ ADDRESS:_______________________________________________ SUBURB:___________ STATE:_________ POSTCODE:________ DAYTIME PHONE:________________________________________ E-MAIL: _________________________________________________ [ ] I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER FOR $33 PAYABLE TO 2020bmxmagazine (No cash please!) PO BOX 498 NEWTOWN NSW 2042 *answer is at www.odysseybmx.com Terms and Conditions 1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these conditions of entry. Entries not completed in

accordance with these terms and conditions are ineligible. 2. Entry is open to residents of Australia only. 3. Entry is open to people who subscribe between the 19th of June 2005 and the 1st August 2005, and answer the attached question. 4. The competition will be judged at the 2020bmxmagazine offices. 5. This competition is a game of skill. Chance plays no part in determining winners. All entries will be judged by a panel of 2020bmxmagazine staff. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. The first 10 correct answers will receive an Odyssey T-0shirt, not transferable nor redeemable for cash. 7. The winners will be notified by mail. 8. The competition closes 1st August 2005 with all last mail received on this date. 9. The promoter is

2020bmxmagazine! Photocopy this if you don’t want to cut it out!

Adelaides day dirt and street com

The finals had the crowd going crazy and had to be seen to be believed. Jamie Moore was on the mic providing accurate calls for the bull***t riding going on in front of him. Mozzie opened the pressure dropping 360 into the steep quarter, onto flips, whips and all sorts of craziness over the whole park and taking the win. Andrew Gul backed it up with the biggest flip seen on concrete in Adelaide and more tech lines to take second ahead of Damon, Paul and Cairns rounding out the top 5. The sun was out early again Sunday morning, but unfortunately so too was his good friend the wind, making conditions for the early riding in the day quite testing at the year old dirt park. The Junior category started the day off with most riders opting to only jump the last out of the three big doubles, with the top few hitting all three jumps, laying down some style and pulling some great tricks. Jake French was the winner of Sunday’s dirt comp with skills way beyond his years, ahead of Scott Kinlay and Russell Provan in third.

58 2020bmxmag.com.au

Dirt turndown//HILLENBRAN

The wind was dying down as the Amateur comp began, Anthony Gul stepped up to his second place at the skate park with a resounding first place on dirt showing the locals how to ride some jumps, that maybe quite weren’t their style. Country rider Tim Dougherty placed 2 points behind in second place and Jake French stepping up (from junior) to take third. The crowd had grown to quite epic proportions by the time the Pro’s were ready to battle it out, with all good vantage points taken and camera lenses pointed toward the start mound where the final 6 riders awaited the call. It was great to see a couple of old school riders with Russell Tranter on the mic and Dwayne Golding and Terry Durham riding alongside the youngsters in Mozzie, Andrew Gul and Damon Huntley, with Glenn Lucas from Melbourne deciding to get dusty as well. All riders pulling big tricks over all the jumps with Terry’s nothing’s to 360’s, Glenn pulling bar spins into clean 720’s, and Damon whipping like a demon with these riders finishing outside the top three. Dwayne Golding never scared to lay it on the line placed third with back to back seat grab 360’s, big 1 foot-x-up flips and more, with Mozzie placing second despite 720’s, whips, flips and more. Andrew Gul emerged victorious with runs including a massive flip to 360 to tailwhip. The comp finished off with a best trick comp and then onto the beer tent. Overall Mozzie and Gul were tied, so both riders had one last run to ride off for overall first and second, Mozzie turned it on with a one foot x-flip to decade air taking home the title ahead of Andrew with Damon Huntley finishing third overall. All results can be viewed on the website www.volatilevisions.com.au, and a DVD covering pretty much the whole 2 days of competition should be available in July 2005. Big thanks to all the sponsors who helped make the event possible with special thanks to the Adelaide City Council for their support of young people and their activities in the city. Many thanks to JT Cycles, Jamie at Stowaway, Chris and the guys at Triplesix, Michael and the team from Red Bull, Tim from Oakley, Holmes at 20/20, the guys at BMX International and the help behind Volatile Visions including everyone from judges, officials, Dan working hardest of all on the tools, track builders, MC’s and everyone involved. It simply couldn’t have happened without the support of all these people and I am very grateful. See you next year for something even bigger and better! Zoli

Sunset topside dog piss by Dave//HILLENBRAND

signature frames

In the past, signature frames or pro models were the realm of the factory megastars from the USA who rode for the big corporate companies. But these days there are lots more companies around and most have a more rider orientated feel to them. This has opened the door for a lot of intelligent, but not-so-famous riders to really make their mark with some innovative ideas when given the chance to design their own frames. Very few Australian-based riders have ever had the opportunity to produce a signature frame but that’s all about to change with three frames currently in the works from three very well qualified Aussies. Wouldn’t it be nice to ride a frame and have the designer show up at your local spot and be able to chat to them about the concepts behind the frame. That might just happen now because all these guys are Aussie based and well travelled so keep an eye out for these frames because they are all top quality and well worth a look. Interviews by Jamie Mahon RIDER:

Daniel Wallis

COMPANY: Simple

FRAME NAME: The Debut

Wallis may not be the most well known rider in Australia but he has been around for quite a while and has some pretty deep roots in BMX. I have seen drawings of some of the new products in the works from Simple Bikes and there is some innovative stuff on the way… How and when did the opportunity arise to design your own frame? I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it is my frame, this is the story to help clear things up a little. When I was in Europe last year Niels (Thanild) mentioned that he was thinking about starting his own bike company and if so would I like to ride for him and help design a frame with him. Of course being that Niels and I get on so well I said that I would, so the frame isn’t all my own frame, but I had a lot if input into the frame and I think that every design aspect that I wanted is on the bike. How did it make you feel when you were offered the chance to help design a frame? Good obviously, it’s a lot of fun being able to tinker with ideas that you have had in the back of your mind for a long time. Like when you are buying a frame and its all perfect except one small thing, well I got to change that so its 100% what I want in a frame, if that makes sense? What was involved in the design process and how much control did you have? Well, Niels had the geometry dialled from his frame on Dragonfly and this was similar to the Standard that I was riding so that was the easy part. Niels wanted a 21” top tube and I wanted a 20.6” so there quickly became the 2 sizes. As far as the way it looked, as I said before, I think everything that I suggested is on the frame. What were you trying to achieve with this frame and how would you describe it’s intended use? Niels and I are both into making things as straight forward and light as possible, so that is what we did. We like the bike to look smooth, no un-needed bits hanging off it doing nothing, only making it heavier. You know.... Simple, hence the name. Its an all round frame for park, dirt and street. How long did it take to get the final design sorted? We had 3 prototypes over about a year. What were some of the problems faced during the development process? There are more problems than you could poke a stick at when designing a frame, luckily for me Niels had designed a frame before so he knew all the nicks and nacks. Could you give us a quick technical rundown on the frame? (tubing, geometry, special features) The frame has an internal headset and a Spanish b/b, which is a little higher than usual to make the bike feel faster. The chain stays are low

60 2020bmxmag.com.au

and have low profile brake posts to allow for smaller gearing. The top tube is quite low and everything is machined to make it as light as we could. It comes in 20.6 or 21 top tube, has 74.5 head angle and 71 seat angle, with 13.5” chain stays and will weigh in at 5.4 pounds. Did you get to choose colours, artwork for stickers and what not? (If so what were your reasons for choosing them) Niels has always been asking for any ideas about anything that he could use, but me being me, I never got round to it in time, I’m good like that. Niels took care of all that stuff, I think he did a great job with it. We have similar tastes in bikes that’s why the frame worked so well, couldn’t of done it better myself. I have some designs now that I will send over, who knows maybe the 2006 bikes will have them on it. What other products are in the works for Simple Bikes? Top Secret.... Nah we have bars that are out soon and are about to work on some 9 butted bars for next year. We have 2 sprockets in all sizes, Titanium hardware, really light seats and there is a rumour in the mill that a stem and pegs are on the way.... I’ve seen the drawings, what a treat. What will the frame be called and how did the name come about? The frame is going to be called the Debut, as it is Simple’s first product. Are you happy with the finished product and when will it be available? I’m more than happy with the bike and Niels is also. It rides perfectly, is quite light and looks amazing. They are in production now and should be in the country late June or early July. Any thank you’s? First of all, to Niels for putting me on the team. Mike and Jamie for giving me this opportunity to show people the frame and explain what Simple is about. Terry at Cycology for always helping me out, family and girlfriend, all my riding mates.... You know the drill.

Daniel Wallis debuting the new styles//Mahon

2020bmxmag.com.au

RIDER:

Clint Millar

WTP have been under Clint for many a year now. Whip at Tugan a few years back//Crispy

COMPANY: WeThePeople

FRAME NAME: the Millar lite

Clint is one of the O.G. Aussie Freestyle BMX riders and is still pushing as hard as anyone out there. His years of experience and dedication to riding have been rewarded with his own frame from We The People.

How and when did the opportunity arise to design your own frame? I had ideas for a frame from as far back as Sept 2004. However, it didn’t begin to become a reality until around Nov 2004 when I sent WTP what I wanted in the way of design, tubing sizes, geometry and overall concept. I have always been forthcoming with ideas to WTP on products and a frame is something that they took a liking too. I was stoked to say the least. You have been with WeThePeople for a long time now. How did it make you feel when they took you up on your own frame idea? Yeah, I have been with WTP for 5 years now. I think I am one of their longest running team members right now. So when they actually liked my idea for the frame and said they would be more than willing to do it I felt very honoured. At first my idea was to just have it for the Australian market but they felt that there was potential for it to go global. What was involved in the design process and how much control did you have? I pretty much had free reign on what I wanted to have it look like. I mean WTP aren’t some big corporate company that say, “yeah here is your “signature” frame, you get to choose what you want it called and that’s it.” WTP very much wanted my design; Harry just put a few tweaks here and there using his vast knowledge of frame design. I just told them the frame design I wanted with the geometry I wanted and they came back with a first drawing. I wanted to change a few details so we had a second drawing done and that’s what the prototypes are being made from. What were you trying to achieve with this frame and how would you describe it’s intended use? I really like the way a light bike feels. I wanted my frame to be light weight yet still retain strength. I wanted small diameter tubing so that it even looks light from the first glance. I wanted a simple frame design but not too simple. Brakes up the top for clearance with any gearing. Internal headset was a must as was the press fit MID bottom bracket. My frame is for anyone who wants a light weight bike that has good geometry for any type of riding. It will be available with or without gyro tabs. Very much an all round bike. How long did it take to get the final design sorted? From giving them my specific ideas till getting the first drawing was around three months. Then getting the second drawing was another month or so. The first prototype will be done a bit behind schedule. I will have it in my hands first week of June when I am at WTP after the worlds in Prague. So from Nov 04 till June 05 for first prototype. What were some of the problems faced during the development process? For me delays in making the prototype was my biggest drama. It was taking a lot longer than I would’ve thought. But I guess it’s been worth the wait to make sure it is exactly what I wanted. Could you give us a quick technical rundown on the frame? Well the first thing is that it’s 100% Japanese Sanko tubing (One of the best quality

62 2020bmxmag.com.au

tubes available). It’s double butted on the toptube (20.6” TT diameter 34.9mm) downtube (diameter 38.1mm) and seatstays (diameter 20.5mm). The chainstays 13.75-14” (diameter 20.5mm) are plain gauge tubing to help against denting. The seat tube is 71° and is single butted to save weight and have a shorter length above the toptube. It has an internal headset, head angle is 74.5° and also uses a press fit MID bottom bracket with a 11.5” BB height. The MID BB uses standard profile/ odyssey/royal USA BB bearings that press directly into the frame and will take a 19mm spindle. There will also be 22mm bearings available for Primo cranks. The dropouts are heat treated and are 5mm thick with small sink cuts to save on weight again. (every little bit helps !!) We predict it will weigh less than 5.5lbs. Did you get to choose colours, artwork for stickers and what not? Yeah I got to choose one of the colours in the range of 3 available. I wanted to try out a two tone paint job. It will come in mint green with a dark grey fade around the bottom bracket area. Should look cool I say. The other two colours will be a purple red and ochre brown. As for the stickers I had Chris Harrison from triplesix do up some ideas from what I told him and sent them over to Klaus at WTP. Klaus does all the artwork there and he will give me a few options. I am no good at art stuff so I will leave it up to them and I will pick the best one. Hopefully they should also look how I wanted them to. Are there any plans for Millar signature parts in the future? Not sure if there will be more from WTP but I have started my own parts company called, Colony BMX. I have been busy designing parts for that which all will be revealed later this year. Ryan Guettler is going to be my first team rider and I will be putting together a small team as well. How did the name come about? Funny you ask that. It actually came from Ross Lavender who is very much straight edge and has never even touched a beer before. The name is what I think clinched the deal with WTP as they are total beer drinkers!! They loved the name and its double meaning. I wanted a light weight frame and the name just suited perfectly. When will it be available? After I test it and make sure its exactly what I want it will go into full production with availability set for early September 2005 worldwide. Any thank you’s? Yeah I would like to thank Harry and Klaus at WeThePeople for believing in me enough to make this honour become a reality. I would also like to thank Chris Harrison at triplesix and Richard at Crossley Cycles plus Ross Lavender for the name. I would also like to thank in advance anyone that decides to ride one of my frames. I hope you like what I designed and I am sure it will be one of the better frames you have ever ridden. Yo yo!!

RIDER:

MikeDaly

COMPANY: Dragonfly FRAME NAME: TBA...

Mike needs no introduction. One of the longest standing Pros in Australia and a talented designer of everything from skateparks to children’s playgrounds. Designing a frame would be child’s play for Mike and merely a canvas for years of ideas. How and when did the opportunity arise to design your own frame? I have been riding for DF for a while now and most of their other team riders have been given the opportunity to have a signature frame so I guess it was just my turn. I got an email for Matthias at DF in March this year so it has all happened pretty quickly. You have been on the Dragonfly team for a long time now plus you are the Oz distributor for Dragonfly. How did it make you feel when they offered you your own frame? I was pretty stoked, I never really though about having a signature anything before, but its pretty cool, I’m definitely gonna keep one to hang on the wall. What was involved in the design process and how much control did you have? Everything was pretty much up to me. DF wanted to use an internal headset and their new press fit bb, which I was happy about. I also had to use the DF forged drop out, which was fine too. I did make some small changes with the drop out by cutting back excess material and also rotating it by 10 degrees to allow extra clearance for the chain when using a very small drive train. As far as geometry goes I had DF send me some engineering drawings of the current frames and just tweaked them a little to get what I wanted. I have been riding a V8 frame which I really like so I just made some changes to that, lightened it a little, changed some of the tubing sizes and made a couple of other small changes. What were you trying to achieve with this frame and how would you describe its intended use? I wanted a light frame, the V8 is around 6.1lbs but the new Kater frames are down at 5.0lbs so I wanted my frame to be as light as these. I think this is important both for me as a rider and also as a sales point for the frame. Everyone wants lightweight and with the better quality materials and manufacturing available now, you can achieve a 5.0lbs frame without reducing strength. I also wanted to fix the chain rattle problem that the DF drop out causes and get rid of the wishbone rear end on the V8. I ride mainly park and mini ramp but this frame would also be suited for dirt as well. It will be available in 20.4” and 20.8” top tube length so that should pretty much suit anyone. I will run the 20.4 because I like a shorter frame that’s more agile. How long did it take to get the final design sorted? It really only took me about a day to do the design, I had been thinking about it for a few weeks and pretty much knew where I wanted to go with it. I then went back and forth with the designer in Taiwan a couple of times until we had a drawing that we were both happy with. What were some of the problems faced during the development process? No real problems, I think the development of BMX frames has come along way in the last 5 years and the changes I was making were really just fine-tuning of a frame that was already pretty good. Could you give us a quick technical rundown on the frame? (tubing, geometry, special features) OK, All Jap SANKO crmo tubing, 20.4” or 20.8” top tube, 71 degree seat angle, 74.5 head angle, internal headset, the regular Campagnolo / FSA type and a press fit, mid size bb which will come with bearings for 22mm cranks and a spacer to suit 19mm. The brake mounts will be on the seat stays and will be angled a little, as will the cable stop and the frame will come with gyro tabs on the head tube. All tubes including the seat and chain stays will be double butted; this will enable us to reduce the weight

Since we’re going back in time a little, Daly in the pipe//hoLMes

without reducing strength. Diameters of the tubes will be: top 35mm, down 38mm, chain and seat stays will be 19mm. I am hoping the weight will be close to 5.0lbs. Did you get to choose colours, artwork for stickers and what not? (If so what were your reasons for choosing them) The stickers and colours are not finalised yet but they are up to me to come up with. The hardest part of the whole process has been picking a name for the frame, I still haven’t decided on one. As soon as I do I will sort out the artwork, I already have ideas on what I want it that to look like. The prototype frame will be here in a couple of weeks and production wont be until August so I have about 2 months to sort the name and get the sticker artwork finished. Are there any plans for Daly signature parts in the future? No plans right now but you never know…. Any thank you’s? Thanks to DF for giving me the signature frame, Holmes for helping with the sticker art and Kenny for giving me heaps of useless suggestions for the name. 2020

2020bmxmag.com.au

ben savage resides melbourne, victoria I’m a pessimist, Ben’s an optimist. Ben is somewhat complex, I’m kinda predictable. Character differences aside a unified existence has been thriving for the last decade and then some. From moments that will never be again to some that wishfully never happened, we have learnt and grown together. It’s a process of respect, having an open mind, loving and essentially being honest. Ben has proven to me that he bares all the above and that to me is what makes you a decent human being. Live. Love. Life... Yo, that’s it, these fake nigga’s will get an education reading these mad lyric’s! Peace. Markus Rowsel

2020bmxmag.com.au

Fence boost to flat in tailored threads//Crispy

phil johnston resides melbourne, victoria Phil regrets not working hard enough in the past to save and see the world. He admits his parents find it strange but he still thrives to see the world and wants to see himself travelling and exploring new corners of our planet. If Phil were to be born again, he said he would prefer to be born in the sixties cause life was so more chilled back then, ‘I like all the hippie stuff, the surf and the chilled lifestyle’. But Phil is happy in this life time while scarring himself occasionally with near death experiences like crashing motorbikes, snowboards and having a near shark attack experience when out surfing. (not really, it was just his imagination he says but regardless he was just as scared had it been the real thing). He is also happy in this life time cause of his favourite band ‘The fire theft’ and his girlfriend ‘Lisa’. He loves her like crazy! He also loves to drive his EH and ride his FIT with close buddies such as Ian Robinson, Zack Musarsa, Pete and Dao Radivo, Johnny amongst others. He loves riding so much he’s also taken time of work early to do so, he loves the feeling it gives him. ‘It frees my mind!’. Plus, as he puts it, he sees himself riding for a long time and if not riding he’s sure to be doing something with BMX, like clothing or photography, as he has a passion for both. From what I have seen Phil is a very passionate person with a love for the simple things in life and a stress free persona with a strange look on life. Which occasionally, in my opinion, will give him a unique edge should he choose the creative path in life. Nice guy Phil is from Melbourne and has a mean hop! Crispy

2020bmxmag.com.au

Pop to around rail//Crispy

Melbourne doesn’t have these wide open spaces like the high country//BearDo

josh willet resides melbourne, victoria Josh aint the smallest kid around and he uses this to his advantage. Throwing his bike around like the little bitch that it is, if you see him coming get outta the way cause he’ll be coming out on top. With a style unlike any I’ve ever seen he uses his strength to throw together combos that are always original and impressive. I’ve ridden with Josh for the past three years and watched him progress nonstop. Now residing in Melbourne after growing up in Jindabyne, the endless terrain available at his doorstep will no doubt help take his riding to a new level. Beardo

2020bmxmag.com.au

AIR on a Ramp

manual to 180

To learn manual to 180â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s you should find a small flat bank box with about a 2m deck. You can do them on a bigger box later but you will end up coming out fakie really fast.

70 2020bmxmag.com.au

Roll up to the box going fairly slow. Pretty much the same speed you would to just manual straight over the box. On your way up the box start to turn before you get to the top. Manual across the top of the box, turning as you go so that when you reach the other side you are going to be parallel to the top of the bank. As you near the other side of the box start turn more sharply and shift your weight out over the bank.

Before trying handplants you should learn fast plants, handplants are basically fast plants but using your hand instead of your foot.

Now you want to hop the last 90 degrees so that you land the full 180 and roll out backwards. I find itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful to give the pedals a little kick just as you take off as this helps flick you around. This trick is all in the set up, once you have it dialled you can hop the last 90 degrees really smoothly. Once you land backwards roll down the bank, set up your pedals and start to turn as your forward pedal is coming back up. Push down on the pedal, lift up on the bars and flick the bike back around and roll away. Daniel Wallis

Fantomas album “Suspended Animation” is like a musical wet dream. It has the right balance of metal aggression, circus carnival, slinky detective movie film noir

such as “The blood is love” the dirty rock grinding “Skin on skin” blasting through, winding down with smooth acoustic songs, reminiscent of a Quentin Tarrantino road movie. By the end you can’t help but hit the repeat button on the CD player, so you can do it all over again. Elka

general patton vs the xecutioners self titled Shock Records

turbonegro party animals shock recods Spewing from deep within Norway’s frozen north, these self-styled denim clad death punk rockers have certainly made a big name for themselves over the last few years thanks to some twisted albums and an even more twisted live shows. Think LA two years back, a small welll known live club packed to the rafters and it going completely nuts. I guess that experience sold me. Party Animals is their second record since they reformed after singer Hank Von Helvete was sent to a mental institution and it pretty much settles any worries that ‘Scandinavian Leather’ might have been a one off. With a mix of so many metal legends in their visual look and cranking sound, it’s amazing they’ve not turned into a R rated version of Spinal Tap, somehow keeping their twisted humour legit with solid crunching riffs, manic laughter and real rock and roll. Their 70’s rock stomp has been pushed into overdrive for the full length of the album, which would make the likes of the New York Dolls, ACDC and Judas Priest stoked. But It’s not all beer and laughs, as the hidden track quickly comes on and leaves you wondering where the hell they’re coming from. Party Animals is an extension of Apocalypse Dudes from a few years back, but it is a more than worthy continuation of a theme from what may be one of the most twisted bands to take to the road/recording studio in a long time. Expect to hear these guys in more than a few DVD’s this year and if they make the trip back to play here live, don’t miss em. Holmes

On one end we have the legendary experimental music whore Mike Patton. On the other we have 3 master turntablists, the X-ecutioners. Together they make a dysfunctional musical marriage that is all out war. The musical sounds range from down n out 70’s funk, hip-hop, Indian tabla music, camp jazz & lounge martini sippin’ muzak to dreamscape noise and many samples taken from various movie soundtracks, in turn appropriating a conceptual war themed soundtrack of their own. There are some truly excellent songs, such as “Get up punk”, “Kamikaze!” and “Loser on line”. However after my initial hardcore non-stop listening,

age lullabies to paralyse

queens of the stone

72 2020bmxmag.com.au

While it isn’t a huge venture away from “Songs for the Deaf” it still would have to be one of the best rock albums of the year. We just can’t get sick of it, its addictive. Produced by singer Josh Hommes, the album smoothly flows with songs like “Medication” and “Everybody knows that your insane” melting into each other perfectly. Every song is flawless, the horns are an excellent touch to some of the songs, but the use of Shirley Manson & Brodie Dalle’s vocals is barely noticeable. The QOTSA definitive sound and dark romanticism really shines through on the second half of the album, with songs

I began to tire of Kung Fu movie dialogue interludes, it’s been done so much it was like listening to a combo of early Wu Tang Clan and DJ Shadow. With awesome chunks of Patton’s witty spurts of sound and voice manipulation vs. the X-ecutioners flash scratching and sampling, this war themed album is ideal, though it can be a little tiresome after the 100th listen. Elka

fantomas

suspended animation A massive change from their last release “Delirium Cordia” which was like a soundtrack to Dr Mengele’s surgery performing voodoo ceremonies. The new

and wacko kiddie sinister sounds with a bit of the old cutesy cartoon Japanese electronica. It has the power of making you wanna bang your head, slam, boogie and smile like and idiot at the same time. It is very similar to the first two Mr Bungle & Fantomas records but even more so consistently mind blowing-there is never a dull moment. 43 minutes of pure joy. By the way did I mention it’s awesome blasting on the headphones when riding down hill really fast? Buy IT! Elka

dj bonez

mamma’s kitchen mix Obese Records A double CD featuring many big names in Australian Hip Hop. A big compilation that has been tweaked and blended by Bones

himself. I liked the album as it features heaps of really good artists. Bones has added some cool cuts and samples throughout the whole CD of some 38 odd tracks. I did find it annoying skipping from track to track as they are blended together and it could sound a little weird sometimes. Basically this means you listen to it from start to finish and its like having a DJ doing there thing in front of you. Meaning that this is a sick album for a party and you can save those dollars on hiring a DJ. Overall all its a good compilation with a spicy sauce added for your listening pleasure. The Grub

pig destroyer terrifyer Relapse Records This records just does not let up 100kmh, I’m a fan of this release as the lyrics and vocals are still decipherable. Whilst musically you still feel as if you have been hit over the head with a Ton of bricks. This is one of the better releases in this genre that I have heard in some time, its just flat out grinding rock whilst still maintaining a underlying heavy rhythm that will have you coming back for more. This is not music for the timid of tastes but definitely has its place in the world of gnarled musical ultra violence. This is a double disc set with a bonus DVD on the flipside for the same price as a normal CD. Jamie Moore

taking sides

the chance you wont be disappointed. Abbs

layla heretik

Obese Records This is the debut album from Layla. As a member of Perth’s highly regarded Sylabolix crew, the album had a lot to live up to. On the first listening to this album I was stoked. It is solid as all hell and definitely cuts the hip hop mustard. Layla’s strong, aggressive vocals are really refreshing as is her content. No battle tracks or tired old lyrics here, just a deep insight into her life and her experiences. I really liked the attitude displayed in her lyrics. This isn’t some brainless Barbie Doll shaking her arse around without a clue. Its a chick who smashes the stereo typical hip hop bimbo square in the jaw. I give this album two fucken’ huge thumbs up. A must have for any fan of

MAIN//Hatebreed TOP RIGHT//The big drop BOTTOM// Comeback Kid//yoUnG

dresscode

Aussie Hip Hop. I also highly recommend you see her live as well. She was fucking rad when I saw her earlier this year. The Grub

Resist records Sydney’s finest hardcore band Taking Sides wowed me over with the first listen to their first E.P. ‘smash the windows to the dead hearts’ after listening I was hooked. Just good ol straight up hardcore. I’ve ventured many visits to a Taking Sides show, each one better than the last, so when I got wind of their new album being near completed I was ecstatic to say the least. So now with their debut album ‘dresscode’ I raced home, put the CD in and cranked up the stereo. This album is a natural progression from their first E.P. a mixture of fast pace and slow tunes, intense screams and smart lyrics. Dresscode is a must for any hardcore enthusiast. Hear them in my section of the new Emacipate DVD and their playing in the already amazing line up of Hardcore 2005 at the Gaelic Club April 1st. (all ages) check their website www.takingsides.net and go see them play if you get

superheist new, rare, live Shock Records

Superheist have been pounding out albums and live sets for around ten years, so what was different when the new album went in the player? One new front man that you’d probably think sounded like Cam Baines of Body Jar taking up vocal duties for one. The double CD set runs long, CD one consisting of a new single and nine new, unreleased songs from back in the bands hey day. CD two is a cranking live set from the Corner Hotel in Melbourne, which could be one of the finest places to see any band intent on playing hard, heavy and fast. This gig was also their final ever hometown show in August 2003 and is a must listen to for any Superheist fan. So two CD’s full of ten years of the Heist, one of Australia’s most popular heavy hitters, have a listen. ADJ

countless time on photoshop are visually stunning, with transparent backgrounds overlapping, Glenn creates a smooth flowing experience, which lingers for ages. On the flip side we also have 40 Ounces, a mini journal of Stewart Munro’s experience across the United States. With heaps of original footage from last year’s comps and demos, Stewart lives the ultimate dream and shares it with you. Best parts are Corey’s basketball shot and Colin’s taliwhip to the pedals, on flat ground. Do

soul 27 www.kickassbmx.com The new issue of SOUL is another quality production with plenty of euro content and the usual top quality filming and music choices. This issue the SOUL crew flew to Tallinn, Estonia, to check out the second annual “Simpel Session Winter Bash”. Plus 3 other local jams from Germany. Rider Bios are on Ryan Jordan, Germany’s Markus Wilke and Troy McMurray. There’s footage of Patrick King’s backyard ramps in South Carolina and a Vienna, Austria scene report. Plus two mix sections, with riding from Germany, Hungary, The USA,

showcases all of their team riders doing what they do best. This DVD has been long in the making roughly 2 years. The Federal team consists of riders like Ian Morris, Dean Hearne, Corey Martinez, Peter Adam, Sandy Carson and Stevie Hamilton so you know the quality of the riding is gonna rule. Its also great to see a full bonus section of Australia’s own Brad Grantham, ripping it up on local and OS spots. The standout section is by far is from Corey Martinez with some unbelievable stunts going down (tail whip off rails) and Stevie Hamilton (insane front wheel balance), both will have you hitting the rewind button or just leave you in disbelief. Peter Adam rules on and off his bike but that is another story all together. Along with their worldwide team there is some seriously progressive riding going on. Unlike allot of videos out today this wasn’t filmed in a week and you can tell by the quality of the footage. Every shot is crisp and set up well no comp footage, all the tricks are solid not hucked,

yourself a favour and get a copy of this whilst the experience is still fresh. Brett “Stumpy” Mason

crew holds their own with good stunts left right and centre. Over all it’s a real good vid of mainly street footy filmed locally here in Bris so it’s cool to watch and buy. Lucas Comino

hoffman bikes: eurotrip www.trickbits.com.au

Ever wanted to pack all your gear up and get in a slick Vito van with Jon Taylor, Bruce Crisman, Seth Kimbrough, Ryan Barrett, Sebastian Keep, Chris Souter and friends for a mad cruise across Europe. Taking full advantage of the amazing terrain and architecture England, France and Germany have to offer? HB’s Euro Trip 04 DVD is all of that and

nitro circus 2

www.platypusx.com.au Nitro 1 was crazy, even non Moto heads were totally hooked by it. Nitro 2 is Travis Pastrana’s newest release, which basically features truck loads of nuts footage of him and his mates doing the coolest shit on and in everything from cars to Moto’s, to bikes to golf buggy’s

so you can tell they spent allot of time getting shit right. This is a must see and definitely one of the better DVD’s to come out so far in 2005 add this to your collection you wont be disappointed. Steve Morrisey

the grumets

UK, Australia and even Dubai. Another nice one from SOUL.

0401 962 651

young guns

The Brisbane scene wouldn’t be what it is today without Glenn McLaughlin, he has been there and done that and with his premiere DVD “Young Guns” it shows. Glenn has put in a lot of time to showcase Queensland’s latest and greatest riders in their glory together in this action packed DVD. With sections from Nick Cooper, Brad Taylor, Lee Kirkman, Ryan Geuttler, Corey Bohan and some extra bangers from the Queensland crew, this DVD is a must for anyone willing to be blown away with out Aussie talent. Creative editing and

74 2020bmxmag.com.au

and everything in between. Clear a space on the ‘top’ shelf of your video cabinet for this one, it’s a must see winner! JT

federal bikes: trafaelio

www.stowaway.com.au Federal bike co have just released their long awaited team DVD that

Anton is this little guy from Capalaba who recently made a video with everyone in the Capalaba scene. Anton filmed the thing over the last year or so and has put the time in to get a whole bunch of cool sections, even making them hold the camera long enough for him to have a mad section for himself, watching the small man do big tech tricks is awesome. The other stand out section for me was Poisers, killing it with burly coaster moves with total control. Trav also rolls around with a real solid style and some tough moves on the not so mean streets of Capalaba. Every one else in the

who ride, namely Aaron Bostrom, Nick Toncheff, Joe Neudenbach and Chad Shackelford do all the editing and filming and it all rocks, especially their after effects animations which made us want to redo Hindsight. The DVD is full of new faces, new takes on street and park, very new takes, definitely worth a watch if you’re sick of the same old footage and tricks!

emancipate: from tears to glory

www.emancipate.cjb.net At last a DVD from the Sydney scene. From tears to glory has been long in the making, which is shown by the length of the DVD, over an hour and 20 minutes of Sydney BMX. The DVD features all the Emancipate team riders, including John Young, Tom Payne, Jay Upton, Gee, Tom Boorman, Brendan Jones, Seaton Spratt and Abbs as well as Graham Glennon and Derek Johnson from Ireland. There’s also a pretty solid friends

some extras including riding sections featuring Bruce Crisman, Achim Kujawski, Jon Taylor, Sebastian Keep, Art Thomason, Kevin Robinson, and Ryan Barrett. The disc also includes a special 80+ trip photo gallery which will make you want to go to Europe. You will trip at how cheap this DVD is!

the great eviction

www.stowaway.net.au The Great Eviction, is a new angle on the regular BMX DVD. Most of the Shook Interactive Crew used to live together until they received an eviction notice because the house was going to be knocked down. Instead of searching for a new place to live, these guys decided to road trip it west, find new spaces, faces and places and of course film it all. The same guys

section with a bunch of Luke Fink footage that’s definitely worth a look. John Young took care of most of the filming and editing and the DVD has a nice flow without any unnecessary editing messiness. There a good mix of park and dirt along with a whole lot of Sydney street riding. These guys have spent many a late night searching the city of Sydney for street sports and they pretty much have an a to z of what’s on offer.

dragonfly moto use park/ramp rrp $899.00 frame and forks

The cranks and drive train on this bike look real nice, sealed bb and cassette hub too

100% crmo with 6mm drop outs and a seat stay mounted U-brake are all to be expected on this type of bike. The DF frame is pretty straight forward with no unnecessary bits to add weight. The forks are Hi-Ten with a front U-brake as this bike is aimed at park and ramp riders that might want to run a front brake.

parts The parts list includes an alloy 3pc crank that looks like a Primo powerbite with a sealed bb, a cassette hub with a 14mm axle, sealed bearings and a 10 / 27 drive train, Dragonfly DOHC levers, Gemini cable and new Turbine chain wheel. 4 pegs and some nice light alloy pedals round out the parts list.

pros and Cons The cranks and drive train on this bike look real nice, sealed bb and cassette hub, mean that these parts are gonna last the distance. The frame is a nice simple design and full crmo but it would be nice to see a bike at this price have a full crmo fork as well. The rest of the parts look good with nice pedals and brakes, although the tyres look like they could be improved.

norco rev use park/ramp/dirt rrp $650.00 frame and forks The Rev has a nice simple frame, the top and down tubes, meet well before the head tube and there are gussets for extra strength. It has crmo top and down tubes, extra grind protection on the chain stays, seat stay u-brake, 6mm dropouts, euro bb and top tube length of 20.75. The forks are full crmo and come without U-brake mounts, all good if you are going to rip off that front brake anyway.

parts FSA sealed 3pc tubular crmo cranks are pretty standard plus you get a sealed cassette hub with 9/28 drive train, good and small. Alex rims, alloy pedals and a nice squishy seat round off the parts, you also get 2 pegs but no gyro.

pros and Cons Nice simple frame, brand name cranks and rims but if you want to run front brakes, look elsewhere, the side pulls just wont do the job. Otherwise a pretty good set up with everything you need for trails, street or ramps.

76 2020bmxmag.com.au

nice simple frame, brand name cranks and rims

gt bump use Trail/Dirt rrp $419.00

frame and forks

nice simple frame, brand name cranks and rims

The Bump has a tri-moly frame, which means that the top, down and seat tubes are crmo. The top tube is 20.5â&#x20AC;? and it comes with a machined head tube and BB, seat stay U-brakes and 6mm dropouts. All up not a bad set up for a mid price bike. Having the brakes up top means you could run a smaller gearing in the future. The forks are full crmo and have 6mm dropouts.

parts Parts wise you get tubular crmo cranks, Alex 36 hole rims, 14mm rear axle, 14 / 39 drive train, full crmo bars and even chain tensioners and a pair of pegs. Pretty much everything you need for dirt or park riding.

pros and cons 36 hole rims are good for saving a little weight but it might be good to have 48 at least on the rear for a little extra strength. The tri-moly frame, full crmo fork and bars and tubular crmo 3pc crank will make the rest of the bike pretty solid. The drive train is 14/39 which is on the larger side nowadays, I guess its limited by using a 14 tooth freewheel, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really expect a cassette hub on a bike with this price.

khe dirty buster use park/ramp/dirt rrp $609.00 frame and forks

full crmo and you get the unique KHE F-Set integrated gyro system

The Dirty Buster is named after Dolly Buster, a German porn star, not really sure what the connection is but there you go. The frame and fork are full crmo and you get the unique KHE F-Set integrated gyro system. You are either gonna love this or hate it so I will leave that up to you. They are dirt easy to adjust and replace cables on though and weigh less than a regular gyro set up. The frame looks solid, with a wishbone rear end, gussets near the head tube and extra grind protection for the chain stays.

parts Crmo 4pc bars, Dia Tech U-brakes, a tubular crmo 3pc crank with sealed bearing BB, 16 / 42 drive train, 14mm axles front and rear, stainless spokes, 48 hole SUN rims, a micro adjust seat post, 2 pegs and even a chain tensioner mean that you wont have to shell out for anything else before you head off for a ride.

Pros and Cons Full crmo frame, forks and bars is a good start and all of these look nice and strong, if a little heavy. Not may bikes these days are still running a full size drive train and it would be nice to have a smaller set up here and the 4pc bars also look a little outdated. You do get a nice alloy bolt on bash guard though.

2020bmxmag.com.au

dc manteca 2 www.dcshoeco.com DC’s latest incarnation of the Manteca brings old school colours to new kicks. With a BMX friendly sole free of any weird inserts, the Manteca’s are a classic design built to last on or off the bike. For stockist details or any other DC questions, call 02 8303 0830

primo balance pedals

www.trickbits.com.au Primo are well known for their pedals and these don’t look like they will disappoint. Low profile magnesium concave body with replaceable pins 3 sealed bearings and a 12mm crmo spindle, all good and only 425g a pair.

78 2020bmxmag.com.au

primo hollowbite cranks www.trickbits.com.au Powerbites have been around for a while and are one of the most popular cranks out there. The Hollowbite is the new version, they look and work the same but are hollow, making them lighter without reducing strength. How? By forging, folding and machining in what may be one of the most tech processes out there. New graphics, cromo spindle, left or right drive with pedal thread inserts.

king kong products

www.kickassbmx.com New company from the guys that brought you MPS pads, King Kong make gloves, shin and knee pads. 100 percent rider owned, nice shirts, hats and pink bits too.

federal grips www.stowaway.net.au Made from soft krayton rubber and available in regular or thin, black, brown or white. Enough options to keep anyone happy. Soft enough to wear in quick, but will not disappear after a few days of constant gloveless sweating. Mmm they feel good.

dragonfly hampl bars

www.kickassbmx.com New two piece Markus Hampl signature bars from Dragonfly bring with them some 21st century action. They feature an externally machined (which looks way tech) cross bar and run 640mm width, 187mm rise, 5° upsweep, 10° backsweep and weight only 780g.

win one of 3 mongoose helmets!

Simply send us a pic of your broken helmet to win. The best 3 win. Send photos to PO Box 498 Newtown NSW 2042 or email to helmet@2020bmxmag.com.au before the 1st of August

profile ti axle nuts www.eciimports.com Titanium 14mm nuts save some grams on your ride.

wtp frenzy frame www.triplesix.com.au The new WTP Frenzy frame is made of Sanko tubing, comes with a 20.5 or 21.25 top tube, 74° head tube, 71° seat tube, euro or BMX bb and 5mm drop out. It has a butted seat tube and weighs in at only 5.69lbs.

coalition seatpost

www.stowaway.net.au Made from extruded 6061 Alloy with an internal I-beam design this post will fit seat rails from 7mm to 9mm, has a

2-bolt clamp and weighs 245g.

perv chainring

www.eciimports.com 10mm thick, made from CNC hardened alloy, with machined sections to save weight. Bash guard also available to keep that chain one piece.

strawberry slaughterhouse

strawberryslaughterhouse@hotmail.com Sydney rider clothing company, starting out with hats, t’s and stickers. Sydney scene represent.

little devil valve caps

www.triplesix.com.au Valve caps with the Little Devil logo, useless, but you gotta

have em anyway if you’ve sold your soul already...

rnc cranks

www.kickassbmx.com CNC machined in the USA with 7075-T6 alloy arms and either a 22mm or 19mm Ti axle, these cranks are light, 22mm 1092g / 19mm 920g (inc hardware and euro bb). Available with BMX or Euro BB the 22mm version has a lifetime warranty. They also use a special thread tapping process that hardens the threads, eliminating need for an insert.

mongoose phase helmet

The Bicycle Authority This helmet is approved for road use but wont make you look like a dork at the skatepark, EPS foam liner with ABS outer shell, low rounded back and high strength retention

2020bmxmag.com.au

etnies terranea www.etnies.com Ruben Alcantara’s new signature shoe is coming soon. First colour options will be Black/White/Red, Black/White/Gum and Brown/Tan/White. Get your orders in early at your local BMX shop who will have em in October.

sinz pro cable

www.eciimports.com A fully Teflon lined, braided cable that will keep your brakes snappy and feeling great.

five bmx stem

www.fivebmx.com Quality finish on this CNC machined 6061 alloy, 2 inch reach

2020bmxmag.com.au

stem which runs either way up for you low and high bar riders out there.

macneil id fork

www.triplesix.com.au The Macneil ID fork has a machined and re-inforced steerer tube, alloy top cap that uses a regular 3/8” drive ratchet extension for easy installation and 3/16” thick dropouts. Check em from underneath and you’ll see the plate that makes em even stronger, like Jay Miron proof. Available with either 3/8” or 14mm dropouts in black or dark grey.

snafu grind guards

www.snafu.com They protect your hub and spokes from the destruction that comes from endless grinds on coping and ledges. As per Snafu’s current twist, they come in a bunch of shiny colours,

black, red, green and gold to make sure you ain’t all black...

primo forged sprocket

www.trickbits.com.au 8mm thick forged alloy with recessed face to save weight, 3 sprocket holes and available in 30, 36, 39, 43, 44 and 45 tooth sizes. The minimal bash ring is a work of art and works surprisingly well.

perv seat post

www.eciimports.com Heat treated alloy post with unique spline clamp system. Fits seats with 8mm or 9mm rails. Solid as a rock.

the shadow conspiracy

www.triplesix.com.au The Shadow Conspiracy grows ever larger by the day with

2020bmxmagazine dealers Get your copy of 2020bmxmag from the stores that really know BMX.

Support those that support our scene.

more and more proddy. Check their new styles on shirts, hats and wrist sweat bands.

fly bikes ruben tyres

www.triplesix.com.au The Ruben signature tyre from Fly uses a new material called silkworm which features a special net design to prevent flats and is stronger than a regular tire. There are two tyres with different tread patterns, the front tyre is called Campillera (trails use in Spanish) and the rear tire is called Callejera (street riding). Sizes are 2.0 for rear and 2.25 for front.

federal sprockets

www.stowaway.net.au Made from 6061 Aluminium, 6.5 mm Thickness and come in 28t, 30t, 33t, 36t, 39t. One last thing, black only. Rock and roll.

undislcosed clothing

www.undisclosedclothing.com Undisclosed started as a rider clothing company affordable to riders in Australia. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the original designs available along with a new Winter/Summer range out soon, 2-3colour prints

Bicycle World

2/226 Queen Street, Campbelltown, NSW

02 4625 0955

Bike & Board

Shop 5b/141 Snowy River Road, Jindabyne, NSW

02 6457 1366

Bike N Skate

5/34 Avoca Drive, Kincumber, NSW

02 4369 2525

Blackman Bikes

Cnr Victoria Road and Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 02 9683 6555

Blackman Bikes Penrith

Shop A, 87-93 Henry Street, Penrith, NSW

02 4731 3048

Camden Discount Cycles

184 Argyle Street, Camden, NSW

02 4655 7408

Chain Reaction

25 The kingsway, Cronulla, NSW

02 9544 1066

Bike Trax

Bicycle Centre, Cessnock, NSW

02 4990 1271

Cycology

242 Victoria Road, Gladesville, NSW

02 9879 7000

Direct Bikes

4 Hibiscus Place, Nowra, NSW

02 4422 9000

Fishers Ghost Bicycles

Shop G9, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan, NSW

02 4648 3828

Kidsons Cycles

107 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW

02 6921 4474

King Street Cyclery

404 King Street, Newtown, NSW

02 9517 1655

Life Cycle

Shop 3, 20 Riley Street, Penrith, NSW

02 4721 0500

Rainbow Cycles

Toormina Garden Shopping Centre, Toormina, NSW

02 6653 3692

Wilsons Bikes

185 Princes Hwy, Albion Park, NSW, 2527

02 4256 4321

Wilsons Bikes

Shop 1 6-10 Princes Hwy, Dapto, NSW

02 4261 5444

Crossley Cycles

51 Cambridge Pde, Manly, QLD

07 3393 3470

Different Cycles

22 Upper Dawson Road, Rockhampton, QLD

07 4922 8523

Peddler Bicycle Centre

48 Maryborough Street, Bunderburg, QLD

07 4151 3092

CM BMX

344A Main North Road, Blair Athol, SA

08 8261 4339

JT Cycles Adelaide

266-274 Pulteney Street, Adel0aide, SA

08 8359 2755

Mega Bike

104 King William Rd, Hyde Park, SA

08 8272 0422

Standish Cycles

24A Park Tce, Salisbury, SA

08 8285 1144

Bike Land

75 Queen Street, Warragul, VIC

03 5623 2398

BMX MAD

116 Boronia Road, Boronia, VIC

03 9762 5210

Connections BMX + Skate 5A High Street, Eaglehawk, VIC

03 5446 1110

Diavolo Cycles

36 Chute Street, Diamond Creek, VIC

03 9438 6969

Logans Cycles

55 Percy Street, Portland, VIC

03 5523 3056

Strictly BMX

417 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn East, VIC

03 9882 1112

Total BMX

6-8 William Street, Lilydale, VIC

03 9735 5077

Bike Force Southern River

Shop 3, 395 Warton Road, Canning Vale, WA

08 9256 3380

Georges Bike Shop

8/511 Wanneroo Road, Balcatta, WA

08 9344 2393

Margaret River Cycles

4/31 Station Street, Margaret River, WA

08 9758 7671

Josh in the big brother pool//Crispy

the lure of an empty pool

Oh pools, what’s so special about a pool anyway? Its not street, its not dirt and its not a park, it falls in a class of its own. At an abandoned house in a suburb, far far away, a swimming pool, no water just dirt and grime. As I put down the phone from a short lived conversation to Mick Bayzand, there is a pool, new and virtually unridden. I feel myself getting a little giddy, even though I know nothing of what it looks like, or what the transitions will be like, short and whippy or long and mellow. I secretly hope for long and mellow but the chances are slim. The word is seven to eight foot at the deep end and five at the shallow. Its Saturday arvo and we don’t head off until lunch Sunday, at last an excuse not to hit the juice. A big ask at Kent Street on a night before a workless day. We struggle but manage to survive. Sunday arrives and myself and Beardo are awoken by the drunken chatter of some Kent Streeters who couldn’t resist the lure of lady alcohol. Its early and we have hours to kill. A trip to 7-11 for breakfast of pies and slurpees then next door for some conversation with the drunken masses. My mind drifts to the pool, will it be filled with water, maybe concrete rubble. There might be hours of work and a chance we wont be able to ride it today. As I stroll back to my dwelling I glance over and see a white car double parked out the front. After a second look I see its exterior covered in bmx propaganda. Chris has arrived. A quick gday and a bit of idle chat leads us to check our watches. Mick arrives fashionably late as per the norm. We rustle up Beardo and load the car with our little kids bikes, towels, buckets and more photographic equipment than the big brother house. I feel edgy by now, just keen to make a move. We have about 45 minutes to drive. Without knowing where we are going or if we will be able to ride when we get there. Running on the word of two 16 to 17 year old riders, Brent and Michael that Micky B paid two sticker packs from Strictly to have the privilege to ride “their” pool. We get to the town were we will meet Brent and Michael. We stop at a service station fill our guts with sausage rolls, hot dogs and chocolate bars then on the road again. We meet the locals, then on to the place this whole story has been heading towards. A pool. We all get out of the cars bikes in hand. I see Chris’s bag, it is large enough to carry a dozen refugees into Australian waters and is filled with enough camera accessories to make Paris Hilton look even cheaper. You can see the excitement in everyone’s faces. There’s smiles all around and lots of jokes and laughs. We are in a new housing estate surrounded by houses, most of them mansions and still under construction. And then there are two abandoned houses. As we enter the premises the grass is waist high and a single road leads in, it’s a little strange. Its like who ever lived here just up and fucked off for no particular reason. We know we’re in the country now because we see animals. A large buck, six foot at least stands and stares as if he’s checking us out. There’s sheds with cars, a truck and farm machinery all smashed. In fact everything is smashed, not a pain of glass or wall without a hole. These are big abandoned houses, five to six bedrooms, filled with cupboards, clothes, mattresses and a cast iron stove.

2020bmxmag.com.au

We walk through to the back, there it is in all its glory. The smell is like a backed up shithouse in an Indian restaurant. The black scum is all round the edge of the pool making walking round hazardous. Its nothing of what I had pictured in my mind. There was an overwhelming sense of relief as we saw the pool had already been dredged and required little tending too. I’m nervous, It looks big but very rideable. Mick, Beardo, Brent and myself enter the shallows with no flotation devices attached. As we all sit there seconds before anyone rolls in… Its quiet. The loudest noise is from unusually large mosquitos that buzz and hum around our heads. The trees droop around the pool almost making it seem like a room. With pieces of light that stream through the branches and leaves. Mick pumps from the tight shallows into the deep end with its lumpy kinked transitions teasing us with three to four feet of vert. Its narrow about three bike lengths wide the Trannies are sharp where they form to the outer walls. All the pool coping has been removed just concrete angles remain. I see through Mick’s body language that its rough and hard to ride. Even though he makes it look so effortless. Its my turn. There’s a certain serenity about the place. Now it seems calm and almost too quiet. I look around and begin too understand about the attraction of a pool. The fear of being somewhere your not supposed to be. The thought of being one of the first to ride the spot. The anxiety of waiting hours, days, weeks, even months just to ride it once. It all builds to one moment, a 20 second run in a 20 year old swimming pool. With a transition that if in fact was at your local skate park, you would whinge and gripe about all day long. I think about it for a minute, was it all worth it, I mean a Saturday night without getting shit-faced. Almost an hour of driving with numerous stops and phone calls for directions, food and petroleum. Was it worth it? Fuck yeah. That’s why we do it. Whether it is a concrete drain, the largest skate park in Australia or just the gutter out the front of your house. Its that feeling when nothing else matters, where you don’t think about work, tomorrow or an overdue phone bill. Just what is going to happen once you roll in? Anyone who has not ridden a pool, should do everything in their power to make it happen. It is similar to many other spots I have ridden but stands out in my mind and somehow makes you feel that little bit more unique. When I was writing this story I didn’t just want to ramble off a trick list, but more to show that its not always about what you can do, as long as you enjoy your time there. The pool was a surreal experience, its hard, in a life filled with routine, to find time to explore new avenues of riding. So to anyone stuck in the rut of your local skate park, that one ledge out the back of the shops. Go and drain your neighbours pool. They wont like it but for you and your friends, it will be the best experience to date. I just want to thank Brent and Michael for the chance to ride the pool, Mick for the invitation and Chris for some ripping photos. Emma and Beardo for their typing skills and their incredibly good looks! Josh Willett

BEER LABEL 24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

BEER LABEL S&M

ing 3K

24/8/2007 own New South Wale BREWTOPIA s 20 Newt 4 eet

UST R

24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

in 3K

AL I AA

TRA

LIA

A Str

own Newt eet

New South Wa les 2 0 42

� 46

AUS

TRA

rider operated A A� 100%

V DDITI

ES O

er res

Str

own Newt eet

New South Wa les 2 0 42

AUS

TRA

LIA

� 46

New South Wa les 2 0 42

AUS

TRA

BEER LABEL

rg ani

c in gre dient sA

No artificial A

V DDITI

p OR

tiv va er res

� 46

gS Kin

c in gre dient sA

V DDITI No artificial A

� 46

wtown t Ne

New South Wa les 2 0 42

AUS

TRA

tiv va er res

New South Wa les 2 0 42

AUS

LIA

e tre

wtown t Ne

New South Wa les 2 0 42

LIA

AUS

TRA

LIA

s A No artificia

c in gre di

ing 3K

tiv va

AL I AA

edien

All o A

A A

All o

tiv va ser pre

No artificia

rider operated A

ngr edien ts A

UST R

All

rider owneD A

neD A

ic i

own New South Wale s 20 Newt 42 eet A

A� 100% rider owneD A

iv at rv ese

A� 100%

VES DDITI No artificial A

er res

c in gre dient sA

p OR

rg ani

Str

� 46

�

All o

rider operated A

DDITI

A� 100%

No artificial A

ted A

rg ani

e tre

rider operated A

c in gre dient sA

All o

gS Kin

A� 100%

rider operated A

A� 100%

AL I AA

ES O

�

rg ani

UST R

owneD A

All o

� A� 100% rider owneD A

rider operated A

All o

rg ani

own Newt eet

24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

A� 100% rider owneD A

A� 100%

tr gS

All o

PAUL CHAMBERLAIN A

rider operated A A� 100%

DI T

LIA

wtown t Ne

A A

LIA

� 46

�

ing 3K � 46

TRA

e tre

No artificial A

AUS

gS Kin

c in gre dient sA

h Wal es 2 0 42

�

rg ani

TRA

�

tiv va

AUS

A� 100% rider owneD A

All o

LIA

New South Wa les 2 0 42

�

A� 100%

A� 100% rider owneD A

ing 3K

rider operated A

AUS

A� 100%

New South Wa les 2 0 42

�

rider operated A

wtown t Ne

own Newt eet

�

24/8/2007 A� 46 BREWTOPIA

Str

� 46

BEER LABEL

New South Wa les

A� 100%

24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

own Newt eet

rider operated A

BEER LABEL BEER LABEL

Str

�

BREWTOPIA

A� 100%

24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

24/8/2007 BEER LABEL 24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

Str BEER LABEL ing 3K

BEER LABEL

ABEL BEL

ing 3K

� 46

rider operated A

BEL

24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

to e g r

24/8/2007 BREWTOPIA

ev I l Wil

BEER LABEL

rg ani

rg an

ti va ser pre

photo: Jeff Z

TEAM ISSUE frame · 20-3/4” top tube, 14-1/4” chainstays · Now available Euro/USA/Spanish BB · Weight: 6.0lbs · Colours: Light Blue or Dark Gray Get all the details at www.macneilbmx.com

TripleSix Dist. triplesix.com.au 02-4368-2811