Brendan Hansen linking it up from deep in the pipe on the cover to launching out on the contents spread. It’s all about how you see your surroundings, different perspectives make for a better world. PHOTO Nitai
Issue 27 December 2007
Premium
Regular
14 DK KOD
10 Spoken Get a real job? 14 The Low Down What’s been going on? 32 Industry.au Johnny Chopper. 38 Reformist Essex to Melbs: Paul Chamberlain. 80 Scene Check The Sunshine Coast. 84 Behind Bars The future rulers. 88 How To Run a jam. 90 Beats and Pieces Music, DVD’s and more. 92 Bike Check Cause you want a shiny new one. 94 New Proddy Fresh is best. 100 State of the nation Your part of town. 114 Last word Dinny Spicer and FBMX.
New venue, new king.
42 Stuck in 3rd gear...
The Focal Point crew road trip it to Sydney.
50 Other side of the lens
A different view of Ryan Guettler, his photographs.
60 The new Danger
Chris O’Donnel interviewed.
68 Kick out the Jams From all over the country.
104 Framed
The frozen image.
Win stuff
28 Tempered We’ve got a slick new 2008 Treason frame to giveaway.
111 MirraCo Ryan Guettlers signature Black Pearl Ltd
worth $2999 is your best reason to subscribe.
The crew Pulling it together/Matt Holmes, Mike Daly
2020bmxmagazine is proudly printed in Australia by The Quality Group www.thequalitygroup.com.au
Design//Phil Townsley
All material copyright ©2007 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd.
Arts & crafts//Holmes
Contributors//Jamie Mahon, Clint Millar, Steve Morrisey, Colin Mackay, Steve Gorak Taylor, Caleb Mondon, Cooper Brownlee, Shaun Jarvis, Raine Turnbull, Gary WInmill, Ryan Guettler, Devin Parker, Mike Davies, Stu-John, James Wade, Kris Finglas, Ali Finlay, Rhysty, Brett Mason, Michael Harris, Gus, Scott Lacey, Matt Fairbairn, Scottish John, Doug Underhill, Michael Harris, Stephanie Clarke, Astro BBoy, Haimona Ngata, Stu Munro, Rob McCann, Steve Morrisey, Chris Bierton, Dinny Spicer and Todd Harford. Photos//Nitai Whitehurst, Steve Morrisey, Gorak, Paul (Kim) Kim, Jamie Mahon, Seaton Spratt, Stephen Hillenbrand, Caleb Mondon, Tim Pierce, Ryan Guettler,, Dave Rubinich, Adam Ware, Adam Sheedy, Nic Gascoine, Michael Harris, Kris Finglas, Hugh Andrew, Mike Davies, Chris Raethke and Raine Turnbull. Photographic inspiration//Tony Nolan Publishers//Holmes & MikeD
Webheads//www.2020bmxmag.com.au
Nitty gritty
Distributed in all states of Australia by Gordon&Gotch. For bikeshop sales in Australia hit up 0415 585 243 or email sales@2020bmxmag.com.au New Zealand distribution is taken care of by Independent Magazine Distributors (IMD) For bike shop sales in New Zealand call 09 5270500 To subscribe in Australia use the subs page in the mag or check out www.isubscribe.com.au
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, but possibly that of the author. So if you’re pissed with something, hassle them or get over it. Respect yourself and others, when riding and in life, you’re always responsible for your own actions. Always wear protection regardless of what/where/ when/who you’re riding. Become part of the mag//Every issue more crew get themselves involved in the construction of 2020bmxmagazine, making it the riders manual for the whole of Australia and NZ. If you think your scene is going off, let us know with words and photos. We’ve only got one prerequisite; everyone that writes, shoots or does anything for the mag rides. Editorial and photographic contributions are more than welcome, we even pay for words and photos. Send a stamped self-addressed envelope if requiring return. And label it good cause piles of slides, CD’s and photos with no names or details on ‘em get lost quick. If you wanna send 100 RAW files on a disk, please name em! Hit us up and make it happen. 2020bmxmagazine is published four times a year by 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd. We are a 100% rider owned and operated publication, dedicated to documenting the Australian 20inch riding experience since ‘98. Correspondence and competition entries to// 2020bmxmagazine PO Box 498 Newtown NSW 2042 or email bmxrules@2020bmxmag.com.au
For New Zealand online subs go to www.emags.co.nz
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Change of address? Let us know ASAP!
2020bmxmagazine RRP AUD$8.95 NZD$11.00 ISSUE 27 DECEMBER 007
7
Daniel Donges
Dulwich Hi LL monster gap
Sequence by Holmes
PHOTOS BY
Holmes
20B0ik8es Element
clamp and cut out seat tube, Internal headset & Full chromoly frame, Eastern full chromoly fork, 8” bars, integrated seat Lite 25T sprocket, Rear 36-hole double wall rim, sealed Spanish BB, Eastern 3pc heat treated Raptor cranks, Medusa LB9-II Birectional linear cable, Eastern grips, pegs, Pinner seat and Choker stem, Eastern or Black 9 tooth hub, removable detangler tabs, 20.5” TT. Colour: White, Cream
Jane
8” bars, integrated seat clamp and cut out seat Full chromoly frame with new Lightning Rod tubing, Eastern Nitrous fork, cranks, Medusa Lite 25T sprocket, Eastern tube, internal headset & sealed Spanish BB, Eastern 3pc heat treated Stealth Pinner seat and Choker stem, Eastern LB9-II Atom 36-hole wheelset, double wall rims, linear cable, Eastern grips, pegs, Candy Red or Black Colour: TT, 21” Birectional 9 tooth hub, Removable detangler tabs,
CHECK THESE EASTERN DEALERS OUT FOR ALL YOUR EASTERN 20INCH NEEDS... AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY BACK BONE BMX 02 6288 5186 NEW SOUTH WALES LIFECYCLES 02 4721 0500 PHANTOM CYCLES 02 4683 1262 ABC - LIVERPOOL 02 9821 1372 BEYOND BIKES 02 4954 2943 BMX MAFIA 02 9879 7000 BOURKES BICYCLE CENTER 02 6552 1251 BYRON BAY BICYCLES 02 6685 6067 DIRECT BIKES 02 4422 9000 DRIFT BIKE STYLE 02 4926 1066 GRAHAM SEERS CYCLERY 02 6583 2333 KIDSONS CYCLES 02 6921 4474 PAT KINSELA MOTORCYCLES 02 6862 1800 VENTOUX CYCLES 02 6651 3355 WARZONE 02 9545 2979 BELROSE CYCLES 02 9452 5105 BIKES AT THE BASIN 02 4443 3777 BIKES IN BYRON02 6721 5999 ERINA BIKE WORX 02 4365 2208 GRAFTON CITY CYCLES 02 6642 7890 INSANE CYCLES 02 6351 3171 TOUKLEY WORLD OF BIKES 02 4397 3054 WINDSOR CYCLES 02 4577 3209 WINNING EDGE CYCLES 02 6332 4025 QUEENSLAND BUMS ON BIKES 07 3205 4578 CAIRNS BICYCLE WORKS 07 4033 0377 CLEVELAND SUPERCYCLE 07 3286 3597 FOR THE RIDERS 07 3892 5356 MORAYFIELD RD SUPER CYCLES 07 5499 3655
TOTALLY SPOKED 07 3202 4208 ASHGROVE CYCLES 07 3366 0379 BIKELINE 07 4638 2242 THE PEDAL SHOPPE 07 5537 2722 SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADELAIDE HILLS BICYCLES 08 8398 2077 RAMP 2 RAMP 08 8586 6556 STANDISH CYCLES - SALISBURY 08 8285 1144 DAKTARI BIKES AND SPORT 08 8724 8013 GAWLER CYCLES 08 8522 2343 STANDISH CYCLES - KLEMZIG 08 8261 1696 TASMANIA GEARD’S CYCLES 03 6344 9154 TREADLIES 03 6229 4052 VICTORIA STRICTLY BMX 03 9686 3466 TED’S CYCLES 03 9687 1013 TED’S CYCLES 03 9749 8688 WHITTLESEA BIKE SHOP 03 9401 3938 BENDIGO CYCLES 03 5441 3532 BMX MAD 03 9762 5210 DEGRANDI CYCLE AND SPORT 03 5221 5099 DENHAM CYCLES 03 9747 0088 GLENROY CYCLES 03 9306 9651 MALLARD CYCLES 03 5176 5711 SEALYS CYCLES & FITNESS 03 9770 5500 SEALYS CYCLES & FITNESS 03 5975 2444 SUBITO CYCLES 03 9772 6141 WESTERN AUSTRALIA GUILDFORD CYCLES 08 9279 5613 PORT KENNEDY CYCLES 08 9524 6774 DEMPSTER SPORTING 08 9071 1823
Ace of Spades
Eastern 8” Nitrous bars, integrated seat clamp Full chromoly frame with new Lightning Rod tubing, Eastern Nitrous fork, heat treated Stealth cranks, Medusa Lite 25T and cut out seat tube, internal headset & sealed Spanish BB, Eastern 3pc Eastern pedals, grips, pegs, Pinner seat & Choker sprocket, Eastern Atom 36-hole wheelset, double wall rims, linear cable, 20.5” TT. Colour: Chrome or Black stem, sealed cassette Birectional 9 tooth hub, removable detangler tabs,
Asesino
fork, Eastern 8” UltraLight bars, integrated seat Full chromoly frame with new Lightning Rod tubing, Eastern Ultra Slim 3pc heat treated Stealth cranks, Medusa Lite clamp and cut out seat tube, internal headset & sealed Spanish BB, Eastern pegs, Pinner seat & Choker stem, sealed cassette 25T sprocket, Eastern Pro wheelset, Linear cable, Eastern pedals, grips, plated or Cream Birectional 9 tooth hub, Removable detangler tabs, 20.5” TT. Colour: Chrome
DIRT WORKS AUSTRALIA TEL 02 9679 8400 EMAIL WEB WWW.DIRTWORKS.COM.AU
RIDE WITH US
SPOKEN GET A JOB... There is only one way... PHOTO Gorak
Grow up. Get a proper bike. And get a job ya bum!
How many times did I hear this over the years? People judging me on my choice of ride and what they thought I did with my life. Luckily I can tick two of them off my list, I’m pretty stoked on riding my bike and I seem to have got a responsible job. Unless you’ve got yourself seriously sponno’d or mackin folks, loaded and keen to supply your every BMX need, you’re looking at ways of getting work to pay for your BMX addiction and the usual expenses that life brings with it. Getting a job anywhere will do the trick, but it seems these days there’s more and more opportunities within the BMX and wider bike industry. Be it working for an established bike business or taking the big step and doing it for self. Bike shops have always been the first point of call for anyone wanting to get into the industry, and for good reason. Cheap parts, access to a workshop and you get to learn a truckload if you want to listen and work hard. Plus you get to meet more crew within the industry which may lead to bigger and better things down the track. From there, the list of jobs within the industry seems to be growing every day, even here in Australia. Within the pages of this issue, there are so many realities of riders making their way through life via work within the industry. From designing and launching component and bike companies, to being in charge of the governing freestyle BMX body. Plus behind the scenes there’s the designers that make the ads, graphics for bikes and web, and the crew who work in the warehouses of the BMX distributors, along with a massive list of riders doing the jobs they could be doing for some big arsed company, but instead are working in the riding world. It ain’t for everyone, as there’s some that will never want to mix biz with pleasure. But for those that are keen to work in something they love, it’s just a matter of schooling yourself up for that job, getting out there and getting the experience. And a lot of hard work won’t go astray either. Riders are infiltrating the industry on these shores and world wide. And while some old blood in the industry may hate the thought of it, it’s a reality that’s all but unstoppable. The power is in our hands. Holmes
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THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
DK KOD
Saturday October 6th saw the 3rd DK KOD competition take place and it was, without a doubt, the closest competition ever! Riders from all around the country made their way out to the Pine Rivers Park dirt jumps to ride, and the quality of riding left no one disappointed.
Quick bit of background. As anyone who saw last years DK King of Dirt will know, the old jumps were getting a bit small for this comp and council didn’t really want to make them any bigger. But instead of cancelling the event Pine Rivers Shire Council built a brand new set of jumps (bigger and better), right in the middle of the Shires central park area. This was an awesome move by the council and will help this event to keep going for the future. So a big thanks to Pine Rivers Shire Council for supporting our sport! Now to the 2007 DK King of Dirt. The day was shaping up well, the jumps were dialled, plenty of riders made the trip for the comp and the weather was looking ok, despite the massive tailwind that kept the Unit wind socks horizontal all day long. With over 60 riders entered, it was always going to be a big day and the wind was never going to stop them riding hard. In the beginner class we saw some great young riders. Almost all of the competitors were jumping the big jumps, which is impressive on its own! Young Johnny Mackellar took home the win for the third year in a row with some big no foot cans, no handers, supermans, 360s and heaps of combos. No doubt Johnny will be moving up a class next year! 2nd place went to Ben Richardson and 3rd went to Dylan Radford, who both impressed the judges with their style and range of tricks.
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In expert, it was awesome to see how good the riders were. A couple of years ago they could have been in the pro class easily. In the end, the winner was Chris Courtenay. Chris impressed the judges with his clean runs and massive tricks, like double whips. 2nd went to Mitch Brown and 3rd place was Dylan Napa. Both these guys rode awesome too and had plenty of big tricks like back flips, whips, supermans and 360s. The pro class was the last event of the day and despite the wind, the riders showed that they are the best in the country. The class was almost full with 19 riders signing up, all keen to take the $1000 prize. Qualifying was very close, with riders needing to stick to clean runs to make it to the final 7. Once the qualifying was over, that last 7 showed up the best riders on the day. The final consisted of Nick Cooper and Dane Searls, last year’s joint winners, with Shane Conlon, Cam Pianta, Niki Buckard, Lee Kirkman and Jai Toohey also making it through. Jai Toohey surprised everyone by qualifying in 1st place, ahead of Cooper, Searls and Buckard, who were probably the favourites for the win. The final showcased some of the best riding ever seen at this competition. Highlights included Nick Coopers 360 superman seat grab, Niki Buckards clean double whips and flip whip, Dane Searls 360 whips over the biggest jump and Shane Conlons dialled turn down flips and 720s. However, the best run of the day went to
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Stretching one for the masses, Cam Pianta PHOTO Nitai
Andrew Gul letting one fly over the last set at the last Cam Jam. PHOTO Nic Gascoine
Cam Jam 2
After the success of last year’s jam on the hillside, Cam White has decided to make it an annual event. This time it’s going to be bigger and better than last time, with more pro riders alongside Australia’s best dirt merchants and coverage from FuelTV, meaning it will go down as the dirt event of the year. To say that these are Australia’s biggest dirt jumps is an understatement! Expect those massive jumps to be even more groomed, the lights cranking even brighter and the sound system even louder. And there’s rumours of even more overseas superstar talent heading over for it. And to top it all off, the event is a fund raiser for the incredibly tough Stephen Murray. It’s all going down on Saturday the 2nd of February, starting at 5pm. Cam’s place is just out of Canberra, 1408 Norton Road, Wamboin. If you missed it last year, get yourself along for one amazing night of dirt action.
Whats my scene?
Freestyle BMX Australia was established in 2001 and was put in place to ensure that BMX (outside of racing) had a voice through a governing body. And like any legit operation, they need to know what your scene is like today. the youngest guy in the final, Jai Toohey. Despite the pressure of seeing everyone else’s run first, he stepped up with his first run in the final to nail a turndown flip, double whip and front flip perfectly! This put him in the lead, despite a very close call from Nick Cooper. Cooper threw down a 360 superman seat grab, 360 whip, and almost a clean bike flip, but just slipped the pedals, claiming second place. Jai was stoked to get the win and received $1000 cash thanks to DK Bikes, not a bad day’s work for a 16yr old! Overall, every rider at this comp was incredible and showed that Australian BMX is looking pretty good for the future! Big props to everyone who competed, helped or supported this competition and hopefully you will all be back next year, for a bigger and better competition. To see the highlights for yourself, just go to YouTube and search for “official DK king of dirt video”. Of course, big thanks to our sponsors who helped make this event happen, don’t forget to support the people that support your sport! Thanks to DK Bikes, Failure Bikes, Drive Products, Unit Clothing, Buckled to Hell, Peter Campbell Realty and Catalyst Youth Arts Organisation. This event is proudly presented by CORE Operations and Pine Rivers Shire Council as part of Outside and Alive 2007. We would also like to remind everyone that you can still buy the limited edition DK KOD belt buckles by emailing Chris at Bierton_mm@hotmail.com but hurry, not many left!
FBMX wants to know a few things from the riders of Australia, so there’s a questionnaire being distributed Australia wide to a bike shop near you early in the new year. Everything you need will be there, look for the orange ‘Whats my scene’ display in store, fill out the questionnaire and put it in the box. It’s that simple. In a nutshell they want to know what your scene is like, from parks/trails in your area and how you rate them, events near you, plus what sort of riding you do along with a few more questions to really nail what’s going on for you in BMX in Aus right now. FBMX is now rider run and that means things are heading in the right direction and will be rocking once they know what’s going on. Check out the interview with Dinny up the back of the mag. To get you motivated to put your thoughts down on paper, there’s more than enough incentive! Try a first place prize of a 2008 Colony Endeavor valued at $1,195, custom built Proper wheel set valued at $750, Metric Clothing wardrobe valued at $500 and Bicycle Union gloves & grips package valued at $40. (Total value of $2,485) Second place recieves a 2008 Felt Mystic complete bike valued at $529, Felt premium cranks valued at $250, Coalition Holycross bars valued at $129 and King Kong gloves valued at $60. (Total value of $968) Third place scores a 2008 Forgotten Victim complete valued at $449 and Bicycle Union gloves valued at $20. (Total value of $469) Fourth place receives a Simple Bikes parts package valued at $350 and King Kong gloves valued at $60. (Total value of $410.) Plus the top 50 people drawn will all receive a free issue of 2020. So become part of the bigger picture and let FBMX know what your scene is all about and watch it grow. Entries close February 3rd 2008. For online entries and terms and conditions hit up: www.freestylebmx.org ISSUE 27 DECEMBER 007
15
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Not Forgotten
The rumours are true, there’s a new Australian based BMX company taking care of the kids... We hit up one of the founders, Scottish John for the lowdown on Forgotten BMX.
So when did Forgotten come into being? As a team, we’d been talking about a company like Forgotten for a few years. But it was only early 2007 we decided that the kids and the market needed it!
In a nutshell, what’s Forgotten all about? Forgotten is an entry level range of bikes that the younger kids can afford. We want to target the 8-16 year olds with this. These kids are still at school and it costs the parents so much as it is, we thought we would make it easier on the pocket and get them on a cool bike at the same time.
And the whole character in a comic strip vibe, what’s the deal with that? Well I know myself when I was a kid I used to name my bikes. The bike is like an extension of your body so we came up with making the bikes a character. This sort of thing has never been done in the bike industry before so we thought we would try something different.
On the cover Rider: Brenno
Sponsor: Srictly BMX
Photographer: Nitai
Location: Undisclosed Queensland spot... Camera: Hasselblad Lens: 30mm fisheye Film: Fujichrome Velvia 100 (RVP100). Settings: 1/500th @ 5.6 Lighting: 2 Qflash’s set at 1/4 power. Both on the left side, just out of shot.
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The Siren is Forgotten’s top of the range whip, complete with hot mermaid action. PHOTO Tony Nolan
Pulling a range of complete bikes together to fit the Aus market must’ve been a big job, as when it comes down to it, you’re taking on the big guns? Yeah, we know this. The industry has been the same for the kids end of the market for a long time. Nothing ever changes, nothing is new. I’m talking about the ‘non rider’ owned companies of course. Everyone has a place in the market place and we fit in nicely.
While you are aimed at entry to mid range bikes, it seems you’ve got a fairly solid team that can hold their own on any terrain, who’s involved? Well behind the scenes are Chris and Leigh Harrison, myself (John Buultjens) and then out riding we have Luke Parslow (Puppa), who lives in the states and has just won the Orlando Dew Tour dirt comp. We also have two young up and comer’s, 18 year old Andrew Ahumada (Mini) and 17 year old Josh Mete. Both these kids have so much talent!
And what’s the future hold for Forgotten? World Domination? Not really, we do have plans to go OS to the likes of the U.S.A. and the U.K. But we just want to concentrate on Australia this year and look at the bigger picture next year.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Vintage BMX anyone?
We reckon the ‘88 Team Master shoulda won! And yes, that is the first race shot we’ve run. But these guys are legit and ain’t got no gay clips... PHOTO Gary Winmill
Vintage BMX is alive and kickin’ in Australia with an awesome turnout for the 3rd annual vintage BMX gathering on the Gold Coast. Story & photos by Gary Winmill The 3rd annual Australian vintage BMX gathering was held at Ashmore BMX club’s dirt demons challenge open day in October. This unique event attracts vintage BMX collectors from all over Australia to come together and display their fine collections of old and restored BMX bicycles. Held at an official BMXQ race meeting, this year also saw the introduction of the ‘Jurassic Classic’. A special event with three moto’s and a final where the 35+ age class race their pre 1986 vintage BMX bikes for braggin’ rights and to show the kids how BMX racing should be done with real pedals (flats). Old school rivals relived their glory days from the early 80’s, jumping on their classic builds to race the Jurassic Classic. The guys that could still squeeze into them donned their old race jerseys to really get into the spirit. Tuff Wheels were the order of the day, if you didn’t have ‘em, then you weren’t worth shit. 80’s tunes pumped out of the PA and vintage commentator and all round BMX dude Don Maclachlan came out of the woodwork to do an ace job commentating the racing for us. Now in its third year, the first gathering kicked off in Victoria, and New South Wales had the honours last year, but this year the Queenslanders definitely pulled out all the stops to make it the biggest and best yet. Five ‘People’s Choice’ awards
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were up for grabs in the show’n’shine covering 20” race bikes, cruisers and freestyle builds. More than 40 collectors brought their old school bikes from all around Australia to show off exactly what they do spend all their time and money working on. Event organizer, Johnny Chopper was stoked with the turnout ‘We had over 200 kids and adults voting for their favourite build, with over 60 bikes to choose from’. Keep an eye out for next years gathering, 2020 be the first to let you know when it’s happening.
People’s Choice Results: Best Pre ’80 20inch: Scott Lynch 1976 Mono Shock. Best Pre ’86 20inch: Leigh Hazel 1983 Hutch. Best Pre ’86 Cruiser: Pete Cooper 1981 Quicksilver Cruiser. Best Pre ’90 Freestyle: Chris King 1985 GT Pro Performer. Best of Show: Chris King 1982 SE PK Ripper.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Monster problems...
.
As many of you know, Monster have had to shut down Sunday night BMX sessions due to a few riders who seem unable to respect the park and its property. Monster had hoped this would change this activity. But unfortunately, the destruction, theft and disrespect has crept into the other BMX sessions meaning Monster have been thinking of shutting down BMX out there all together. The park has been created for everyone to enjoy and the last thing we want is to have BMX banned from the park because of a few who disrespect it. We need to work together to keep BMX at Monster. So sign the ‘Keep BMX at Monster’ petition at the store. Make sure that you encourage your fellow riders to respect the park (or any park) when they are there. Let them know it is not cool for them to ruin a spot you ride. It’s only taken years to get indoor parks (and more than a few public ones) to let bikes in, so why destroy that? Monster will be blacklisting anyone from entering the park or the store who destroys their property, does not comply with safety and hygiene standards, or does not follow Monster’s conditions of entry, which includes no smoking or drinking of alcohol. Lets work together to keep the bike sessions going!
Paradise City: Brasil For the third year running I took part in the theatrical masterpiece ‘Paradise City’ by Branch Nebula. Not only did I get paid to ride my bike for a month, I got to tour Brazil while doing so! Story & Photos by Simon O’Brien
Strangely I never felt the urge to go to South America, partly because of the lack of contests there, so as this opportunity was rare, I took it in a second. Firstly this trip was quite a change from travelling by myself, sometimes it was great fun with the crew, other times could be tiring and annoying. However Brazil is an amazing country and the experience was awesome! We travelled Brazil for three weeks, doing two shows in each of the four cities we visited. Recife, Belo Horizonte, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The response to our shows was great. We were part of art festivals in each city which was really cool, this meant we associated with quite artistic people and got to see some very well directed shows. Two stand out shows for me were a group from Buenos Aires (Argentina) and a group from Brazil (a group formed of people from rough backgrounds, living in favela’s etc). Brazil is amazing! Lots of lovely ladies, lots and lots of awesome graffiti, amazing big statue of Cristo, friendly people, favela’s (the ghetto’s), Portugese is a great language, old buildings, police with guns (shotguns and M-16s), the food is really nice, the national alchoholic drink is awesome (Ciaparinha: sugar, ice, lime and rum), street parties and amazing samba! I enjoyed Brazil enough to want to stay longer, however an expensive ticket change and other commitments had me heading home. Brazil is now on the top of my places to go back to list! In 2008 ‘Paradise City’ will be touring Australia to all major cities in April and May, so watch out for it and come check it!!
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Mess with Monster and Seaton will nose pick your arse outta town. PHOTO Paul Kim
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
DC Quadangle 24”
Hot on the heels of the limited edition PK Ripper a few months back, SE and DC have upped the ante and unveiled their newest retro re-release, the Quadangle looptail. Back in the day, the 20” Quadangle was considered one of the OG freestyle bikes, the original as hell double down tube making it stand out from the rest, plus had the extra clearance for front and rear wheel tricks that usually involved hopping... And you thought only new school flatland bikes had gone in that direction. Of course with DC behind the project, it had to be bigger and better than back in the day, so the re-release rolls on 24” wheels, making it one of the best beer bikes we’ve ever seen. So take your latest useless fashion accessory/fixie and flog it to some wannabe on eBay, as the very Limited edition Quadangle looptail is the only way to commute in the city.
SE were innovating from the start, come 2008, the Quad still holds it’s own in terms of originality!
!O N I W T P I A TR
Newtons Playground
You thought Mount Panorama was only for rev-heads huh? Well you would be wrong! Newtons Playground is a BMX, skate, MTB, skydive and music festival that’s taking place on the big hill in Bathurst over the weekend of March the 8th and 9th and the best part is, there’s going to be a BMX dirt comp thrown in between all the other craziness. Add in some bands like Grinspoon, Gyroscope, Urthboy and MM9 as well as DJ’s like Kid Kenobi and it sounds like a rocking weekend. The dirt comp will be open for Pro and Am riders with $3000 and a stack of prizes up for grabs. Competitors can enter online at www.newtonsplayground.com.au and it will cost $60 for pro and $45 for amateur. This also scores you a weekend pass to the rest of the event and a free campsite for those with hippy tendencies. To celebrate this huge event in Bathurst we managed to score a pretty damn good prize to give away. How about transport for 2 people on board the specially chartered “G-Force” train from Sydney to Bathurst, 2 VIP weekend passes into the festival, tent motel accommodation for 2 people, 2 Newton’s T-shirts and hats and an Xbox plus games thrown in for good measure. Plus we have two runner up prizes of a weekend pass to the event if you don’t win the big one. All you have to do to go in the running is tell us in 25 words or less why you will have so much more fun on Mount Panorama at a dirt jump comp than watching the Bathurst 1000 car race. Email your answers to newton@2020bmxmag.com.au or PO BOX 498, Newtown, NSW 2042. Oh yeah, if you don’t win free tickets hit up www.moshtix.com.au where you can buy tickets to the event.
Newton's playground BMX
Big Air Dirt Dance $3000 in prizem oney! pro & amateur.Registration s now open online.competitor
rego fee includes weekend
festival pass.
Grinspoon are headlining the festival that looks like becoming one of Australia’s biggest annual action sports events.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF David Hampton making the most of the cooler, crazy sunsetting hours. PHOTO Wade Trevean
Newmans new park
In Newman, WA we have just completed a massive overhaul of our skate park. The planning began 18 months ago, but the actual construction took 12 weeks and we re-opened the park on the 2nd of November, with WA’s Premier doing the honours. Words by Stephanie Clark
We worked with Convic Design and a local group of kids to design the next phase of an already existing skate bowl. New additions included increasing the size of the space, a new west-end wall, a fun box with grind rails, two hubba ledges and a gnarly spine in the centre of the bowl. The kids involved knew exactly what they wanted and it was awesome having Convic there to bring it all together. With the re-vamped park just newly opened we are already thinking about what the third stage of development looks like. We also added landscaping, shade sails, a half basket ball court and solar lighting to allow the park to be used at night. It gets too hot in summer to use the park during the day. We are stoked that it is finished and are looking forward to a big summer of riding!
Ethan Tucker PHOTO Wade Trevean
Zombie hop 2
Last month, the second ‘Zombie Hop Comp’ took place and was held behind Triple Six HQ in Auckland. Story and photos by Mike Davis Lots of riders turned up to enjoy the shitty ramps and have a relaxing day in the sun while watching some BMX, not to mention the free BBQ! This time around Simon Palmer took home the 60inch Zombie Redbull trophy with a 43inch hop... Blam! That’s high! Later on that evening the Triple Six + Quiet Chaos product evening took place at a tattoo galley on K’road. The event turned out to be a super good night, there was a huge turn out of BMX’ers and other enthusiasts who enjoyed checking out all the new products, downing a few beers, watching the new Focal Point DVD and listening to some live music from DJ4130. Fun was has by all!
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THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Tempered Treason giveaway
Tempered Bikes have just released their new 2008 Treason frame and we managed to get one to giveaway! The 2008 Treason frame is made of heat treated 4130 and has some really nice features like a CNC’d headtube, angled brake mounts and unique, lightweight drop out design. You can get one from your local BMX shop in 20.5” or 21” top tube lengths or find out more at www.temperedbikes.com.au or www.diversitybmx.blogspot.com All you have to do to go in the running to win this very frame is tell us what’s the name of Tempered Bikes new hubs? Check out www.diversitybmx.blogspot.com for some ideas. Entries close February 28th.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF Cam White mid Dew Tour this year... PHOTO Ryan Guettler
FUEL TV. 24/7 Action Sports Television Available on Foxtel Digital and Austar Digital
The FUEL TV line-up over the next couple of months has all the BMX action you need. Waste your life watching something good!
JANUARY Dew Action Sports Tour Every Friday at 12pm Props Every Saturday at 5pm BMX Games Saturday’s at 12.30pm and Tuesday nights at 8.30pm BMX P.I.G Fridays at 2pm MSS (Mobile Skatepark Series) Every Wednesday at 2pm Blue Carpet Special Thursday’s at 10am Suzuki BMX Masters 2007 Friday 7th January at 9pm Vodafone X-Air Saturday 1st January and Saturday 8th January at 8pm Hindsight: the groundbreaking movie, 27th of January at 8.30pm
Also, Check Out… The BMXGAMES 2007 to get you in the mood for the 2008 event, so keep it locked to Fuel for all your digital 20inch needs...
www.fueltv.com.au
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Get on the case...
In the age of custom rides and signature bikes, I naturally jumped at the chance to aid in the design of a new line of (kids) bikes and put my spin on the look and feel of what ya lil’ bro follows you to the park on! Story and photo by Gorak Not a bike you’d send over a 20 foot jump or try flipping the hip at your local park but definitely bikes that’ll give your young son or daughter, brother or sister a taste for riding at a young age. The result was a range of what I think are some rad looking rides in 12” and 16” sizes with colours to suit boys and girls.
getting my first cover photo and I’m guessing it’s close to selling a bunch of t-shirts and rocking up to a jam to see a ton of kids wearing them. It is endless the possibilities that arise from our passions. There are ways in which we can push the limits and change the way our sports are viewed.
It’s the latest way I’ve helped out in the bicycle industry and definitely one of the most fun and rewarding. With all the developments in BMX lately there are more and more opportunities to get amongst it. Starting up a t-shirt company, working at ya local bike shop or grabbing a camera and taking some photographs are just some of the ways. I’m sure there’s a million more ways and the best thing is it all adds to the growth and expansion of our sport.
Just dream of the local council actually listening and getting that extra piece of land to expand your park or donating a bit of dirt to build trails because they know it’s healthy for the economy as well as the people in and around the area. Imagine being respected for riding our wee bikes and getting bigger more exciting rewards for doing so. I think it all starts with getting involved, putting on a jam, selling a t-shirt, getting a job in a bike shop and making a nice career out of the fun we have.
It’s an unreal sight to see when a 4 year old kid screams past at a million miles an hour, smile from ear to ear and no sign of slowing down anytime soon and it’s a bigger thrill knowing he’s on a bike you’ve helped piece together. Similar was the feeling of
Man, I went deep just now, real deep. But basically, the bottom line is to get amongst it, do what ever you feel necessary to build on our sport and contribute to our industry’s survival.
Unstoppable!
A couple of issues ago we featured a jam for one tough as nails kid; Jay O’mara. Words & photo by Micheal Harris
Jay was battling one the most serious threats to life we have in this day and age, cancer. But we’re pretty stoked to hear that Jay is doing great, his cancer went into remission around June or July. It was about 5 months sooner than the doctors thought. Things are looking great for him. He’s back out there riding better than ever and loving every second of it.
30 ISSUE 27 DECEMBER 007
THE LOWDOWN INDUSTRY.AU
Johnny Chopper
It seems like an eternity since there has been an Australian made BMX company producing world class frames. Legendary names like Quicksilver and more recently, Industrail seem like distant patriotic memories. But a recent heated conversation along the lines of ‘why there aren’t any Aussie made bikes anymore’ lead to the discovery of at least one determined soul who is on a mission to see an Australian made BMX industry take hold on these shores once again... Introducing Gary Winmill, AKA; Johnny Chopper. Where and when did your BMX journey begin? Probably around ’77-‘78 sometime when my brother and I and a couple of other kids in the neighbourhood converted our dragsters to MX bikes and used to go riding in an old quarry and through the bush in Rochedale (Brissy Southside). My brother and I got our first “real” BMX bikes in ’79 and started racing around June that year at the Cleveland BMX Club. BMX was the coolest thing we’d ever seen.
So what was the motivation to start making your own BMX parts? I rode BMX (freestyle and racing) until ’86 sometime, had a break for a while then returned to racing in ’88 for about a year with the first frame I ever fabricated. It worked great and I had plans for production but I guess the lack of funds and a sponsorship offer put a hold on that dream for close to 20 years. My love of vintage BMX collecting goes back to the mid ‘90’s and about 2 years ago I started reproducing some hard to get old parts. I guess this got me thinking about the one thing I always wanted to do which was to make my own BMX parts and sponsor a few kids to give something back to the sport that I loved as a kid and has given me so much. My motivation is the love of the sport and the love of fabricating cool stuff. It’s the coolest gig I could ask for!
And where did your metal fabrication skills get honed? Sheet metal work and welding basically. Working for the man and customising bicycles, motorcycles and cars on the side.
What was the first Johnny Chopper creation? I made my first Chopper bicycle back in ’95, the name was conceived then and it has stuck ever since. I was the first dude to move the B/B shell forward on a chopper frame to make it a “laid back ride” like riding a Harley with forward controls on the highway. That’s my Chopper claim to fame anyhow.
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You’ve done frames, bars and more. What’s the current range entail? I currently make frames, forks, bars and crank arms for race, street and retro. A street frame will be out early next year along with a lightweight fork and a new crank design later on. I plan to make some more Choppers next year also.
Cranks... That’s gotta be the most demanding of anything you produce? Yeah, there’s a lot of work in making crank arms and there’s also a lot of expense in producing them in Australia, as I do have to out source some parts. I’m looking at options now to try and reduce the cost to make them more viable. Hours of research goes into the best and the least costly way for me to produce a part here in Oz to stay competitive with overseas companies.
And tell us a little about the Oddangle? The Oddangle is a “tribute” to the Old School 20” Quadangle. It’s available by pre-order only in a Retro 24” or 26” frame/fork set, which basically means it looks old school but it’s all new tech wise, threadless forks, canti mounts, geometry etc.
Aside from BMX what else has been crafted out of steel by Johnny Chopper? Heaps of custom bicycle frames and parts, custom motorcycle frames and parts and car parts and panels. Everything from Harleys and Cadillacs to Chevys and mini trucks.
An Australian BMX industry that is more than just distribution had been deemed impossible by so many for so long, why is that? Not sure. I figure it’s just greed. Why get them made here, when you can get them made in China or Taiwan for so much less, yeah? People are thinking too much about profit margins and dollar signs. I guess people think you can’t make BMX parts in Australia for a reasonable price, well that’s bullshit. It’s not impossible, you just have to know your shit. Anyone including myself can buy a container full of parts from Taiwan for fuck all and make easy money branding and selling it. I source most of my 4130 from the USA and it’s made in the USA not from recycled Toyotas. My head tubes and B/B shells are CNC’ed locally and there’s a whole bunch of other costs including heat treating and powder coating and I can still sell a frame for under 600 Aussie dollars. Too many companies, BMX and non BMX, turn to Asia to get their stuff made cheaper just to make more profit and a lot of the time the quality suffers. You can’t beat 100% Aussie made products. I guess also there’s a lack of manufacturing knowledge or know how too. You can’t just rock up to any metal fab workshop in Australia and say “hey dude” make me 100 BMX frames like so many USA companies did in the late ‘70’s and early 80’s just to keep up with demand back then. There was a lack of quality control from outsourcing all of the fabrication, which you couldn’t get away with today and you wouldn’t do it anyhow. I’ve done repairs on a lot of old BMX parts and there was some dodgy workmanship back
. PHOTO
then from reputable companies. Back in the ‘80’s any BMXer wouldn’t touch a part made in Taiwan or China. I had a kid come up to me a few months ago and ask me why I don’t get my parts made in Taiwan, I just laughed at him and told him to piss off. Taiwan and China are full on manufacturing countries and that’s what they do. Bike building is probably a dying art in Australia. There’s still guys building track and road frames and MTB’s in Australia, but as far as I know, I’m the only guy making BMX parts in Oz. I can think of at least 10 Aussie BMX manufacturers that were around in the early to late ‘80’s. What happened? I believe the early ‘90’s was the last time anyone made a BMX part here in Oz.
Custom made in Australia v’s Chinese mass production? What’s the difference in a nutshell? I specialize in custom-made “one off” frames. If you really want a frame to fit you spot on, then that’s the way to go. You can’t get that with mass production. I don’t run a sweatshop and I don’t work for $2 an hour. I personally make every part I sell and I can guarantee the quality of the 4130 and the workmanship down to the finished product.
What’s in store for the future? In 2008 I’ll be concentrating more on my street/park products. I’m looking at putting a couple of guys on my bikes and getting the parts into a few select stores also. At the moment my retro projects are keeping me really busy. I sell most of them to the USA and I have a few more “tribute” style retro projects happening early next year. Johnny Chopper has quickly become a household name in the QLD BMX racing scene. I’ll be focusing on the team and my riding also to help promote my products interstate.
And where does riding fit in these days? Although I was always sponsored to race, I am a jumper and park rider at heart too. I wouldn’t race if I couldn’t jump on the track. My brother and I did countless school fete’s, shopping centre shows and in the car parks of pubs and bike shops to promote BMX freestyle. I’ve jumped cars and smashed 6ft airs at ramp comps at Beenleigh’s first quarter pipe ever. I did strictly BMX freestyle from mid ’85-’86 after giving up racing, putting on our own shows and comps to help promote BMX in a new form, it was awesome fun and an honour to be there at the very beginning. I started racing BMX again 6 mths ago and I’m loving it, just as when I was a kid. I figured racing was an easier way to stay upright for an old bloke rather than riding park! Damn you responsibility! I’m currently #1 in 40-44 men’s cruiser in QLD and #3 on 20”, for what it’s worth.
ISSUE 25 JUNE 007
33
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
NZ’s finest homegrown...
It seems the NZ BMX scene has more than a few focussed individuals intent on taking their ideas to the world. Words by Mike Davies
Name: Travis Peek Company: EDH BMX
Name: Lester Perry Company: Quiet Chaos
First of all tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in BMX?
First of all give us a little bit of background about yourself?
I’m Travis Peek, I’m 21, living in Christchurch and originally from Durban in South Africa. Started riding in about 2000 blasting around racetracks as you do, it all grew from there.
I’ve been around the BMX scene for a couple of years solid and have dabbled in it every now and then for a couple before that. I used to race Downhill (MTB) and this kind of led to BMX after injuries and not being able to afford bikes. As far as work goes, I’ve done everything from work in Mitre 10, to product development for a bike company, but most of my passion for being creative came from working at a Digital Print place for about 5 years and that kind of helped kick start Quiet Chaos.
So how did EDHBMX come about? Since I was around 16 I had wanted to get involved in the industry side of BMX, I started off a T-Shirt type brand but that was short lived. Around two years later I decided to go all out and start EDH Bike Co, designing and manufacturing BMX specific components.
Did you have any background in design and engineering before you started EDH or did you start from scratch? I was part way through my plastics engineering apprenticeship when I started EDH. I spent a lot of time watching the tool designers at work and learning about CAD design. Everything else you kind of have to teach yourself.
What made you want to start EDH and manufacture BMX parts? You see tonnes of component companies popping up all the time, but aside from the odd one none of them has anything ‘groundbreaking’ to offer the BMX market. The overall aim for EDH is to produce parts that are unique and innovative.
It must be a lot of work designing and manufacturing BMX parts, what keeps you motivated? Yeah it takes a lot of time and money but it’s totally worth it, especially when you get positive feedback on what you’re doing. Reading the odd bike check and seeing an EDH part on it is awesome as well.
What would you say has been the hardest part of getting EDH up and running so far? Ahh none of it has been easy really, probably the hardest thing has been finding a reliable manufacturer who has a genuine interest in manufacturing the parts to the standards I supply. It’s been a rough road haha.
Do you think there is anything that makes EDH different or stand out to other brands on the market? At the moment it’s easy for people to say EDH is just another component company but it’s what we are working on at the moment that will really differentiate EDH from the rest industry.
What products are available now and what are your future plans for the EDH empire? We have front load stems, 7075 axle nuts, bar caps, axle converters and a bit of a clothing line. We have titanium headsets getting made at the moment and want to introduce bars and fork in the future. I can’t mention too much about what’s in the pipeline at the moment but what I can say is that it’s a move away from conventional materials we have gotten used to.
Sounds like there is going to be some interesting products from EDH in the future, where can we find more info on EDH and purchase products at the moment? Well you can head to edhbmx.com for all the up-to-date news and happenings as well as purchase limited goods through the site, we also have Bike shack and Bike HQ stocking our stuff here in Christchurch, so get in there! Stowaway distribution takes care of EDH goods in oz. Ask you local shop to give them a call.
Any last words or anyone you would like to thank? Yeah first off thanks to Mike at Zombie for doing this interview and all the repping on your site, James at 72psi for everything, Jamie Moore at Stowaway, the whole Christchurch crew, Gordon, Steve and Lance at TPL, Kelly and my olds for all their help. Mass props to everyone who has supported EDH and continues to do so. You all rule!
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Where did the idea come from and when did it start out? The idea came from a crazy after party I was at in the year 2000 in Nelson, everyone was getting pretty loose, my mate Glen actually penned the name that night and I kind of adopted it. I started the company a couple of years ago just printing up some tees and selling to mates and that, and a few people from outside of BMX got interested in the brand and the ideas going with it.
You are concentrating mostly on producing jeans, what made you decide to go with jeans when it seems to be the most difficult clothing to produce? Yeah, late last year I decided to team up with a friend of mine to boost the company and go ‘world wide’. I wanted to do things a bit differently than all the other street wear brands on the market. I figure anyone can buy some tees and screen-print them, but not everyone can get a line of jeans up and running and this really separates Quiet Chaos from other young brands… That and we’re not a surf or skate based brand.
What keeps you motivated to keep Quiet Chaos going? Haha, stupidity I think, times are tough, there are heaps of brands all pushing their wares and Quiet Chaos is just another one of them. Fortunately I’ve got an awesome bunch of people involved that make it all possible and a few shops who are supportive of what we’re doing too.
So Quiet Chaos isn’t just a BMX company, what other sports is it dedicated to? Well, it’s all pretty much stuff that I’m into on a personal level but mostly BMX and snowboarding. I basically want to have a ‘streetwear’ brand that appeals to anyone into ‘action sports’ but still keep the initial ties to BMX.
You seem to spend a lot of time involved with BMX and riding, do you think there is something that separates BMX from other ‘extreme’ sports? With Mountain biking you had to pre-organise everything, service your bike all the time and travel to ride which was pretty tiresome. BMX is whatever I want it to be at that time, I can bike to work, go to the park with a bunch of mates, street ride by myself, flow some trails with a tight crew or just do skids out front of my house. There are so many faces to BMX and I think that’s really what I like about it, its me and my bike, no need to travel, no suspension to tune or service, no permission needed from anyone, just chill and have fun. I think the thing which I find most fun is flow, linking lines at the park and trails, not really any tricks just trying to be smooth and try to go high.
What Quiet Chaos products are on the market at the moment and what do you have planned for the future? At the moment we are running 3 guys jeans, 2 guys shorts and 5 tees, and I’m working on girls stuff at the moment, its looking sweet and I can’t wait to get it in the shops.
Where can we find Quiet Chaos products and more information on them? Quiet Chaos products are currently only available in NZ, Wanganui, Taupo, Queenstown and Nelson and we are working on getting more accounts around NZ and then into Aussie. Check us out on www.quietchaos.co.nz , www.myspace.com/quietchaosnz or fire me an email info@quietchaos.co.nz
Any thanks? Yeah for sure, thanks to anyone who’s helped me out whether thru riding or business. Especially my business partner who went out on a limb to make this happen, my girlfriend who doesn’t mind me riding everyday and last but not least the boys at the PMP trails for digging all the time and letting us ride! Also thanks to anyone who’s supported Quiet Chaos!
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Taree youth gone wild! PHOTO Daniel Adam
Inbox
Email, write, or paint your thoughts to us. It’s simple, address it to: 2020inbox PO Box 498 Newtown, NSW 2042 or send your digital communications to bmxrules@2020bmxmag.com.au Got pipe?
Why we ride?
Hey 2020, your magazine is sick, I can’t get enough of it and it has helped me out heaps too. My name is Kale, I live in Geraldton, WA and I was hoping you could put the picture into your magazine because I have been trying hell hard to get better with no one really supporting what I do all for the reason that it makes me feel good and it’s something I really enjoy. Oh I have attached a picture of me doing a 180 tail whip thanks!
Hey guys just thought I would send some pics from my travels that my brother Ian shot, hopefully they will get in your magazine.
Ryan Knight Hey Ryan, you’re one lucky dude for getting to ride SMP park!
Fired
Kale Fawell There’s nothing better than riding for self!
Messed up...
Bring on the love Heya fellas at 2020, it’s me Lewis. I hope all is good, just sending you this air I did and then messing around with it. If you put it in your mag then much love!
Hey guys, I just got a brand new Eastern Traildigger and it’s great. But I had a major crash 2 weeks ago and destroyed my bike and myself. I broke my collar bone and dislocated some fingers and broke some ribs. I was in hospital for a week because I hit my head so hard I stopped breathing for 20 seconds and was knocked out for 5 minutes. I cant ride my bike for 8 weeks and after all that, I found out I totalled my bike. My handlebars and forks are bent, and I buckled my front rim so bad it can’t be fixed. So I was hopping you guys could hook me up with some gear just anything to help me out and fix my bike. I also added some pictures of the accident to prove I’m not a fake.
Lewis Harley
Jake Little
Nice air, dunno about the warping?
Thats one seriously hard slam Jake...
36 IISSUE 27 DECEMBER 007
My name is Jye Hayward. I’m a 17 year old living in Port Augusta, I am a very devoted rider. I have been riding for about 4 years now, I’m at the level of doing no handed flips. Unfortunately 2 weeks ago I crashed doing a 360 over a double. I broke 4 bones in my foot, leg and ankle. I cannot ride for at least 8 weeks. If this wasn’t enough pain and suffering not being able to ride, my boss fired me for breaking my leg. I was doing an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker. My boss gave me a choice, either stop riding or lose my job. I know I could never stop riding and I told him this, so I lost my job. Probably the worst part of this is that my boss is a crazy quad rider, he took me out to ride quads with him and I had showed him some of my tricks on my bike that we had filmed and he thought that it was awesome. So now I have no money and in my many hours of spare time, so I just watch heaps of BMX videos, fave so far is hindsight. I have so many new ideas that I want to try on my bike and I am so keen just to get back on my bike again.
Jye Hayward Not everyone will ever understand riding and that can make for some hard decisions. But your boss sounds like he wishes he could ride 2 wheels.
Can you put this pic in?
Hey my name is Joel I live in Caloundra, Queensland. I was just wondering if you guys could put this pic in your mag.
Joel Kenny I swear over half the emails and letters we get are ‘can you put this photo of me in the mag?’ And then there’s the even more random emails with just pictures and not even a name or Gday? See below!
REFORMIST FLAT YO!
Paul Chamberlain
Interview by Stewart Munro Paul rides his bike all the time. I don’t think he’s ever gotten home at the time I asked but when he’s satisfied with what he’s achieved he’ll get home earlier. When this annoys me I’ll call my Mum who says ‘Ah, but riding is his identity, Jen’. You can’t mess with someone’s identity. On the upside, he’s very good at cooking seafood and poaching eggs. He enjoys having his hair plaited and his toenails painted and now that I’ve gotten my own BMX our dates are awesome. He is currently teaching me my first trick, standing up and peddling. Maybe next year in the BMX games they’ll have a girls division. Quaintly opined by his wife. What is your name? Paul Lincoln Chamberlain How old are you and where do you live? 24, Melbourne What was it like moving from the UK to Australia?
Reformist
It was a pretty crazy experience to be honest. It was also emancipating in a way though. I gave away a lot of things that I valued to my friends and just shipped the bare minimum of stuff here. I had to work really hard for a few months and didn’t ride at all for most of that time. I was leaving my flat before 7 in the morning and getting back after 7 at night everyday. It was winter time and it was always dark and cold when I was outside. The whole time I told myself that this was the last real struggle I would ever face. I spent a lot of time at work on www.flatlandaustralia.com (Haha!). I guess that looking ahead got me through. My dad lived here for twelve years in his heyday. He always refers to it as his hippy paradise. I guess I never looked back. Although I don’t miss the UK I still miss the people. I had a young apprentice back home (Matt Sale) who was getting pretty good. He’s at the age where he needs a good beating
to stay in the carpark and away from the girls and the bright lights. He finds it hard to stay motivated without me, but at least he is still enjoying riding when he does it. What do you do for a living? It is too easy to make a living here in Australia! I’m used to working a lot and never having any money. I do regular office admin temp stuff. Data entry and all that jazz you know? It’s boring, but I usually get Internet access and am not monitored. At the moment I’m studying English grammar, as I don’t have any work. I’m applying for a course to become an English teacher. What got you into Flatland? I always answer this question differently when people ask because I don’t really think about it that often. The truth is that I was always interested in all aspects of BMX. If you’re asking what got me riding flatland then here goes... In April 2003 I broke my collarbone, dislocated and separated my shoulder riding trails. I was doing a table over a hip and held it too long I think. The back wheel clipped the landing and I didn’t get my hand out. I went straight onto my shoulder. My friend (Eddie Chan) was coming down to my town from uni to ride a few days later
All things flat...
Here Comes The Sun DVD Review by Stumpy
I’ve got to start out by saying that I’m not a critic, so this is going to be biased straight off the bat, so here goes. What a crap DVD! Just kidding, as you all should know the DVD’s creator Stewart Munro and I have been friends for a long (too long) time, so that’s why I’m going to be biased. Stewart, also known as Cutting Room Floor Films, has worked hard on this and it shows, with some amazing riding from today’s top riders, who aren’t too involved in the popular competition scene. So it was great to see new styles and tricks from all round the world and being a lifestyle picture, there is also great interviews of Corey, Simon and Seppl so you get a perspective of why they ride. It’s also noteworthy that he had some technical support from none other than Lindsay Brown and Glen ‘Young Guns’ McLaughlin. The filming and editing are great and the flow of the film is companioned with great music from the likes of George Harrison (Of course, thus the title), DJ shadow and Vast. Marton “OG” Szilagyi, Raphael Chiquet, Sebastien Pospichil (Must See), Frank Lucas, Alexis Desolneux, Corey Fester and Simon O’Brien fill out the 36 mins but with the interviews and bonus it’s about an hour all up. Great footage, music and riding all put together in a way that makes you happy to be a flatlander and hopefully motivate you to go out and ride hard. Support our scene, I’d be quite happy to pay forty bucks for this gem, just for Simon’s part alone, so save up and get yourself a copy quick smart, as they say, while stocks last.
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REFORMIST FLAT YO!
(from York to Southend-on-Sea). We then went to the Bike Show mainly to watch the street but ended up just watching the flatland. There was a young kid there called Alex Vickers. He was fifteen and rode in pro and he was flowing. Mike S was there too, also flowing. I think that we both fell in love. That was when we decided that we were going to ride flatland I think. The truth is that Eddie had always wanted to but I used to tell him that it sucked. When I finally got back on my bike after a couple of months Eddie was already riding flat and had learnt a couple of things. I jumped on my Standard 250 and started learning steamrollers. A couple of weeks later I saw a Fly Micro machine advertised for sale in another part of the country. I didn’t have money for anything then, so Eddie ‘loaned’ me 300 pounds for the bike and my train ticket. I left at six in the morning and got back that night after riding every train station and platform that I had to wait at. That bike changed my life. How do you stay motivated to ride? A few months ago I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue. It’s been the first time that I have struggled to ride. I’ve got plenty of ideas for new stuff that keeps me motivated and I just love being out there. At the moment finding the energy to get out there is a problem. I just can’t get my body to do what I want everyday. It doesn’t frustrate me though. I’m trying to change to adapt to the new circumstances. Somedays I get a good ride and others I just have to stay at home, basically I sleep for 8-12hrs every night and wake up exhausted. I don’t know what caused me to feel like this but eventually it will pass. Riding will never be the same again for me though, I’ll never stress about it like I used to in England. On a lighter note, I get incredibly stoked about a single trick and want to keep doing it until I get it. I can spend over 4 hours just trying to roll and balance a new position without getting bored or frustrated with it. If I have a talent then I guess it’s my enthusiasm. I work out little training programs sometimes, which I try to go through each day when I’m learning something new. They really help and they keep
me motivated sometimes. Mike S has always been a very big influence for me. Stepping into a trick one way and stepping out opposite gets me very excited. I used to do little training programs to get really good with both hands and both feet. I still consider stepping into a crackpacker on one foot and out on the other to be a greater achievement than graduating from University. Where is your favourite spot to ride? I really like a spot in Centennial Park in Sydney. It’s a bumpy inconsistent tarmac surface, but it’s surrounded by woods, fields and a lake. I find myself able to relax and focus on riding there. The IMAX here is a great spot too, it’s probably my second favourite. How often do you ride and with whom? I try to ride flatland everyday. I usually ride on my own until I am satisfied. If I’ve been working then normally I’ll ride for around 2.5hrs. If I’m not working and don’t have anything on then I will go out all day. I like being on my bike everyday even if it’s just around the block a few times to do some manuals and jump some curbs. Sometimes I go to ride the bowl in the morning before anyone gets down there. I just roll around but I think that’s the point. I remind myself that riding should not be a struggle. Other days I can’t ride and I just go down to the bowl and watch people. That makes me happy. Which do you like better, contests or jams? Jams of course. Jams are great. You get to hang out with new and old faces. You get to see what new tricks people are thinking about and working on. Contests are good though. They draw in more people and you get to see other aspects of riding that as a flatlander you would rarely be exposed to. Contests are essentially just a show and nothing compares to the feeling of seeing somebody land something new at a jam for the first time. Jason Forde had a 28th birthday jam in London a few years back and he pulled his first pedalling time machine there. He had been working at them for eight years! No contest can touch that. I try not to worry about contests. If I did then it would ruin
the atmosphere that I try to create when I’m out on my bike. The BMX Games was good though. It was a really relaxed jam that assembled into a contest for a brief period. I think that might have been a jamtest? Haha! I really enjoyed it! What is your favourite memory about flatlanding? Going to the 2004 Worlds in Cologne with Eddie Chan. It was amazing. There were groups of riders from all over the world riding flatland 24hrs a day by the big cathedral. The Greek guys even put a tent up there! It was good times. I’ve been back a few times but it wasn’t the same without the Ediot. What do you think is in the future for flatland? I don’t know. That’s what makes it what it is. At the moment a lot of flatlanders are obsessed with being individual. This is something that I regard as being completely pathetic. If you think that having four different coloured pegs defines you as a creative, impulsive and artistic being then you are mental. A lot of riders are so obsessive about this that they have become oblivious to the paradox of their uniform individuality. Human beings are all painfully similar so get over it and do some more steamroller variations. I don’t know where flatland is going. I don’t even know where my keys are. I hope that when flatland gets dizzy from spinning it goes to Simmo’s house and pays him lots of money so he doesn’t have to work late at night. Any last comments? Thanks to Lee and Inertia bikes for sorting me out with a new frame even though I’ve pissed off to Australia and not called for a couple of months. I love you and will call when I find my sheet of paper! Thanks to Jen for everything and my awesome spouse visa. Thanks to IMAX for being so welcoming. Most importantly thanks to all the guys on the Australian scene that are doing things on as well as off their bikes, Stu with Cutting Room Floor Media, Ali with MFZ, Paul Knox and ECI, Shaun from Perth, Cooper with Focalpoint, Anchor, Strictly, Rebelyell and 2020. You guys make a bunch of riders and spots into a riding scene.
Paul representing Melbourne 100%! PHOTO Cooper Brownlee
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Scott Greentree, fangin’ bank to boost button
Goulburn 7am
Breakfast For once Coops gets to be in front of the camera for a decent 180 gap on a hot Sydney night Up front with Batty
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I had always wanted to get the crew out on a roadtrip and finally an excuse was given with the annual Halloween jam in Sydney. So we hired a bus, borrowed a trailer (thanks Rod and Karen) and gave it a good fang over the border. Basically we did all the fun stuff involved in a road trip with a bunch of friends‌. Rode bikes, talked shit and met new people. All while going on crazy, sketch fireworks transactions in the outer burbs of Canberra, sleeping at skateparks, Goof revving the shit out of the van almost to the point of engine failure, people landing on their faces, bike parts getting broken, schools getting searched, salty moods and bloody hot days. Welcome to the Focalpoint Adventure‌.
Sam
Captain Goof
Intro
Cooper Brownlee
Words:
Cooper, Goofball and Rhys Yeomans
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Big Jase, shooting the B’s with his new favourite hat
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The guns?
Daniel Johnson The smartarse of the crew, he doesn’t shut up! The kid doesn’t give a shit what you think of him and enjoyed yelling at pretty much any random person. After getting owned on a bin hop gone wrong, he spent most of the trip drunk with a few less teeth and a messed up hand. Brought along one of the most important pieces of equipment “the Navman” which kept us on track around Sydney until the batteries ran out! He spent probably $50 on food to cook on his stove, yet I’m pretty sure it all ended up on the floor of the van and the surrounding area by the end of the trip instead of in his mouth. Jase Bannan The big man slept outside in his hammock the whole time and shot the b’s in and out of everything. Jase has a scary obsession with fireworks and learnt the hard way that big cave man drops will snap your cranks. He also found a new love in the form of cowboy style hats. While away, he also went on a crazy spending spree to fill his need to watch TV and childish movies, he bought a portable dvd player and headphones….. Or maybe he just got sick of hearing DJ and Troy hang shit on Marnold? Goofball The captain of the bus, he drove basically the whole trip, wears some weird hats and fangs it in the bus. He didn’t realise there was a fourth gear until we were on the way home, which probably cost us a tank of petrol but he did a rad job dealing with everyone’s shit inside of the bus. Marc Arnold Marnold was the youngest guy on the trip and took the backseat of the bus, just like all cool kids do. Like most 17 year olds, he was real keen for porn of ANY kind. He rode really well at Fivedock, showing off his Ringwood bowl skills and was right at home at Waterloo until his cranks broke. Seeing him remove his sprocket and chain makes me sure he is Liam’s love child. DJ and Troy gave him a lot of shit about his drinking abilities: the classic line was “Oh ohh Marnolds had a beer, better get his stomach pumped!”
Another great sleep in the tent
DJ, high up Smith grind. Day 2 of his drinking binge from losing his teeth
The casulaties
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First night, first spot... “Let’s just quit BMX. We’re done here”
Troy Jackson The not so silent shredder drank more then I’ve ever seen him do yet still came through with the goods each day and clocked in some serious clips. He flexed the guns at the ladies every chance he had. I believe “Look who the hero is!” was the line said to Marnold’s face that shut him down in front of a pretty gal. Of course Troy was shirt-less and had one gun flexed the whole time. Sam Dowley The loose cannon, Sam is a very underrated rider, always coming out with random crazy lines at spots and scaring us with some gnarly crashes but always came out on top. He also loves to film and we had a rad dolley set up thanks to him. Bringing along a valuable power source for the bus and a phone that, in the end, navigated us around the unknown surroundings.
The loose cannon Sam Dowley, brakeless Canadian jam at Goulburn
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I forgot that DJ even brought a T-Shirt with him. The boys ice’n up the boxes
Cooper Brownlee On this trip I saw two sides of Coop’s personality. The first was chilled Coop who was always ready for a shred and a laugh. The second is when he gets pissed because the drunks went walkabout from the bus when there was riding to be done. It was rad watching him dialling his freecoaster shit in at Waterloo and watching him work for a decent 180 gap at Homebush was good and frustrating at the same time. If it didn’t look good on film he didn’t want to know about it…….. this kat works hard! He had no problems leading us to spots to ride, relying on his years of searching hunches….. this is why he is the boss! Scott Greentree The not so local, Scotty met up with us when we arrived and stayed around for a couple of days. It was good to have a second car to get away from the stinky arse bus from time to time. He doesn’t like riding in the heat but still got on the training program a fair bit. Rhys Yeomans Dubbed “High Tower” for obvious reasons, he spent a boat load of time on his laptop looking phone, checking myspace and thecomeup. From this trip we found out that he has one hell of a laugh so deep and evil, like Lurch from the Adams family….huurr huurr. Did I already mention the dude is fucking tall?
DJ shows why he carries those guns. Click taybo at Goulburn
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o ther Ryan Guettler behind the camera...
of
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Dedicating his life to BMX, Ryan Guettler has become one of the most recognizable names on the international BMX scene. From dirt and park riding that has upped the ante in every regard, his comp results are only outstripped by his coverage. But there is another side to Ryan, whose photographic skills have been evolving possibly even faster than his riding. Here’s a taste of what he’s been shooting and a few words from the other side of the lens… What got you into the whole taking photos deal? I got into it just from sitting on the deck watching my friends ride. Seeing a lot of amazing tricks go down and thinking, “that would be a cool photo.” I started off real cheap buying those disposable Kodak cameras and then over time I’ve picked up nicer equipment. Did you do any training or study in photography? I’ve never done any courses but from riding and having BMX photographers around it was easier to ask questions about stuff I didn’t know. Biggest influence and contributor for me was Colin Mackay. We started getting into it about the same time. We figured stuff out together and helped each other out. Has being pro given you the spare time to get stoked on shooting? Definitely. I’ve been given an awesome opportunity to travel all over the world with my bike. I always take my camera and if I get any free time I love to walk around the cities shooting different stuff. So how important is being a rider in terms of getting a good photo? I think that being a rider you definitely get an eye for a good photo. It helps because you already know where to stand and where the most clicked positions are. If a rider wants a shot of a 180 on a gap, a photographer that doesn’t ride wouldn’t know where to stand and would most likely miss the shot. Are you going to be telling some crew how to shoot if they are doing it all wrong? If it were some random magazine that is trying to shoot riding for the first time then I’d help them out. I would advise them on where to stand but be out of the way. But if it was someone trying to get a different angle or trying something new with their flashes that I didn’t think would work... I’d still go along with it just to see the outcome. With so many photographers shooting you, did you ever get pissed that shots weren’t as good as you thought they should be? No. I feel that the better I got, the more professional the photographers got. When I was slowly getting a name for myself, random websites would want photos but I would still be psyched on those photos. Now, the bigger magazines that I shoot for have the biggest photographers in BMX and they never make a BMX photo look bad. Do you find shooting pics similar to riding in a way, say in terms of progression? They are similar because it is endless. A photo can look any way you want it to the more you work on it, same with a trick. You can keep working on it until you are happy with the way it looks. The more you do both the better they become.
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Colin Mackay going bigger than you
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b e in g a ri d e you d e f in i t e l ge t an eye fo a g ood ph o t
What would your top three aspects of a good photo be? The most important is lighting. It’s easy to use a flash and make hot spots, which wrecks a photo. A good shot can easily be ruined from bad lighting. Next, I’d have to say timing. You can have the whole set up perfect, but if you time the trick wrong it will never be a good shot (eg a tuck no hander where the guys hands are almost back on the handle bars). You could never use that. Last but not least I’d say sharpness. There is nothing more frustrating than getting a photo back and the rider is out of focus. What’s your current camera set-up? I have two main cameras. One is a Canon Mark III with fisheye, 18-35mm, 50mm, plus a 70-200mm lens. And the other is a Hassleblad with 2 film backs, one for black and white and the other for colour, a digital back, fisheye, 50mm, 80mm, 200mm. For lighting I have two Q flashes, and a Vivitar which are remotely linked by pocket wizards. I was once told shooting digi cameras was like the foam pit of photography by an old school guy, what do you reckon? (I’m 100% down for technology, I told the guy in question that he sold out for using colour film instead of B/W and he shut up going on about it) Hahaha! I don’t think I’d be this into shooting if I didn’t start with digi because getting good photos is really hard and I’d get too frustrated getting film back and not enjoying my photos. It’s good using digi, you take a photo, see what’s wrong and correct your mistakes and get a nice shot. That’s what kept me going. Now I’m into film because you cannot beat the colours or detail. Any words of inspiration for young photobros out there? I’d say the same as if it was BMX, do it because it’s fun and be creative.
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Nick Richardson all no handed sub jammin.
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Clint Millar in his last days running brakes? Whatever the case with his brakes, we’re hanging out for the Richo line of PJ’s
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chris o’donnell Known to whip for food or drinks, always trying to snavvle a lift to the next session and non-stop 24-7, Chris is definitely the new Danger. . . Photos by Seaton Spratt So where are you from and how old are you? St Helens Park, Campbelltown and I’m 18 yrs old And you’ve grown up and lived out there all your life? I moved out here a few years ago, I used to live at Holsworthy. And when abouts did you start riding? Well I’ve been on and off for a few years when I was younger, but seriously for about 5 years now. What was the main reason to get on a bike and learn ticks? When I was about 9, I went to a BMX comp at the old Fairfield ramps to watch my uncle. I was just motivated after that to learn to ride. And I’d have to count old Prody videos too. So why aren’t you called Dangerboy if your uncle is the real Danger(man)? Haha. It just got past down to me from all his friends when I used to go riding with him when I was younger. Have you got a license yet? I’m working on it, L’s book is done, need to book my test in… So how do you get around? Mostly trains or generous friends… I try to scab lifts a lot! So what got you started on doing whips over everything? Well it took me forever to learn them and when I did I sucked at them, so I just kept practicing them and when I got them dialled I couldn’t stop… Is it true you used to whip (or any trick) for food/drinks? Haha, yes that is true! Seaton, Kenny, Brendan and I used to play a game along the lines of that if you can pull a trick first go you get a Pepsi. What’s the most amount of whips you’ve done in one day? I’ve lost count but its well in the high 20’s. I’ve cut down a lot on them since. How many hours do you spend on your bike a day? I try to get a good 2 hours ride in the afternoon after work and I have a road bike now so I get a few hours out of that thing.
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The way I see it, you can be the best rider in the world but if your attitude is wrong, you aren’t going anywhere... What’s an ideal day for you consist of? A good sleep in, around 11 or 12 is good. Then get a milkshake, check the myspace, make a few calls to see who is riding, then make up my mind.. But most of the time I just go for the closest option. Outside of riding what’s the life of Danger Jnr include? I love music so I’m always browsing the myspace music pages for new talent, then scamming it off Limewire… I really like skateboarding so I check youtube for video sections and I really like clothes, that’s what most of my money goes towards. That and spending a few drunken nights at Camden hotel… What’s up with the gap over the train lines at Olympic Park? Well everyone was always saying that it would be a good gap and that they wanted to do it. But no one ever did. And one night after a Monster session I was just looking at it and thought ‘why not hit it up?’ So I did. I was just surprised no one else had done it. Talking Olympics, why aren’t you in training on vert for a gold medal at the next Olympics when verts in it? Well I’m scared shitless of vert! I hate dropping into Monster vert ramp, never mind taking the whole vert thing seriously. So I just leave it to Fairbairn and Colonel. If mini and park were in the Olympics, would you do it? Of course! It would be even better if mini was in there, cause anyone can ride a park course! Riding a mini ramp takes a lot more skill... But just seeing BMX park as an Olympic sport would be enough for me. Who’s the crew you session with most? I mostly ride with Brendan Jones, Seaton Spratt, Adam Ware, Shane Biffen, Chris Anderson, Nicho and the Monster locals on Tuesdays. Who are your 3 all time favourite riders? Dave ‘Dangerman’ Johnson will always be my favourite. I looked up to Colin Mackay when I was younger, he just has a real good flow and his stlye is undescribable. And number three: Shane Biffen. He kills it on a bike. He wont touch a skatepark for weeks and can still fire out a long ice pick grind, smooth tooth picks and still flows the trails like a mad man.
chris
You got taken under the wing of a few big named Aussie riders this time last year, how did all that come about? I guess I was just in the right place at the right time. I really don’t know? I got invited on the road trips and got to stay on their hotel room floors. All I can say is I got lucky very lucky! What did you learn about the pro-life from those guys? Well I only got to see a tiny bit of it, but from what I saw it was good just hanging out with friends all day riding your bike and partying at night. But there is a lot of other stuff I didn’t see, like the pressure from comps, the travelling around the country/world all year… That’s got to be stressful! So its not all what you think its cracked up to be. Who left the most lasting impression on you? With Robbo there was never an awkward moment! With this guy, from the first to the last time you see him, he will always make you feel welcome and make you laugh so much, he is amazing!
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Did it make you want to head OS and have a shot at the dream of getting hooked up winning comps and becoming a BMX superstar with a million teenage chicks wanting you to sign their titties? I really want to go OS and travel and ride new spots and meet new people, but as for becoming a superstar? That’s pretty much impossible. It’s all luck. The way I see it, you can be the best rider in the world and if your attitude is wrong, you aren’t going anywhere. So it comes down to being yourself. And not dedicating your life to making the big time… Whats your current sponno situation? I ride for Volume Bikes, Demolition parts, BMX Mafia bike shop, United We Stand distro and Worth Ten Clothing. What would be your ideal sponno situation? Exactly what I’ve got now; a bike and clothes is more than enough. But I wouldn’t mind a free pair of shoes! Hahaha! So what do want to get out of BMX? What are your goals? To just have fun riding with my friends, travel the world, hit up some comps and see where it takes me. That’s all I have planned. Music wise, whats inspiration for ya? I realy like the old rock like Bon Jovi, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Motely Crue, The Clash and Led Zepplin. Im really getting into the new school rock/punk like Anberlin, Alkaline Trio, The Heavens, The Draft, Foo Fighters, Milemaker and a lot of Jade Tree artists. They have a lot of their bands in Props. And if you weren’t riding BMX, do you reckon you’d ride moto and do whips all day?
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No way! I suck on a motorbike! I’d be skating for sure! Trying to get on Krew clothing and Fallen shoes, then I’d be psyched! Thanks to anyone? I would really like to thank Terry from BMX Mafia. He has been a massive help in my life and I don’t know were I’d be without him right now. Brendan Jones and big Neil helped me out with the whole Demolition/Volume sponsorship. Adam Ware from United We Stand, he was there for me since day one! Mike Daly, Matt Holmes, Dangerman, Colin Mackay for giving me the opportunity to hang out with him and the other Aussie pros! All my BMX friends who I have ridden with over the years. And most of all, my parents, I wouldn’t be here with out them!
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whatever else While we don’t really give a flying squirrel about pumpkins and celebrated has scene BMX Sydney the lia, Austra in Halloween represents here now. years of couple a for Jam een Hallow l annua the end of October with the Story by Holmes
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And while it may or may not be the day that the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlap and the deceased come back to life to cause havoc, sickness and plague, it’s always a gig worth getting to with riders from all over the place making their way to be a part of the festivities. Dulwich Hill is the place and it can be said without a doubt that it’s a real fun park suiting riding to the ground. And with the addition of a few extra wooden creations and a hundred or so riders, it becomes something special. The jam proved that when you bring together a hundred or so riders from all different scenes without the pressure of competition, progression will take place. Be it pure riding skills or even better, progression of the mind. There’s nothing better than seeing people work out that there’s more than one style of riding going on and that there is all kinds of riders out there, killing it in their own, individual way. Talking of killing it, Halloween fashions were in effect, the shining Goonman, Abbs in full Pooh bear suit, Jimmy’s Led Zep inspired locks and toe eating thongs were up there, as was Liiv, although we still ain’t worked out what he was wearing… There were some fine attempts at getting into the Halloween spirit, although in what was the biggest wave of communal thought, most came dressed as BMX punkers… Ah well, luckily riders are known to express themselves on their bikes.
The Highlights… With Alex Liiv out of action from a spider bite (?) it was up to him to ensure he maintained his MTV profile with a fine display of swimming talent in the basketball court puddle. Complete with polkadots and boxhead… Gee’s tech trickery out of the bowl and onto the wooden ¼, hell yeah! Will Gunn’s stupid crazy inverted 360 transfer between the same randon ¼’s. Andy Buckworth lawnmower taps on anything and rocking the slickest flip’s over the hip. Benn Pigot has more style, flow and height than anyone. I think we can safely say he owns Dulwich… Josh Irvine ripped all day, props to him for killing it even when being judged by many that don’t even know him. A large Melbourne contingent intent on tearing up Sydney’s streets made the journey to the jam and ruled. Muffins! 3 for $3! Gotta love home baked goodness, thanks Robyn and Jazz! Xave and Liiv on the mic. Could somebody please get these guys on TV calling the Dew Tour, some greyhound races or at least yelling at more jams. Hilarious comedy all arvo… Tom Stretton’s mega long hang 5 was ridiculous! I called to have it down the path and he smashed me by going the full length of the path, out into the car park and down the street. Gotta love 75° head tubes… Daniel Donges manning up after a couple of refreshing beverages to take on the gap o’ death from the old snake run to the flatbank into the new park. While a few speed checked into it, only Donga came up with the cojones big enough to take it on. First attempt he just tagged the lip, which had the gathered crowds shitting themselves. But he lived and was then co-erced into doing it again, no hang. A 100 or so dollars seemed to have a little sway, so Donga got back up top to make or break himself. With speed and tuck, he boosted it, coming down clean at warp speed only to wash out somehow over the pyramid and even more amazingly, walk away with only minimal abrasions and a wad of cash…
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Will Gunn rules! PHOTO Seaton Spratt
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Kym Grosser. WTF? PHOTO Morrisey
talk about how good the Since last year I’ve heard mates were trails and a ghetto Bendigo Jam was. I knew there h that limited knowledge street setup but that was it. So wit e crew and head down to I managed to team up with som ect expect. toexp atto what ofwh ingof nowing unknow outunk itout ckit check che Y. ISE RR MO STORY BY STEVE
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The first night we rock in, there were drunken BMX’ers stumbling round the streets getting kicked out of clubs and generally causing havoc and well, that was pretty much the weekend! From three packed car loads of guys driving round at 2am in the morning looking for a motel (because we got kicked out of ours), getting sunburnt, to the ghetto ramps getting set ablaze at the end of the day, all in all it was a fun as hell event! I guess this is where the real BMX lives. No cash and no fame, basically a shit load of riders getting together to ride and generally just have a fun time. Beer or no beer, there were positive vibes everywhere and a lot of people on their bikes.
I had heard the ghetto setup was going to be pretty big, but the wood that was to be used got burned by some A*#holes a week or two before. So they had to get a set up going last minute and even though it was a bit sketchy it still got ridden all day. The FP crew was shredding the rail as well as about 50 or so other crew hitting the wedge bank again and again. So with brews flowing by the days end, everyone was looking a bit dirty and sunburnt, myself included. Stuff got set on fire and I guess it was a fitting end to the day as most were exhausted and starting to organize the night’s festivities.
I am not 100 percent sure who organised it or who helped out on the day so my apologies, but I am sure over a Of course it wouldn’t be a Bendigo jam without hundred people have you to thank and will be marking that some throwing down on the trails and assorted other date on the calendar for next year if it happens again, as it riding assistants. From the endless rhythm section to the was a damn good time. main trick line, on which Kym G and Mick Bayzand were When you watch all the comps and see all the videos ruling all day there was more than enough going on to keep any lazy arse happy! And even the baby jumps and out these days you can be forgiven if you get a bit lost in rusty metal ramp got a good sessioning over the course this past time that is BMX, but this jam was pure BMX at its essence and hopefully you can make it to the next one from of the jam. wherever you find yourself.
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Officially the biggest air ever in 2020. Luke Gorecki owns big air. PHOTO Raine Turnbull
on On a blistering hot day about a month ago, Back Bone BMX put of help the to thanks park, skate Creek a comp down at Weston and communities at work who provided insurance, always handy always expensive! Story by Rhysty There was a big turn out of Canberra shredders as well as some badass’ from Nowra and a few from the bay, Bateman’s style. I can’t remember who won what, other than ole Michael Puniard, who is as bad as ever, absolutely destroying the open class. Big fuf on the fence outta the round bowl and heaps of other gnarly tricks you would expect from the poon dog! The morning of the comp I made a height pole and lobbed off a piece of timber at 9.5 feet, couldn’t go any longer in the ole ute, I also thought ‘ahh that’s plenty tall enough!’ Wrong! Luke Gorecki (3rd in open) from Nowra and Weston creeks own Kelvin Pentland (winner under 16’s) had other ideas. The two were going air for air and both going higher than the height pole. They were getting so loose that I couldn’t watch anymore and called for a stop over the PA! Gorecki got the nod, by airing 11 foot and Kelvin took silver with 10 foot, not bad outta a 7 foot bowl! Wild, bloody wild! Luke got 100 bucks and Kelvin got $50 of my hard earned cash. Stowaway distro sent down a bunch of loot from Terrible One and Federal that went to the top 3 in all the classes! Thanks to everyone that helped out or participated! Much more to come next year!
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They were getting so loose that I couldn’t watch anymore
Fitty jam.
a large, quiet Very little happens in this small town in New South Wales. It has November that all of 3rd the on But skate-park and a population of just under 8000. changed. Here’s the story… Words and Photos: Anthony Brown Cootamundra, situated on the south west slopes of NSW, 120 kilometres from the nation’s capital of Canberra, held a BMX jam/comp. Riders travelled from Young, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Temora and Junee for the day. The town was buzzing and set for a big day with streets blocked off in readiness for some amazing BMX action and a massive turnout of spectators, both young and old. Well known Canberra riders, Luke ‘Fitty’ Wainman and Zac Miner, Matt Vaia to name a few, busted their dialled moves on the skate park. “It’s an amazingly smooth park, I love it! We need to get the boys together and come here more often!” was Fitty’s call. Riders battled it out in under and over 12 and after eight action packed hours the crowd was still enjoying whips, flips and transfers all over the park. With ongoing drought conditions in the bush, events like the Cootamundra BMX Jam are a much welcomed event for everyone. Well done to the organisers and riders for a great day and would love to see more of these in small country towns more often in the future!
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Tim Rose
If you’re thinking about coming to a jam in WA sometime, make sure you hit up the Livewire Jam. At the beginning of the December, Chadd Walton’s local, Mandurah skate park, saw the third annual Livewire Jam held in his honour. Story by Shaun Jarvis
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Although the jam was officially to start at three, it was awesome to see the place was already packed when I got there at about two. After setting the positions for the freestyle now ramps the clouds decided to open up and someone said to me “it’s raining, will it be called off?” My reply was “rain, what f#*kin rain, we won’t stop for no one”. The rain cleared up soon after and riders started to hit up the jump box before it had even dried out. In the end the day turned out sweet, good sunshine, but with a bit of a breeze. With the jam officially under way the girls from Red Bull started to hand out some of the energy liquid. Most were well pleased for that. I took a quick head count of riders and put it at about 150, I tell ya Kie and myself were happy fellas. It was great to see crews from all over Perth as well as Albany and Nannup in attendance. During the day the small quarter was set up on the top of a flat bank and it was not long before it was sessioned by many. Over ice picks, bank to quarter gaps, tail whips in many ways. But it was Chris Jones who shut the ramp down with a massive fronty over and out of the park. Warren McVitty took out the official bunny hop record for the Livewire Jam 2007, with a height of 98cm. That is 2cm shorter than his record from last year. He was pushed hard by Matt Bell and Tim Rose, plus honourable mentions to Calvin and Rex as well. Later in the day I’m walking around handing out some proddy from Coalition thanks to Stowaway distro and Wasted bmx only to look up and see Matt Bell bust out one of the biggest flairs I’ve ever seen. Later Ben from Glen Parkers south rocks up with a bag of goodies from the bike shop to give out, get ya self into that shop and thank em for supporting the jam as it’s the right thing to do. The freestyle now jump box got a hammering with a train lasting for a good 20 minutes non stop, it was relentless and you just had to flow with it. It was also good to see someone jump the box but not use the landing. Brad Koler decided to jump the whole jump box to flat. That’s about 5 meters long, landing from a height of about 4 meters. That guy knows how to land from big stuff. The whole day was terrific and I can’t wait till livewire jam 2008 so that you can come and enjoy the festivities. Much thanks goes to the crew who were in attendance as well as Stowaway distribution, Wasted BMX and Glen Parker Cycles for all the support.
Mike whippin at the Toast Jam
Funny how some things never change, only this year, the fireworks were exchanged for empty bottles of beer! The BDA (binge drinkers association) who ‘run’ the toast jam are always up for a good time, both on and off their bikes. The general plan whence arriving at the toast jam in Wellington goes like this:
The toast jam (too old after sixteen) turned a balmy 10 years old on labour weekend in Wellington, New Zealand this year. I remember the first jam in 97, or should I say, don’t really remember much of it, booze, bands, a waterbed bladder as a crash pad, fireworks and Dwayne from Wellington’s stupid ass Hilux truck playing porno soundtracks down the main street of Wellington, subs blazing and all! Story by Haimona Ngata
1 2 3 4
Meet up at a skatepark (with some brews) Ride for about 20-25mins (while drinking) Leave the park and go to whomever’s house you’re staying at (still drinking, not the driver though!) Chill and shower at said person’s house (thanks Mike Lips for letting us stay!) NB drinking in the shower is always a treat!
5 People come over and start to drink more ‘heavily’ (while still drinking) 6 Venture from the person’s house and into the city (while drinking walking down the street) 7 Enter the venue where everyone is meeting (now, you’re definitely drunk) 8 Wake up the next morning, eat a massive feed and do it all over again! 9 Pack up the car and get ready to go home, say goodbyes (perhaps have a goodbye drink) 10 Mission home (try and detox) And that’s really ‘bout it for the toast jam, so if you’re down for a party, then the BDA have got you covered with the annual Toast Jam...
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SCENE CHECK SUNSHINE COAST
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SCENE CHECK SUNSHINE COAST
Sunshine Coast
Mmm, beach or park? Todd goes the concrete option
about an hour north of brisbane, the Sunshine coast begins and from Caloundra to Noosa there is a skate park almost every 10 minutes up the road. beerwah, Caloundra, Dicky’s beach, Kawana, alexandra Headland, Nambour, Coolum and Sunshine beach (Noosa) are some of the bigger parks. a few smaller parks around, but still fun and worth riding are landsborough, Mooloola, Eudlo, Palmwoods, Mapleton, buderim, Kuluin, bli bli, Mudjimba, Cooroy and Peregian beach. there are a few tight crews around, occasionally all getting together for a ride. Photos & words by todd Henshall (except this one of todd!)
Alex has the most number of riders, there’s Dave, Todd, Tristan, Jimmy, Flaxton, Squiggy, Glenn, Heath, Pommie Pete and Danny being a youngun. There’s also a few other good young riders about and a few older guys like Pauly and Glenno, plus we’ve had a few guys from overseas around too. The Alex scene has been good as of late, a few injuries and some slacking off at the moment but that’s just how it is. Our local park isn’t the best but it’s right on the beach and there’s some good street in Maroochydore, Nambour, Caloundra and the drains in Kunda Park. We’ve had some trails going out at Coco’s place too, which we’ve been a bit slack with.
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SCENE CHECK SUNSHINE COAST
Occasionally on weekdays I go to Caloundra for a lone session, all the kiddies are at school and it’s a fun park to have to yourself. All my mates are at work and most days I don’t start till the afternoon. On this day Jimmy came with me and took some pictures with my camera. He was off work and will be off his bike for sometime after doing his ACL.
I was planning to get up early one morning to take some pictures of the sun coming up over the skate park. I told Danny about this and we had talked about it in the past. He said he was keen to do some riding at 5 in the morning, it wasn’t looking good first thing but we ended up with some nice shots.
Dave had this rail in mind for sometime, we went to check it out one night but the three lights going down the stairs were all out so it was too dark. We came back the next week using Tristan’s car headlights for light. After a few attempts Dave pulled the rail. I wasn’t happy with the shot but with the interruption of security we got out of there. Third time lucky we went back, this time in daylight, Dave pulled the rail second go, we had the shot and headed back to the park.
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Most weekends start with a Friday night ride at Alex, the lights are on until 10 at the park. Come Saturday morning we all meet at the park or use some form of modern day technology to find out what’s in store for the day. We normally ride a few different parks around the coast, sometimes go ride street or head to Brisbane to ride some parks or street. Depending on how everyone feels on Sunday after riding all Saturday and possibly having a big night. We will do the same again or just hang about at Alex for the afternoon. Sunday night, dreading having to work in the morning we’re all looking forward to next Friday night and maybe a few weeknight rides through the week. This year has been a good one for most, Dave, Jimmy, Tristan, Squiggy, Heath and Glenn all went to the states for 6 weeks spending time at Woodward and in New York. Todd was in Shanghai for 2 and a half weeks riding the SMP Park. By the sounds of it most will be jetting off next year too.
bEHIND barS BMX 4 LIFE
Matt Simpson Resides Penrith, NSW Interview & Photo by Caleb Mondon
I’m sure a bunch of you reading this are friends with Matt or have met him at a skatepark sometime, and if you have, you’ll know that he is definitely dialled on a bike and is easily one of the most consistent riders i know, throwing tricks smoothly and cleanly. I had about 30 photos of Matt 3-0ing this spine, and they are all just as dipped. Matt is always happy to go ‘one more’ for photos, making shooting with him a good time. We’ve had a bunch of good times, either riding or just playing aqua golf in the rain, and I’m sure we’ll have heaps more . Name/Age/Location? Matt Simpson, 18, the riff (Penrith, Sydney) Music you listen to? A bunch of stuff, mainly rock and dirty house music. haha. How long have you been riding? I’ve raced since I was about 4, so pretty much forever. Are you still into racing? Yeah I definitely still like racing, but you have to train and everything, its a bit too serious, just turning up at the park and riding is easier and more fun. Do you think Penrith is good for riding? Yeah, there are a lot of good riders and heaps of parks close by so that always helps. Having people to ride with and being able to ride different stuff. Influences? Kneecap and Fluro Bentley... But seriously, just my mates, the people who i have grown up with and especially my parents, without them i probably wouldn’t still be riding. Watching Aaron Ross ride is definitely an influence too. Anything else you want to add? I think Fat Zac will dominate Bmx Games next year - He is gonna eat the competition. Thank-you’s? Definitely my Mum for fixing my bike any time it breaks, but both my ‘rents for being the best ever, thank you.
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bEHIND barS BMX 4 LIFE
Nitai seems to have forgotten to: A/ get his bro’s head in. B/ shoot his bro altogether.
Radha Whitehurst Resides Noosa Heads, queensland Words & Photo by Nitai
My brother used to skate, he works as a chef and any spare time he had he would be skating. I picked up BMX in high school and I noticed slowly that Radha started taking more notice, until one day he was riding BMX. He had been converted. He calls me up all the time telling me how he learnt this or crashed trying this. He knows he isn’t the best rider but he doesn’t care. All that matters is that he is having fun rolling on his bike.
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Newton's playground BMX Big Air Dirt Dance
$3000 in prizemoney!
pro & amateur.Registrations now open online.competitor rego fee includes weekend festival pass.
tECH KNOWlEDgE RUN A JAM Andy Buckworth loving the Halloween Jam. PHOTO Seaton Spratt
How to: Run a jam
OK so you may have seen that we have a bunch of rider run jams in this issue of 2020. you might be thinking “that looks pretty cool, I’d like to have a jam at my local skatepark or trails” and this might lead to you thinking “how the hell do I organise a jam”. Well if any of that’s true then read on and welcome to the how to run a jam, how to… Story by MikeD First up you will need to decide what type of jam you are looking at running, do you want the 10 local riders at your park to show up and ride for a couple of hours or are you looking at 200 guys from all over the country, a PA, prizes and the local TV crew showing up… The scale of what you want to do will affect how much, or how little organisation you need to do to pull off the day… So here are a couple of options on how to run a jam. The small scale jam is obviously the easiest to organise. For this I’m thinking you don’t need a PA, just maybe someone’s car parked near the park with the stereo cranking. A few phone calls to random riders might be enough to get everyone siked and maybe you grab an esky with some drinks of choice and take that down for the day… It’s as simple as that, good friends, good riding and maybe a few clips get logged for your next DVD. Option two is for the larger jam, this is where some sort of organisation will be required. For this one you might get riders from out of town or interstate showing up, you might want some prizes and will probably need to put some sort of organisation into the days events. To start off with you will need to pick a date that doesn’t clash with other comps or events, public holidays are good because riders who have to travel will make a road trip of it so you will get more people, from more places showing up. Something else you need to think about is do I need permission or insurance to run a jam at my local. This is a bit of a touchy subject because if you ask the council they will undoubtedly tell you that you need to fill out a bunch of forms, provide $10 million worth of insurance and even charge you to “hire” the park for the day. The easiest way to avoid this is not to tell them, but this can lead to unwelcome intrusions into the day, like the cops showing up or rangers trying to shut you down. The best thing to do is be 100% legit and have all the approval and insurance you need but this is not always possible or practical. If you decide you are running a big enough event that you want to get everything properly sorted your best plan is to hit up the Freestyle BMX organisation. They can help talk to the council, smooth over any problems and even sort out insurance if necessary. If you decide to go down this path check out www.freestylebmx.org and hit up Dinny for some help. If all that sounds too hard then the stealth option is the way to go. The main thing to keep in mind if you are on a stealth mission is don’t cause unnecessary problems. The cops and council are on the look out for stuff like music that’s too loud, cars parked everywhere, too much rubbish or new graf all over the park. Keep this stuff to a minimum and your jam will go un-noticed by the powers that be and it will be a whole lot easier next time around. Once you have the date and permission, (if you go that way) you need to get the word out so everyone knows. The interweb is good for this, so crank up your myspace and facebook and try to get the jam up on other peoples websites and forums as well. Once the word gets out it will travel fast and you may be surprised by how many people show up. Making up a flyer is a good way to spread the word too,
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flyers can be emailed around and it’s always good to drop some into local BMX shops to help spread the word… While you’re in the shop ask them if they would be keen to help out with some prizes for the day, most shops are keen to show they support the scene and if you get them involved they can help spread the word too. Jams are also a good way to spread the word about your local rider t-shirt or DVD company so hook up with anyone who’s doing anything local and get them involved. Finally send an email to bmxrules@2020bmxmag.com.au and we will let everyone know when and where, keep in mind that 2020 comes out 4 times a year so we may need more than a weeks notice to get it in the mag in time. So now the word is out, there’s a jam on and everyone is coming, what else do you need? Some good tunes to ride to and maybe some random words of encouragement in the form of an MC are good things. For this you will need a PA with a mic and probably a plug for your ipod. Also if you’re not on the council legit program you may need to hire a generator as you probably won’t have access to power, this usually requires a council key to open the power box. PA’s can be hired pretty easy, just explain what you are doing and they will suggest a suitable system. Same goes for generators, you can hire them from equipment places like Kennard’s and again, tell them what you’re running and they’ll suggest one that will give you enough power. Other stuff to think of is drinks and a BBQ, I’ll leave you to figure those out. Something that works really well for jams is building some additions to the park or jumps, if there’s new stuff to ride everyone will be stoked. Simple options are sub boxes that can be moved around or a random quarter to set up in different locations. You can also go all out and build a whole “ghetto” set up that’s not even at a skatepark, your local drains are usually a good spot for this one. Next on the to do list is the run down for the day. You’re probably not gonna have timed runs on the park, but if prizes are to be given away you need some way to find the deserving winners. A few options include riders judging themselves, a few chosen individuals awarding best trick or worst crash, or the tried and trusted biggest air, longest jump, highest bunny hop awards. You can also pick spots around the park and run extra comps for transfers or new lines, maybe using your newly built ramps, but obviously this will depend on where you are and the set up you have. If you have got this far down the track it sounds like you may have run a pretty good jam, by now everyone will be sore from riding all day and will probably want to kick back, talk shit and plan the next road trip to the next jam. The best place for this is the after party which you will have organised for A. the local pub, B. your back yard with a BBQ or C. the speed metal, grind core gig that’s on tonight… either way you will leave everyone stoked on a good day and keen to show up the next time you run something. Oh yeah and finally don’t forget to send a story and some photos of your jam to 2020 so we can spread the word on your hard work to the rest of the country too.
BEATS & PIECES GIG’s, DVD’s AND CD’s
Nick Cave & Grinderman
Enmore Theatre, Sydney 20th October 2007 Words by AstroBBoy Photo by Mr Greggles
While most of my friends are Nick Cave fanatics, personally I thought he lost the plot years ago. Too much new age god (regardless of how tongue in cheek it was meant to be) and not enough old testament god with vengeance and smoting. This was the reason I hadn’t seen him in concert for around ten years. But after hearing the album from his latest project “Grinderman” I had renewed faith in “Saint Nick”. Before the main acts, there was a magician, yep, a magician. We’re not talking some Vegas style magician with levitating white tigers, we’re talking drunk uncle at Christmas style magician. It was unsettling to say the least, but maybe that was the whole point, to get you confused, to get you on edge for what was to follow. Grinderman took to the stage looking like a bunch of Mexican bandits. Nick had a handlebar moustache (which seems to be compensating for the loss up top) and the rest of the band sported long beards. They looked like the Beach Boys did during their extended drug phase - scruffy with a touch of Charles Manson. Only having one album, we were guaranteed to hear nearly all the material and we did with the exceptions of “Man In The Moon” and “Love Bomb”. Grinderman were excellent, no doubt about it. The second half of the show was Nick Cave solo, although it wasn’t really. Basically the whole band came back and played various Nick songs from throughout his career. There were the usual requests for early stuff (Birthday Party and Boys Next Door) but he kept to a fairly standard “greatest hits” including “Red Right Hand”, “Weeping Song” and “Mercy Seat”. Nick really seemed to be enjoying himself and had a mischievous grin while responding to audience calls “I love you Nick” - “yes, you and my wife”. One thing which hit me later was the fact that Nick did not have his signature cigarette in hand the entire show. Is this a new clean living Nick? I don’t know, but it seems to be working for him.
Clocked in Focal Point
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would like this DVD when it turned up. I generally don’t like anything, so a presumably all street, Aussie DVD wasn’t ever going to stand much of a chance, but let me tell you kiddies, I was wrong... Before I go any further, if you ride street or enjoy watching it don’t waste anymore time listening to me, drag yourself away from gayspace for long enough to go pick up a copy from your local. Well if you are still reading and thinking to yourself, “fuck this guy, what the shit does he know?” then I obviously need to go into a little more detail for you. Firstly I should mention that there is not a single quarter or set of doubles that I could spot, just pure street, so if you are still with me, lets move on. The DVD is edited so that if you choose “play all” you are getting yourself into one big mix section, which I felt worked well and gave the vid a session vibe as if you were there shredding Melbourne with the FP crew. However if you go to the menu, you will be happy to know you can select each rider separately and watch just their section. The music is probably what you would expect and I opted for a CD over the top personally but that’s just me and for all I know this DVD rocks all your favourite tunes and therefore rules for that reason alone. All the sections and the mix edit are more than worthy of your time, Kym Grosser always needs a mention purely because he has consistently busted good moves for longer than most of you have been riding. However, no surprise here, Liam Fahy-Hampton is the guy likely to get the most views. Whether you think chainless BMX is glorified skating or that his frame is just a long flatland frame there is no doubt that he is good, real good and bike set up doesn’t mean a god damn thing with skills like that. In conclusion Cooper Brownlee has yet again come up with the goods by putting out a high quality local vid to compliment everything else he does for the scene, so grab a copy and enjoy it that little bit extra knowing that it helps get another issue of the ‘zine out there for us all. Rob
Justify UnitMX
With Unit stepping up in huge leaps and bounds seemingly every week it was only time till they went all out and released their first DVD production. Being that they’re Australia’s premiere two wheel clothing and lifestyle brand, the Justify DVD is a virtual mixtape of their team of both moto and BMX riders. Jumping between Moto and BMX makes it a non stop assault from start to finish. All the sections are short and sweet, rider sections mixed between the odd Red Bull event. As far as Moto goes, Matt Schubring and Robbie Madison kill it, but being as we’re a 20inch mag, lets keep it simple. Bohan starts off the 20inch action with his trademark flowing style, which leads straight into the most recent of the Elevation series and damn, I wish I was in Whistler now, big jumps, big arse bears and crazy partys. Niki Buckard pimps it up with the ladies and doesn’t disappoint with skills all over Queenslands parks, as does Chris Edgar. Cam Pianta scores a section followed by Cam Whites Jam, with a quick part dedicated to Dane Searls. Tim Wood has been representing Unit for a while and goes nuts on vert at home and abroad. But it’s Nic Cooper and Cam Whites section that rock the DVD BMX wise, these guys are both on serious missions. As far as extras go, try extended footy from the BMXGames, Cams Jam, 20 and 26 inch ruler Darren Pokoj and Tim Wood gets a worthy bonus section in his back yard. With a mix of Aus Hip Hop from the likes of Bliss N Eso, OS rulers Swollen Members, Lavs Lab and punk rawk from 28 Days and Rise Against, it kicks along well fast enough to keep up with the action. All up, Justify is a big, top notch Australian production with lotsa atmosphere, lotsa work in post and a lot of travelling to make it all happen. With this production under their belt, we’re looking forward to what these guys have instore!
Forward Motion South BMX
Forward motion features some of Tassie’s best known along with a host of unknown (to us northeners) riders ripping up spots across the apple isle and beyond. Sam Orchard is behind the DVD and from the looks of the filming, editing and the overall look of the DVD he’s got some serious movie skills. Especially considering this is his debut BMX DVD. The production is super slick with very nice titles and opening scenes and I really like the variety of music, everything from DJ Shadow to Led Zeppelin. The DVD is made up into sections from what looks like the local crew, plus there are appearances from a whole bunch of other riders. Spots wise it’s mostly Tassie, but I recognised a bunch of other spots from Sydney to Melbourne. Gotta love anything with the old Hobart snake run in it too… There’s a bit of everything in this DVD, lots of freecoaster tech street, parks, dirt and more than a few unique spots make an appearance. Good work Sam.
Terror
Lowest of the low
The thing about Terror is that the lyrics were always horrible and generic but the music was fun. The first time I heard their bass sound on “Lowest Of The Low” I was all, ‘damn’ and it was fast and powerful and went down well. I did however, hate almost everything Scott Vogel had to say on stage on both of their tours so far, but the kids loved it and I wasn’t their demographic, so no one gave a fuck what I thought and no doubt still don’t. He also threatened to bash my friend over myspace or email or something from the other side of the world, which was kind of weird. The first thing I noticed about this record was that it is s-l-o-w, really s-l-o-w, probably so kids can kick each other “in da pit”. They do a cover of ‘Kickback’ by NYHC band Breakdown with Vinnie Stigma dropping by to help out that sounds… alright, I guess. The people who like Terror seem to love Terror, so if that’s you pick it up. Personally, I hate the tough guy hardcore scene that Terror are synonymous with and would rather listen to The Oath over and over and over than listen to this record ever again (yes, I’m a filthy washed up hipster and I enjoy it very much). Tom Gabel
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NEW PrODUCtS 2008 COMPLETES
Complete bike check
Four new rides worth a look from the mid range to the top end. these days you don’t need to go to all the hassle and drama of building a custom ride with the likes of Fit, Colony, Felt and Eastern doing all the dirty work for you...
FitBikeCo Team Street
Felt Manic
www.fitbikeco.com
www.feltbmx.com
You know a company knows their market when they go and put out a brakeless street complete for 2008. Fit’s Team Street is a masterpiece in pure raw finish. Rocking a 20.5” top tube, 100% 4130 cromo frame and fork, wide, high handlebars, Fit DLR style stem, 36h Alienation rims, 25t Fit alloy sprocket, 9t sealed driver and Fit 2.10” tires front and rear. And to make it even better, they come with some mighty fine side pull calipers that are killer! All up, a measly 11.8kgs of unstoppable street weaponology that even Edwin would be proud to run.
Felts 2008 Manic is a solid entry level ride aimed at the all-round rider. It’s 100% 4130 frame runs a 20.55” TT, a 4130 fork, 32/12 gearing, chrome rims, a Pivotal seat/post combo and even rocks carbon headset spacer and removable gyro tabs. As with all Felts, it runs mainly Felt brand parts, all killer, like the beefy alloy platfoms and even sports the ‘London’ mod brear brake cable routing. Don’t know what that is, get Google’n. It weighs in at 13.64kg, although drop two pegs and you’ll drop a stack of weight...
Colony Endeavour www.colonybmx.com.au
The crew at Colony haven’t been messing around since their launch in 2005. Aside from a mega range of top end parts and frames, they’ve gone hard into the complete bike market with their Endeavour. You may remember last years sweet purple people eater ride, well for 2008 the Endeavour gets lower, lighter and slimmer, plus gets a longer 20.75” top tube, 28/10 gearing, integrated seat clamp, Unlucky 13 bars and a Pivotal seat and post. It weighs in at 12.5kg and is available in black or white.
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Eastern Ace of Spades www.easternbikes.com
For 2008 Eastern have upped the ante in a huge way, with all their bikes looking smoking hot. The OG Ace of Spades wasn’t spared the bling treatment either, it’s chrome and red finish has got to have it being the best looking complete out there. Lucky it ain’t all cosmetic, the 11.8kg AoS rolls on a sweet frame which utilises Easterns new Lightning rod tubing with intergrated seat clamp, 36 hole Atom wheels, 3 piece Stealth cranks and 25/9 gearing to let you crank to Motorhead straight to hell. If you see Leigh Ramsdell, ask to see his Lemmy signature tatt...
POSITION VACANT!
WE LOOK AFTER OUR OWN!
bmxmafiaboss@hotmail.com
We have been looking after BMX riders since 1990. Since 2000 a lot of shops have complained about our pricing being to cheap as they try to cash in on BMX. Do yourself and BMX a favour, buy from us and we will give back to BMX and YOU. For the BIGGEST selection of Quality BMX gear at prices that PISS OFF (???) other shops. Drop into our store, or call for MAIL ORDER. On Show Now! 69 Completes, 204 Pairs of Pedals, 90 Pairs of Shoes, 127 Tee Shirts, 44 Seats, 40 Stems, 91 Pairs of Gloves, 208 Tyre’s, 39 Wheels, 44 Seats, 90 Pairs of Shoes, 204 pairs of Pedals........... THE BIGGEST BMX SHOP IN SYDNEY! We are about a 15 minute drive from Monster, Five Dock, Chatswood and Parramatta Park.
JUSTOFFTHEACKOFATRUCKSALE 08 Subrosa Pandoro $1699 08 Subrosa Malum $729 08 Fit Flow Street $1139 08 Fit Flow Trail $999 08 Fit Team Trail $799 08 Fit Pro trail $579 Fit Chase Hawk $529 FIT S3 Frame $699 08 Colony Sect bike$1699 S&M LTF frame $769
MACNEIL frames $575 KINK Apex $1299 KINK Roc $849 KINK Transition $679 TWO-HIP Lino $799 TWO-HIP Playboi $749 TWO-HIP Soul $639 EASTERN Element $639 EASTERN JANE $779 DEMOLITION P.A.Bars $110
ABBSDRUNKDADJIM...
THE BIG BMX SHOP
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WITH THE LITTLE PRICES
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AUSTRALIA WIDE!
FBM APE HANGER Bars $95 UNITED Trinity 21”tt $479 : 1-3 days, ACT: 1-2 days FBM PW-MOTO 21”tt $549 Sydney: Same to next day, NSW : 1-5 days QLD: 1-4 days, SA: 1-4 days, TAS days, 1-3 VIC: $549 20.75”tt YER FBM DEPLO WA: 2-5 days, NT: 2-5 days. FLY Pantera 21”tt $499 Odyssey Beta Backpack $99 PRIMO magnesium S/Tenderizer $49 EASTERN Sealed Pedals $89 Left Right DVD $25
ORE! HEAPS MORE IN ST
We look after our own...
If you can’t get to the store, we’ll mail it to you asap!ect deposit COD/visa/mastercard/bankcard/money order/dir
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NEW PrODUCtS FRESH IS BEST
KHE Triple threat frame www.khebikes.com
The Triple threat is James Foster’s signature frame from KHE. Available as a complete ride or as just a frame. It runs a 21” top tube, 74.5 head angle and weighs under 4.8lbs. As far as tech goes, KHE are so on the ball it ain’t funny, sweet tubing, the seat clamp is built in, the brake tabs are removable and theres some slick as hell machining on gussets and the headtube. If you feel the need for throwing triple whips, we hope you can deal with the choice of grey or maroon.
MacNeil light sprocket www.macneilbmx.com
When these first rocked in we weren’t sure what to think, let’s just say they’re very thin and very light. Luckily a few crew we know have run them and they seem to hold up well, although don’t go smashing em on ledges or coping ever... The light sprocket comes in black, brown or metallic blue, in 25 to 39 tooth sizes. They are made of 6061 alloy and have 3 crank bolt holes so you can rotate them around. And there’s the signature Macneil graphics all over em.
Proper ceramic hub www.kickassbmx.com
Proper bikes are well known for their hubs and are really stepping up with this latest design. The biggest news is that the 3 small sealed bearings in the driver have been replaced by one ceramic bearing or bush, so no more blown out driver bearings. The hub body has also been cut down in size and with a hollow crmo axle the whole thing weights under 370g. They are available in a bunch of colours in either 36 or 48 hole.
Premium sub 10 stem www.premiumbmx.com
The sub 10 is so called because it weighs 9.7oz, that’s 275 grams for those of us living outside of the USA, I guess we could call it the sub 280g? Anyway every bit of unnecessary 6061 alloy has been removed to save weight and you also get hollow bolts all round. It comes in red, grey or black and the reach is 53mm.
WTP Drops bar ends www.triplesix.com.au
These simple cap type bar ends from WTP come in a stack of colours and weight 21g a pair. What more can you say. Well, try, bar ends are better than a core sample of your stomach when you rag...
BSD Too Loose bars www.bsdforever.com
The Too Loose bar is Anto Lille’s signature bar from BSD. They are 28” wide, 8” tall, have a 13 degree back sweep and 3 degree up sweep… If your looking for big bars with more back sweep try these puppies out, and remember add some extenders if your still feeling too narrow. Just don’t go riding in the city in peak hour…
Protec Classic Skate helmet www.pro-tec.net
This classic Protec shape is probably the least dorky looking helmet out there, possibly cause it’s been a design cue for so long now. Come 2007 it’s now Aussie standards approved so you won’t get a ticket when the cops ask to see your AS sticker and comes in a bunch of sizes and colours…
DC Pure shoes www.dcshoes.com
New styles from DC for summer look the biz. The website says they have Dynamic Grip Technology and a PAL 2003 toe cap, but we just recon you can’t go wrong with black, white and red. Rumour has it there may be a Bohan signature shoe in the works...
Demolition F40 Top load stem www.demolitionparts.com.com
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The top load stem is Demolition’s new stem design featuring a wrap around back with no bolts to make solid billet aluminium as knee friendly as possible. Clamping duties are taken on by two internal wedges that wrap arond the steerer. Available in 53mm and 60mm lengths, they are internally drilled to save weight and 312 grams ain’t too bad. Always new colours coming, so check out www.bmxmilitia.com for details.
NEW PrODUCtS FRESH IS BEST
Superstar Elect V2 stem
www.kickassbmx.com
This is the updated version of the Elect stem, its made of 7075 alloy, comes with hollow bolts, a 49mm offset, weighs 310g and comes in black, silver or this nice annodized blue. You can run it either way up but bolts down is the usual choice with cool kids, plus with the V2 you can run a gyro too…
ADB Helmet
www.avantibikes.com This new ADB helmet is Australian standards approved so it’s all good to protect your head. Its also pretty light thanks to the super tech microshell inmould construction which is designed to destruct on impact, protecting your head in the time being. Not for those who chuck their helmets around when not in use...
Orchid break shoes www.orchidfootwear.com
The crew at Orchid have been busy and have a stack of new styles and colours for 2008. The black and yellow muscle car looking numbers to the left are called the Break and of course it’s a limited colourway. There’s cow in these ones but they also have Vegan friendly varieties, check their website for all the new 08 stuff…
Colony Guettler Sprocket
www.colonybmx.com.au
WIN tHIS
Ryan Guettler rides for Colony and designed this sprocket. It comes in 23t, 25t, 28t or 30t sizes, in black, grey, polished or red and is made out of 7075 alloy.
FBM rumble seat www.stowaway.net.au
Taking it back to the real old school, FBM have created a straight forward, slim and light seat which comes in black, blue, green or grey, weighs 305g and has 8mm crmo rails. You gotta love the embossing! Would go well with their, dare I say it, fixie...
Eastpak back pack www.eastpak.com
Eastpak make bags. That may not sound very exciting but everyone in the world uses a bag or backpack of some sort so why not use a cool, functional bag from a company that supports BMX. Eastpak have a huge team of riders in Europe and their bags are now available in Australia, so to celebrate we have three to give away… All you need to do is email the name of one member of the Eastpak BMX team to eastpak@2020bmxmag.com.au and you’ll have a chance of winning a bag, simple as that. If you need any help you might want to check out www. eastpak.com for some inspiration and a look at their cool bags.
Animal Edwin grips www.animalbikes.com
Edwin designed these grips with a slightly different take on the classic mushroom design, and we guess he likes em long and thin. They come in a bunch of different colours and bar ends are included…
Proper TTL frame www.kickassbmx.com
The Mike Miller signature TTL frame is Proper Bikes latest and lightest frame. If comes in black, white or red, four top tube lengths and with or without brakes. There’s a built in seat clamp and overall it’s got a nice simple design. Angles are 74.5 for the head tube and 71 for the seat tube and it weighs in under 5lbs. Proper light like hey Guv?
Nike 6.0 shoes www.nike6.com
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6.0 is Nike’s action sports shoe divsion. You’ve probably seen the ads in all the overseas magazines… Well in a nutshell, 6.0 have a big range of bike friendly shoes (and a team of all the juniour rippers) that hark back to the days of OG Nikes. The Dunk lows are available in a multitude of colours as are all their styles. Theres even an Air model named Banksgiving... Gotta love Brooklyn based shoes. You know Nike make solid shoes and now you can get some that are made for riding.
NEW PrODUCtS T’S AND CAPS
Softgoods
Vclub www.myspace.com/unitedwestandbmx Strictly www.strictlybmx.com
Terrible One www.stowaway.net.au Lotek www.lotekbrand.com Unit www.unitriders.com
Subrosa www.triplesix.com.au Unit www.unitriders.com
Hell on Earth www.stowaway.net.au Etnies www.etnies.com DC www.dcaus.com
Animal www.stowaway.net.au
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StatE OF tHE NatION YOUR PART OF TOWN
Kelvin Pentlan goes big too. PHOTO raine turnbull Vince Byron will be a big contender at this years BMX Games PHOTO KimKim
State of the nation australian Capital territory
Both Weston and Tuggeranong comps went down recently, kids got loose for free product and cash and Puni ruled the pro class both times. Puni is also about to go on a 3 month adventure overseas with his long term girlfriend Tash, so hope that all goes well. Just got done sessioning with NW shredder Darin Read (think greatest video part of all time in ‘Building The Underground’) as well as a bunch of other trail dogs from the Sydney area like Josh Stead, Jason Cousins and Junior. It was sick! Cam White is back from the states and already hooking into his yard like a madman, if you were at his hillside jam this year then picture everything a few feet taller and longer and if you weren’t there this year then I suggest you get round to it this February, because it will be ridiculous. Big name pro’s and big tricks. Cam also just got hooked up by a new Aussie company, 9 Dragons, which make damn fine brake pads as well as sprockets, and some dialled in brakes. Speaking of Australian companies, Dan Hunt is back from his massive solo trip around the world, which means that he is currently figuring out some new fangled product from Black Lotus. His new site should also be up soon, blacklotusbmx.com Bentley the trail boss is back riding after a hefty injury where he broke his heel in half. By the time you read this Russell Brindley will be back in Canberra sucking up the heat and definitely not stinking up the scene. Back Bone’s web gun Tyson JP finally got his new Federal ride and celebrated his 21st birthday with not one but five of the hottest curries you’ve ever eaten. Party of the year coming up on the 8th of December. Backyard ramps, BBQ’s and bands to celebrate his 21st. If you knew about it sick, if not spewin for ya! Me and my partner Alison just had a baby girl Jasmine and I’m pretty psyched on the whole thing, look for Back Bone nappies soon! Turds sold separate! Brown dogg is a badass. Nuff said. Liam Fahy Hampton just got back from the states and picked up some pro sponsors along the way from Profile and Orchid. Be on the lookout for limited Back Bone signature colourway Hell’s Stallion frames soon! By the time you read this HUSH trails in Canberra will have been levelled to the ground, thanks to all the locals for all the good times,
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there will be many more to come and thanks if you signed the petition. But mainly a big fuck you to the government down here! You will never stop us! Only fuel our fire! Dig trails everywhere kids! I have spoken to a few different committees and it looks like there will be legal jumps in Canberra very soon, for all to ride! This means all will help build them, under guidance! Live wire Harry patches recently broke his wrist doing a wheel chair gap, so speedy recovery to you mate! Merry Xmas to all, hope your new year is filled with killer new trails cause mine will be! Rhysty.
New south wales
Sydney’s been pretty dam rainy over the last few months but in between the storms we have had a new park built at Thornleigh… Nice spine into a bowl and some streety stuff, the park is also lit at night which is good for the hot summer months. The BMX Games are on at Monster again over the long weekend, Jan 26th to the 28th. This year’s gonna see some big changes to the dirt jumps, a night time best trick comp and as always the best riders in the country battling it out for $20,000… It’s going to be a big one this year so make sure you’re there. You can find more info atfreestylebmx. org or myspace.com/2008bmxgames In other comp news there’s a dirt comp on out at Bathurst on the 8th and 9th of March, called Newtons Playground. Expect big jumps, bands, cash prizes and a bunch of other craziness including downhill skateboarding, skydiving and a music festival complete with camping, more info can be found at.newtonsplayground.com.au. In other west of Sydney news Orange rippers Dan Baker and Will Gunn have both just been hooked up by Kickassbmx distribution, Dan will now be riding for Proper Bike Co and Will is with Superstar. There have been trails up at Red Hill on the northern side of Sydney for a few years now and recently the local council made them legit… No more sneaking in and hiding your shovels. It sounds like councils all over Aus are finally figuring out how to run legal trails. In other trails news Shane Biffen and Chris Anderson have been busy out west constructing a huge roll in to add to their already impressive trails set up. I believe there might be a jam on there soon? Bondi skatepark has the lights back on so night sessions are all good again.
Biffen in his element PHOTO Morrisey
Finally there seems to be somewhat of a Flatland resurgence in Sydney recently, more that a few riders are riding the short bikes down at Hyde Park and I’d say Flatland at the BMX Games this year is going to be huge… Mike
queensland
Tempered Bikes owner Matt Lawnton has relocated for the time being back to sunny Brisbane and brought with him the new 08 tempered frames and parts, which look nice by the way. Mark Schneider has busted his shoulder from a 540 on his backyard ramp, but this has allowed him to get his Camaro sorted and catch up on his Myspace time, he should be riding again soon. A get together benefit was held at the Mustang bar for fellow flatlander and good guy Stumpy. All donations made went to support him get his health back in order, I am sure he will come through on top and be sessioning car parks on his bike as soon as possible and everyone sends him their best wishes I am sure. Garreth Headfeild had a nasty collision at the Kuraby competition awhile back when he collided heads with a skateboarder. He broke his cheekbone on one side of his face, it’s all good because now he is healed and more rugged than ever. The Bolter twins came over from NZ to Brisbane a couple of months back to ride for a week, which they did a lot of and are planning a return around new years, seems now Virgin are in New Zealand there is cheap flights galore. Peta Shepherd just returned back from a BMX trip to Canada and then New Zealand, she seems to be quite the traveller of late. Capalaba skatepark is finished and from the looks of things is going to be one of the best parks in Brisbane. I’m sure you can check out another web site to see pics but rest assured that by the time you read this you will be able to shred it. Theres a new BMX store called Ride On opened by me. It’s at 140 Boundary street, West End in Brissy so stop by and check out the shop… Rider owned stores seem to be poping up everywhere recently, nice… Southbank pools have been drained for a while but the security has been pretty tight of late and they will probably be full again by the time you read this. On the pool front QLD just went to level 6 water restrictions which sucks, the only good thing to come out of that is people have been draining their pools to save water
StatE OF tHE NatION YOUR PART OF TOWN
American Steph in NZ. PHOTO Dave Coulson Gorak loves the Fit life. PHOTO gorak
Hardknox is now 21 and old enough to know better PHOTO gorak
lately, yeah boy! Steve Even with the increasing temperature the North Queensland riding scene is still going strong. Just recently there were dirt jump clinics and a comp held at the new public dirt jumps at the Murray sporting complex in Townsville. The standout riders of the day were Jerome Misford, Ben Isaacson, Josh Draper and Callan Brown and in related news Jason Drury wrote off his ankle for a few weeks doing a bizarre mix of a superman seatgrab and a tailwhip. Also outta Mackay is a new BMX company called Flatline BMX. The Flatline team are already testing prototypes of their first frame and production models are on the way soon, so if you need a new frame support a local. You can check out frame pics at www.myspace.com/flatlinebmx. There are also plans for another backyard jam at my place in January so listen out for more details there. Jake Hammo
South australia
Um OK, well it feels like it was only a few days ago that I wrote the last news column for 2020… But I’m sitting here again, racking my brains for interesting things to write about that have happened in the last few months. First things first, if you’re from Adelaide go hit ugzine.com and join the forums if you haven’t already. They’ve been going super strong lately, lots of shit talking and interesting discussion… so yeah go hit it. Heaps of people are on there already, so it gets pretty hectic and fun. Better than myspace! You heard it here first. Apart from that, SA has been doing lots lately. We’ve had a few city jams (Ridge, Drain and Street) and there has been a few country comps too. The ridge jam was heaps of fun, a few drinks going around… the drain jam was off the hook… Ryan Lloyd absolutely kills it (you will be hearing more about Ryan in the future), huuuge lookbacks on the extension quarter thing, Mozzy did the usual Mozzy thing and decided that he wanted to flair something that shouldn’t be flaired The jam was a heap of fun, big thanks go out to Jamie Moore at Stowaway for putting in 99% of the effort getting the drains ready. Oh yeah, that flame haired dude Beechy decided to wallride / gap the drain, that photo will turn up somewhere. The street jam was fun, like they always are…
there is something really cool about rocking around the city with 50 to 60 other riders, stopping traffic, blocking lanes, wreaking havoc. The other comp was a mad country hick (jokes) comp at Waikerie, a few Adelaide riders made the trek up and sacrificed Rubers car to the gods, it blew up. I heard a bunch of dudes were trying flairs, apparently Noshowerty learnt flairs but I haven’t seen him backie for like 10 years? So yeah, Beechy from Beechworth has been hovering around Adelaide for a few months now and I must say he is definitely a bad influence on everyone around him. His bubbly and playful demeanour is thrown out the window in favour of some warrior steeze when he so much as smells alcohol. There have been countless fights instigated by the flame haired warrior, one really big fly-kick to SPLAT chin split, and at least one arrest, two if you include getting someone else arrested! Good times, good times… Beechy left Adelaide a few days ago to head back to Melbourne, Adelaide will not be the same without him. Squeek is back from the dead… I mean Darwin… and he is in mighty fine form. I heard he did a flair a few nights ago and last night he came to the park in thongs and did a backie? Little Jesse and Daniel V are still off the hook, I think Daniel is super close to double whips and Jesse is pretty good at yo-yos and riding other people’s bikes. Speaking of yo-yos, they are fun, very under-rated for when you are sidelined to the couch. I also heard that Josh Kathigitis is going to be kicked off his pro team hookups as he hasn’t been keeping up to his end of the bargain and busting out three new tricks a month. Okay, I made that up. I did see him eat a mad shit the other day doing a whiplash. Boris has been trying to lose weight on a low carb diet, but so far I haven’t seen any noticeable results. Keep on trying Boris, you will get there if you are dedicated. I think he has a stash of chocolates in his sock drawer, next to the pornos. Boost chocolate bars are really good, you should try one… even if fatty b-ratty doesn’t like them at all. There are a few more jams in the near future, Mannum Ghetto Jam on Australia day and West Beach jam at some point after that, as well as a bunch of new years and Christmas celebrations that will be a heap of fun. Check out ugzine.com for announcements on all that stuff. James Wade
Victoria Hey everyone out in BMX land. It’s stupidly hot down here in Melbourne but thanks to daylight savings shredding is still being done on a regular basis. By the time you read this both the new Knox and Bendigo parks should be completed, they look amazing and seem to be very bike friendly. The Focalpoint DVD is out now and the premiere was an awesome night, thanks to everyone who came out to support. Another local DVD to check out would be the new Peazant B-town DVD which is a nice watch and has some classic moments in it. Mick Bayzand and Liam Fahy Hampton just recently got back from a Colony trip in the states and from what I hear there were some serious bangers getting dropped, only downfall was Mick coming back home with a messed up wrist. Troy Jackon is on flow from Federal and Lotek. The one and only Scottish John has revealed his new venture in the form of Forgotten Bikes, a complete bike range for the up and coming kids of our scene, Check them out at a store near you. Andrew “Mini” is onboard Forgotten and now working at and part of the Strictly BMX crew too. John was also involved along with Camberwell ripper “Blue” in the highly successful Stephen Murray jam held at Hill ‘n’ Dale box jumps where they raised $2,500 for the foundation to support Stephen’s medical bills. Tim Hales has probably landed back on home turf in NZ after spending 6 months or so down here, hopefully he heads back soon, watching Tim fang around city park faster then anyone else was an enjoyable sight. Chelt local Abba is now getting helped out by Fly Bikes. Eltham local Brad Green is now riding for BMX MAD. Josh Mete from Wodonga has a clothing brand going under the name of WorthTen, check em out on the web: myspace.com/worthtenclothing. Cooper StrictlyBMX are just about to launch a color selector on their website so you can see what your bike would look like in any color combination you can actually change the color of every freekin part-pretty kool. Steve Gorak Taylor is riding for Fit and is stoked we didnt run his Justin Timberlake live review. Dave McCombe is now officially 21 years old and has it almost set in concrete in the form of personalized number Continued on page 104 ISSUE 27 DECEMBER 007
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StatE OF tHE NatION YOUR PART OF TOWN Matt Whyet whipping. PHOTO leif van den Dungen
Western australia So another issue has come around and another instalment of the latest happenings in the sunset state. The biggest bit of info is that the long awaited www.westozbmx.com DVD has finally been completed and released. Titled “How hard is it” It’s been some time in the making but I’m telling ya its totally worth the wait. It made its debut at this years LIVEWIRE JAM after party, to a standing ovation. Congratulation to grey dogs for the final product. November saw some local comps at Thornlie, Belmont and Maddington. Todd Meyn seemed to be ruling with some dam fine tricks like flair 540 taps, flairs, whips and flip whips. Putting his local knowledge to work Shaun McMillian took out the under 15’s at Thornlie by busting out big and doing technical tricks and young whipper snapper Dylan Schmitt got the under 13’s. At Belmont Dylan won himself a new bike for winning the under 15’s. Dempsey knocked himself out in his first heat and Todd Meyn again took the win. Speaking of Todd has anyone seen his mini clip on vital BMX as yet? Bloody kids these days, I tell ya they seem to have it all and in Todd’s case he does. Are stand up wheelies on the come back? The answer to that in Western Australia is they are. People leaving the sunset state lately are Josh Brind who is now residing in South Australia and Mr Tempered Bikes Matt Lawton has headed back to Queensland. Tempered Bikes has some new frames on the out so make sure you check ‘em out. Also on the out of state agenda is Matt Bell and Bobby Seaborn who have gone to the place of residency of Matt Lawton to hit up some riding spots with some of the locals in that district. Jay Wilson has informed me that the biggest news is in fact that Clinton has got a bike. Dooka is on the move so he says. Maybe he’s making too much money in Karratha so he’s deciding to move back into the general populous. He might come back and be a CUB (cashed up bogan) like many of the youngens coming down from up north, but I would have to say he will be shredding on his steed like only Dooka can, so be on the look out for him rollin. Tim from the Wasted BMX crew would like to let everyone know that Wasted BMX are heading over to Sydney for the BMX games so be aware that some serious drinking will probably go down. The new skate park in Bridgetown is now officially opened and it’s a ripper of a place to hit up. A few months ago Jamo felt the effects of
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being a bicycle motocross rider. While riding the council built Wooroloo trails he bailed which resulted in a shattered spleen and a ruptured kidney. After a few weeks in hospital and a bit of R and R he’s now on the recovery road and getting some more bicycle action. West oz would not be the same with out him ripping it up. In Freestyle now news. Andrew McDermott aka Buff, has now officially joined the Freestyle now squad. The Perth royal show was a massive hit with over 10 riders hitting up the main area for demos over the eight days. Some noticeable shenanigans that took place are Jamie Warren punching out some wise ass who was giving the crew some lip. Matt Lawton, Matt Bell and Jamie Warren sculling four monster energy drinks in like 10 minutes and then going on a “tormenting others” rampage. Poker games were on almost every day. Chris Jones on the last night front flipped the large moto x jump on his second jump. How does he do that shit I will never know. November saw Freestyle now head to the Albany show. That town is so damn good. The new skatepark there is hotter that a bikini clad super model and the town also possesses some mad street spots all over. A big shout out to the riders in Albany who showed us around the town at night. shaun@ freestylenow.net.au
New zealand South
Well November is drawing to an end and what a month it has been for BMX gatherings all around the country. First with the Toast Jam held by the BDA in Wellington then with the Zombie Hop Comp in Auckland and the 2nd annual EDH Local Assault jam held at Washington Reserve in Christchurch. The LA jam went down with approx 50 Riders, a lot of them new comers and a fair few of them old from way back. The day was split into sections just to mix it up. James Watson came down with Dwayne and Hugh from Wellington for the weekend, which is always good. Everyone ripped and made the day the success it was with highlights being Josh James hopping 1.9m out of the wedge at the park, Sam’s 720 out of the crap mini ramp, Dwayne skoolers McLeod throwing the bars from the Vert bowl corner over the rail, Robbie Brown foot-jamming the back of Riki’s Ute and Jeremy Grey and Eddy Abbot killing everything. Overall there were too many things to mention so check www. localassaultjam.com for all the pictures, video and a write up from Richard Hill. Thanks go out to everyone who made it,
helped out and also to the sponsors, Vans, Mountain Dew, SR Cycles, Quiet Chaos, EDH, 72psi and Bike HQ who once again gave us a lot of goodies to give away. Bike Shack Hornby have moved their shop just around the corner from where they used to be, with the re-vamp they have dedicated way more space to BMX and have a huge range of complete bikes and parts, good to see an NZ store taking an interest in BMX, so if you are in the area check them out and support your local BMX store! Until next time! Travis
New zealand north
It seems like the winter is finally over in the North Island and the sun is finally beginning to shine again as we move into summer. After what seemed to be a pretty dead and uneventful winter riding is starting to pick up again and all the BMXers are coming out of the woodwork. The annual “Toast Jam” took place during labour weekend in Wellington. Riders from all over the country made the journey down there to ride all the great parks, enjoy the sun, catch up with old friends but more importantly drink way too much, party, have fun and get loose. Keep an eye out for the new Quiet Chaos denim range, Lester has put in a lot of hard work and the results are amazing. The Guys out at PMP trails are continuing to put a lot of time and effort out there resulting in more and more dialled jumps, the place is looking amazing. So next time you’re out there don’t forget to pick up a shovel or at least bring some beer along! Speaking of PMP trails, there is a dirt comp on the 16th of December at the Swanson BMX track in West Auckland and the PMP riders are building a nice big six pack, so that should be a fun day. In other news, Tim White is back from Canada so expect a summer of ‘Booze Cruzes’ and other BMX related events from him if you live in Auckland. Mark ‘Ewok’ Davis broke his collarbone for the 3rd time this year just after healing from a broken wrist for the 2nd time this year... that’s what you call bad luck! Get well Ewok! Well that’s about all the news for now, don’t forget to check out www.zombiebmx.com, www. quietchaos.co.nz, www.edhbmx.com, www.72psi.co.nz and www.skullbikeclub.com for all your other NZ news, and as allways. HAVE FUN. RIDE BMX! Mike Davies. Mike
got news for your part of australia? Email us: bmxrules@2020bmxmagzine.com.au
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Ahhhh, the serenity. Todd Edenborough can jam down Berri way. PHOTO Micheal Harris
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wallpaper Anyrail, anywhere, anytime. Mik Bayzand, PHOTO Morrisey
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One big smith on the Varsity double courtesy Dan Montoya. PHOTO Chris Raethke
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wallpaper Puni making use of one sweet shanty town set up. PHOTO raine turnbullt
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Give you the chance to win Ryan Guettler’s signature Mirraco, the Black Pearl Ltd in our biggest subscription giveaway ever!
you read right, thanks to MirraCo, we’ve got our hands on one of the very limited signature ryan guettler black Pearl rides. Only 100 of these slick as all hell bikes have been produced and they are decked out with all of ryan’s choice of parts, including signature Colony forks, sprocket, lever, pegs, stem and bars. add to the mix cranks from Fly, hubs from Proper and a thomson post and you have a pro ride with no expense spared. Weighing in at just over 10kg’s it’s made to rip on, which ryan has been known to do!
win this >
this is by far the biggest prize we’ve ever given away in the magazines history, with the black Pearl worth $2999, but should you win, it’s going to cost you nada, zilch, nothing.
subscribe sub scribe to go in the running, simply subscribe to 2020bmxmag and answer the question below. Simple as that.
Now there’s no excuse not to subscribe!
I’m in for the chance to win a MirraCo Black Pearl Ltd so sign me up to a subscription for a years worth of 2020bmxmagazine!
Q. Name one of ryan guettlers current sponsors: ______________________________________________________________________ One year australian subscription (4 issues) $a30 delivered to your door! For Nz subscriptions go to: www.emags.co.nz*
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4. The competition will be won by the 1st correct answer drawn. 5. This competition is a game of skill. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. The winners will receive one Mirraco Black Pearl Ltd bike valued at $2999, not transferable nor redeemable for cash thanks to Mirraco Australia. 7. The winners will be notified by mail/email or possibly by phone. 8. The competition closes February 21st 2008 with all last mail received on this date. 9. The promoter is 2020bmxmagazine!
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wallpaper Chris Casnock. Large feeble. PHOTO Raine Turnbull
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IT GOES LIKE THIS...
on of BMX as we know it. factors in the constant progressi s are getting more and DVD’s are one of the most important that import DVD’ out work to hard ain’t it it, t abou to launch your own riding Aside all the emails we get than a few other riders) are hoping more expensive. And if you (like more into shops and paying for all the hella expensive equipment DVD it’s some hard yards getting them you bought to make it.
NEW!
NEW!
the latest So we came up with a plan to ensure you can always access and affordamped on and greatest riding DVD’s from here and around the world and stay of DVD’s the riding experience! BMX DVD Direct mail order not only cuts the cost but we send ‘em straight to your door! Stoked.
PRICES AS LISTED
INCLUDING FREE POSTAGE IN AUSTRALIA!
GROUNDED ETNIES $49.95
HERE COMES THE SUN CRF $29.95
Probably the most anticipated DVD of the year, Grounded shows what the Etnies team has been up to since Forward. Featuring all the team riders you would expect including Taj, Joe Rich, Garrett Byrnes, Rooftop, Sergio Layos, Josh Stricker, Jamie Bestwick and Morgan Wade, as well as locations from all over the world, this DVD dosent disapoint. You also get a 50 page book full of stories and art from the team as part of the deal.
Here Comes The Sun is a flatland lifestyle DVD from QLD flatland guru StuJohn. Filmed on DV, Super 8 and 16mm, it’s full of the world’s best flatlanders including Simon O’Brien, Alexis Desolneux, Cory Fester, Frank Lucas and many more. If you like riding in circles then this is for you.
DROPPIN’ CLIPS UGV $29.95
FLIPSIDE RIDEBMX $29.95
Troy Charlesworths debut DVD zine runs in the traditional videomag format, covering a good chunk of the Sydney scene in two mixtape like sections that are edited together pretty sweetly. Featuring the talents of Luke Gorecki, Abbs, Liam Fahy-Hampton, Tom Payne, Chris ‘Danger’ O’Donnell and the United We Stand road trip.
Ride’s latest DVD takes 4 hardcore NYC street riders and drops them in Greenville for a look at the protown lifestyle. Featuring big name’s like Dave Mirra, Josh Harrington and Aussie Dave Dillewaard ripping up the million dollar private indoor parks of Greenville, plus some cutting edge street from NYC. This DVD is all about uniting the fringes of BMX. You know the production will be up to Ride’s high standards, check next issue for a full review.
SELFTITLED TRIPLESIX $19.95
LIVIN IN EXILE RIDEBMX $29.95
OK, this DVD has been a long time coming and for good reason, the TripleSix team is big and widespread! Clint Millar has upped the ante from all his Prody productions and unleashed Selftitled, a DVD dedicated to the amazing riders on the TripleSix roster. Big sections come from Nick Richardson, Nick Cooper, Brendan Jones, Ryan Guettler, Kym Grosser, Zac Musarsa, Clint himself, Kenny Raggett and a massive section from Pete Radivo along with a few friends sections. Easily the biggest Aus BMX production to date with more whips than a BDSM party...
Mike “Rooftop” Escamilla, Corey Bohan, Danny Hickerson, Will Love, Kurtis Elwell, Sergio Layos, Scotty Cranmer and Steven Lilly all blow up in the latest Ride BMX DVD. Although BMX continues to be one of the most popular of all the lifestyles, it still remains one of the weakest industries, with lower-paid professional athletes and active persecution by police, parents, security and even other sports. Why, for so little reward, do these riders still push themselves so hard? Where does inspiration come from when you are... Livin in exile
CLOCKED IN FOCAL POINT $19.95
HOW TO TRANSWORLDBMX $29.95
The defining Aussie street DVD? eleased in November of 2007, a huge premiere showcased this dvd which features: MickBayzand, Daniel Johnson, Troy Jackson, Cooper Brownlee, Liam Fahy Hampton, Jase Bannan, Flagz, Will Jackson, Kym Grosser and Marc Arnold in a mix tape style including 45mins of bonus.
Just staring out and want to learn how to grind or need to learn some new tricks cause the local kids getting better than you? Grab a copy of the How To DVD and learn from a bunch of pro’s that lay it down nice and simple so you can make the steps to BMX ruler in no time!
FORWARD MOTION SBMX $15
RHYTHM + HOW TO DIRT JUMP
Forward motion features some of Tassie’s best known riders ripping up spots across the apple isle and beyond. The production is super slick with very nice titles and opening scenes and rolls along to a variety of music, everything from DJ Shadow to Led Zeppelin. The DVD is made up into sections from the local crew, plus there are appearances from a whole bunch of other riders. Such a killer debut DVD!
RIDEBMX $29.95
Ride BMX has combined two classic videos onto one DVD. Rhythm is a trails video that takes you all over the United States, including: Indiana, Ithaca, Florida, Iowa City, California, Long Island, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and many other places. How to Dirt Jump is hosted by Fuzzy Hall, and stars T.J. Lavin, Cory Nastazio, Robbie Miranda, and many others teaching you everything you need to know to become a better dirt rider.
FOR AUSTRALIAN SALES PLEASE MAIL A CHEQUE TO: 2020BMXMAGZINE, PO BOX 498, NEWTOWN, NSW 2042 NZ SALES: PAYPAL THE $ TO DVD@2020BMXMAG.COM.AU AND EMAIL YOUR DETAILS TO THE SAME ADDRESS. DELIVERY MAY TAKE UP TO 21 DAYS DEPENDING ON STOCK. FIRST NAME ________________________________________ SURNAME ______________________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________________ SUBURB_____________________________ STATE _____________ POSTCODE ________ DAYTIME PHONE __________________________________ E-MAIL _______________________________________ [
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PLEASE TICK DESIRED BOX SELF TITLED FORWARD MOTION CLOCKED IN GROUNDED FLIPSIDE LIVIN IN EXILE DROPPIN’ CLIPS HOW TO RHYTHM + DIRT JUMP HERE COMES THE SUN
laSt WOrD TAKING CONTROL
FBMX according to Dinny Spicer Finally a rider takes care of the national sporting organisation.. Questions & Photo by MikeD So Dinny you just took over the big job at Freestyle BMX, what made you want to work there? Before I started this job I’ve been working with councils to try to push for more BMX programs like comps and facilities. I took this job at Freestyle BMX pretty much because it’s what I’ve been doing for the last 8 years, only difference is, I get paid for it now. And being a job that involves nothing but the sport I love, I couldn’t resist applying for it. For those who don’t know tell us what FBMX does. Freestyle BMX (FBMX) is the national sporting body for Freestyle BMX in Australia. Backed by the Australian Sporting Commission, we run BMX events and programs all around Australia from grass roots to large international competitions such as the BMX Games held in January ever year. What people don’t know (including myself before I started) is that we are solely here for BMX riders, we can help with putting pressure on your local council to keep or create more facilities. We also have insurance, so that Jam you’re hosting or that council you have approached can all be insured by Freestyle BMX Australia. Freestyle BMX also runs Rampage Clinics, these clinics are run at skate parks all over Australia and for those of you who want to be shown some great tricks and tips from pro’s they’re worth going to. Did you need to have any specific qualifications to apply for the job or was it enough that you were a rider? I’m fresh out of studying so that definitely helped in getting this job. In the past it seems that all you need is a sports degree, but Cycling Australia recognised that this sport isn’t like other typical mainstream sports and that it’s very much a tight-knit community. Having a rider that knows the sport and has an understanding of its unique needs would be more suitable for this position. So FBMX is funded by the government, does that mean you can pay me to ride my bike? HAHA, already I’ve had lots of questions like that. When
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you add up wages, office rent and expenses there is pretty much nothing left. For example: The BMX Games itself is run off a $5,000 budget, you can’t even hire the equipment used to build dirt for that. When you add in venue hire, $20,000 in prize money, event equipment and about a 1000 other things you have one expensive event. Sponsorship, state grants and the rider’s support, all make the Games what they are. How has your first couple of months been, is it what you expected? First couple of months have been awesome, I’ve spent most of it preparing for the BMXGames and for next year. I didn’t expect how much time I would be spending in front of this damn computer, but then again I’ve never had an office job. Everyone’s made me feel welcome though, for those who know, moving to a new city is damn hard, but the boys at Hell on Wheels and Sydney riders have made relocating a lot easier and I’m starting to really enjoy Sydney. What has been the response from riders and your friends when they find out you are working for FBMX?
much of an impact on the event. The girls (Lucy and Kate) have done an awesome job to make it Australia’s largest BMX event. This year Freestyle BMX will focus on the riders needs and make it even more fun (hard to believe I know). We will be adding 2 more events to the games, that goes along with the BMX culture a bit more (you over 18 riders will know what I’m talking about), if not, you’ll just have to come along and find out for yourselves. In 2009 the BMX games will be changing cities. Freestyle BMX will be looking into purchasing a mobile street course that can not only be used for the games but other events around Australia, but this will all depend on the success of the 2008 BMX GAMES. So make sure you come along and have a look, it really is one of the funniest weekends of the year. Freestyle as a “sport” is going through some changes right now with the whole Olympic thing and becoming more organised worldwide. Do you see this as a positive thing?
You have the BMX Games coming up in January, what are some other things you are working on and where do you see FBMX going in the future?
Freestyle BMX has always been a sport that isn’t controlled by regulations and rules. This is what makes this sport so appealing to some people and not to others. I know myself I will never listen to someone telling me how or what I can ride, but I do believe there is a happy medium. Think of the money that the government contributes into swimming and how many swimmers there are in Australia compared to kids that own a BMX bike. BMX is massive! Now think about that same amount of money being pumped into our sport, I’m talking indoor parks located everywhere. By becoming more organised and somewhat united, sporting bodies like Freestyle BMX can direct the sport in a positive way and gain access to these funds and it has nothing to do with “selling out”. If it wasn’t for your local government supplying a skate park in your area, where would you ride and talk shit to your mates? Growth isn’t a bad thing it’s just how the change is embraced.
Yep coming up fast! Starting the job 3 months out from the games hasn’t given me all that much time to make too
Thanks Dinny and good luck with all the BMX Games and everything else FBMX is doing…
Friends are happy for me of course, but I guess mixed feeling about me moving interstate. Riders and industry people have been awesome, nothing but support. As a rider is this your dream job? Tell us some good and bad things about working for FBMX? Wouldn’t say it’s my dream job, and since kids read this mag I won’t say what that is. The best thing about this job is being able to implement the ideas I’ve had for so long and having the Sports Commissions support makes it so much easier. Only bad thing was leaving my life behind in Melbourne.