Troy ‘Big Salad’ Charlesworth on the other side of the lens. PHOTO Raine Turnbull
Issue 32 June 2009
Premium
Regular
14 Saving Daylight?
12 Spoken All about the kids... 14 The Low Down Jams, comps, stuff! 46 Reformist Down Underground 3 and more. 114 Behind Bars Remember these faces. 122 Beats and Pieces Music, DVD’s and more. 124 New Proddy Enuff said. 132 Inbox We’ve got mail and your photos. 136 Picture this The money shots. 146 20 Questions Cover ripper Luke Gorecki.
A big crew celebrated the end of Daylight Savings.
50 Jaie Toohey
This kid is the future, right now.
60 Wizards of Aus...
FBM heads to our side of the globe.
70 Dirty Drains Jam
Tempered’s annual burning ceremony.
78 Josh Irvine
Yep, you read right, Josh gets an interview...
88 LaDeeDah?
Dillsy and a few US GT crew rip up Brisbane.
96 Two Faces
Joey Dodd and Jono Hopping.
106 Making the DVD
Nathan Tomsic and Sam Orchard on making DVD’s.
The crew
Competitions 16 20 26 143
United Blame the airlines on this bike. Tempered One killer pack of goodness. Leaf Cycles Win a sweet frame. FBM Heathen Subscribe or die!
Instigators//Matt Holmes, Mike Daly
2020bmxmagazine RRP AUD$9.95 NZD$12.95
Feature Design//Phil Townsley
2020bmxmagazine is proudly printed in Australia byThe Quality Group www.thequalitygroup.com.au
Contributors//Steve Morrisey, Steve Gorak Taylor, John Buultjens, Caleb Mondon, Cooper Brownlee, Raine Turnbull, Devin Parker, Dan Baker, Caleb Mondon, Michael Steingrabber, Dougall Oddie, Mike Davies, Jamie Moore, David Quesada, Ruben Alcantara, Lloyd Dean, Jason Starr, James Cox, Brett Kennedy, Ryan McCrae, Dave Coulson, Sam Orchid, Rob Pac, Chris Cooper.
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.
Creative//Holmes
Getting busy with design//Alex Liiv
All material copyright ©2009 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd.
Photos//Nic Gascoine, Nitai Whitehurst, Raine Turnbull, Cooper Brownlee, Steve Morrisey, Gorak, Dave Rubinich, Seaton Spratt, Caleb Mondon, Jason Starr, Michael Steingrabber, Michael Harris, Mike Davies, Sam Orchid, Zack Musarsa, Willie, Michael Lovett, Lloyd Dean, Dave Coulson, Brett Kennedy, Alex Kuzewicz, Jamie Mauri, Chris Cooper, Justin Kosman, Tristan Cardew, Jason Morey.
Become part of the mag//Every issue more crew get themselves involved in the evolution 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 must ride. Editorial and photographic contributions are more than welcome, we even pay for words and photos. Send a stamped self-addressed envelope if requiring return of slides or otherwise. 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 up our website for the run down on contributing.
Studio photography + inspiration//Tony Nolan Publishers//Holmes & MikeD
Dubdubdub//2020bmxmag.com.au
Nitty gritty Distributed in Australia by Gordon&Gotch. For bike shop 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 For New Zealand online subs go to www.emags.co.nz Change of address? Let us know ASAP!
2020bmxmagazine is published four times a year by 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd. We are a 100% Australian 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 Advertising info//Advertising rates and info is available upon request: sales@2020bmxmag.com.au ISSUE 32
7
GREAT DEALS TO BE HAD ON 2009 MODELS Check with your Local Dealer ’09 ACE OF SPADES
25.50 lbs Weight Pro Rider 20.5” TopTube Black or Chrome Colours
Weight 25.50 lbs ’09 Rider Pro TopTube 21” Colours Black or White
’09 SEQUENCE
JANE
27 lbs Weight Pro Rider 20.5” TopTube Black Colour
Weight 26 lbs ’09 ELEMENT Rider Pro TopTube 20.75” Colours White or Light Blue
’09 SHOVELHEAD
26 lbs Weight Expert Rider 20.5” TopTube Black or Green Colour
Weight 29.5 lbs ’09 METALHEAD Rider Expert TopTube 20.5” Colours Black or Burgundy
’09 AESINO
25 lbs Weight Team Rider 20.5” TopTube Chrome Colour
DANIEL DONGES
Checking the roof lights at Rampfest PHOTO Nick Gascoine
CHECK THESE DEALERS FOR ALL YOUR EASTERN NEEDS:
www.EASTERNBIKES.com
NEW SOUTH WALES
Ashfield Cycles 02 9797 9913 The Bike Shop of Castle Hill 02 9894 2533 ABC - Liverpool 02 9821 1372 Bike Shed Mortdale 02 9586 0138 Frasers Cycles 02 9526 7722 Taren Point Warzone 02 9545 2979 Sutherland Erina Bike Worx 02 4365 2208 Toukley World of Bikes 02 4397 3054 Beyond bikes 02 4954 2943 Warners Bay Drift Bike Style 02 4926 1066 Newcastle Drift Bike Style 02 4926 1066 Maitland Kevin Bartlett Cycles 02 6765 2414 Tamworth Armidale Bicycle Center 02 6772 3718 Bikes in Byron 02 6721 5999 Inverell Bourke’s Bicycle Center 02 6552 1251 Taree Kempsey Bike Shop 02 65622144 Graham Seers Cyclery 02 6583 2333 Port Maq. Ventoux Cycles 02 6651 3355 Coffs Harbour Woodsey’s Wheels 02 6654 1217 Woolgoolga Grafton City Cycles 02 6642 7890 Byron Bay Bicycles 02 6685 6067 Direct Bikes 02 4422 9000 Nowra Sports Power 02 6495 4554 Merimbula Sports Power 02 6492 2383 Bega Phantom Cycles 02 4683 1262 Tahmoor
A.C.T
Mal-Adjusted Bicycle Exchange 02 6230 0169 Dickson Bike Shed 02 6242 5504 Gungahlin Hammer n Cycle 02 6299 6666 Queanbeyan Riders Realm 02 6452 2077 Cooma Kidsons Cycles 02 6921 4474 Wagga Wagga Lifecycles 02 4721 0500 Penrith Windsor Cycles 02 4577 3209 Bikeminded 02 4757 4607 Wentworth Falls
Winning Edge Cycles 02 6332 4025 Bathurst Daryl Grant Cycles 02 6360 4040 Orange The Bike Shoppe 02 6881 8755 Dubbo Innovative Cycles 02 6372 9135 Mudgee Pat Kinsela Motorcycles 02 6862 1800 Parkes
VIC
BSC 03 9670 5925 Melbourne BSC 03 9936 9790 Melbourne - QV Ted’s Cycles 03 9687 1013 Footscray Ted’s Cycles 03 9749 8688 Werribee Glenroy Cycles 03 9306 9651 BSC 03 9416 1133 Fitzroy Whittlesea Bike Shop 03 9401 3938 Greensborough Cycles 03 9435 0833 Whittlesea Bike Shop 03 9348 6969 Diamond Creek BMX Mad 03 9762 5210 Boronia Sealys Cycles 03 9770 5500 Frankston Strictly BMX 03 9686 3466 South Melbourne Denham Cycles 03 9747 0088 Hodgson Cycles and Hobbies 03 5023 6041 Mildura Bendigo Cycles 03 5441 3532 High Street Cyclery 03 5831 2388 Shepparton Evo Cycles 03 5940 2299 Pakenham Ride on Bikes 03 5952 2533 Cowes Sealys Cycles 03 5975 2444 Mornington Crossover Cycle and Outdoor 03 5672 2270 Wonthaggi Yarra Valley Cycles 03 9735 1483 Lilydale
QUEENSLAND
Action Bicycles 07 3359 4923 Chermside Ashgrove Cycles 07 3366 0379 For The Riders 07 3892 5356 Annerley For The Riders 07 3809 0222 Hillcrest 99 Bikes 07 3341 7444 Underwood Helensvale Cycles 07 5529 9533
DISTRIBUTED BY DIRT WORKS AUSTRALIA 02 9679 8400 WWW.DIRTWORKS.COM.AU
The Pedal Shoppe 07 5537 2722 Runaway Bay Bikes and Beans 07 5568 7332 Burleigh Heads Totally Spoked 07 3202 4208 Ipswitch Bums on Bikes 07 3205 4578 Strathpine Morayfield Road Super Cycles 07 5499 3655 Bike Riders 07 5443 7442 Maroochydore Sunshine Bicycle Works 07 5474 0677 Tewantin Adrenalin Bikes & Hobbies 07 4124 5644 Pialba Gladstone Bicycle Centre 07 4972 1142 Toys R Us 07 4942 8787 Mackay Innisfail Cycle & Sport 07 4061 1462 Cairns Bicycle Works 07 4033 0377
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Crime Cycles 08 8396 1069 Redwood Park Gawler Cycles 08 8522 2343 Ramp 2 Ramp 08 8270 3388 Aberfoyle Ramp 2 Ramp 08 8586 6556 Renmark Wellington Cycle Works 08 8632 1219 Port Pirie
W.A
Guildford Cycles 08 9279 5613 Port Kennedy Cycles 08 9524 6774 Cycles Mandurah 08 9534 5700 Falcon Crank n’ Cycle 08 9734 1471 Collie Fitzroy Cycles 08 9721 8600 Bunbury Dempster Sporting 08 9071 1823 Esperance
TASMANIA
Treadlies 03 6229 4052 Kingston Geards Cycles 03 6344 9154 South Launceston Derrico automotive and Cycles 03 6424 3121 Devonport Ulverstone Bicycles 03 6425 1595 Ulverstone
N.T Spokes 08 8931 3111 Yarrawonga
RIDE WITH US
SPOKEN YOUTH GONE WILD
Jeff Bahr bringing the trails to the rails. PHOTO Nick Gascoine
The kids know where itÕ s at Each issue IÕ m always scratching my head as to what to say on this page.
And I do my best to offer up something more than a simple introduction to each issue of 2020. Be it some words of twisted wisdom, a tale that is metaphorically leading to something apparently on some higher level, or just something that hit me in this crazy world as beneficial to pass on. So while I couldn’t figure out anything too ground breaking so to speak, I did suss out that we have pulled together one big issue full of a stack of faces that will be defining the future of BMX in this country. See, the deal is that the kids are coming up fast. There are more and more talented little shredders appearing every day in our scene and they bring with them a fresh energy and a new perspective on the things we’ve lived up to this point. Including new ideas for what BMX should represent. Old school tricks like tables, turndowns and fast plants have become new school favourites. And this really spells out the ability of riding a BMX to transcend the ages. BMX seems to be some weird arse time machine, capable of keeping all involved living their glory days, whether the rider be young or old. While some look at the 20 inch as a simple kids toy (especially when you’re rolling around on one way past 30), BMX is always going to be defined by what you choose to do with it... Time to define then right? Well after a quick flick through this.... Holmes
12 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
14 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Saving Daylight
Dark at 5:30 in the PM... ThatÕ s the hash reality of another summer gone and with it, the last long days of daylight savings. I know extended daylight sucks for the farmers, but how many of them are there compared to city kids needing daylight to ride after work or school in order to retain some semblance of sanity? I mean, cows donÕ t know what time it is anyway, and when was there ever an alarm clock in a barn? Story by Holmes So to celebrate another rockin’ summer done and to weep a little for all those sunny nights we should’ve, would’ve or could’ve ridden, we held the first annual End of Daylight Savings Jam. Five Dock was the place to be and it all kicked off around two in the arvo. While the day panned out under menacing dark clouds, the rain stayed away and a big day went down regardless of the minimal planning. Stacks of crew showed up to rip 5 Dock and for all those that hadn’t realized the goodness of what we reckon is easily the best park in Australia, the message seemed to get through to all assembled at the hallowed concrete bowls. Aside from a big crew of local and ring in crew from around Sydney and beyond boosting themselves silly in all areas of the old school meets new school park, the touring Fit Bikes crew came down to join in the festivities. Rolling around and seeing Robbo, Van Homan and Dakota Roche at your local is a damn good thing and they seemed to be having a rocking time even with all the attention.
Our 8 foot quarter that was meant to rock up, got sized down into a Taco shaped obstacle that provided possibly much more entertainment, especially once it found its rightful home adjacent to the small bowl. Riding it went along the lines of: boost out of the bowl, pump the landing and launch yourself onto the grass bank. Trucks, flips and whips all getting thrown into the mix, attempted fronties are hilarious when there’s minimal chance of injury! Add a big air comp under ever increasing darkness and you had yourself one full day of riding, running amok and hanging with a rad crew. Besides some crazy lady not agreeing with the language being thrown around on the mic and ringing the cops, of whom 8 were apparently needed to calm the situation (we guess coz it was a biker event and you know Sydney bikers lately), the day went off. Add to the mix a kick arse BBQ and a hearty day of riding, eating and the odd drink went down.
Think Gladiator, Rollerball and Fight Club, shaken, blended and poured onto 20 inch bikes with liquored up riders intent on death Aside from the usual riding mayhem of any good jam, impromptu MC’s Xave and Alex Liiv incited some crazy riding action including the 1st Annual Death Bowl. Yep, you heard it, Death Bowl... This ground shattering event took place in the old bowl after a high air comp in the old girl. Picture 40-50 riders playing a game of foot down amidst broken glass, beer raining down from above with high speed carves with the odd fork snappage thrown in. That kinda thing sounds so good resonating out of the Jurassic old bowl... Think Gladiator, Rollerball and Fight Club, shaken, blended and poured onto 20 inch bikes with liquored up riders intent on death… Funny stuff!
A massive thanks goes out to Hell on Wheels, Vans, Fit, 2020, Alex from Elite Cycle Imports for Iron Chef’n action on the BBQ, Leaf Cycles and everyone for rocking up and making the day rock. Be there next year for a bigger and even more badass jam!
MAIN//No Five Dock session is complete unless Benn Pigot is present. This session ended up with Benn on Fit Bikes thanks to the one and only Robbo. PHOTO Raine Turnbull
ABOVE//Death Bowl carnage. PHOTO Willie
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
15
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
United Pro bike giveaway Losing your ride on an international riding holiday ainÕ t good news. Unless youÕ re reading this, cause Geoff Slattery is giving away his ride...
New Jerseys own Geoff Slattery is one hell of a style cat with some serious moves to boot. Geoff recently got the bump up from Am to Pro and to help him on his way United Bike Co flew Geoff out to Australia to film for the long awaited HD release ‘This is United’. Geoff had the time of his life in the great southern land and is sure to return to shred it up again. Geoff also had the misfortune of having his bike misplaced by the airlines while he was on his way down here. So United and Strictly BMX got together and built him a new rig to keep him going! As always the way, the airlines eventually found his bike and returned it to him and the good thing for 2020 readers is that Geoff was nice enough to leave his replacement bike here with us to give away! All you have to do is answer this one simple question: Q: What is Geoff Slatterys favourite United product? Email your answer to united@2020bmxmag.com.au Check the United Bike Co website at www.unitedbikeco.com All correct answers received by August 10th go into the draw to win this complete and dialed rig!
16 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
Geoff must have dug his new ride. 360 over the big 1/4 at Riverside! PHOTO Dave Rubinich
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF Matt Kirby bringing back the fakie wall ride. PHOTO Dougal Oddie
Building the scene
The last few months saw the birth and death of one truly amazing spot in the heart of Sydney. Words and photos by Dougal Oddie It was the end of winter last year, when I rode down the curving driveway off Wilson Street and into Carriage Works. Even though it had been rezoned into an art space, I still felt like a nervous ten year old sneaking into a State Rail Authority train yard. Industrial rail debris lay strewn from where it was discarded decades ago. Serendipitously abandoned builders sand, piles of bricks and enormous amounts of wooden pallets lay overgrown by weeds. Hiding a foundation in a site partially demolished, without roof or walls except for the twenty foot high brick retaining wall, holding up Wilson street. Seeing lines between the steel sub frames, I visualized something rideable... Two hours of moving heavy stuff and it was getting dark, I had multiple blisters and the beginnings of a wall ride take off, but with a landing of broken pallets. Fed up but not discouraged, I decided I was in need of help. Which was hard to muster amongst my freeride buddies, so the whole idea sat on the back burner. I met Matt Kirby in January this year and as soon as he saw the rough site, he was totally psyched. Potentially major construction began. Without power tools, between rain and lack of nails, the tetris like development was slow going, until a surge of new materials from silent investors (i.e. Matt and myself) and helping hands along the way from the local crew, (big ups) gave the exposed nails a new plywood skin.
18 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
The last three weeks yielded the best riding with riders interpreting their own lines, from Ben Pigott’s sixteen foot airs and alley-oop wall rides to Mat Kirby’s monster fakies to foot jam tail whips off the bank, (not forgetting Mat’s three sixty over the spine or Obey’s impressive wall ride above the box) this place demanded that you go big. Too many riders to mention ripped this place on every available dry day. I’d heard through the grape vine that District Approval had been passed through council, but pending destruction seemed distant as all the feed back we’d had from security, the boys in blue and the complex staff, as well as the public were impressed (with bystanders continually stopping to comment on the ever growing structures urbanism). This was the beginning of the end, with popularity comes attention. It was a recent Saturday, after a week of no rain and we’d planned a jam session everyone was stocked to ride. I arrived at noon to find that our ‘Ghetto park’ had devolved into a car park , the destruction took merely hours, no prior intention to remove was posted (the same courtesy a crap abandoned car on the street receives). All in all, it was worth the hard work, if only for the sweet riding that went down, thanks to everyone that was involved and keep your ear to the ground for Ghetto Park 2!
vince byron photo: nick gascoine
09 Fraction 09 Legion 09 Shield
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
PHOTO Tony Nolan
Tempered be getting busy... We got one sweet Tempered prize pack to flow to a lucky reader. Read on...
Tempered Bikes have been coming up over the last couple of years with some straight up BMX frames and components. From the brain of Matt Lawton, Tempered is stepping their game up again in 2009 with a growing product line and some sweet new T’s. We were lucky enough to score a care package of new Temepered gear to shoot out to one of you lucky readers... The pack includes a pair of sweet Treason bars. In a nutshell, they’re 11 butted cromo, 27 inches wide and 8 inches high with 12° back sweep weighing in at 740 grams. And for keeping you looking good, there’s a T-shirt from the new range as well. Word. To get in the mix to win the pack, simply answer this question: Q: What is the name of the Western Australian rider featured modelling the new ‘09 clothing on the cover of the Tempered site? Email your answer to tempered@2020bmxmag.com.au by the 10th of August 2009. The first correct answer will take the prize.
Reunited
The original Haro Freestyle Team is to reunite and ride at this years BMX Worlds! If there wasn’t enough incentive for a mega BMX holiday to Colognes BMX Worlds this July, know that the original Haro Freestyle Team from the 80’s will be presenting their legendary show, live, on original bikes and in OG gear. It seems the members of one of the most influential BMX teams of all time, the Haro BMX Freestyle Team are getting back together for one final show. Ron Wilkerson, Brian Blyther and Dave Nourie will be blazing their special blend of amazing riding straight outta the 80’s! To bring the authenticity, original tour announcer Kevin Martin will be on the mic to psych up the crowd and to top it all off, the founder of the freestyle movement and Team Haro, Bob Haro himself, will be there too. So for all you old school riders intent on reliving your youth, or for the youngsters that have no idea who these freaks are, get yourself to Germany, get your fluro nylons on and get ready to kickturn to Social Distortion and Rob Base. Make sure you got lotsa batteries for your waterproof yellow walkman, it’s a long flight...
20 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Scene check:
Wodonga
Matt Spencer
Northern Victoria has got a thriving scene going on. HereÕ s a little taste. Story and photos by Chris Cooper
Josh Mete
Wodonga’s skate park was built 13 years ago by a local concreter who had no idea how to build transitions. They also “dropped” a wheelbarrow in one side of the mini ramp, which in turn had made that side ride like a drain! So after 13 years of dealing with the lumpiest tranny in all Australia, finally the council came to the conclusion that it needed to be repaired. So they have re-laid the transitions in the mini ramp. And the shots to the right is from the first weekend of running it in! The new BMX and clothing store “The Sanction” are now in talks with the council to have the shop as a hub for all things skate park in the north east region of Victoria. This is really exciting as finally, maybe, the council will recognise how big, and how fast our scene is growing and the need for first class facilities, just like the local football club! Thursday night street rides have picked up, basically, everyone meets up at The Sanction before we hit the streets.
Liam
22 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
We finally hit up this medium strip one night after years of talking about riding its natural kicker in the middle… So this night we were out street riding ant got hassled hard by the po-po in our regular spots, so this was our next stop. The tricks aren’t insane, but the 180’s have so much style about them and the photos turned out exactly how I imagined them to be, which is very rare! If you’re in town come along.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF PHOTO Mike S
Turning Japanese
In October I was given the opportunity to go to Japan for eleven weeks to ride my bike. Getting to go overseas and experience a totally awesome culture, meet amazing people and ride some of the craziest spots I have seen, it was the best decision I ever made. Story by Dan Baker Best things I found about Japan were the Japanese people. They are really friendly, they will go out of their way to help you if they can even though you’re a complete stranger. From what I saw, the scenery around Tokyo is amazing, beautiful parks in a city that never stops and crazy views from massive buildings, oh yea, top it off with some of the best food around. I didn’t get to meet many BMXers there but the riders I did meet were the coolest bunch of fellas, keen as to ride late night and show you around to some awesome spots. There were good spots to ride everywhere I went, weird big hump things that are in kids playgrounds that you can ride like a hip, endless bank to walls and bank to rails and the street spots are plentiful! There is pretty much nothing bad to say about Japan, but the overcrowded trains and buses at peak hour was insane. The amount of people that get on the train at peak hour isn’t right, it’s so tight that you seriously cannot move, you are stuck until the next stop and it’s so hot you start to sweat. All in all Japan is a must to visit, I had the best time of my life there and made many good friends and so many good memories. I’m definitely going back! Big thanks to my travelling companions Simon O’Brien and Mike Steingraber and Mike Daly for hookin’ up the trip.
Numero Uno
Constantly pushing the design envelope, David Quesada from Fly Bikes let us know about their latest creation. After lots of thinking and many prototypes, we have received the final design for the Uno seat. For almost a year we have been trying to solve the problem on the post moving when tightening the clamp. We tried lots of different materials. Everything available. But no matter how hard they were, the problem was still there. We didn’t want to just use a tube sleeve that will not only break the one piece seat concept, but also may create movement between the seat and post so it made it really hard to achieve. Checking the marks when we tighten the seat, we realized that there are two areas where most of the pressure is applied. That is on the sides and close to the clamp bolt. So we came up with the idea of using two aluminum plates in that place and it worked! The inside tube gives an extra strength to the whole seat and also prevents the plates and post from squeezing. Now is time for some testing and if everything goes fine, we’ll start production to have them available around September. The weight is only 260grams and it will be available in black, white, red, purple and rubber.
24 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Leaf cycles
So youÕ re thinking you could dig this slick as hell frame? Lucky for you, weÕ re giving it away.
Leaf Cycles may be a new name on Australian soil, but their brand of clean cut frames is all class. Hailing from Germany, Leaf Cycles have got a couple of frames and a full range of hubs, bars, cranks and a ton more goodness. And thanks to the crew at CTN Imports you could be a truckload happier! That’s right, we’re giving this slick frame away. Yep, you can win yourself this 21” top tubed, 100% Sanko tubed Mustang frame in a killer matte raw finish that only weighs 2.3 kilos by answering this simple question: Q: Name one Australian rolling on Leaf Cycles? Email your answer to leaf@2020bmxmag.com.au by August 10th 2009. You’ll definitely find an answer at www.leafcycles.com.au or if you’re not web savvy, there may be an interview in these very pages that may give you a clue.
Is it 2010 already?
If you happened to find yourself working for a bike company, youÕ d be flat out right now finalizing your range of bikes for next years release.
Or asked if you were morechances organized, those samples would outup in circulation andthis you’dissue, be keenwe to chill after some yards sorting out the graphics, parts choice and You foreven more to win bikes, soalready with be two for grabs better cut hard to the chase! fiddly bits of frame design, let alone dealing with the crew who put em together! Anyway, we scored a few early images of the upcoming 2010 goodness from Mongoose, Kink, Colony and GT. All be looking slick, colour co-ordinated and on the money. All should be rocking to a quality BMX store near you very soon...
Mongoose Chamber
Colony Descendent
Kink Transition
GT Steed
A new complete in the massive Mongoose line, the Chamber will fit in just below their pro model range price wise, but still has all the spec to make it a rockin’ ride.
Kink have stepped up their complete range in a massive way and on top of that have already landed 2010 bikes in Australia. The Transition is a mid range ride ready to thrash.
26 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
In a nutshell, it’s a new age street bike inspired by the Hell Stallion frame with its super low stance and street ready geometry. Ready to hit the streets September 2009.
Whoa, a brakeless model from one of the originators of freestyle itself. Good to see GT listening to their riders and making a model that relates to an ever growing number of riders out there.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Quickfire QÕ s: Jamie Mauri
Questions by Alex Liiv
D.O.B? 31/12/86
First BMX? Free agent, Eluder.
Where do you come from? Perfff W.A.
Rides for? Osiris, Bonedeth
Current BMX? Chase D Frame 20.75, rear Profile SS 48h with 10t driver, 48h Hazard font both with G Sport rims, steel 14mm axles, Metal bikes 30t sprocket stolen from Jimmy (the mans parts pile), 2 steel pegs, 5 year old SS cranks, Shadow chain, Lumberjack bars, Wall tyre on the front, Plyte up back, dirt forks.
Where are you going? Coffee shop, asap...
What’s your prime music chose for riding? Patti Smith, Stooges, Motorhead, old and fast baby! How fast can you go? I went down a hill once, swear I was doing like 30km/h at least, maybe 35km/h. No lie... Scariest thing you’ve seen on a bike? Alec Baldwin (Alex Liiv), 20 set 360 in Seattle, so close to death, shit blows minds. Scariest thing you’ve done on a bike? Roof gap over stairs, blind run up onto a road, I couldn’t see if cars were coming and shit all luck baby. I feel yuck thinking about it now actually... Favourite riders styles? Burns, Tom White, fast naughty grinds.
First BMX video you watched? 2 Hip Rock’n’Roll, I highly recommend it. Favourite Video’s or video parts? Homan: Criminal Mischief. Burns: Deadbang. Scerbo,Hamilton,Martinez in Can I Eat. What makes you special? The naughty times, possibly the friendlies. Why photos or why video footage? Photo’s for sure, you can day dream forever looking at the flavorsome naughty guy.
Your fantasy trick/stunt? Wild tooth hangers are the fantasy for sure. Worst trick in BMX? Tailwhips or chain, crank grab style no handers... No hands or no feet? They are both genius. Worst injury, describe the pain? Hit my head pretty good a couple months back, brain was swollen as shit, whoever invented Morphine is a genius... Why ride BMX? Wild life, there’s no ship like friendship baby, shit dude, better then being a car enthusiast, jock pub guy labourer fuckwit average guy, no offense, living out side of the box is the naughtiest!
FUEL TV. 24/7 Action Sports Television
Here’s the BMX gold you should be watching on fuel
2009 DEW ACTION SPORTS TOUR The 2009 ACTION SPORTS TOUR is underway. Plenty of Aussies are in the hunt, headlined by Cam White who will be defending his 2008 BMX Dirt Dew Cup. Its action sports’ richest purse and it’s all live right here on FUEL TV. Stop 1 Sunday June 28 LIVE at 5am and replayed at 2.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Stop 2 June 29 at 7.30pm 2009 DEW ACTION SPORTS TOUR Stop 1 Review June 30 at 2pm BMX GAMES 2009 For 6 years now FUEL TV has been covering Oz’s best BMX comp and 09 rocked! Hosted by Ryan Guettler this show brings you the hottest riding from the likes of Aussie Cam White and American star Craig Mast. Tuesday June 23 at 3:50pm CORBIN PRESENTS Get to know your favourite freestyle athletes more than you ever thought possible. This in-depth show dedicates a whole half hour to really get to know each of the most interesting competitors out there. Weeknights 6pm – 7pm 10 COUNT Top 10 BMX Parks in North America. June 30 at 3pm THE DUKES Featuring dudes like Cam White, Dane Searls and other FMX’ers and stuff! Weeknights at 7.28pm PROPS The original video magazine purely dedicated to BMX and showcases the 20” lifestyle from racing to dirt to street to park to vert. Friday nights at 8.30pm FIRSTHAND The inside deal on some of action sports biggest names. Tuesday nights at 7.30pm BMX P.I.G – The classic game of PIG meets BMX in this exclusive event. Watch as the biggest names in BMX showcase huge tricks set to beautiful scenery! Wednesdays at 7.30pm HOME GROWN MANIACS - Crazy Aussie’s doing crazy things in their own backyard. Home Grown Maniacs brings you the wildest antics from the world’s of BMX, FMX, Surf, Skate and anything else that makes the raises your pulse. It’s all nuts and it’s all “home grown”. Premieres July 7 LEVI’S BMX TEAM VIDEO 2009 Levi’s has scraped together some of that coin made from flogging jeans and put it to damn good use. What we have here is a team that don’t just have BMX in their genes, but jeans in their genes as well. Tuesday July 28 at 3.25pm LG ACTION SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP Showing off the best of the best from the worlds of skate, FMX, BMX and inline this comp always produces some epic riding and awesome battles. Aussie’s Dave Dillewaard in BMX & Jake Brown in skate will be real threats! Sunday nights at 5.30pm Plus there is other random stuff you will probably like…. ED THE SOCK Join this perverted little sock puppet talk about chicks, pornstars and everything else low brow… Warning; it’s trashy as hell, but you do get to see more boobs than an SBS movie. Weeknights at 11.40pm PULP SPORT Two kiwi dudes doing some funny sh*t and making fun of main stream sports stars. It’s more awesome then the time Christian Bale blew up at that dude on the Terminator set. Weeknights at 7pm
30 ISSUE 31 MARCH 2009
And remember...
www.fueltv.com.au It’s new and improved!
Macca killing it at Kuraby PHOTO Morrisey
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF Here is a drawing that gives you a better idea of how The Big Hip works and why it’s so fun to ride.
History of the Big Hip
ItÕ s been years since Joe, Garret and I talked about jumping a giant hip. When we were filming for the T1 video we got the opportunity to build one and got it to work really good, so good that we couldnÕ t pedal any faster to go higher. Story by Ruben Alcantara
Since then I have been curious about how much fun it would be to go faster into something like this and see what happens. One day riding at the trails, looking at this little hill next to the jumps, I found this line going between the jumps that will give you a ton of speed and ended in a good spot to build “The Big Hip” with not too much digging involved. The problem was that making a landing was a lot of hard work due to its size if done by hand. So one day while digging at the trails, my good friend Sami (who used to work with digging machines) called me and told me that one of the machines was free one weekend and we could use it to make the landing. When I hung up I was so excited that I stopped fixing this little jump at the trails and went to start “The Big Hip” and the first afternoon I’d almost finished the take off. A couple of days later everything was ready except the landing. Then the machine came and, boom! There it was! Over three floors high of hill and rollers to get the speed, a nine foot tall take off and a steep landing 30 feet away. So beautiful! So then it was the moment to give it a go. Yes, I was a bit scared because you had to go really fast and it was huge! It made me think a lot about the first time. I remember having flash backs to back in the day trying
back flips for the first time or something like that. So fun! The jump worked out so good and I felt like I was 18 years old again. I won’t forget this day, it was incredible! And it’s probably one of the best feelings that I ever had on my bike. But, it’s even better seeing my friends jumping it for the first time with scared faces and after they clear the jump you can tell how stoked and happy they are. We all agreed on how good this jump was and that makes me even happier. Well, all you guys know how fun it is to ride a hip. So much that it makes you think why is that so much fun? Small or big, a bank or transition, it doesn’t matter, hips are just so fun! It’s hard to describe the feeling, but I can compare it to a good day in life, maybe because of the different ways to do it? You can pick the trajectory that you want even if you don’t know what’s going to happen. Because in the middle of it you can correct this trajectory. It always gives you a new good feeling. It sounds like a good day in life and because good days exist, big days do too. Maybe this is the reason I started ‘The Big Hip’. Who knows? One thing for sure, is that we all had big days riding it.
Dig Trails
I donÕ t know how many Ò dig trails, itÕ s worth itÓ type articles have been written over the years but itÕ s a lot, then some more. Story and photos by Lloyd Dean I guess the point is to try and get people stoked on digging and riding trails. Some of them have certainly done their job but as anyone who has had their own trails will know, there are people who dig and will always dig then there are those who half-arse it then give up. Still, if any of these articles get some kids who haven’t ridden trails before building then pedalling flat out at some sketchy take off, not knowing whether they’re going 10 feet straight up or stopping dead because they haven’t packed it properly, then all the better for BMX. If they go on to know the fear and related awesomeness of hitting for the first time a section they have built, and getting through, then even better. So is it worth it? After not having trails to dig at since about ‘99, along with several failed attempts up to about 2006 and a lot of talk, it was time to get things done properly. With seven or eight people ready to dig we had to find a spot. That took at least 6 months and countless tanks of petrol in several cars. We looked everywhere within driving distance, as in not one dead end, side road, track leading into the bush wasn’t driven down. Even asking private land owners, we got nowhere. After finally finding somewhere with decent soil, water (a running creek), trees and somewhat secluded but unfortunately not downhill we were set to start digging. Well so much for seven or eight people, that quickly decreased to five-ish then to just three, with sporadic help from a few other people. Digging trails is relatively quick when you have lots of people working on them. The first set went up quick enough but with just three people digging, progress at the end of the day is a lot less noticeable.
30 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
We stuck at it though and after a struggle we had a roll in, berm then six pack ready to ride for summer. First run at them then, and all I could manage was bails. After more than enough tries and landing knees locked, jarring both ankles and my lower back at the same time, I was wondering what was wrong. Apart from that I sucked obviously. Glenn made it past the second followed by an angry ghost ride and after at least fifty tries Michael finally got through them. What was wrong then? Our trails sucked, that’s what was wrong. The run-up was wrong. The first landing was too small and the wrong shape so it was hard to get speed. The line into the second was completely wrong. The second take off was consequently pointing in the wrong direction and the third was un-jump-able because of all of this. It all looked fine when we built it but it just didn’t work out. The date on the first photo taken of the untouched land was Thursday, 22 August 2007, and a near finished photo was dated Wednesday, 27 August 2008. Add about two months for final shaping, time for the flooded bits to dry out, the initial time spent searching and that’s about two years. Wasted time? You would think so but no! Since then some more people have jumped on board and took it upon themselves to hire a mini bobcat and right our wrongs. Once it starts raining again this year we’ll have another crack and hopefully have some rideable, fun trails of our own. Go dig! I guess that means this is just another trails article to add to the list then.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Ross and James loving the great southern land. PHOTO Rubinich
United in Melbourne
So, the United DVD that IÕ m working on has now landed me on the other side of the world, in your part of town, Melbourne Australia. Story by James Cox 32 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
The crew we brought (Kye Forte, Leo Forte, Geoff Slattery and Josh Kathigitis) was specially engineered to take advantage of some of the country’s finest BMX orientated assets, i.e. huge concrete skate parks, bowls and plazas. During my flight from London Heathrow, a nosey member of the public began intruding my personal space and enquiring why I was going to Australia, was I on a gap year? Was I on vacation? etc. etc. And upon hearing my mumbled response, which was something along the lines of “I’m going to ride bikes and make a video about it” I was asked “Why go all the way to Australia to ride BMX bikes? You could do that anywhere!” I just stared out of the window and pretended I wasn’t listening. The answer to her question was in fact, why the hell not go to Australia, the weather is fantastic, the skate parks are plentiful, amazing
and varied. The architecture is diverse, interesting and perfect to ride. The BMX scenes are tight and friendly, and despite the huge distance between some cities, everyone knows each other. The hostels we stay in are way above the standard of their European counterparts and it’s always easy to find good coffee and food. And they drive on the correct side of the road... As you may have guessed, I am not a fan of the general public, but I am a fan of Australia. Our visit has made a great impact on the progress of United DVD and I hope that I get another excuse to come back soon. Thanks a lot to Kane, Jamie, Robbie, Rhysty, Marco, Josh, Strictly BMX, Anchor BMX, Backbone BMX and all the local guys we met for helping us to make it happen!
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Home again
Mike Steingrabber has headed home again. Honorary Aussie and flatland inspiration for many, Mike has headed back north in search of his endless summer. He’s managed ten years plus between Germany and Australia proving that the BMX lifestyle can take you around the world indefinitely. We’re hoping he’ll be back again later this year!
Kids like Alex probably don’t need coaching... PHOTO Nitai
Coaches wanted...
Freestyle BMX Australia has announced they are recruiting and re-qualifying freestyle BMX coaches.
The first course has been scheduled to run at Kensington skatepark on the 12th of September. Riders must be over the age of 18, able to work independently and have a reasonably high level of riding skill. All types of riders are needed from flatlanders all the way through to vert riders.Normally the Course is valued at $230, however freestyle BMX are doing it for a special offer of $50. Coaches are able to work independently or directly with Freestyle BMX Australia and can earn up to $300 a day.
Who said flatlanders can’t grind? PHOTO Holmes
Duo giveaway
DuoÕ s think tank have sorted their latest saddle with all the goodness you need for style and comfort. Even better is we have four to give away! The Rogue Status seat runs a slim design, full vinyl cover with debossed guns and a stitched rear panel with Rogue Status logo. And if you ain’t flush with cash right now, don’t sweat, we’ve got one to giveaway. If you’re running a pivotal post, you’re half way there already. Next step is to answer this question: Q: Name Duo’s Australian ripper. Email your answer to duo@2020bmxmag.com.au Entries close on the 10th of August and the first correct answer drawn will win. Simple right! Check out www.duobrand.com for clues eh!
34 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
To book contact Dinny Spicer at Freestyle BMX: dinny.spicer@cycling.org.au or call 02 9738 2572. Bookings close on the 29th of August with limited places available.
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF Brad Greenslade keepin warm mid manual in Queenstown, NZ
The learning curve
As long I can remember IÕ ve been interested in photography, whether it be looking at National Geographic or pondering over riding magazines and wondering how they got the shot. Story and photos Dave Coulson Making time stand still, the lighting set up, what shutter speed they are using, the aperture settings, why they take a picture from that angle and how he’s taking that pic from so far away and still getting the subject to be lit up etc. The list goes on and on. After practicing with an old Nikon film SLR for a long time and wondering every time I pressed the shutter button if I’d got a decent shot, which vary rarely happened due to basically not having a clue what I was doing, I bought myself a digital, an old Canon, but it had manual settings and being able to see my pictures instantly changed the learning curve of being able use a camera properly. Many years had passed when I decided to take a photography course, picking a complete beginner course to not miss out on any of the fundamentals, and to finally put
my mind at rest if I’d been putting all those years of practice to good use. The results, even after a 6-week course, were amazing, generally taking pictures of scenery. The latest venture is working with remote flashes which I’ve only just started playing with. Again my pictures have changed drastically and it’s time to start learning again, where to place flashes, am I going to get shadows in crazy places, are the flashes over exposing to much. So many things to work out. But great to get back on that learning curve. There must be so many people who‘ve been through the same as me. Many thanks to Tim Pierce and Patrick Fallon for the inspiration and answering all my questions and of course to 2020 for publishing some of my pictures over the years.
On the cover Rider: Luke Gorecki
Photographer: Nick Gascoine Location: Some stairs...
Camera: Canon 1D MKIII Lens:
EF15mm fisheye
Settings: f8 @ 1/250th
Lighting: 1 quantum Q flash, 2 sunpak 555’s, pocket wizards. It was a quick set up and I just used the sandwich technique. Easy done!
The shot: We had been riding all day and we weren’t having much luck with spots, but Salad (Troy Charelsworth) said to me that if we found the right spot, Luke would get a banger. We rolled up to Malestercon and Salad called a 180 bar for him and he got done within three goes. He is most definitely, f@#&ing good.
36 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
Late breaking news Strictly business...
Old school dirt jumper, racer, along with being the guy who brought you the Kuwahara KZ1 re-issue frame, Julian Millis is now the shop manager at Strictly BMX. And mail order Head Honcho is none other than M.C. weapon X, from “X and Hell”, who’s new album “Million dollar sex party” is out any day. Strictly has also gone back to doing a full clothing line and will be sponsoring riders via clothing, so if you have a sponsor me vid, send or email it in. There’s a brand new website ready to launch in August and also iphone gela-protective skins will be available. And finally, Strictly apologises for having free stuff listed on the last add it was meant for this issue-sorry, soooo much free stuff will be given away pretty much every second day.
Broken neck...
We just got word Sydney ripper Brendan Jones had a big dig and broke 3 vertebrae in his neck. Luckily it sounds like there’s no nerve damage and he’ll be making a full recovery, albeit with a neck brace for a while. Stay strong yo!
THE LOWDOWN PRO BIKE CHECK
Pro Bike Check Liam Fahy-Hampton
If thereÕ s been one Australian rider that has created more intrigue in regards to their bike setup, it has to be Liam. From no pegs, to no chain, to front wheels on the rear, LiamÕ s setup undergoes almost weekly changes and questions as to why. Regardless of your call on what constitutes a BMX in 2009, LiamÕ s ride is straight up made for clocking ludicrous clips. Just donÕ t go asking how he got speed to make it into this fence hop... Story and photos by Raine Turnbull Sponsors? Back Bone BMX, Colony, Animal, Stowaway, Nike6.0, nahyouritemate.com and Focal Point. So how do you set your bike up? I guess the way I set my bike up is just as simple as possible with everything tight. Why no chain? The chain-less thing has been over analyzed by a lot of people. I took it off for fun. Not to be different or to try and start something. Just for fun, ya know, fun, why we ride! But yeah I put a chain on recently, and took it off after a while because I had more fun without it.
The set up: Frame: Colony Hell Stallion Fork: Colony Hell Stallion Bars: Colony Bloody Oath Stem: Colony Official Headset: Colony Bar Ends: Colony
38 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
Grips: Animal Edwin Cranks: Colonial Sprocket: Nah! BB: Colony Colonial Hubs: Colony Clone Rims: Sun Big City
Tyres: Animal ASM Pegs: Colony One way alloy Seat: Colony Pivotal Slim Seatpost: Colony Pivotal Pedals: Animal Hamilton
Getting speed for this gap goes something along the lines of: sprint your guts out, jump on your bike, scoot once, pull up! PHOTO Raine Turnbull
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
39
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Heading South West Australian style Riding what might be the oldest snake run in Australia seemed like a good enough excuse to drive 400 plus kilometres, so off to Albany in Western AustraliaÕ s south coast we went. Story and photos by Lloyd Dean
Good thing too, as over the long weekend we found a gold mine of awesomeness! Without looking for anything in particular to ride, we found skateparks galore, more street than you can shake a stick at along with awesome scenery everywhere. The newest of three skateparks in Albany (not including the snake run) was where we ended up first. Above average and good to hang out at and ride a few times over the next couple of days. Next to the new skatepark was a disused BMX track that had been fenced off. Keen for some muck around races everyone acquired entry and had a blast fanging around the overgrown berms and jumps. You can’t drive this far to a tourist town and not go sight-seeing. Albany is unusually mountainous compared to the rest of Western Australia which is mostly flat. This makes for great views over the town and the surrounding coastline, so we spent a good while checking the sights out. Of course one of Albany’s major sights is what is the first skatepark in Australia. Riding flat out down the old steep bumpy snake run will keep anyone entertained for days, weeks or longer. It’s basically a steep roll in then a vert right berm, then left berm, then s-bend and all ending in a spoon bowl with grass on all sides so you can fly-out anywhere you want. Just riding the snake run would have been worth the trip but we found so much more. I’m sure all the other states in Australia have towns with as much or more to offer. Look up a map, find a not often visited town near the coast, get exploring and have some fun.
40 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
THE LOWDOWN NEWS & STUFF
Bike check
Premium Three Ring
Mirra Co Black Pearl 2
TT 20.8”
TT 20.8”
Fork 1/8” full chromoly threadless
Fork Full chromoly with 3/8” dropouts
Bars Premium full chromoly 8” rise
Bars M3 2-piece 7.5” chromoly 2.0T
Frame Gen2 frame, double-butted DT, full chromoly, mid BB, integrated head tube
Frame Full chromoly, with integrated head tube, 5mm dropouts
Grips Premium Counterfeit
Grips Duo Chris Doyle
Stem Premium
Stem M3 Downside alloy Aheadset 1-1/8”
Cranks 175mm, full chromoly
Cranks M3 3-piece chromoly 170mm, 19mm x 8-spline chromoly axle
BB Sealed mid BB 10-spline
BB Mid BB with R12 sealed bearings
Sprocket 23T
Sprocket M3 alloy 25t
Rear hub 36-hole alloy sealed cassette rear 14mm w/ 8T driver
Rear hub M3 cassette 36-hole with 14mm chromoly hollow axle w/9T 1-piece driver
Front hub 36-hole alloy sealed 3/8”
Front hub M3 alloy 36-hole 3/8” chromoly axle
Rims Alienation 36-hole SW front/DW rear
Rims 36H Alex double wall DM-22 front, DM-24 rear, black anodized, with eyelets
Tyres Premium street tires 120 p.s.i., 2.25” front/2.0” rear
Tyres Odyssey Mike Aitken 2.125” front and 1.90” rear
Seat Pivotal SL seat with Stump seat post
Seat M3 Black Pearl Pivotal with Pivotal post
Brake Dia Compe Hombre
Brake Tektro 907 alloy rear U-brake
Weight 11.4 kg
Weight 11.8 kg
RRP $1099.00
RRP $999.00
42 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
w South Wales535 Kingsway, Miranda Ne Above All BMX Back Bone BMX Bikes At The Basin The Edge Cycles Beyond Bikes Bikes In Byron BMX Mafia Hawkesbury Cycles Hell On Wheels JR Cycles Kidsons Cycles Lifecycles Morgan Street Cycles Rainbow Cycles Riders Realm The Push Bike Factory The Sanction Tippo’s Cycles South Side BMX Warzone Bikes
DK Effect
Northern Territory 4/5c Georgina Cres, Yarrawonga Spokes NT
eensland Qu Ipswich Cycles
Frame 100% chromoly
Crossley Cycles Cycle Scene For the riders For the riders My Bike Shop Ride On 99 Bikes Totally Spoked
TT 20.75” Fork DK 100% 4130 Chromoly Bars DK 8” 2 pc. 100% 4130 Chromoly Grips DK Tsuka
Australia Souteh Jones Cycles
Stem DK Alloy Front Load Cranks DK Social 3 pc. 175mm Chromoly BB Spanish sealed w/ 48 splined Chromoly spindle Sprocket DK 25T CNC Alloy
Rims 36H Alienation Blacksheep Tyres Kenda Street design Seat DK Pivotal with Pivotal post Brake Tektro FX-570 Alloy U-brake Weight 12.2 kg PHOTO Tony Nolan
233B Brisbane Street, Ipswich 51 Cambridge Pde, Manly Shop 9, Helensvale Plaza, Helensvale 2/2 Central Court, Browns Plains 652 Ipswitch Road, Annerley 643 Samford Road, Mitchelton 140 Boundary Street, West End 2930 Logan Rd, Underwood 239 Brisbane Street, Ipswich
Berni CM BMX Hittin’ the street Little Black Bike Ramp 2 Ramp
239 Diagonal Road, Warradale 598 Regency Road, Broadview 49B Bridge Street, Murray Bridge 447 Pulteney Street, Adelaide Shop 5 Chaffey Colonades, Renmark
BMX MAD Connections BMX Crossover Cycle Greensborough Cycles Logans Cycles Mainly BMX Paul’s Cycles Push N Pedal Cycles Swan Hill Bikes and Trikes Crank N Cycles Georges Bike Shop
75 Johnston Street, Collingwood 116 Boronia Road, Boronia 5A High Street, Eaglehawk 118 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 167 Para Road, Greensborough 55 Percy Street, Portland 217 Moorabool Street, Geelong Shop 16, Eltham Mall, Eltham 384 Raymond Street, Sale 73 McCallum Street, Swan Hill 35-37 Steere Street, Collie 8/511 Wanneroo Road, Balcatta
ctoria ViAnchor BMX
Rear hub 36-hole alloy sealed cassette rear w/9T driver Front hub 36-hole alloy sealed
RRP $949.00
Shop 6 Fisher Square, Fisher Shop 5/10 Paradise Beach Rd, Sanctuary Point 39/41 Pacific Hwy, West Gosford 10/335 Hillsborough Road, Warners Bay 145 Byron Street, Inverell 242 Victoria Road, Gladesville 6 West Market St, Richmond 463 King Street., Newtown 22 Scarba Street, Coffs harbour 107 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga 2/20 Riley Street, Penrith 53A Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga 3/24 Isles Drive, North Boambee Valley 80 Sharp Street, Cooma 2/11 Mill Road, Campbelltown 472 David Street, Albury 67 Meroo Street, Bomaderry 3/41 Deering Street, Ulladulla 43 East Parade, Sutherland
Josh Druce flowing Menai’s big quarter//HOLMES
02 9531 7260 02 6288 5186 02 4443 3777 02 4321 1566 02 4950 4616 02 6721 5999 02 9879 7000 02 4578 1314 02 9519 2312 02 6652 4962 02 6921 4474 02 4721 0500 02 6921 6629 02 6651 5943 02 6452 2055 02 4625 4537 02 6021 1598 02 4422 1009 0405 074 843 02 9545 2979
08 8931 3111 07 3281 6985 07 3393 3470 07 5529 9533 07 3809 0222 07 3843 5981 07 3355 0112 0410 464 130 07 3341 7444 07 3202 4208
08 8296 9652 08 8261 4339 08 8531 2266 08 8223 5933 08 8586 6556 03 9495 6338 03 9762 5210 03 5446 1110 03 5672 2270 03 9435 0833 03 5523 3056 03 5222 2441 03 9439 1481 03 5143 1233 03 5033 2032 08 9734 1471 08 9344 2393
REFORMIST FLAT YO!
DownUnderground 3: Sydney
Round three of the Down Underground flat series went down in the west of Sydney, namely in the scenic place known to us as sunny Blacktown. Story and photos by Holmes Under ever threatening rain clouds the day went off with a great turnout intent on having a good time regardless of weather. With advanced and middie classes, the riding was top notch from all involved, and by far the most entertaining part fo the day was the newly introduced compulsory event. Basically a string of tricks had to be performed, with judges making the call on how well the rider performed the routine. Almost like something at the Olympics, ‘cept with stuff like front yards... Taking out this new feature was the one and only Shaun Jarvis, not only an
46 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
inspirational force behind the event, flatland through the ages and the trophies, he has a mean bag of old school tricks that owned the compulsories! Paul Chamberlain rocked the advanced class, just edging out the international field of Canadian Eric Effinger and French ruler, Michael Husser. Andrew McDermott rolled into 1st in the middies class, closely followed by Shaun Jarvis and Andrew Lightbody. All up, one kick arse day on the Blacktown netball courts. I hear the after party at Tomascz’ place was a good one! Keep those wheels rolling!
Eric at home, away from home in Hyde Park. PHOTO Mike S
Reasons
Eric Effinger
Over 5.6 million people travelled to Australia in 08, and they came for all matter of reasons. It’s summer here when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere, we got Kangaroos and Koalas, people want to see Uluru, people want to surf our waves, and some people just come here because it is about as far away from their home as it gets on this planet. Eric Effinger came out here from Canada because he finished one school and wanted to see something different before he went to another. He rides Hyde Park in Sydney every chance he gets, works in a Japanese restaurant apparently run by the Yakuza and he’s one fine person. Go ride your bike in Hyde Park and see if you will find him there! Mike S ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
47
REFORMIST FLAT YO!
New Zealands flatland voice...
FLATLAND IN NEW ZEALAND FROM JUNE DUNGCAÕ S POINT OF VIEW. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE DAVIES First of all, give us a little bit of back ground information about yourself. Let’s see, I’m 27. Originally from the Philippines but moved here with the fam and have been here 11 years. Lived on the shore for all but 6 months of those years. Started riding on January 30th 2000, so I’ve been doing this for nearly 9 and a half years. I should be much much better at it but that’s what having a full-time white collar job does to my riding. haha. I try to ride as much as I can and over the past few years, I’ve been going overseas to ride with the folks there (mainly Aus) when it’s financially possible. I’ve been through for bikes ranging from the craptastic Haro Revo to the classic Standard Tao to the totally sweet KHE RIP. Newest part on it is the Zion zero offset flat forks. Oldest part is my Suzue Front hub which I bought second hand 6 years ago, itís radial laced to a skinny Sun Rhyno Lite rim which I haven’t trued since. Smooth as butter still! I’m currently into getting this thing as light as I possibly can without it feeling too light. So do you solely ride Flatland or do you ride any other styles of BMX like Dirt, Street or Park? Yes I mainly ride Flatland but I do ride around the local skatepark next to the place I ride whenever I get burnt out on trying some tricks. Helps to steer my head away from constantly doing the wrong thing. I don’t see myself doing much more than that with other disciplines. I love all styles of Freestyle BMX though and have the utmost respect to the riders ripping it up out there! Things have gotten pretty crazy and I think it’ll only carry on becoming more and more insane. What is it that drives you to ride Flatland over other types and styles of BMXing? I’ve thought about this very question a lot over the years. Freestyle BMX at its very core is doing what you want and having fun in the process. For a lot of people, it’s also an extension of themselves and their personality. I started out doing everything but Flatland just relates to me more than any other type of Freestyle BMX, it’s where I have the most fun and I feel that I can express myself better with it. That’s why I chose to do mainly Flatland. All that plus scars, sprains and bruises are all I can handle when it comes to injuries. Describe to us a little bit what its like to be a Flatland BMX’er in NZ, and your involvement in the scene? In all honesty, being a Flatlander in NZ is a very lonely experience. I say that because there are so few of us that you’re lucky to be riding regularly with someone other than yourself. I have spent countless hours in a carpark or basketball courts with my headphones on riding by myself. I’m lucky now because there’s another rider that I get to ride with on a semi-regular basis. It’s because of that fact that I decided to start “NZ Flatland”. I wanted to create a central place for everyone that does Flatland or is interested in doing so to communicate. Through the years I’ve organised events to get the riders together and hang out and do what they enjoy doing. It’s also through it that we’ve been given opportunities to showcase Flatland in some events. I’m glad I started it as I’ve seen a number of riders come and go and I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing them progress their riding throughout the years from the start trying dork wheelies to doing things that they probably didn’t even think they could do. My fiancé helps me run it now too. I don’t think NZ Flatland will ever go away as I’ll probably still run it through another country if I end up moving out of NZ haha. If you ask any BMXer in NZ down at the local skatepark if there is any Flatland riders here in NZ most of them would say ‘no’ How big is the NZ scene? As mentioned in the last question, the NZ scene isn’t very big at all. We currently have around 15 riders in the whole country. Most of the riders are concentrated in Auckland but
48 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
it’s such a diverse group that everyone has their own thing going out outside of riding as well that we rarely have the chance to ride regularly. How would you describe the NZ scene? Is it a pretty tight group of friends or is there a lot of guys out there doing their own thing? I would say it’s a mix of both. There are guys out there doing their own thing most of the time due to commitments outside of riding and/or location in the country. I do feel that we are more tight knit that other scenes though due to our numbers. Any Flatlander is a friend of mine, I say. We’ve got none of that bullshit and politics going on between us that you get with a bigger scene, which is great. Everyone respects each other and we all just want to ride. Do you think the Flatland scene here in NZ is similar to what it would be like in other countries? I definitely think that there are other scenes in other countries that are similar to the NZ scene. We currently have a rider from Russia over studying at Uni and he says that their scene is quite small too, similar to ours. Small Flatland scenes are everywhere even in countries where Flatland in general is huge (ie. Europe and Japan). Is there anything you would like to say to potential NZ flatlanders out there reading this interview? Practice, practice and more practice. That’s the key to everything but it’s especially true with Flatland. I personally have gone through months not learning anything new and sometimes years before I can get a specific trick down. Feel free to get in touch with us through the NZ Flatland website www.nzflatland.co.nz as we are more than welcome to give you advice when you need it. Just because NZ is so far away from everyone else and the scene here is small, that doesn’t mean you cannot progress to a high level of riding. After all, Kerry Gatt came out from NZ! What’s one thing you love and one thing you hate about Flatland, specifically NZ Flatland? Love: The individuality of Flatland - Very very rare that you come across two Flatlanders with the same riding style. Each person is different and that just extends to their riding as well. Flatland can be a very personal thing to the rider. No bullshit, no attitude, Flatlanders in general stick together. No matter where you’re from, no matter what you do or what your interests are, if you ride Flatland, you instantly have a bond with that person. If you see someone doing Flatland while walking down the road, you say Hi and start talking about it. I’m not saying that that doesn’t happen with other styles but, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to happen all that often with them. I guess there’s just so many Street, Park, Dirt riders out there compared to Flatland. Also progression, the sheer number of possibilities of things to do with regards to Flatland tricks is just immense. Flatland has progressed in an insane rate recently and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. Hate: There really isn’t anything I “hate” about Flatland but if I have to point out one “bad/ negative” thing about it, I would have to say the difficulty. It’s a double edged sword really. The current level of difficulty of Flatland now is so great that it can deter potential riders from even attempting it. At the same time, this same difficulty can be seen as only a challenge meant to be conquered by those that are truly dedicated. It then leaves more riders that are likely to stick with it for a long time to come. Any last words I would like to thank Mike, for this article up about NZ Flatland. Props to all the NZ Flatlanders out there as well as all the other riders I’ve met through the years. Keep doing what you’re doing. And lastly thanks for Krys my fiancé for helping me run the NZ Flatland site.
50
ISSUE 32
In the past 30 years there have been six outstanding BMX freestyle riders in my book. Bob Haro, Eddie Fiola, Mat Hoffman, Dave Mirra, Jamie Bestwick and Ryan Guettler. When I say outstanding I mean just that. They have the entire package. Great rider, fantastic personality, very driven, amazingly focused. Basically a marketing companies ideal sportsman. To achieve this you have to have the entire package. It seems to be every five or so years someone just stands out from the crowd. I have seen it, I have lived it. Now I am privileged to say I believe I have found the next thing in BMX freestyle. Jaie Toohey! This kid has it all, height, style, originality, consistency and to finish it off he has all the most difficult tricks out there under his belt already. Jaie has an amazing personality, he is fun, caring and very considerate of others. So anyway, enough about me lets meet the real Mr Jaie Toohey! Intro by John Scottish Buultjens Interview by Holmes
ISSUE 32
51
Tell me a little bit about who you are, your start in BMX and how you got to where you are now? I live on the Central Coast of NSW, I have just turned 18 yrs old and live to ride BMX. When I was very young my Dad and Mum took me BMX racing. I did that for a little bit, but I was always building jumps in the back yard and on the corner of the street. I was always trying to do tricks. Can you remember the time when you got the taste of riding BMX and doing stuff other than just riding around? When I was about 10 years old I got a Diamond Back. I thought it was great, all I wanted to do everyday was ride my bike. I’d go up the local skate ramp, ride for hours and keep trying new tricks. So who did you look up to BMX wise when you were young? The people that I looked up to were Ryan Guettler, Cam White and Dave Mirra. And how about now? I have to say that even after going to America and meeting heaps of guys it still has to be Ryan, Cam and Dave. Who’s your local riding crew? Local boys Andrew, Luke and Mitch. Your local scene seems pretty strong, what are your top 3 local spots? Most of the guys are riding very well up here now. My top three spots that I ride are Slam Factory, Wadalba and The Entrance. The last year or so has seen you boosting higher than everyone in Australia, where did this super boost come from? Springs surgically planted in your knees or what? To tell you the truth I have no idea how high I get, I just love big quarter pipes. And pedaling as fast as I can at them and going high. I would have to say it’s my favourite thing to do. Run us through your daily routine when you’re at home? Daily routine goes along the lines of sleep until about 12, then go eat some Macca’s, then go ride my bike for the rest of the day and try to get some new tricks down. You just turned 18 and got your license yeah? So will BMX come second to drinking, cars and girls like it does for so many potential world class riders from Australia? No way! BMX will always come first in my life. I have to keep doing what I love doing, there will always be time to party with the boys after a good day of riding. You’ve come up fast in the ranks, what’s it like being pro as opposed to a regular rider at a park? Yeah it seems like that, but about pro and regular, when I ride different parks kids are like ‘that’s Jaie Toohey’, and I’m just like ‘nah that’s not me’. I love kidding around sometimes. You hit up the US last year, where did you get to, what was it like? Was it all it was cracked up to be? Going to the US last year was the best ever, even better than the previous year. I went to Woodward for a couple of weeks and then to the Dew Action Sports Tour. I also went to Cologne Germany for the event there. John (Buultjens) organised for me to stay 10 days with Ryan Guettler and I ended up living with him for the whole time I stayed in the states, like five months. Thanks Ryan! Who were some of the riders you got to ride with? Pretty much all the Greenville crew, Guettler, Mirra, Darden and Harrington. Any funny or memorable moments from the trip you can share with us? Probably the BMX Masters in Germany. That whole trip I will never forget. And I’ve had some great times with Guettler and Diogo in the US. You’re off to the States again this year. What’s the plan? Where are you staying and how long are you away for? Yeah back to the States at the end of May. Heading back to stay with Ryan. Also I am planning on going out to Vegas and stay with Cam White for a few weeks. I will stay until November, then back home for the Australian contests.
BMX Games 2009 PHOTO Dan Peters
52
ISSUE 32
Local knowledge. Jaie inverting another huge three over the spine. PHOTO Holmes
ISSUE 32
53
Yep. No shoes. WTF? PHOTO Cooper Brownlee
What comps are you hitting up over there? Just staying in the states or travelling further? Dew Tour for sure. Then off to Germany for the Worlds and I’ll hopefully get to the NORA Cup too. I’m doing the Vans Pro BMX camp in July and any other comps that come up and I can get to while I’m over there, I’ll do em.
You’ve been doing the Forgotten thing for a while now, any sign of any signature bits, frames or bikes? Forgotten Bikes has been really good to me and I’m stoked, no signature stuff, just getting the Forgotten name out there.
So, at 18, you’re heading to the states again and living and travelling with Ryan Guettler. Did you ever expect to have gotten this far in a couple of years?
You seem to dig the competition vibe, especially now you’re placing at the top in Pro all the time. What keeps comps fun for you?
There is no way in the world that I would ever have expected to get this far and be living with Guettler, I never thought that would have happened in a million years.
Yeah, I love comps a lot more now! You get to ride with everyone but you always gotta stay focused on your runs and have a good time.
Do you reckon if you make it over there, and follow in the footsteps of Guettler, Mackay, Bohan and the rest of the Aus crew over there now, you’ll help a young killer rider from back home get a foot in the door?
What was the first comp you ever went to?
I would definitely help anyone get over if they wanted it bad enough. That’s if I ever make it! I would help out any Aussie rider just like all those guys did for me.
On Red Bull, the Dirt Pipe event last year, you were killing it all weekend and then ate it in the final, I reckon you could’a won that easy. Would you ride that thing again if it was on?
You had to jump through some hoops to get an athlete visa sorted in time for your trip this year. Was that a stress? How’d you get all that through?
That place was so amazing, I would do anything to ride that place again cause it was so big and fast. I loved it heaps.
The visa is so hard to get, you have to have so much information about yourself. Letters of support by companies and more. I was fortunate enough to get help from Vans and got some great references from editors and other people.
Do you reckon BMX needs some more varied events like that?
You’ve got a pretty solid support crew in the form of your family, they’re pretty important to you yeah? My family helps me out so much, they have always been there for me and have given a lot up so I can follow my dream, thanks heaps Dad and Mum. And your sponsors seem to be offering you more than just product support. Forgotten and Vans have some pretty good people looking out for you behind the scenes yeah? I am stoked to be sponsored by Forgotten BMX. And Vans help me out in the states. Very happy and very lucky to be a part of their teams.. How’s it been having John Buultjens on board helping out? Having John as my manager is heaps good, he helps me out so much.
54
ISSUE 32
It was a Red Bull comp in Black Hill, near Cessnock organized by Brett Pople. Brett was the first rider that helped me on the way to where I’ve got to today.
Yes for sure. We need way more events like the dirt pipe and other park comps, there aren’t enough comps going on in Australia. And to more recently, the 2009 BMX Games. You stomped it in park and dirt, I half expected you to ride flat too. You liked the park course by the looks of it? I was stoked on the BMX Games this year, I rode really well. The park course was good, just really windy, very different than last years event at Monster. And then the dirt event on the final day of the BMX Games, you seemed to be able to still kill it regardless of the ridiculous wind? Dirt was far too windy, but that seems to happen every year at the BMX Games. I still tried to ride the best I could no matter what. That said, it seemed like everytime I dropped in, so did the wind. But it was the same for everyone.
Huge boost at Rampfest. PHOTO Cooper Brownlee
ISSUE 32
55
Has it been weird riding against crew you looked up to and in some cases making a final over them? It’s really weird. I’ve been really nervous riding against the people I have looked up to for a long time. When I make the finals with them it is an amazing feeling. What’s your dream, what are you shooting for? My dream is to ride bikes, do well and buy Guettlers Chrysler 300C off him! And what keeps driving you to progress your riding? Lately seeing Mark Webb and Harry Main. Those two guys are out of their minds. They just want to make you get up and go out there to try and learn new stuff. What’s your top 3 tricks right now? Flair whips, fakie front flips and up-side down 360s. And what’s been the hardest trick for you to learn? Is there one that’s always bugging you? Probably the fakie front flips. You’ve got to get the fakie so right so you can pop straight off the coping to come around and land perfectly. I saw you handling that 180 at warp speed into a fakie front flip at Slam, is that going to be unleashed on the AST Tour? Well maybe if I get the time to take my sprocket bolt out so I can roll backward without pedaling, yes! What’s the best video part you’ve seen lately? Probably would have to be Endsearch, Josh Harrington’s section for sure. Amazing. Any word on a Jaie Toohey video part anytime soon? That would be an awesome dream, but unfortunately nothing like that yet. Maybe in a few more years time! What would you be doing if you weren’t killing it on a 20 inch? I would be racing supercross for sure. What kind of advice would you offer to anyone out there that wants to follow in your footsteps? Just don’t get into BMX for the money. Get into freestyle riding for the love and passion of riding. So, any thanks? Mum, Dad and my family. Thanks so much for believing in me and for everything you have done for me. Forgotten BMX and John Buultjens, without the confidence that you have in me I would not have gotten as far as I have today, thanks mate! Vans shoes for doing heaps for me in the States and with my visa, Jerry Badder’s thanks man. And Les from AA cycles, Charmhaven. Having Corey always there to check my bike over. Richard from Slam Factory’s, it’s a great place to ride. Thanks heaps to the guys at Jet Pilot for the past 6 months and to my new clothing sponsor Unit. I am so looking forward to being your newest team member. Huge thanks for all the people who help me out, please forgive me if I have forgotten anyone! Peace!
56
ISSUE 32
Going big in the infamous aquaduct. PHOTO Cooper Brownlee
ISSUE 32
57
Knox bowl has been home to many an amazing session, but never before has it seen anyone go this big.
58
PHOTO Cooper Brownlee ISSUE 32
Dean Manson kicking out the cans. PHOTO Dan Peters
60
ISSUE 32
I watched Kie try no handed threes on this set Teesdale trails over 25 times until he was satisfied with the results. Eager to squeeze more fun out of the session Kie Also had some other three variations that he wanted to chuck in for good measure... (Thanks for all the hard work on the trails Mitch Kelly!)
FBM
has hasaalong-standing long-standingreputation reputationas asone oneof ofthe themost mosttravelled travelledand andrespected respectedcompanies companiesin inBMX BMXso sowe we thought it was more than overdue to get some of their pro team out to mix it up on some of the best terrain Australia has to offer. We didn’t want this trip to be purely a “pro” tour where the kids barely catch a glimpse of their favourite riders strutting their stuff only to disappear into the tour bus/hotel room and are on their way again. We wanted to mingle with the riders at their own spots and give them a time to shine and more importantly have a damn good time while we did it! ISSUE 32
61
62
ISSUE 32
W
hat could be better for the visiting riders than sleeping out under the stars in swags and getting to meet and ride with the local riders at their favourite spots? Answer: Nothing. We cranked up the fun meter as we trekked from Canberra to Goulburn then onto Sydney and Newcastle. Then heading that much further west to Dubbo, then to the coast at Coffs Harbour up to Lismore and Byron Bay, to the Gold Coast and spending the last of the 12-day tour in sunny Brisbane. The crew consisted of FBM owner Steve Crandall, Garrett Guillams, and Kenny Horton all from the USA. As well as Peter Koh, Lou Reeves, Kie Ashworth, Kelvin Pentland and Pat O’Neill, who all make up the Australian portion of the FBM team. Dave Rubinich came along to shoot and Kane Chappell and myself driving the rigs and keeping it all together. over the years. To see someone Weston Creek park is no stranger to big airs and its seen its fair share of shredders and monster sessions go down on its humbled trannies like Kelvin Pentland laying down the power lines and moves like this makes me think the future of BMX is very bright in Canberra. ISSUE 32
63
Kie Ashworth Can jamming in Cessnock NSW
I’m almost certain Pat burped louder than anyone I know and with a frequency that would have made Barney from the Simpson’s proud. Pat stepped up like a champ on his first proper tour and got photos and footy at every spot. It was cool to see pat being exposed to some different ways of living and getting his eyes opened up to other peoples views on the tour.
Garrett Guillams blasting a one footed invert at Matt Kings Private ramp-Cheers Matt
64
ISSUE 32
T
his without a doubt was one of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure to ride and chill with on the road. You can always tell at the start of the trip what sort of people you are going to be spending your time with and there is no better feeling than knowing you are going to get along just fine with them. As all good road trips go, the humour was of the finest variety and I think everyone copped it on the chin at some stage! All in good fun and I don’t see a problem breaking some ones balls on a road voyage as long as they can see the funny side to it.
I
love getting on the road for so many reasons and as I get older the reasons change for the better. When I was younger, it was always a chance to get out of your hood and get a little wild and crazy, but now I find it a great chance to get away from my familiar terrain, ride new things and really find out what life is all about. So many people seem to be content to do the same thing for an extended period of time these days whether it be to ride the same ledge day after day or to go to the same boring nightclub every Saturday night. I’m waffling now, but I’m hoping that you get my drift and break the comfort zone and get out and see what really exists beyond your own post code. ISSUE 32
65
K
enny Horton summed it up as I was dropping him at the airport when he told me “this was the trip of a lifetime and he would never forget it”. That made me feel pretty good to be honest. We live in a country that has unequalled amounts of things to ride, so get out there however you can, train, plane, car or even the humble Greyhound bus can get you where you need to go. You never know who you might end up running into or riding with and what better way to grow your mind than learning from all your experiences and lessons you have learned, be it good or bad. Peep the photos and get out there and do it! Many thanks to everyone at Stowaway, Steve and Mike from FBM and everyone that we met on the trip, it was honestly one of the best ones I have ever been on. already had? Probably not as siked as How siked do you think the riders were in Dubbo when they realized they were getting a new addition to the average bike park they right now and also home to the endless they were when they found out it would be ridiculously good once it was finished . Dubbo is the home to one the best parks on offer at your local spot or think you can line of the gods. Garrett Guillams following Peter “Juice” Koh around the clock for about the 100th time that afternoon. Sick of the lines hang on the real transitions? Go to Dubbo now.
66
ISSUE 32
ISSUE 32
67
s n i a r D d E r e TeMP 70
ISSUE 32
FILTHY DRAINS CHALLENGE
As a newbie to the BMX scene, being asked by Matty Lawton of Tempered Bikes to photograph my first jam is a daunting task. I met Mat 8 months ago when I purchased my second ever BMX. I was 7 when I got my first, a redline series three (quite some time ago). Since meeting him I have got to meet the guys from the Tempered Bikes team, an amazing group of riders who have welcomed a BMX virgin. The Filthy Drains Challenge is brought to you by Tempered Bikes and run by Mat Lawton. This sort of event represents what I have come to love about the BMX scene. Mat is a passionate rider who gives back to the industry with the hard work and commitment typical of an underground company. Interview by Jason Starr When did you start riding? I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t riding haha! How did Tempered start? Tempered started when I was about 15 and it has grown into the world wide BMX brand it is today. It’s kind of funny, I never realised how far it would have come from just a few bucks in my pocket. I started off just doing tees and stickers and then I grew more and more eager to get into the parts side of the industry. Why did you want to start it? At the time, there were no real core BMX brands in Australia and after selling tees for a year I decided it was time to try and create something really great with what I had. What inspired you to start the Filthy Drains Challenge 3 years ago? Once again, at that point in time there was nothing amazing happening in the direction I loved, apart from the annual Flemington banks jam, but I wanted to create something grimier and gnarlier and try to make it the biggest BMX jam in Australia. Why do you think it is important for companies to put jams on like this? I definitely think it’s important for Tempered because jams like these are everything we stand for. As far as other companies and brands go, it just depends on how lazy they are and what they’re doing for BMX.
Jam
Mikey Cz blowing minds dropping from the bridge
SEQUENCE Jason Starr PHOTO Steve Morrisey
Where do you see FDC next year? After this year’s FDC and seeing the 250 plus riders throwing themselves at the creations we built, I can only imagine next year’s event being twice as gnarly with twice as many competitors battling it out for the challenges. Those ramps looked pretty ghetto. Who built them? Some of the ramps were built in my garage with the help of Thomas Dunn, Tom Stretton and Wazza. Everything was built on location with the help of Garreth, Drew, Jerry, Macca, Tom NZ, Morrisey, Andy Uber and there were a few others, but these guys were the solid crew. But if it wasn’t for Garreth and Drew busting their balls I don’t think the day would have been so rad! I heard it was a stealth mission getting the timber for the ramps. Haha, you could say something like that! There was a group of us that spent weeks doing night missions to steal pallets, ply and other random crap. Tell me about the trailer blow out. Haha, well it started with a phone call to Jack asking if he was down to go out that night and borrow a bunch of supplies, of course he was down for the cause. I already had a trailer that I borrowed from Andy Jansen, I’m not sure if it was registered and I knew for sure there were no lights on it. But I didn’t think we would get into any troubles. I made plans with Drew Mclean to meet him at his place around 8 that night but we didn’t get there till around 10. First off, we left my place and got onto the motorway, then we realised the trailer had gotten a flat tyre, so we pulled over and thought, “Yeah sweet we got a spare so let’s get the jack and switch it over”. About 30 minutes of going through Jack’s car we realized he didn’t have a car jack, so there we were, stranded on the side of the motorway with huge trucks speeding by and no way to change the tyre. We tried a few other things but after another 30 minutes I decided to call Jerry and ask if he could lend a hand, so he kindly drove to us with tools and a car jack and we were once again on our way. That was just the beginning of the night, the rest involved being followed by security, no ply at the main spot and being caught out by an Afghan man in a pet van.
ISSUE 32
71
best rail tri
Are there any unofficial sponsors you would like to thank for the ramp builds?
Steve Morrisey for all the ply and his help, Bunnings for leaving pallets unattended, Garreth Hadfield for his carpentry skills and Drew Mclean for his well skilled ramp building. Also Jason Starr for lending some power tools and always arriving with bags of screws. But if it wasn’t for Garreth, Drew and all the Tempered guys, Drains Challenge 2009 might not have been functional. I couldn’t believe how many people turned up. There must have been at least 200.
In true drains challenge form I rocked up a little later than I expected and although I stated on the Tempered site for people not to rock up until 1pm, there was over 100 riders there around 11.30am and by 3pm there was an easy 250 plus riders there shredding the ramps we had built over the last few weeks. It was such a good feeling seeing so many riders throwing it down in a set of drains, thank you to everybody for coming and having a good time. There were some pretty big names at the jam. Who were they? There were a few dudes there who are well known for their wild styles and trickery, but the standouts to me were Nick Cooper, Mitchell ‘Macca’ Macdonald, The Bolter twins from NZ, Clint Miller, Mikey Cz, Cooper Brownlee, Snappa and of course all the Tempered guys were throwing down for the crowd throughout the day. What makes the Tempered guys different? The Tempered crew are a big bunch of chillers who shred gnar no matter what the prize or outcome may be, they are all down to have fun and talk smack. Mikey Cz did a massive drop from the railway line. What was with that? Haha before the drop I had seen Mikey smash at least five beers so I’m not even sure if he even knew what was with that! After Gumbie bitched out last year, Mikey definitely had some big shoes to fill and he blew those shoes to bits. You had a bunch of challenges. What were they? Yeah every year I try to get as many riders involved in the challenges as possible and this year we had some pretty wild riding going down. The challenges were ‘Highest Mark on the Wall’ won by Nick Cooper, ‘Longest Jump’ won by Brodie, ‘Longest 180’ won by Nick Cooper, ‘Best Rail Trick’ won by Macca, ‘The Mazz Challenge’ won by Thomas Dunn, ‘Best Wall Ride Trick’ won by Chris Courtenay and ‘Best Spine Trick’ was a tie between Clint Millar and Macca. What the hell was the MAZZ? The MAZZ happened one night when me and Warren Bowers got drunk and one thing led to another and the MAZZ was born (out of wood, nails, hammers and a lot of hand saw action). Haha it was pretty much just a big wave that went into a small kicker and it was very tight to ride. Only the best made it through. Did you see Snappers slam man? That was so wild, that would have hurt? Haha, I didn’t actually see the slam but I saw the aftermath and it didn’t look too pretty. Snappa is a wild man that’s for sure. Yeah it is so cool seeing people just having fun. That is what it’s all about hey? Of course dude! I spent over $500 on spray paint and nails, not to mention all the fuel spent looking for wood and all the hours put into building, yet I made nothing in return, but to me the day was the reward in itself. And that’s what is gonna keep me doing things like this for Australian BMX. Things got a little crazy near the end hey? In true Filthy Drains style something had to get set on fire and old TV’s had to get thrown off something. But I was a bit annoyed to see someone set fire to the couch because it ended up burning the whole rail stage, not to mention making half the people sick from the couch fumes which were toxic. But, it’s all fun and games right?
72
ISSUE 32
Oppo over 180 backwards rail action by Mitchell Macdonald. PHOTO Jason Starr
ick
ISSUE 32
73
highest mark on How did you get the sponsors together and who were they? I always get in touch straight away with Jamie Moore at Stowaway and Mike Daly over at Kickass and 2020. These guys have been supporting me 100% since day one and they always help me out so much with these events. Steve Morrisey at Ride On helped out a bunch last year so I thought it would be dope to get him on board again. Andy Jansen from UberDistro who has been doing so much for me and Tempered lately stepped in and helped out so much with prizes and organising. I also had two clothing companies, one was from the US called Legend Status and the other was from QLD called Dirty Gremlin. Both of these brands got in touch with me at late notice but I was very happy that they came on board cause they are both doing a lot for BMX. And I’m glad they came on board. Also this year Triple 666 helped out with a lot of Eclat products, big thanks to Sam for that. Is there a video coming out on the blog of the drains? Where can we find it? There will be one up on the Tempered site by the time this goes to print at www. temperedbikes.com.au Raphael Jeroma-Williams filmed all day for Tempered and Jack Birtles will be editing it together. Peta Shepard also helped with filming on the day. I can’t wait for the jam next year. Same place, same time? Same time definitely in April but same place not sure yet, we will see where our Drains finding is coming along.
74
ISSUE 32
Nick Cooper foot jam on way up the vert wall. PHOTO Jason Starr
the wall
ISSUE 32
75
Brodie taking out the long jump event. PHOTO Jason Starr
longest jump Who would you like to thank?
There are so many people who deserve a big thanks for helping with FDC and I hope that I have not left anybody out. Jason Starr, Garreth Hadfield, Steve Morrisey, Jack Birtles, Raph Jeroma-Williams, Drew Mclean, Wazza, Andy Jansen from UberDistro, Sam and all the guys at Triple 666, Blair from Dirty Gremlin, Mike Daly from Kickass, Jamie Moore at Stowaway, 2020, Jerry Vandervalk, Macca, all the Tempered guys, Will Rudd, Thomas Dunn, Bridget & Steph, Wolfman, Chris Lembo, Nick Kajewski, Mikey Cz, Tom Stretton, Zac Woods, Corey Mansinger and for everybody else who gave a lending, thank you! It was an awesome day and event. I am looking forward to next year and if the numbers are anything to go by it is going to keep growing and getting better each year. For anyone who has not been to an event like this before I would highly recommend it as a must see. Thanks Matty for asking me along.
76
ISSUE 32
Without a doubt,one of the most infamous riders out there in Australia today. Always keen to ride, keen to get hooked up and keen to impress. Josh has been shredding hard over the last months and pulled in some banger shots, so it was only right to pull together an insight into one of the more enigmatic people in BMX today. Love him or hate him, you might do best by meeting him instead of jumping on the bandwagon. Open your eyes, judge for yourself, the proof is in the riding. Photos by Alex Kuzewicz Interview by Holmes
ISSUE 32
78
Bank to over smith and back. Tough stuff. ISSUE 32
79
80
ISSUE 32
OK, to the nuts and bolts straight up: where do you live, how old are you and whereabouts are you from? I live in a place called Brisbane if you have ever heard of it. I’m 22 years old and I’m from my Mum I think, or the aliens of Brisbane?
So who are you riding for these days?
Stolen, Rockstar energy drinks, Skin industries and Maxxis tyres.
When did you start riding?
Well I started riding when I was like 12, just in the gutters at the front of my house. At the age of 13 I started to race at the Redland BMX club which I did until I was 15 and realized racing sucks. All I wanted to do was trick the jumps and side cut people off the berms, which I did a bit too much of and got asked to leave the club and with that said and done I took up freestyle.
And when did you realise you had the power to piss people off?
Shit, I guess when I first got a spanking from my Mummy, ha, nah, no idea can you tell me?
So beyond what many may have typecast you as, what’s Josh Irvine about?
This is a big one. Well now I’m a family man as well as a BMX’er which is pretty cool. But I guess I’m the type of person that will go out of my way to help others in need. Also I’m an up front, straight up kinda person, which may have contributed to everyones view on me.
You’ve copped a lot from a truckload of crew that don’t even know you, how do you keep your head above that?
I don’t live my life for others, I live it for myself. So why listen to the crap? I enjoy riding as well as traveling everywhere. So if I let them get me down I might as well run to the beach and join the hermit crab family and hide away. And either they’re just trying to piss me off or they’re just jealous. Anyway you know the old saying “there’s only one thing worse than being talked about badly, and that’s not being talked about at all”
LEFT//Sticking to walls ABOVE//Irvine’s got pop...
ISSUE 32
81
LIVE LIFE WITH NO REGRETS, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE SO TRY IT ALL
Getting amongst the daily commute with a barspin.
82
ISSUE 32
I guess getting told what you can and can’t do is pretty good ammunition yeah? Yeah it is, like people saying that you can’t do tricks or can’t do that, it just makes you want to show them you can. Plus it makes you feel good about yourself not letting them win....
The last year or so has brought some massive changes for you, you wanna run us through the biggest ones? OK, number one is my daughter Nakita, she is the biggest and greatest thing to have ever happened to me. I love her with all my heart, thanks to Rina who is the mum, sounds so Cleo mag. But the other ones are like going to the US, also some new sponsors. I’m stoked about them helping with travel.
Do you think that becoming a father has changed you or your views on the world at all? Yes I’m a much happier person, as well as more stressed sometimes, but it’s great. There’s nothing better than when you come home and this amazing little child runs up to you and says daddy. Not even winning the lotto can beat the one feeling from that one word, it’s just the best. Yes to the viewing of the world, you realise you need to do whatever you can to make sure that things don’t go crazy in the world so you know your child will be safe and happy in the long run.
Has the new family member changed your goals in BMX? No, not at all. I still wanna travel and do all the same things I have dreamed about since being a kid. Maybe I can make my little girl into a BMX’er if her Mum lets me?
Who’re three of your all time favourite riders?
ISSUE 32
83
84
ISSUE 32
Kink to kink to kink to ice...
Who’s the best rider to come out of your area then? (Brisbane or even down to your close suburbs) Shit Kevin Kiefs Niel, nar probaly this kid Pat. He is only 16 and is just amazing at street. He is one of those underground kids who just needs to believe in himself more so people can find out who he is.
If you could design the ultimate skatepark, what would it contain? Ok, I would have strippers on the rails pole dancing while we grind past them. A hell Pizza shop under the box jump so we can jump them for pizza. Also I would have a foam pit rail so like a rail going into foam which you can’t get f#$ked over on. Also if there is anybody out there willing to fund this please contact me on 1800 strip park. I’ll be waiting.
In a perfect day, what goes in the mix for you? Well I wake up and get baby some breakfast because Rina likes to sleep in (a lot, thanks honey) and then watch some TV with the little one, can’t miss Bakugon, the best cartoon in the world. Then I’ll go riding, and as you said a perfect day will involve my main man Alex aka photoman to meet up and go shoot some photos. Then come home hang with baby, eat, sleep and dream about riding the next day..
You’ve always been so keen for sponsorships, why the big need? I love the sport and the coverage. It’s important to promote it to the next gen. Sadly I can’t do that without help from sponsorship, Bill Gates is not my father!
What are you riding right now? (run thru your set up.) OK well I ride for Stolen bikes so it’s all pretty much Stolen now: Frame Stolen E Train (last years model but). Forks Stolen Vortex forks. Bars Stolen cell bars. Stem Coaltion v2 Cranks Stolen team. Disc Stolen Moodring. Pedals eclat plastics Seat Stolen Pivotal with Stolen wedge post. Wheels Stolen Roulette rims and hubs. Tyres Maxxis. Grips Stolen Money grips. Barends Stolen Vortex. Brakes No brakes because they suck as much as a vacuum!
So, these days, street or park?... Well it’s the same as it was after racing, street all the way, I still ride park but street is where I feel at home and not tripping over any little scooter kids snaking you.
While you used to hit a lot of comps, seems of late you’re out there hitting all sorts of terrain and riding hard? Are you over the comps? What changed? Yeah, I used to be that kid that would go to every comp I heard about. But these days I would rather ride with my mates and film or get pics. I have always preferred
86
ISSUE 32
street anyway and trying new stuff that hasn’t been tried. I guess it’s also because the sport has become so political and lost it’s fun for me. I still enjoy running comps for the younger riders coming up when the pressure is off to win.
Where is your no. 1 spot for riding right now?..... I’m in love with Melbourne, I guess it’s because its full of street. In Brisbane, I would say the library up the road from me, it’s got it all at one place, ledges, rails, stairs and the strippers next door, no joke! But you got to pay to get in so there went that.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? The one that comes to mind is have safe sex but I didn’t listen did I? No really its “don’t let people dictate your life, just believe in your self and what you can do”.
What’s in store for 2009?... Well funnily enough after just saying I hate comps I’m off to the worlds in Germany in July and then back to the States to meet up with some riders and go for a road trip. Maybe look at getting married this year but that might be the big thing for 2010!
And where do you wanna be in 5 years time. I hope I’ll be doing the same thing as I’m doing now, just bigger and better. Plus one more kid? Keeps you on your toes! Maybe living in the states and working over there, something in BMX, but you never know really, that’s what makes it fun.
What do you see in life after BMX, if there is an afterlife? Man I got no idea hey, BMX funnily enough has kept me on the right path. I don’t drink or do drugs, so yeah I really can’t answer that one, surely there is no life after BMX?
Anything you wanna say about BMX or life in general? Yeah, I guess I have had a rough life and shit. School was hell and lots of others have tried to make life after school hell but I’m glad that I had the chance to get a BMX bike back in the day. It’s my way of getting away from everything and releasing so much stress and anger. I haven’t been supported much with my riding and was pretty much told it would never get me anywhere. But I have travelled and met some awesome people. Good or bad, everyone knows my name.
Anyone out there you wanna say thanks to? Yeah first of all 2020 for this interview, all the guys that sponsor me, all those that have supported me in the past, you know who you are and my mate Alex for taking such sick pics, my mum just for helping me so many times and none of this would of happened without her or maybe them aliens. My girl Rina and my daughter for putting up with me!
My GT Bikes team manager and I have been trying to expand the GT program for a while now. Especially outside of the contest style of things. We wanted to be able to go on some trips to film and shoot photos and just hang out with no worries of trying to do good at a comp. This year we’ve started to get our way and were lucky enough to get three of the GT flow riders out to Australia for a one week trip around Brisbane and beyond. This is what it’s all about. Meeting new people, riding new spots (and all the ones I already knew of). We ended up getting much more than we planned to and the trip was a huge success. Thanks to Chuck(TM) and GT Bikes for making this happen! Dave ‘LaDeeDah’ Dillewaard 88
ISSUE 32
Justin was with out a doubt th e iron-man of he was filming the trip. At a Dave and a ro skate plaza, ck got caught up in his whe el on his The HVX goes skateboard. B flying across OOM! the floor, ejec breaking the ting memory shell of his fis cards and heye lens. I ro the camera al de over and sa right?” Little id, “Dude, is di d I kn ow , Ju swelled up re stin had brok al nice and qu en his thumb. ick, and he sa It We bent his fis id it didn’t hurt heye shell ba that bad. ck in to shape, and still want to fil he said, “Dav m that line?” I e do you was in shock! This guy is a trooper for sure.
Pro photobro Justin Kosman gettin down to business shooing Bobby getting locked into another Luc-e. PHOTO Nitai
ISSUE 32
89
Dave bringing precision at land skils to not one, but two spines. Rad! PHOTO Nitai
90
ISSUE 32
Dave was very hospitable and was a great host. We all came up with a nickname for him, deriving from his infamous VitalBMX commercial with the extremely annoying/catchy tune, and that nam e could be none other than ‘La Dee Dah’ ISSUE 32
91
once before in Vegas Greg was the man. I had met him to get to know him me ed allow trip for interbike, but this fellow of his stature. a little more, he’s quite legit for a
Greg Ingersol looking across the Pacific for home... PHOTO Nitai
Australia... I don’t even know where to start on this one. I had the time of my life, met lots of way cool, fun people. Everyone was so hospitable and down to earth. Dilly took us all around and showed us the most amazing spots I have ever ridden. Every street spot and park we went to was amazing to say the least! Australia is a beautiful place and I can’t wait to come back. I just want to say thanks to everyone for showing us such a good time, GT for giving me this opportunity and experience. Also thanks to Dave and his parents for letting us stay at their house the first few nights. Nitai and Stewart for showing us around, and helping us out. Robbo for being such a bad ass. Chuck, Bobby, Justin, Dave, and Colin for all the entertainment and good memories. Thanks guys! Australia showed me the time of my life and that’s that!
Greg Ingersoll
Dillewaard rail bombing action. PHOTO Justin Kosman
92
ISSUE 32
Ledge to bank transfer by Greg Ingersoll PHOTO Nitai
Colin was doing 780 flairs, Dilsy was throwing down huge supermans, and I was lying on a bench about to pass out.
Australia is completely different to my home in Arizona. It’s humid and tropical, beautiful and green, plus extremely close to water. Arizona doesn’t exactly see a lot of water nor any humidity. Everything is so much cleaner, I saw people in orange uniforms scrubbing the concrete outside with a polish machine. I saw Red Bull sold in bottles, sausage rolls at every 7-11, and Hungry Jack’s seems to be Burger King. The whole time was just a chill vacation with some good people. Justin broke his hand, Dillsy earned a new nickname, and Collin didn’t get a tan. Greg and I handled the mowers and the ladies while Chuck took care of the business side of things. The locals that I ran into were awesome and I even bought some new shoes from a shop in downtown Brisbane. Thanks for helping me with that Mike. The trip was amazing from start to finish. Despite the painfully long plane ride and my broken tailbone, I had a blast! If I could do it all over again I would, but next time I’m bringing more socks, and a rugby rule book.
Bobby
It was really crazy that my first time overseas was to Australia. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The whole place is amazing in every aspect. It’s clean, everyone is so nice. And best of all is the amount of parks and great spots. At home I have to drive an hour for a cement park, then for the next one, two and a half hours. You guys in Australia have two in every town just about.
Multiple Dave exposure. PHOTO Nitai
My favourite part of the trip was how everyone was cool and got along. It seemed as if this was our ninth trip together and it was great seeing how everyone actually rode in person. Bobby’s clips are great, I can’t wait to see them come out, dialed fakie stuff and sick lines. Greg threw down just about every spot. Whether it was airing out of a wall or jumping the biggest gap. Dave is Dave, he kills it in warm up runs. My only complaint is the little kids curse like sailors and that some tough guy had to do a burn out at every single spot. The nights out with Robbo were something else. I’d love to live a day in that guys life. I wussed out of getting a kangaroo tattoo on my butt and introduced my body to the concrete at every spot but I had a total blast.
Colin Evans ISSUE 32
93
Colin, well, what can I say about Colin? The dude goes upside down so much and that is amazing to me. I couldn’t even imagine doing half of the stuff he does on his bike. I think I got in his head a bit though because after the first couple days he stopped doing flairs and back-flips. I was bummed about that for sure. Colin Evans on the fakie tip. PHOTO Justin Kosman
Bobby K keeping the fakie vibe rocking. PHOTO Justin Kosman
d We shredded some spots that I coul , ate ona Ariz in back ut abo m drea only from kangaroo meat, rode a park 50 feet do s mate the shore, watched my team rugby some insane trickery, and watched g to tryin ight stra rs hou e for a good thre . rules the figure out
94
ISSUE 32
54
ISSUE 31
Interview + Photos by Tristan Cardew
The first thing I noticed about Joe when I met him was the fact that he ripped. The second thing I noticed was the fact that he had an English accent. And the third thing I noticed was that he was a quiet, composed, and genuine soul. It took a few months, and a few outings, but slowly I learned more about this ex-British Australian, and uncovered his thoughts on riding his newfound homeland, The Lucky Country. Full name: Joe Dodd Date of birth: 27-10-87 Hometown: Worcester, UK Hometown in Australia: Sydney Years riding: 9 Sponsors: Leaf Cycles and CTN Imports
What inspired you to start riding? I’ve always been involved in bikes since I was young. My Dad used to race road bikes; that’s where I first started. After a few years the novelty wore off a little so I started looking for other things to do. A kid over the street from me had a BMX and my riding friend Ferret and I used to go to the little dirt jumps round the corner from our house with him and watch. From then on I wanted a BMX, and the rest, as they say, is history. What genre of BMX do you enjoy most and why? I’d have to say I enjoy street riding most. It’s always fun hunting for new spots and riding things that were never meant to be ridden. Skate parks are fun, but after a while they get a little boring and the crowds get hard to cope with. Name and describe your local/favourite riding spot or spots in the UK. My favourite spot would have to have been the old Worcester skate park before it was torn down. Egg, the guy who ran the park, did an amazing job of building and maintaining the place. More or less every Winter he’d be down there building the new set up ready for the summer. The Worcester scene can’t thank him enough. Local spots that I used to ride before I came to Australia were Newquay down on the south coast (as I lived there for a few months over summer), and Perdiswell in Worcester. Perdiswell is such a terrible park. It makes me so angry to think that the old Worcester park was replaced with this. The council still has no idea what they ruined.
ISSUE 32
97
98
ISSUE 32
How much time have you spent living in Australia? I’ve been here a year and half now. Describe your local/favourite riding spot or spots in Australia. I wouldn’t really class Manly as my local spot even though technically it is. I hardly ever ride there. Favourite spots would have to be the random street spots in and around Sydney city that I’ve come across. Finding new street spots is always awesome. Other spots/places visited/ridden in Australia. I haven’t really been doing any long distance travelling. I went to the BMX Games in Melbourne. Other that just in and around the Sydney’s suburbs. Do you like the weather in Australia? The weather is amazing! Any country that you can ride during the winter months without 3 layers, gloves, wooly hats and without fear of it raining is amazing. My last UK winter the fog was so bad, at one point you couldn’t see 2 metres in front of you. What makes a great riding location, or why would you choose one spot over another? New spots are always good. I find rocking up to a spot I’ve never seen before teaches me to vary my riding and look at lines differently. Do Australian spots compete with spots in the UK? Skateparkwise, Australia is way better. There seems to be a park around every corner, and they’re all pretty well built and maintained. UK
council-run parks don’t always have the best layouts. They’re thrown together in an effort to get kids off the streets. They don’t concentrate on the technical wants of the riders using the park; instead they are just focused on creating a distraction for the kids. They need to take both aspects into consideration. What are the differences between riding locations in Australia, and riding locations in the UK? There’s not a lot of difference between the spots here, and in the UK. The main difference for me is the fact I get to ride new places I haven’t ridden before, with new people I haven’t ridden with before. What do you think of riders in Australia? They all seem to be really welcoming and friendly. If I ever turn up at a new park everyone is always polite and talkative. Are there any differences between riders here and riders in the UK? There doesn’t seem to be any middle level riders in Australia. Everyone seems to be either really good or just starting out. There’s much more of a spread of riders back in the UK. With all the great riders in Australia, do you feel pressure to perform better or try harder than you usually would back home? I can’t say I’ve ever felt pressured to perform. That’s one of the reasons I don’t like contests as much as I used to. The pressure takes the fun out of it.
ISSUE 31
57
What would you like to see more of in the Australian BMX scene? I think the BMX scene over here is awesome. There’s a good mix of styles and a range of types of riding to be done, so I’m pretty happy with it! Have you had any serious injuries while riding at home or in Australia? I’ve been fairly lucky. I’ve never suffered from more than sprained ankles really, although I did just have 6 weeks off with a torn ligament in my lower back. Do you think the media should have more involvement with BMX events, and what are Australian BMX events/shindigs like compared to UK events (crowd wise, riding wise, media-coverage wise)? I think the media involvement in BMX is ample enough. Most contests seem to be covered in some form, whether it be on the Internet or in magazines. I much prefer seeing an awesome photo from a contest rather than a short web video. There doesn’t seem to be as many contests in Australia as in the UK. There only seems to be one big contest over here (the BMX games), which I can’t really comment on as I didn’t really see much when I went down to Melbourne this year. Crowd-wise they seem to be as big as any other contests I’ve been to. The turn-out in Melbourne was pretty awesome. It was good to see the Australian riders who live over in the US come home and ride. Where do you see the future of BMX going in general? I honestly can’t imagine where BMX is going to go. The progression in the sport since I started riding has been absolutely amazing. People like Harry Main, Mark Webb, and Scotty Cranmer are doing all sorts of weird new stuff that couldn’t have been imagined a few years ago. I have no idea how they even conceive the ideas for these tricks, let alone pull them. What are your aims or goals to achieve in BMX, or where do you see your future heading in BMX? I think the only real aim is to have fun and try and visit as many new places as I can over here. Everyone has tricks they’d like to learn. I’ve got a few i’d love to do, but I’m not going to stress about learning them. Do you miss anything about riding in the UK? The major thing I miss about the UK is my friends. After riding and progressing together for years, I miss not having them all around. Any shout-outs or thank you’s you’d like to make? Everyone that has made me feel at home and welcomed me. Hughie at my work for giving me the opportunity to stay over here. Matt at Leaf for the bike. Tiz for the lifts and generally being a cool bloke and showing me round. I really appreciate all the help and how welcoming and friendly everyone has been.
100
ISSUE 32
Jono Hopping Interview + photos by Ryan McCrae
I met Jono one day when I was working at Waikato mowers and cycles, he walked up and asked me to order him a pair of MacNiel forks, it was an epic sale for me, the first BMX thing I ever sold. Jono wasn’t the umm ahh type wasting my time for hours before saying hmm I’Il think about it. He knew what he wanted and got it. It’s like his riding, he decides to do something and does it, none of the bull shit in between. Tell us. Who is Jono? A 16 year old dude that lives in Thames, travel’s a lot, and rides his bike everyday! You grew up in Thames, but boarded in Hamilton at Boys High, what’s it like spending a lot of time away from home? For the first year I found it horrible. Being away from home for weeks on end, not being able to ride my motorbike, not being able to see my family and just not sleeping in my own bed. Once I discovered BMX, things started to pick up. Were you stoked when you found the skate parks in Hamilton, compared to the crazy park back in Thames? It was strange, I first got a BMX bike to cruise around town because walking took too long. Then I started getting bored after school and jumping my Haro, which I thought was the best thing out, down stairs and over curbs etc. Then I went down to Melville skate park in Hamilton where I met most of my closest riding mates I have today, so yeah I was stoked. And the parks compared to Thames, they were like nothing I’d ever seen before. Can you describe what the Thames park is like? Hmmm. Some guy with no sense of skate park design, that thought ‘Hey lets put a pile of concrete in this corner and that corner, then make it flat so you can ride on it, then make a spine with a 3 foot deck, and 4 foot quarters that go vert.’ Sweet… I guess that means you’re an expert at riding really fat spines and box jumps with two take offs? I’m not really one to be known to catch transition, but hey, nothing beats a good manual down the down ramp. If you didn’t board in Hamilton, do you think you would be riding at the same level you are now? Hell no, I don’t even think I would of got into BMX. Probably would have stuck with motocross. So I guess I have to thank mum for sending me there! What was your first bike? Haro Mirra flair with chrome Primo Hula Hoops, I loved it. How does your new bike compare? Way better, lighter, dialled. The brakes actually work reasonably well, unlike my first bike. Did you get the same feeling when you put your latest bike together? Yeah I still get just as excited putting together new bikes as the day I got my first bike. How many bones have you broken and how did you do them? God, where to start. Ummm right ankle twice, once from motocross and the other 3’ing off a roof that YOU made me do. Both wrists, right elbow, right arm, right shoulder, tail bone trying double peg-270 then landing square on my ass. That’s all I think... What’s the deal with you breaking bones and frames? How do you do it? Hahaha, good question. I guess once I have my mind set on something I’ll keep trying it till I get it, or break something, either body part or bike. Who’s been the biggest influence in the way you ride? I get influenced by more local riders than big names, Louis Bolter, Kane O’hagen, Jed Mildon. Then dude’s like Mick Bayzand and Tom Stretton from Aus and Drew Bezanson, just cause he’s a bloody machine! You ride park mainly but you like riding street more, want to elaborate? The reason I ride park more than street is probably just because of a lack of people that are keen to ride street. I find it really hard to motivate myself riding street by myself and there usually ends up being more people at the park, as long as I’m with a group, street any day! Not so long ago you got your first car, how has that been going? It’s been awesome having my own wheels! It’s allowed me to ride twice the amount since I’ve had it.
102
Who’s sponsoring you or helping you out these days? Kirk from VOLUCiD clothing, Travis from EDH bike’s down south, Sam from Revolution NZ, Mike Lawrence from Triple Six and Lester from Quiet Chaos. Thanks heaps guys! and also thanks mum and dad for supporting me and taking me everywhere before I had my car! It means a lot! Lastly Ryan McCrae for this awesome interview and taking amazing photo’s. ISSUE 32
ISSUE 32
103
104
ISSUE 32
Dean Manson kicking out the cans. PHOTO Dan Peters
Making the DVD... Flip your way through 2020 and youʼll see your fair share of sweet photos. When it comes down to it, a lot of work goes into a photo, from both the shooter and the rider. But, in the end itʼs just a picture. Maybe it is worth 1000 words, but it isnʼt the whole story. Thatʼs what video is for, it captures the movement, showcases the style, speed and flow like a photo never will. It tells the whole story, the trips to the spots, the busts by security, the prepʼing of the run in, the bails, the endless attempts, and the stoke by the crew when it goes down. Nathan Tomsic and Sam Orchard both have their second DVD releases coming up this year and we figured you need to know a little bit of whatʼs been going on behind the scenes. If we went on exposure time, hereʼs about one second of whatʼs coming your way at 24 fps...
106
ISSUE 32
Solitude 2
Interview with Nathan Tomsic by Caleb Mondon
PHOTO Caleb Mondon
What’s the name of the vid? The name of the vid will end up being Solitude 2, unless of course something better pops up. This is your second video, is it any easier the second time? It goes both ways, so it is and it isn’t. It’s easier in terms of already having all my camera equipment and I’m real comfortable with all my stuff so the footage comes along a lot quicker and a lot easier now, but it’s harder because I keep stressing about trying to make it better than the first one. What are some of the challenges of making a vid? The challenges are definitely finding the time to go out and film everyone, in lots of different locations. Going to everyone’s local parks and staying out late on the streets and stuff like that. So it can be hard but definitely fun. Also, I’m hell lazy so I let heaps of footage build up on my camera and then have to upload this huge amount of footy to my computer and that takes hours and hours to cut and edit! Any good stories from filming? Ah I don’t think I have too many interesting stories, just mates falling over with the camera. Or you give it to a mate to film and when you go back over the footage you will find a good 10 seconds of their ass or something in it. Haha. Who can we see in the video? This vid will definitely have Danny Campbell, Matt Simpson, Cam Sweet, Joe Dodd, Eddy Dempsey and myself. I hope to get out to the Central Coast to film some shredders like Bretag, Luke Bowerman, Andy, Dave and Jake Mitchell. Most of the dudes people probably haven’t heard of but all of them are amazing! When will the DVD be out? Well I’m in the states at the moment not really filming, but I got a decent part of the film done before I left so I will be back in August and hope to have the vid out a couple of months after that.
ISSUE 32
107
ABOVE AND RIGHT//Eddie Dempsey toboggan and X-up channel Challenge. PHOTO Caleb Mondon BELOW AND OPPOSITE PAGE//Cam Graham inverted table over the channel and the cream tuck PHOTO Caleb Mondon
2 e d u t i l So 108
ISSUE 32
ISSUE 32
109
Two Wheels ʻnʼ Pub Meals. Words By Sam Orchard
I know all you little BMX kids don’t like big words and prefer pretty colours so I’ll keep this brief. It’s been almost two years now since us lazy boys from Tassie have showed the world we exist. Forward Motion came out on DVD in September 07 and it’s now speedily approaching the same time in ’09. Being in Tassie also means we have the shittest winter in the country, leaving less time to ride and more time to drink bevs and eat steaks at the pub. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it tends to hinder the DVD making process. But we’re getting there! An editing session is usually about four or five of us sitting on my leopard print bed, drinking beers and wrestling over which songs to use. I’ve learnt by now that it’s impossible to have everyone come to a consensus on every song that’s going to be in a BMX video. And because music is such a dividing subject in our household, it’s even more of a fist fight. Gibbo has his club music, Toby has his Ironlak rap. Nick dances to Lamb of God and I’m groovin’ to Guthrie Govan. If we decided to incorporate all of our favourite music into one video we’d wind up with a Chad Shack seizure. No thanks. Speaking of which, little BMX videos like this don’t really make money so it’s a bit silly to take it too seriously. In this respect we’ve tried to make the video a bit more fun to watch rather than half an hour of straight faced, v-neck clad rich boys begging for sponsorship. We’ve spent the last one and a half years, since Forward Motion came out, filming on and off for the new DVD and we should be done by the time you read this. You can expect sections from Nick Hills, Damo Gibson, Toby Orchard, Leigh Gaison, Luke Batchelor, Hugh Andrew and a bunch of other Tassie and Melbourne retards. If you’re keen to have a geezer at the old vid, Forward Motion, you can pick up a copy at any Triple sex distro outlet or do a Vimeo search for it.
110
ISSUE 32
Ê
ABOVE//Simon Kicker Flattie Boost. This is Simon Reid taking a break from picking blackberries on the side of the road. Near some green, as per usual. PHOTO Sam Orchard TOP LEFT//This is Toby Orchard. But you can call him Goat. Or Graff master T bone. He filmed half of the video this time around as he likes to try and show me up. You know, like brother’s do. PHOTO Sam Orchard LEFT//You may remember Trav Pennell from the very first South DVD back in 2006. Needless to say not much has changed! He’d been tying one on all day and was drunk as shit when he decided it was a great idea to try and smith grind thrasher. We actually had to go buy a panel saw beforehand to cut down a giant branch that was right at head height. 20 goes later… ‘Get it done Pennell!’ ‘I’m TRYING to get it done man! You think I’m doing this for fun?’ PHOTO Sam Orchard
ISSUE 32
111
This is Damian Gibson. This was the day after Nick tattoo’d smash piss onto Gibbo’s ankle and also about a second before he bruised his heel. John Farnham said it best. It seemed like a good idea at the time...
112
ISSUE 32
BEHIND BARS BMX 4 LIFE
114
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
BEHIND BARS BMX 4 LIFE
Thomas Dunn
From Waiuku, New Zealand Resides Brisbane, Queensland Words & Photos by Steve Morrisey So there are a lot of Kiwis jumping the Pond to Oz and one of my favourites is 19 year old Thomas Dunn. If you were to meet Tom you would most likely think he a really shy quiet guy. From all accounts his exceptional manners and nice attitude is one of the rarities that you just don’t find that often in today’s age in younger people, let alone BMX riders, but I must admit it’s a breath of fresh air. While he has an opinion, he is the sort of guy that would voice only the smallest negativity when asked if he doesn’t agree with or like something and leave it at that, rather than “shit talk” and put it down which is a trend that is rife right now. It was a while after I met Tom that I actually got to see him ride and I guess how he is off the bike as a person gave me an idea that maybe he was a bit of a chiller who just cruised around? Actually it’s quite the opposite, he is a bloody animal behind the bars. The first time (and every time) I see Tom ride my jaw hits the ground. I just don’t see what’s coming when he rides, we might be chilling messing around at a park then boom! 7 foot air out of a 5 foot quarter, or a flair at height, or launch a gap which you usually ride past and think, yeah could be done but F*#k that! When Tom lines up something he gets it dunn, bad pun I know but it works. He walks away with a smile and is almost surprised when you high five him and say how nuts that was? For me Tom is someone that I am glad to call a friend and have the utmost respect for on and off the bike, quite simply is a real nice person with amazing skills on a BMX.
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
115
BEHIND BARS BMX 4 LIFE
Robert Bennett
Resides Brisbane, Queensland Words and photos by Alex Kuzewicz
Whether it’s skaters or BMX riders, it’s always the quiet ones you should watch. Write ‘em off and you’ll be the one with a red face when they start hittin covers! He maybe a softly spoken 15 year old, but wildly talented is the category he fits, letting his riding, not his mouth, do the talking. Not only did he hit-up this Gold Coast monster first try (and even 2nd try when I asked him for another angle! haha) but 20 minutes later he “went to town” on a certain double-set outside of a certain school he was supposed to be attending that day... Try explaining that one to the principal. So keep your eye on this one people, you won’t hear the boasting, but you’ll definitely feel the burn when he hits up your spot.
116
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
BEHIND BARS BMX 4 LIFE
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
117
BEHIND BARS BMX 4 LIFE
Josh Boneham
Resides Mt Gambier Words & photos by Brett Kennedy I’ve known Josh, or Boner as he is more commonly known, for the past four years and not a session goes down where he doesn’t cease to amaze. With the help of the occasional liquid and herbal courage, Boner will proceed to take his bike (no matter how ratty it’s running) and blast everything, spinning and clicking along the way. One thing that may surprise those who have met Boner is he got 100% in his year 11 maths exam, something that doesn’t actually surprise me since getting to know him better. To this day Boner continues to progress and help others progress purely for the love of BMX, not seeking anything in return, but a bit of Jim or Jack his way never hurt.
This photo was taken on a Friday arvo just after lunch. A few brews were had and then regurgitated back onto the skatepark, but a queasy stomach wasn’t enough to keep Boner off his bike. Wild turndown air.
118
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
BEHIND BARS BMX 4 LIFE
Jack OÕ Reilly
Resides Canberra, A.C.T. Photos by Michael Lovett
120
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
I have known Jack for a couple of years now, growing up and riding with him has opened my eyes in many ways. When I first met Jack he was 14 and the known local shredder at Tuggeranong skate park, snapping tables to his shoulders, and letting loose.†As the years went past Jacks riding impressed me more every day. Now a dayís Jacks riding has taken him to the streets and still his tricks seem to impress me every day. If itís not a gnarly rail or a killer gap, Jack still manages to keep it smooth and keep it real. This kidís young, angry and lays down some mean lines. Jacks adaption to new areas of riding just keeps growing everyday just as his pants get tighter and voice gets deeper. At such a young age, Jack is by far something to look out for in future times. Rob Pac
BEATS & PIECES DVD AND CD REVIEWS
Into the Void The Shadow Conspiracy With a solid DVD release already under their belt in ‘The Calling’, the new Shadow flick was pretty much top on the must watch list. Always killing it with their horror genre vibe across their products, packaging and advertising, Into the Void is another finely crafted creation from the masters of dark, crow infested action. Featuring their team of hand picked, all out shredders, I was keen to check the styles. With a kick arse slam intro that lets you know that this DVD is going to be tough, it kicks straight into the action. Chase DeHart and Dave Rytell open the DVD with a split section that could almost stand on its own as a release. Karl Poytner, Seth Kimsborough, Owain Clegg, Drew B, Eli Platt and Ryan Sher all get their respective groove on at various states of full f’n bore at and off anything in their way. Alistair Whitton is straight up rad. Hitting big, original spots with more speed and commitment, plus throwing down some sick disasters on massive stuff. All class. Ricky Bates brings some more death grip launch off anything and lands on a lot of stairs, plus nails a hella nice gap of death that even Alex Liiv would be proud of. Johnny Devlin wraps things up. With the last section in a DVD having to be the killer, Mr Devlin does not disappoint. Drop’n hammers all the way through! Go find every bit of footage of this kid riding, cause he rips and his Into the Void section is smoking. Bonus section is good, cause not only does it have a stack of alternate sections and all the regular bonus bits, but the above mentioned ‘The Calling’ is in there too...
Dead Bang Metal Bikes Drops, gaps, speed, commitment, balls, and probably more of all of that than you. In playing along with Metals vibe, these are the highlights: Emergency boost sketch, random twisted death, ninja case tweak, Albie Bennet faceplant, two colours no less, ratty, tough, Derek Gabbert is Eddie Roman, Brandon Turner rides some transitions, Seth Holton pro tennis ball dodger, Jim Bauer cutting wood, drifting, pool carving pegstaller, Alex Liiv makes my teeth hurt, fuck, pedal faster and commit, Mr J Levan is one big balled, barbed wire jumping bad arse, Chris Wilson keeps you curb nibblers stoked, Sean Burns takes it to the streets, 20 inch has never felt the wrath as hard as when Sean Burns rolls. BMX needs Metal.
Endsearch OGK/Josh Harrington Josh Harrington is a force. Not only one of the most talented and somewhat under rated riders out there today (especially when it comes to blowing up on street), he is now a fully fledged video production guru. See I can say that after watching his amazing debut release, Endsearch. While it is Greenville based, the scope of riding goes far beyond the walls of the Unit to unveil some amazing spots that all get shut down by Josh and his select crew of rulers. Josh opens the account and forget all you think you know about him. While there’s plenty of tech ramp stuff, usually on 10 foot plus obstacles, it’s on the streets of Greenville that he really shines. Massive over rails, launching off double kinks to bar spins and maybe the most burly move of the year to finish up, Josh is nothing short of crazily versatile and a man with a vision for riding that shouldn’t be possible. The new and super improved Rob Darden gets her done in a big way. Ty Morrow fuckin kills it. Death defying slams and riding that will leave an imprint on your brain. Will Love throws down hard and Dillsy gets a banger section done. Again, Dave Dillewaard is somewhat of a swiss army knife to spots, dirt to street to park, nothing is left untouched by the most smilingest cat in BMX. Now when the final section rolled in, Ryan Nyquist’s graphic came onscreen. Mixed feelings came up, would this just be a 720 double bar spin frenzy on his private setup and some comp footage? Well in two words, hell no. Nyquist may be the guy you know that wins event after event, well let this section be testament to how hard he rides outside the contest scene. And while there’s a fair share of Greenvilles finest transitions being used and abused, some wacky dirt gets done and even more eye opening is Nyquist blowing the hell up on street. While it ain’t your seat slammed smith grind to 180 nibble on a 2 foot curb, I reckon his ridiculously massive gaps and drops will make up for having a gyro and 4 piece bars. Seriously ballsy riding by one of the living legends of BMX today. One check of the credits slam section will rub in just how dedicated to BMX he really is. Endsearch is a definite keeper, and a DVD that needs many a viewing to get all that goes into it. It’s a serious eye opener for the place that is ProTown and really gives the place a soul beyond the hype. Props to Josh for stepping up the game on both sides of the lens!
Vaudeville Villain Viktor Vaughn OK, this ain’t nothin’ new, more like released back in 2003, but it sparked a lot of goodness in my brain when I sat through a listening wondering why the fuck I hadn’t listened to this alter ego album from MF DOOM sooner. With beats put together by an assortment of top notch producers, the most famous of em being RJd2, so you know you get some seriously deep, creepy and smoke filled room beats with a little sci-fi weirdness mixed in to keep it crazy. If you dig the Madvillainy styles MF DOOM is amongst, then you’ll be loving this. Get your noise cancelling headphones on and be prepared to be immersed in a world infected by Victor Vaughn. The whole album is killer with no filler (even the skits are worthy) and it’s full of some seriously MF DOOM brainiac lyrics which will take a lot of plays to get your head around, it’s intense. So get with getting.
The Devil you Know Heaven and Hell Holy crap, Ronnie James Dio is back with all his minions, well, not minions, rather kings of metal that were formerly known as Black Sabbath. While ‘Night People’ is still stuck in my head thanks to some weird metal psychosis I hit a few years back driving across the Hay plains, the new album is a much awaited return to the metal that made this coming together of metal aficionados famous in the first place. Deep, dark, demonic lyrics in true Dio style, some straight up powerfully evil guitar licks from the veteran Tony Lommi and the rhythm section is every bit as good and a chunk more brutal than Sabbath itself some 30 years ago. If you needed to explain to anyone what the core of heavy metal sounded like, you need look no further than Heaven and Hell, it’s some heavy arsed metal. While some bands strive to even come close to the power of Sabbath, it seems the rebirth in Heaven and Hell is the only way to get your fix of true metal. Throw the horns!
Small Town Stories A death in the family Pulling together an albums worth of tales built from the band members growing pains in assorted small, rural towns across Australia would be a mission not many would undertake. But it seems ADITF have nailed it with a polished follow up to their debut album. Yep, it’s a concept album and it rocks hard, but then it’s on Resist Records so there wasn’t really ever going to be any doubt on that! Mixing tales of remorse and woe amongst some solid playing, ADITF have a real solid bond in their musical abilities which shows when you listen to Small Town Stories. If you’ve managed to check these guys live, you’ll love the album, but then you’d probably already have it, so reading this ain’t going to be worth didly to you. But for the rest who haven’t checked out ADITF, it’s sitting somewhere in the heavy rock meets Hot Water Music zone. ADITF are one homegrown band definitely worth a listen to or a long drive from your rural hometown to a live gig.
122 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
NEW PRODUCTS FRESH IS BEST
New Products
TSG Evolution helmet www.supersports.net.au
Helmet design is a intense job. Protecting heads from concrete, coping, handrails and cars would keep me awake eternally. Luckily the crew at TSG have been doing the hard work for a long time, meeting and surpassing incredibly hard standards all over the world. Which is why they’ve got some of the worlds biggest names under their helmets. Their new range runs some sweet colours and graphics. Check em out if you’re sick of wearing the same helmet as all your mates.
Messiah Sprocket and stem www.messiah-bikes.blogspot.com
Imagine if you took the US from out of the bike manufacturing business. Instead of parts being made in Taiwan, then being shipped to the US, packaged, then sent to Australia with a massive mark up, what if they were made in Taiwan and simply sent here... Well Messiah is kinda like the second option. They’re based in Taiwan, know their stuff when it comes to manufacturing BMX parts and are now selling into Australia. They’ve got some super slick parts including the stem and sprocket above. Attention to detail, cutting edge technology and more colours than a pantone book. Yo!
Demolition Pivotal Seat www.bmxmafia.com
New styles are rockin from the Castillo brain in the form of Demolitions new Pivotal seat. Perforated vinyl top with custom graphic, hollow Pivotal bolt and plastic bumpers under the nose and tail sections.
DC Tactic Mid
Fit Stem
The Tactic is DC’s new BMX shoe. Classic ankle protection from the mid cut, simple and low key design, tough as nails construction and that durability DC have got all sewn up. Just ask Corey Bohan.
I saw some ad on late night TV saying that gold is one way of dodging massive losses on the sharemarket in these uncertain times. So with that in mind, the new Fit stem is a definite keeper in the current global financial meltdown. Not only does it screams bling, it is one of the most machined out and longest stems on the market
www.bmx.dcshoes.com
124 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
www.eciimports.com
NEW PRODUCTS FRESH IS BEST
Alienation freecoater
TSC Torrid Cranks
Yep, the freecoaster revolution is still kicking. And with many a feecoaster design not standing up to the real world of BMX britality, Alienation have done the right thing and licensed KHE’s brilliant coaster technology. So yes, this hub works! Solid hub shell design, lots of sealed bearings and again, it works.
The Shadow Conspiracy went to town on their new cranks. Developing a box shaped arm which creates a stronger crank arm, less prone to twisting or bending compared to a tubular crank. Shadow decided that making a one piece back bone allowed perfectly aligned pedal and spindle bosses, ensuring strength and alignment. A mix of heat reated 4130 and 4140 with 19mm 48 spline spindle makes these some killer cranks for your ride.
www.eciimports.com
www.triplesix.com.au
Nike Zoom Oncore High www.nike6.com
More hitop than you’re older bro had in the 80’s. Super ankle support should you choose to ride in em, but we think you’ll be running them after hours with the tongue hanging so far over your tighty jeans. Mad styles!
Demolition F40lt Stem
TSC Pivotal Seat
While I’m secretly laughing at the irony of massively tall bars with a drop down stem and short head tube, I’m stoked on the ability to drop bars low. Demolition nailed it with their F40lt. Made from 6061 aluminum featuring an internal clamping system, knee friendly rounded backside, split handle bar clamp with hollow bolts, laser etched “D” logo and external machining the F40lt is both light and low. Nice.
One slick Pivotal seat for your butt, complete with coffins and a soft yet durable cover that should last you to your grave. Hahahahahaha! (Please insert evil
www.bmxmafia.com
126 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
www.triplesix.com.au
laugh about now...)
NEW PRODUCTS FRESH IS BEST
Simple Eject hub plus guard
Strictly v Odyssey Monolever
Easily the best looking front hub ever produced, just edging out the 80’s legendary Suzue high flanged hubs! Aside some colours that make you want to buy tshirts to match, the new Eject hub comes with a hub guard that simply replaces your ‘cone’ spacer. Simple eh!
We gather some lucky soul had to undo and rebuild a truckload of fluro coloured levers. Yep, Strictly weren’t content with regular Odyssey Monolevers, nor should you be. Especially when you can score a set of custom, two colour ones.
www.kickassbmx.com
www.strictlybmx.com
Volume 781
www.bmxmafia.com Designed by Ryan “Biz” Jordan, the 781 is a tribute to Biz’s Boston hoods postcode so it runs a sweet Boston Red Sox ‘B’ on the seatstay bridge and Volume’s speaker is cut out of the head tube. The 781 comes in 20.75” and 21” top tubes with a 13.75” chainstay, 75° head tube, 71° seat tube and weighs in at a measly 4 lbs. 11 oz or 1.86kilos for us metric folks. They come in black, green or brown and even has a plastic head tube shield, brake bosses and guides. Yeeew!
Volume Pivotal seat post
Alienation Differential tyre
Back in the day, people used to always be running their posts real high and sometimes would even go so far as to run it above the minimum insertion guide. Talk about rebellious youth! Nowadays the minimum insertion guide is pretty much where the pivotal plate sits, meaning this bad boy is slammed hard, all the way down and you ain’t running 10 inches in
The crew at Alienation have been going from strength to strength with an amazing range of rims, hubs, parts and now foldable kevlar beaded tyres. The Differential tyre is a fast and smooth roller with excellent grip intended to be used on just about anything. 375grams for the 20x1.95” with a 70a compound.
www.bmxmafia.com
128 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
www.eciimports.com
NEW PRODUCTS FRESH IS BEST
Tempered T
Vans flanno
Zoo York longsleeve t
DC reversible jacket
Strictly Established t
Jet Pilot Hoody
www.temperedbmx.com
bmx.dcshoes.com
www.vans.com
www.strictlybmx.com
www.lushproductions.com
www.jetpilot.com.au
BMXBandits 25th Anniversary DVD & Tshirt As a rider, you have to have this DVD in your collection. It’s Australian as Vegemite and has enough BMX history to make your tuffs straight without even going near the freezer. Why Nicole Kidman didn’t win an Oscar, for this we have no idea! We’ve got a limited number of DVD’s and limited edition 25th anniversary T Shirts available for $30 delivered to your door. Small, Medium and Large T’s available.
DVD &$30 TShirt
Postage included!
Please mail a cheque to: 2020bmxmagazine, PO BOX 498, Newtown, NSW 2042 NZ sales: Paypal the $30 to dvd@2020bmxmag.com.au and email your details to the same address. FIRST NAME ____________________________________ SURNAME _______________________________________ T SIZE __________ ______________ ______ ______ ADDRESS ______________________________________________________ SUBURB_____________________________ STATE _____________ POSTCODE ___________ DAYTIME PHONE _________________________________________ E-MAIL _________________________________ [
] I enclose a cheque / money order for $________ payable to 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd (No cash!) Photocopy this if you don’t wanna trash the mag!
INBOX WE’VE GOT MAIL That one magic shot. PHOTO Sam Haberman
Inbox
Email, write or paint your thoughts to us. ItÕ s pretty simple, address it to: 2020inbox PO Box 498, Newtown, NSW 2042 or send your digital communications to bmxrules@2020bmxmag.com.au
The one magic shot
Hi, recently I have gotten myself into photography, starting off small with my little point and shoot Nikon and then a few months ago saving up my pennies and sacrificing a new frame to buy a DSLR, and I’ve barely been able to get my hands off it! I love the whole process of photography, but the thing about taking photos that I love most, is the feeling of taking that one magic shot of the day. The feeling you get when the rider and photographer both raise the bar and make something great. This shot was one of those moments. Sam Haberman
The learning curve...
Hi, I am a young and passionate rider who has recently taken up BMX. Every chance I can get I am off to the skate park or the local jumps. I am still learning the basics of BMX and I love it. What I think would be a really good idea for your mag is a tips and tricks section so people like myself can learn a few things and get better at this wonderful sport. Overall I am very impressed with your mag, keep up the good work! Matthew Goodall, New Zealand Gday Matt, we’re thinking along the same lines. Slowly but surely we’re working on a How To mini mag with a lot of tricks and tips from the basics thru to rad stuff. Stay tuned.
Threaded?
Hi my name is Brad and I am 12 years old, I was riding my Eastern Element 08 model to school and my Odyssey twisted pedals started to move inside my cranks. When I got home I tightened my pedals and then when I went to ride it the pedal made a click and I couldn’t ride it to school. When Dad got home he undid the pedals and found out that the thread on the inside of my crank had been crossed over either by the pedal not going in straight or the wrong pedal. This is the only bike I have to ride to school and at the skate park. I am really into riding BMX and I am so disappointed to find out that my cranks can’t be fixed. I got to start saving for new cranks. Brad, via email Hey Brad, bummin to hear your cranks aren’t sounding too healthy. Before you go getting new cranks maybe hit up your local bike shop to see if they can rethread it for you. Tell them it’s 9/16” thread. Failing that, one thing I’ve done in the past is head to a auto mechanic, they may be able to rethread your crank arm with the correct thread. Your cranks are cromo so they may be salvageable without having to buy new ones. And as a last resort, ask your Dad if he’s got an old spark plug, they’re pretty much the same thread as your crank arms, so you may be able to screw that in to the thread and clean it up a bit and keep you going for a bit longer. But get your Dad to help. And the spark plug is the very last resort!
132 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
Nimbin BMX action.... Hey guys, my name’s Dan, I’m from Ballina (Far north NSW). A few of us took a day trip out to Nimbin the other day (yes Nimbin, marijuana capital of Australia, maybe the world, I’ll get back to you on that). So anyway, I just thought I would send over a couple of snaps I took on the day. I’m not sure if the Nimbin park is well known, but it’s actually pretty tight. I was off the bike due to fresh feet tattoos, so I was camera guy for the day. Enjoy! Oh yeah, I’d love to hear back from you guys if you ever find the time, just to let me know of anything interesting coming up locally, or whatever. Daniel Minehan Trust Nimbin to have green ramps...
INBOX READER PHOTOS
Brendan Hayes
Little bro Nelson rocking the dirveway session
PHOTO Zac Mason
PHOTO Marshall Nelson
Luke Bowerman flairing for the crew at Slam. PHOTO Leslie Tawyer
Chris O’Donnell at Lumeah. PHOTO Jedd Cullen
Reader photos Callum from Canberra laying one over.
Dedicated to the next gen of riders and photographers in Australia.
Cameron, Canberra ACT PHOTO Sandford
Troy Harradine at Weston. PHOTO Jack Gruber
134 ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
Lachlan McDonald tire grab in SA.
Jackson Townsend 360’n the Launceston spine. Adrian Stratford from Ocean Grove
PHOTO Steve Tulloch
136
ISSUE 32
eks to o we ut tw repared. o b a p be cut y for ry da ink he’d we gotta air th e eve p h e onc eks you’d s ‘oh yea ily I put a pull s u o we goe uck my h d to d to . After two t me and shifter?’ L se I nee n one roun a w a ame hoot this looked ers and a just in c didn’t o nclub c r e s e a g cutt rnin as h kind er’s fa Badg ome to. Matt t me to c e and he ome wire s that mo w a bike at Badg this pho th s ro as of er ge ard ot th . You got r in my ad to bor mention hooting h g c r e O W h ce lso es hifte Sam is fen and a s . He also should a during th S th D R n WO dow e cutters y reason ys eh? I present TO + of wir out for an these da was also PHO s them time. Kid at the
ISSUE 32
137
138
ISSUE 32
nder noha by hated sunset r o ed the st lov eight, in o m of the e at h More t. This tim n varia ainman W oine Luke Gasc Nick O T PHO
ISSUE 32
139
D ... llride e wa assiv uri M a . M n ilso amie Jay W TO J PHO
140
ISSUE 32
DVDDirect DVD Direct DVDdirect
2020Õ s DVD Direct mail order not only cuts the cost of DVDÕ s but we send Ô em straight to your door! Stoked. Prices as listed INCLUDING free postage in Australia! Get your BMX DVD fix with no mess, no fuss. Simply fill in the details below.
Flipside RIDE $29.95 F
Ride’s latest DVD takes 4 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.
I wanna live S&M $39.95
dvd cover option 1.indd 1
BMX Bandits $14.99
Banned3Betteroffdead$44.95
As a rider, you have to have this DVD in your collection. It’s Australian as Vegemite and has enough BMX history to make your tuffs straight without even going near the freezer. Why Nicole Kidman didn’t win an Oscar, for this we have no idea!
Banned 3 features Colt Fake, Rickey Bates, Patrick King, Johnny Devlin and Mark Mulville, plus a bunch of other riders... and is definitely one for an 18+ audience. This DVD is mostly street with some real big lines, and crashes. Plus a bunch of mayhem including burning cars, fights and boobs.
Livin in Exile RIDE $29.95 L
How To TWBMX $29.95 H
Mike Escamilla, Corey Bohan, Danny Hickerson, Will Love, Kurtis Elwell, Sergio Layos, Scotty Cranmer and Steven Lilly all blow up. Why, for so little reward, do these riders still push themselves so hard? Where does inspiration come from when you are... Livin in exile
DownUnderTour UNITED $9.95
Channel 4down Presents United Down Under Corey Martinez, Nathan Williams, Kye Forte, Leo Forte, Ryan Metro, Caleb Kilby, Josh Kathigitis James Cox Filmed By James Cox, Dean Hearne Directed By Ian Morris, James Cox & Dean Hearne Ian Morris, Dean Hearne, Dan Brown Cover Artwork Will Smyth Photograhy by Ricky Adam Starring:
Edited by
Produced By
Features the full S&M team; Matt Beringer, Randy Brown, Tony Cardona, Jeff Lantiser, Josh Stricker, and Cameron Wood; filmed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, UK, and the USA. Some kickass good times on bikes!
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!
United recently came down our way to tour and film for 3 weeks between Sydney and Adelaide, this DVD is the result.
18/3/08 15:29:22
IInsight RIDE $29.95
The latest and easily the best Ride video production since Thunder follows Dakota Roche, Chester Blacksmith, Darryl Tocco, Jared Washington, Mike Brennan, and Davey Watson through the making of a video part… Some banger sections and a good vibe make this DVD one for the winter months. Dakota Roche has skills. Serious.
Rhythm/DirtJumpRIDE$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 and the 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 _______________________________________ [ ] I enclose a cheque / money order for $_____________ payable to 2020bmxmagazine Pty Ltd (No cash!)
Please tick desired box
Flipside I Wanna Live United BMX Bandits Banned 3 Insight Livin in exile How To How To Jump + Rhythm
ng oosti s ll ew b Andr mous wa h g u fa H rts in Hoba th... ey a Mor of de ason TO J PHO
142
ISSUE 32
Giveyouthechanceto win anFBMHeathen
& subscribe online at: www.isubscribe.com.au Of course you can still subscribe through us with the form below! For NZ subscriptions go to: www.emags.co.nz Only subscriptions received through the below form are eligible for entry into the competition.
Win this >
Arguably the most BMX company out there, FBM have stepped up their game from slick as hell, hand built frames, they’ve now got a full range of complete bikes that are killing it. Thanks to the crew at Stowaway, we’ve got a Heathen to giveaway. The Heathen is the intermediate model. Packed with all the sickest gear to get you riding hard. Just sign yourself up for a years subscription to the mag and answer the simple question to go in the running!
subscribe //TONY NOLAN
I’m down for the chance to win an FBM Heathen! Sign me up for a subscription for a year of 2020 delivered to my door.
Q. Name one FBM rider out here on the Wizards of Aus tour: ________________________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ One year Australian subscription (4 issues) $A37.50 delivered to your door!
MR/MRS/MISS/MS_________ FIRST NAME:__________________________ SURNAME: _______________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________ SUBURB: ____________________STATE:_____POSTCODE:______ DAYTIME PHONE:____________________________________ E-MAIL:________________________________________________________________ [ ] I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER FOR $37.50 PAYABLE TO 2020 2020bmxmagazine bmxmagazine (N (No o cash please!) PO BOX 498 NEWTOWN NSW 2042 *Please remember 2020bmxmag is published 4 times a year so it can take up to 3 months to receive your first issue *Terms and Conditions 1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these conditions of entry. 2. Entry is open to residents of Australia only. 3. Entry is open to people who subscribe between June 5th 2009 and August 5th 2009
4. The FBM Heathen will be won by the first 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 first correct winner will receive one FBM Heathen valued at $689, not transferable nor redeemable for cash thanks to Stowaway Distribution. 7. The winners will be notified by mail/email or possibly by phone. 8. The competition closes August 5th 2009 with all last mail received on this date. 9. The promoter is 2020bmxmagazine!
in the lace his p da. g in il d St K o ďŹ n Marc treets of s arsa Mus back k c a Z O T PHO
144
ISSUE 32
20 Questions LUKE GORECKI Rail to massive hop over with added flavour... PHOTO Raine Turnbull
20 Questions Luke Gorecki
Interview by Tim Pierce
1. Name? Luke Alex Gorecki.
2. Age, Home town? I’m 20 and live in the South Coast of N.S.W.
3. Best thing about your home town? Probably the beautiful beaches in summer. 4. Worst thing about it? Derros.
5. Dirt or street? Street. Dirts too scary.
6. Style or tricks? Dunno, if i learn a trick and it looks good that’s OK for me. 7.
The last song you listened to? Biggie Smalls, I don’t know the song but haha!
8. The last movie you watched? Observe and report.
9. Something you could use more of in life? Hours in the day. 10. Something you could use less of in life? Hours of working.
DirtÕ s 146
ISSUE 32 JUNE 2009
11. An excuse you often use is? I’m too tired.
12. A phrase you say often is? She’ll be right.
13. Comps or shooting photos/filming? Shooting photos and filming for sure!
14. Last stunt you did for a camera? 180 bee’s down some stairs. 15. Last time you crashed on a BMX? About an hour ago... 16. Favourite place you have ever ridden? Melbs street
17. Best bmx video section of all time? JJ Palmere bio in Props. 18. What was your first BMX? Huffy Twist...
19. What was the first trick you ever learnt? I think it was like a no footer or something.
20. What was the last trick you learnt? 270 downside whip at Berry.