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We had the pleasure of hosting QLDer and Back Bone team rider Jon Mackellar over the first couple of weeks of winter here in Canberra.

It was the sickest time! Jonny is a freak rider - despite it being freezing cold, Jonny brought his longest socks and thickest shorts and went bananas at each and every spot we went to.

We hit some lesser ridden spots throughout Canberra, as well as travelling out to Young to ride Will Kerr's spot during his annual June Jam. 

Enjoy the vid!

Film/edit: Tyson Jones-Peni

Music:
Charlotte & The Harlots
'Hit The Limit'
Everything You Are To Me

This video from S&M Bikes featuring our mate Jonny Mackellar is exactly the reason why BMX is so awesome.

Jonny has been a source of inspiration for us for many years now. Jonny lives in such an authentic way, that is hard to define, unless you've met him.

If you haven't met Jonny, then hopefully after watch his S&M 'Best F***ing edit ever' video, you'll get a glimpse of his authenticity that oozes out through his riding.

Jonny does whatever he wants - if he likes the way a trick feels, he'll do it, regardless of whether it's a typical 'stylish' trick, or a heavy stunt like a 720. He doesn't confine himself to one type of riding either. While you might think of Jonny as a trails guy, if he feels like riding street, he'll do that, too. 

He'll ride all sorts of different bike setups, he'll put brakes on or take them off. He's just the dude who wants to have a good time riding BMX and isn't concerned about pigeon-holing himself to being a certain type of rider.

All of these things should be apparent after you watch the video below.

But what you don't see is Jonny's commitment to building and stoking out his local scene. Most of the trail spots in this video are built by, or with, Jon. He is always running jams. Even though he rides for us, he shows up and helps with other BMX shop jams (like his brother's shop Blue Groove), because he knows that supporting the scene is important.

You always get us stoked Jonny, congrats on bringing out the best f***ing edit ever.

One last thing.

Scott Irvine was one of the nicest and realest guys around and I'm so glad that we got to know each other. Scott offered to take Rhys and I up to Snakewoods from Brisbane a few years ago, which is a 3+ hour drive. The amazing thing about that is, Scott was injured and couldn't/didn't even ride - he very generously took us up for the hell of it, and for the love of hanging out at the trails.

After a memorable day at the trails, we had to be back in the afternoon so that Rhys could catch his flight, but got caught in a savage traffic jam that made that 3 hour trip more like 5 hours, so needless to say, the flight was missed. Scott kept his cool in the traffic, and with his dry sense of humour, kept us all laughing too. It was a really cool way to strengthen a friendship, sitting in a car going nowhere and talking trash. I'll never forget that, and I know by how generous, kind and authentic you were that you inspired a lot of people, Jonny included. I wish I could've said that while you were around. Hope you're resting easy, mate.

- Tyson

Jonny Mackellar is the best. Photos: Tyson JP

Above: Harley Nowakowski took the most laps award on the weekend. Tipping it over to start the line.

If you're talking long running jams across Australia, there are few places that have been running jams as regularly, and for as long, as the Valley View trails in Young, NSW.

Will and Chris Kerr have been looking after the trail scene in the cherry-picking capital of Australia for over ten years, with yearly jams running for just as long.

Perhaps just as, or if not more, exciting as the jams has been watching the evolution of Valley View; with every jam comes new additions to the trails - Will and Chris have done a stellar job at shovelling mods that keep you on your toes year-after-year. 

2020 has brought about some life-changing worldwide events.. But it was very comforting to see the Corona reigns loosen just enough to get some well needed BMX riding in - especially for the majority who travelled from interstate to be there.

It was a full trail camp in Young for 4 days, that's for certain.

One special shout out goes to (our latest Canberra local) Harley Nowakowski, who took the most laps of all, but unfortunately went down hard and is currently recovering in hospital from a severe concussion - but is looking to make a full recovery. Certified helmets save lives! FYI, Harley was shredding on the weekend! 

Thanks as always to the Kerr bros for making it happen this year and every year, there's nothing quite like a long weekend spent at the trails. To see Valley View and the subsequent jams come from humble beginnings, to what it is now, is incredible.

Enjoy the photos from just some of the badassery that happened below.

- Tyson

Chris Kerr showing you how good a nac nac can look over a 30ft set.. Photo: Tyson JP

 Russell Brindley dropping the foot off through Borders line. Photo: Tyson JP

 The van life was real at the trails over the weekend and Jonny Mackellar's van was the poster child for them all. Weexy, James Fox and Jonny kickin' it. Photo: Tyson JP

 Weexy celebrated his birthday by juicin' 30 footers and getting radical! You're a legend Weex! Photo: Tyson JP

Harley was tearing the Two Hips line a new one all day.. You better believe this one foot x-up got laid over into a one foot euro before he landed. Stoked to see you on the mend Harley! Photo: Tyson JP  

 Jonny Mack has the perfect mix. He does the gnarliest stuff, done ever-so-casually, with a style all his own - all while hootin' and hollerin' & a smile on his face. It makes you want to ride, that's for sure. 360 table on the 30fter. Photo: Tyson JP 

What did I say about casual with a style all his own? Jonny Mack in his element. Photo: Tyson JP

Sun peaking through the clouds and Russ Brindley soaking up the hangtime with a picturesque turndown. Photo: Tyson JP

I shot this, looked at my camera & couldn't believe that Chris Harti could get in a position so dipped, over a 30ft set. So rad. Photo: Tyson JP

Will Gunn. I don't know how to describe how Will rides except 'badass'. Big old toboggan. Photo: Tyson JP

Harti hit the limiter on this jump. This was full throttle, powerband type stuff. Photo: Tyson JP

Will Gunn, the master of loft.. This one foot seatgrab table was EPIC. Photo: Tyson JP 

The S&M Bikes Australian team including Back Bone maniac Will Gunn, as well as guest star Jonny Mackellar rode the absolute hell out of everywhere from the Blue Mountains, down through to Young NSW to then beast out at the Kerr trails, with a bonus round at Will's ramp. Then across to Canberra for more good times at the trails and parks we have to offer here. Canberra has always been a destination for BMXers the world over, but it seems to be growing with more and more spots - right now Canberra is thriving!

If you haven't watched this video because it's 8 minutes long, then you are missing out. James Fox paints up a masterpiece yet again! Head to the DIG site to get more of a glimpse of what happened on the trip, you won't regret it.

Will Gunn with the turndown to end all turndowns at Xave's spot in the Blue Mountains. Scott Greentree photo.