News

It's all here and finally we can share it with you. Stoked as!

The number one thing to do now is register to ride! This is through AusCycling and covers your insurance and public liability.

All riders must be registered to ride/take part in prize money and cannery event before Midnight Thursday April 1st.

Details for rider sign-up when creating profile in link below:

1. Find the 'Open Now! Click to enter' button
2. Fill out personal information
3. Under 'Membership type / governing body, if you do not have an AusCycling membership, choose 'N/A'
4. Under 'club' type 'Freestyle ACT BMX Club'
5. Create Profile - non AusCycling members pay $15 for insurance, AusCycling members $5. 

BentSpoke Brewing Co. & Back Bone BMX present ACT Jam 2021

Major Sponsors:

• Vans
• Colony BMX
• Wethepeople BMX
• Cult BMX

Build Crew:

• NBD Constructions
• Universal Ramps
• Miner Projects
• Hardwood Projects

With Support From:

• Division Brand
• Eclat
• Fiend BMX
• Fast & Loose
• Odyssey
• Shadow Conspiracy
• Strs
• Subrosa
• Tempered

 Locations

April 2 – Weston Creek skatepark – 4pm start

The epic battle at Weston is back!

April 3 – Tuggeranong skatepark – 3pm

We loved Tuggers so much that it’s back for 2021. Expect some rad additions at this one to make it even more fun.

April 4 – BentSpoke Cannery, 79 Lysaght St Mitchell - 12pm start

We’re back at BentSpoke HQ with an even better ramp setup than ever. Expect a ‘Slay the Rails’ street event, as well as a killer ramp setup. We’re building the ultimate high air quarter, as well as the ultimate best trick box jump – so expect to see the heaviest moves go down here.

At the BentSpoke stop there will be serious cash prizes for:

• Best Trick
• Best whip (High jump on the box)
• High Air on the Vans 10ft quarter pipe
• Street Slayer ($1000)
• as well as a bunch more.

Best rider of the whole (long) weekend will be crowned King of the ACT and take home $2000 CASH.

Afterparty and Ranch Hand Video Premiere – BentSpoke Cannery, 79 Lysaght St Mitchell

After the riding is all said and done, we’ll have the awards ceremony and afterparty kicking off at the Cannery, with the long awaited Ranch Hand BMX video also being premiered by Brendan Boeck. Bands, Music, BMX. It’ll be a time!

Spectating is free at all stops, but will be capped at 500 people total including riders.

A COVID Safe Plan will be followed.

ACT Jam 2021 is ON! 

We have to still be conscious of the whole COVID-19 scenario that is permeating through the atmosphere, but we (through our club FACT BMX) are working dang hard to make this one happen. And make it bigger than ever before.

We're still working on a few details to finalise shortly and will make public as soon as possible. But we thought we'd give a few tidbits of info for those who are chasing a little more to get excited about.

ACT Jam 2021 Current information

• BentSpoke are in for 2021! The last ACT Jam we held in 2019 was amazing, with the final stop being held at their cannery on a ramp setup that was built by Jason Watts, the Fast and Loose gang and a couple of Canberra legends. Can you imagine riding BMX in a place that is also brewing the number 1 beer in the country? That's what happened at ACT Jam in 2019.
• April 2 (Friday night) and the first stop will be at Weston skatepark. That's right, Weston is back on the cards for 2021.
• We will be following a COVID-19 safe plan. It's just got to be done, it's the world we live in. But know that we'll be taking all the necessary precautions to adhere to current COVID-19 guidelines 
• Local legends Hardwood Projects, Miner Projects and NBD Constructions are heading up the building of the ramps with Jason Watts. Exciting times lay ahead..
• The BMX industry will be getting behind the 2021 ACT Jam as they do every year - more on that soon
• Ranch Hand video will be premiered at ACT Jam - the highly anticipated video by Brendan Boeck

Keep checking back for more info.. But you already know by now to be in Canberra April 2 - 4, right?

Kris Fox giving the crowd at BentSpoke a show! Photo: Jack Gruber

The year is 2021 and that's the unofficial year of the jam for us. Along with the rad Summer Nights jams that have been poppin' off every Friday at Belconnen skatepark, we're also hitting lightspeed into another dimension. The other dimension happens to be about an hour up the road, at Goulburn skatepark. Join us for a jam on the 31st of January (Sunday). Good times, some giveaways and a chance to ride somewhere new, as well as getting to meet some of the locals!

Not only is there a jam, but earlier in the day, Tyson will be running a BMX coaching clinic at the park from 3 - 4pm. Anyone who is interested, please email coaching@backbonebmx.com.au with your name and contact phone number. Tyson will be in touch!

Even though the world is on fire at the moment, there's plenty to be hyped on, BMX wise. We're kicking of the start of the year with some fun, summer night jams every Friday of January at the local park, Belconnen.

We are going to have few little giveaways for attendance too, so be sure to make it if you can!

#CBRBMX is going to be kicked off right!

Above: The crew who journeyed to the central west, at Tamworth skatepark (with a few locals in the line up as well!)

I love when riders are industrious about making things happen. It's no secret that we are big fans of building and maintaining BMX - and I think an important part of that is trips to places to ride with other BMXers.

But why? What makes it important?

One answer is, it gets you out of your bubble. It makes you realise that there is more to what life is (on a BMX bike, or not), than just your current circumstances.

You learn that there are people everywhere, living different lives - and in the case of BMX - riding and experiencing BMX through a different lens. And you get to be a part of this when you're on the road.

This sounds obvious, but sometimes we get so caught up in what we have in front of us that breaking out and going somewhere new and different can be refreshing, for both you, and the riders you meet across your travels.

The park that riders are graced with in their local area, or the lack of riders, or the proximity to other spots - is all something you can feel and experience for a short while when you're in a new town. 

But you know what, there's more to it than just that..

Bar Beach skatepark, lit up - thanks to the locals. Talk about seeing things in a new light. Photo: Karl Cottrell

Another reason is, riders that choose to go on these trips form closer bonds and better friendships than ever.

The comradery that forms on trips like the one that we just went on is legendary. Nothing but encouragement and great times along the way.

But the final reason, and certainly just as important..

Will 'Keys to the City' Gunn had to buy a bigger keyring on the trip.. He's the owner of a few new 'keys to the city' after the way he tore each park to pieces. Tamworth transfer. Photo: Tyson JP

Riding new places is the like being thrown back into the baby pool of riding. When you arrive at a new spot or skatepark, you have to figure out a line, the transition, what works and what doesn't. 

Sure, there might be transitions that are smoother than others, but the learning experience is what makes it really special. The challenge of the unknown and the ability to adapt. I'd prefer to figure out how to ride a new spot, even if it's less than ideal, and your level of riding is down a notch or two from how you ride your local.

Every park and spot we went to on the trip was different - in a good way. We rode a lot of big transitions and each of them was fun, and challenging. 

We even rode a wallride in the middle of nowhere that was by no means perfect, but it was worth it, just to add a new riding experience to your belt. 

The great thing is, the riding crew you are with is doing the same thing. Not to mention, you are learning off the locals and forming new relationships with them. The phrase 'feeding off each other' is never more appropriate than when on a trip. 

Chowgy (AKA Ryan Saville) adapted to everything at full throttle. This wallride was no exception. The bank was steep and the bottom was more than kinked, but he made it look good all the same. Photo: Tyson JP

The NSW skateparks just keep getting better and better in the central and north west. Tamworth skatepark is one of the best I've ridden in a long time - 24 hour lights, deep transitions - and many more lines to still be discovered. Very recommended.

At the start I said I love when riders are industrious.. Our 'Hellsworth' trip was spurred on by Arthur Birbilopoulos and Danny Stevenson, so big shout out to those guys for rounding up a crew to shred with. A recommendation to all looking to make their own fun - if you're looking for a trip, all it takes is creating an instagram group with riders and mates you want to ride with. Arthur and Danny took the initiative and it turned into one hell of a memory for all of us.

Almost everyone packed the 'Rebellion' tee we made on the trip and coincidentally a lot of us we wearing it on our visit to the Golden Guitar in Tamworth. 'Gang' photo..

Truthfully, there's plenty more than 3 reasons why you got to get on the road with your friends in the name of BMX. It's definitely a reminder of why BMX is so hard to explain to people who don't do it (one of the conversations that was had on this trip). 

Trips like this cement BMX as a lifestyle and the more people that live that BMX lifestyle, the better off BMX will be. 

Thanks a lot to Karl Cottrell and Brendan Boeck for the additional photos you can see below - can't wait to get on the road again.

- Tyson 

Danny Stevenson stepping on through at Bar Beach. Photo: Tyson JP

This quarter is deep.. Dylan Lewis excels in the deep. Big ol' air in Tamworth. Photo: Karl Cottrell

Dermo can crank a one handed x-up like it ain't no thing! Last stop of the trip, Millthorpe skatepark. Photo: Tyson JP

Sarah Mitchell hitting the oververt in the capsule at Millthorpe. Photo: Tyson JP

Jye is a part of the Hambone crew and was popping the sickest toboggan fakies at Bar Beach. Stoked to get a roll with the Hambone homies! Photo: Tyson JP

Arthur has some of the nicest tables around. Folded at Tamworth. Photo: Karl Cottrell

We arrived at Dubbo just before dark and got a few laps, but the next day was a little windy.. But the park is too good to pass up a ride on. Tyson JP x-up. Photo: Brendan Boeck

Dylan Lewis has the most casual airing style considering how high he goes.. It just looks so damn effortless. Then when the turndown is cranked, it's mindblowing. Huge at Wellington skatepark. Photo: Brendan Boeck 

Will Gunn, upside down at Dubbo. This is mind boggling! Photo: Tyson JP

Above: Tyrone Edwards made this spot look like his second home.. Photo: Tyson JP

What a treat it is to ride something that you've helped build. That's the reason why we love trails so much - you put in the effort and you reap the rewards. 

This is exactly what's happened over the last couple of months, thanks to a dedicated crew of BMXers who love to build their own scene - quite literally - and 'creted up a new spot.. A full blown bowl, complete with spine and box jump, as well as plenty of other fun elements.

The spot is incredible, and far exceeds what most think of when they think of a DIY concrete spot. But more important than the actual transitions is what the spot stands for.. That you can truly make things happen if you dedicate yourself, your time, and do it yourself.

Who knows how long it will last, but a big thanks goes out to everyone who helped lay foundations, shovel concrete and make something that was just a conversation, into a reality. You know who you are.

A small jam was thrown to commemorate the build, the crew got some clips and Troy Harradine edited it up while I shot a few photos. Enjoy.. And hopefully this inspires you to get cracking on your own spot, big or small!  

- Tyson

Let the shaping commence.. Some of the crew making it happen while the 'crete was wet.

Weaponhead making the hip beg for mercy! He destroyed it! Photo: Tyson JP

Tyson letting the hands fly. Photo: Troy Harradine

Some crew made the trip down from Sydney to break in the spot and Chowgy was one of them. Hip hangin' over the hip. All style.. Photo: Tyson JP

Don't think for a second Jack O'Reilly is all icepicks and big rails.. Look at this table across the channel! Epic. Photo: Tyson JP

A few of the crew loungin' at the newest pool in town. Photo: 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 

Riding BMX is my ultimate artistic expression, something that is on my mind at all times, that I live and breathe; something that I uncouple the marker of "good" from the basis of skill. 

It's why I love to create and love to learn in all avenues of my life.. I am thankful to have learnt so much from BMX and continue to do so everyday.

Thanks to Brendan Boeck and my wife Melissa for helping out a lot with this project, and to Wethepeople, Vans Australia, Eclat and of course Back Bone BMX, thanks for keeping me rolling.

Hope you enjoy!

- Tyson

Above: Russell Brindley didn't take part in the comp, but he did rip a mean table in the bowl jam afterwards. Photo: Karl Cottrell.

We were very lucky to have held our first of the 4 round BMX comp series on the 22nd of March - right before COVID-19 tightened up yet again just hours after the comp was held. 

Belco park was the home for the first stop and people arrived from all over to take part. It was a great turn out and everyone in attendance seemed appreciative of some normalcy, despite adhering to the social distancing guidelines that was being called out over the microphone. 

Belconnen skatepark is not the easiest skatepark to judge due to the separate street and bowl sections, so the decision was made to split the park into two runs in each section. This was done to see who was the most consistent overall rider, rather than segregating riders.

The 12 and under class was packed with riders!

It was one of the highlights to watch for sure. It's so rad to see new riders push themselves into uncharted territory, with new tricks and lines being tried by all riders. It's especially rad to have the young, next generation being cheered on by the older crew, it no doubt means a lot to be a 10 year old rider having their name applauded by the local hot shot. 

Young Riley Williams stepping down. Photo: Karl Cottrell.

Some highlights were locals Riley Williams & Sasha Kiselev blasting the spine out of the snake run, with out-of-towners Miller Ruks, Jaxon Philp and Jackson Presbury jumping the box jumps (at 11, 9 & 8 years old..) and popping high, smooth airs. Sarah Nicki was also blasting airs in the 8ft bowl, the only girl competing on the day and shredding hard.

Jaxon Philp takes the cake for the youngest rider over the channel on a BMX at Belco. Photo: Karl Cottrell.

The 17 and under class was a real mixed bag of talent. With a variance of predominately BMX street riders and flowy jumpers, it was cool to see what was on offer throughout the park. Canberra local Flynn Sierant took top spot in the end with hard moves mixed with a unique, casual style. 

Open class with wild! 

Plenty of backie flyouts and again an eclectic mix of riders, which kept both sections of the parks interesting. Plenty opting to rip the infamous Belconnen box jumps and lay low on the streets, while the more tech savvy riders kept it to the mini ramp portions and found their spots on the street section to get busy on.

Arthur Birbilopoulos, cranked turndown in the 8ft bowl. Photo: Karl Cottrell.

A couple of things that stood out were Reece Ashton's unique lines in both portions of the park, he definitely did things that no one else was even looking at. Sam White is a new Canberra BMX local that, while he's lived here, has done several tricks I've never seen in real life, all mostly first try. It wasn't his day on comp day, but he did manage to 360 tailwhip the tiny volcano up the top of the street section, which is only about 2 foot tall.

In the end, it was the long-haired, moustached, weaponized Weaponhead Danny Stevenson that took top honours. Danny put on a display on the box jumps and quarters, going higher than everyone else and doing it smooth as. He then bolted on some pegs and went hell-for-leather on the street section, doing all sorts of hard moves first try. It was rad, and a good reminder that riding everything is a real plus!

Danny Weaponhead Stevenson kicking out the jams! Photo: Karl Cottrell. 

Thanks to everyone who came to the comp, it was an awesome day and made us all for normal for a bit! 

Let's not forget that now is still a great time to ride BMX. While skateparks are officially closed by the government (as today 30th March 2020), you can still use your BMX bike to get the exercise that's needed. Both physical and mental.

All you need is you and your bike.

Practice manuals.

Practice wheel rides on the gutters.

Get your hop whips dialled. Or learn them.

Search for spots.

Build a jump, or a ramp.

Use the creativity you already have (you are a BMXer, after all. That's one of the 11 reasons why riding BMX makes you a better person) and put it to use. Make something out of nothing. Turn a bad situation into a better one. After all, you could be complaining about being stuck at home, with nothing better to do. 

At least you can still go for a ride (just do it by yourself). 

Please see below for final points standings from round one. These points will carry through to all other rounds, meaning it could be that the most consistent rider takes the title!

At this stage we're not sure whether round two will go ahead at Tuggeranong on the intended date, but we'll keep you all posted.

Thanks to Karl Cottrell for the photos!