Making memories with the Australian BMX scene - ACT Jam 2021 recap - Back Bone BMX

Making memories with the Australian BMX scene - ACT Jam 2021 recap

ACT Jam started in the year 2000 by some BMXers who cared about the culture of BMX and wanted to see it flourish in Australia. It ran until 2005. We brought it back in 2013 because ACT Jam, and jams like it, are a big part - probably the biggest part - of why we have a BMX shop. We love BMX and we use the shop as a platform to grow the BMX scene and provide more of what we love.

It's amazing to see the support the Australian BMX scene shows with its attendance at each jam we run. The smiles and overall stoke-age that permeates throughout the crowd over the weekend gets us hyped. It's a party that the BMX scene attends year after year and we're damn grateful.

It was a shame to not have the international presence like we've had in previous years, but they'll be back once this current situation cleans itself up.

Day one was back at Weston Creek, the park was opened up for a lot more lines and transfers, as well as the 4 foot extension in the round bowl which definitely made for more speed and blast. Weston Creek local Tyrone Edwards went to the moon while Jonny Mackellar handplanted here, there and everywhere (he also tried a handplant 360 over the spine..). 

The more open park meant that Jason Watts got the speed and ripped a 360 across legitimately the whole thing, it was insane - more insane in the fact that Jason did it twice. So gnarly.

Jason Watts 360 transfer act jam 2021Jason Watts, going bananas. Huge 360 transfer. Photo: Jack Gruber

Day Two was at Tuggeranong. The sun was belting down. The jam ran a few weeks earlier than normal to allow for better chance of warmer weather and it definitely paid off - it was balmy.

The build crew got a rad step up box jump going with a right hip that led into the park. This feature got a workout - there was a huge, revolving queue that never stopped the whole day. Liam Quinlivan AKA Quinny double backflipped the thing - not the first double backie Tuggeranong skatepark has seen (Shane Conlon tried one decades ago at a dirt comp beside the park), but certainly the first one landed! It was crazy. 

Josh Dove also continued on his shred across the whole park, making things look all-too-easy. Hyped to see Cody Pollard blast anytime, but the vert ramp was getting a once over from the QLDer. Casual double digits, it was a sight to see.

Cody Pollard BMX act jam 2021Cody Pollard can blast. Photo: Jack Gruber  

The final day at the BentSpoke Cannery was a beauty. Even though the BMX riding didn't start until 1pm, I personally thought it was really cool for the crowd to have insight into how this whole thing happens. There was a tight group of BMXers literally building and finishing the course, right in front of their eyes. It was my personal highlight of the day.

Once the ramps were finished and the droves of BMXers got a session, we kicked it off with a high jump over the box, that went into a best trick over the box. It was a real shootout with the high jump, Jason, Dovey and Chowgy (Ryan Saville) were all way up there, but Chowgy took top honours.

Alec Danelutti and Jonny Mack tied it up for best trick, Alec did a 360 oppo downside whip to tuck no hander (you know a trick is hard when it takes 8 words to type it out), while Jonny took the unique route and handplanted over it, which was nuts, to travel that distance so low with your hand off, sideways.

Jimmah x up crooks act jam 2021Jimmah getting crook. Photo: Jack Gruber

We moved onto the street slayer best trick, which was a shootout of rail moves that were all crazy. It was tough to give it to one person for one trick, so we gave it to one person for a plethora of tricks. Jimmah AKA James Pease did all sorts, x-up crooks, half barspin over pegs, x-up over crooks, as well as a bunch more. He got a pocket full of cash for his efforts.

Josh Dove air BentSpoke act jam 2021Josh Dove clearing that BentSpoke case height pole.. Photo: Jack Gruber

The high air at the end of the day was pure BMX. Pedalling as fast as the space allowed at a 10 foot quarter was a sight to see. If you've seen the photos, there's a circular sticker on one of the cases that is 10 foot high.. There were a few riders knocking out 10 foot plus airs.

It came down to whoever could pedal the fastest and in the end, Josh Dove got wayyy up there.

Ranch Hand premiere act jam 2021Ranch Hand Premiere. Photo: Jack Gruber

After it was all said and done, we gave out a lot of cash to the riders and the young gun, the quiet shredder, Josh Dove, got crowned king of the ACT. That dude is a legend and a ripper. Plus, he's not yet 18! He hasn't even gotten his man strength yet - once he does the whole world will be chasing him to catch up on his skills.

We weren't even done there! B-Dog premiered the long awaited Ranch Hand video - it was a mammoth project that got a lot of people stoked. I'm sure it will be out in tangible copy form soon, so hold tight.

Act jam 2021 presentation bentspokeAward time with Rhysty and BentSpoke owner Richard.

Big thanks to the major sponsors who helped allow the jam to happen in such big way this year: BentSpoke, Vans Australia, Colony BMX, Cult Crew and Wethepeople.

Also the build crew who made the ramps happen in a big way, NBD, Hardwood Projects and Miner Projects, headed up by Universal Ramps front man Jason Watts (who got precisely 45 mins of sleep over the whole weekend). There's so many who helped out additionally, you know who you are and thank you.

The 2021 ACT Jam was about as hardcore BMX as it gets for an event. Riders building ramps, young and old riding, from all over Australia. If you were a part of it by simply taking the time to attending, thanks for coming and adding to the experience! If you weren't there, then there is always next year.

- Tyson 

 

Aidan Rice was in attendance and put together this ripper of a video. Thanks Aidan!

Photos below by Jack Gruber!

Act Jam 2021 Jason Watts lookback bentspokeJason Watts, this is a lookback that happened AFTER he caught a decade. Decade-to-lookback. Insane.

Ryan Saville tuggeranong act jam 2021Ryan Saville getting full Chowgy.

Cody Pollard bmx act jam 2021Cody Pollard tuckin & diving while Wilton Hedley cranks into the quarter.

Wilton Hedley bmx act jam 2021Wilton Hedley, pull back or die.

Tyrone Edwards act jam 2021Tyrone Edwards always making it look good.

Jonny Mackellar bmx act jam 2021Jonny Mackellar ripping the 360 nac nac.

Jason Watts bmx act jam 2021Jason Watts going super large on the extension at Weston.

Dylan Steinhardt bmx act jam 2021Dylan Steinhardt with the super heavy up wheels to barspin at BentSpoke.

Josh Dove bmx act jam 2021270 back seat grab by the King of the ACT, Josh Dove.

Matt Green BMX act jam 2021Matt Green getting it done with the 360 over the rail.

Jason Watts bentspoke air act jam 2021It must be noted that this is an oppo air for Jason, and that he's awfully close to the top of the height pole. That's high..

April 22, 2021 — Tyson Jones-Peni
ACT Jam 2021 Details - Back Bone BMX

ACT Jam 2021 Details

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. 

 act jam 2021 register

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

Major Sponsors:

Build Crew:

With Support From:

 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 flyer

March 25, 2021 — Tyson Jones-Peni
ACT Jam 2021 - The details so far.. - Back Bone BMX

ACT Jam 2021 - The details so far..

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 Act Jam BentSpoke BMX event

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

February 23, 2021 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Tags: act jam
ACT Jam 2019 Recap - Part One: Belco - Back Bone BMX

ACT Jam 2019 Recap - Part One: Belco

If you've been to an ACT Jam in the last few years there will be no denying, it is one hell of a time!

ACT Jam 2019 went down a couple of weeks ago and we are blown away with how it all went down this year. If you were there, you know already!

This is the biggest year so far and we feel that it's already shaping up to be bigger next year..

A big year deserves a big recap, so we're breaking these down into days.

Want a recap of what went down on day one of ACT Jam 2019? As well as some things you didn't know happened?

Keep reading..

act jam 2019 belconnen crowd

This year marks the seventh year since it's reincarnation from the OG ACT Jams that happened from 2001 - 2005 and this year we were able to join forces with BentSpoke Brewery, who came on board as a major sponsor to help to give away a whopping $8k prize money.

This sort of prize money wasn't all BentSpoke's doing though, we had a lot of help from the Australian BMX industry kicking in to help pay BMXers who kicked ass riding.

If you don't know by now to support the brands that support ACT Jam (and hence Australian BMX), then this is a reminder!

The weeks leading up to the jam:

This year we had crew from all over the world spending time in town, enjoying what the Canberra BMX scene has to offer. There was plenty of BMX sessions going down at spots across Canberra by a varied crew of BMX riders. It was cool to have trail riders rolling around the streets - and vice versa.

There was also copious amounts of coffee being sucked down at our humble BMX shop by a bunch of legends.

It was cool to have so many BMX riders in town, there was a real energy in the air and a lot of positive vibes. 

 Kris Fox BMX belconnen bowl air

Kris Fox was lighting up Belco bowl on the first day of the jam. Jack Gruber photo.

ACT Jam 2019 stop 1: Belconnen:

There was no doubt going to be some heavy BMX action on day one of the ACT jam. For those who don't know, above Back Bone BMX shop in Belconnen is Lakeside Tattoo parlour, who this year was a sponsor of the jam and stepped up in a big way by freeing their schedule and offering walk in ACT Jam and BMX tattoos to those willing!

Pat Freyne Back Bone BMX tattoo

Pat Freyne is now a lifer.. Photo: Jack Gruber

The bowl at Belconnen was damn near shut down by the Fast & Loose crew. Jason Watts, Kris Fox, Cody Pollard were blasting and I'm sure I saw Corey Walsh do an air that swung around half of the bowl - I know for certain at one stage he took off 15 feet from the left of the channel and still aired over it.. considering the bowl is round, 12 foot tall, with pool coping, that's as gnarly as it gets.

Corey Walsh voted best rider - Belco bowl for ACT Jam 2019

Corey Walsh bmx belconnen bowl act jam 2019

Guaranteed Corey Walsh swung this table around from far left of frame and will be landing outside of the right frame of this photo. Photo Jack Gruber.

The snake run was destroyed by many, but a stand out was no doubt Boyd Hilder. Boyd has that 'hard stuff done effortlessly' thing going on; he did triple truckdrivers, x-up whips and everything else in the BMX trick list with a smile on his face. Full blown ripper.

Boyd Hilder voted best rider - Belco snake run for ACT Jam 2019 

Boyd Hilder cannonball ACT Jam 2019

You'd be psyched to be that nosed in just straight jumping.. Boyd Hilder, cannonball. Photo: Jack Gruber.

 The street course was the last thing to be shut down on the first day of ACT Jam 2019, special mentions to Jack O'Reilly who battled and conquered a nollie tooth hanger the big down ledge, Jacman Hinns who did a bunch of hard moves including an oppo barspin to ice down the rail, and Cal Eggington who rode the bowl like a savage, the snake run, and then busted moves on the street section.

The night and street section belonged to Lewis Mills though, who tore apart the rail both, going both up and down it. Bar-crooks-bar down and up-rail 180 whip were just a couple of bangers from the Fiending shredder from Sydney.

Lewis Mills voted best rider - Belco street for ACT Jam 2019.  

Lewis Mills rail to 180 whip ACT Jam 2019

Lewis Mills up the rail and 180 whipping off the end of it! Photo: Jack Gruber

Pat Freyne rail ride Belconnen ACT Jam 2019

Pat Freyne balanced.. Photo: Jack Gruber

 Belco Post-Jam: 

 It didn't just end at the final trick of the official jam and that's what makes ACT Jam so good; it's three days of real deal BMX mayhem. At one point I was set to leave at around 8.30pm (the official jam finished at 7pm) and as I was driving out, I couldn't help but see a huge mass of ACT Jammers crowded around the deep bowl.

I parked my car and walked up  to find Sean Thompson, Cal Eggington and Brazilian Cauan Madona (who missed the official jam completely) going back-to-back for some of the gnarliest riding of the whole night. I'm fairly certain Madona knows no fear, because he didn't have any issue pumping out a shoulder high double whip among other things that had the crowd going bananas. Madona knows very little English, but I sure hope he understood by the screaming, swearing and jumping up-and-down from the crowd that his presence at the jam was highly appreciated that night.

It was an amazing way to encapsulate just what the ACT Jam is; full blown freestylin' for the love of it.

And we still had Tuggeranong and BentSpoke to go!

Cody Pollard BMX Belconnen ACT Jam 2019

Cody Pollard on full blast. Photo: Jack Gruber.

The party kept going and the show went on for two more days..

I'm still jazzed just thinking about it, and there is so much to go through that we'll release part two and part three of the jam separately.. So keep an eye out!

- Tyson

 

May 31, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Cult Crew ACT Jam 2019 Video - Back Bone BMX

Cult Crew ACT Jam 2019 Video

Some of the Cult Crew were lurking in and around Canberra leading up to this year's ACT Jam and the legendary Veesh threw down and made this killer video from their time here. I will say this though; Veesh has got a crazy work ethic. No matter what's going down he is there capturing it for you to enjoy, doing a damn good job at it too!

It was three days of BMX pandemonium here for this year's ACT Jam, there is still a hefty story coming up that I'm writing so we'll keep this one brief and let your eyeballs enjoy the goodness from the Cult Crew.

One last thing for this post - big thanks to the Cult dudes Jason Watts, Veesh, Benn Pigot, Pat Freyne, Preston Okert, Kyle Fletcher and of course this year's KOTA Corey Walsh for making it out and destroying!

- Tyson

May 11, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
ACT Jam 2019 - Back Bone BMX

ACT Jam 2019

ACT jam 2019 is official! 7 years in a row and this one is a doozy.. BentSpoke Brewery are bringing the noise, officially presenting the ACT jam with a major sponsorship for 2019, making the total prize pool $8000!

If you've been to ACT jam before, you already know how good it is, but if you haven't, then strap yourself in for three days of the best BMX you can handle, with some epic times in between..

This year we're talking bands, food trucks and a few more surprises that we'll keep you in the loop about.. You can't give it all away just yet, just know that if you AIN'T coming, you're kooking it!

EVENT BREAK DOWN:

Thursday 25th April: Belconnen skatepark 5 – 8pm
Friday 26th April: Tuggeranong skatepark 5 – 8pm
Saturday 27th April: BentSpoke Cannery (Mitchell ACT) 12 – 10pm

Yes, you read that right, the final stop is going to be at the legendary Canberra beer froffers BentSpoke Brewery's head quarters, complete with a rad ramp setup and stoke a plenty - pouring the tastiest beer around just metres from where it's made - you don't get fresher lines than that!

See ya here!

*IMPORTANT RIDER INFO - PLEASE READ*

Riders MUST be current members of BMX Australia for Freestyle, memberships will be checked at each stop with no exceptions and you WILL NOT go into the running for prize money if you aren't a current member.
4 month memberships are available here: https://bmxaustralia.com.au/membership/freestyle-4-month/

ACT jam 2019 back bone bmx

March 27, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Tags: act jam
ACT Jam 2018 video - Back Bone BMX

ACT Jam 2018 video

What a time of BMX pandemonium the ACT jam is; thanks to filmer extraordinaire James Fox we've got you a heck of an early Christmas present for you. 13 minutes of badassery from riders all over the world who descended on Canberra for this year's ACT jam. If you don't make it to next year's, you'll be missing out! 

Hope you enjoy, and from all of us at Back Bone BMX, we hope you have an epic holidays! 

December 22, 2018 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Tags: act jam
ACT Jam 2017 Video - Back Bone BMX

ACT Jam 2017 Video

At this point, there is so much hype surrounding the ACT jam that I just don't know what to say any more. It's just gets crazier every year! 2017 means we're five years deep on the ACT Jam re-incarnation. James Fox did a second to none job on this one and went above and beyond. If you see him, give him a firm handshake and a pat on the back. Legend.

Press play, hold on tight and start making plans to get here next year.

Lastly, thanks to those who helped with running the jam, whether it was by picking up rubbish or helping set up/pack down, special mention to the Tuggeranong Vikings BMX Club for their support on the Kambah KOD stop, and of course the sponsors that helped make the prizes a reality, make sure you support these guys:

Kink BMX

Colony BMX

Sweet Bones Bakery

Wethepeople

Fiend BMX

Subrosa Brand

Vans

Sunday Bikes

Fitbikeco.

Tempered Goods

S&M Bikes

Division Brand

BSD

Shadow Conspiracy

Vocal BMX

Next year is gonna be a hell of a time!

May 16, 2017 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Tags: act jam team