Bowl roaming south of the border (Video) - Back Bone BMX

Bowl roaming south of the border (Video)

Bowls just keep getting built all over, and it's our duty to get there to ride them! The boys Danny Stevenson, Will Gunn and Arthur Birbilopoulos got out on the last weekend of Autumn and headed south to Albury to ride the new park and bowl there. This kicked off a whole weekend of bowl roaming, which saw them head down into Victoria, where they got a taste for a lotta 'crete, including an amazing DIY spot.

They came back with some epic footage and Danny edited it up quick smart, which is what you see below.

We have a few exciting things planned for the near future, so be sure to keep an eye out for your next roadtrip.. Coming up late July!

See you then. But for now - watch the vid!

June 02, 2022 — Tyson Jones-Peni
A weekend in Jindabyne (YAS Series Final) - Back Bone BMX

A weekend in Jindabyne (YAS Series Final)

The Youth Adventure Series has been a journey. When have you ever seen an 11 stop skatepark competition? Not for a long time - if ever. We travelled all across the Snowy Monaro region over the last couple of months, but the final of the whole series found us at Jindabyne skatepark over the weekend.

There was a massive turnout, and in between MCing the event, I was able to get a few photos of some ripping riding from a few of the Back Bone locals.

I've got my fingers and toes crossed for next year's event!

Big thanks to the Snowy Monaro Regional Council for making it happen.

- Tyson

RESULTS (BMX Finals):

12 & Under Boys:

  • 3rd Place: Josh Scarth
  • 2nd Place: Liam Baillie 
  • 1st Place: Aleksander Kiselev

12 & Under Girls:

  • 1st Place: Sophie Nicki

17 & Under Boys:

  • 3rd Place: Josh Brusensky Webb
  • 2nd Place: Vincenzo Mercuri
  • 1st Place: Xavier Jirava

17 & Under Girls:

  • 2nd Place: Mylee Toohey
  • 1st Place: Sarah Nicki

Open Men:

  • 3rd Place: Arthur Birbilopoulos
  • 2nd Place: Mitch Austin
  • 1st Place: Will Gunn

Mitch Austin lookback Jindabyne

Mitch Austin can crank a lookback! Photo: Tyson JP

Liam air deep end Jindabyne

Young Liam Baillie ripping the deep end. Photo: Tyson JP

Sasha table Jindabyne

Sasha Kiselev has his table airs dialled. Deep end ripping into 1st place for the 12 & Under boys. Photo: Tyson JP

Sarah Nicki air Jindabyne

The deep end at Jindabyne got a work out, here's Sarah Nicki poppin out. Photo: Tyson JP

Will Gunn no hander Jindabyne

None higher than Will Gunn, who tore the place to shreds. 1st Place. Photo: Tyson JP

April 29, 2022 — Tyson Jones-Peni
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
Summer Nights BMX Jams at Belco - Back Bone BMX

Summer Nights BMX Jams at Belco

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!

January 06, 2021 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Tags: bowl
The Hellsworth Trip (NSW skateparks are best out west) - Back Bone BMX

The Hellsworth Trip (NSW skateparks are best out west)

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 under lights Karl Cottrell

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 Gunn Tamworth skatepark transfer

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 wallride

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.

Tamworth golden guitar group photo

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 cancan bar beach

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

Dylan Lewis air tamworth skatepark

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

dermo one hand x up millthorpe skatepark

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 fullpipe carve millthorpe skatepark

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

Jye toboggan fakie bar beach bowl

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 Birbilopoulos table tamworth skatepark

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

Tyson Jones-Peni x-up dubbo skatepark

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 turndown wellington skatepark

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 dubbo fullpipe

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

October 08, 2020 — Tyson Jones-Peni
There's a BMX built DIY skatepark in Canberra (Video) - Back Bone BMX

There's a BMX built DIY skatepark in Canberra (Video)

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

diy bmx spot shaping

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

Danny Stevenson turndown DIY hip

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

Tyson Jones-Peni no hander DIY spot

Tyson letting the hands fly. Photo: Troy Harradine

Chowgy DIY hip

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

Jack O'Reilly table DIY

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

DIY crew

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

Belco comp recap and the current state of BMX - Back Bone BMX

Belco comp recap and the current state of BMX

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. 

Riley Williams step down Belconnen skatepark

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 Belconnen bowl

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 turndown air Belconnen skatepark

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 Stevenson whip out Belconnen skatepark

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!

12 & Under

Points (Belconnen)

Ranking

Miller Ruks

80

1

Jaxon Philp

78.5

2

Riley Williams

77

3 (tie)

Jackson Presbury

77

3 (tie)

Sasha Kiselev

77

3 (tie)

Sarah Nicki

71.5

4

Reid Stewart

67.5

5

Noah McCarroll

59

6

Toby Williams

58.5

7

Cohen Stewart

58

8

Lucas Boscence

57

9

Kane Stephens

52.5

10

 

17 & Under

Points (Belconnen)

Ranking

Flynn Sierant

69.5

1

Lachlan Stuckey

68

2

Riley Gibb

65

3

Matt Tasker

43

4

Lachlan Moore

39

5

Zachary Moore

31

6

 

 

 

 

Open

Points (Belconnen)

Ranking

Danny Stevenson

83.5

1

Reece Ashton

73.5

2

Arthur Birbilopoulos

71.5

3

Sam White

67.5

4

Ethan Howard

66.5

5

Troy Harradine

63.5

6

Andy Duncan

57

7

Tama Lewis

31.5

8

 

 

 

 

BMX vs Team sports

March 30, 2020 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Summer Bowls Trip Video & Photos - Back Bone BMX

Summer Bowls Trip Video & Photos

Danny Stevenson lived up to his name on this trip. Full weaponhead status in Bondi deep end. Photo: Tyson JP

The quest for riding concrete bowls never ends.

We took a trip up the coast with not too much of an itinerary, except to ride some parks we hadn't before, as well as get a better session at some that we had. The NSW coast offers up some ridiculously good concrete skateparks, but we had bowls in mind - hopefully some with some deep transition.

We definitely got a good serving of them.

We also got to plan our trip around heading to the Blake Butterfield memorial jam that took place on the Saturday evening at Thornleigh skatepark. We've been helping Brodie Butterfield out with prizes for the jam in his brother's honour since the beginning, so it was great to make attendance this year.

There was an amazing turnout of riders and it was awesome to put faces to names of customers who have supported the store over the years. It's such a buzz to watch riders you don't know absolutely rip their local park to shreds. 

Hayden Burr AKA the Sydney Haydos took home the best rider award, stoked to help with his swag of gear for his efforts. Thanks for the support mate! 

Haydos spine tailwhip Thornleigh skatepark

Haydos with the spine tailwhip at Thornleigh! Photo: Tyson JP

Haydos thornleigh skatepark prizes

Haydos with his well deserved 'best rider' prizes. Photo: Tyson JP

We ended up at Bar Beach bowl in Newcastle for our final day. After 3 full days of riding in the sun, the crew was toasted, but the allure of the bowl was far too much to stay in the shade. We took our final laps and got a really good last session in before packing the van for the trip home.

If there's one recommendation to leave you to ponder on, it's this.

Get out there and ride different spots.

Riding new parks, with different layouts and even feeling different transitions under your wheels is a pretty unique experience. Obviously there's the feeling that comes with mastering your local park, but the feeling of being on alien turf can be exciting and challenging, all at once.

By no means did we conquer parks, but it's a cool feeling to know that there's plenty of places to take you out of your comfort zone, and make you excited to ride, that are waiting everywhere.

It also is nice to experience what works, and what doesn't - so that if the chance arises that you can make something in your own town, you have experience to draw on. 

We pulled the camera out a lot on this trip, hope you enjoy the video and photos and they get you psyched for your own trip somewhere!

- Tyson

 

Russell Brindley table Bar Beach skatepark

Russ going scenic with this epic table at Bar Beach. Photo: Tyson JP

Bob Saunders one foot table bateau bay skatepark

Bobby got that pop! Way up there at Bateau Bay. Photo: Tyson JP

Tyrone Edwards euro bondi bowl

Tyrone Edwards making it look all too effortless at Bondi bowl. Photo: Tyson JP

dermo one hand x-up thornleigh

Sydney legend Dermo twisted down at Thornleigh. Photo: Tyson JP

weaponhead bar beach bowl

Weaponhead with the weapon shred lookback at Bar Beach. Photo: Tyson JP

Will Gunn 360 table thornleigh skatepark

Will Gunn, proper 360 table over the spine at Thornleigh. Photo: Tyson JP

Benn Pigot best table ever thornleigh skatepark

Here it is, don't even try. The best table ever. Benn Pigot at Thornleigh. Photo: Tyson JP

January 30, 2020 — Tyson Jones-Peni