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Shop owner Tyson is turning 33 in a couple of weeks, what better way to celebrate than by throwing a BMX jam at the park across from our shop. Saturday 16th of November is the date, make sure you grab that BMX bike of yours and head to Belconnen skatepark for a good time. 3pm onwards, let's git it.

We had some killer footage from that epic trip we did out west last year, so why leave it dormant? This was a fun trip, so many memories.

If you're stoked on good times and rad bowl footage, then look no further and jump into the vid below!

Tyson has a real flair for podcasting.. haha. Will Kerr Photo.

This has been a long time coming for Zac Miner and myself and we are stoked. Many conversations and in-depth discussions were had between the two of us over the last year or so, that had us thinking it be great to share the conversations, as well as expand on them with other people, both like-minded and otherwise. 

The result is this, the Penny Mining Podcast. 

We are four episodes deep at the moment and our plan is to have interesting conversations with interesting people weekly, about BMX and everything in between. 

Hope you enjoy!

- Tyson

Zac Miner ripping an invert and taking over the podcast world with Tyson!

As you might be aware from previous posts on the gram and elsewhere, Back Bone co-owner and United team rider Tyson Jones-Peni worked on a recently released United frame called the Knightsbridge - which Tyson got to name after his local bar.

Poke your head into Knightsbridge (the bar) most weekends, you'll find a BMXer in there and Tyson will likely be one of them.

Tyson just tore his AC joint in his shoulder filming for a promo Knightsbridge vid, but he'll be back in no time. 

In the meantime though, here's his ride with a few questions with the low down on his setup, as well as what he's up to while he's laid up on the injury bench.

TYSON JONES-PENI UNITED KNIGHTSBRIDGE BIKE CHECK

• Frame: United Knightsbridge, 21.625" Merlot Red
• Forks: United Dinero V2
• Stem: Eclat Slattery
• Headset: Back Bone
• Bars: Back Bone Kicked Out sample bars
• Grips: ODI O
• Cranks: Eclat Spire, 175mm
• Sprocket: United Rotary, 30t
• Pedals: Eclat Surge, sealed
• Chain: Eclat Stroke Light
• Seat:Eclat Bios, Pivotal
• Seat Post: Eclat Torch, 15mm offset
• Seat Clamp: United Supreme
• Hub (front): Eclat Dynamic
• Hub (rear): Eclat Pulse, 9t
• Rims: Eclat Raven
• Tire (front): United Indirect, 2.35"
• Tire (rear): United Indirect, 2.1"
• Brakes: Eclat 
• Brake Lever: Eclat Sniper
• Brake Cable: Odyssey Linear

So Tyson, what's the story with your bike? Anything going on you care to share?

Everything is going on with it! But yeah, of course the frame is the thing I'm particularly frothing on. As far as my setup, I run my bars slightly in front of inline with my forks. A used to run four fingers of seat post, but I felt like I needed to feel young again [laughter]. So I lowered it. I run my back wheel at 14.5", I try to run 80 psi in my tires if I'm riding concrete but I like them less if I am riding trails. I run some tape around my straddle hanger so it doesn't 'ting' when I'm riding.

Tell us a little more about the frame.

It's a frame that makes no compromises on what I want to ride. I am so stoked that United wanted to do a TRU version 2 frame and I can't believe how much input I got to give towards it. I wrote a little more about the frame here if you want to read up it. Small things like the flat plate seatstay bridge, double bend chainstays and the bullet tip stay ends get me psyched.

Also the little alchemy symbols around the outside of the knight graphic I drew, on the left running from top to bottom is; day, sand, clay (a good mix of the two for the trails) and air. Represents the recipe for a good day.

On the right from top to bottom is; night, wine, honey (which is heavily referenced at Knightsbridge) and hot fire (the dance floor) [laughter]. A recipe for a good night. 

Put them both together and you've got the Knightsbridge..

 You recently crashed trying to film something. What happened and what are you doing with all that time off?

I came up short on a gap at Tuggers skatepark and went over the bars, tore my AC joint in my shoulder. I'm pretty bummed because I totally thought it was possible and it was the for the promo vid for the frame. It's still possible but I might need to pump my tires up to 100 psi or something [laughter].

I've got 6 weeks off the docs reckon. I always go a little stir crazy but it's a good opportunity to draw more or something along those lines. I think I'm gonna go to the bar this weekend (note: Friday 29.6) if anyone is keen [laughter]? 

Tyson from healthier days, at the trails. Photo: Brendan Boeck.

If you've ever been to Canberra, I think you'll agree that when it comes to skateparks, we've got some of the best in Australia.

But over one long weekend we got our eyes opened to some seriously amazing skateparks that NSW  has to offer - only a few hours west of us.

A bunch of the Back Bone crew ventured west and found (a lot of us for the first time) 5 seriously good parks that were almost too good to be true!

So where are they and what do they contain? Keep reading:

Millthorpe in the morning with the sunrise.. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Millthorpe Skatepark

We got a chance to get here right before sunset and got an amazing session in. We met the legend Will Gunn there and he put on a show. There is plenty of lines to be had here, it's kind of wide open but with a mix of tight areas, which makes it a really fun park to ride. Not to mention that capsule. If you've never ridden one of these things Millthorpe is the perfect introduction to it.

Arthur Birbilopoulos goin' round the loop. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni 

Millthorpe is the kind of park that appeals to someone who likes jumping around, kind of like a built up, next level Queanbeyan skatepark. Well, well worth it. 

Tyrone Edwards is a smooth dude. Table in the tighest section of the park. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

We woke up and got the early morning session in, then headed off to Orange, NSW (about 15 minutes away) for a quick pit stop and sesh at the park, then headed off to the next bowl.. 

Chris Harti picked up an Akubra knock-off at the corner store - definitely a good idea. It was hot as hell out west. Blasting the foot off, Molong, NSW. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Molong Skatepark

Rolling into a town with a population less than 3000, you would not expect to see any skatepark, let alone a next level bowl that goes to somewhere around 10ft deep in the deep end. While it was steep at first, we got used to it and some serious airs were blasted by all. Sick transition that keeps you on your toes - and there's even a smaller street plaza type park there as well if that's your thing.

One tip though:

If you head out west from Canberra, expect it to get at least 5-10 degrees hotter. Pack appropriately. We were dying out there!

The crew staying out of the sun in between runs at Molong. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

It's no secret that if you take Dylan Lewis on a bowl trip, he'll be blasting. X'ed up! Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

After the Molong bowl sesh/sizzle, we moved onto one of the most anticipated stops of the trip.. Mainly because of the reviews we had heard of the town. Nevertheless we were done with being in the sun, so onward we went.

Look at this monstrous beast! Tyrone well up there in the deep beast that is Wellington skatepark. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Wellington skatepark 

Dude.

We had our doubts - there was a lot of talk of 'the town is sketchy..'. We pulled up to 10-15 kids under 12 years old, all on scooters and not shy at all. Beyond the kids and the small street section, sat a monster of a bowl. 6-7ft shallow ends in a clover shape, leading down into a 12ft tall deep end.

We all walked over to it; it looked super intimidating. 

Then came the drop in. Without a doubt, the first run was almost hilarious.

Bold statement coming up..

Style master Rusty Brindley in the deep at Wellington. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Wellington bowl has got to be the best 10ft plus transition of any of us have ever ridden.

For something that is 12ft tall, it is perfect. No weird steepness, so safe, the only thing the dictates your height is the speed you can get from rolling in.

Because we were so wrecked from a full day in the sun riding I know that most of us can't wait to go back and really get a feel for it.

Without a doubt a must go to skatepark if big transition is your thing. 

Chris Harti ripped in! Photo: Zac Miner

One last thing..

The kids were sick! While they were wild, they didn't have any issue dropping in on that bowl on their scooters - we're talking 11 year old girls. They even borrowed our bikes and ripped around, carving like they were Garrett Byrnes. It was sick.

Goes to show that if all someone has to ride is a 12 foot deep bowl, they'll adapt. 

The government needs to stop being scared of building the big transitions!

Anyway, onward we go, to the final park of the trip.

The crew at Dubbo on sunset. Photo: Zac Miner

Dubbo skatepark

No doubt about it, whoever built Dubbo skatepark did a hell of a job. We rocked up and were gassed from a full day of riding in the sun, but we managed to get some good laps in while that burning orange ball began to set (it was something like 37 degrees at 6.30pm!)

The park itself, I'll tell you right now:

You have to go!

Tyson Jones-Peni dangling the foot at Dubbo. How's those Back Bone socks! Photo: Russell Brindley

There's a lot to offer at around the 9ft mark at Dubbo, plus an insane full pipe capsule that takes a bit to get used to if you want to start heading into 'upside down' territory, but is incredibly fun.

Another thing that makes Dubbo skatepark so fun is the amount of different lines you can take without trying too hard to be different. Everyone on the trip was doing their own thing in the bowls, which is pretty exciting to see. 

You know a park is good when everyone is doing something different and it all looks effortless!

Dylan Lewis with one of those good lookin' lipslides he does, this time on the cinder block extension at Dubbo. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

The trip in itself was amazing, we were only 5 hours away from Canberra and along the way we'd hit 5 amazing skateparks that I can promise you won't regret riding.

Road trips are integral to BMX, experiencing new spots and growing friendships, making memories. Riding new things allows you to get out of your comfort zone, both on your bike and being in a new place.

You don't need much, jump in the car with a tent and some mates.. and if you live in Canberra, head west for the weekend - you won't regret it.

Here's some extra photos to get your stoke up even higher.. And trust me, you want to get to the last one.

Sun's coming up, Tama's cooking brekkie, Harti's getting pitted while Russ watches on. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Chris Harti up there with the 44t Imperial! Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

A Tyson eclipse at Wellington.. Photo: Russell Brindley

Oppo table in the deep by Rusty. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

This is ridiculous! Dylan casually blasted this right before we left.. 100% Death Grippin'. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Some of the crowd, stoked to have a crew arrive despite the time change. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Six years have passed since Dane Searls' passed away, it never gets any easier to think of the reason why this jam is held. But all you can do each year is have Dane in mind while you get the trails running as good as you can, and then enjoy laps with some friends on the day, in celebration of the life of a trail riding, BMX badass.

I have to make special mention to Dane's mum, Jenni. Each and every year since the jam's inception, Jenni has made the trip to Canberra in support of the jam and to be around those who were friends and fans of Dane. Thanks for making the trip Jenni.

Despite the fact the start time had to change from the late afternoon to 9am, there was still a solid presence and the focus was definitely on riding. Thanks to those who showed up and cut a lap or spectated in Dane's honour.

Scott Greentree was around and shot some badass photos that you can see below with a few of my own, thanks Scott.

RIP Dane Searls.

- Tyson

Kris McCreath grabs the seat in front of the crowd while Dylan Lewis and Harti share a hug and miss it. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Harti didn't miss a chance to get whipped out though. Chris was up at the trails early with a small crew, doing final prep work to make sure it was ready to go. Then ripped hard. Photo: Scott Greentree

Speaking of putting in time at the trails, Rhysty might have been up there at 6am this day. It's not the first time he is up there at dawn anyway. Puts in work and then lets a oppo table fly as a reward. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Tyson Jones-Peni with the table on Halloween after running some tires through the step-down line. Photo: Scott Greentree

Kris McCreath (AKA Parrot) is one of few who put in many hours on the shovel at the trails and it shows; he lays down the law once it's time to ride! Seat grab one foot table. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Chris 'Ando' Anderson is one of Dane's oldest friends, which makes it very awesome to be able to hold an event that Ando is able to attend. And shred. Him and Shane Biffen (in the bowl) tore it up. Thanks for coming! Photo: Scott Greentree

We don't get to see Tyrone Edwards at the trails too much, but seeing him blast like this, makes me want to see him at the trails more often! Every set juiced till it was dry. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni  

This year we were able to commemorate Dane's life and legacy with this amazing photo by Raine Turnbull, which we have turned into a limited edition, large format poster print. If you would like a copy, they are available here (or click the photo), with all proceeds going to the costs of running the jam.

The pre-order for our first ever custom race jersey is nearly closed so if you are wanting to slip one of these on in a few weeks, get your order in before midnight on the 24th of September (AEST)!

Camo/Black Jersey Pre-Order here

Black/Black Jersey Pre-Order here

Here's a few more shots of the jersey in action below. Photos by Jack Gruber.

Tyson at the snail, 360 bermslider. Brendan Boeck Photo.

If you didn't realise that we released Zac Miner's section early for his 30th birthday, then go watch that now if you want to see it in order! Next up with the release is Back Bone co-owner Mr.Tyson Jones-Peni. Tyson's riding is as powerful and as badass as it gets. He leaves nothing left in the tank and isn't afraid to try something that he has only thought as possible in his own mind.

A large percentage of these clips are close to first try (which is very lucky considering the gnarly nature of them) and Tyson covers all disciplines of riding in a very well rounded section.

When Tyson's not working in the store and he's on his bike, this is an accurate representation of his riding at all times.

- Rhysty

Filmed and edited by Brendan Boeck with additional filming from the crew.

Above: Van Homan, rail fufanu at the banks. Screenshot taken from 'the best video part of all time' - Criminal Mischief. The video came out in 2001, which puts this clip at 16+ years old.

This post is something that is almost too weird to comprehend - if you don't ride BMX that is. How a small, steep, banked piece of concrete with a railing on top can be so revered.. especially when it sits within a housing complex that most citizens wouldn't dare step foot in (unless you happen to be one of those citizens who is trying to score hard drugs). 

The fact is, that the bank setup at Bega flats has played a big part in BMX for almost two decades and as of right now, thanks to city development and gentrification, has been demolished and is no longer.

BMX riders from Canberra and afar have found themselves here at the Bega flats banks at some point, as the spot sits across the road from the city skatepark and you can't help but see it as you're sitting on the deck of the mini ramp. Most of the time you're pretty quickly greeted by irrate junkies and a bad vibe, so many Canberrans don't count this as a go-to for a session, but nevertheless, locals like Pete Majoinen, Michael Puniard and Zac Miner (among others) have stamped their mark on the spot over the years.

Zac Miner in Troy Charlesworth's Epic Invasion video.

For travelling BMXers eager to film, the Bega flats bank been host to some of the greatest to ever do it. Mike Aitken, Dennis Enarson, Ronnie Napolitan, Josh Harrington - as well as Van Homan scoring two clips at the bank for his Criminal Mischief section (AKA the best section of all time).  

Dennis Enarson, overpedal to barspin in the Haro Australia video in 2010.

Mike Aitken, pegless icepick to fakie from Sentenced to Life.

The Bega flats complex have been torn apart in the last few weeks and it was only a matter of time until the bank itself was going to be no more, so Jack O'Reilly and I made it a point to get in there, shoot some photos and take one last ride on Sunday. It was a strange experience, it's the quietest it's ever been in there riding the spot and to be honest, probably the longest I've ever been there. While the trick we shot was far from the most progressive, it is a crazy feeling to look at it even just days later and know that it will be impossible to do that again.

The demolition of the Bega Flats bank is a reminder of just how good the experience of searching and riding spots is; find it while you can, ride it while you can, take nothing for granted and enjoy the memory.

- Tyson 

The bank as it stood on Sunday 25/6/17. No rails and no sub-rail.

The banks, this morning.

Downside whip, last time ever. Jack O'Reilly photo.