What an incredible first jam... And it almost didn't happen!
Running a five stop BMX jam tour up and down the east coast of Australia sounds like an amazing time (and don't get me wrong, I am HYPED), but when the forecast calls for rain for the entire week...
You start sweating.
It was a week of restless sleeps.
Text messages and DMs from riders from across the country.
"What happens if it's raining, will you postpone it? Call it off? Move it?"
I forged ahead and did my best to remain positive, replying to all with the answer:
"It's happening unless it's absolutely looking like it's not, then we'll figure it out."
I started the first day of my 1200+ km drive and almost immediately it started raining.
The next day after picking up my colleague and friend Mikhayla from the Gold Coast, the rain continued... on... and on... and on.
The forecast actually got upgraded as we drove, going from an optimistic 70% 0 - 10mm of showers, to a very doomy 30 - 85mm of rain and thunderstorms.
The 8 hour drive took close to 11 hours, thanks to the pelting rain, almost the entire way there.
We hit the Newcastle outskirts and something happened.
The skies cleared.
It was as if a ray of hope shined down from the sky; even if it was night.
We spent the rest of the drive breathing a little easier and reached Umina Beach at 10pm.
Stopping by the park, we were overwhelmed.
Above: Jesse James, the Lipton Lord - all style. Photo: Tony Ridley
Firstly, the Umina Beach skatepark is easily the most impressive skatepark I've seen in recent memory. It actually verges on "facility" more than skatepark. A huge footprint, featuring a picture perfect bowl that is expansive; complete with a deep end and unique layout.
Coupled to that, a massive street section that seems to have every feature you could desire, while steering clear of kooky obstacles.
And on top of that, two pump tracks - a basic concrete track for beginners, as well as an epic asphalt pump track that could be enough to keep most BMX riders hyped for a long time.
Above: Harry Myers roasting with a leg dangle. Photo: Tony Ridley
Not only was the Umina bowl exciting, but the inhabitants that night got me stoked beyond belief too. I couldn't believe it, but we were greeted by a heavy crew camping in the bowl that had traveled from Coffs Harbour, Sydney and Newcastle.
A definite stoke booster, to have riders committed to the first stop of Roast The Coast - rain, hail, or shine - the crew was building the hype.
Above: The merch tent complete with Sodii hydration station (which went bananas FYI...) Photo: Tony Ridley
Despite a 100% chance of heavy rain, the next morning brought clouds, so it was full steam ahead. We setup, with many more riders flocking to the bowl from all over the east coast of Australia.
It was a ripper turn out - and the weather just kept betting better!
There was incredible riding from so many, but a few standouts in my eyes were Oli Montague, who from first drop in blasted everything in a super creative way.
Above: Oli Montague jumped the 30ft roller, then turndowned it. It was epic. Photo: Tony Ridley
Jesse James AKA Lipton Lord, rode with epic style. The dude is a straight up chiller, even when he's 10 foot up.
Josh Eaton was tearing it to pieces too, he's got the moves! Heavy tricks done with a maturity and dialled-ness that you'd expect from someone 10 years his senior. He killed it.
Danny Weaponhead Stevenson was airing both ways so casually, he has such a nice style to watch.
There were soooo many rippers, too many to name...
But one more, was Mitch from Asylum (Mitch Dooley). Mitch was over from the UK with his mate Ellis, they both shred (although Ellis was sitting out with a busted wrist). Mitch BLASTED. He even won the high air. He also did the most casual whip air I've seen in a minute.
Above: Mitch Dooley cleared the 12ft height pole! Photo: Tony Ridley
Lots of shredding, in fact we got a full day in - the rain stayed away until the event was all packed up; the perfect sign that Roast The Coast was meant to happen!
The video below will do the rest of the talking.
I'm so glad so many people turned up for it. The whole point of Roast The Coast is to build a calendar for riders to get together and make memories.
If you were there, I would like to think you left with some good ones.
Shout out to all that helped along the way, Weaponhead, the Presbury's, Shane Darwin and Tony Ridley for the photos.
See you at Byron Bay, June 14, for stop two of Roast The Coast!
Roast The Coast
PRESENTED BY VANS and BACKBONE BMX
Supported by Sodii Hydration, Wethepeople BMX and Drover Projects.
- Tyson
