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Above: Baxter Maiwald up in those rafters. Photo: Tyson JP

You'd be hard pressed to find something more inspiring to watch than this video from the Valley View Jam in 2021.

Will Kerr has built a yearly jam that has happened since 2008 into something that has evolved into him and his brother Chris creating one of the most badass scenes in Australia. They've evolved the trails in their parents backyard to include some savage 30 foot sets and 10 foot lips. Over the years, Will has bought his own place with his partner Helen and what started off as a humble shed, has evolved into one of the best indoor setups I've ever seen.

Built with the homies AKA the stayers, Will's bowl is next level - a true display of the DIY ethic taken to the next level.

Valley View 2021 was captured by none other than James Fox and the jam focused on getting the shed and the trails to the next level. 

This video captures one hell of a vibe - the grin is ear to ear on this one for sure.

Watch it and get stoked to maybe, one day, built your own backyard paradise.

Head Judge and coach Chris Harti letting some of the riders know what's up in Tumut! Photos by Tyson JP

Tumut - the picturesque town on the fringes of the Kosciuszko National Park, was host to the 3rd stop in the Youth Adventure Skatepark series of competitions. We're sponsoring and helping to run these events in the form of judging and coaching. It's been so fun to get to these regional towns - it's always refreshing to ride new places and meet new riders who are either brand new, or experienced in BMX. Whether the park is an epic megalithic structure, or basic, I've never had a bad time riding something new.

A few riders from Canberra made the trip across to Tumut for the event, I shot some photos for it below. The next stop is on the 12th of February in Bombala - hope to see you there. Check the schedule for the rest of the stops below and register here to ride in the next one.

- Tyson

Chris Harti, coaching hat on, with local rider Mason.

Mason hitting the box after some pointers from Chris!

Chris Harti ripping one in between coaching and judging duties..

Another young ripper Kydan, stylin' the hip.

Awards time for some of the crew.

Young Sasha ripped into the 1st place position for the under 12s... Big old table!

John Graham has had a long history of BMX in this region, he's the guy who put this whole comp series together! Epic stuff. He can also fold a table over with the best of em.

Isaac Van De Kamp is one heck of a rider - second place in open, and a steezy downside whip for good measure.

Troy Harradine blitzed it in the Tumut comp and took home first place, as well as an invite to the final in Jindabyne! He'll be a real shot to take home $1000 cash in the final for sure.

The top 3 in open (with a tie for 3rd..) L - R: John Graham, Troy Harradine, Isaac Van De Kamp & Anthony Hudson.

We want to wish the trail building, shark-muscled legend and great friend Chris Harti a very Happy 30th Birthday today!

It's been awesome to watch Chris go from a young kid with the nickname 'Gunners Chris' (for his domination of his local park); to a young adult who worked in the shop and was never afraid to tell a customer just how good a BMX was; to a man who has travelled the world in pursuit of good times on his BMX, with his own signature Hartbreaker frame from Fitbikeco - and even a signature bike, the Fit TRL Harti! 

Beyond riding, Chris is a great bloke that we've had the pleasure of having a great friendship with over the past two decades. Looking forward to seeing what Level 3 brings - one thing's for certain - you'll see Chris pitching some savage whip outs on some big dubs he helped build! 

 Happy Birthday Harti!

Just a few moments in time from the blast master, Chris Harti. Photos: Tyson JP

Another memory.. Chris blew our minds with the biggest 360 we'd ever seen at Cam White's Hillside trails. First shot, 12 years ago. Video: 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 

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!

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.

What a way to rip into a Tuesday arvo.. We're psyched to put Harti's section online for everyone to see. Chris put in serious work to make his section happen, not only in terms of riding, but spending a bunch of time building one of the most serious trail spots ever with Raine Turnbull. If you don't see Harti around the parks, it's because he is at the trails. But don't let that fool you, Chris has shut down multiple lines at the parks too. If you've ever been to Belco or Civic parks, you'll know that what he does at these parks in the video is ridiculous.

Sit back and watch the Hartbreaker himself, then go chuck on a Rat crewneck and join the crew!