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It's hard to imagine a more fitting BMX video for this current climate than the recently released 'Dirt Rules' S&M Bikes flick.

We've been in multiple lockdowns, skatepark closures, travel restrictions and more over the last couple of years.

One thing that did flourish over this time is the building of trails and the trail scene in general. While there was plenty to gripe about in regards to BMX and Covid, the trail builder saw it as an opportunity to dive into the woods and get it done with an even more laser focus.

Dirt Rules is both a celebration of those whose time was spent building at the trails, while simultaneously celebrating the reward of sharing them with your mates when the time came for the world to open up once more.

There's a lot more to BMX than just the act of riding BMX and this video from S&M Bikes is a reminder of exactly what makes it so awesome.

A big pat on the back is deserved for those diggers of the spots on the video for making this whole video possible. Inspiration comes from this crew in spades.

Give yourself 45 minutes, figure out a way to watch this on a bigger screen if you can, and get really stoked to pick up a shovel and make things happen - cause Dirt Rules!

Posh royalty J-Bones and the Mad Dog Chris Moeller walking back to the top, Back Bone style.

Rhysty, the Steel Panther, and the aim of the game..The finish line. Photos: Tyson JP

Rhysty jumped back into BMX racing a few years ago and has been making moves across the east coast, travelling to races like the Australian titles earlier this year, as well as the recent state round at Southlake BMX track last weekend.

Rhys recently dialled in his latest race rig, an S&M Steel Panther, so we thought it was a good chance to show what gets him snapping out of the gate and across the finish line.

RHYS WILLIAMS (RHYSTY) S&M STEEL PANTHER BIKE CHECK

• Frame: S&M Steel Panther frame, 21.75" Black
• Forks: S&M Race forks
• Stem: S&M Credence Turtleneck
• Headset: Back Bone
• Bars: Back Bone Kicked Out bars
• Grips: ODI Ruffian grips
• Cranks: Profile Elite, 177.5mm
• Sprocket: Profile Elite chainring, 46t
• Pedals: Crank Brothers Stamp 7 pedals
• Chain: Shadow Conspiracy Interlock chain, 3/32"
• Seat: Tioga D-Spyder Pivotal
• Seat Post: DRS Pivotal
• Seat Clamp:Salsa quick release
• Hub (front): Profile Elite
• Hub (rear): Profile Elite Cassette hub, 17t cog
• Rims: Sun Envy rims
• Tire (front): Tioga Powerblock, 1.95"
• Tire (rear): right now, a Tioga Powerblock, 1.75"
• Brakes:  Promax P1
• Brake Lever: Promax P1
• Brake Cable: Promax

Give me a bit of a rundown of your race bike:

This bike compared to the 38 Special feels a lot more stiff. The Steel Panther frame is sleeker and I'm loving the in-built chain tensioners. I went for a longer length for a bit more stability at high speed. I guess I just really like CRMO bikes so I can bike rack a few doubles and not have to worry about it too much [laughter].

Plus I'm just trying to hold onto my roots as much as possible. I've got nothing against the dudes running alloy and carbon frames - it just makes my bike look even better [laughter].

I have another bike for riding the trails and skatepark, but lately I've had some really good sessions at the skatepark on my race bike, which might just become more of a thing for me in the future. With the setup I've got the only thing that you'd have to change is the tires.

While I'd love to run a 44/16 gearing, I quite like the 46/17 combo with the rear tire I'm running now. I'm not the most powerful dude to the first jump but that gearing is a good in between for me.

I have always run Profile products. No doubt there's lighter products and hubs with quicker engagement, but personally Profile hasn't ever let me down.

I also love Sun rims, I've run them forever and I'm just sticking with stuff that I know is quality gear. I'm too old to have a part fail on me at high speed.

When I was younger I snapped the head tube off some alloy frames. While I'm sure alloy frames are made a lot stronger now, I don't want to risk it.

I bolted on a set of the (just about to be released) Back Bone handlebars which have a traditional sweep compared to a lot of the flatter bars that racers run. I just like a good feeling set of bars that feel good to jump, rather than get a slightly better gate with flat bars that feel horrible to me. 

I run a slightly wider front tire than most on the track, I just like the way it feels and I don't think it makes too much of a difference for rolling resistance.

I never thought I'd get back into BMX racing like I have. All I really want to do is ride the trails full time, but now that my two boys race, racing has taken on a different meaning for me. I get share the experience of travelling to BMX event with them, and cheer them on. I'm less worried about my results and the competition has become more about doing the best that I can, rather than what position I ended up in.

I want to say a big thanks to Chris Moeller and Scott Shepherd for helping me out with this badass bike, Andrew Mapstone at Vans for keeping my feet fresh and BentSpoke for keeping me hydrated after the race.