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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, 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 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 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 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. 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.

Award 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!

Jason Watts, this is a lookback that happened AFTER he caught a decade. Decade-to-lookback. Insane.

Ryan Saville getting full Chowgy.

Cody Pollard tuckin & diving while Wilton Hedley cranks into the quarter.

Wilton Hedley, pull back or die.

Tyrone Edwards always making it look good.

Jonny Mackellar ripping the 360 nac nac.

Jason Watts going super large on the extension at Weston.

Dylan Steinhardt with the super heavy up wheels to barspin at BentSpoke.

270 back seat grab by the King of the ACT, Josh Dove.

Matt Green getting it done with the 360 over the rail.

It 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..

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

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

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

Tyson letting the hands fly. Photo: Troy Harradine

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

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

A few of the crew loungin' at the newest pool in town. 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.