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We've got two rad things to do in Canberra these school holidays, with Tyson running school holiday Freestyle BMX coaching, as well as a BMX Maintenance Workshop running at the shop.

For more info, or to book, e-mail:

Bike Maintenance Workshops: info@backbonebmx.com.au

School Holiday & Term 2 Coaching: coaching@backbonebmx.com.au

Our Bike Maintenance workshop will focus on gaining confidence in resolving basic mechanical issues. This will include how to fix/change a tube the right way.

Tyson also has his term 2 dates for Freestyle BMX coaching up too, so if you'd like to be involved, then send through an e-mail to book a spot.

Foundation (level 1) coaching: For riders who are newer to BMX, or riders who want to nail the basics, this class will be focusing on learning and perfecting the most important aspects of freestyle BMX.

Improver (level 2) coaching: For riders who are confident with foundation movements in freestyle BMX, but are looking to expand their trick repertoire and improve on their skills.

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.

Tyson has got some BMX coaching going down at 3 skateparks across Canberra over the school holidays. This is fitting in with a busy time of BMX competitions in the Snowy Monaro region.. Which means it could be a good way to brush up on some BMX skills for the comp series.

The Snowy Monaro/Southern Region skatepark series kicks off mid January, with stops at:

• Cooma skatepark, January 18
• Queanbeyan skatepark, January 20
• Tumut skatepark January 22 

Then 8 more stops in the same series, until the finals in April at Jindabyne.

The beginner coaching is suitable for riders reasonably new to BMX, but if you have any questions or would like to know what group you'd fit into, or to book, please email coaching@backbonebmx.com.au

Spots are limited!

Learn tables from Tyson! Photo: Rhys Williams

Above: The crew who journeyed to the central west, at Tamworth skatepark (with a few locals in the line up as well!)

I love when riders are industrious about making things happen. It's no secret that we are big fans of building and maintaining BMX - and I think an important part of that is trips to places to ride with other BMXers.

But why? What makes it important?

One answer is, it gets you out of your bubble. It makes you realise that there is more to what life is (on a BMX bike, or not), than just your current circumstances.

You learn that there are people everywhere, living different lives - and in the case of BMX - riding and experiencing BMX through a different lens. And you get to be a part of this when you're on the road.

This sounds obvious, but sometimes we get so caught up in what we have in front of us that breaking out and going somewhere new and different can be refreshing, for both you, and the riders you meet across your travels.

The park that riders are graced with in their local area, or the lack of riders, or the proximity to other spots - is all something you can feel and experience for a short while when you're in a new town. 

But you know what, there's more to it than just that..

Bar Beach skatepark, lit up - thanks to the locals. Talk about seeing things in a new light. Photo: Karl Cottrell

Another reason is, riders that choose to go on these trips form closer bonds and better friendships than ever.

The comradery that forms on trips like the one that we just went on is legendary. Nothing but encouragement and great times along the way.

But the final reason, and certainly just as important..

Will 'Keys to the City' Gunn had to buy a bigger keyring on the trip.. He's the owner of a few new 'keys to the city' after the way he tore each park to pieces. Tamworth transfer. Photo: Tyson JP

Riding new places is the like being thrown back into the baby pool of riding. When you arrive at a new spot or skatepark, you have to figure out a line, the transition, what works and what doesn't. 

Sure, there might be transitions that are smoother than others, but the learning experience is what makes it really special. The challenge of the unknown and the ability to adapt. I'd prefer to figure out how to ride a new spot, even if it's less than ideal, and your level of riding is down a notch or two from how you ride your local.

Every park and spot we went to on the trip was different - in a good way. We rode a lot of big transitions and each of them was fun, and challenging. 

We even rode a wallride in the middle of nowhere that was by no means perfect, but it was worth it, just to add a new riding experience to your belt. 

The great thing is, the riding crew you are with is doing the same thing. Not to mention, you are learning off the locals and forming new relationships with them. The phrase 'feeding off each other' is never more appropriate than when on a trip. 

Chowgy (AKA Ryan Saville) adapted to everything at full throttle. This wallride was no exception. The bank was steep and the bottom was more than kinked, but he made it look good all the same. Photo: Tyson JP

The NSW skateparks just keep getting better and better in the central and north west. Tamworth skatepark is one of the best I've ridden in a long time - 24 hour lights, deep transitions - and many more lines to still be discovered. Very recommended.

At the start I said I love when riders are industrious.. Our 'Hellsworth' trip was spurred on by Arthur Birbilopoulos and Danny Stevenson, so big shout out to those guys for rounding up a crew to shred with. A recommendation to all looking to make their own fun - if you're looking for a trip, all it takes is creating an instagram group with riders and mates you want to ride with. Arthur and Danny took the initiative and it turned into one hell of a memory for all of us.

Almost everyone packed the 'Rebellion' tee we made on the trip and coincidentally a lot of us we wearing it on our visit to the Golden Guitar in Tamworth. 'Gang' photo..

Truthfully, there's plenty more than 3 reasons why you got to get on the road with your friends in the name of BMX. It's definitely a reminder of why BMX is so hard to explain to people who don't do it (one of the conversations that was had on this trip). 

Trips like this cement BMX as a lifestyle and the more people that live that BMX lifestyle, the better off BMX will be. 

Thanks a lot to Karl Cottrell and Brendan Boeck for the additional photos you can see below - can't wait to get on the road again.

- Tyson 

Danny Stevenson stepping on through at Bar Beach. Photo: Tyson JP

This quarter is deep.. Dylan Lewis excels in the deep. Big ol' air in Tamworth. Photo: Karl Cottrell

Dermo can crank a one handed x-up like it ain't no thing! Last stop of the trip, Millthorpe skatepark. Photo: Tyson JP

Sarah Mitchell hitting the oververt in the capsule at Millthorpe. Photo: Tyson JP

Jye is a part of the Hambone crew and was popping the sickest toboggan fakies at Bar Beach. Stoked to get a roll with the Hambone homies! Photo: Tyson JP

Arthur has some of the nicest tables around. Folded at Tamworth. Photo: Karl Cottrell

We arrived at Dubbo just before dark and got a few laps, but the next day was a little windy.. But the park is too good to pass up a ride on. Tyson JP x-up. Photo: Brendan Boeck

Dylan Lewis has the most casual airing style considering how high he goes.. It just looks so damn effortless. Then when the turndown is cranked, it's mindblowing. Huge at Wellington skatepark. Photo: Brendan Boeck 

Will Gunn, upside down at Dubbo. This is mind boggling! Photo: Tyson JP

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

Riding BMX is my ultimate artistic expression, something that is on my mind at all times, that I live and breathe; something that I uncouple the marker of "good" from the basis of skill. 

It's why I love to create and love to learn in all avenues of my life.. I am thankful to have learnt so much from BMX and continue to do so everyday.

Thanks to Brendan Boeck and my wife Melissa for helping out a lot with this project, and to Wethepeople, Vans Australia, Eclat and of course Back Bone BMX, thanks for keeping me rolling.

Hope you enjoy!

- Tyson

Danny Stevenson lived up to his name on this trip. Full weaponhead status in Bondi deep end. Photo: Tyson JP

The quest for riding concrete bowls never ends.

We took a trip up the coast with not too much of an itinerary, except to ride some parks we hadn't before, as well as get a better session at some that we had. The NSW coast offers up some ridiculously good concrete skateparks, but we had bowls in mind - hopefully some with some deep transition.

We definitely got a good serving of them.

We also got to plan our trip around heading to the Blake Butterfield memorial jam that took place on the Saturday evening at Thornleigh skatepark. We've been helping Brodie Butterfield out with prizes for the jam in his brother's honour since the beginning, so it was great to make attendance this year.

There was an amazing turnout of riders and it was awesome to put faces to names of customers who have supported the store over the years. It's such a buzz to watch riders you don't know absolutely rip their local park to shreds. 

Hayden Burr AKA the Sydney Haydos took home the best rider award, stoked to help with his swag of gear for his efforts. Thanks for the support mate! 

Haydos with the spine tailwhip at Thornleigh! Photo: Tyson JP

Haydos with his well deserved 'best rider' prizes. Photo: Tyson JP

We ended up at Bar Beach bowl in Newcastle for our final day. After 3 full days of riding in the sun, the crew was toasted, but the allure of the bowl was far too much to stay in the shade. We took our final laps and got a really good last session in before packing the van for the trip home.

If there's one recommendation to leave you to ponder on, it's this.

Get out there and ride different spots.

Riding new parks, with different layouts and even feeling different transitions under your wheels is a pretty unique experience. Obviously there's the feeling that comes with mastering your local park, but the feeling of being on alien turf can be exciting and challenging, all at once.

By no means did we conquer parks, but it's a cool feeling to know that there's plenty of places to take you out of your comfort zone, and make you excited to ride, that are waiting everywhere.

It also is nice to experience what works, and what doesn't - so that if the chance arises that you can make something in your own town, you have experience to draw on. 

We pulled the camera out a lot on this trip, hope you enjoy the video and photos and they get you psyched for your own trip somewhere!

- Tyson

Russ going scenic with this epic table at Bar Beach. Photo: Tyson JP

Bobby got that pop! Way up there at Bateau Bay. Photo: Tyson JP

Tyrone Edwards making it look all too effortless at Bondi bowl. Photo: Tyson JP

Sydney legend Dermo twisted down at Thornleigh. Photo: Tyson JP

Weaponhead with the weapon shred lookback at Bar Beach. Photo: Tyson JP

Will Gunn, proper 360 table over the spine at Thornleigh. Photo: Tyson JP

Here it is, don't even try. The best table ever. Benn Pigot at Thornleigh. Photo: Tyson JP

Have you got one of our new BMX Island tees that Tyson is modelling yet?

The year is coming to a close.. Here's our trading hours for our retail shop.

It's a busy time of year and we're currently winding down our retail shop opening hours before we break for Christmas. Today (23/12) we're open until 5.30pm, then tomorrow (Christmas Eve 24/12) we're open 10am - 3pm.

And then we close the shop until the 6th of January!

Don't fret though..

There's plenty left for us to do during the time the shop is closed, namely taking care of sending out orders and emails. 

So if you are placing orders in between 24/12 - 6/1 we'll be doing our best to get them out in a timely manner.

Now you've read the important stuff, here's a few photos we have been sitting on for a while..

Will Gunn dipping it over the channel at Belconnen. Photo: Tyson JP

Russell Brindley getting whipped on the Hut jump, Snails. Photo: Tyson JP.

Tyson Jones-Peni with a 360 x-up on the rarely spun hut jump at Snails. Photo: Karl Cottrell

Above: Kris McCreath AKA Parrot, ripping around the berm toward the hut.

Every November since 2012, we've ran a jam to commemorate the life of our friend, team rider and absolute savage trail rider, Dane Searls.

We have never wanted the D.A.N.E. jam to be the only jam to pay respect to his legendary life, nor should it be.

A jam where hundreds of people turn up, or a private jam that only a few in-the-know locals have, doesn't matter, especially when it's to acknowledge and celebrate the life of a legend like Dane Searls.

This year we wanted to encourage riders worldwide to hold a jam for Dane - and the BMX community worldwide responded amazingly!

Riders locally, interstate, and across the globe, got tires on the dirt at the trails, or shovels in the dirt if the weather wasn't favourable. We even saw a few riders who took a couple of laps at the park. But it was all for Dane. 

We think it's a beautiful way to celebrate this legend, to let his name and legacy ring out among the worldwide BMX scene every year.

Special thanks goes out to Jonny Mackellar who ran a public jam at Sumner's trails up in QLD, but just a huge thanks in general to those who ran a jam, or took a lap, in Dane's honour this year. 

A bunch of the crew here in Canberra got together and rode the trails, there was a few Dane Searls-esque moves thrown down (although no 60ft supermans), plenty of good times to celebrate a legend.

Thanks to Brendan Boeck for the photos.

RIP Dane Searls.

Russell Brindley, with the tuck n dive. Weaponhead in tow.

Will Gunn, if in doubt, kick it out!

Tyson Jones-Peni, mid rotate.

Danny Stevenson AKA Weaponhead, giving it a weapon shred, while Will follows him UP.

Vice versa! Will in the air, Danny leading the way. Fold N Hold.

Rhysty kickin it on the spine.

Rusty hesh, layin it out.

Weaponhead with the Dane inspired no foot can!