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Making memories with the Australian BMX scene - ACT Jam 2021 recap
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..
ACT Jam 2021 Details
It's all here and finally we can share it with you. Stoked as!
The number one thing to do now is register to ride! This is through AusCycling and covers your insurance and public liability.
All riders must be registered to ride/take part in prize money and cannery event before Midnight Thursday April 1st.
Details for rider sign-up when creating profile in link below:
- Find the 'Open Now! Click to enter' button
- Fill out personal information
- Under 'Membership type / governing body, if you do not have an AusCycling membership, choose 'N/A'
- Under 'club' type 'Freestyle ACT BMX Club'
- Create Profile - non AusCycling members pay $15 for insurance, AusCycling members $5.
BentSpoke Brewing Co. & Back Bone BMX present ACT Jam 2021
Major Sponsors:
Build Crew:
With Support From:
Locations
April 2 – Weston Creek skatepark – 4pm start
The epic battle at Weston is back!
April 3 – Tuggeranong skatepark – 3pm
We loved Tuggers so much that it’s back for 2021. Expect some rad additions at this one to make it even more fun.
April 4 – BentSpoke Cannery, 79 Lysaght St Mitchell - 12pm start
We’re back at BentSpoke HQ with an even better ramp setup than ever. Expect a ‘Slay the Rails’ street event, as well as a killer ramp setup. We’re building the ultimate high air quarter, as well as the ultimate best trick box jump – so expect to see the heaviest moves go down here.
At the BentSpoke stop there will be serious cash prizes for:
- Best Trick
- Best whip (High jump on the box)
- High Air on the Vans 10ft quarter pipe
- Street Slayer ($1000)
- as well as a bunch more.
Best rider of the whole (long) weekend will be crowned King of the ACT and take home $2000 CASH.
Afterparty and Ranch Hand Video Premiere – BentSpoke Cannery, 79 Lysaght St Mitchell
After the riding is all said and done, we’ll have the awards ceremony and afterparty kicking off at the Cannery, with the long awaited Ranch Hand BMX video also being premiered by Brendan Boeck. Bands, Music, BMX. It’ll be a time!
Spectating is free at all stops, but will be capped at 500 people total including riders.
A COVID Safe Plan will be followed.
ACT Jam 2021 - The details so far..
ACT Jam 2021 is ON!
We have to still be conscious of the whole COVID-19 scenario that is permeating through the atmosphere, but we (through our club FACT BMX) are working dang hard to make this one happen. And make it bigger than ever before.
We're still working on a few details to finalise shortly and will make public as soon as possible. But we thought we'd give a few tidbits of info for those who are chasing a little more to get excited about.
ACT Jam 2021 Current information
- BentSpoke are in for 2021! The last ACT Jam we held in 2019 was amazing, with the final stop being held at their cannery on a ramp setup that was built by Jason Watts, the Fast and Loose gang and a couple of Canberra legends. Can you imagine riding BMX in a place that is also brewing the number 1 beer in the country? That's what happened at ACT Jam in 2019.
- April 2 (Friday night) and the first stop will be at Weston skatepark. That's right, Weston is back on the cards for 2021.
- We will be following a COVID-19 safe plan. It's just got to be done, it's the world we live in. But know that we'll be taking all the necessary precautions to adhere to current COVID-19 guidelines
- Local legends Hardwood Projects, Miner Projects and NBD Constructions are heading up the building of the ramps with Jason Watts. Exciting times lay ahead..
- The BMX industry will be getting behind the 2021 ACT Jam as they do every year - more on that soon
- Ranch Hand video will be premiered at ACT Jam - the highly anticipated video by Brendan Boeck
Keep checking back for more info.. But you already know by now to be in Canberra April 2 - 4, right?
Kris Fox giving the crowd at BentSpoke a show! Photo: Jack Gruber
Goulburn BMX Jam and Coaching
The year is 2021 and that's the unofficial year of the jam for us. Along with the rad Summer Nights jams that have been poppin' off every Friday at Belconnen skatepark, we're also hitting lightspeed into another dimension. The other dimension happens to be about an hour up the road, at Goulburn skatepark. Join us for a jam on the 31st of January (Sunday). Good times, some giveaways and a chance to ride somewhere new, as well as getting to meet some of the locals!
Not only is there a jam, but earlier in the day, Tyson will be running a BMX coaching clinic at the park from 3 - 4pm. Anyone who is interested, please email coaching@backbonebmx.com.au with your name and contact phone number. Tyson will be in touch!
Summer Nights BMX Jams at Belco
Even though the world is on fire at the moment, there's plenty to be hyped on, BMX wise. We're kicking of the start of the year with some fun, summer night jams every Friday of January at the local park, Belconnen.
We are going to have few little giveaways for attendance too, so be sure to make it if you can!
#CBRBMX is going to be kicked off right!
The Hellsworth Trip (NSW skateparks are best out west)
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
There's a BMX built DIY skatepark in Canberra (Video)
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
Valley View Trail Camp 2020
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
Expression - Tyson Jones-Peni BMX Video
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
