DIG BMX ISSUE 99.99

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CODY POLLARD

PHOTO: MITCH WOOD

BEN GORDON PHOTO BY JAMES HOLMES

VIDEO OUT NOW UNITEDBIKECO.COM

No—99.99

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DIG ISSUE 99.99 — JANUARY 2020 FUELING IMAGINATION SINCE 1993. © — DIGBMX™ On The Cover: 2019 - The year of the Australians, Ben Pigot and Jacob Deveney were up at 4am for this sunrise table teamwork shot at Bondi flats.

Photo: Lucas Camino

Denim Cox. DIG House NYC. Photo: Wes McGrath ← On This Page

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The DIG House NYC

Mat Hoffman

Words & Photos

"Edwin said what?"

Never Meet Your Heroes

by Rob Dolecki

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Jeremy Pavia breaks the golden rule.

Walsh / Watts / Gralla

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/ Lazaruk / Hoder

The DIG Awards

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2019 as we saw it.

Lux Aeterna

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The most underrated video of the year.

Doomed in China

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"The job is fooked!"

Pascal Lafontaine

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The DIG 2019 Rider of the year.

BMX (doesn't) SUCK (s)

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Mikes Hinkens on the state

2019 In Photos

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of 'our' nation.

The ones you really want

KINK Champagne

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to save for print...

Nathan Williams & Darryl Tocco.

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Warsaw Rising

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DIG X SHADOW X SUBROSA

Breaking Glasgow

in Poland.

DIG X Odyssey X BSD.

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Sleepers

Vans Peru

From night until day via

Two heavy crews on a mission.

the lens of Lucas Camino.

Publisher / Editor In Chief

Assistant Editors

Additional Photography

Art Director

Photograhers

& Editorial

Will Smyth

Wes McGrath & Rob Dolecki

will.smyth@digbmx.com

wes@digbmx.com/rob@digbmx.com

Associate Publisher

Design & Layout

fred@digbmx.com

− Kevin Conners − Jeremy Pavia − Jason Colledge − Lucas Camino − Eisa Bakos − Ben Norris − Mat Hoffman − Mike Vockenson − Pierre Gauthier

A 'This Is Ours' production 2019/2020 #hashtagamychops

Above & Beyond − Mike Hinkens

Photographer / Editor Fred Murray

Luke Godson & Timothy Farrell bylandmark.co.uk

− Calvin Kosovich − Ryan Fudger − Jordan Godwin − Toby Goodyear − Ben Gea − Cooper Brownlee − Chris Mortenson − Nathan Sykes − Chris Hallman

2 0 2 0 S I G N AT U R E B I K E S

Dan Conway • TEAM SIGNATURE / TEAM / COMP MODELS • 21 / 21.25” TOPTUBE SIZES • 13.4” BACK END / 75.5º HEADTUBE • CROMOLY MIX TUBING / PROVEN SPEC • 4PC OG GT BARS / LP5 TYRES / STREET READY

D G H OU SE N YC

The DIGhouseNYC roommates in full attendance: Brandon Begin, Mark Burnett, Hobie Doan, Miki Fleck, Denim Cox, Reed Stark and Joris Coulomb. Special thanks to Cult, Shadow, Subrosa, Kink, United and BSD, for helping to make this trip happen.

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Intro and Photography by Wes McGrath Story by Ben Norris

New York has the best people, characters, crazies.

This lady turned out to really like what Begin was up to.

It always starts with an idea…

Each time we begin our day, there is an end goal in mind.

Whether or not it’s in the forefront of our thoughts, the subconscious continues to steer the ship towards the ultimate passions and pursuits ahead. When this is distilled down into the context of BMX, you must look at the people involved: as bike riders we are geared to the direction of progress and to hold a mindset of consistency within ourselves… This is key to the evolution of the personal goals that inadvertently connect us to a community that reaches all around the world.

After years of riding, traveling, and photographing I have begun to notice different patterns within the fabric of riders that make up our world. Street riders and street riding continue to remain the core essence of BMX. From the roots to the fruits, street holds us down and is today’s cornerstone of that progressive and consistent mindset. When I first had the idea to create a trip encompassing this fabric I admire so, I began to converse with friends about the possibilities of changing the structure of your typical team trip. The main goal was to bring

together a select group of riders, each from a different company, to accentuate their individualities through riding.

In doing this, we could create a new crew, and a new energy, that could really work towards everyone’s advantage.

So, we decided to invite seven riders for seven days to Brooklyn, New York - the week of Austin Augie's inaugural D.O.T.S. jam - and put them all under one roof, along with myself and freshfaced Aussie filmer Ben Norris, to see what could happen. Miki Fleck, Reed Stark, Hobie Doan, Joris Coulomb, Brandon Begin, Denim Cox, and Mark Burnett all jumped at the chance to bundle up and get down for the first installment of DIGhouse, the NYC edition.

In the end, what is it all worth? Besides the friends, clips, photos, bodegas, spots, girls, spliffs and… the list goes on, it all boils down to the experience. And what is more important than life experience? BMX gives us a special pathway to the people who inspire us, to the places we admire, and to continue this lifestyle in any way we choose. Bike riding is freedom and remember:

Dig House NYC

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New York is basically a BMX history museum. Even when you think you’re stumbling upon a new spot, you quickly realize the move you wanted has been done and archived for years already. Begin soon found a new way over this hard-shell taco.

“In doing this, we could create a new crew, and a new energy.”

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Of course, what kind of trip would it be without some makeshift

couch-cushion beds in the kitchen?

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Photo Captions

by Wes McGrath

Joris and Brandon chillin’ and getting a free ride on the NYC metro as the sun breaks through the cloudy sky and adds some fresh warmth. You know, livin’ is easy.

THE NITRO CIRCUS APARTMENT Despite the fluke occurrence of the front door lock breaking and trapping half of us inside the house and the other half outside, we soon became friends with our landlords (who lived right above us). It turns out, the landlord of our apartment is the owner of the company that provides all of the big airbags for the Nitro Circus events. Needless to say, we were in good company with our neighborly property overseers.

The house treated us well. In the basement Miki, Hobie, and Joris slept like zombies in the pitch-black darkness, as the rest of us slept all over the first floor. All of this made for early morning breakfast by Miki, bikes and beers strewn around the house, and that unmistakable feeling: the essence of BMX. - WM

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Begin is never one to back down from a setup. He has known

about this spot for years and he’s always had this up-rail 60/40 in mind. Cold and in the dark, no problem.

Dig House NYC

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Joris pays attention to spot details most riders don’t. He had some more tricks up his sleeve, but when we were yelled at from a window above, he took it as a sign to move on... sometimes that foresight can save you a lot of grief.

THIS IS OURS. – Wes McGrath

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The advantage of having no real objective on this trip was that

it led to us just doing whatever and following the flow of spots

rather than just the clip. A team trail session was on the menu,

only this time — city style!

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Union Square, what a NY staple! While I was shooting this

photo I received a text from Robbie Owen saying, “I first met Vic Ayala on those steps. We drank 40’s together! Welcome to NYC!”

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Mark is always on some switch shit. His ease with ambidextrous moves baffles my mind, even after watching him ride for years.

CUT SHORT We all know how it feels to have to cut a trip unexpectedly short—it sucks.

You can’t anticipate getting sick, in trouble with the law, or—even worse— injured. Unfortunately, this time Mark Burnett (left) got the short end of the stick and tore up his hand pretty badly while filming near the end of the trip.

It’s a good thing Denim and a small tube of super glue was around for a quick-drying bandage. Mark is always on top of his game and even though he was on home turf, it goes to show that you still can’t take the time or the place for granted. Utilizing Mark’s local spot knowledge and his sharp NY wit really made each day a bit more interesting. - WM

A DEVIANT DUO We’ve all seen it before: a couple of riders that just seem to blend together and it’s apparent that it’s something special. There was Mirra and Nyquist, Corey and Nathan, but in this case we had Hobie (right) and Miki. This trip was first sparked when they were staying in my living room in Long Beach.

I wondered how can I get these two on the same trip together? And now, in NYC here we are. Just like a couple of kiddos, Miki and Hobie are constantly giving each other a hard time and indefinitely demanding one another to, “ROLL UPP FOOL!” From the house to the shop and on to the spot, their nonstop laughs and jokes kept the cold days more entertaining and more motivating for the whole crew. - WM

Dig House NYC

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On the first morning of the trip, I took a walk to the nearest c offee shop and I couldn’t believe that this setup was only a stone’s throw away from our front porch. Hobie wasted no time getting all over it.

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Very self-explanatory. Hobie,

cold as ice, during the last

days of the trip.

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Hobie is always getting his tires on something, even when there

is barely any space to do so. Wall-smith just before we got the boot.

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As we pulled up to take a break at this local bodega, the crew immediately noticed a little nug worth smoking. Benny quickly took his position and caught all the vibes without skipping a beat.

A FIRST VENTURE Words by Ben Norris

New York is unmistakably its own. In a city renowned for its cracked

to street. Where passersby wore durags as crowns, and the ‘n’ word formed

sidewalks, cracked personalities, and crack itself; nine dudes with seven

part of everyday vernacular, I was quickly thrown off guard by the city’s

days in Brooklyn, found themselves pedaling through a perfect storm of

boisterous personality and forthright persona.

hood hi-jinks, deli sandwiches, and iconic NY spots.

Feeling a little uneasy and very out of place, Reed tells me “New Yorkers are Not bad for a first venture into the fabled land of the free.

opportunists. If you act vulnerable the city’s gonna take advantage of you”.

How is it?

Not entirely reassured, I let my doubts subside over an infamous ‘chopped

“Sketchy. Feels like Brazil.”

cheese’, oblivious to the notion that deli sandwiches would soon become the centre piece of our New York diets. “One chopped cheese? You got it boss”

Miki’s first words didn’t exactly hold the reassurance I was looking for as

booms a thick Italian accent from behind the meat filled counter.

Denim, Reed and I pulled up to our Cypress Hills AirBnB. Leaving the bodega with my tin-foil-wrapped sandwich, New York quickly Trash littered the streets, rats scurried from drains and the night came alive

proved itself as a gold mine for hi-jinks: Mix that many loud personalities

in an off-beat chorus of car horns and coarse conversations stretching street

and every sidewalk, every deli held the potential for a memorable encounter.

Dig House NYC

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Leave it up to Denim to fully take advantage of this color co-ordinated location whist apparently unaffected by snapping a large tree branch off with only his chest moments earlier.

THE STRAIGHT TOOTH AND THE CROOKED LEG

Thankfully for us, his leg was not broken, and the jovial pair were soon on their feet and on their way, as Denim laced the tooth next try.

Case in point: Crackpot #1 and Crackpot #2 (real names unknown). As Denim eyed up a wall rail combo, getting a feel for the straight tooth, our

Eager to prove how a ‘backup’ should be done, Begin went to work on the 60/40.

two Crackpots watched in awe - fueling the session with chimes of spirited

Having just returned off of Cult’s NYC trip, Begin’s East Coast roots proved

enthusiasm.

strong and healthy in a culmination of technical jibbery and local spot knowledge.

Speaking to Crackpot #1, Denim cried “I want a back to back clip with this

BED FOR ONE PLEASE

man! 7 stairs let’s go!”

For an AirBnB that was meant for 6, a healthy supply of blow up mattresses Normally this’d be no big deal. But Crackpot #1 is sketchy. And I mean sketchy.

proved more than capable of housing the entire squad.

As he swerves from side to side, fighting to hold his balance, I silently question the merits of this idea. Keeping my worries to myself I hit record; hoping,

Nonetheless, from taking out a tree, to bevvy’s for breakfast; I quickly learnt

that by some miracle, his self confidence would see him down the set unharmed.

that Denim does not give a fuck. As the rest of the crew slept you could count on him chilling by the couch, sipping a white claw in the place of coffee, and nodding along to some country tunes. All before 8:30 in the

Nope.

morning. Perhaps his early rises had something to do with choosing to sleep With his knee sprawled behind him in a backwards ‘L’ I look from Denim to

on a pallet-sized bench …

Mark, then from Joris to Begin. “My leg’s broke. I broke my leg!”

However, in his defence, if it’s between that and rooming with Joris, maybe Despite feeling slightly responsible, our sympathies were soon forgotten as

I’d pick the bench too. Only joking - but I nearly did get taken out by 'that'

Crackpot #2 raced down the stairs, struggling to suppress his laughter.

swift G-turn to the face. Ha ha.

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Denim enjoying his usual early morning country tunes.

↘ Miki Flec k in Americ a is a wonderful thing to witness!

“When Edwin DeLaRosa hits you with the message “are y'all trying to get arrested?” you know you’re up to some sketchy shit.”

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Paying no mind to the traffic on all sides, I follow Miki and

the boys through countless cuts and close-calls. Just making it through the city can cost you if you’re not careful.

Dig House NYC

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After a few gunshots to keep our focus on the spot, Miki went in for this tire ride to 360. Soon after this photo was taken, we were confronted by a handful of cops who were amazed at why we were even in this area to begin with.

LOYAL TO THE LOCAL

Seriously. The man has more connections than a cheap overseas flight.

Where every spot was a stone’s throw from the nearest bodega (Seriously,

In a country that prides itself as the ‘land of the free’, being underage proved

how can they all stay in business?), an infinite offering of chopped cheese

pretty damn restrictive. But where 21 is the name of the game, Reed came

sandwiches was all the motivation needed for Reed to be first out the house

prepared with an ace up his sleeve. One phone call later and I was off to the

and into the cold.

bar with the rest of the crew - alongside our new friend ‘Raz’ - who just so happened to be homies with the bouncer.

As if in recognition of his hearty sandwich obsession and loyalty to the local bodega, Reed found himself blessed with a rare clip opportunity.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS Returning from the deli in a fit of excitement, Reed roused the crew with news “When I use a cup I know how much I’ve drank”

that t"heir cellar door’s open I'm gonna icepick across it". After lacing it first try, the shopkeeper was more than happy for us to come on in and screen record the CCTV display revealing a security angle from directly overhead. Needless

Those were the famous last words as Miki upended his whiskey into the

to say, it was sandwiches all round as we celebrated the late night success.

bucket-like vase from which he and Hobie were drinking. Where there was Miki, Hobie was never far away - probably somewhere rolling a spliff. In a pot smoking duo that’d give Cheech and Chong a run for their money, the pair

A GAME OF 21

rolled through over 150 spliffs throughout the 11 day trip.

From being stopped in the street by kendama-enthused strangers, to defending

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

the bodega from taser-wielding intruders; Reed’s high energy persona was a When Edwin DeLaRosa hits you with the message “are y'all trying to get

magnet for all sorts of mischief.

arrested?” you know you’re up to some sketchy shit.

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Photos & Captions

by Wes McGrath

↗ Nothing like a little sight-seeing to complete any visit to Brooklyn. Hobie throws the bars for Biggie in front of this long standing mural in his old hood.

It’s peak hour on the subway and we’re shoulder to shoulder with stone faced commuters who fight to navigate the sprawl of BMX bikes littered throughout the carriage.

Eager to reclaim some personal space, Joris and Begin inch their way to the inter-carriage compartment - escaping into the night and over the Williamsburg bridge with a much needed breath of 'fresh air'. Quickly joined by Hobie and Miki, the crew sparks a spliff as the Manhattan skyline recedes into the distance.

THE FINAL BANGS Unwilling to let a bung knee be the end of his trip, Hobie made quick work

“After lacing it first try, the shopkeeper was more than happy for us to come on in and screen record the CCTV display revealing a security angle from directly overhead. ”

of a mellow rail-to-rail a short pedal from the AirBnB. But like a hot knife through butter, an unmistakable CRACK cuts through the session. CRACK CRACK. Two more shots.

Passersby scurry indoors and we quickly find ourselves alone in the Brooklyn projects. As police cars take to the street; Hobie, Reed and Miki persevere with the session, eager to score their final bangs before the curtains closed on the DIGhouse NYC. - Ben Norris It’s not often you’re given the opportunity to travel and hang out with an all star cast of BMXers each representing a different team / sponsor. As such, this article wouldn’t feel complete without extending a huge thank you to Wes McGrath and DIG BMX. From cleaning up every morning, to dealing with the Airbnb hosts in their attempts to leave us frozen, you da real MVP!

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It’s not every day that you find a storm door that makes an ‘L’

ledge, so Reed got me off the couch and down the street to

the bodega for this quick ice-hop-over. Afterwards, we were

warmly welcomed by the shop owner and he even hooked us up

with a little east coast greenery!

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Reed starts his line with a high-speed rail hop. I couldn’t

help but love this angle as it truly shows off Benny’s high-speed skating skills.

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FELIX PRANGENBERG

Photo: Merlin Czarnulla

kunstform BMX Shop & Mailorder Rotebühlstraße 63 | 70178 Stuttgart www.kunstform.org

THE DIG AWARDS 2019

No—99.99 digbmx.com

DIG Rider Of The Year is always a hell of a task to decide on but this year

Pascal stunned the bike community this year with the release of his

was easier than most. There's a lot of incredible humans out there but one

unbelievable comeback video. We aren't talking average riding either - this

rider stood out more than others due to his relentless motivation in the

was technical riding beyond 99% of most people's ability and burly moves

face of major adversity - Pascal Lafontaine. Following on from being

that even Sean Burns would be proud of. A true hero and inspiration. Skip

diagnosed with cancer back in 2015 and then a leg amputation soon after,

to page 50 for the full story.

The Dig Awards 2019

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RIDER OF THE YEAR PASCAL LAFONTAINE 035

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Photo by Pierrre Gauthier

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That ender!

Photo by Ryan Fudger

The Dig Awards 2019

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Kosovich

VIDEO PART OF THE YEAR NATHAN WILLIAMS KINK CHAMPAGNE

Ok. This one isn't too surprising but how can you blame us picking this guy when he keeps putting out instant classics? Nathan Williams has been at it for what seems like forever, but with his move to KINK a few years back we were waiting on his latest masterpiece and we sure got it in the form of

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Champagne. With his signature mix of precision and downright burliness, his section from Champagne is one to remember. And that ender... oh my - well that had us out of our chairs and on our feet, head in our hands. One of the most humble to ever kill it with the best.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR FEDERAL FTS 2019 was another excellent year for full-length BMX videos, with awesome digital video disc offerings from KINK and LUX, but for us the Federal FTS video just edged them both and topped our chart. With a large and outstandingly talented team, the riding was on an incredible level, and obviously with the mind of Rich Forne working on overtime, things were always going to be an unmissable visual treat. As a whole package, with the book and consistent theme, this is going to be one of those productions that is remembered for a long time to come. Some of those security guards could probably do with a few acting lessons though‌

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Forne & Lacey - FTS Photo by Wes Mc Grath

Docherty

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The Dig Awards 2019

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DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR GO FAST PULL UP

It might seem kind of pompous to award a project DIG had a hand in producing, but it’s not about our involvement in “Go Fast Pull Up.” It’s about recognizing Chris Rye’s amazing talent, obsessive devotion, and relentless dedication to crafting a project so thorough, top level of quality, and with incredible attention to detail. Jimmy Levan has been a favorite of DIG for decades now (scoring the cover of Issue 8 back in 1998, which featured Road Fools 1 and that Austin Church gap sequence shot by 'Big Ed' Docherty), and Jimmy’s wild roller coaster ride of a life was the perfect subject matter.

But Chris took our original documentary idea to a new level and incorporated a detailed hisory of BMX as you know it, focusing on how we got to where

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we are today from when BMX pretty much re-set after that initial 80's boom.

In truth it serves as the first real documentary of the BMX culture that we've come to know and love. And here at DIG we can only be eternally thankful to have been a part of it.

BEST BACKYARD THE REYNOLDS COMPOUND

A couple of years ago, Clint Reynolds stood on the podium at a bowl comp, and with the nice paycheck received, dumped all the funds into building his own concrete paradise at his in-laws’ property in Upstate New York later that fall. What resulted was an awesome bowl that he shredded daily. But it didn’t stop there. Soon after, he began construction on an adjacent concrete addition, which linked right into the original.

And the Reynolds compound just kept expanding. Clint’s itching for some local jumps, as well as Eric Hennessey now living nearby, sparked an awesome new trails line dubbed Northeast Side (paying homage to Clint’s old stomping grounds East Side in Austin), complete with one of the ending sets spanning the width of a driveway. We can’t wait to see what’s next; it’s a true inspiration for all the dedicated DIY builders in the BMX world.

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Clint Reynolds Photo by Chris Hallman

MOMENT OF THE YEAR BJARKI HARDARSON AT SWAMPFEST A dusty and unpredictable runway leading up to an 80 foot rainbow flat

successfully slide your way to Subrosa Swamp rail glory. The rail itself

rail, elevated by numerous teetering and towering stacks of wooden pallets

began to come undone at it's joints, the wooden pallets had begun to give

was the obstacle in the cross hairs for many brave souls on this day. The

way from countless collisions, and one ruthless puppy waited in the waters

only way out was to either hit the eject button which would put you face

for fallen riders just as a crocodile would. It seemed as though no one

first into the diesel fuel infested waters of the Astatula swamplands, or

would ever make it all the way over.

The Dig Awards 2019

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But Bjarki wasn't walking away from this one; showing no fear as he dripped from head to pedal with the evidence of past failed attempts across the water,

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he took one last breath and hopped off the end and into SwampFest history!

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Photo by Wes McGrath

2019 saw the long awaited release of S&M's epic BEHIND THE SHIELD book documenting over 30 years of history from arguably the most important and infuential BMX company out of all of those that surfaced in the early 90's. The book itself is a Big Brother style (irreverent and sometimes selective) history lesson in the true spirit of S&M, but there was one glaring omission.

The Mad Dog himself takes up the story..

"I have no idea how I left Rob Darden out of the 4130 section of our book.

'Behind The Shield' for probably the 20th time still not convinced I F’d this up,

Rob was on S&M from 2000 to 2006 and his section in Please Kill Me was

I noticed he’s in two different team photos and in the team timeline but indeed

epic. Rob could ride anything, killed contests like few S&M riders before

doesn’t have one single riding shot in the book. Even stranger, there isn’t one

or after him and was featured in countless S&M print ads. At one point I

single mention of Rob’s bygone inebriated alter ego Neck Harden! It’s a god

even spent a week watching him rip on the Props Mega Tour! Flipping thru

damn travesty. Sorry Rob." - Chris Moeller

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BOOK OF THE YEAR BEHIND THE SHIELD 045

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Rob Darden Photo by Rob Dolecki

CREW OF THE YEAR CLUUT CREW

CLUUT CLUUT CLUUT! If you’re in need of a laugh these guys are your remedy. Spearheaded by a talented man called Flouz and tied together with the comedic genius of Rachid, the Cluut crew never take anything seriously, besides having fun. Consisting of a number of French and Belgian riders, Cluut also boasts some wildly famous A-List team riders as well, even if they didn’t know it. Big Gary Reynolds even got the go ahead this year at the Bros Street Station event ( just f low for now though). We heard that once announced on the team, you receive a personalised telegram from Jean Claude Van Damme himself.

The Dig Awards 2019

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The roars bounce of buildings and electric excitement is in the air. The streets are yours for the day. The BMX street jam is a very special thing.

Everyone remembers their first, and if your first just so happened to be the 10th anniversary BMX Street Station event thrown by Bros Bike Store in 2019 then you sure as hell will want more. With the avenues and boulevards of Lyon, France being overrun with bike riders throughout the weekend, there's endless moments to treasure for the rest of time. Sheer chaos, multiple adapted street spots and a party vibe, it doesn't get much better than this.

Honorable mentions have to go to Don Of The Streets, All Day Jam, Metal Pegs, and shouts to everyone putting on street jams around the globe.

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Photo by Ben Gea

THE DIG AWARDS 2019

BEST INSTA DRAMA

I'LL HAVE WHAT HE'S HAVING

STEVE CABALLERO'S HALF CAB BMX DING DONG

MATT CLOSSON

SEEING TRIPLE

WORST TREND IN BMX

PARKER HEATH, BOYD HILDER, DENNIS ENARSON

TALKING DIRTY

@ BLOODGUMTRAILS

MOUNTAIN BIKING

DIY 'TIL I DIE STEVE CRANDALL

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT THE HALAHANS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ONLINE PARTNERS

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I THOUGHT I'D NEVER RIDE AGAIN

PASCAL LAFONTAINE

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Words by Fred Murray Photos by Pierre Gauthier

My phone buzzed on the table. A new email wasn’t anything out of the or-

1% of people where you cannot diagnose the type of sarcoma. So they gave me

dinary, but this one turned out to be way more than the average message

the wrong chemotherapy. It didn't work at all. After that I got other types of

telling me “You’ve got three million dollars in gold and can claim it by

chemotherapy and like I said, I'm still trying different treatment because they

simply supplying your bank details.” Upon receiving that first message from

don't really know exactly which cells they need to kill. But the radiotherapy is

Pascal I didn’t recognise his name, although it turns out I had watched his last

working very well on me every time, however the cancer is coming back –the

video part a good four years ago and was more than impressed. His email was

radiotherapy is just slowing it down. We need to find something that will really

titled Pascal Lafontaine DIG Exclusive with no mention of what I was about

kill it. We are working on it. I filmed for the video and did chemotherapy at the

to watch apart from the short message: “Hi, I’m Pascal Lafontaine and this

same time. That's why it took two years for the video to come out. I was only

is my latest video project I made.” I hit play and couldn’t believe my eyes—a

really able to film for a couple months. So yeah, I've tried my best dealing with

young man with a prosthetic leg sending it harder than hell. How had this guy

all of it. Some of the chemotherapy was so bad that I was sleeping for about

gone under my radar?! After a couple of emails back and forth, I had to know

three weeks of the month. Some of it is a pretty bad kind of chemotherapy. We

more. Fast forward to a month after his video release on DIG and I was talking

had to change the treatments often because sometimes they would stop work-

to the man himself via video message:

ing. So yeah, sometimes I lose my hair, sometimes I don’t.”

“I’ve not been up to much since the video came out. I got some radio-

Pascal runs his fingers through his hair showing me how his current hair

therapy treatments so I need to rest a little bit. Right now I'm in my bed

growth is going. At this point, I couldn’t help thinking how fucking unfair

watching family guy.”

it all seemed. Pascal was only 22 when he was diagnosed. Not only does he still have to face the illness, he also had to lose his leg. I’ve met a few

I asked him about his diagnosis.

people with amputated limbs in my life and always wondered how someone can come to terms with such a life changing trauma.

“I was 22-years-old – I am 28 now. They told me I had sarcoma bone cancer. It is a type of bone cancer, but localized and normally is in the knee.

“I thought I’d never ride again. I thought that I could maybe stay in the BMX

But for me it was my foot. They had to take me in the same month that

game as a filmmaker or something. Just do some videos for my friends—you

they diagnosed me and after that they told me I would have to do not only

know—but I really thought that I wasn’t going to be able to ride anymore.

radiotherapy, but chemotherapy. The chemotherapy wasn't working well and

I tried to ride in 2015, again in 2016, and once more in 2017; but I was just

the cancer actually came back in my lungs because they diagnosed the wrong

not able to do it because my prosthetic leg was hurting. What really got me

cancer. Now they think it was my soft tissue. It wasn't in my bones. I'm in this

into riding again was when I realized that the alignment of my prosthetic

Rider Of The Year

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It’s a constant battle just to physic ally be able to ride in between treatm ents. Words can’t describe what it takes to do what Pascal does.

“Some of the chemotherapy was so bad that I was sleeping for about three weeks of the month. So yeah, I’ve tried my best dealing with all of it.”

was all wrong. I was playing golf at the time and had been trying a different alignment with my leg. It was in 2018 when I went to the skatepark to see my friend. I very nearly didn’t bring my bike as I was just planning on watching him ride. Anyway, that was the time I realized that I could make it work. It wasn’t a problem with the leg, it was just the way I was using it. It was the angle I needed to change. Because it’s my back foot, the prosthetic needed to point up a little more than 90 degrees. Before that, my leg would just slip off the pedal every time.”

Incredibly, up until this point of realisation, Pascal had been trying to ride with a magnet attached to his shoe and pedal.

“The magnet was okay, but the bad thing was that when I was grinding the magnet was sticking onto the rail. So it was good for some tricks, but honestly it was not the best idea for riding BMX. It’s something that I think would be great for mountain bikes though. Now, I like plastic pedals with metal pins.

They are pretty expensive though! It’s all about the Vans with waffle cup and metal pins!"

It was at this point that I quizzed him on what he did in those years when he couldn’t ride his bike.

“It was hard at the beginning trying to find a new passion. Up until then,

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BMX was my whole life, you know? I was riding every day – just school and ↖

Photos Pierre Gauthier

↑

Captions Pierre Gauthier

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If you didn’t know Pascal’s riding style, you might show up at a location with him wondering what the ac tual spot was—only to find out a few moments later that he was going to send it off the roof.

← A lot of reconnaissance was required for this spot as the owner of this motel was on site 24/7 waiting to see if we would come back. The setup was too good to pass up on though.

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When we showed up to this baseball field, two city workers were busy on-site. It turned out that both of them were skaters, so they picked up brooms and helped us clean the landing. After a few hard crashes, Pascal managed to pull this crazy hangover tooth. Â

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Regardless of the small drop before the stairs on the run-up, Pascal landed this over-tooth three or four times.

then riding for probably six hours afterwards. It was a big deal for me at

'Phantom pain' is a feeling of pain in an absent limb or a portion of a limb.

first. I had to find something else. I tried playing golf. I ended up playing

The pain sensation varies from individual to individual and unfortunately

every day and even did some tournaments. It just wasn’t the same as BMX. I

Pascal experienced it badly.

got tired of golf after those three years. I didn’t specifically try and get back into BMX – it just kind of happened. I split my time between the two for a

“The first few weeks after my amputation I kept feeling my leg that wasn’t

while, but decided to just go in full-on with the BMX. But yeah, the process

there anymore and got phantom pains. It’s really painful. It actually feels

was hard mentally. Once I could ride again, I’d only had two sessions and

like you’re getting cut. Obviously I wasn’t conscious when they cut my leg

then we started filming for my video. I wasn't planning on going big or any-

off, but I kept feeling the pain like it was happening all over again. They

thing. For me it was just about motivating other people. I just knew that if

said it was probably so bad because I was very young. More than half of the

people were seeing that I could ride again, whatever they were facing, they

people who get a leg amputated are diabetic, so usually older than I was.

could do it. Even if they weren’t riding BMX, I just wanted to motivate other

For some reason, when you are older you have less feeling in your nerves.

people no matter what level of injury it is. After filming for a while I found

But yeah, it can still happen. I feel like my foot is still there sometimes. Like,

that I wasn’t fully satisfied and started to push myself some more. I think I

sometimes I feel like I’m moving it.”

was also comparing my riding to how it was before my amputation. I filmed three clips in 2018, but decided to wait a while and redo them when I had

With all that in mind, I wanted to know how long it took from the time of his

more practice. It’s strange—if I had always had a prosthetic leg and then

amputation to actually being able to walk with the prosthetic leg.

started to ride BMX I don’t think I’d be able to learn things like tailwhips, but I can remember what it feels like to do one with two feet, so I can almost

“It's not hard to walk again once you can actually fit the prosthetic leg.

make it feel the same. But yeah, I put all of myself into the video.”

After amputation the leg is really swollen and sore and needs to heal. For

The run-up for this monster bank was ridiculously small so Dominic helped Pasc al stand up so he c ould do a freec oaster bitch-crank to bar. I still don’t know how he managed to send it first try.

“I feel like my foot is still there sometimes. Like, sometimes I feel like I’m moving it.”

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me I wasn’t able to walk for two months. After that, they put you on a fake

It was almost time to wrap up our conversation but I was curious to know one

leg. You cannot really move your knee, you know – it’s like putting it in a big

more thing: had many riders with amputated limbs been in contact with him?

bag. You have to walk with crutches. A few months later you get a prosthetic leg that’s made just for you. It wasn’t that hard honestly. It really all comes

“Um, almost like 20 riders. And more messages from people just doing sports in

down to if you get given a good foot or not. If you can’t get an expensive

general. Actually, you know, there were even some people that were just trying

one with a good rebound on the ankle, then it’s a lot more difficult. But I’m

to live their life at fifty years old—trying to get up every day with a prosthetic

lucky. I’m in Canada. It’s all covered! It’s really expensive. I broke my fake

leg. Some of them contacted me because their kids had shown them the video.

foot a lot filming for the video – probably like 20 times. It got to a point

It really changes your life. I can't do everything that I was doing before—and I

when I broke my foot off again and the company who makes it got so mad

don’t just mean on my bike—but actually my entire day. I have so many appoint-

at me. They said they couldn’t do it—I had to pay for it that time. It was

ments to go to. And just mentally… it really got the best of me. You’re young

the third foot in one month! I broke it off those three times at the same spot

and you think you’ll never get sick, but yeah…the cancer in general, not just the

trying a 360 gap. $2000 it cost for the new foot. I could have changed the

prosthetic leg, it’s tough. But I think it made me more interested in other people

company and got it for free, but I really liked the foot and wanted to carry

– I can relate to other people with injuries and sickness. I used to be much more

on filming. I can’t imagine how you could do it if you had to pay for it every

of an introvert. I’m a more open person now. I never thought it would happen to

time. I received a lot of messages from people all around the world after I

me, but day-to-day, honestly it doesn't change that much. I really wanted to push

dropped that video and a lot of them have to pay for everything themselves.

myself with the video. I don’t expect anything from it, but I just wanted to film it.

There are probably a lot of riders who have had amputations who can’t ride

Before my cancer, I was getting a few sponsors and I was thinking about stuff

again because of that. I’ve seen photos of some of the people and they have

along that route. But I really don’t have that kind of mind anymore. I mean—I

a wooden foot. It’s really sad to see. It’s just so expensive.”

know my riding is nothing like Tyler Fernengel and all those dudes out there.

I’m just trying to have fun and learn new tricks on my bike. That’s it.”

“ I broke my fake foot a lot filming for the video – probably like 20 times. It got to a point that when I broke my foot off again, the company who makes it got so mad at me.”

Rider Of The Year

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PHOTO: MATT CORDOVA

01353 662 662 sales@ison-distribution.com ison-distribution.com demolitionparts.com | @demolitionparts.com | 626.673.3447

Photos: Kink / Calvin Kosovic h

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KINK CH A M P AG NE Over two years worth of blood, sweat, tears, good times, and wild bike moves resulted in KINK's latest full-length effort Champagne; a strong contender for our DIG DVD of the year award and a project that unquestionably produced what we considered to be the best video part of the year.

After stepping down from his pro status on KINK, it’s obvious all of Darryl Tocco’s energy was focused on filming and editing this video; he came through with something he can be proud of for years to come. All of the Pro card holders compiled quality full sections, from Chad Osburn’s high-speed assault, to Dan Coller’s big-balled moves, to Calvin Kosovich’s rail prowess, as well as the dark horse Am Agus Gutierrez, who’s section is definitely a standout for the raw style, flow and section ender that almost caused a tree to be leveled from AG’s unstoppable force. Even Hobie Doan, who was just added to the team in April of 2019 and had the shortest time frame to compile footage, came through with a belter (you'll have at least heard about that final rail ride by now no doubt). Hughes' opener slot is well-earned with all kind of technical and burly prowess; that ender!

The one and only Nathan Williams closes Champagne out with what we deem to be the best video part released in 2019, and arguably his best section to date - which is quite a bold statement in itself. Keep a particular eye on his last 10-plus moves - all could have easily been section-enders in themselves.

We caught up with Nathan and Darryl to find out how it all went down.

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Interviews

by Rob Dolecki

NATHAN WILLIAMS “The beauty of BMX is that you don’t have to a damn thing that you don’t want.”

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Nathan and the crew at the rowdy Champagne premiere in Austin, TX.

Photo By Wes McGrath

Kink Champagne

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Did you get many injuries while filming for Champagne: Ha, quite a few,

You had some amazing oppo-side, switch-footed moves in there; is that

but nothing super major. Bruised ribs, hit my face, ha. Then just bruises and

what everyone should strive to include in the future? Thanks! I mean,

scrapes.

yeah, if that’s what they want to do; but, the beauty of BMX is that you don’t have to do a damn thing that you don’t want to, ha. I personally think

How does it feel to have the last section in yet another video? I feel very

it’s just a fun way to challenge myself and it kind of reminds me of learning

honored! Especially after seeing everyone’s footage. Any one of them should

tricks when I first started riding. It feels awkward as hell, but the more you

have had it!

do it, the more comfortable it feels.

Of all the sections you have under your belt, how do you think this new

Do you have any sketchy stories to share from cruising around during

one holds up to the past? Eh, I honestly have no clue. Once I’m done filming

filming? The first night that we all got to Madrid, a few of the guys went

for something, I don’t like to think about it or dwell on it. It is what it is. As long

out cruising around and ended up seeing this dude freakin’ out and running

as I feel like I’ve put in as much effort as I can, then I’m happy. Everybody is

around stabbing himself in the neck with a knife (Calvin actually has some

going to have an opinion, ha.

footage of the guy). Not quite sure why, but he ended up with cops all around him bleeding out on the floor. And then, about two days later we

What was your favorite filming trip for the video? I would have to say,

went to a little park to hang out for a bit and when we pulled up, there was

Madrid for me. I have always had a special place in my heart for Spain, plus

a bunch of commotion and we ended up seeing two guys covered in blood

it had been quite a while since I had been back. Just being able to pedal from

and learned that one of them had stabbed the other one! So Madrid can get

the apartment every day and then, on top of it, having a sick crew to be there

a bit stabby, ha.

with…can’t beat it!

Your last 10 clips all could be enders; was there a specific order you

What was filmed closest to your crib? Either the pegs hard 3 or the ledge

and Darryl hashed out? I just left that up to Darryl. He knows how things

ride hop the L.

should go; so I just say what I want to use and what I don’t and then he works his magic.

Which clip took the shortest to film? Probably the gap to switch tires.

How was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video And which took the longest? Probably the crook tires one bar from Tulsa.

project? A pleasure! Everybody is so easy going, nobody is stressing

Between the process of cutting the chain that was on the rail and then trying the

getting out of the house in the morning, and there is always jokes and shit-

trick, it was like a whole day affair.

talk even while filming, so it makes for kind of a light-hearted feel.

Jameson got some shine time; how many riding missions was he along

What was your favorite trick, or the most rewarding to have filmed

for during Champagne filming, and how hyped are you when he follows

in there? I think either the crook tires 1 bar or the pegs hard 3. Each for

along during a line? Ha, he came on the most he possibly could. I actually

different reasons. The crook tires clip took forever and the pegs hard 3 I was

flew with him on one of the trips. I would say more than half my clips Jameson

sweating pretty bad. Honestly, I didn’t even know if I could do it.

was there for, ha. And yeah, honestly, it’s kinda weird motivation whenever he’s following along in the line or in the clip because I think about how funny it’ll

With amazing video parts under your belt from the past few videos,

be to have him in the shot, ha.

did you feel any extra pressure to fire out an awesome part for this video? Nah, not really. I mean, I always want to try and grow in whatever

What are your favorite spots/setups you have clips on? I would probably

I’m doing and make things to the best of my ability, but in the end I try to

say the tooth pop over ledge ride in Tulsa and the switch crook 180 over were

not have any judgement on them. If that makes sense?

two I was really hyped on—mainly just because I had been wanting to ride That last clip looked like you launched out of a kicker and not an out

them for years, but just hadn’t made it there.

rail, and with perfect form on the 3. Was that one take, and if so, would The song choice is pretty epic; how did that come about, and why the

you have done it again if it wasn’t as proper? Well, thank ya! Nah, that

Patricia version? I gotta give all the credit to Darryl on that one. We had gone

took me two attempts at the 3. The first one I landed, but just looped out

back and forth on a few other songs and I knew I wanted somewhat of a slower

from the impact. And then I got it on the next one. It depends on how bad

song, but we were having some difficulties finding ones that weren’t blocked

it looked, but I was sweating that one pretty hard so I probably would have

on YouTube. That version was one of the only ones not blocked. But to be

said fuck it and just taken the sloppy one, ha.

honest, I think I like the French version better than the original.

Now that Champagne is done, do you have plans to work on any other Of such a highly talented team, who do you think came through with the

projects? I've started working on my X Games part with Peter Adam, but

most hammers for the new video? That’s what is so sick about the Kink crew:

that is just a short little thing. Other than that, just wrapping up this part

EVERYBODY wants to go in. It’s so motivating to be around. I honestly can’t

with Christian Rigal. We actually just got everything pretty locked down for

pick one because everybody had lots of hammers.

that and it’s going to be out the beginning of January. So, keep a look out!

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Nathan getting straight to work in Denver, Colorado not long

after he'd been added to the Kink team. Photo By Kevin Conners

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↑

Nathan with three for the price of one.

Photo By Devon Hutchins

DARRYL TOCCO

Photo By Calvin Kosovich

“I wouldn’t say weird, but there were times where I missed wanting to go to battle. Filming video parts was the largest part of my pro career, but also drove me insane at times.”

↗

Photo By Devon Hutchins

Kink Champagne

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So, where did the idea for the title of the vid and the graphics come

three weeks. We were all over the place on lengths of the trips, but a whole lot of

from? Jay [Roe] came up with the name and concept of Champagne. 2019 is

time was spent getting this thing together.

Kink’s 25th anniversary and we were all ready to celebrate with a refreshed Pro team and a new full-length to get everyone stoked.

What was the wildest thing filmed for Champagne? It could be any one of the enders honestly, but Travis, Hobie or Nathan might take the cake. Unreal.

When and what was the first clip filmed? The first clip filmed was on April 19, 2017 by Chad Osburn in Sydney, Australia. Coincidentally, but to no surprise,

If you were able to briefly disassemble the space-time continuum, who

it’s one of the gnarliest clips we have. Chad is the best and he set the bar high,

would be your dream lineup of past and present Kink riders for this

straight off the bat.

video? Ha, wow. I’d settle for Dirty Dan Bogard and Doyle to just fill the whole video, ha. But nah, I couldn’t possibly pick between the legendary group of guys

When and what was the last clip filmed? The last clip was filmed on

that have ridden for Kink. They’re all like family to me and I hope the Safety First

September 14th, 2019 by Nathan [Williams]. A ridiculous nollie to pegs on a

era team enjoys our latest effort. Miss those days!

kinked rail with a gate blocking the bottom.

How much would you have paid to have a Dave Young section in How was Champagne different from and/or similar to your previ-

there? I’m not nearly badass enough to point a camera at Dave Young. Talk

ous Kink full-length productions like Safety First, Squash It, and

about legendary Kink riders!

Jetlagged? On a production level, it’s our finest offering to date. In terms of equipment and filming, I’m really happy with the result. I think it looks pleasing

How was it filming with the new bloods Augustin and Hobie? It was

to the eye, but still feels like a core BMX video. I’m always going to be critical

amazing, seriously. I’m a huge fan of both of them—on and off the bike—and

that certain shots weren’t perfect; that’s part of my job. But with Champagne I

they brought some really important flavor to the video. They both had the least

tried my best to plan out the shots to the best of my ability. This was also filmed

amount of time in front of the camera and both came through with parts I’m super

99% by me, which has been really hard for us to accomplish in the past. I think

stoked on. Can’t wait to work with them more.

that footage cohesion is really important and something that has been noticeably absent in some of our previous releases.

Nathan’s last 10-plus clips were all basically ender-enders; why is he such a machine? We didn’t establish a serious deadline for the video until just

Did you have any personal goals with this one? Yeah, I wanted to make

a few months ago. Once we told Nathan that we were going to start wrapping up,

something clean and polished with a soundtrack that I won’t be embarrassed by

he just flipped a switch. As a matter of fact, those 10-plus clips you’re referring

in five years. That was really important to me as with some of our past projects, I

to were ALL filmed after we told him the deadline was coming up—within a

look back on certain songs and just shake my head, ha. I wanted timeless feeling

two-month period. It was seriously fucking epic to watch and document and an

music, whether it was grimy East Coast rap or 70’s soul.

honor to film this part with him.

Did it feel weird putting together a Kink video and not having a

Nathan’s song choice is pretty epic; how did that come about and why

section yourself? I wouldn’t say weird, but there were times where I missed

the Patricia version? I’ve always wanted to use the original song for a part.

wanting to go to battle. Filming video parts was the largest part of my Pro career,

It’s got all the highs and lows I love. It didn’t occur to me for this project up until

but also drove me insane at times. It felt good to be relieved of that pressure, espe-

a few weeks ago, but the original version wouldn’t clear YouTube for its eventual

cially with the current team being as outrageous as it is. I’m extremely grateful to

YouTube premiere and online release. I started looking into covers of the song

have been able to work with these guys and watch them put the puzzle together.

and after a few days I found that one. As soon as I heard it, it was over for me. I knew this was it, but of course I had to run it by Nathan and make sure he was

Instead of having a mix section, there was a nice touch of cameo

into it. We had gone back and forth on probably 10 songs, so we were both really

appearances in each section; why did you go that route? I was pretty

trying to hold out for the perfect one. He was instantly stoked and I made the part

adamant about this. Mix sections are great and they serve a purpose, no doubt.

the following few days. I still watch it almost every day; it’s the best video part

But in my mind they’re almost always the first part I end up skipping after a

I’ve ever had the pleasure of editing.

few views. Video parts are such a “big picture” thing. They say a lot about who the rider is, where that person is with his riding right now, and how hard they’re

Which is your favorite clip of Nathan’s? Hard to say. His first and last clips

going. Mix sections lack those aspects, even if they’re hammer all the way

both stand out to me, but I’m pretty sure the ender is the craziest thing I’ve ever

through. Most of our trips were Pro-team focused and I thought the video should

shot on a BMX bike.

reflect that. With the “guest rider” format, we are still able to rep our extended family with the Ams being able to shine alongside Pros they might be close with.

How smooth did the music choices for the whole video go? About as

Or with Pros who have a similar style on their bikes. I’m stoked on how that

smoothly as I could have hoped. Pretty much the whole crew collaborated on the

came together.

project with suggestions coming from Jay, Dave Fortman, and myself. Calvin [Kosovich] fully picked and chopped his song up for me, being the creative

How many trips did it take to get the video finished? By my estimate,

visionary he is. Calvin is responsible for the intro song as well, which I couldn’t

we did around 24 trips over a thirty-month period. Sometimes they were just me

be happier with. The guys at Kink Headquarters were all stoked on the first go. I

grabbing quick bangs in LA for three days; sometimes we were in Germany for

can’t ask for more than that. I did accidentally song-jack a popular skate company video, but too late now! They’ll survive.

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What's next for you? Start grinding with some of our AM/Flow guys to get them the shine they deserve. Keep it moving with the Pro squad on trips. Keep showcasing BMX through our videos the best way we can. Ride more.

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BREAKING GLASGOW

We all know that moment when you c an’t c ontrol your limbs, and you’re internally forced to chase down whoever just landed their trick. On this occasion it was down to Backstreet Distribution's BSD X Odyssey trip in Glasgow, Scotland and an enormous over-pegs by bearded warrior Callan Stibbards. This was ten days of actual dream team madness where the hype was

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high and laughs were flowing...

Words & Photography

by Fred Murray

There’s something about a thick facial growth that leaves me stunned. Moustache aficionado Justin Spriet unleashed the double stun with this mid-trick switch-footed underpass noz. This guy has many strings to his bow.

BSD X ODYSSEY

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“FUCK!” – 99% of my reactions to Boyd Hilder riding. The newlybuilt Loading Bay Skatepark in Glasgow wasn’t even open yet and this guy nearly broke the roof.

01 Mother India

Balti, Bhuna, or a Biryani? The proximity of the Odyssey x BSD

Airbnb to Glasgow’s finest curry house and drinking establishments really couldn’t have been any better. The apartment was placed above the highly esteemed Mother India restaurant and the smells wafting into the guys’ bedrooms was too much to handle. With Broc Raiford leading the way, many evenings were taken up by curry-fueled feasts that led straight into a piss up in the pub across the road. Apologies to the bar staff for smashed glasses and Grant Smith.

02 Noise Complaints

Entering into Airbnb contractual obligations can be a daunting

process—especially when you incorporate a handful or more BMX riders into the mix. A once clean, five-star Airbnb rating can soon be pummeled into the ground with one angry click of a button. Needless to say, with an always-stoked Tom Dugan on board the Odyssey x BSD trip, the chance of exiting the situation with a clean record was zero. BSD daddy, Grant Smith got a few frantic messages from the host requesting that the guests remove their bodies from the window ledge of the apartment and also stop shouting. Despite the police not being called in the end, Dugan still managed to get a telling off from the plod after channeling his inner war photographer and filming some action in a nearby residence. He

075

successfully captured the arrest of a highly frantic and wriggling woman who was pulled from her home while wrapped in restraining straps. After turning to his Instagram following to ask if he was out of line for filming the situation, the resounding answer was: Yes!

↑ Loc ally this is known as the Barc a spot due to its surrounding looking a lot nic er than the average Glasgow street and a buttery smooth ledge. Broc Raiford enabled his super hop function and pegged a rail (that no one has ever dabbled with), to nose manual bar. Casually one of the best riders out there.

← Denim Cox is like a coiled spring on uneven ground. You don’t know when he’s going off or in which direction but you know it’s gonna be wild. Double peg up on the lower rail to u-turn straight into this fast ic e. Sc ary stuff.

BSD X ODYSSEY

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03

Vape Juic e

Despite being sent a very short and frank text message from his

mum warning him that “people are dying,” Tom Dugan’s appetite for high potency tobacco vape juice was insatiable. Due to UK law setting the maximum e-liquid nicotine strength at a comparatively weak 20%, Tom’s thirst for fruity-flavoured vapour was far from satisfied. After some frantic calls home to the States, Tom’s girlfriend posted over some rocket-fueled holy nicotine water only for it to be sent to the backend of nowhere due to a confused delivery attempt. Over $200 worth of the stuff was sat in a random post building outside Glasgow much to the dismay of Doogs, but the man didn’t give up and leapt into an Uber to pick up said juice. Much hair pulling and many confused phone calls later, Dugan returned, fire in his eyes, clutching his American niccy pods. The moral of the story: never give up…and listen to your mum.

04

NEDs

“You fae California? Grass is legal there ain’t it?” Foreign riders

who visit your hometown are usually naive to the local inhabitants who you’d usually give a wide berth. Although argued to be a folk etymology, the term NED stands for Non-Educated Delinquent—a figure of speech made popular in a 2003 Scottish parliamentary debate and keenly taken on by the people of Scotland. You can often distinguish a NED from a general member of public via their appearance: swathed in khaki coloured tartan material—Burberry topping the charts of NED hierarchy. A warning sign can also incorporate a similarly patterned baseball hat placed on the back of the head at a 10-20 degree side angle and fingers garnished in gold(ish) sovereign rings. In general terms, a NED is to be avoided; however,

077

the Odyssey squad unaware of who they were about to interact with, quite often engaged in conversation with such delinquents (much to the worry of myself and our BSD cohorts). However, the NED is a person who reacts well to some witty interaction, so all was well in the end.

What the cluck is precisely what we all thought after watching Tom Dugan spin one off this Glasgow bus stop. He made it look like a doddle, (that's 'easy' to you) in true Dugan style.

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Callan Stibbards will keep you on your toes. Setup time is kept to a minimum with this guy and if you ain’t quick, you’ve missed it. Ultimate slayer of rails—this large piece on the edge of the River Clyde is a scary bastard for most, but Callan isn’t most.

BSD X ODYSSEY

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↑ The last time I watched someone touch this spot was former BSD

06

Two Filmers

barbarian Mike ‘Jersey’ Taylor. Next in line, Sam Jones hit the gap

Two’s company, three’s a crowd? Who knows, but two heads are

to tires with the precision of a clock maker.

definitely better than one when it comes to filming BMX. Both Walter Pieringer and Dave Sowerby were on hand to capture the action during this trip to Scotland and it was a sight to behold. In some situations this could possibly cause a confusing dynamic, but due to these two being well mannered, each spot was discussed and shot in a way that appeased both parties. In various cases, this even turned into the group splitting in two and filming multiple clips at the same time—hence the stonking final riding timeline of seventeen minutes. Even the combination of the two companies’ riders was exciting to watch; I mean, it’s not very often you get to watch Alex Donnachie and Callan Stibbards ride the same spot in the same corner of the world. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to design your own fantasy BMX league

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This one nearly got ridden straight past, but after some lingering and looking, it was on. Is there anything this Boy(d) can’t do?

BSD X ODYSSEY

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Send It Saturday. Rich Forne and the Peruvian homies peeping

another Lac ey banger in the bag. Photo By Rob Dolecki

No—99.99

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VANS IN LIMA, PERU Words & Photography by Rob Dolecki Additional Photos by Eisa Bakos

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Insta-worthy? Anthony took a stop at the corner store of

a rail and snacked on a quick second-story feeble-to-180 en-route to the real feast down the road. Photo By Rob Dolecki

Dust City

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Nothing like some fresh brewed Peruvian coffee to kick

the day off. Anthony Perrin enjoying some real deal local-brewed goodness. Photo By Rob Dolecki

About seven years ago, I visited Lima, Peru for the first time, during the

Turns out Lima weather in October is a bit different than April - the whole

Semana Santa holiday in April (as seen in DIG Issue 91). It was sunny every

time I was there it was overcast and grey… very grey. In fact I think I only saw

day, and pleasantly warm temps; it kind of felt like the San Diego of Peru

the sun one time, and that was for a few hours when we went to an outlying

(based on his recent experience, I’m sure Dennis Enarson would vehemently

neighborhood. But still an overload of honking horns, and the fluid chaos of

disagree, though). The city was a ghost town due to the holiday, and for the

rush hour traffic. We pedaled a bit, and also ventured to outer parts the city

most part, riding anywhere was basically a free-for-all. But once the holiday

care of Peruvian connect and Lima native Luigi Viacava (whom I stayed with

was over, the population returned and with it, an entirely different dynamic of

the first time I visited) via a few of his friends’ vehicles.

security, excessive amounts of traffic, and lots of vehicle horn-blowing. Lima loves its horns.

Like most road trips there were ups and downs, be it the noise, the excessive dust (Lima is pretty desert-like, and dust seems to coat the entire city), or the

Fast forward to late 2019, and Vans decided to do an impromptu trip to Lima

usual security issues, but there were definitely more ups - feasting at so many

with Rich Forne holding down a swanky 10th floor apartment right in the

amazing veggie restaurants (Lacey and Dennis are more plant-based inclined

mix of the city for a month while handling filming duties for two groups

these days) or Rich’s gourmet home-cooked dinners (he’s almost as good a

of riders from different corners of the globe coming over to visit. The first

chef as he is a filmer), we hit some key genuinely awesome terrain, plenty

wave consisted of Alex Donnachie, Simone Barraco, Bruno Hoffmann and

of laughs, and of course, with this group of uber-talented riders, plenty of

Lewis Mills; I joined Dennis Enarson, Anthony Perrin and Dan Lacey on

amazing riding. Go peep the edit from the trip for evidence; it’s going to be a

the second leg.

good one at that. - RD

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In a not too distant past Alex Donnac hie would have loved sampling

Peru’s 4000 native varieties of potato, but now he’s a man of the

kale. Whatever he’s eating we should all follow his lead if it

makes you ride like he does. Casual manny 180 for the squad

on a heavily sessioned spot. Photos By Eisa Bakos

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Locked and loaded. It’s incredible how much skill Lacey

the cake was when he 180’ed out of it, and called it a day. Shouts

has with these kind of setups, and the stamina he has to keep

to the Lima local who had the foresight to see Lacey would love

trying over and over again to get the perfectly locked grind. At

this thing, and so graciously brought us here.

one point he made it a full 360 degrees around this. The icing on

Vans In Peru

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Photo By Rob Dolecki

10 THINGS WE LEARNED IN LIMA

(01-05)

By Rob Dolecki

01 THE SPOTS

4. PERUVIAN CUISINE

Like most South American cities, Lima’s got an offering of spots in

It’s almost an anomaly, but it’s safe to say the second group ate like

all forms. Not always easy to find on your own, but they do exist. And some

kings the entire trip. Regardless if you were on the vegan end of the spectrum,

unique ones at that. At many of them, though, just be prepared to deal with…

or full-on eat-anything-on-a-plate mode, Peruvian cuisine delivered. The best cauliflower “wings” on the planet exist in Lima, whilst those who were brave

02 SECURITY

enough to try it, went in on the native dishes of guinea pig, and ceviché. Rich

Forne’s culinary skills are top notch too.

Surprisingly, for such a raw place, security is a challenge at many of

the centrally located spots. The first crew definitely had an uphill challenge at almost everywhere they went. Luckily for the second group, they got to

5. DUST

experience this issue a little less frequently due to luck of the draw.

Lima is dusty. Be it the desert climate, the heavy ongoing construction,

the dry season in full effect, or a combination of all those factors, it seemed 03 THE APARTMENT

like dust covered everything, and everyone. In certain parts of the congested

The apartment accommodations were quite a bit better than the

pollution-heavy areas, one of those demo dust masks might actually benefit

average bike trip. Plenty of beds and space for all, a nice little balcony

one’s lungs greatly. A quick getaway to the oceanfront was a pleasant respite

for smoking / chilling, the rooftop gym and stretching area with views of

from all the dust and congestion, though.

the entire city, and a fully stocked kitchen were some of the highlighted amenities. Comfort levels definitely helped keep the stoke level high. Of course, the consistently grumpy doorman nor the poorly-supported kitchen sink imploding one evening wouldn’t be one of the better amenities, but

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Bakos

Bakos

nothing’s perfect.

Despite having a rough stretch on this trip with sore body

parts and multiple flats, Lacey still boarded the plane home with some sweet moves in the bag for this projec t, like this double-pegger to gap-3. Security even had the courtesy to show up here and tell everyone to leave when everyone was pretty much ready to move on to the next spot anyway. Photo by Rob Dolecki

Dust City

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Too easy… at least for Mr. Perrin. Kinked ledge ride to 180 bars

as the sun sets on another adventurous day in Lima, and to the

delight of the locals. Photo By Rob Dolecki

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Simone Barraco casually and continually forging his own path

in BMX; this time via the streets of Lima. Photo By Eisa Bakos

Vans In Peru

095

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#Goals? Mr. Enarson, not concerned with overused hash tags

sc ores a banger here with the help of our resilient loc al fixer Luigi Viacava. Photo By Rob Dolecki

BRUNO HOFFMANN Photo By Eisa Bakos

“It's pretty insane pedaling home during rush hour on the highway, but we made it.”

What were your expectations prior to going to Lima and how did the trip

Was there any point where you became numb to the constant horn

compare? I wasn’t really sure what to expect, besides being excited to go

honking? Ha ha, yea I would say so. It wouldn’t stress me out too much,

back to South America. I’ve only been to Chile before so I didn’t really have

but also I wasn’t the one driving ha.

A classic Bruno Hoffmann move. Master of the nollie snap.

that many points of reference.

Any good Rich Forne stories? Nothing too specific, I’ve been on so many

The trip was good in general. Just long days and even longer nights, since it

trips with him that nothing surprises me anymore. It was a good time though.

got dark at around 5pm. Also it didn’t help that the sky was constantly grey, so you would never tell what time it is. Could be 8 in the morning or 4 in the

How did the Peruvian cuisine treat you? I can only speak for myself but I

afternoon, the sky always looked the same. I guess it's because the clouds get

liked it for the most part. I’m not veggie or vegan and eat fish so I was really

stuck right over Lima just between the Ocean and the Andes mountains.

into all the ceviché that you get served everywhere. One night we we’re going to get the other national dish, which is roasted guinea pig but the waiter

How were the spots? The spots were good, but security was super tight.

messed up our order. I guess that was a sign not to try it ha. Pretty sure Rich

Pretty much every downtown spot had private security in and around the

had some later and said it tasted quite different.

buildings. It was definitely frustrating at some points, but at least we made the most out of the one Sunday we had. At the same time it made you more

Did you get to cruise with any locals, and if so, how was the local scene?

appreciative once you managed to get a clip, ha. It definitely didn’t come easy.

Yes, after pedaling around for the first day and getting pretty frustrated

We were warned before about corrupt cops in some neighborhoods but luck-

we connected with Luigi. He’s the man and came through with every-

ily didn’t have any situations. The private security in front of apartment com-

thing. He definitely saved the trip for us, since he took us to spots that were

plexes or public buildings weren’t too intimidating, just super annoying. Also

outside the city and hooked it up with everything else. Thanks to him, Tex and

the traffic was insane. I guess in the greater Lima metropolitan area population

the rest of the crew.

is around 10 million people, while the city was once designed for one million. Also there’s zero metro so everyone has to use buses or cars. It's pretty insane pedaling home during rush hour on the highway, but we made it, ha.

Dust City

LEWIS MILLS

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There wasn't enough dust in all of Peru to stop this guy.

Photo By Eisa Bakos

“The scene there is super strong from what I could tell. One morning I woke up to see about 300 kids riding down our street for a jam they threw there. It was sick.”

What were your expectations prior to going to Lima? Honestly I had no

Worst experience overall: Having to clean the house. Ha ha.

idea. I remember before I went to the airport I looked it up on Google and it just came up with a few city photos of Lima and heaps of Machu Picchu. Ha

Was there any point where you became numb to the constant honking

ha. So I pretty much wasn’t expecting much.

horns? Nah never, those things were so annoying I can’t even tell you. Ha ha.

How did the trip compare? It was quite the opposite. It was dusty and the

Any good Rich Forne stories? Oh mate. Richard, what a bloody character.

city was super congested, but was cool in a way.

There’s heaps, but can't discuss here!

How were the spots? Spots were sick. It had a few unique setups but it was

How did the Peruvian cuisine treat you? Not good, ended up eating heaps

hard to ride with the dust.

of KFC that was just up the road cause it tasted like home.

Any troubles with riding in Lima? Pretty much every spot we went to we

Did you get to cruise with any locals, and if so, how was the local scene?

got kicked out within 20 minutes, so it was actually really difficult to warm up

We would end up seeing squads of kids around the city just pedaling which

and get the things you wanted on film.

was sick to see cause you don’t often see that at home, and they were all super happy and stoked to roll with us. The scene there is super strong from

Best experience overall: Fuck, I’m not too sure, there were so many funny

what I could tell. One morning I woke up to see about 300 kids riding down

little things that came out from the trip cause it was the best group of boys, but

our street for a jam they threw there. It was sick.

I'd have to say the sink suddenly collapsing while full of plates, as we were watching TV. Ha ha.

Can you sum up the trip in one sentence? Everyone and everything was dust. Ha ha.

097

10 THINGS WE LEARNED IN LIMA 6. SO GREY

9. FANS

Much like North American bears during the wintertime, the sun seems

(06-10)

The riding scene is pretty huge in Lima. Peru has been located on one of

to go into hibernation in Lima during October. It was endlessly overcast for

the roads less traveled in BMX destination terms, so the riders were obviously

days (and nights) on end. Out of the entire time in Lima, each crew saw the

super excited that pros from other countries were visiting. The moment we

sun probably for a total of four hours. Not that it was necessarily a bad thing.

arrived at the airport there was a group of riders enthusiastically greeting ev-

It never got too hot for comfort, and no one got sunburnt. After being there a

eryone. On a few occasions, we ran into random riders on the street that were

month, Rich Forne might have needed to take some Vitamin D supplementa-

so hyped to see the crew and needed to take selfies with everyone. The “I’m

tion, though.

too cool to show my excitement” attitudes don’t exist with the riders there.

They just love seeing riders they look up to, and gladly express it. Everyone

7. THE HORNS

was essentially elevated to superstar status.

Man, Lima drivers love their horns. From the moment you wake up,

until the rush hour traffic dies down later into the night, it’s non-stop horn

10. LUIGI

blowing all day, every day. And it’s not really the “Get the fuck out of my

way” intended type. More of a courtesy, “Excuse me, I’m behind you, just

happy to pull out the red carpet for everyone visiting. He even took it upon

to let you know” sort. Though either type essentially sounds the same. And I

himself to take time off work for most of the period everyone was in town to

don’t think anyone got numb to it by the time they left.

show us around and give us the best possible experience he could. The entire

Lima native Luigi Viacava has the city on lock, and was more than

crew was eternally grateful for the hospitality. Luigi is the man.

8. SOLES

Like most South American currency, the Peruvian Sol is very colorful.

Soles also go a long way; after homeland currency conversion, eating out and ride hailing services were exceptionally inexpensive, even in a huge metropolis like Lima. Everyone was hyped on that.

Vans In Peru

099

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No fucks given. An overload of pedestrian traffic, a quickly setting sun and a horrendous exit way off this thing can’t stop D when he’s in the zone. Photos By Rob Dolecki

No —99.99

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NEVER M EET YOUR HEROES AT HOME WITH MAT HOFFMAN 103

Story & Photography

by Jeremy Pavia

Never Meet Your Heroes

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“BMX doesn’t owe anyone anything but if it did, Mat should be first in line to collect.”

I was on my way from Burbank, California traveling to the rolling hills of

I have known Mat on an industry level since 2007 and just like the rest of

Central Pennsylvania in my 1996 Ford Ranger. Packed with the essentials,

us I am familiar with who he is and what he’s accomplished; but to be

I was on the road and looking to make a long-time dream an actual reality—I

completely real, the weight of it all didn’t hit me until the moment that I got

was going to shoot with Mat Hoffman. We had talked a few months prior

the final confirmation from Mat himself to stop by and make this project a

about possibly working on some sort of article together and had put the loose

reality. I thought a lot about how, although I’ve “known” him, I have never

plan in place. I have been shooting and writing in the BMX space for over

had the chance to shoot with him one-on-one or to have that opportunity to

fifteen years now, so at first it seemed like business as usual, until I had

see him for who he really is within the confines of his own home or to get

time to think during my drive from the West Coast towards Edmond,

to see him ride his own ramp in person. I thought about how this was the

Oklahoma. Most people play it down when it comes to talking about someone

pinnacle of my career and getting this opportunity as a photographer was

they simply look up to, or in more serious cases, idolize. It’s that “they are

not only rare, but coveted. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my personal

just like us” mentality that most people seem to subscribe to that helps them

BMX journey and how I’ve been pursuing a life on two wheels for as long

avoid being let down when actually meeting the person they’ve always

as I can remember. Everything I’ve done within the BMX world had led me

looked up to. The thought that their heroes are just like them tends to make

here, including every person I’ve met, every project I’ve worked on, and

people feel closer to being equals with whomever it is they hold in that high

every connection I’ve made in the past twenty-five years or so.

regard. When it comes to Mat Hoffman however, he is unarguably in a category all his own. Myself, along with a majority of the BMX world,

After being on the road for a few days, lost in my own thoughts, anxiously

would agree that he is wired differently and that his brain legitimately works

awaiting the word from Mat that it was a go, the text that I had been waiting

in ways others’ don’t. His outlook on life has inspired generations of riders

for finally arrived. Up until that moment, literally hours before showing up

across the globe and everyone else appears to be mere mortals in comparison.

to his place, I was wondering if Oklahoma was simply going to turn into a

There is no name more synonymous with BMX than Mat Hoffman. He has

drive-through state as I continued my journey East. I arrived at his house just

put his own body on the line in the name of BMX and single-handedly

as the late afternoon light started to get that summertime glow. By that point,

changed riding as we know it. BMX doesn’t owe anyone anything, but if it

aware that the light was fleeting, I knew that I had to get there and stay focused

did, Mat should be first in line to collect.

on the original goal. I checked my phone one more time for the gate code he had sent, then slowly followed the long driveway down and pulled up in right in front. Moments later, there I was, being welcomed by Mat Hoffman and within seconds of stepping out of my truck I was getting a tour of his place.

I gladly followed him around as he explained each area of the 8,000-squarefoot home. As we stood on the roof overlooking his backyard I couldn’t help but think about how rare the opportunity was. More specifically, how so many others shared the same dream as myself of making that personal connection with someone who has always seemed larger-than-life. Here was a guy that I had looked up to since the mid 90’s letting me into that sacred space where he lived, worked, created, and dreamed out of. The main goal was to see what we could squeeze in just a few hours before it would be too dark for him to ride. Given the tight time frame, I knew that I needed to push to make the project a reality, but I also had to give some respect and not just show up

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At Home With Mat Hoffman

By Jeremy Pavia

Never Meet Your Heroes

digbmx.com

camera-in-hand without some time to get familiar with my surroundings. But the next thing I knew, Mat was rolling down the hill straight from the house to his ramp.

I had many ideas running through my head at the time, but the one goal that I had set long before showing up was simply capturing Mat on his own backyard ramp. We have all seen the countless posts on his Instagram during his solo sessions and are all-too-familiar with his ramp—at least from a distance. But at that moment, the distance was non-existent and there I was standing next to Mat himself, sharing deck space with a legend, and watching him go through his almost meditative process before dropping in. He got his pads on, made sure he had the right music selected to get his energy up, and—of course—set up his trusty GoPro (otherwise known as his personal filmer). We had casual conversations about life, family, and riding as we both—in our own ways—

unique creative process. We looked at some of the new Hoffman Bikes color-

prepared for what we were there for. It was at that time that the label of

ways, as well as Morgan Wade’s signature frame. I soaked up every minute

photographer and idol disappeared and we continued on as two people sharing

of it for the next few hours while trying to play it cool in the presence of a

personal stories. I tried my best to quickly set-up my camera gear while

BMX icon. He treated me like a life-long friend and I sat back as flashes of

crawling up and down the ladder on the side of the ramp and Mat casually

his incredible list of accomplishments played over and over again in my head.

took some laps to get his body loose while his dog and riding buddy Shaka

He would speak and I would just get lost in the fact that this was the same

soaked up the last bit of warmth from the sun as it started to dip past the

person that was credited for redefining vert riding at just fifteen-years-old.

horizon.

This was the same guy that did the first double peg grind down a handrail, the very first flair, and the first 900. The guy that made getting pulled behind

Here I was working on what would be the type of article I could only dream

a motorcycle facing a terrifying wall of plywood and going higher than any

of, yet there was no specific shot-list that needed to be checked off, no crucial

rider ever had seem like a good idea. He has always paved the way, never

deadline for what we would be creating, and in turn, no pressure. Mat rode

expecting anything more out of BMX than that feeling he got when he broke

well into that dark zone where each run became increasingly difficult to see.

new boundaries of possibility. As the evening drew close to midnight, it was

Combine that with the pop of the flash at the peak of each trick and it was an

time to pack up my gear, say my goodbyes, and continue my cross-country

easy decision at one point for us to both call it and walk away with what we

drive. And that was that. I was back on the road into the night with not only

had. We headed back up to the house and before I knew it, there I was deep

the memories I’ll carry with me forever and the photographs I shot, but more

in conversation while sipping on a glass of wine poured by the Condor himself.

importantly, with the validation that the reward of meeting your heroes

He gladly showed me some of his original paintings and talked about his

unquestionably outweighs the risk.

“Everything I’ve done within the BMX world lead me here; including every person I’ve met, every project I’ve worked on, and every connection I’ve made in the past twenty five years or so.”

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At Home With Mat Hoffman

By Jeremy Pavia

MANKIND SUNCHASER FRAME

Daniel Juchatz Dirt/Bowl Signature Frame Out March 2020 / MANKINDBMX.COM Photo by Michael Foerster

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"This scared the shit outta me, but man, the feeling of

riding away is like no other." Mike Vockenson - Ipswich gap rail.

Photo by Jerry Vandervalk

No—99.99

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DIRECTOR'S CUT THE STORY BEHIND LUX AETERNA “ FUCK, IT WAS EXCITING.”

111

Words by Mike Vockenson

↑ Alex Hiam - Adelaide hand grab thing. Thanks to Mikey and Swamp Man, this was suggested as a spot. Knowing we had Boyd and Alex on tour, a quarter was always a good thing to ride.

This was an amazing afternoon high up in the Adelaide hills watching the sun go down while Boyd and Alex got quickly to work on this transition (which actually was a backstop for cricket practice - see right). Photos by Mikey Moore.

LUX AETERNA

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↑ Denby Chandler - UQ Brisbane Crooks—ain’t nothing but a thang.

Denby continued to amaze me with his big-rail balls. Wasn’t more than a few run-ups and pup was off and away. Photo by Jerry Vandervalk.

THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME. It was around 2009 and a new indoor skatepark had just opened up in Brisbane. One night, myself and Samson (who features in Aeterna and who’s been one of my longest running BMX friends) were having a yarn with Mitch Wood (LUX co-owner) when he excitedly told us that he and a partner were going to start a bike shop in Brisbane and call it LUX. Fast forward ten years and that shop is still here and has expanded—as in, expanded to where LUX is now a huge part of the BMX scene.

Not up until 2016 was the idea of a DVD seriously contemplated. During a team birthday dinner one night, Mitch tantalisingly dangled the idea of a DVD to gauge interest. Obviously, the idea was devoured. I found myself in the right place at the right time and, importantly, with enough motivation to take control of the project. We spoke about logistics, the format, and who would be willing to work on full parts (which changed quite a lot throughout, ha).

There was even a travel budget which, at the time, seemed incredible to me.

This was the real deal.

FUCK, IT WAS EXCITING. Growing up on Props, the idea of being able to work on a full-length project, having the resources to travel with, and having back-end assistance from

Mitch (who is a tech wizard), this project was honestly a dream come true.

Plus, it wasn’t just under the Crispy banner, this was for LUX. I had to put on my big-boy serious hat.

Anyway, there are a few things worth pointing out which people may not know or understand about this all.

THIS AIN’T NO LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION. BMX in Australia is healthy and always growing; however, there is hardly an industry to speak of and very few riders who can get any kind of monetary

113

support. What I’m getting at is that, all the guys—especially those who filmed full parts—put in a lot of work. It took thirty months to make the video as we filmed everything by going out one day a week, at best. I have a wife and a house to look after and I work full-time—as do most of the team riders. As a

result, we had to make the most of the time we had. Also, I live a couple hours north of most of the dudes. We really hustled. Respect to the undying devotion and passion the guys shared in working on the project—it would have been a struggle otherwise.

EYE TO EYE. It was scary being given the reigns to something which ultimately was not mine. When I make something, I have a very particular way of doing so and I was a bit worried about having to change my style to suit the needs of others.

So, after having edited some snippets and showing the LUX guys, hearing them stoked was unbelievably gratifying. It made me feel confident in taking the project in the direction I was envisioning—which was especially important in terms of the soundtrack. I also had the green light to use my shitty old Sonys, as well as (to the slight reluctance of Mitch) Final Cut Pro 7.

WE TRAVELLED.

Australia is a big, arid, and beautiful place. It takes five hours to fly from one side to the other. I don’t know how many flights we took, but the DVD includes footage from all eight states and territories—which I’m really proud of.

Usually the trips would be on a whim. I’d group message a few dudes, get the green light from LUX, and voilà, we’d be on our way. It’s such an incredible feeling to be in a foreign place with your friends and working together on a project that is basically comprised of exploring new cities. To make sure I got all places ticked off the list, I even swindled a cheeky clip or two (including the bathroom scene at the start of my part) with my wife on my honeymoon at Alice Springs (the dead centre of Australia).

To close, I feel very lucky to have the strong support of LUX in making this DVD, as well as to have a team of dudes who are equally passionate. This will be something I can look back on and be proud of and there ain’t nothing more I could ask for. Enjoy.

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The boys - Denby, Alex, Boyd, Mike on the Adelaide trip.

Another reason why working on this project has been so amazing, a bunch of these guys I got to know and spend time with through working on the DVD, it's always really interesting to understand how each dude's mind works in high pressure situations. This was a more relaxed situation, super memorable moment of the trip for me watching the sun go down with views of the city knowing we all worked really hard that day. Photo by Mikey Moore.

LUX AETERNA

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Boyd Hilder - Adelaide city dirt nose dip. Such an awesome dirt spot, run by dedicated locals in the middle of the city. We stopped by one afternoon and Boyd was in his element, of which there are

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many elements. Photo by Mikey Moore.

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Photo by Murphy Lee Mosc hetta

No—99.99

It’s the end of 2019, but it’s also the end of another decade…the end of another era. For some, maybe their resolutions will reflect their view of the last few years: “In the 20’s I’ll do more of this…I’ll move on from that...Things will be better…” But for others like me, I’ll look back at the last decade and this culminating year and think: life has been pretty good. And that’s because for me “life” is pretty much synonymous with BMX. And in my eyes, BMX is still doing pretty damn well. Have things changed over the last ten years? Of course. If they didn’t I think we’d have other problems (hear about rollerblading lately?).

Have we seen some wack stuff come and go? Certainly.

All progression and growth come with failures (remember Dan’s Comp’s most recent team and DVD?). Are we still facing some issues we need to address? Undoubtedly. Life is never perfect, as hard as we might try. And for those of us who call BMX “our life,” the old adage is dead on: nothing good ever comes easy. But sitting here at the end of 2019 and thinking about the state of BMX I realize: it was good, it is good, and it will be good.

Of course, it’s everchanging and going to look different and some people are going to get hung up on that; but if you look past the spray-painted ramps and the “craziest skatepark session ever,” it’s pretty obvious that the freestyle essence is everywhere—stronger than ever and propelling us forward into another decade of awesomeness. I know it’s easy to get caught up in all the bullshit, though, so let’s run through my quick guide to a few things in BMX in 2019 that don’t actually suck (and a few that do, as well).

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“Like a phoenix, sometimes we look like a burnt pile of shit, but eventually we figure out how to be reborn and start setting other shit on fire again.”

01 THE CHANGING MEDIA LANDSCAPE...

DOESN’T SUCK.

If the book you’re holding in your hand at this very moment isn’t

proof that BMX media still kicks ass in 2019, then I don’t know what is.

Yes, another BMX magazine went through a publisher shake up and neardeath experience this year, and yes, monthly BMX publications are still absent from the shelves of bookstores, but the book in your hand is proof of the resilience of BMX media—proof of the DIY, get-shit-done, we will keep-on-keeping-on attitude that makes us who we are. Times are, and have been, tough for printed media (and for reproduced digital video media, as well). It’s likely that these facts are not going to change either. Yet in 2019, BMX has seen more than 20 full-length videos from brands, crews, and independent film makers; our first real historical documentary and tribute to a legendary rider; countless homemade and professional zines; a couple actual books; and oodles of internet content of varied quality.

Just look at it all: Zines, though never gone, are on the rise and

looking better and more interesting than ever (see The Central Library for proof of how things have changed). Full-length videos, though rarer, still came out at an average rate of nearly every two weeks and contribute to the rich library of BMX history we have been producing since day one (the NORA cup and DIG Awards ballots this year were as daunting as ever). And more diverse and in-depth content has been rising from all quarters and in all formats (think about how many hours of meandering BMX discussions are now available to hear through our plethora of BMX podcasts). Sure, our main media sites are cutting fat and tightening belts; brands are pickier about which projects they fund; and personally funded media projects are just that—personally funded. But, in the end we are still out here doing the same things we have always done. Like a phoenix, sometimes we look like a burnt pile of shit, but eventually we figure out how to be reborn and start setting other shit on fire again.

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Words by Mike Hinkens

02

“Those labels are irrelevant to actual BMX culture and the concept of sponsorship.”

USING INSTAGRAM… DOESN’T SUCK.

03

What would a late twenty-teens BMX discussion be without a section

on Instagram? I get it: this silly little app on our dumb little phones, one we have no control over and spend way too much time on, is definitely reshaping parts of our culture. But that is no different than many times before. BMX has always been intricately tied to outside technology. We literally had to get stronger and change the way we rode when we realized that we couldn’t yet get our bikes to

BEING AN “ATHLETE,” “INFLUENCER,” OR “PUBLIC FIGURE”… DOES SUCK.

be strong and light. Heavy bikes were the technology of the day and we rode in certain ways because of that until we figured out light and safe parts. And what

about when online video hosting was a new thing? We almost eradicated one of

part that actually really sucks. BMX does have a poor track record of defining

I know I said Instagram wasn’t that bad, but there is one specific

our oldest traditions—full-length hard-copy videos—in favor of “free-hosted”

who is pro, who is amateur, and just what the hell sponsorship actually entails.

single-section-based online content. But, as mentioned before, we seem to have

Thus, we have too many stories of conflict over compensation for riding and

righted that ship and found a balance in modern times. How is Instagram so

failed business relationships. However, letting some online social media

different? Is it the camera? Remember the resistance to HD camcorders because

platform with ulterior motives define these classifications is not the right way

the whale eye lens wasn’t the 4:3 formatted Century Fisheye? We adapted and

to go. As a matter of fact, if you do a bit of googling, you can see that even

opted for newly available and affordable DSLR bodies with interchangeable lenses.

Instagram can’t figure out what kind of labels to affix you on their own platform.

Or is it the format? Square versus rectangle versus kinda square versus...whatever.

Are you an “Athlete?” An “Influencer?” A “Public Figure?” All you have to

We seem to have learned to film regardless of the shape of the screen. Or does

do is create an attention-grabbing bio and learn a handful of the right tricks

separating clips from each other make them less real and authentic bike riding?

to wow the hordes of non-riding Instagram trolls and suddenly you can choose

We turned full-length videos into web edits. And now web edits have become

one of these labels to help you declare yourself a professional BMX rider.

instaclips. It’s still just documenting riding like we always have.

Since there doesn’t seem to be a clear consensus within BMX about what an actual “professional” BMX rider is, I guess the random rider gets to decide

On the other hand, I do recognize that all of this change has influenced

(with just a little backing from Instagram). If you thought no-name riders who

our riding and filming in some more obvious ways (vertical filming for Instagram

introduce themselves as “pro” to the local kids at the skatepark were lame,

stories is definitely kind of ugly), but none of that really matters when you

well, how about them making it “Instagram official” by changing their accounts

remember that the old forms haven’t died; they are just part of an even bigger

to say they are something. Really, just something.

selection of BMX media now. And that bigger selection is kind of cool. Think about the fact that because of Instagram, now almost every rider has a way to

I’m not sure what any of the labels they offer even mean, but I am

film and a place to put the tricks they were doing on their bike every day anyway.

sure of a few things about them. First of all, they are irrelevant to actual BMX

Sure, there is a lot of garbage out there, but there seems to be more and more

culture and the concept of sponsorship. Secondly, they are part of an insidious

awesome accounts and media popping up every day—for example, Little Devil

cycle that Instagram culture perpetuates in which everybody jerks off

is presently releasing behind-the-scenes clips from the legendary Criminal

everybody else in order to build some sort of empty bubble of fake support

Mischief video on their IG account. Where else could we have seen that in this

in which “pros” and “brands” think they are part of something bigger than a

day and age? Could they even afford to put that on a disc? Is it even worth the

glorified message board. And after making it official, they just need to take

trouble? Those questions didn’t even need to be asked, and here we are, seeing

one more step to help solidify their induction into this world of pseudo-

mid-schoolers and youngsters alike benefiting from the changing of times.

somebodies: hashtag your heart out and stay glued to your DMs and soon the

Like the mediums and technologies of the past, we are bending this one

let’s collab.” “Check your DM’s for an offer!” We’ve all seen it. But what do

to our needs, as well. We are staying connected with riders all over the world and

you think the reply looks like? “Brah, sounds awesome! We just need to agree

thus being able to travel to more unique places to ride with new people. We are

to pretend that you are something more than a marketing scheme and that I

sharing spots from city to city and continent to continent through spot cataloging

am actually a professional athlete who is an influential part of BMX culture.

pages. We are starting more crews than ever and using the power of social networking

The only problem is, no one has ever heard of me…” And that’s not because

to connect to each other; give meaning and motivation to our friend groups; and

these people aren’t good bike riders (who really cares about that anyway?),

produce more media, more artistic expressions, and more good times. And we are

but rather it’s because they aren’t really a part of BMX at all. And that’s the

still laughing at and learning a bit from the numerous surviving meme accounts

thing that actually sucks for BMX. These new labels—self-bestowed and

who will never quite have the power and influence of a certain rowdy legume (that’s

supported by outsiders—don’t do a damn thing to encourage riders to help

probably a good thing). In the end, yes, it is a distraction, but so were Dave Mirra

BMX at its core. Where’s your local jam? Your tight-knit crew? Your homemade

and Mat Hoffman’s video games. However, not much has changed in our daily lives:

zine? Your growing DIY spot? Your contribution to BMX culture in any way?

we ride hard, we document a lot of it, and we share it with our friends in some format

These are the best parts of BMX, but they don’t really help you get a new lid

or another. Hopefully, we will continue to do that as well as to get hyped on our

on your head from some wack ass China-direct Supreme rip-off brand, so

fellow riders doing cool shit, regardless of the format or medium of delivery.

you leave it all behind. And that sucks.

“sponsors” will come running to you. “Let’s get you in a lid!” “Sick content,

Seven Reasons Why

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“Look at how few Olympic hopefuls have sponsorship backings from core BMX brands. That says something.”

04 THE FORMATION OF CLIQUES… DOESN’T SUCK.

05

Nothing’s worse than having a group of BMXers pedal right past

you on your bike without saying a word… “What a bunch of dicks, hanging in their little clique! It wasn’t like that in my day!” Young new riders and the tight-knit cliques they are a part of may seem a bit stand-offish and contrary to the spirit of BMX, but the reality is they are a sign of how far we’ve come.

In the early days BMX was a rebellious and strange thing in a society dominated by team sports and school-based clubs. Most riders were breaking the norm to do what they did and started off doing it alone. When you ran into another rider, as rare as it may have been, it was not only shocking, but exciting.

“Finally, someone else who gets me!” We were attracted to each other, no matter how weird and different we were outside of riding because of our shared loved of the same thing: BMX. The result was often a group of people who ended up growing together by mimicking the professional teams they likely looked up to. They created identities through a name and maybe some t-shirts and stickers, or through other shared creative outlets like making videos and traveling together. And they called themselves “a crew.”

Nowadays, there are a lot more BMXers out there due to all sorts

of factors, including the fact that BMX is now more accepted by the mainstream than ever. And these new riders seem to be forming into cliques within BMX at an alarming rate. But a closer look reveals that it’s not to offset themselves from an unfriendly society like the old days, but rather to offset themselves from other different riders. You see, the fact that we have grown so much has brought a greater diversity into our culture. Now kids that only ride street can hang with other kids who only ride street and the kids that only wanna dig trails can go do that with other kids who only want to dig trails. And just like in the past, those smaller groups are creating their identities by forming into what we used to call crews—not cliques. They are doing the same things that the old crews did: creating a tight knit family and support group of like-minded riders traveling together, expressing themselves, making cool videos and projects, and having a damn good time together. 2019 may look like it’s a time of division, but to me it looks like a time of growing up. Our culture is big enough now to support its own unique subcultures and the multitudes of crews all over the world are evidence of that. But don’t worry, regardless of this splintering, events like Swampfest prove that BMX riders from all over the world, from every type of crew and scene, and from ages 5 all the way up to 55 are still down to get together to ride bikes, hang out, party hard, and set shit on fire.

BMX IN THE OLYMPICS… DOES SUCK.

After much debate, thought, and discussion, I have decided: the

Olympics kind of suck. Will they end BMX as we know it? Will they change things for the average rider? Probably not. But on the flip side, they do represent the stretching of the freestyle BMX mentality to its thinnest and least attractive. Competitions have been a part of BMX since the dawn of our “sport,” but we quickly shed that label and, with it, much of the trappings of competition we inherited from racing. Training, standardization of tricks and style, absolute judging systems, complex rule structures, and bending to the will of outside forces are—for the most part—antithetical to freestyle, yet the Olympics (i.e. the unaccountable and non-endemic UCI) requires embracing all of them. It’s not that those who embrace it will forcibly inject those things into BMX culture (my preferred term as opposed to “sport”), but it is a bummer to see our beloved lifestyle represented on the world stage as just another extreme sport of competitive crowd-wowing stunt men (and women…at least that’s one good part of this).

Let’s not kid ourselves, the Olympics is only interested in BMX in

order to benefit themselves. In a world where Millennials’ and Gen-Z’ers’ viewership from the couch is increasingly hard to secure, the Olympics needs new, flashy, and “edgy” content to draw young viewers to their market. This isn’t new though. I’m sure almost anyone over 25 who is reading this can think of some cringeworthy outside event or brand from some point in the past that they regret being involved in—I know I can. And it seems we have learned a little bit. We haven’t put very many (if any) of our eggs in the Olympic basket. Look at how few Olympic hopefuls have sponsorship backings from core BMX brands. That says something. Those interested in seeing BMX grow and with it seeing sales grow in order to support our culture, for the most part, can’t even get behind the standardization and jockifying of BMX that the Olympics demands. As a whole, we aren’t that invested, but in 2019, when we have wrested control of pretty much all of BMX from toxic bloggers, indifferent corporations, and flaky big-name “legacy” brands, don’t we also want to keep steering our own ship away from the circus of the spectacle that is the Olympics? Just think, what if no one went? We could

"You see, the fact that we have grown so much has brought a greater diversity into our culture."

make that happen and, in doing so, send a message to the world: we aren’t for sale! I know that’s a bit pretentious—especially when we can’t seem to shake free from things like lime green video-game-fuel sponsorships. But aren’t we, as small-scale rebels, somewhat obligated to take a stand every once in a while? Regardless of what I think and say, it seems that it’s going to happen. Maybe a few “BMX Athletes” will make a living from it. And

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maybe the industry will sell a few more bikes in order to support our core culture. But for me, I suppose the best part of it all is that after seeing BMX on TV, my grandma might finally respect what I do—as long as she doesn’t realize the difference between a pole jam and a box jump.

06 THE “WUSSIFICATION” OF BMX… DOESN’T SUCK.

“With all the talk of “growing BMX” with the youth, I’m stoked to see that we are “maintaining BMX” by keeping people on their bikes regardless of how many years ago they learned how to bunnyhop.”

It’s likely that this topic has been discussed every damn year

for quite some time, but here we are in 2019 still a little bit concerned about how “wussy” BMX riders have gotten. As evidenced by comments on Instagram and social media accounts devoted to “wishing for the old days,” there is a part of this topic that does suck: the people who can’t get over it. In reality, there are two explanations as to why this is a f lawed assessment about BMX riders in 2019. First of all, we’re just seeing a lot more of BMX culture because social media and a camera in everyone’s pocket has made it infinitely easier to have a huge and accessible catalog of bike riding footage. That footage is usually of every day riding from every day people and honestly is pretty chill (boring?). And that’s to be expected. Most riders are not able to be that badass in general, and the small amount that are that badass can’t be like that all the time. So yes, a majority of the riding you see on a daily basis (and there is a lot to see) can seem “wussy.” But, to me, the fact that all BMXers are documenting

07

their riding, regardless of their skill level, is a cool thing. I’m sure many of you reading this wish you had more footage of your many years of riding, but you came from an era where cameras were rare or found only in the hands of professionals. Also, let’s not forget, when you did see Morgan Wade “not being a wussy” and super whipping across the Metro Jam course, that was one of the few times he did something like that the whole year. And you waited months to see it. A quick check of Morgan’s

GETTING OLDER… DOESN’T SUCK.

Instagram today shows that, yes, he indeed still does super whips, but not every day. So, if you feel like riding is way too tame for you in 2019,

maybe you just need to adjust your expectations to reality (one that has

people make the effort to actually listen to them, talk of the days of old with a

Our founding fathers look like old men now and many of them, when

always existed) or stop paying attention to the riding you don’t care to

sense of longing and nostalgic distance. But for the next generation—the generation

see. In addition, just wait a little—like you used to—and watch the

who many call the “heroes of the mid-school” or our “greatest generation”—age

occasional Van’s Pro Cup, or the yearly Battle of Hastings, or one of the

just doesn’t seem to matter anymore. There are fewer and fewer “retirements”

few Mega Ramp Contests, or any Sean Burns video that we are lucky

and more and more riders embracing the change that time brings. So what, they

enough to get every few months. People still go big, just like they used

can’t gap to rail anymore (or maybe they just don’t want to), but it’s sick as hell

to, but that is often overshadowed by daily content of daily riding.

to see our favorite guys still clicking turndowns, fufanuing the now hard-to-find quarterpipe, and proving that life after BMX is still just a life of BMX. We as a

The second reason that BMX riders may seem a bit “wussy” in

culture have struggled to remember and pay homage to those before us, but it’s

2019 is because they are simply getting better at riding. Everyone is so damn

getting easier when those that came before just keep on riding. Instead of a kid

good that nothing looks hard. Morgan Wade’s super whips—which were

learning about his roots from a VHS tape they can’t even play anymore or a

some of the first ever—only looked sketchy because BMX itself was still

magazine rotting in someone’s basement, they can just go to the local park and

growing (as was Morgan). And just like BMX as a whole got better, so did

ride with Van Homan or Corey Martinez. Or god forbid, the new generation could

Morgan (just watch his flawless Mega Ramp runs for proof). Today’s riders

follow them on Instagram and connect to the pioneers in a way the youth is more

are doing tricks at least as wild as the tricks you used to watch in Props, but

familiar with. Our history is still actually alive and accessible as professionals

they don’t look like a huck because riders are so much more dialed now.

embrace getting old.

Someone did a 900-whip air this year for chrissakes. And it was clean. Come on. Is that wussy? Maybe it doesn’t look as wild anymore—I get it, that’s a

little less exciting—but grow up. I’d rather watch my homies pull everything

Not into modern tricks and styles? See what I just wrote above. Not into new

In addition, it’s never been more awesome to be an “older rider” yourself.

perfect, never get hurt, and shred til they’re 55, than be loose and huck it

brands and teams? Don’t worry, legend teams on classic brands still exist (even

for my entertainment. Getting that loose often times comes with crashing,

if in slimmed down and adapted forms). Not into click-bait and vlogs? Well, you

wrecking yourself at a young age, and then being forced to quit riding

have multiple choices of where to get your media (the publisher of this book and

because of a broken body. The perceived wussy-ness of modern BMX is

the author of this piece each focus on more than just the new generation and

actually just the “dialing in” of BMX, and that’s great in my book. The fewer

hottest trends). With all the talk of “growing BMX” with the youth, I’m stoked

people that look/get sketchy means the fewer people that get hurt, and thus

to see that we are “maintaining BMX” by keeping people on their bikes regardless

the longer more riders can keep riding.

of how many years ago they learned how to bunnyhop.

Seven Reasons Why

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Forget about the industry-based recession a few years ago and the continuous drama that internet trolls and complainers foist upon you. Rather, focus on yet another rebirth, another starting of a new lifecycle, and another chance to take stock and keep moving forward. The changes throughout the 2010’s are just one of many transitions we have experienced. This era—like those before and hopefully like those in the future—has been full of growing new riders and new ideas, supporting older riders and their ways, and doing so in the same DIY, communitybased, progression-loving, roots-respecting, good vibe-having manner. BMX is alive and well heading into 2020, and most of it doesn’t even suck.

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Photo by Wes Mc Grath

Send $3.00 for a Sticker Pack to: Profile Racing, 4803 95th Street North, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33708 Phone: 727-391-7370 Fax: 727-398-2153 Email: info@profileracing.com

Travis Hughes by Devon Hutchins

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF KINK BMX. POP IT. INCLUDES EVERY FULL LENGTH KINK VIDEO EVER MADE. OUT NOW. KINKBMX.COM | @KINKBMX

WARSAW

RISING

No —99.99

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The initial moments of a BMX trip are always the same. A fraught race dragging bike bags up the stairs in hopes of claiming the best bed. But what is the best? A major contributing factor is who you will be stuck next to and thus who snores, farts, smokes, talks about BMX too much, etc. This time around things were tight. The only two bedrooms were connected by a long hallway to a bathroom and kitchen at either end. The first room was claimed by young pups Jiri Blabol and Mark Burnett—the other by 'old timers' Peter Adam, Joris Coulomb, and Simone Barraco. It was a weigh-up situation. The first option was a bed with Jiri Blabol—quite possibly the most energetic human I’ve ever encountered who also happens to love bad Euro dance music played through treble-heavy phone speakers. He was a joy to be around when awake, but possibly a dangerous person to share a futon with. The next position in the house was sandwiched between Simone on the floor and Joris in the other double bed. This initially called to me, but after some consideration I thought my claustrophobic tendencies around humans might become an issue. It was a loose move, but I ended up making a home in the very narrow hallway that led to the toilet at the end of the apartment. It was a dangerous position for getting stepped on throughout the night by sleepy pissers-by, but a risk I was willing to take for some space of my own. After a couple nights and some discussion with Peter Adam, it became apparent that I’d made the right decision—Simone’s midnight mania and Joris’ morning beadbashing proved all too much...

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Words & Photograpghy

by Fred Murray

Shadow X Subrosa

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Scary for many reasons, including the super high troll

inhabitant of this DIY spot, convinced his capoeira skills would

Simone Barraco takes it all in stride on trips like this. His low

stress levels and fun demeanor are pretty soothing in sometimes hectic

obliterate Simone. Not what you need when running up to a hefty

situations in different foreign lands. Whether it’s playing tricks on his

drop and a backwards smith.

teammates or generally talking shit, it’s always done with the best of intentions. The majority of the time I was the last one to get to sleep in Warsaw—always able to waste hours of my evening shuffling about doing not much at all. Simone was quite often the second last to bed—giving me the opportunity to listen to him wind up Peter Adam with his signature Italian flair. These two have spent a whole lot of time together before and it certainly shows. The levels of comedy between the two ranges from awful dad jokes to straight up farting. It’s the simple pleasures that mean the most…

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Words Fred Murray

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Photos

Fred Murray

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Mark Burnett has to be one of the most talented guys out there

on a bike. Oppo feeble barspin on a spot c reated to c elebrate the fall of Soviet media censorship in Poland.

Warsaw Rising

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Like much of Europe, our apartment building consisted of a central

outdoor square surrounded on all sides by other living spaces and as you’d expect this creates something like a megaphone that channels all the noise from each residence into one mass in the centre. This didn’t prove much of an issue until one evening when the very loud sounds of a young couple in the throes of a passionate embrace echoed throughout the buildings. It really couldn’t have been any funnier, but this wasn’t your average quickie. These two were in it for the long haul. Of course, everyone was hanging out of a window getting a listen and providing sound effects of their own in return— Simone being the prime instigator. However, not everyone thought it was funny. The soccer ball-shaped angry old man who on the daily opened his window and shouted at us for doing nothing, really “took the hump” with the two bumping humans and shouted a string of aggressive Polish words followed by a slam of his window. Same with the horror movie-esque old lady downstairs who aired her personal vendetta against me whenever I walked by her door, didn’t appreciate the shaggers. After enduring two more days of the endless and over-enthusiastic moans of passion bouncing from the walls, we too soon became tired of it.

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Words Fred Murray

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Photos

Fred Murray

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The fastest hands in the west. Double barspin 180 and an ic e hard

bar from Czech Republic’s Jiri Blabol.

→

Mark Burnett takes an alternative route at the bridge DIY spot,

slinging and gapping his way to the top of the stairs.

My trip to Warsaw was slightly shorter than everyone else’s. After

second time around. Next up was Simone. After a while feeling out the spot,

seven days, I flew home while the others stayed on for another few days. On

Simone sent one attempt and came within centimetres of clipping the last

my last day however, the guys really owned the day, with most of them saving

step. Thankfully, he managed to jump out of the crash pretty well. It was

their best till last. After an already productive day, we ended up at a big set

easily about 5pm at this point and the sun was starting to sink, as my ISO

of stairs—a bit like MACBA, only much bigger. Simone and Jiri both had

began to rise (For the camera illiterate, ISO is the sensitivity range; the higher

things they wanted to film: Jiri a double bar 180 and Simone ice to smith to

the number, the more light is available, but the quality of the image goes

manny 180. Both moves were pretty damn scary and my palms started to

down.). Quietly stressing inside, I and everyone else was excited see Simone

sweat just watching the guys go in. Jiri busted his out real quick, landing it

land the 180 and ride away clean before darkness set in.

Shadow X Subrosa

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Words Fred Murray

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Photos

Fred Murray

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This was the cherry on the top of our Polish cake.

Simone Barrac o - ic e smith manny 180.

Warsaw Rising

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Words & Photograpghy

by Fred Murray

Shadow X Subrosa

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The entry to Ryan’s gap to tunnel wall was riddled with horrible big bastard spiders. I couldn’t help thinking about the 1990 movie, Arachnophobia. Ryan wasn’t fussed.

Sometimes even watching someone film something crazy is enough

to get your own special bar maxed and that is exactly what happened to TM Ryan Sher. Nearby, there was a gap from a set of stairs into a tight trannied tunnel and he was desperate to get it. After a super quick setup and some incredibly confident run-ups, Ryan was ready. Watching him lace it perfectly got spirits seriously high and it couldn’t have rounded off an already amazing trip any better. It was at that moment I realised the last time I had shot a riding photo of Ryan was a whole fifteen years earlier halfway across the world in Oregon when I was in my infancy as a photographer. It’s funny how times can change, but everything can stay the same.

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Words by

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Photos by

Fred Murray

Fred Murray

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From Out Of The Darkness in the Sydney Suburbs

No—99.9

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Western Australia's Matt Walkemeyer hitting up the

ic onic Martin Plac e spot whist in Sydney.

Photography

by Luc as Camino

Sleepers

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Lee Cruikshank and I hit some banks next to these courts but they

were kinda shitty, Seeing as I had the kit all set up we just

switc hed the strobes up and he bombed the kids' matc h. Good times.

�

After not getting a grind he was happy with, Lewis Mills proc eeded

to throw down this t-bog in Randwick as second place shot. It

ended up being a cracker.

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Jordan Smyth didn’t know what to do at this Pyrmont spot to start

with but soon as he had a go at “just hopping off it” we had the shot.

Sleepers

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Carraig Troy (AKA Tiny) dropping in on a Zetland net that just

about has enough spacing to stop your wheels from getting c aught.

No starting gate here. Full-speed sprint to a step-up to whipped out beastly transfer at one hell of a spot. Day 1 in Mexico.

No—99.99

digbmx.com

WALSH WATTS GRALLA LAZARUK HODER WORDS & PHOTOS

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By Rob Dolecki

COREY WALSH The week Prior to the Vans Pro Cup Mexico stop, Corey Walsh flew out to

If the phrase “Photos don’t do it justice” cliché fits anywhere, it’s this skate-

Philly for a few days. I live a very domesticated home life, so it wasn’t really

park. Seeing this anomaly in person was even more wild than I could have

about doing a tour of all the bars in my neighborhood. Riding, particularly

imagined. There was literally nothing cookie cutter about it, for better or

FDR, is the main objective. (Thanks to Derek Adams, we also got in a session

worse. I can go on and on about this park. Weird pump track lines with canals

at the new Castle Bam bowl, which was built for Corey’s super- sonic speed).

under boat hull/shovel spade-looking type of quarters, the spiral vortex, and

FDR had been on Walsh’s bucket list for a minute now.

of course the MASSIVE flower capsule, complete with multiple holes shaped into the top half. At first glance it looks like whoever designed it took a bunch

And man, what a sight it was to see a hyped-up Corey set two wheels on that

of acid when drawing it up. Our conclusion was that some sculpture artist

concrete. It’s no exaggeration when saying I’ve never seen anyone ride that

was behind the design and construction, as the name “Carlos Carsolio” is

place the way he did, even on his first day there ever. No open pocket was

engraved in both the skatepark capsule, and random sculpture pieces dotted

safe; some moves and transfers that had been joked about over the years were

throughout the city park. Which would help make sense why the skatepark

ticked off casually. It was quite a show to see, to say the least. (You’ll be able

features are the way they are. It definitely looked a lot better than it rode, due

to catch a glimpse of it in Corey’s upcoming “Fast & Loose” section, and an

to not-in-a-good-way quirky transitions and flat bottoms, and creaky concrete,

upcoming Maintain video)

but so worth it to go. (Though, after a week of riding this park and figuring out how to ride the bizarreness, who knows, maybe it might have a lot more to

We both left Philly and went down to Mexico City a few days before the Pro

it than meets the un-initiated eye). Imagine what could be achieved if Carlos

Cup started to stay with Oscar Sanchez, longtime friend of mine, (plus

combined his design vision with a proper skatepark building company - the

Mr. Joe Rich also joined us), with one main objective - to knock one spot off

result would be insane.

my list: Parque Estatal Flor del Bosque in Puebla. I first found out about this skatepark during during another Mexico trip a few years ago, right after it was

A few days after our excursion to Puebla, right as the Pro Cup was getting

constructed. All of the photos and video clips of that place looked bizarrely

underway in Mexico City, Corey, Joe, and I all came down with a heavy bout

intriguing, with features like no other I’ve ever seen at any other park. Due to

of food (or more likely, water) poisoning that had us all shut down for at least

time constraints, I wasn’t able to go visit then. But I knew next time I was in

a day or so, and took the wind out of Corey’s sails for the rest of the comp. If

the region, I had to go.

being confined to the edge of a toilet bowl for 24 hours was the price to pay for experiencing that crazy skatepark, it was more than worth it.

“It’s no exaggeration when saying I’ve never seen anyone ride that place the way he did.”

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Van life -

Corey back at home.

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One of multiple FDR open pockets Walsh repeatedly slayed in

typic al Corey style, as the Deathstar looms in the background.

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One of the wildest objects, at one of the most bizarre parks

ever c reated. Five holes high on the Parque Estatal Flor del

Bosque Lotus capsule.

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Last licks before Nightfall,

and food poisoning sets in.

↘ Money in the bank. Mr. Gralla reaping some quality dividends in the form of a be-born gem.

MARK GRALLA “This brick quarter was quite an anomaly; less than four foot tall at the tallest section, and full-on straight to vert.”

Almost two decades ago, a few of the local Philadelphia area riding crew

Fast-forward to 2019, and said friend is reminded by (names changed to pro-

(particularly Frankie Bones) had some key area terrain on lock, one of them

tect identities) Fej and also Nad (who grew up riding this spot) about the

being named “Secret Spot 2”. This brick quarter was quite an anomaly; less

possibility of resurrecting the spot. One late spring morning, armed with

than four foot tall at the tallest section, and full-on straight to vert. During

a small sledge, rake, broom, and six hands, “property maintenance” by way

that era, it made a few appearances in some legendary video sections, most

of removal of the planter section in front of the taller section was executed. It

notably etnies “Forward” (Garrett Byrnes), “Wide Awake Nightmare” (Brian

took about an hour, and the stone and dirt debris from the removal was intri-

Wizmerski), “Animal 1” (Bob Scerbo) and Van Homan’s Props interview. For

cately dispersed to minimize any visual alterations/mess. Great job, Fej and

a few years, it became quite a popular go-to spot.

Nad (“friend” doesn’t need to be thanked for obvious reasons).

Maybe too popular. The property owner had enough of all these two-

More often than not, many spots ridden in the distant past can end up seem-

wheeled visitors riding this architectural wonder, and installed planters in

ing smaller or less steep than a twisted memory serves. This time, though,

front of the entire length of the quarter. And that was it. Secret Spot 2 shut

it was the opposite. After 15 years, turns out it wasn’t any easier to air it

down for good.

straight-on for any of the people responsible for unearthing it. It actually felt more steep, and it just didn’t seem to work. That might be primarily due

Or was it?

to the fact that it wasn’t possible to carve the length of it into the shorter section as it had been aired pre-planter all those years ago, more than bad

I moved to Philly a few years after the planter addition. I only got to go to

recollections, but who knows.

SS 2 a handful times before it was altered, and I had no recollection of where exactly it was. One day about seven years ago, I was driving aimlessly around

Enter Mark Gralla. A few weeks later Bob Scerbo and Wiz met up there for a

the suburban outlying area and stumbled across it. After scoping it out “for a

reunion sesh of sorts, with El Raton in tow. As a true testament to Mark’s su-

friend”, it seemed very possible to remove the planter without doing any

per-refined riding ability on unorthodox objects, an hour later, he was roasting

damage to the property, and quarter itself. And the proverbial light bulb lit up

it so proper; it didn’t really make any sense. Relentlessly seeking out obscure

in said friend’s mind.

transition spots all over the globe can result in that skill, I guess.

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JASON WATTS “I knew Jason had a hand in building the wood accessories that lined the bowl that weekend, but I had no idea how much he’s immersed in the craft.”

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W h o d o e s n’t l o v e t h e J W a t t s s t y l e o v e r h i s b a d - a s s

wood addition to the Metro Puebla 2 Skatepark in Mexic o City?

During 2019, I was fortunate enough to make it to three stops of arguably the coolest pro contest series going right now, the Vans Pro Cup bowl comps. How can you not enjoy something where style, flow and creative lines takes precedence over trick progression, where it’s more about feeding off of each others’ energy than achieving a podium spot. In addition, Vans also had the foresight to make an investment into adding a little spice to each stop in the form of some wood additions to help amplify all the wildness a large group of many of the best bowl riders in the world could throw down, as well as into some properly skilled ramp builders to pull it off.

While chilling at the after-party following the Germany Pro Cup comp, I happened upon a conversation between Jason Watts and Joe Rich about ramp construction. I knew Jason had a hand in building the wood accessories that lined the bowl that weekend, but I had no idea how much he’s immersed in the craft.

Hearing him converse about constructing ramps was a treat. It was very evident that his passion for and dedication to it flows as heavily as his lines on a bike in a bowl.

Here’s a guy who ended up winning both the Germany and Mexico stops, yet

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was also doing double duty as a ramp builder at both of those, on top of it. I’d imagine it wasn’t only about making a few extra bucks for building some ramps either; he probably just wanted to make sure everyone in attendance could enjoy each course to the fullest. Blue collar BMX is alive and well.

ANDREW LAZARUK

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So many gems, so little time.

One of the best deep ends in pool lore.

These days, it seems like pool riding is as much of a niche thing as it’s ever been. Not that it’s surprising. I mean, who would want to spend days on end searching out pools, barging some vacant house, draining mucky

“There continues to be small pockets of riders in various corners of the world who see the value in these discoveries.”

algae-ridden sludge containing who-knows-whatever else, only to get in maybe a few quick runs before getting the boot, or worse ticketed/arrested for trespassing or breaking-and-entering? That’s more along the lines of some Type III Fun shit. Heading over to the bowl at the local skatepark for a leisurely cruise is definitely a much more enjoyable path of lesser resistance.

Yet there continues to be small pockets of riders in various corners of the world who see the value in these discoveries, once all the obstacles are overcome in order to get some carves in. Canadian transplant Andrew Lazaruk is one of them. He currently calls one of a few pool hotspots in the Southwestern U.S. home- good ol’ Southern California. While there are plenty of good bowls to ride in that area (the parks that are bike friendly, at least), there are way more pools up for the taking. I’ve been out that way on a couple of occasions the past few years hitting up multiple ones with Andrew, and it’s seriously outrageous. The two-part “Pool’s Gold” edit starring Garrett B., Mr. Homan, and Enns that dropped a few years back barely scratched the surface. Out in that region, unlike traditional street spots, pools seem like a constantly renewable resource that will never dry up (pun intended?).

And Lazar continues to ride old, and newly discovered pools, be it from trading pins with other pool fanatics, the unicorn permission pools, or just doing the traditional scouring of areas near and far. So many finds, so little time.

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Burnin’ up the rubber at

a burned out homestead.

“Hoder was a year in on a very healthy regimen, which consisted of no drinking, minimal gluten, and eating a plant-based diet. And it showed.�

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Trini beac hes are better than any riding spot that

Hoder's ever seen in his life. How c an you not agree?.

MIKE HODER

I’ve been a fan of the Caribbean region for years now. It first started when I was fortunate enough to make it to a few destinations like Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic (I actually put together a split article for DIG Issue 82 in 2011 after visiting both islands for the first time). Back in February of 2019, Mike Hoder, along with the NYC contingent of Joey Piazza, Tyrone Williams, and Charles Hearn, took a weeklong getaway to the Caribbean paradise of Trinidad and Tobago for an escape from Northwest and Northeast U.S. winter.

“Trini” life was not much different than the other Caribbean islands I’ve been to- Beach life is always top priority. Plus heavy consumption of the traditional island cuisine of rotis and doubles, pre-Carnival festivities (we just missed out on the actual week-long wildness which goes on annually), and some riding of prime architecture made daily life a dream for a week.

Joey was also filming for his long awaited upcoming AMPM full-length video (you can catch a little bit of some behind the scenes action in an “In The Cut” edit on DIG’s YouTube channel).

I can’t wait to see Hoder’s AMPM section; it’s going to be a classic. Prior to landing in Port Of Spain, Hoder was also a year in of being into very healthy regimen, which consisted of no drinking, minimal gluten, and eating a plant-based diet. And it showed. He was non-stop energy all day long, as well as on top of his game riding-wise. It’s not as though his trick list has expanded- that’s not really an important asset when you ride like Hoder. No tricks needed; the beautiful simplicity and straight burliness in what he does is all that is.

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Doesn’t get much better than this; no tricks needed..

Mike Hoder, manny ac ross the gate, Trinidad & Tobago.

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Sketc hy Text

By Jordan Godwin

Sam Jones

Doomed In China

Felix Prangenberg

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Jordan Godwin

Jordan Godwin

Doomed In China

Jordan Okane

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X 2019 A YEAR IN PHOTOS

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BMX is dead? Heavy numbers were on the prowl in NYC for Austin Augie's inaugural DON OF THE STREETS jam late in the year. Photo by Wes McGrath

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Turn your bars, and hold on. That’s the best feeling. Matt Cordova - Reedsport, Oregon.

Photo By Nathan Sykes

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Lewis Mills is 'The Controller'.

Photo by Lucas Camino

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Jordan Okane putting his mysterious rubber limbs to the test for etnies on the DIG Territories BCN trip.

Photo by Jason Colledge

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Robbie Owens.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

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Shapes and shadows with Jayden Fuller Down Under.

Photo by Cooper Brownlee

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Sergio Layous - City of the Ocean, Biarritz.

Photo by Ben Gea

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FIT's wild new blood Max Miller leads the charge at the annual hill-bombing event in Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco. Photo by Jason Fong

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Nathan Williams is future proof. Filming 2020 moves in 2019. Photo by Kevin Conners

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As the sun rose, while many people were passing out from a long night of wildness at Swampfest, Eric Hennessey was on a two-wheeled dawn patrol. And it was well worth it; no waiting in line for some heavy lap counts. Photo by Rob Dolecki

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Broc Raiford. King of the over hardway.

London, UK. Photo by Tonash

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Garrett Reynolds - Still the boss.

Photo by Kevin Conners

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Courage Adams.

Photo by Tonash

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2019 was a good year for Philly - it brought the rebirth of another suburban gem that had been previously caged in by fencing for over a decade. Chris Aceto celebrated with a window carve on the road less traveled. Photo by Rob Dolecki

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The Diggle DIY compound just keeps expanding- as of this writing, a fully-enclosed small concrete bowl was just c onstructed to help c ope with the long New England winter ahead. Another newer addition, the “No Name” hip pictured here was sessioned heavily

by Cody D.and the locals all during the autumn months… TALKIN'. Photo by Rob Dolecki

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New Year, New Ink. David Grant avoiding useless security in Beijing for BSD. Photos by Fred Murray

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Julian Artega - salad days in BCN. Photo by Wes McGrath

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Miguel Cuesta, deep in the Andalucian hills sampling the secret paradise created by Joe Judge. Photo by Fred Murray

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COREY WALSH

PHOTO BY JAMES A GRANT

LEGEND STATUS X2 WHEN MAT HOFFMAN MET THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS If a life in Freestyle BMX teaches you something it’s to drop in and make it up as it comes, expect the unexpected, keep on keeping on and never give up.

BUT this was one of those trips when I had everything planned out. I organized a quick trip to England to experience this phenomenon in our world called, the Battle of Hastings. I was flying Morgan Wade over to represent, like only he can, ride, see some good old friends, make some new ones, and I had a side plan to BASE jump Beachy Head, if the planets aligned perfectly.

But I first have to make a quick trip on the way to the airport to grab some food at my go-to Italian restaurant, in my hometown, called Flip’s, and this is where everything got flipped on me.

As I finish up my meal, and say my goodbyes, I walk out to my car and my window is smashed in, but everything seems to be in order, until I go to get my passport. My carry on is missing and my passport is gone. Well, change of plans.

Since I had some pretty crazy plans, I thought maybe this is a sign to chill out and quit trying to live 10 lives in one. So, I drive home. Then I get a message on Facebook from someone who found my bag under their car. They went through it and found some prototype drawings of Hoffman Bikes I had in there. They looked Hoffman Bikes up, got my name and messaged me. Now she is on her way to my house to deliver my bag. Maybe it’s not over?

When she arrives, I look through my bag and notice my GoPro is missing. They were taken out of their cases and the cases put back in my bag, weird. My new computer, I just got, is gone, but then I see my passport. Okay, plan back on.

I jump in my windowless car and drive to the airport. I get there but miss my flight. I barter with the airline personnel. Of course, I got the most discounted ticket, and nothing can be done, until in the eleventh hour, someone comes through and I’m on a plane headed to the UK. I arrive. Whew. I rent a car and drive to Hastings. So many life-long memories were created in this small seaside town in England, and I’ve had the pleasure to experience a lot of them over the last 30 years. But this time Morgan Wade was invited. Nothing will be the same again.☺ I get there, put my bike together and head over to Seventies to check in with the OG that put Hastings on the BMX map, Stuart Dawkins. I get there and catch up on good times. Then Sebastian Keep, walks in and says, “do you want to go to the trails”. I respond, “YEP”, and were off. We arrive and I see Fids, then Darryl Nau, then Chris Doyle, Trey Jones, then… holy moly. We ride.

The next day I wake up and the winds look nice. About 10 or so years ago, when I was in Hastings for something else, I brought my para glider and flew Beachy Head. As I was flying, I thought, I bet I could BASE jump the cliffs.

This visit I had become friends with a master jumper and rider, Lewis Jones.

So, we meet and drive to Beachy Head for a look. The next thing I know, before a cup of coffee, I’m running off the cliffs of Dover following Lewis, and made this radical dream come true, not thinking that was just the start of one of the craziest days in Hastings.

I get to The Battle of Hastings and learn from Marc and Rich Moore about how this became reality. This is a project only a BMX Freestyler could make happen.

It’s one of those ideas when you just have to jump in the hole (literally with the Source Park) and find a way to get out, by making it up as it comes. There could not be a plan, and that’s why it took over 900 years for the Battle of Hastings to meet the Moore brothers and live up to its full potential.

When I got there everyone was having a great time. The vibe is 100% “we are here to have fun and ride”. This is what BMX Freestyle is about. I see Morgan.

He’s walking the course, looking for the challenges he wants to confront, with his crazy eyes. I slide beside him and he points out this line. I just chuckle “of course you’d see that”, and the rest is history.

There is only one Morgan Wade. He is a BMX Superhero. He is the toughest, a warrior, and was the secret weapon at the Battle this year. His determination alone made this trip special for everyone, but also confirmed this event is an example, time after time, anything is possible. You just have to go for it, like so many riders have at every past, present and future Battle of Hastings.

The Battle of Hasting runs with a team format. There are 12 appointed Captains taking their pick of any three riders. The teams for the BOH 2019 brought together the world’s greatest from all aspects of BMX Freestyle who brought more fire to Hastings than the participants of the original battle.

The highlights from this event would fill a book, but here’s a few. Boyd Hilder feeble smith to 15’ foot bomb drop barspin and style for miles, Felix Prangenberg 540 reverse smith to 180, Courage Adams ridiculous bike control balance, Corey Martinez reinventing physics with his 540 tire stall, Matt Ray doing a 720 double barspin AIR like nothing, Garrett Reynolds being a bicycle magician with his line into ‘manual fakie barspins’, Alex Hiam 720 transfer and more tech than an IT wizard, Dan Paley owning every nook and cranny in the park, Dan Lacey lofting so much jive, Simone Barraco making a bicycle look like an alien machine, Sergio Layos getting inverted and intimate with the crowd on the second storey rafters. All this with a Live Feeds hosted by Scotty Cranmer and Chris Doyle. Oh, and Tom Justice is ridiculously awesome.

It doesn’t get any better, period.

After the madness, it was time to celebrate the love for life and BMX with friends at the Nora Cup and honor the greats. Then as I think all is done, I see a video come on with footage of me and am taken totally off guard and get presented the Legends Awarded. THANK YOU. I WAS SO HONORED. My bike, my community and my unconditional love for endless possibilities within, has given me the greatest life I could ever dream of, and to get an award for this among the greatest BMX gladiators in the world is beyond words, and that’s why we ride.

How did this whole trip happen when so many things battled to keep me home.

You have to drop in and make it up as it comes, expect the unexpected, keep on keeping on and never give up.

Freestyle is freestyle. Enjoy the Ride. - Mat Hoffman

“There could not be a plan, and that’s why it took over 900 years for the Battle of Hastings to meet the Moore brothers and live up to its full potential.”

GET READY FOR BOH 2020 ↘

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MORGAN WADE PHOTO BY EISA BAKOS

5TH-8TH SEP 2019

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“There is only one Morgan Wade. He is a BMX Superhero. He is the toughest, a warrior, and was the secret weapon at the Battle this year. His determination alone made this trip special for everyone, but also confirmed this event is an example, that anything is possible.” - Mat Hoffman