As we rolled up to Museum Africa, it was pretty clear we were going to have a huge crew. Already at 10am there was a posse 50 deep playing a game of bike and entertaining themselves on the various jibs that the meet up spot had to offer. It’s always cool coming up to Jo’burg and meeting so many new faces and all the different styles that come with it.
While we waited for some of the notorious late risers to arrive, Rico from the Evals BMX Shop broke out the flat rail and his gnarly wooden kicker that looked like something out of Hot Rod.
I’ve never seen so many tricks go down on a flat rail in such a short space of time! Standouts in my mind were Darren Oatley’s switch pegs whip, Hann Jansens backwards crook wizardry and Nathi’s backwards manual combos.
Paul Soderlund managed to stick a super long manual line while dodging 100 riders and pedestrians just in time for a quick group shot before we hit the streets with the mob.
From that point on, the whole day pretty much turned into a blur of cranking around town, blocking traffic, incidents with the cops, handing out a large amount of tubes after riding a sketchy glass ridden bank under the highway, followed by witnessing Murray Loubser and Jason Hood lay down two bangers on a crazy setup which can only be illustrated in the gallery and video.
Just when everyone thought the day was over, someone suggested a damn long jump contest! While I’d never openly condone such a thing because they are notoriously sketchy and dangerous.
There were more than a few willing candidates ready to send themselves off the kicker to their doom. I swear if some of these kid’s moms saw what was going on their bikes would be up for sale the next day.
Luckily no one got seriously injured, Sean Fritz definitely has a guardian angel or something. After taking a massive slam (watch the video above) he took home a tough as nails package from Fox Head South Africa earning himself a new helmet, which was quite fitting.
A huge shout out to everyone that made it out this year, including the Botswana crew and the brands that got involved. Monster Energy, Vans ZA, Evals BMX, Hunter BMX, 1933 Classic Tattoos, and Fox Head South Africa.
Special mention goes out to Hann Jansen for all the help leading the pack to spots. Kevin Schnider and Grant Maclachlan for handling the visuals. We hope jams like this inspire you to continue pushing and remind you that we’re all part of one big family! #BMXDAY has become a global success! #Bepartofit
Words by Colin Loudon
Photos by Grant Mclachlan
Video by Kevin Schnider
Rad. Rad. Rad. I'll bet not one pokemon was captured all day.