Issue 27 of 2020 BMX Magazine has some coverage from the old school BMX gathering held at Ashmore BMX track back in October 2007. This was the same day we had the RSABOUT Jurassic Classic and the one photo from the race shows Gary Winmill, Glynn Hicks and me battling it out. Well, Gary and Glynn might have been battling as I was just hanging on for dear life on an old looptail PK Ripper with tuff wheels and dodgy gumwall tyres that had about 35psi in them. Yep, that’s right, 35 psi so talk about squishy. I’d already blown two tubes just from trying to get a decent pressure in them.

Now can anyone tell me why I was riding with my fingers on the front brake lever? My only guess is that the brakes were so poor I was hoping both of them might give me half a chance to stop. All jokes aside, would I do another race? Definitely.

It’s a real pity Brian lives thousands of kilometres away because I’d love to hang out at one of these events. Not too sure what the plan was, probably just a few quiet drinks and conversation about the good old days. Turned into an all-nighter and he sent me a few photos of what went down in his ‘shop’. There’s a bunch more and it’s good to see how the night progressed. Many self portraits which always seem to happen once the drinks are flowing. Thanks mate and one day I’ll get over there or maybe you’ll get over here.

Brian and Jon enjoying the night and the liquid refreshments.

Don’t spill the beer Brian.

I raced in the Victorian State Titles on the weekend. My first state titles since February 1983. Yeah a long time between drinks. I managed third place back in 1983 and this year the best I could do was fifth in 20″ and seventh in 24″. Maybe I need to train a bit more but then that take the fun out of riding. Was never one to take it too seriously. I passed the camera around and thanks to Mark and Bruce for grabbing a few snaps. Number 23 is me and unfortunately I’m in fifth not second.

There’s more photos from the Victorian State BMX Titles here.

As you may or may not be aware, Stephen Murray injured himself pretty bad on the Dew Tour in Baltimore this year. The inuries to his spinal cord and vertebrae are career ending and have left him with a lot of medical costs. Numerous jams have been held and today was Melbourne’s turn held in typical sunny Melbourne style. Money was raised from the BBQ and John from Forgotten Bikes put up one of the first bikes off the production line as a raffle prize. I went along with camera in hand and snapped a few shots.

There’s more photos from the Stephen Murray jam here.

You can donate directly at Stephen Murray Family Fund

rsabout sponsored the very competitive 13 boys class at the Eastfield Experience on the weekend. Seventeen riders in the class including current world number 6 Madison Denholm and we can’t forget Sophie Tye who came from the Blue Lake club in South Australia and mixed it with the boys. In the end it was Madison Denholm from Bodi Turner the Luke Parker. Well done to all the riders and here’s a few highlights.

Moto 4-1 Quicktime | YouTube
Moto 4-2 Quicktime | YouTube
Moto 4-3 Quicktime | YouTube
Invitation Final Quicktime | YouTube
Final Quicktime | YouTube

As I look after the website it also allows me to post stuff with myself as the star attraction. Here’s a couple of my races from the same event.

Moto 4 Quicktime | YouTube
Moto 5 Quicktime | YouTube

Photos are still to come, however, here’s some youtube footage courtesy of Jeff S.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

I’ve attended the two previous vintage BMX gatherings in Melbourne and Terrigal and they were a blast. A chance to BS with other old riders, talk about how good we used to be and how the young guys these days have it so good with race, trails, street and vert specific bikes. The event promises to be even better as we will have a chance to ride our old bikes. RSABOUT is sponsoring the pre-86 race and I’ll be in it too. Not to sure whether the guys will be more worried about their bikes or their bodies. Entry is free so if you will be around then give it a go. All details can be found on the flyers below and just click there for larger versions. This event is being held in conjunction with the Ashmore BMX Club Dirt Demons Challenge.

It was time to leave the crappy weather in Melbourne and head to Brisbane for the weekend. Something about getting on a plane in the rain and 14 degrees and hopping off a couple of hours later to sunshine and 29 degrees. Why don’t I live in Brisbane I kept asking. Anyway, it was a BBQ, a chance to show a few bikes and ride as well. Unfortunately I only had room for one bike so I spent most of the day talking and taking photos rather than riding. Still need to learn how to use my new Canon D30 camera as you can see below. All in all a great day and thanks to the hosts Robert and Scott who you can see in a few photos on here. That’s Robert on the 20 year old GT and Scott on the same bike and his Redline which is nearly as old. Can’t wait until the next one.

Group shot with the E.L. Lewis and Sons backdrop. If you need any powdercoating done, these are the guys to do it. Robert does all my BMX stuff.

Did some-one say product placement? Thanks Scott.

Can’t have an old school gathering without a bunny hop comp. Gary aka Johnny Chopper showing the style required to win. Gary is riding one of his own bikes and you can check out his stuff at Johnny Chopper.

It’s a damn shame that this event is half way around the world from where I am because the photos from previous years look like it is a blast to attend. Old school BMXers at their finest. So, if we can’t be there at least we will be there in spirit as we’re throwing a few products into the prize basket. All the best to Brian and the guys for an awesome event.