It’s that time of the year, no mans land. The week in between Christmas and New Year where nothing much really happens and we all eat a lot and watch rubbish TV. Unless of course you manage to get out on the bike, which is what we’re all aiming for to balance out the Turkey sarnies.
We figured it’d be good to use this time more productively and give you the Ride UK staffs 2012 round up. We’ve asked the crew their “tops” for the year. Rider, event, moment in BMX from the past 12 months. Setting the pace is our Editor in chief Gunner..

What one rider stood out for you in 2012?

I’m going to cheat slightly here on this question and choose one rider from the UK and one international.
My UK rider is a not very obvious choice in Max Wood. Personally I think Max has had a very solid year with a fair few stand outs. Ranging from the Adidas Seville trip, the Proper Ride To Glory week, the Proper Poland trip as well as being invited to take part in the Red Bull Empire of Dirt, where he very much held his own against some serious competition [and he had to ride first, which must have been the scariest thing ever!]. He also finally received the recognition he deserved with a signature frame, The Trawlerman and put out a banger of an edit to accompany the launch. On top of all of the above, Max is one of the best people in BMX and knows how to have a big old time.

Max Wood – The Trawlerman Edit from IMG TV on Vimeo.

My international choice is another personal favourite that celebrated a major milestone in his career/life in 2012, turning 40 years old. This rider is of course Brian Foster. Being closer to 40 than I would perhaps like, witnessing BF in any form for me is all the inspiration I need. The icing on the cake was the release of the BF-it DVD, which for anyone who has seen it will confirm, is a must watch, just to experience the sheer brilliance of this bike rider. BF takes my international choice, full stop.

2. What one event stood out for you in 2012?

It is the obvious choice, as it was probably one of the biggest BMX only events the UK had ever witnessed, but for me the Red Bull Empire of Dirt was very special. After taking a few years off the calendar, Empire finally made its welcome return, and did so in style. The location was second to none with a panoramic view over the whole of London, and of course the backdrop of a Palace! The course had stepped up from previous years, incorporating the gradient of the hill and with a few added extras thrown into the mix. And once again the rider line up brought some of the best dirt riders in the world to our shores for the 20,000 person crowd to gaze upon. People always talk about how crazy Red Bull events are, and that they have a reputation of creating something that extra bit special, well once again Empire of Dirt was special in many, many ways. Oh and our very own Ben Wallace took home the win, which was something else!

http://mpora.com/videos/mpASWpFAF
MPORA Action Sports

3. What one moment stood out for you in 2012?

Another very obvious choice, but for me it had to be witnessing BMX racing [I know it was only racing, but hey I like racing, shoot me!] at the London 2012 Olympics. I was a cynic to start, but after walking through the gates and experiencing one of the best BMX races in history, on one of the best BMX tracks in history, with a bunch of very good BMX friends and faces, was a huge stand out moment for me. It was nuts, and something that I may never experience again.