Features

MONGOOSE Am Jam 2019 Gallery

Support the youth!

Mongoose Am Jam went off last weekend! The Source Park was the venue, there were three age categories, team autographs, our old boss Seb Hejna on the mic, good vibes and a lot of excitement!

Our lad Adam Lievesley was there shooting photos. He says it reminded him of Battle of Hastings, for obvious reasons! Similar vibes but just with younger guys riding. It was very promising to see so many young riders there with lots of style. Everyone was encouraging everyone else, nothing but good vibes.

Mongoose had arranged three special limited edition Am Jam frames, one for the best in each age group. The winners were decided by the Mongoose Pro riders: Greg Illingworth, Ben Wallace, Pat Casey, Kevin Peraza, Nikita Ducarroz and Cam Peake… And those guys know what’s good!

Standout riders included 10-year-old Reed Stanistreet, Reef Way, Henry Logan and Kerr Mackay, who took a nasty slam but got back on his bike. Good man.

After all the excitement of the Am Jam, the Mongoose crew had a chilled ride on Sunday at Boyley park, getting over the hangovers. Nice weekend!

Photos by Adam Lievesley

13 & under: Reed Stanistreet won a frame & a year’s membership to Source Park

13 to 15: Reef Way won a frame & a year’s membership to Source Park

16 & over: This was close!
Adam Francis won a year’s membership to Source Park
Felipe Manerim won a frame

Greg Illingworth, going at usual Greg speed.

Q&A with Greg Illingworth

– Tell us about the goal of the Am Jam, why did Mongoose organise it?

The reason Mongoose decided to do the AM Jam was to put more focus into the grass roots side of BMX and help generate/maintain more interest in the sport. Most pro riders are already passionate and dedicated to BMX for life. The goal for us at Mongoose is to open that up to more people and particularly kids. BMX is a positive lifestyle and the more people that get to experience that, the better, for the sport and for society as a whole.

– How was the turnout?

The turnout was great! We had loads of riders in every category including a bunch of girl riders!

– What was the level of riding like from the younger riders?

The level was varied, there were some beginners and there were some absolute rippers!

“BMX is a positive lifestyle and the more people that get to experience that, the better”

– How was the day in general?

It was an incredible day, loads of positive energy and excitement. Nothing too serious, just a good time.

– What was it like having the whole Mongoose crew in Hastings?

I’ve been looking forward to that for a long time. It was really sick seeing them riding our local spots. We all get a long well too, so it was nothing but laughs all week.

– What did you guys do outside of the Am Jam?

We rode the outdoor Boyley park, rode the trails, filmed some stuff for the new Mongoose website, ate at some of Hastings best food spots and did a little sightseeing.