Features

ROM JAM 2016: Video and Gallery

Pedalling, Carving, Jumping and Airing

Words by Robin Pearson
Video by Scott Connor
Photos Credited

Yesterday, 22nd May 2016, was a great day. The annual ROM Jam, although earlier in the year than usual, absolutely triumphed. It seemed like the busiest it’s ever been, with riders from all over making the trip to ride the legendary park, jump stacks of tyres, do big airs, hang out with friends from other scenes, drink beer, heckle – all the good shit, basically.

Performance bowl jam about to kick off. Photo: Robin Pearson

The day was typically loose, with only a few ‘organised’ moments. And even those seemed to be merely the most popular suggestions in the hours of general freestyle carnage. With a classic mix of old school hiphop and heavy metal blasting out between Ian Stokes’ supply of announcements / banter / public disturbance, pretty much everything that came out of the speakers was thoroughly entertaining in one way or another.

After the tower reached 9 or 10, she started to wobble. Photo: Robin Pearson

Jam scene! Billy Mills maxing out at 12 tyres. Photo: Robin Pearson

The highlights were many. Billy Mills clearing twelve tyres out of the bank was amazing – he didn’t exactly roll away from it but Ian’s rule was, “if you get over it, it counts.”

Tom Milham and the performance bowl have always had a successful relationship and this year’s jam was no different, he absolutely sent it despite being a little worse for wear… The last update I saw from him was at about 6am on jam day, still drinking from the night before. Savage! Declan Brooks fully roasted the performance bowl too, along with Zack Shaw and Jack Clark, it was a real treat to watch them put the bowl to its intended use!

Declan Brooks going nuts in the performance bowl. Photo: John Wells

For scale, here's another angle. Mad bowl, mad air. Photo: Robin Pearson

Zack Shaw boosting. Photo: Robin Pearson

Tom Milham cranking in... Photo: Robin Pearson

Milham in his element. Photo: Robin Pearson

Hungover and happy. Photo: Robin Pearson

Dec Brooks, one handed x-up. Photo: Robin Pearson

Jack Clark smashed it all day. Photo: Robin Pearson

ROM Jam 2016 was a celebration of a historic skatepark, of core BMX, of the simple thrills of pedalling, carving, jumping and airing. It was a family day out, a chance to see old friends, take the piss out of each other, creating memories to look back on and laugh at. It was a reminder to all that ROM is a truly incredible place to ride – diverse, gnarly, challenging and most of all, fun.

ROM Jam made us happy to be on our bikes, happy to be part of BMX. We felt like kids again! Bring on next year.