Features

TALL ORDER: BMX Jam 2016

Words and video by Scott Connor
Photos by Michael Drummond

Wet Wet Wet were a somewhat popular Scottish quartet in the 80s. More recently, ‘wet wet wet’ sums up last Saturday afternoon in London. It just so happens that was also the day for the very first Tall Order BMX Jam at Frontside Gardens Skatepark.

The first heat of riders were just being introduced when the clouds let loose with the first downpour. It was heavy, or lashin’ as they might say back home. At that point I stuffed my video camera up the front of my t-shirt and ran for the only real sheltered spot in sight, a Red Bull parasol. I was at the far end of the park, so by the time I got there it was already a highly contested circle of shelter with a diameter of about 5 meters. I then blagged my way into the centre, exclaiming, “Ugh, all my gear’s in there.” Some people weren’t so lucky in their search for shelter, due to the fact that there wasn’t any. So a lot of dudes happily stood about, mingling in the downpour. Then some people decided to have a game of foot-down and a few brave (“special”) souls decided to ride the ramps…. The prizes were then divvied up among those who were mad enough to ride in the rain.

Two heroes. Stoked that Ben Hennon made the trip down.

It rained on and off for about 2 hours. Eventually the clouds moved on and took the rain with them. The squeegees then came out and a crack team lead by Squeegee OG Mad Jon Taylor managed to dry of the street area enough for the riding to resume. The main ramps were just too soaked, so the remainder of the jam took place solely in the street area.

It was cash for tricks. Starting on the ledge and flat bar then moving onto the driveway. There was a few hundred pounds up for grabs and this was dished out on a trick by trick basis. Young Kieran Reilly took quite a chunk of the money. The little Newcastle lad is a force to be reckoned with and definitely a future pro. The remaining cash was nabbed by Martin Grainger, Mat Mayman, Vinnie Mayne and a few others.

All things considered, it was a good day! Yeah, the weather was pretty shitty but it added to the fun. BMXers as a group will always make the most of things and this day was no different – we all laughed hard and went home happy.

Bas has been right on it with his webisodes for Tall Order. Check this one from the jam, it’s one of the best yet!