Summer 2002 finds the BMX world in a very healthy state. In the U.S., specific BMX/Extreme parks are being built—Camp Woodward in Pennsylvania has been running for a few years, and a new California park called Point X will be a 260-acre extreme-sports park. on the industry front, Specialized USA launched a BMX-only website, illustrating that it realizes that it needs to cater to the BMX market in a targeted manner, which is unique and different than the way it approaching other cycling markets.
On the sponsorship side, companies such as www.sponsorhouse.com are turning their attention to BMX. This particular company has its roots in motocross, and it now realizes that there is enough of a market to promote BMX racers and stunt riders as well. Events such as the Vans Triple Crown and the many big-air contests around North America continue to draw large crowds and mainstream corporate sponsors. For the Triple Crown series, Vans renewed its sponsorship partnerships with three large brands: Mountain Dew, Ford, and Right Guard. Vancouver recently hosted a Triple Crown event: the Slam City Jam for skateboarders.
The Canadian BMX scene is growing in many areas as it continues to gain popularity and capture the interest of the mainstream media.The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) recently announced that it will be the sole organization in Canada overseeing BMX in Canada. It takes over from the Canadian BMX Association (CBA), which, from a Canadian perspective, has done an exceptional job of getting the sport up and running. It will be encouraging to see a single governing body looking after BMX in Canada after the many years of an East/West split, due in part to the fact that American organizations (the NBL and ABA) were taking advantage of our inability to be cohesive.
In Calgary, two parks have attracted huge interest. The Millennium Ramp Park has become so popular that the city is trying to ban BMX bikes from the park. Go figure! Some skateboard parks do not allow bikes—call before you make the trip. Fourothree Skate Park is also drawing crowds.
Edmonton is building to two additional skateboard parks to augment the Millennium Park in Sherwood Park. Should be a healthy scene in ‘The Chuck’ soon. Close by, Thorsby’s Extreme Inclinations has started its own wave of excitement with an indoor facility.
In ontario, X-UP Skate Park draws record numbers for skateboarders, BMXers, and in-line skaters. It hosts events and promotes ramp-style riding in a big way. In Montreal, Que., the Taz Mahal is still the place to hang. In British Columbia, in Coquitlam, Sooke, and Parksville, skateboard parks are growing.
Who knows, there may be one in your neighbourhood soon—or perhaps you could approach your city council to get one built.
BMX racetracks continue to draw larger numbers. As the race scene continues to grow, there will be more and more demand for high-performance parts, which will force more bike stores to carry the parts. Next time you go into your neighbourhood store, ask for the desired BMX-specific parts. It beats ordering through U.S. mail order, believe me!
The CBA is still running its website and, currently, the latest BMX race information can be found here. And as of January 1, 2003, the CCA will be the best source of BMX race information.
The 2002 World Championships will be held in Brazil in July. A Canadian team is planning to attend, and Pedal Magazine will provide the results in the next issue. And the 2003 Worlds are slated for Australia again—hope to see you there!
Mo’ Info
– Millennium Ramp Park-www.millenniumskatepark.com
– Fourothree Skate Park-www.fourothree.com
– Extreme Inclinations-www.xtremeinclinations.com
– X-UP Skate Park-www.xupskatepark.com
– Skate Parks-www.skateboardparks.com/intl/canada/index/html
– CBA-www.canadianbmx.com
– CCA-www.canadian-cycling.com