I get questions weekly from people all over the world asking how they can handle problems they are experiencing with regard to skate parks in their own communities. I am in a pretty unique position to offer some advice in this area. For those of you who don’t know me, I built Freedom Skate/BMX Park, a free skate park in Upstate NY in 2007. In order to get the project from idea to reality, I had to do a lot of things from planning the project, spearheading all the fundraising, running for elected office and finally, running the park. In the time since Freedom has been open, I have had the privilege of donating my time consulting with many communities across the US about specific problems they are experiencing.

Here are a few of the most common questions I get:

“My town used to have a park a few years ago but they shut it down. What can we do to get it back open?”

Wow the sun's out for once so I'll do a quick update and then I'm off to the Flame trails. But first we'd like to inform you about the upcoming Helm Jam, at that other dirt spot in Helmond with the big jumps and kids track. Something for the experienced riders and beginners. The Helm Jam is on the program for 18 April next and the jumps are being shaped right now. In fact, this weekend is reserved for more shaping and building and riding at the Helm Trails so show your face if you have time. The trails are located at the Johannes Vermeerlaan in Helmond-Noord, NL. Underneath the cycling bridge. It's fenced off so contact Mike van de Kerkhof for info on how to get in. There are some keys floating around and also one is available at Jovik youth center, next to the spot. The jam is going to be a fun day of riding together, just one weekend before the T-Mobile dirt session in Duisburg. Join the fun, on this unique dirt spot.

Name: Liam Phillips
Age: 20
Hometown: Manchester/Burnham on Sea, England.
Sponsors: UltimateProBmx, Tibboh, Fox, Oakley, Leatt

Good BMX track: Chula Vista SX
Good BMX company: Crupi
Good BMX shoes: Shimano
Good BMX race announcer: Redman

Betonlandschaften is a Germany based company that builds action sports parks. With BMX riders in the company you know that the use of the parks is open for bikes as well. Now how big is the scene in Afghanistan? Probably bigger soon as they're building a concrete park over in Karokh at a school next to a volleyball field at this minute, which should be finished in 8 weeks. BMX worldwide!

Name: Nina Buitrago
Age: 28
Hometown: Port Washington, NY
Hook-Ups/Sponsors: DK Bicycles, Etnies Footwear, Albes.com and Bern Helmets

The Favourites list:

Spot to ride: Ray’s in Cleveland
BMX Video: Nowhere Fast
Website: bmxonline.com
Food: NY Pizza
Travel destination: Home to Long Island, NY
Riders to ride with: DK Team, Angie Marino, Jess Ausec, Stacey Mulligan
Car: Subaru
Movie:  Pee Wee’s Big Adventure

Name: Paul de Jong
Hometown: Aarle-Rixtel, The Netherlands
Occupation: Owner Paul's Boutique BMX and PURE BMX Distribution

You've been running a BMX shop for almost 15 years now, how is that going?
Paul: Very good, it's better every year even with the crisis going on, experience is not paying the bills but it saves a lot of wasted money.

The Elite Men are going into the 2010 season with the following numbers on their plate. The top 8 are the finalists of the 2009 World Championships and therefore have two numbers listed in this register.

# Last Name First Name Country UCI Code
1 Donny Robinson USA USA19830617
2 Mike Day USA USA19841009
3 Ramiro Marino ARG ARG19881116
4 Maris Strombergs LAT LAT19870310
5 Nicholas Long USA USA19891006
6 Luke Madill AUS AUS19800528
7 Andres Jiminez Caicedo COL COL19860827
8 Kahlen Young AUS AUS19841120
10 Donny Robinson USA USA19830617
11 Thomas Allier FRA FRA19750324
12 Michal Prokop CZE CZE19810401

When Pieter Does was going to San Diego we asked him to shoot some pictures of the BMX Hall Of Fame at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. Pieter delivered with a whole bunch of photos of old school BMX memorabilia. It has stuff to drool over, stuff you forgot about, it pays respect to the BMX Hall Of Fame members (his dad included) and much more. Here's part one of the photos. Check 1-2.

Name: Ramiro        
Age: 21
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sponsors: Supercross Factory Team

Good BMX track: Kentucky NBL Grands
Good BMX company: Supercross
Good BMX shoes: EVS
Good BMX race announcer: Redman!
Good BMX race: Worlds!

Good race result: Bronze medal 2009, 4 times amateur world champ.
Good BMX federation: Dutch
Good looking girl on the track: Brooke Crain
Good looking girl off the track: Alise (sorry Sam)
Good food: Mexican food
Good candy: Twix

Name: Joel Barnett
Age: 21
Hometown: West Auburn, PA
Hook-ups/Sponsors: FBM Bike Co, Tioga, Extent Clothing, Team Major Air

The favorite list:

-Spot to ride: any weird street transition
-BMX video: Toss up between Wide Awake Nightmare and Endsearch
-Website: leastmost.com
-Web video: the Ty Morrow/Dan Lacey one sticks out to me
-Food: duh...PIZZA!!!
-Travel destination: I'm keen on the Boston area
-Riders to ride with: too many, but I'm always stoked to go on FBM road trips. Those are some of the best dudes you'll ever meet!
-Car: my Chevy Metro (R.I.P.)

Spring is almost here and also the second edition of LOVE BMX magazine. What is in the current issue and what is in English?

ENGLISH ARTICLES:
- Ladies and gentlemen...Stefan Lantschner (this is big interview with this famous rider from Italy)
- Reports: Simpel Session 2010, Circle Cow 11, X Mass trip volume 3
- Who? Aleksandar Manojlović! (crotian allround rider)
- Who? Monika Hinz! (flatland girl from Germany/Hungary)

+ Editorial and legends of all photos

Have a good time with new issue on www.LOVEBMX.cz

Registration is closing soon for Vans Pro BMX camps, taking place in Orlando and Orange County this April! This year Vans teamed up with Haro and Premium bikes to give campers a sweet package upon sign up that includes 1 pair of shoes, 1 pro-tec helmet, pro instruction, lunch and a chance to take home a complete Haro Bike! Cost is $150 for members and $175 for non-members and the camp runs from 10AM - 4PM on the selected dates. Don't miss out!

1) Vans Skatepark Orlando Friday, April 2 Instructors: Ryan Guettler,