The inaugural round of the UK 2014 vert series kicked off on March 29th at Blackpool's Ramp City Skatepark, who, in addition to having a functional vert ramp, were kind enough to let us BMXers loose on their amazing wooden full pipe for a one off free for all jam session. The inaugural round of the UK 2014 vert series kicked off on March 29th at Blackpool's .... Skatepark, who, in addition to having a functional vert ramp, were kind enough to let us BMXers loose on their amazing wooden full pipe for a one off free for all jam session. Spring was definitely in the air, and many familiar faces from the 2013 series made the pilgrimage up North, some enticed by a day at the pleasure beach, or a bit of sociology research on a typical Saturday night chock full of hen and stag dos around Blackpool Tower. I opted for the latter and soon took refuge in a homely real ale pub, disturbed only by one minor brawl outside that spilled out from the karaoke bar opposite. At 8pm. Special. The vert series is following last year's format of vert squirts (under 13s), Amateur, and old men, sorry, Pro class.
The squirts kicked us off and
Zak Turner carried on from his win at Manchester in September by taking first here, smooth airs, handplants and more, along with a supportive family willing to take him to all the rounds.. Do we spot a potential champion here?
Maison Amphlett took second on the smartest looking green Total BMX, again super smooth and, I believe, tailwhipping into second,
Joe Johnson has left us with quite a legacy.
Kodee Jaykins took third with his full on attack mode style.
Moz Chudley, last year's series winner, rode her Haro 18 to fourth, and offspring of vert legends
Meadow P.S. and
Stan Harrison rounded out the group, showing us that this contest series has NO bias towards riders and relatives of the organisers or judges. RIGHT ON! A healthy 11 riders were on the decks for amateur vert, and it seems that we are starting to get little clusters of vert riders from around the country, which can only be good for the future
(and having someone to call 999 for you on occasions is always useful) The ramp's 10 foot transition with 2 foot of vert saw some excellent flat bottom landings, chicagoed bars and cloth touch moments, which is part and parcel of the sport. I could try and reel off names and tricks but I'd be lying if I remembered it all, so why not follow us on Facebook and watch the round one video. A ton of great riding and wheel swapping buddies including one who can flair 4 feet OUT of a vert ramp tells you all you need to know. These kids are new to vert and once they get the pump of the 40 year olds sorted, we're going to have some new pros!
In between am and pro we had the full pipe jam, with a box full of Fuse Protective gear to give away courtesy of CSG. Some got lost, some hit the news at ten, Zeal's own
James Hitchcox pumped his Freecoaster to great effect, and
Tom Lever survived a "shaking like a pooping dog" moment to survive a bomb drop off the over vert platform. Parp!
The old men of vert insisted on a prompt start to be home for Horlicks and Songs of Praise.
Paul Jones isn't done yet. Wingham showed us his patented Pompey pullover flair manual and how to break bikes. Our top three for the day were the
Cong, whose icepick grind was worth the trip up North alone, a pre-op (not that kind)
Matthew Search in second with tricks from every era, an inspiration for all, and
Mike Mullen, fresh from a friday afternoon's physics/bmx lesson in an Essex school with yours truly, streaking a trail of deep heat in his wake as he showed all and sundry how a vert ramp should be ridden to take first.
A massive thanks to all sponsors, Custom Riders, Zeal BMX, Lovelace clothing, Total BMX, Grind BMX, CSG, 4 down
distribution and Extreme energy drinks.
Vert's not dead, it's been having a nap. With four more stops scheduled this year there's plenty of opportunity to polish your full face and get involved. Next round is at Mount Hawke on May 24th (amateur park series round1 the day before), with a special Brucey bonus round two weeks later on Regent's Street, London (yes that one).
-Chris Job. Pics by Jim Thomlinson
The squirts kicked us off and Zak Turner carried on from his win at Manchester in September by taking first here, smooth airs, handplants and more, along with a supportive family willing to take him to all the rounds.. Do we spot a potential champion here? Maison Amphlett took second on the smartest looking green Total BMX, again super smooth and, I believe, tailwhipping into second, Joe Johnson has left us with quite a legacy. Kodee Jaykins took third with his full on attack mode style. 
distribution and Extreme energy drinks.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.