Name of Park: EllieLand
Location: Mum and Dads Tennis Court haha.
Crazy time we live in, but it could be worse having no ramps to ride. What kind of set-up do you have at home?
Ellie Chew: Yeah Crazy times for sure, I feel so lucky to have my ramps at home more than ever during this time! I have a fun little set up, it includes a 6ft quarter with a bowl hip extension, then a 4ft resi box jump and a 3ft spine/spox
For how long have you had the ramps?
Ellie Chew: I’ve had the ramps for about 3 years now
Who built them?
Name: Pat Casey
Park: Pat's backyard
Location: Riverside, California, USA.
What made you decide to build your own park in the backyard?
Pat Casey: When I turned 18, I decided I wanted to move out. I looked for a place with land, knowing one day I would want a park or jumps in my yard. Growing up, my dad built me a backyard ramp and I knew I couldn't live without one,
In these days of home quarantine, how does it feel to have a place to ride right out of the door?
Operator-Park: Drew Bezanson
Location: Ontario, Canada
What made you decide to build your own ramp?
Drew Bezanson: I always love having my own ramps to ride. As a kid I had a mini ramp in the attic of my parents garage, its still there till this day. In 2017 I moved into a place that had the space for a backyard ramp and I jumped on the opportunity. I was a little burnt out on riding public parks at the time, having to worry about where people were at when trying to do lines, film, shoot photos, etc. I needed a spot where I could fill my craving for BMX. That is why you haven't really seen any footage come out from the yard. I love when the sessions get wild and everyone is in on it, not asking someone to stop and film something, just enjoy the session.
Name of park: The Colony Resort
Operator(s): Colony BMX
Location: Brisbane, Australia
When did you start planning the miniramp build?
Clint Millar: I’ve first had a backyard ramp back in 1998 and then in late 2012 I decided I needed to have one again. I had the spine mini ramp in my old house from then up to early 2018. That’s when we moved it to my new and current house in April 2018. It’s a work in progress and will continue to be for a while yet. Plenty in the works.
Park name: Wolfmac
Operator: Kyle Wachter.
Location: In Kyle's back yard outside of Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Canada.
From the looks of it being stuck at home could be worse for you. What ramps do you have available for a safe session during Covid-19?
Mark Stanway: Right now we are dealing with all our outdoor and indoor skate parks shut down Nation wide. There's a couple people with features in their yards and one guy with a half pipe but most of us have taken to the streets during this pandemic.
What other parks are near you that are closed-off for the moment during the pandemic?
Mark Stanway: We have our local indoor park House of wheels in Edmonton that has been shut down and Bline in Calgary that is closed as well.
What's the current situation where you live. Do people need to stay at home?
Mark Stanway: We are in a lock down but not full. Yet we have been encouraged to stay indoors and practice safe distancing. We are encouraged to exercise every day and stay active. We are opening in the next couple weeks here and slowly hoping to come out of this pandemic.
Name Park: The backyard ramp
Operator: Mike Varga
Location: Ontario, Canada
What are the Covid-19 restrictions where you live at the moment?
Mike Varga: The Covid-19 has definitely got crazy with restrictions. Haven’t tried going to any parks but I know a few buddy's who got tickets for being at outdoor parks. Basically I can only travel around Ontario and even with that they have checkpoints to make sure your travel is necessary. All indoor and outdoor parks are closed. Basically just at home.
How does it feel having a ramp available whenever you feel like riding?
Mike Varga: Man it's absolutely amazing to have my own ramp! Keeping riding is key for keeping me in
Name, operator and owner: Ricardo Laguna
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
You've had your backyard ramps for a long time now. Can you remember how it all got started?
Ricardo Laguna: Yes my dirt back yard started in 1999 and the resi yard started in 2008. It all started when I keep building dirt jumps in random deserts and as Las Vegas keeps growing so this would mean the jumps would get leveled because new homes keep getting build in those areas. So my parent bought a home with an acre of land where I build dirt jumps, foam pit, wall rides and mini ramp. Fast forward to 2008 I bought my own home where I have a 9 ft quarter pipe and resi quarter pipe, 6ft tall 8 ft wide resi
Name Park: DDASC (Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex)
Location: Holly Springs, NC - USA
How does it feel that in these times you have a spot to ride?
Daniel Dhers: I feel pretty lucky! The world is shut down and being able to still ride is huge in these times.
It looks like you're opening the place to several riders. Who can be found at DDASC on a regular basis?
Made a street quarter with @itsryanmills. This was my first time doing this. Now it's your turn. Give back to your city n go make some spots!