Bart de Jong
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 Wild Night Contest went down in Lille (FR) on Friday night. This invitation only contest always has a nice line up of some of Europe's top riders. With Alex Coleborn, Jack Clark, Daniel Tünte, Tom Justice and JB Peytavit this year wasn't any different. A roster of 12 riders and a knockout contest style for the top 8 after qualifiers kept the French crowd entertained 'till well, after midnight. The first big name to get knocked out in the quarter finals was
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Occupation: business owner/fabricator/pro bike rider
You've been riding for a long time, when did you pick up welding?
Mike Laird: Sophomore year in high school I took welding at my local vocational education school. It was a 2 year program. BMX got me into welding to begin with.
What are some of the ramps you've working on that are still going?
Mike Laird: I've built 75% of King BMX Stunt shows ramps, DC
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.