Gumtrails hosted its first sponsored competition in its 10 year existence with prize money totaling R5000. Sponsors DC, Fox, Red Bull and OSP got involved to make this event happen along with the organizing and hard work of Wayne Reiche.
The day was a great success as both riders and spectators dressing to the Halloween theme. Riders from across the country came down to Cape Town for the event and it was an awesome get together. The riding was on levels with some crazy stunts performed. The trick of the day had to go to Wayne Reiche for his in rhythm Front Flip on the sideline.
View the web edit I filmed and Colin Loudon put together.
Its been almost a year since our group of BMXers and Skaters went on this trip. I've been wanting to share this news with you for quite some time.
Adriaan Louw and I are busy making a full length documentary of this adventure that took place in December 2008.
Here is a brief write up of the trips concept:
Via the Backroads! – a BMX / Skateboard Adventure
Via the Backroads is an Extreme Sports Adventure based on traveling through South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. Our group of 10 guys consisted of 5 skateboarders, 4 BMXers and one 1 filmer braving the backroads to explore new spots of BMX and Skating interest. We promoted our respected disciplines by taking it to towns and areas never before exposed to BMX or Skateboarding.
This exploration adventure took us to more than just new spots. We met people that were open-minded to our lifestyles. In cities people would prejudge Skateboarders and BMXers as vandals or trouble makers. In places like Swaziland, Mthata and Fort Hare we were welcomed with open arms.
For 25 days BMX, Skateboarding and Adventure was everything! It took us to amazing places. Places that are overlooked by others. And it was here that we encountered the greatest experiences.
Finding a virgin spot or drinking a beer at your hut while overlooking the Trankei landscape was what made this trip so enjoyable.
The Urban Extreme Sport that contrasts the unique and beautiful Southern Africa landscape was captured on camera and is sure to be an interesting and enjoyable documentary.
We were a group of BMXers and Skateboards wanting to go on mission from Cape Town to Durban. Our goal was to find new spots of BMX and Skating interest. This meant that we would take the back roads up to Durban instead of following the traditional N2 route that so many similar roadtrips are accustomed to. December 2007 came and 10 of us set of in two 4x4 vehicles.
We embarked on one hell of a trip as we would camp every night or find free accommodation with friends along the way. Everything was flexible as there was no formal structure and no pre-booked accommodation. We knew where we wanted to go and how many days we had to reach Durban. It was life on the road with limited money, dirty clothes and living out of a bag for 18 days: All for the love of BMX, Skating and Traveling.
In Cintsa Wayne got stabbed by a drunken redneck and just outside Port Edward a bakkie drove into the back of our vehicle as we waited for cows to cross the road. This did not bring our spirits down as we wanted to complete the journey together as friends. In Durban we hired a trailer and it was all systems go coming back home as we crammed 10 guys into one bakkie.
Plywood Boards, a Generator, Spades, Lights, a Machete ect was brought along to make spots rideable. Everyone pushed themselves to ride and skate harder. We would only be at a spot for a day and had to make it count.
We found amazing spots, met the coolest people and saw the most beautiful sceneries. This was the beginning and inspiration for ‘Via the Back Roads 2’ that we completed in December 2008.
