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.
I've been wanting to add some of my slideshows to my blog, but did not know exactly how to upload and show it. Today I figured it out and thought I'd share two of my old slideshows with you.
I edited a documentary style slideshow after I did my trip through Southern Africa. I made use of my own photos and added some vocals and music to it. It was a fun project. Check it out!
In Johannesburg I stayed with my BMX friends for 5 days ( www.theriot.co.za ). I had no idea how I was going to get to Cape Town. I did not want to fly home as I wanted to complete the journey overland. By this time I had made use of busses, boats, hitchhiking, taxi’s and chapas. I did not know much about train transport in South Africa and decided to investigate.
Traveling on the Shosaloza Meyl was great and I would most definitely do it again. If you’re a group of friends with little money and you have time on your hands then the train is best option. There is a fully stocked bar and a restaurant with amazing cheap food.
From JHB to Cape Town by train took 28 hours. By bus it would take just over 20 hours. Taking the train was a great experience. I was alone in my cabin till sunset when 2 more people joined. Being alone on the train gave me lots of time to reflect back on the journey I had made.
I arrived in Bellville at lunch time after a good night sleep on the train. From the station I took a mini bus to a drop off point near my house and then walked the 2km home, thus completing the journey all the way overland.
