30 years in a row we've opened the outdoor BMX season with the Mini-FATJAM in Aarle-Rixtel. Crazy when you think of it. Most of you reading this weren't riding back then but that doesn't mean that you should not check out the upcoming Mini FATJAM in Aarle-Rixtel on March 30th. It's seriously a jam for everyone who loves BMX or is involved somehow. The trails go from easy rollers (we've got 6 year old kids rolling along) to various lines and of course the KILLER jump. Ride all afternoon as much as you like. Try out dirt jumping if you never ride dirt. The session will be open from 13:00hr - 18:00hr with several prizes going out to the participating riders at 16:00hr. But come over early to get some extra practice in. The Sugar Hills Trails at De Valkendijk in Aarle-Rixtel, NL will be in tip top shape, music will be playing and it's time for another catch-up.
From 20:00hr OJA will be open for those who are still thirsty. OJA has been the after party place of the FATJAM since day 1. Located at Schoolstraat 2 in Aarle-Rixtel you should pencil that into your agenda right now.
What: Mini FATJAM
Where: Sugar Hills Trails, Valkendijk, Aarle-Rixtel, Netherlands
And there it was, the last FATJAM. Many of you didn't want to pass up the opportunity to witness the annual jam in Aarle-Rixtel. For some it was a walk into memory lane, others have shown up year after year. It didn't matter what the reason was, you guys were there and that was much appreciated. With the same concept as previous years, the 30th edition did bring something new; the Rodeo Bull provided by OJA, one that could be manned ourselves. Next to that the Sugar Hills trails were in good shape (considering) and were used all day long. It took a while before the Killer Jump got used but the ones with No Fear were brave enough the work with the soft landing. 040BMXPARK brought the Big Air Bag for everyone to work on some new tricks. Even the smallest riders took all the speed they could from the street to send themselves on the soft mattrass. Masterchef Frits van der Linden and partner in crime Robin de Put manned the BBQ until the 150 delicious Beckers Burgers were all gone. In the meantime the locals had brought their coolers full of Bavaria and found themselves a spot at the FATJAM to shoot the shit and have a good time while the riders got to ride the Sugar Hills all day until they had enough.
At 16:00hr Paul got on the microphone to hand out the goodies that were provided by our sponsors Vans, Paul's Boutique, Beckers, Fist and OJA. OJA even provided a complete bike that went a young visitor named Yvo from New Zealand who had no bike to ride. He even picked up some matching FIST gloves to go with the bike. All he wanted were a few stickers. Then he got home with a new bike.
If you somehow aren't familiar with Dutch shredder Tom van den Bogaard yet, press play immediately. There's no way his flawless style and huge tricklist should be embodied by the same rider. We spent one hour with Tom at 040BMXPARK in Eindhoven, Netherlands and the results are mind-blowing. Watch!
It was time to dust off the BMX bike for a session at the Sugar Hills because the Mini FATJAM was on the program. For a bunch of people it is that way. And that's fine. It shows that the Mini FATJAM is a reason to go ride again, together with those who think the same way. The jumps had been prepared for the same reason, because the Mini FATJAM was coming up. The jam gets people together and back on the bike and also this year we had support from Vans, Paul's Boutique, Haro Bikes so we could give out goodies to those who took the effort to come over to Aarle-Rixtel and put a few laps in. Also, for the first time in FATJAM history, we had Beckers as a sponsor of the event. They make the best Frikandellen (way better than Mora) and everyone present could get himself a
Back in 1990 we were surprised to get a dirt spot in Aarle-Rixtel. The elevated dirt oval received some shovel love right away and in April the first jam was held that turned into the Mini FATJAM. Transfer to 2017, 27 years later, and that spring jam is still alive. And guess what, the Sugar Hills trails haven't looked better over all those years. The rain has helped to fix the place up and the sun's out all week to finish it off. And yes, you're welcome to test the jumps and get a headstart on the others who are coming over on Saturday next week for the annual jam.
We've collected some prizes again, donated by our awesome sponsors, which will be going out around 15:00hr so for those who only ride dirt once a year, you've got 2 hours of practice because the jam starts at 13:00hr. Visitors who want to stop by Paul's Boutique on 1 April, Paul's shop is open from 11:00hr - 13:00hr only.
The dirt spot has something to offer for all ages and all skill levels. Even if you're not a frequent Dirt rider, you've got something to conquer in Aarle-Rixtel. We've got a small table/roller line and of course the Killer Jump for the big boys and everything in between. The two new starting platforms look absolutely fabulous and will get you ready to pull the entire outside line or the middle line as well. It's going to be good so don't miss out. It's free to ride, it's free for spectators. Free parking as well and you can bring your own food and drinks. No security either. The free spirit is alive on 1 April.