Helm Jam, Helmond, Netherlands

Sep 12, 2006

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 8861 times

On Sunday the first real Helm Jam took place in, well, Helmond. The place is pretty incredible. It's a legal dirt jump spot supported by the local council that helps keep kids on the right track. The 35 truckloads of dirt have been modified into several sections of doubles, berms and tables (and a spine) and the starting hill recently received some stairs. Several dustbins are placed and some blocks to chill on. Getting support from the local council is nice, it's so much better than hoping your trails are still there when you show up. 2 big signs with rules were placed last week so everyone knows what to do and what to expect. We don't need to explain that maintaining a dirt spot takes endless work. It's just the way it is and there is not much you can do about it, especially at a public place like the Helm trails where anyone can show up and ride for free.

The Helm Jam was pushed forward by Mike van de Kerkhof who got enough people inspired to have a good day of riding together. The poor solo speaker was abused all day long by Mr. D, it was possible to buy some drinks and some food. The local kids had two pimped bikes for sale (10 Euros each) and two big trophies were waiting for the winners of the high jump and best trick contests.

But first everyone had the chance to enjoy the several lines. Some tried the big ones on the left, some stayed with the three tables in a row and the new set on the right was sessioned heavily too. The little kids were riding/racing on the kiddies track in the back and it looked like their starting hill was full of bikes too.

The E19 highway towards Helmond must have been jammed up because so many DirtE19 riders showed up for the jam. Some on BMX bikes and a whole bunch on single speed MTB's. With Pim van den Bos present we had a good Dutch representative. Pim gave the crowd what they were looking for: flips, 360-s and tailwhips. An occasional applause followed while the DJ kept playing his songs. Around 15:30pm a quick high-air contest was held for those who wanted to give it a try. It started at 1,35m and worked its way up to a point where Dennis Keunen and Mike had a hard time putting the string back up. It's amazing to

see how far riders can be pushed when everyone is looking and the pressure is on. Local Jamie for instance jumped over 2 meters and I believe so did BMX Sem Schonewille on his custom BMX bike. The kid has style. In the end we had two rides left. Daarek "King Zeus" Elsermans from Belgium and semi-local Dimitri (Asten). When the string was at 2,80 meters Daarek cleared it but Dimitri did not. Everyone got two attempts to clear it but Dimitri couldn't make it happen.

One trophy went to Belgium but we had the Best trick comp still to come. King Zeus was pulling flips over the spine and 3s (Dries) Lauwers from Belgium was stoked on his nothings over the second set. Pim van den Bos had to put his two cents in and flipped and whipped all over the place. Still it wasn't clear who would win that second trophy until Pim pulled a 360-tailwhip over the 2 meter high dirt spine. The session lasted for a bit longer and all in all it was a great day.

BdJ