2012 FATBMX LOOKBACK: Mini-FATJAM. Sunny and busy as ever. By BdJ

Dec 31, 2012

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3624 times

REVIEW OF THE MINI-FATJAM IN APRIL 2012. ALE BLIE!
It was time for the 22nd edition of the Mini-FATJAM, the little brother of the annual FATJAM which has been around for a few more years. The Mini FATJAM is here to kick off the season and it's hard to brag about it, but it's usually sunny when it takes place. The 2012 was no different. Mark Vos wasn't there but he would have rode half naked, everyone else was in a T-shirt, so good.

A radio reporter showed up and asked a couple of questions. Obvously he was amazed by how many people had shown up for yet another edition. What's the secret? For one Aarle-Rixtel has always been a BMX town. There has always been a scene that got transfered to the next generation. The spot at the Valkendijk has been a good help because to create a scene, you need to have a spot to ride. Next to the dirt spot and the Mini Ramp at the Bosscheweg the presence of an up to date BMX shop in town doesn't hurt either. If you want to come over, you can combine a trip to Paul's Boutique, and ride at the same time.

Another question was if the bikes see many developments? From the outside a BMX bike looks like a BMX bike. For someone who's not involved, a 10 year old bike is still a BMX bike. Compare it to a Rally car. From the outside it still looks like a rally car, but from the inside things keep on getting better and the development on new parts never stops.

Has the jam changed much over the years? Not really. But for some reason people enjoy coming to Aarle-Rixtel to have a good time. No program, free Monster Energy, a challenging dirt course, Pro-Tec and Vans goodies to win, music, chilling on the grass field, ride as much as you want, no entry fee, music, and a good party in OJA at night.

It's a good sign so many young kids show up because they are the future. We want the spot to be around in 10 years from now and from the looks of it there's no reason to be afraid. Thanks to everyone who helped out getting the spot ready, promoting and supporting the event. If everyone pitches in it remains easy to pull off a good day of riding for everyone. Fun Fun fun.

BdJ