This event is unique because in today’s world of BMX events there is not a way for no-name athletes to compete in PRO events even if they have the talent. This event gives athletes such as Trent Newkirk, Brian Fox, Joel Bondu, and Matty Cranmer a chance to compete against the professionals. They earned their spot by placing on the podium in the Recon Tour AM event’s earlier in the year which ensured them a spot in the Recon Tour PRO event. It was a cinderella story for Joel Bondu and Trent Newkirk who placed 2nd PRO the day before by taking 3rd eyes and proved to everyone that he belongs in the PRO division by taking home 2nd behind Kevin. Trent also earned his spot in the PRO by making it to the Recon Tour Finals last year. He had an impressive finish on Sunday taking home 3rd and walking away with $1,000. Saturday’s Recon Tour AM event was just as exciting with almost the same level of difficulty. The open division was fierce with everyone battling for the invite into the PRO event. Case Taylor earned 1st huge tricks back to back. His final run consisted of huge flairs straight into 900’s. His dream run paid off and he earned his spot in Sunday’s event. Rounding out the podium was the local hero Matty Cranmer with his effortless style and smooth runs, and Joel Bondu landing the first ever 360 double tailwhip to barspin over a spine. It is safe to say that the future of BMX is looking very bright and a change in the major players is and 3rd place in the AM Recon Tour. He showed up on Sunday with the fire in his in the Recon Tour PRO on Sunday. Joel earned his spot in the place and $2,500 right place and beating some of the best BMX athletes in the world place by throwing
Special thanks to the Hookit brand partners: Monster Army, Replay XD, Hyper Bike co., Movietickets.com, Pro- Tec, Sunringle, ODI, Snafu, Fugoo, Vans, and Vital BMX. Big thanks to Scotty Cranmer, Scott Sr., Donna Cranmer, and the entire Incline Club staff. Also thanks to Ian Abbott & Crew, Showtime, Ryan Guettler, Kris Fox, Danny Josa, Dylan Pfohl, Jon Watts, Jorge Jovel, Dom Simoncini and Victor Salazar.
Up Next: Round 6 on October 11 & 12 at Mission Valley YMCA. Register now at therecontour.com.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.