on the grill, some Vans goodies were handed out. Has it become a Steve Van Doren policy to throw a BBQ at all events that they're backing up? We sure hope so as the food was a big welcome and surprise for everyone. Mike Emde left a big bag with Carhartt grips and exclusive Carhartt framepads that were given out during the day as well as some Pro-Tec helmets. There were different ways of winning a prize (first one-hander shown, ride through a puddle, ugliest bike, biggest head, etc.) and if you really wanted to, you got at least something to take home with you. 
The dirt at the trails held up fine. The big line got shaped a few times during the day but that's all that needed to be done. Pim van den Bos did frontflips and landed them perfectly. Colin Stolz and Mark Vos did backflips and the crowd loved it (of course). Tailwhips and 3-whips are crowd pleasers too but since there was no contest, there was no need to pull out all stops. Personal satisfaction was the reason to ride. For some it meant making it through the pack, for some it was clearing the table tops, for others it was a trick they had been thinking of doing during the winter months. 
It was another good day with everyone there. The outdoor season has officially been opened. More sessions to come. If you have never experienced the FAT-JAM, make the next one count. 9 August 2008 will be the date of the 20th edition of the summer FAT-JAM. Pull out that calendar now and mark that day.
BdJ 
The party pics
Sponsored by:
Paul's Boutique
VANS
EBC
Eastpak 
We told everyone to bring their sunglasses but we weren't too convinced about the weather to be honest. We had snow showers on Monday-Wednesday with the jam coming up on Saturday. Not a good sign I tell you. But the Sugar Hills trails can soak up some aqua as was proven by the perfect shape they were in for a good session during the Mini-FAT-JAM. Loads of people showed up from all over which was nice to see. The snow could have held them back but those who did show up did not regret it. With no real contest program on the schedule you could ride as much as you wanted. With so many riders present I tried to choose the moments that weren't too busy but the line to get on top of the starting hill was always there. For an old dog that's okay because you can get your rest in.
I love it when things fall into place. In the morning Paul received a phone call from Aafke (Vans Holland) who said they were going to throw a BBQ for everyone. Their van was packed with burgers, sateekes, Coronas, bread, Bavaria and while the burgers were
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.