all riders will go home with some sort of prize. Could be a sticker pack, safety gear, shoes, or a T-shirt. The free hamburgers were sponsored by our mother and OJA supplied the toilet. Hours were spent getting the dirt spot ready and promotion was done via the local media, FATBMX.com and the several social media channels. It still is always a question mark who will show up. It strongly depends on the weather for the day as the end of March can give you anything.
The 2024 Mini FATJAM started at 13:30hr and from the get-go that starting hill was packed. Kids, parents and everything in between took turns on the outside line doubles, rollers, smaller doubles and some chose the Killer jump. It killed only a few but also provided flips, 360-s and whips. The rain that fell earlier in the week made the spot next to perfect. No dust and dirt that actually packed and was grippy. By 16:00hr the prize festival started which was the highlight of the day for some.Kids need to be motivated in some way and free stuff is always good, no matter what it is. By 18:00hr that hill was still packed but when the music was unplugged, the hamburgers were gone and most of the riders were exhausted, it was time to wrap things up.
If I had to guess, around 70 riders showed up. I'd say that half of them were younger than 12 years old. To me that's a good sign. If only 10 riders older than 40 would be taking turns, it's time to get worried. With all the young blood riding all afternoon it's time to put that next edition on the calendar already. The Summer edition of the FATJAM will take place on August 31st this year.
Pics by Bart de Jong / EBC