We cordially invite Old Skool BMX riders from the period 1978 till 1994 to be part of the first International BMX Reunion in Europe and celebrate as well the 30 years of existence of the sport of BMX. We will come together and socialize at the location were in 1983 the first outside-USA BMX World Championships took place in Holland at ATTRACTIEPARK SLAGHAREN (at that time called PONYPARK Slagharen). At this venue, several years after the 1983 Worlds, special designed and prepared BMX TV events were broadcasted Nation wide by AVRO TV and among others a couple of European Championship (individual and teams) took place here as well as 10 European Challenge Cup events, probably well remembered by most of you all. Besides O.S. riders, also former officials are more then welcome and of course those interested fans/supporters from back then are welcome as well to have a great weekend at the amusement park, socializing, talking history and meeting old friends from the early days of BMX. This unique weekend will take place from Friday October 2rd till Sunday 4th 2009. Most of the Old Skool BMX riders do have families themselves now and together with their children these young families can have a great time. There is no better place to have this Reunion and Celebration then at Attractiepark Slagharen.
Wouldn’t it be nice to meet old friends, former competitors and talk about the early days of the sport? Show your children how this sport started out and explain them what their parents mend in the developing of the sport. Besides that, the children can have a great time at the Amusement park itself.
Just like the old days, a special section of the cottage area has been reserved for this happening. Like in the early days, a BMX village will be formed and this is not only at the park itself, but also on the camping-site. The camping-site was a favourite place for many National and International riders and their families.
Accomodation. Participants and their families (2 parents and 4 children) are able to rent a cottage, type Arizona from October 2rd till 4th 2009 for the price of € 175,= (this price includes free entrance amusement park). For more details and booking, check the website www.slagharen.com . On openings page click on special offers on top right (Aanbiedingen & Acties), then click on more offers (Overige aanbiedingen & perioden), then click on (top left)
Specially for this occasion also non families, like a group of friends of Old Skool BMX’ers, will be allowed to rent a cottage, only limit is a maximum of 4 adults in one cottage.
If you are planning on using a camper, caravan or tent, the Slagharen Camping-site is available for you. One location (for camper, caravan or tent; seize doesn’t matter) for the weekend of October 2rd through 4th 2009 will cost you € 88,= total and includes free entry of Attractiepark Slagharen for 2 adults and max. 4 children. For more details and booking, follow the procedure as mentioned above. Check the website www.slagharen.com and write down the Code .....BMX2.
It will also be possible to visit the Attractiepark Slagharen on just one day, or during the whole weekend, when you are not staying at the park or camping-site (in a hotel?). Information on prices for one day tickets or a pass partout (3 day ticket), where and when to buy them, will be published later on www.univofbmx.com
We are sorry to say that there is no “BMX Stadion Slagharen” anymore. The track has been closed and removed since 1994. But we are planning a BMX race elsewhere, read on! Provisional planning of the weekend. This will be the first ever International Old Skool of BMX Reunion in Europe. Since last year’s reunion had to be cancelled, due to my illness, up and till today Old Skool riders from Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Belgium, France, England, America and even Indonesia have shown interest to be present at the 2009 reunion.
At this moment we are trying to get the first ever Olympic Champions in BMX, Anne Caroline Chausson (F) and Maris Strombergs (LV), to be present at this reunion.
Here our provisional schedule:
Friday October 2rd.
Arrival of participant with their families or friends.
From 10.00 hours: Attractiepark Slagharen opens its gates.
From 14.00 hours: The accommodations will be available to the participants. Time to “check out” the park and find out what changed since 1993.
19.00 hours: Official opening, welcomes party and more final details on our weekend program.
Saturday October 3th.
9.00 hours: Breakfast (special price) possible for all participants at the restaurant “Mountain Lodge” in the park (reserved places).
10.45 hours: Official opening of BMX Museum.
11.30 hours: KIDS BMX Clinic. Former World Champs will “train” (play for kids) children from 3 till 10 years, three groups, each group about 20 minutes of action.
14.00 hours: BMX free-style demo’s during the day (2).
16.00 hours: O.S. BMX-bike and uniform election. Three categories, besides the bicycles exposed at the BMX Museum at the park, also Old Skool BMX’ers can bring their O.S. bikes and have them judged. A jury will select the most original and best looking pré-90 bikes and will award first price in three categories. Also original uniforms/complete outfits will be judged. More details on this item later, check www.univofbmx.com from May on.
19.00 hours: Start of the Old Skool of BMX Reunion party in the recently new decorated City Hall. Food & drinks available. During the evening the presentation of awards of European BMX Hall of Fame members, who are present. Also a special performance of an old skool BMX’er and his band called: DAAN. For the time being we will keep the name of this former European and World Champion a secret! More details on the special evening later on
23.00 hours: End of Old Skool of BMX party (around 23.00 hours).
Sunday October 4th.
9.00 hours: Breakfast (special price) possible for all participants at the restaurant “Mountain Lodge”.
11.00 – 15.00 hours: for those interested it is possible to take part in a mutual BMX event of Old Skool BMX’ers at the Dedemsvaart BMX track, located about 7 km from the park. This brandnew, Weiterstadt – type track will run the “Trophy of Nations” event. Old Skool bikes (pré-’90) and equipment must be used (no clips). Rules for this event later on at www.univofbmx.com
14.00 hours: During the day, BMX free-style demo’s (2) by top Dutch riders.
15.30 hours: Official presentation of awards on the “Trophy of Nations” event will take place in the renewed City Hall at the park, followed by the official closing ceremony of this reunion weekend.
19.00 hours: All reunion participants and their families must have left cottages, camping-site and amusement park. This is then the end of a fantastic weekend.
We kindly ask potential participants to fill out the enclosed form and return it by e-mail or post a.s.a.p. to: E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. By post: G. Does - Eindhovenseweg 19 - 5582 HN Waalre - Holland.
Please do pass this information on to O.S. BMX’ers that you know.
Again its possible to make your reservations now. We hope to welcome you all at this first ever International Old Skool of BMX Reunion in Europe. Till October 2nd 2009 then and have a safe trip over here,
Kindest regards,
Gerrit Does - organizer
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.