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Ben Crockett, former BMX Plus editor and lifelong rider, just released a gritty debut novel rooted in the spirit of mid-90s BMX culture and LA street life. Set in 1994 Los Angeles, the story follows a crew of kids who escape the chaos above by riding through the city's underground washaways — until rival street crews and something eerie lurking below turn their summer into a fight for survival. It’s The Goonies meets Mid90s, with real LA grit and a sharp edge only someone who lived it could write.

Ben spent over two decades as a writer and photographer immersed in riding, exploring, and storytelling. His debut brings that raw authenticity to the page.

Regardless of size, every city has its mysteries. In 1994, Los Angeles has more than 22,000 miles of maintained roads and freeways, a wall of civil engineering, rushing west from the deserts and spilling over into the Pacific. Mapped down to the smallest alley, it’s hard to believe it has any secrets left, but under its bustling streets, a dark labyrinth remains; thousands of miles of subterranean wash ways, carved from the landscape before the city itself, and long forgotten.

For one brave, yet unlikely group of friends, the tunnels are a source of mischief and adventure, but they are about to find out what happens when their conflicts above, clash with the inexplicable below. The underground maze they had mastered was their fortress against the outside world, but where will they run when they find out they aren’t alone in the darkness?

The market for Oldschool BMX bikes and parts has gone through the roof. But asking something, and selling for that price is something else. But if there is a market, and money can be made, there will always be people interested in it. Others love it for the sake of BMX history. They prefer to trade and help a fellow collector out who is looking for that one part that would complete their bike build. Either way, BMX history is being preserved and that's a good thing.

Marcel Hurk over at Oldschool Bike Parts in Heesch puts in the effort to get the Oldskool BMX community together at his place at least once a year. His "man cave" is like a BMX museum in itself. So much to see, so many parts. Crates and boxes full of stuff and he might just have the bike part that you're looking for. Marcel and his crew had ordered three MX Mug Bobble Heads and made trophies of them. They were rad. Three categories were awarded with a trophy. Several collectors had entered their bikes in the "competition" and several of them were beauties.

Gerrit Does made it over and he was asked some questions on the history of BMX. Always good to hear it straight from the source. No one better to ask it as Gerrit is responsible for a LOT of the early BMX developments in The Netherlands, Europe and actually worldwide through the IBMXF and later the integration into the FIAC/UCI.

Cape Town brought the energy this weekend as riders hit the Crosswind Pump Track for the 2025 South African Qualifier—and the action did not disappoint. In the women’s final, South Africa’s Miyanda Maseti claimed the top step with a sharp time of 20.612, edging out Khothalang Leuta from Lesotho, who’s been going from strength to strength and clocked 20.864 in the big final. Jessi Nixon took third after a consistent day of racing, and Ingrid Youell closed out the top four.

The men’s final was full-gas from start to finish, with Chile’s Sebastian Mendez laying down a blistering 17.978 to take the win. South Africa’s Andrew Posthumus kept the home crowd fired up with a strong second place finish in 18.419, while Doran Mathewson and Michard Meets rounded out the top spots.

Massive thanks to the pump track family for showing up and showing off with all the gees, grit, and good vibes. From the first start to final lap—it was all heart out there.

See you in Switzerland!

Results Joyride C1 Markham, ON, Canada, 12 April 2025.

Men Park:

1 Maxime CHALIFOUR 26 CAN 200.00 UCI Ranking points
2 Brady BAKER 22 USA 160.00
3 Bryce TRYON 25 USA 130.00
4 Jeffrey WHALEY 29 CAN 110.00
5 Xavier WRIGHT 21 CAN 90.00
6 Ben MALETTE 25 CAN 70.00
7 Henry THOMAS 15 CAN 50.00
8 Lawson TURNER 23 CAN 30.00
9 Angel Osvaldo PAEZ MENDEZ 21 MEX 20.00

Women Park:

1 Alexandra LAFOREST 23 CAN 200.00 UCI Ranking points
2 Marie-Soleil ST-LAURENT 17 CAN 160.00

Results C2 Red Bull Featured, Manchester, United Kingdom, 12 April 2025

Men Park:
1 Kieran REILLY 24 GBR  50.00 UCI Ranking points
2 Logan MARTIN 32 AUS  30.00
3 Kenneth Fabian TENCIO ESQUIVEL 32 CRC  20.00
4 Mike VARGA 29 CAN  10.00
5 Jude JONES 24 GBR  5.00
6 Kevin Aaron PERAZA GARCIA 31 MEX
7 Nick BRUCE 33 USA
8 Shaun GORNALL 30 GBR

Women Park: