At the end of 1989 we got a little dirt spot in our home town of Aarle-Rixtel, NL. We decided to add another FATJAM to the schedule early in the year to open up the outdoor season. It was later dubbed the Mini FATJAM, a smaller version of the summer edition. This past Saturday the Mini FATJAM took place for the 29th time! One can say that the local council got their money's worth on dropping some truckloads of dirt at the Valkendijk. Once again the Sugar Hills locals did the digging and final preparation of the trails for the big day. With loads of rain last week, it was great to work on the sandy trails and when Saturday came around, it was a sunny day. Not only riders came out, but also the locals with their Bavaria's and even the AAA (Aarlese A-sociale Amerikanen club) did a drive by with their American cars.
It was time to dust off the BMX bike for a session at the Sugar Hills because the Mini FATJAM was on the program. For a bunch of people it is that way. And that's fine. It shows that the Mini FATJAM is a reason to go ride again, together with those who think the same way. The jumps had been prepared for the same reason, because the Mini FATJAM was coming up. The jam gets people together and back on the bike and also this year we had support from Vans, Paul's Boutique, Haro Bikes so we could give out goodies to those who took the effort to come over to Aarle-Rixtel and put a few laps in. Also, for the first time in FATJAM history, we had Beckers as a sponsor of the event. They make the best Frikandellen (way better than Mora) and everyone present could get himself a
Back in 1990 we were surprised to get a dirt spot in Aarle-Rixtel. The elevated dirt oval received some shovel love right away and in April the first jam was held that turned into the Mini FATJAM. Transfer to 2017, 27 years later, and that spring jam is still alive. And guess what, the Sugar Hills trails haven't looked better over all those years. The rain has helped to fix the place up and the sun's out all week to finish it off. And yes, you're welcome to test the jumps and get a headstart on the others who are coming over on Saturday next week for the annual jam.
We've collected some prizes again, donated by our awesome sponsors, which will be going out around 15:00hr so for those who only ride dirt once a year, you've got 2 hours of practice because the jam starts at 13:00hr. Visitors who want to stop by Paul's Boutique on 1 April, Paul's shop is open from 11:00hr - 13:00hr only.
The dirt spot has something to offer for all ages and all skill levels. Even if you're not a frequent Dirt rider, you've got something to conquer in Aarle-Rixtel. We've got a small table/roller line and of course the Killer Jump for the big boys and everything in between. The two new starting platforms look absolutely fabulous and will get you ready to pull the entire outside line or the middle line as well. It's going to be good so don't miss out. It's free to ride, it's free for spectators. Free parking as well and you can bring your own food and drinks. No security either. The free spirit is alive on 1 April.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.