Taking the aerial route
Preparing for this weekend’s Sp Jam is Brooklyn Williams (left), Harkey Wallace 6, and Dad Adam Wallace. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
By Dan Hutchinson
Sat 30 & Sun 31 - The Spa Park Jumps track will host the annual Spa Jam this weekend with more than 180 BMX riders expected to take to the air.
The event has grown from a small fundraiser into one of the largest BMX jams in the country, attracting people from across New Zealand and even Australia.
Organiser Brooklyn Williams says the facility is regarded as the best in the North Island.
"There's the one in Queenstown which is pretty good, but yeah, this one's definitely top for the north," Williams says.
The track features a range of jumps, from beginner-friendly tabletops to advanced gaps that challenge even experienced riders.
Another organiser Adam Wallace says some of the best riders in the world will be at the event.
"Some of the tricks that these guys are putting down are what you pay to go and watch Nitro Circus or Freestyle."
Proceeds from the event fund track improvements, lease, and insurance. Recent fundraising enabled the group to clear scrub and add several new jumps for this year's event.
"It's like $15 entry to ride, which pretty much just goes straight back into the park for them to grow it and for the next one," Brooklyn says.
A crew of five to six volunteers maintains and expands the facility, which has operated for 15 years. The group leases the council land and relies entirely on community support and event proceeds to sustain operations.
The track also hosts Thursday night riding sessions during summer months. On Tuesdays, Bike Taupō brings a van full of bikes for coaching sessions.
Brooklyn returned to BMX riding six years ago after skateboarding, and says the sport is popular because of the adrenaline rush and the creativity and fun when it comes to building the jumps.
"Building something and then riding it is like best feeling. Ride your creation."
The event runs from noon until dark both days, with competitions for riders of all ages and skill levels. Spectators are welcome to watch free of charge.
More information is available on Facebook and Instagram at Spa Park Jumps.