The 'biker' in the URL above there comes from my life long obsession with riding BMX bikes. Almost as synonymous with this lifestyle as cut up shins, ripped jeans and grease stains, is the constant search for and building of what we BMX kids know as 'trails'.
Trails are basically what most people would term 'dirt jumps' with some important distinctions. Namely, that they are almost always shrouded in an air of secrecy, and a sort of reverence that surpasses almost all other aspects of our lives. They are hand built with more blood, sweat and tears than I suspect, most have even approached in their lifetimes, and once constructed, are maintained and manicured with more diligence than our own bedrooms. They are more than just a place to ride your bike, they are your own creation, and an oasis from the daily shit storm of life. Unlike skateparks, often filled with annoying kids on those fucking razor scooter things persistently asking if you can do a backflip, trails are always serenely deserted, apart from you and a small group of your close friends. Custom built, exactly how you want them, one giant piece of flowing sculpture art that is a conduit for a level of enjoyment and DIY fun unparalleled in my experience.
(No) thanks to ACT Parks and Municipal services, are old slice of paradise was flattened by a bulldozer to ensure that the government could not be sued by some kid breaking his neck on them and to generally just suppress any form of youthful, creative expression in this city. Since then, almost two years ago now, there has been a long search for a suitable replacement. These are some of the things I've seen on the way.
Trails are basically what most people would term 'dirt jumps' with some important distinctions. Namely, that they are almost always shrouded in an air of secrecy, and a sort of reverence that surpasses almost all other aspects of our lives. They are hand built with more blood, sweat and tears than I suspect, most have even approached in their lifetimes, and once constructed, are maintained and manicured with more diligence than our own bedrooms. They are more than just a place to ride your bike, they are your own creation, and an oasis from the daily shit storm of life. Unlike skateparks, often filled with annoying kids on those fucking razor scooter things persistently asking if you can do a backflip, trails are always serenely deserted, apart from you and a small group of your close friends. Custom built, exactly how you want them, one giant piece of flowing sculpture art that is a conduit for a level of enjoyment and DIY fun unparalleled in my experience.
(No) thanks to ACT Parks and Municipal services, are old slice of paradise was flattened by a bulldozer to ensure that the government could not be sued by some kid breaking his neck on them and to generally just suppress any form of youthful, creative expression in this city. Since then, almost two years ago now, there has been a long search for a suitable replacement. These are some of the things I've seen on the way.
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