BMXNORTH Does Kamloops
Featuring:
Mitch Radcliffe
Jacob Sparling
Adam Fox
Adam Burlock
Guest: Mike Gray
Photos and article by:
Trevor Smith
Rider: Adam Fox
Rider: Mitch Radcliffe
It all starts with an idea
Rider: Adam Fox
Being a BMX rider in Canada always means the looming winter will be shutting your season down eventually. In light of the oncoming snowfalls that accompany the cold winter season, a group of guys decided to tackle an untouched gem of a town called Kamloops smack in the middle of B.C.
Growing up in this town, I always noticed amazing spots. Being built mostly on the side of a hill, Kamloops boasts some of the best natural terrain to produce amazing street spots. With and endless array of gaps, rails, ledges, wallrides and so much more, this town has something for absolutely every type of rider.
Mike Gray came out to just chill but he managed to put some pegs on concrete for the boys as well.
“ 105.3 Radio Station is sick!
Jacob Sparling
With Jacob Sparling leading the charge and bringing the motivation, we all met on Saturday Morning for a warmup at the Park.
After a decent time getting some training in it was time to hit the streets. First stop was an alley and loading dock that our MVP Adam Fox decided to get multiple tricks at, he is so good.
After a decent time spot searching but no one feeling up to anything to crazy yet we decided to head to the University.
Rider: Adam Burlock
As we all know, a university can hold some heavy spots in its grasp and this one is no exception. With some serious setups in there way, the boys went in destroying all obstacles in there path. Jacob went first with a gap over stairs in to the road followed up my MVP Adam lacing his biggest handrail ever. This was no ordinary handrail as it curved multiple ways with two kinks to contend with, but Adam handled it like a boss.
“Remember the Axe Double Pits to Chesty Commercial”
Jacob discussing action sports pay
Rider: Mitch Radcliffe
Next was just a full on assault on a rail setup only described as perfect. Everyone went ahead and got tricks including a double peg to nose bonk by Jacob. I have never seen this trick done down a rail in my life! Adam proceeded to Ice down it while Mitch got a Double peg up.
Everyone left satisfied!
After finishing up some of the best Korean food of my life, everyone voted to go ride a secret bank and transition spot until dark. Needless to say but everyone was feeling good!
Adam again went off throwing Flairs and 540’s on what is a hard transition to air not alone trick. Jacob blessed us with folds and a one handed foot jam while Guest Rider, Mike Gray, was putting his pegs in places they should not go, mainly on top of quarterpipe decks.
Unfortunalty for Mitch, we were too late for the Hot Tub but the day still ended on a high note with everyone retiring feeling tired and sore but satisfied.
“ If I knew it was rated a 5 star, I would have ordered something”
Guest: Mike Gray
Rider: Jacob Sparling
“ I havn’t used soap in like ten years”
Me telling the boys my hygiene routine
With the day ahead of us and a full stomach courtesy of Chora’s Restaurant, we were ready to tackle day two.
First stop, a gap to rail into a down flat rail after. both were fairly mellow and everyone got down.
Adam again came through with multiple tricks and lines, must be his young age. He seemed to find every possible angle to get onto the rails and once he exhausted all options he started using the walls.
Crashes happened, tricks made and laughs were had so I am calling this spot a huge win for the crew.
Once we finished up and ended up downtown, we met up with local ripper Adam Burloch. We proceeded to kill the most amazing curved ledge in existance right on the river giving an amazing backdrop. everyone played around on the ledge and got clips before heading deeper into town.
when leaving the ledge spot, a waterpark was looming in front of us. This Spot ended up providing some amazing riding as well as entertaining bails thanks to Adam.
As we peddled through town, we were welcomed by the common sights and sounds of poverty and addiction, A community on the brink. This was a downtown core I grew up in and felt safe running around as a child, how things have changed.
Fortunately the spots were plenty though and everyone was able to have a blast riding. Mitch found a crazy chain hop which he proceeded to annihilate. Adam Burloch found a ledge ride to rail which he got pretty quick but as it does, greed got the better of him. While trying to clean it up he unfortunately took the rail to the chin after his front tire dropped mid pop, resulting in the need for stitches. Get better dude!!!
Rider: Adam Burlock
Rider: Jacob Sparling
Rider: Adam Fox
Once we re-grouped, motivation got high once more. Adam proceeded to nose bonk off a roof while Mitch put on a clinic at a rail spot. We then cruised through the Hospital and not to go inside thankfully, and then across to my old school that i spent the better part of my childhood in. It is a funny thing riding street spots at the school that banned skateboards and forbid you to partake in these activities 20+ years earlier.
The day was now winding down but Jacob had one more spot to check out. A school was recently renovated and rumor was there was a spot too good to pass up. with tired eyes and empty stomaches we went to the school of discussion and were we surprised. I am not a religious man but this was a biblical type of spot! The most insane ledge spot right out of Cali, not something you expect in Canada. At the front of the school was even a gem of a rail spot which Mitch, Adam and Jacob finished off until the tanks were empty.
With the sun setting and our bodies giving out, we said our goodbyes. By all accounts, the weekend was a resounding success. I appreciated the hard work and effort everyone put into this trip and I know that with the success of this one we will be doing another ASAP.
