After getting lost riding my bike from the train-station to the skatepark in the pouring rain, I met up with my friends Willem, Hannes and Micheal at SOMIC. I used to ride with ‘em all the time when I was in high-school and still living with my parents. When I started taking pictures they were also the ones in front of the lens most of the time. They are all really talented bike riders and shooting with these guys is always a blast. Every time we meet at least one of them has a new trick to show off.

Willem just got hooked up by Grounded that week and needed a couple pictures for a bike check for their website so that’s what we shot first. After that we moved on to the action. Bear in mind though, that he put that bright green Amity frame, and some other new parts, on only the night before. Fresh from the shop. If you like to know what his normal level of riding is check out his welcome-to-the-team-edit filmed in the park only a week later, when he got a little more used to his new ride. Bangers all the way through.

Because of the small turnout and the fact I’m really comfortable shooting with my friends makes the pictures are mainly of them, but I managed to get some lucky shots from a couple of other riders as well. Let’s just hope they read this and next time are a little less scared of approaching me and ask for a specific shot. I haven’t bitten anybody since kindergarten, I swear! And that was even only in self-defence. But seriously, It’s important. Every trick has it’s ‘best’ side and it’s own timing. Knowing what the trick is going to be and where the rider is headed gets you the best results. So please, if you see me shooting again some time, just come talk to me if you got something you want shot and we can work on it together.

I had some bad luck with my computer and I can think of a few things I’ll have to do differently next time. Like announcing way earlier and maybe do it on a Saturday in stead of a Wednesday. All in all though, I really enjoyed my little shoot, so expect more to come once my shoulder is healed enough to hold up my DSLR again.

Although it was a BMX jam, many didn’t really managed to stay on there bikes that long, myself included. Temperatures were absurd, the sun was burning, not a single cloud in the sky. Luckily the skatepark had a little strip of grass right next to it with plenty of shade to relax and refuel. The very nice guys from Grounded were handing out hamburgers, beers and water. Awesome atmosphere!

Brecht from Grounded feeding the hungry.

Why don’t they happen more regularly actually? I don’t really know anyone who doesn’t enjoy riding with other people. And that really is al there is to it, right? Getting people together to ride bikes and the only thing needed is getting the word out. Maybe we can start doing one every month or so? Every time in an other city/skatepark? Wouldn’t that be nice? Grounded, are you up for it?