Photo Report | FMX World Tour | Budweiser Gardens
By Billy Rainford
When I found out the FMX World Tour was returning to my hometown of London, Ontario, I figured I should head down the road and check out the action. I wasn’t sure how the format was going to work, but the guys did the old “Canada vs. USA vs. The World” routine and it went over well for the nearly-full house — the kids loved it.
They had a talented group of BMX and FMX riders to entertain the crowd of a reported 2500 but Templeton, Massachusetts, native, Brody Wilson, was the headline FMX name.
The show started at 7:30 and kept the crowd entertained for a couple hours with non-stop action (aside from the short break they took mid-way through the night).
Here are a few shots of some of the jumps and action from the October 22nd night.
I showed up in the afternoon to check out the arena and grab my media passes. The guys were securing the run-up to the big ramp.
Everyone was pretty laid back and had some fun getting used to the floor and jumps.
It always helps to know what you’re doing next.
I liked the shots that showed the Bud Gardens and the London Knights signage.
And my favourite move is till and old fashioned moto-style cross up
The bike gang was chilling in the green room.
The stage was set for a great night of entertainment.
The BMX guys were part of the Craz E Crew Stunt Team.
Tossing some swag into the crowd early in the night to get them going.
The mostly-young crowd loved the antics of the riders as they hyped them up
They had the upper level curtained off and the lower bowl was just about full.
Acknowledging the crowd.
My weak attempt at getting artsy for a moment.
The FMX riders getting introduced to the crowd.
London’s own, Matt Hutchinson, took care of the video side of the action.
No matter what else gets done, the crowd still loves a good old backflip. They went nuts every time a rider went upside down.
Checking for puck marks in the rafters.
Spotting the landing.
High fives for the enthusiastic fans.
They were eating up the action all night long.
Kyle Snelgrove and his family won the trip to the event after writing in and telling them what it took to get them all together for the night.
Checking to see where they are in the night’s schedule.
Russ the Announcer did a great job keeping the crowd revved up for the entire show.
They pretended it was going to be difficult to clear him on this jump. The kids thought it was great!
Part of the International Challenge portion of the show.
This one could be my personal favourite.
I can’t imagine doing this the first time!
And the winners are…
Not to be outdone, the BMX riders also put on a great show.
Yep, you’ve got clearance.
If Kassie Boone (right) were healthy, I think we would have seen her hitting the ramps that night. She said that was what she’d love to be doing.
That’s some pretty good extension.
It’s physics, folks.
This little guy gets a high five.
I guess I was wrong when I told you I waited for you to be ready for this photo, Kassie. I’ll edit it out…
These little guys were pretty pumped to have met Brody and the rest of the riders.
The riders all got together at the end of the night to sign autographs.
Most of the kids stayed until they got one from every rider. Thanks for an entertaining night, guys. See you next year?
