Guest blog: Top Spots For BMX Adventures
I see them everywhere; skateboarders, BMX riders and inline skaters. But these are outdoors activities that I know little about. They are popular among youngsters, however, and any sport that gets kids active has to be good, doesn’t it? So I asked a guest blogger to give me the lowdown on where to go BMX riding.
They write: With all the fun of a trusty bike, but built specifically for tricks and stunts, BMX bikes are small and light for maximum manoeuvrability and benefit from a host of potential modifications to keep pulses racing (no brakes, for example – eeeep!).
If you’ve got your BMX sorted and are looking for somewhere new to get your adrenaline fix, there’s a wealth of parks and tracks scattered throughout the UK. Custom-built ramps, rails, half pipes and bowls adorn these little pieces of skater heaven and you don’t need to worry about wrecking your mum’s lawn. Perfect!
And if you’re not sure where to go for the top spots here’s a guide to our 10 favourite skateparks in the UK.
1. Unit 23, Dumbarton
As the biggest indoor skatepark in the UK, you can’t go far with Scotland’s award-winning Unit 23. This 56,000 square foot beauty boasts ramps over three halls, built to suit all abilities. If the replica Little Devil Bowl doesn’t tempt you, then the massive foam pit definitely will…
2. Freespace, Eastleigh
The Freespace project in Eastleigh, Hampshire is a relatively new street course with an impressive concrete bowl and awesome BMX track. Built to national standard, the track at Freespace is prime for races if tricks just aren’t your thing. It’s only 5½ miles a from BMX.co.uk shop, too.
3. Transgression, Edinburgh
One of the finest parks in the UK, Transgression is exceptionally fun and beautifully cared for by its owners. Smooth as silk where you need it and sharp and jutting where you don’t, Edinburgh’s quality indoor skatepark will keep you on your toes. With sessions available especially for children, it’s a welcoming, friendly environment for both learners and improvers.
4. Creation, Birmingham
Recently re-built, Creation prides itself on being a park for all disciplines, with many different ramps to suit. Multiple events are held here throughout the year, attracting some seriously big names in extreme sports, as well as swarms of spectators. With session prices attractively cheap, Creation is accessible to most and enjoyed by pretty much all who give it a go.
5. BaySixty6, West London
BaySixty6 is certainly one of the most famous and renowned parks in the UK. Previously known as the Playstation Skatepark, BaySixty6 recently changed ownership to Xbox and enjoyed a refurb by Nike. With names that big involved in the upkeep, you’re right to expect mighty things.
6. Revolution, Kent
Revolution’s skatepark, shop and climbing centre is all you need for an awesome day out. The beginner sessions are perfect for kids during the school holidays and recent years have seen Revolution benefit from two new bowls, re-surfaced street course and a new warehouse to extend the plot to epic proportions.
7. Clydebank BMX Track, Clydebank
Ready for the seriously extreme BMX community in Scotland, the Titans BMX Racing Club frequent this exhilarating track for extreme thrills. If you enjoy your speed with a few bumps along the way, Clydebank is for you.
8. Terminal 1, Melton Mowbray
Eaten too many pies, Melton Mowbray? Stop panicking about your waistline and get yourself down to Terminal 1 for an insane BMX workout. Summer camp sessions are available for the kids, while anyone of any age can enjoy the park and all it has to offer.
If you’re so new to sport that you don’t even have a ride, Terminal 1 have a great range of kit to hire, including GoPro cameras to capture the action! Need more? Well, you can even hire the whole park for your own event. That’s going to be one mental birthday party…
9. Rampworx, Liverpool
Frequented by world-famous riders, Rampworx is one of the world’s favourite skateparks. BMX coaching is available for newbies if you’ve not quite found your feet yet and all the kit is provided. If you fall in love with the sport while under Rampworx’s wing, there’s a fully-stocked shop on site to sort out all your needs for the future. Yep, this is one killer day out.
10. Evolution Extreme, Deeside
Evolution has an action-packed calendar of competitions for skilled riders and an equal amount of events for those who aren’t. All based at Deeside Leisure Centre, Evolution Extreme is the first indoor skating arena in Wales and sets a great precedent with some epic ramps and jumps.