Well we couldn't let the tour end without sharing a few photo pleasures and the diary from the road. Look out for the full video run down on Extreme TV in August but for now have some of this - the full No Half Measures BMX Tour diary 2007.
The Relentless No Half Measures BMX Tour took place last week across England before finally arriving at NASS at the weekend where the Tour riders competed after an intense week of riding!
The tour crew at this stage included Zac Shaw, Anthony Pill, Kyle Blake, Tony Watkinson, Shaun Eglington, Cameron Hardy, photog Chris Woodage and Filmers Jon and Fraser and of course initial tour manager, Lynchie!
After some merriment at the DC party in Shoreditch and a 4 hour coach journey up north, the team were already onto nickname allocations and each individual's place on the tour was taking form…
Vert rider Zach Shaw (X Games competitor) was heading the team as a mentor. As Team Manager for VANS and over 26 years experience of the sport, Zach could lend his industry savvy to the youngsters and encourage confidence in front of the cameras.
Anthony Pill is an unparalleled trickster on the mini ramp – lapping up the applause at the 4 venues visited in that first weekend – The Works, Interact, Stoke Plaza and Epic. An experienced rider with vast knowledge of the UK's parks and tours, Antony offered anecdotes and showmanship that contributed hugely to the atmosphere on the road.
Tony Watkinson, 18 from Liverpool, was constantly riding throughout the weekend, first on his bike at the outdoor parks, displaying the new school style that is filtering through the industry – part of a new generation of BMXer's determined to be part of the sport's growth and recognition.
Cam Hardy age 19 from Hampshire has already been on a couple of tours but completely saw the week ahead as a new challenge and opportunity. Cam has a totally unique style of riding. He doesn't ride to compete or for show, he rides for himself and his distinctive style comes completely from within. Riders with twice as many years experience under their belts would find it hard to incorporate as much charisma into their tricks as Cam exhibits so effortlessly.
Kyle Blake, 17, has been riding with Mark Webb since he started BMX. His style is similar to Mark's in that he will take on a course fearlessly and attempt the impossible. Kyle's biggest agenda was nailing a double tail whip air by the end of the week!
Shaun Eglington aka 'the Knowledge' due to a larger portfolio of facts than google.co.uk, Shaun, Relentless rider and reputable vert challenger, a one-of-a-kind passionate BMX'er who's taken some of the UK's most insane falls but always bounced back up – onto his bike.
Monday on tour Rodders joined the group and here offers his account of the week….
Monday kicked off with an early start as the bus made its way to Adrenalin Alley in Corby. The Alley is considered one the best parks in the UK for BMX and also has the added benefits of a foam pit and the only resi jump (soft landing) in the UK. All the boys were stoked to get there and played on the two training jumps for most of the day. Think triple whips, front flips and even the self titled Zakflip form the original inventor Zac Shaw. He actually learnt the trick on dirt but was quite happy to demonstrate in the foam on the day!
That night the crew all went out for dinner in a local Corby pub before heading over to a comedy night down the road and a late night session back at the skate park! Great night had by all with the potential of a few fuzzy heads for the trip down to London the next day!
Tuesday and once again an early start was needed to head down to London. The bus pulled away whilst the lads slept and were only awoken on arrival at the UK's newest and best concrete park at Saffron Walden. All the lads got up to session the dream park with standouts including Zac, who was loving the deep bowl and Anthony Pill whos tech tricks were wowing even the rest of the crew. Unfortunately the rain came AGAIN and we had to leave for Bay 66 skate park.
On arrival at Bay 66 we had the park to ourselves for an hour, which was great as it's a busy place so the guys got to really see what they place had. Cameron and Pill were having a lot of fun in the bowl area as was Shaun Eglington who was really excited to ride the place to himself. Shaun and Zac then had a session on the Vert ramp which took us to the end of the day.
After dragging the boys away it was into Earls Court and dinner at Bistro Benito, a great Italian Restaurant recommended by Pill. We were really looked after in there and had to actually stop the waiters from giving us any more Lemoncello! (its hard because it really is delicious?) Once again feeling truly fed and watered it was back to the tour bus for some needed sleep!
After 4 days of intense riding a day off was in order so the bus set off early Wednesday morning to Bournemouth where the boys had to get to the Hot Wheels office to fix or replace their bikes. Kyle Blake's bike was actually snapped so he was delighted to finally get there and pick up a new set up! It was here that Phil Aller joined the tour. He is such a god rider to watch and just loves riding his bike. As soon as he arrived at the factory he grabbed a stock conveyor belt and started riding it when turned on. Bunny hops on to manuals to 180 bar spins off. Was fun to watch. In the meantime Kyle and Tony both won tenners by bunny hop whipping a mini bike! Kyle made it second go!
We had planned to go surf or go go-carting in the afternoon but this was smashed as the go cart track had closed and the waves had dropped from earlier in the morning! Everyone was happy though just to chill and relax. Suddenly a phone call alerted the crew that Mark Webb, after a shocking weekend including British Airways losing his bike and tonsillitis, had just arrived at Bournemouths Kings Park Skatepark and was itching to ride. Kyle and Phil went to find him and rode one of the best sessions of the tour! They all had new bikes but the increasing crowd would never have known! After this session and Mark and Phils arrival there was a new energy about the tour and everyone was excited about Bristol and Motion Skatepark the next day!
The bus left at a leisurely 11am after showers and breakfast for the boys and rolled up to Motion at around 3.30 just in time for a warm up and then a sick session for the locals to gawp at! It really was jaw dropping some of the stuff and only got better during the cash jam. Obstacles destroyed included the mini spine and the jump box which also saw action from the public and then a high jump comp. The local kids in the park were killing themselves to impress the tour riders, who also hit the high jump to prove they could! Even big Shaun cleared it easily!
After the Bristol session the bus departed so we could get into NASS early and set up!
After waking up at NASS the lads wanted to head back up to Corby where they could practice again before the comps the next day! Webby wanted a flat spin 900 and Cam wanted to perfect a trick I can't even describe let alone name. Ask him when you see him! After the foam pit they all hit the resi jumpbox in what was a ridiculous final shred. Webb was triple whipping and flip whipping while Kyle was 360 whipping smooth as you like! It was a pretty sick if long trip (traffic jams are rubbish) and was attended by the tour riders and filmers and guests Robin Fenlon and C4 filmers. Anyway all the boys were ready for the comps the next day!
Saturday morning and the event was on. Early nights had been had by all ready to focus but had it paid off? Yes it had. Phil, Mark, Cam and Ky all qualified for the street final while webb destroyed the challengers in the Cruzer tour Qualifiers! Once again it was early to bed whilst the revelers enjoyed some great hospitality in the Relentless riders Lounge!
Sunday was the day or reckoning and would it be what we all wanted and needed? Yes it was all good! Webb, although saying he did not ride well won the cruzer leg and has now probably won the entire thing, earning himself a car. He also came 3rd in the street only beaten by Dan Dhers of Venezuela and an insane Ben Hennen who really went bigger that anyone else on the day!
So that's that and see you next year, I'm going to bed!
