Stoked are totally supporting the "Hands on Handlebars" campaign, raising money for the Acorns hospice through a charity BMX ride from Epic Skatepark in Birmingham to the Birmingham NEC on the Saturday of NASS '06 (held at the NEC this year). Take a look at the flier shown above.
Acorns look after very poorly children and make their lives a little more bearable, this is usually towards the end of their short lives. The hospice is set up with residential facilities, sensory rooms etc. and Acorns try to get the kids out and about on trips whenever possible. The problem is that this costs one hell of a lot.
If you can help out in any way please contact Steve or Debbie - details on the flier.
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Posted by Mike on 03 Jun 2006
SUZUKI BMX MASTERS '06, GAZ IN CHINA & NEW GALLERY SHOTS...... Suzuki BMX Masters '06 Gaz Goes For A Chinese Gallery Shots! WE'VE DONE IT AT LAST !! We've Been Quiet But Now We're Back!! New Season, The Gallery Is Finally Online Properly, New Range Coming - Oh Baby, Lets Rock!!! A Quick Word About The Redditch Jam Sunshine at Southsea Ruff Ride Gold Cup Getting Urban At Clapham Common NASS '05 Was A Riot Back From The Worlds '05 - Gaz Gets Cheeky In Prague.... Sam Hambridge, Hero at Spin Like Hell Jam ! COUNTDOWN TO THE BMX FREESTYLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - THE WORLDS '05 ! WOODWARD WAS SICK!! GOOD LUCK PAUL! STOKED SHOP UPDATE STOKED AT THE BIKE SHOW '05 WATCH OUT, THE SEASON IS HERE...... Stoked Shop Is Now Online!! Ross Wins Amateur Bowl Tag Team Comp At Epic Injuries, Injuries.....
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Posted by Mike on 13 May 2006
If you haven't booked your flights to the Masters in Cologne yet the WHY NOT? They're on from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July at Cologne Youth Park.
As there's no Worlds this year, the Masters will be crammed with literally hundreds of pro riders, even more Masters and Experts and thousands of small bike loving hooded scrotes! It really is an awesome few days so if you have any possible way to get there then sell yer Granny and get a ticket. The camping on site is good if you're on a budget.
Stoked are going on a world tour of Cologne on the previous Wednesday with Gaz, Paul, Mike, Mark Theaker, Crazy Matt, Cov local Kane & Southampton boys JP and Little Joe. If you're going (and that includes the Basingstoke riders - yes Brains, you and the lads) get in touch and hang for a while.
We'll keep you posted but if you've got any news, events or just general bollocks then mail us.
Later.
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Posted by Mike on 13 May 2006
Check this out......
Gaz Wilson has just come back from a Team Extreme trip to China. How rad is that?! The Team Extreme boys invited Gaz along to ride a few demos, take in the sights and ride the biggest skatepark in the world - Shanghai Skatepark. Just take a look at the vert setup below.......
Now if you think the vert's awesome then check out the fullpipe on the Gallery pages. It's 18 feet high, knarly and Gaz was crazy enough to go upside down in the behemoth....just stop and think about that for a while eh?
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Posted by Mike on 13 May 2006
We've got some new shots on the Stoked Gallery so go take a look.
You'll see some shots of Gaz in the UK and in China and we've also put up homage to a best mate of everyone at Stoked Clothing, a top guy to ride with and someone that'll make you piss yer pants wherever you're ridin and however yer feelin - Kidderminster's very own Crazy Matt Parker. Keep it up boy!
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Posted by Mike on 13 May 2006
THE ALL NEW GALLERY IS NOW ONLINE - CHECK IT OUT AND SEND US YOUR SHOTS !!!
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Well go on then, check it out, submit your shots - simple as that....nuff said!
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Posted by Mike on 05 Feb 2006
Sorry we've been a bit quiet since the Autumn - the 9 to 5 and an 18 month old future BMX World Champion have kept us busy.
The word is that the Gallery is now sorted, go check it out and send us your shots perleese. What air have you got in your bag of tricks? Send us your injury shots. Got any good photos of the one who fell asleep on the last roadtrip (you know, "twat" written in marker pen across his forehead, that sort of thing). Photographic proof that you nailed that rail? Do it!
The new range is under design as we speak. We thought you may be looking for a little abuse slapped across your chest so think on - there's a change comin'. We'll keep you posted.
The team are still lovin' it.
Paul is over at Woodward, again. He's emailed us to say that asses will be kicked this season so flair central here we come!
Gaz rules! At the end of last year he won the Driffield Jam for a second year in a row and went on to win a moutain bike comp - yes that's correct, winning a mountain bike dirt jumping comp on a 20 incher! Nice one boy, who's the Daddy! Unfortunately he won a mountain bike frame for his success - that'll be Ebay calling then.
Sam is still a fashion boy! His bike is getting super tweaked, at last, and his skills have come on like you wouldn't believe, smooth and big - now smooth and big is what Sam wishes he was like with the laydees, never mind mate, one out of two ain't bad!
Ross took a break from riding towards the end of last year - well, we couldn't contact him on his mobile for months and Christ knows what he was doing but we like to say that he took a break from riding. He's back now and it's gotta be said that he is smoother than ever and surprised the hell out of us when we recently rode at Epic - man the guy's got skills, big airs and balls!
All in all it's gonna be a massive season and we can't wait! The first event of the year was the Epic Tag-Team Bowl Comp. Gaz's team won second and that's only because Mark Web & Ben Wallace turned up and blasted out back-to-back synchronised flairs, yeehaa! Ross rode with the Redditch boys (respect to y'all fellas) but took the first real painful injury of his pro career when he spanked his knee during his first bowl run. I've never seen Ross in quite such pain, I didn't know a person could turn that colour....well he's back on his bike now so let's see the colour of yer money, eh? Sam's team were the biggest set of misfits I've ever seen (except maybe the Brits at the Worlds) but they rocked! Despite pissing themselves laughing for most of their run and despite Crazy Matt from Kidderminster (who was on their team) shouting "just bloody do something", they ranked 6th in pro. Lovely jubbly!
That's it for now, see you during the season - and send us your shots!!
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Posted by Mike on 29 Jan 2006
The first weekend of September saw the exceedingly laid back Redditch Jam come round again. It really is a sweet park to ride and the best outdoor wooden park I've been to.
A very big up to Gaz for kicking everyone's ass and getting 1st place! This season has been amazing for Gaz with top results at places like Redditch all the way up to the Worlds in Prague. Congratulations mate, you are the dogs!
Told you it was just a quick word.
Later.......
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Posted by Mike on 11 Sep 2005
Well it came round so quickly we could hardly believe it was time to take the run down to the longest running BMX comp in the UK yet again. Yes, the sunshine told us it was Southsea weekend!
Gaz enjoyed the hospitality at the Southsea Leisure Park in his luxury tent, Paul must have come into some money and took advantage of a very pleasant B & B and Sam, well Sam managed to squeeze into a very, very small and minging tent on Southsea Common amongst a load a kite flyers who were down there for the annual kite festival (just don't ask!).
In terms of riding, Lance McDermot put in some awsomely big stuff as usual, Ben Wallace showed just why he's often at the top of results tables but it was Mark Webb who just took the roof off the place (ok, I know it's an outdoor event) with the sort of riding that some people thought they would never see from him again after his brutal accident last year. Mark ruled the weekend, trust! Without going into the details of it, if I said wall ride to flair would that give you an idea?
The Stoked team did us proud again. Paul bagged 6th in pro vert, Sam was 4th in amateur spine mini and Gaz busted it out to get 4th in pro spine mini and 3rd in pro bowls, despite busting his knee as soon as he got there. We were stoked that Gaz got 3rd overall in pro and Gaz was stoked that he won 1st place in long jump with 100 quid and a new rim just for monkeying about.
Thanks to Effraim and everyone at Southsea and thanks to the gentlemen of Stoked Clothing.
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Posted by Mike on 11 Sep 2005
Marcus Gallagher, founder of Ruff Ride and all round decent scouse blagging geezer realised a big dream with the Ruff Ride Gold Cup at the end of July. From a few planks of wood in his Toxteh back yard he has pushed the boundaries for over 5 years to eventually get his first proper Ruff Ride comp in a skatepark that you'd even date a minger to get to.
The 3 classes of very small but totally amazing little dudes, amatuer and pro ran from lunchtime till evening in a super relaxed grass roots comp. Every single person at the park was there because they just loved riding. It has to be said that the locals are diamond and would welcome anyone with the same gratitude.
The pro final saw Gaz up against a completely insane local rider (sorry dude, didn't take a note of yer name but I should have - you were rad! Was it Sam Ward?). Gaz was just nudged into second place by the Ruff Ride demon but it seeing as it was the local park of one guy, I guess Gaz can rest easy - Not to take it away from Sam(?) 'cause he was just down with it. Keep an eye out for him next season.
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Posted by Mike on 02 Sep 2005
The vee dub van went on another adventure to the Urbans on 22nd - 24th July. Getting down to London late on the Friday we found ourselves able to set up camp in the exhibitor's car park for the weekend. This may not sound too amazing but this particular car park is directly behind the street course and the closest place you can get to the event. Hidden behind 2 lorries we enjoyed partying and much Pot Noodle with Mark Theaker, toby and the Mount Hawke riders for the whole weekend. Stoked!
In terms of action, we were again more than a little chuffed to congratulate Paul on bagging 9th in Vert. There were some big vert riders at the Urbans so our respect goes out to him.
Gaz didn't fall off his bike at this event and pulled 16th in Dirt against a field of riders that just blew your mind and 9th in Street. What a result, we're rather pleased young man!
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Posted by Mike on 02 Sep 2005
From 7th - 9th July NASS was its usual mix of sick riding, camping, tent jumping, examining what you've just drunk and bloody awful toilets.
Apart from the foul toilet facilities, one thing stood out at NASS this year. Security was as ever totally over the top. It took the Stoked party 2 and a half hours to plead, negotiate and repeat to every security "marshall" we met that we needed to be in the athelete's enclosure with the camper - it was where we were sleeping and it was full of, well, atheletes. During the weekend the situation became so bad that on Saturday night around 150-200 mainly young people decided to vent their frustration and anger at security. A riot and yes, I mean a riot, swept through the main centre of the event with bottles raining down on the lovely "stewards", infact, bottles, chairs, wood, rubbish, anything that happened to be lying around. When security knocked out a young teenager with his own helmet they crossed the line of tolerance. There are 2 points to be made here - firstly, there is simply no excuse for a riot, it was way off the scale and for the families staying on site it must have been horrendous but secondly, there is just no excuse for the repeatedly heavy handed approach dished out the the Scottish security company that staffs the event every year. You are impolite, unreasonable bullies. Hopefully the NASS organisers will have taken stock of occurances this year but having said that, they have never listened yet.
Aside from this tomfoolery, it was a real shame that Gaz spanked himself in practice, ruling him out of competition. We are however very pleased to say that Mr Jones pulled 9th in Vert with flairs, big, smooth, massive airs and back to back 540's, whips, opposites and alley oops. Job done eh Paul!
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Posted by Mike on 02 Sep 2005
Now we have your full attention courtesy of the Braun Girls looking fine at the flatland arena in Prague, we thought we'd let you know that we returned from The Worlds earlier this week and through the haze we are able to give you the lowdown (God knows how but anyway.....)
The British contingent were strong. There were literally tons of us from the usual Pros to the everyday local riders. It's got to be said that there was a particularly strong presence from Southsea, Basingstoke, Southampton and even us Midlanders put in a decent appearance. A huge shout of respect to all the UK drop outs - every one of you were a treat to hook up with!
In terms of placings, the top 3 in each pro discipline were as follows:
Street - 1st Morgan Wade (USA)
2nd Ali Whitton (UK)
3rd Sergio Layos (ESP)
Spine
Mini - 1st Koji Kraft (USA)
2nd Morgan Wade (USA)
3rd Sergio Layos (ESP)
Dirt - 1st Kye Forte (UK)
2nd Corey Bohan (USA)
3rd Adam Baker (USA)
Vert - 1st Simon Tabron (UK)
2nd Eduardo Terreros (ESP)
3rd Koji Kraft (USA)
Flat - 1st Michael Sommer (AUT)
2nd Viki Gomez (ESP)
3rd Yamamoto Ryoji (JAP)
In addition to these results, a particular mention has to be made for Ben Hennon who, whilst placing 12th in mini qualifier should have placed better - his double whip attempts over the spine were awesome. Also, Ben won 5th in Street final. 5th, in the world! His run was super big and super ballsy but his virtually pulled (he did get it back to the wheels) flip whip over the hitching post on the top of the volcano was probably the most amazing trick of the Worlds. 15 feet up, upside down, whipping over the top of a massive hitching post.....when you consider that he bailed about 4 times from 15 feet up, now that's punishment! Respect!
Ok, so why is this Stoked Clothing sponsored Pro enjoying a little (?) relaxation and refreshment ?
GAZ WILSON SHOULD BE BLOODY PROUD OF HIMSELF!!
All of this Worlds stuff was simply a treat in itself but when we watched Gaz rock out in Prague it simply put the icing on the cake. In Street, Mini & Dirt Gaz placed higher than last years Worlds....and we mean much higher!
Street - Qualified 21st
This placed him above riders like Bas Keep, Chris Mahoney, Ben Wallace, Taj Mihelich, Josh Stricker & Sandy Carson. He was the 5th highest placed Brit overall.
Spine Mini - Qualified 20th
Placed above Taj Mihelich, Ben Manual, Bas Keep, Pill, Mahoney & Marlboro Pete. Again, the 5th highest placed Brit overall.
Dirt - (Oh you beauty...) 12th!!
Let's just say he placed above a truck load of other riders but more importantly it makes him, in Worlds placings, the second best British dirt rider. He only placed behind Kye Forte and Kye won the thing!
What can we say but Gaz, you are to be given ultimate respect! Only a number of months ago you had pins and plates put in your leg, you turned up to the Worlds with a frame you had virtually never ridden and you bust out this sort of stuff.
Job done mate, keep going, enjoy and kick their asses this season!!
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Posted by Mike on 12 Jun 2005
We were due to take the camper down to Cornwall at 5pm last Friday to stay with Mark Theaker and ride the Spin Like Hell Vert Jam at Mount Hawke on Saturday & Sunday. Well at 7pm we commenced our 300 mile journey so thanks Mr Jones, we know it was in a good cause but Christ were we late but that's BMX I guess.
We arrived in Truro at sometime after 2am and were greeted by Mark Theaker saying "find somewhere to sleep, it's a bit crowded I'm afraid". He was right, in the darkness of his flat you could pick out the odd bit of laminate flooring but nothing to allow a person sized sleeping bag on it. Paul and his Laydee slept on a particularly steep hill, virtually upside down in the camper, Sam slept in the narrow hallway curved around a corner outside the toilet door and underneath the odd bike and yours truly managed to bag the sofa. Don't ask me how, it was just meant to be.
After eating at Smokey Joes, one of the best truckers cafes we've ever had the pleasure to frequesnt, we arrived at a very clean, super flash Mount Hawke skatepark. It's a barn in the middle of the countryside and it's supported by the Lottery Fund - you gotta get there and check it out, just take a look at what some decent funding can do for a park.
Amateurs of all levels and ages were totally getting it down on the vert, I guess that's what happens when your local pros are Simon Tabron & Theaker, I wont go into everything but guys, you rock. Pros were just not right. Simon, Mark, Paul Jones, Matt Fairbairn, Peter Guys, Toby from Spin Like Hell & of course Swiss Tony. The height of these guys, the burley tricks, the balls, Jesus.
Amatuer Best Trick was great with the kids lovin it. Mounte Hawke local (sorry, can't remember your name but mail me) first with our Sam second and a load of goodies for his trouble.
Sunday took much the same form, Smokey Joes, insane riding. Group C Amateur Vert, what can we say, for a guy that has never really ridden vert he really does deserve congratulations - Sam, number 1, good on yer. He won a load more goodies but the 1st place skull trophy was all he wanted. Well done mate.
Pro riding was sick. Everyone did so well until Swiss Tony basically flat bottomed from around 14 0r 15 feet. He's now in hospital with a ruptured kidney. Get well soon my friend, we are all thinking of you. On the good side of things though, Paul got 4th place with riding that just shows he's been to Woodward. Paul is puuling some serious height and flow and he's got something going but it's currently under wraps, even from us, so for God's sake, watch this space for something big.
In essence, the weekend was great. Thanks to all the locals for being generally decent geezers, thanks to Mark Theaker for his hospitality and for helping with Swiss Tony's injury and the hospital and much respect to Smokey Joes.
SEE YOU IN A FEW WEEKS, WE'RE OFF TO PRAGUE FOR MUCH BEER AND THE WORLDS!!
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Posted by Mike on 28 May 2005
Our flights are booked (thanks for your help Paul and Alahna Wilson, you deserve respect!), the hotel is sorted. Gaz and my good self are off to Prague.
We fly Tuesday 31st May and are staying with DJ, Mike O'Connell, James Hitcox and a hoard of Southsea locals at some place, somewhere in Prague - we'll let you know what it was like. Couldn't afford the Hilton like certain folks - would have been fully booked anyway.
Gaz is registered in pro street, mini and dirt. He's just smiling all the way at the moment and despite his recent injury he is loving his riding more than ever. If you look at his performance in his first Worlds last year then this year could be even bigger for him but you know the most important thing is, he is just lovin' it.
Now lovin' it and bustin' it out alonside the best in the world, in Prague - please tell us if it gets any better? (if you really can then please let us know through our guestbook. No you couldn't possibly, could you?...)
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Posted by Mike on 14 May 2005
Mr Jones has just come back from two weeks at Woodward and we are happy to confirm that the place is officially sick.
Paul rode with the very best in the world and this season is set to be very, very naughty indeed. Paul is officially off the hook so check out all major vert comps & jams to see him practice what he has just gained through listening to the best preachers in the world.
.....Also, while we're here - Paul rides at Epic, Birmingham and gets a lot of support from Epic and the Birmingham locals. Show your respect and get down there as this place is always changing and they always have an eye to the future. Keith and the team, keep it up!
Check out their website - Just put Epic, Birmingham into your search engine and you'll be there!
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Posted by Mike on 14 May 2005
Just a quick note to let you know that a lifetime dream for Paul has come true. After nearly 20 years in BMX Paul has at last sorted out an invite to the training camp at Woodward USA. Jamie Bestwick started riding with Paul back in the day and they latched up at the Bike Show recently. This ended up with Jamie inviting Paul to stay at his house near Woodward for a couple of weeks.
Paul flies out this weekend and will not only be meeting up with Jamie but our very good friend Mr Ronnie Surridge who is also there at the moment and who says that he will pick paul up from the airport - Paul, knowing Ronnie we'd suggest you make plans to walk to Jamie's house (sorry Ron).
We'd like to wish Paul the very best for living his dream and watch out, when Paul's back on English soil he'll be bustin stuff out like you've never seen from him!
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Posted by Mike on 23 Apr 2005
Just a quick thank you to all of you who have parted with your hard earned at the Stoked online shop. Wear your threads with pride and let us know how you feel about them - happy with the wash (or is your Mum happy with the wash?)? Anything you'd like to see splashed across yer chest (ahem....)?
Let us know. Get in touch.
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Posted by Mike on 09 Apr 2005
A new venue this year but the riding was even more off the hook than other years.
As you'll see from the shots here, Gaz Wilson was back in his first major comp since his injury and "taking it easy" with huge tailwhip airs over the hip, smooth flow and using every part of the gigantic street course. The biggest mobile ramp in the world, the Braun spine midi was at the centre of the street course and Gaz flowed across and flew above the big boy with true class and style. For his trouble, Gaz just missed out qualifying for the final by a couple of places - now that's pretty damn good for someone who thought they wouldn't ride this year and who was told that their competition days were over. Gaz we're stoked.
Mr Jones also took care of business on the vert ramp with more flairs than they had in the 70's. It was Paul's first flairs in competition and he just kept bustin them out - good God almighty! It's also got to be said that the Red Bull vert is a monster and we've never seen Paul pull out such high airs....and with some kind of style too. Paul bagged 11th in the world class vert final and took home a stash of cash for vert best tricks - much respect!
A big thank you to everyone who met up with us at the Bike Show, it was great to see you all there. If you have any local comps or jams coming up let us know. We'd love to come and ride.
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Posted by Mike on 09 Apr 2005
RUFF RIDE PARK, LIVERPOOL OPENS WITH GOOD TIMES COMP AND A BIG WIN FOR PAUL JONES......
Ruff Ride Park in Liverpool is now officially open and with a great comp last weekend, the Stoked Clothing sposored park saw an amazing opening.
The team trecked up north to support Marcus and the Ruff Ride opening and in the opening comp, Paul Jones took first place with the most inspired and inventive runs that we've ever seen from him.
He set the place on fire with a quarter to flat bank flair - nailed, quarter to flat flip to fakie - perfect, 540's, 540 tyre taps and seriously sick stuff all over the park.
Welcome to the '05 season Mr Jones - it's gonna rock !
Whilst we're on the subject of the Ruff Ride opening, we've gotta give it up for Gareth Wilson. Despite the serious injuries he's suffered recently, he was back on his bike for the first time. You deserve our total and utter respect Mr Wilson - welcome back!
SAMUEL JAMES IN ZERO G COMP NO. 1 POSITION:
I'll give you the lowdown on the comp in a minute but I've got to say something about Sam Hambridge first.
When we took Sam on last year, it was because we saw something good in him. Not just his riding potential but his loyalty. He has supported Stoked Clothing all the way from the beginning and has given us a lot of good times. Well now our belief in him has come true.
Congratulations Sam! Through sheer hard work, love for riding and BMX, loving a great high through being part of a totally together team and a lot of pain, you have shown that you can do it - Zero G Park, Coventry, Winner Feb Comp '05!
With a stash for 1st place, the drinks still weren't on him...nice!
In terms of the Zero G comp in general, I've got to offer a big up to Coventry Local, Kane Hennessey. He was the guy that organised the comp and with people like him, BMX wouldn't be what it is - he also came third, which has got to be a bonus, nice one big boy!
The greatest respect has got to be given to Coventry local Lawson. 2nd place at the comp and well deserved. This young guy lives for BMX and it's gotta be said, his talent, devotion and love for the whole thing brought him this reward. Look out for him, he has a big future - stoked!
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Posted by Mike on 20 Feb 2005
It has taken us what seems an eternity but at last we've done it!
You can now buy all your Stoked goodies from the comfort of your very own armchair (well, computer chair anyway). Simply click on the shop link and away you go.
Go on, you know you want to.......
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Posted by Mike on 16 Jan 2005
Yet another great win for Ross!
Saturday 8th January saw Epic hold another tag team bowl comp. Riding was off the hook as the UK Haro team turned up and the amateur section were killing the bowl too.
Good on ya Mr Waring, there's another one in the bag.
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Posted by Mike on 16 Jan 2005
It's not been such a good time recently for the guys on the team. Paul Jones managed to rip his arm out of its socket on vert, Sam Hambridge has just fractured his wrist and has a suspected broken thumb that may need a pin and Gareth Wilson has out done the lot of them by busting countless bones in his lower leg/ankle.
Paul is just about back on his bike but it will be a while yet for Sam and Gareth. Keep your chin up fellas.
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