King of VERT Event Sign...How Far the Sport Has Come!

©Brad Fanshaw

I went to so many BMX and Freestyle events in the early days and most were at rural out-of-the-way locations. BMX tracks were out in the boonies and freestyle events were only sometimes held at areas.

Today, huge corporations like Mountain Dew and Gillette sponsor the events and they are held in nice stadiums and have TV coverage. Just 20 years ago events like Ron Wilkerson's 2-Hip King of Vert competitions were pretty low key. Just take a look at the event sign above and it gives you a clear ideas of how it was!

Matt Hoffman Riding Vision 2-hip King of Vert 1980s

ALL PHOTOS ©Brad Fanshaw 1985-2009

Matt Hoffman redefined Vert riding in the 1980's, in these photos, that have never before been published, Hoffman is just 15 years old. He was already competing in the Pro ranks and pulling big air like this!

This 2-Hip King of Vert competition sponsored by Vision Street Wear in Michigan was small by today's standards. The ramp was small and had just a parking lot for the spectators. That didn't stop the riders from pushing the limit.

Hoffman was quiet and always waiting to pull a new trick. He would watch the other riders and hold back for a while. Then after sizing everyone up he would drop in and pull one of these big airs or some crazy trick no one had ever seen.

These were the early days of BMX Vert riding and it was great watching it get started.



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