Simple Session 2018 Bruno Torres Rizaev 1

8 Feb 2018

Simple Session 2018 In Photos

A 57 Image Gallery

Words & Photos by: Wes McGrath

Entering the 18th consecutive year of Simple Session, it seems as though the contest has not only gained more and more relevance as the years continue but it has truly captivated the world of BMX and the hearts of all the riders involved. I hadn't ever been to a Simple Session before but I can tell you now that, well, it's not that simple. Over the years I have heard so many crazy stories, from so many different people that I couldn't hold myself back any longer. Whether or not all the rumors remained true, I can tell you that I was thoroughly impressed all on accounts. The riding was exceptional, the city was beautifully covered in snow, the parties never stopped, and oh yea, I think I ate pasta every single meal.

Check out some of your favorite riders as well as some you probably haven't heard of, here in this 57 image gallery reflecting what happened inside the Saku Arena... and as for what happens outside of the arena, well you're just going to have to come and see for yourself.

The top 24 finalists for park and street all line up for a live television introduction! Bruno Hoffman was the top qualifier from Saturday!

Jordan Godwin. 180 crook half cab ice to warm up his Saturday!

Jordan Godwin is always a treat to see do his thing!

Reed Stark is a madman! Huge wall ride transfer all the way over! He continued to hurt is ankle all weekend but you couldn't tell from all of his high speed riding all the way until his final run, placing him in a cool 4th place!

Garrett Reynolds with a popped switch whip during his last run as he wins 1st place!

Reed Stark gap to pegs at full speed!

Gaspar Guendulain rode great all weekend and his style is so refreshing. Tires to oppo-whip up the rail!

Joris Coloumb and the rest of the street crew warming up.

Jonathon Camacho takes on this huge whip into the bank off of the Kelly Bar wall with a ledge that couldn't be more than 18 inches wide.

Broc Raiford on the course during street finals practice.

Simple Session 2018 street 1st place winner Garrett Reynolds waves to the crowd in the finalist line up!

Dan Kruk tuck no hander on the #visitestonia quarter pipe!

Dan Kruk enjoying his second Simple Session appearance.

Dillon Llyod, Jordan Godwin and Felix line up and get ready for finals.

Eisa Bakos, Austin Augie and Fred Murray.

Lahsaan Kobza celebrates his last run with a little bit of 99 bananas!

Daichi Teshigahara comes from Japan and has an amazing attitude to accompany his style!

Just before finals began on Sunday there was a Gabe Brooks memorial video showcasing his past Simple Session footage and the whole building cheered in his name!

The days get long in the bleachers and there's no better way to enjoy a long day!

Behind the scenes of the local Estonian TV providers.

The Saku arena was locked and loaded with plenty of cameras, including this overhead remote controlled angle.

Riders had a complimentary meal each day inside the arena and it was a definite treat!

Broc Raiford took third place in the street finals, right behind 2nd place Bruno Hoffman and 1st place Garrett Reynolds!

Fred Murray getting in on the action, as it seems John Hoopman gives him filming advice...

There is so much going on inside and outside of the arena they give you a guidebook so you don't miss any weekend action!

The course warms up as everyone gets ready and searches for their lines!

Peep Game or Peep Show?

Bruno Hoffman takes 2nd place in street just behind Garrett Reynolds!

Reed hanging out resting his ankle and twisting a cigarette.

Dillon Llyod prepares his headspace in the locker room before his runs in finals!

Austin Augie was the first one to use this roll-in during his run and it started to get everyone thinking about the possibilities!

Austin Augie staring down his approach to the course before his first run!

Alex Kennedy is someone I just sat back and watched while he was riding the course, sometimes you just have to enjoy your friends riding and watch instead!

Ryan Nyquist shows us again and again how just damn good he is and how he is simply one of the best!

Jose Torres took 1st place in park and held it down coming from Mexico with moves like this 360 double tailwhip!

Kevin Peraza is so versatile and stylish as a bike rider it's hard to tell if he is in the street or park line up... But with a 360 table like this one, I don't think it matters!

Larry Edgar upside down 360 invert during finals!

Billy Perry with a color coordinated tail whip on the #travelestonia quarter!

Chris James effortless cannonball!

Ryan Nyquist. Backflip double barspin.

The Russian assassin or formally known as Irek Rizaev took second place in park and it's well deserved, given this 900 was pulled out in practice!

Kenneth Tencio took this backflip drop in off of the wall like it was nothing!

This photo is interesting... I was shooting at over 2000th of a second with no flash and I somehow was able to catch the flash from a fellow photographer's flash!

Ryan Taylor with an insane flair double whip during park finals!

Victor Peraza has some big boots to fill by being Kevin Peraza's little brother but with moves like this 360 one handed table over the box, I think he's getting along just fine!

Chris James was one of two Australian riders in the house all weekend. High speed and high air, this boy wasn't scared!

Alex Hiam visits Estonia for the first time and I believe that he hasn't ever seen snow in person before?!

Gary Young continues to hold his own every time I see him ride a contest, simple session was no exception. Turndown transfer across the box!

Chris James rode this box jump flawlessly most of the weekend. Here is a sizable 360 tuck no hander!

Larry Edgar is always a crowd pleaser and this time was no exception, huge superman during his final run at height!

Victor Peraza. One handed superman seat grab!

Darryl Nau announces all the action and carries the crowd through the event all weekend long!

Reed Stark accepting his 4th place awards!

Kenneth Tenacio, Irek Rizaev Jose Torres celebrate in the winners circle with a little bit of champagne!

Your top 6 street finalists. 1st through 6th. Garrett Reynolds, Bruno Hoffman, Broc Raiford, Reed Stark, Simone Barraco, and Mark Burnett.

As the winners circle gets crowded and confusing, Broc takes no time to celebrate his third place position by busting open his well deserved champagne shower!