WETHEPEOPLE 'LUCKYS' PHOTO JOURNAL
A Yorkshire adventure with Wethepeople UK
Photos and words by Fred Murray
Spirits were high as Dan Banks and myself blasted down the M6, the main artery that goes between the north and the south of the UK. Service stations were stopped at, and overpriced tasteless sandwiches we devoured. This was the first real BMX trip I'd been on for over a year thanks to "you know what" and my excitement was mixed with a side of anxiety as if I was 16 again and traveling for the first time. The destination? Yorkshire.
Upon arrival we were greeted by Wethepeople and Leeds local Paul Robinson, at first eating a vegan fish and chips and then offering it to us after explaining his regret at not just buying a real fish. "Bit weird" he said as we poked at the fake Nemo and then admired the giant Wethepeople sticker he had attached to the brand new rental van. Soon after, the Welsh contingent (Lewis Griffiths, Jordan Godwin and Dennis Humphreys) appeared stuffed into Butch's VW Golf, buzzing with excitement. The apartment was set beside Hyde Park - somewhere most people would have ventured if they had been to Leeds before. A home for students, drug dealers and the odd weirdo - this place is definitely an experience to say the least. This evening was no different. You would have thought it was 420 with the plooms of smoke hovering over thousands of swarming humans relishing in their new freedom and 20c weather, and the police looking on with blank faces. This is where we would call home.
Six days later and in general our first trip back couldn't have gone much better - despite poor Butch knocking himself funny on the first day. Weather, food, company and spots were as good as it gets. Evening entertainment mostly consisted of bad TV game shows, drinking and Jordan trying to wind up Butch at all times. It was a BMX dream. It would be easy for me to recount each day here in words, but quite frankly i think the photos will do it better justice. FUCK YOU COVID - WE'RE BACK!
Jordan contemplates his next move.
This estate was a gold mine. Both for spots and photos.
"Pegs up to bar over from Mudhut, straight to lashings of vegan duck and chips."
Day two looking more like day seven for Dan's mitts.
Apparently there were students taking exams in the building behind this spot. I don't think they were very happy with us, especially when i asked Jordan to do this again. We got kicked out immediately after this.
No matter the spot, Dan Banks will come away with a clip. He's a lot better at riding than he is bike mechanic-ing.
"Watching Jordan do his thing on rails is ridiculous. His levels of consistency and ability to keep a cool head is superhuman."
Jordan and a new pal.
The crew look on as the 225 cam gets flipped. Spending the day with Jambul was next level.
Fathead downward dog.
This alley smelt so badly of piss i'm surprised Muddy didn't get the fuck outta there on first inspection.
Piss avoided, clip in the bag.
We kept the apartment real nice.
Jordan Godwin was relegated to the least lavish sleeping quarters but after a few nights of sofa tetris he found the optimum sleeping position.
Fathead showed up with some sunglasses he found on his morning dog walk.
Don't mess with Yorkshire.
"Ice hard ain't hard for Jordan. Something that would take most people hours was completed in under a minute."
Dan doesn't even smoke...
Guns don't kill people, Wappers do.
"I'm calling the police." Needless to say, they didn't show up.
Essentials.
Butch and Big Den.
Jambul VS Police was a highlight of the trip.
Jordan doubling up at the Co-op with a hanger for his second course.
Dan. Earthing.
Danny Heron, minus the blood.
Jordan Godwin in an estate that was so photogenic i filled up a whole memory card in the one place.
Dennis Humphreys is a tough bastard. He messed up his hand early on but battled through.
"Last day heat from Godders."
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