Photo Ops - Reality Czech

The spirit of BMX is strong here...

10 Nov 2017

Vapenka trails are legendary in the Czech Republic. They have been around for more than 20 years, multiple layouts through multiple generations and always changing. All trail riders appreciate a jump that puts you in contact with some leaves to whip into.

The indown is my favorite trick. It reminds me of Mike Aitken and how much of an influence he had on me as a young rider. Some of us tried to replicate, but no one could duplicate. A tribute to the ultimate dude of my generation.

"Garrett was going really high (of course). Vapenka was the first spot we rode on the trip and it was steep and fast. He was immediately going 4 feet higher than all of us and the locals were stoked. Emet printed a big copy of this pic for him to bring home and frame up. Classic Ginch style.

A very serious trail hut. 2 floors and multiple couches. A perfect place to sleep or watch the riding go down. a few of the Czech trail riders sitting with us for a group picture.

Ginch man laying down some water before putting the carpets back on. I wasn't sure what was going on with the carpets before I got there, I thought it was because the dirt was soft. But they have some good clay and the carpets just keep everything wet and ride-able all day. You don't even notice them when you're riding. An Usi sighting in the background; had a blast riding with that dude.

Jump booster and stoke booster. Garrett Ginch way up in the trees as usual.

It wasn't often that you didn't see Garrett high five-ing or fist-bumping someone walking through the trails. Enjoying the company of the locals and always keeping everyone stoked.

Emet printed this photo for me to take home. I don't do inverts very often anymore, but it takes me back to the days of having holes in the shoulders of our t-shirts from our tires. Shout-out to Jason Enns.

I like this picture. The true beauty of being trail builders. We have to put in the work to enjoy what we love. Thanks to the L.E.S locals for all their hard work. Lots of jumps there.

The day before the jam it poured rain. A bunch of people went out in the middle of the night to bucket the water out of the pits and a few of the lips were a little soft. A quick patch in the middle of the jam on the bigger line at L.E.S.

There is lots I could say about Thomas and what he does for the Czech BMX scene. He lays down some mean look backs, but also lays down asphalt pump tracks in many small towns to inspire the young generations to ride bikes. Much respect to him and his crew for all they do.

I'm not sure of this guy's name, but I enjoyed watching him kill it along with so many of the other Czech bmx'ers. That's a huge nothing, on a huge jump.

This trick feels good when done right. I'm not the best example of how to do the one handed opposite tables but if you wanna see some real good ones, go to East side and watch Matty Aquizap ride.

I'm an awful public speaker, and was fighting back tears trying to show my appreciation for this opportunity to be here. I won some cash for a best trick and gave it back for next year's jam. Thanks to all the dudes for letting me watch them kill it on and off the bikes. Stoked.

Group shot at the end of the day. The Czech really know how to drink beer.

This picture is awesome. Hout asked Garrett and I to start a band for the night, which we all named "Hell Yeah". At one point I was playing the guitar with this guy's face and broke a string; this was really fun and Garrett kills it on the drums.

Digesting outside of the local pub after a nice goulash.

Ginch man spreading the love as usual. Fist bumps and hell yeahs.

Garrett and I on one of the quieter days at L.E.S. Usi was probably close behind in this train.

Ginch, off the bike.

Yours truly.

Another indown at Paul's house, riding the jumps in his garden. Cement berms and a few cement lips made this place unique. My favorite part was watching Dudo killing it.

Perfect Ginch form. Well-shot by Emet.

Yep, it's not uncommon for Garrett to get lost in the trees continually.

Me looking back, but looking forward to the next time visiting.

This is a great way to show the best part about BMX for me. Sharing good times with good friends. Garrett leading me, Paul, Usi, and Dudo through a fun garden set.

I'm stoked on this pic. I like that you can see the jumps and yard in the back. Cement berms. This trick has a cool feeling of floating off the bike when you do it on a hip.

Words and captions by Eric Hennessey - Photos by Milan Tykal

If a big bmx jam goes down in the middle of the woods and there's no one around to #hashtag about it... Does it really happen? HELL YEAH IT DOES! As a matter of fact, it might be the best jam you have ever been to in this day and age of internet excess and Wi-Fi self promotion.

You're not going to see me talking into my phone for some "V-log" or "story line" of my life. And life is good. Last month I was lucky enough to be in the Czech Republic for the 10th annual Raholec Jam and it was a serious reality check for me. Garret Guilliams and I were flown out to be "special" guests for the jam, and when I found out that all the riders threw down their personal money to pay for our plane tickets to be there, I couldn't hold back my tears of appreciation. They all treated us like family and it was one of the greatest gifts of my life. I'm humbled and honored to be able to be there to witness their pure happiness to share their time together.

A big thank you to the Czech BMX scene for giving us the opportunity to come over and ride all of the great spots from the Vapenka trails, Paul's garden, and the L.E.S trails, but most importantly for giving us the opportunity to feel their friendship with such open arms. The true spirit of BMX.

-Eric Hennessey