Thursday, May 17

The House that BMX Built

By Dave Finger
EXPN.com

Driving through the forests of western Washington is like a trip backwards through time. Although I'm just 15 minutes off Interstate 5, I see the interaction of dark, rich, fertile soil that gives rise to a variety of enormous moss covered trees (the likes you don't see anywhere besides the Northwest) all framed by the majestic snow-capped Cascade mountain range. This spectacular landscape, combined with a general absence of cars, people, or any signs (besides the road I'm driving on) of civilization makes me feel like I'm wearing the boots of some sort of pioneer discovering the west two centuries ago. Carefully following my guide's instructions (Mike Hammond Vans Triple crown participant and UGP/Standard rider) I creep onto a secluded dirt road, delving further into these incredible woods, when Viola! There it is, a beacon standing as proudly as a decorated soldier amongst this desolation - yes it's the House that BMX built!

Jerry exhibiting a nice one-footer above the coping.

Rounding the corner I can immediately tell that something special is happening here. Cute girls wearing sunglasses, hooded sweatshirts, and knee-high socks, surrounded by Subarus, CJ7s and a Ford Escort, all the while making excited gestures as my truck rolls into its place amidst the action. Two riders race by and my head turns from this otherwise non-descript single family home, to the amazing 6 pack with transfer line built in the front yard. I am immediately filled with the delight of seeing something magical that few others have the chance to experience. Hitting a sick rhythm while I change lenses is Darren Berrecloth, Diamond Back/Thor/Smith pro rider and resident of the house. He rolls by and we say what up, the smile on his face reveals he's as stoked as I am. Mounting the 80-200 zoom I see another rider tearing over the 18-foot gaps with the excitement of a young man who just got his first signature bike. Chris Eimen, K2/Airwalk/Arnette/Empire/Jones Soda pro rider, skids to a stop and proudly shows off his new K2 pro model then pedals away giggling for his next round on the booters. It's a beautiful day, the sun is out and I'm watching Darren throw down some ill one-handed no footed cans, one-footed tables, suicides, and stylee classic tables. As if this isn't dope enough, Chris jumps in the mix and hits up a few lines that include 360 tables, double bar spins, turn-downs, and a host of stylee straight airs - today however he chose not to pull out the double truck.

Stoke is in the air as I watch two of the Northwest's hottest pros bring the dirt jumping session to a close, but wait, there's more. I'm invited to come 'round back to check out the rest of the recreational equipment. My my my, what do we have here? It's a 6' mini ramp (20' wide) with a 12' wide spine half and 8' wide street spine that's 4' high. If this isn't enough there's a wall ride board bolted to the side of the house and a sub-box up on the deck. Already killing the ramp is Jerry Hammontree, owner of the house and builder of the ramp. He sits quietly on deck chatting up his girl before dropping in and showing off with some stylee spine transfers and boosting tables high above the coping. Darren and Chris drop in to initiate the 3-man session. Parading a quiver of ill tricks they both show their stuff with fresh fufanus, big flatties over the spine, wall rides, foot plant Xups, and of course the "blam!" airs thrown high above the coping. I guess it's the girls on deck, or maybe just the stoke of being lucky enough to have this right at home, that make em' all ride so damn well.

When you own the ramp you can kick stylin' airs like this all day.

The session winds down and we all start playing pool and chatting over some beers. We talk and I take a tour of the house, it just wouldn't be complete without a few crucial items. First their hesh-style BMX shrine displayed proudly under black lights, a weight room for getting buff, a work area for maintenance and repairs, a sauna for getting busy, and a random Britney poster mounted proudly next to the Barely Legal centerfold (in the bathroom of course). Cruising into Darren's room I see his wall of fame - photos from spots all over the west, full page DB adds, and racing trophies from the start of his BMX career. Being from Vancouver island BC he interjects, "when I lived on the island I rode everyday by myself, but now I can session with friends and that's the best part." When questioned about riding by himself he adds, "I just like to ride, nothin' else." The battlefield of scars on his shins and the permanently swollen left elbow prove his dedication to learning new tricks. I start giving up the props for his arsenal of moves but just simply replies, "thanks, it's just that western Washington is pretty much THE place to be for BMXing - ask anyone on the circuit." With that I turn to Chris and he pretty much spells out their doped-out scene for me, "it's so live because you can come here and make breakfast, dirt jump a bit, chill, then hit the ramp for a while and not ever have to leave."

Man I wish I was lucky enough to have all of this right here in the comfort of my own home, but these guys are the ones that do. I guess that's what makes the house so positive and real, the authentic stoke that these pros have. The story wouldn't end the same if it went without mention that despite all the hard work put into the house from those that live and ride here, in 2 months this incredible abode is due to be torn down and turned into track housing. Hooray for capitalism!