BMX is a way of life for the Davies brothers
"It just comes naturally. You try to chase the fun you felt when you learnt the first trick."
It started with just another normal mountain bike and a Rand Park High School learner with far too much pent-up energy.
One skilful trade later he went from mountain biking to riding a BMX, also known as bicycle motocross. James Davies was hooked the first time he had a go at it and his little brother, still in primary school, followed in his footsteps. Robert and James have been riding for a little more than a decade and say it’s what’s keeping them going. When they’re not working, they’re on their bicycles practising their stunts.
Fortunately they had finished building their own half-pipe in their front yard just when lockdown was announced for the first time, as the boys no longer could go to skateparks to get their adrenaline fix. Now that the lockdown regulations have been eased, they can even have a few friends over to take on the professionally built half-pipe.”We call it the dojo,” James started with a sly smile, “because people come here to hone their skills and become black belts in riding.” The reason ‘the dojo’ just felt right is because of the dark wood theme they have going on all around.”It’s an addiction,” Robert explained.
“It just comes naturally. You try to chase the fun you felt when you learnt the first trick.” It’s a feeling, he said, he’ll never forget, and no matter how much he has to work, or what other responsibilities take up his time, he’ll always cut out a bit of time to ride with his brother.
Robert became more of a professional rider, they noted, with James gravitating toward photography. Nowadays, James takes all kinds of excellent action photos of his friends while they are riding. He takes his own BMX along and rides a bit himself.
The Davies brothers are part of the TMF Crew (what they call the Too Much Fun Crew when they can’t mention the more risque alternative name they often use). TMF hosts multiple competitions which attract quite a lot of attention, with their previous one being held in December at Hartbeespoort Dam to great acclaim.
They’re planning the next competition for the end of July, believing they’ll attract even more riders. In the end, they say, it’s all about getting the word out and inspiring more young people to take up the sport.
