Texas Toast 2013 was one of the best feeling events of 2013. In fact, I would say it could be one of the best events since the Metro / Backyard Jam events of the early to mid 2000’s. It reaffirmed all the reasons why we ride BMX bikes. There was a sense of bliss in the air, the weather was great and the riding was (of course) out of this world.
Chris Childs really added to this vibe with his carefree style. The above clip happened late in dirt finals on Sunday. The riders were judged not on tricks alone, but an overall feel that included how much fun the rider was having and how much energy they brought to their fellow riders and the crowd. The energy levels of the finals just kept getting higher and higher with each run. Tricks were even done on the drop in and the long and low set. Tricks that shouldn’t have been done, but they were. There was this sense of an every increasing energy as the time was running out.
When Chris 360ed the last jump backwards or in reverse(whatever you want to call it), it was so unexpected. In an early run, he jumped it backwards, but when the 360 happened later, you knew you saw a special moment. You could hear “Are you kidding me?” over the mic and it’s safe to say everyone felt the same way.
Thanks to Ryan Fudger and Ride BMX for the video clip.
