ACTION SPORTS COACHING.COM

RIP Marco Simoncelli

2011-10-24T00:45:00.000+01:00

Lesmurdie BMX track

2011-10-24T00:40:00.001+01:00

Some pics of the Lesmurdie bmx track in Kalamunda in the Perth hills. Great track and free to ride get yourselves up there!!

More pics of Bullcreek

2011-01-31T13:45:00.000Z

Bullcreek Bmx track

2009-11-08T12:24:00.004Z

Heres some pics from my local bmx track, Bullcreek which is run by Southside bmx club chck out there website for more info
It's a great track and really fun and easy to ride with a great 1st and 2nd straight. Check out the pics and keep checking back as ASC gets more regular updates from now on Thanks Mike

Mike speed jumping

Unknown local on 2nd straight

The "much fun" 1st straight

Very Very "back in the day"

2009-10-21T14:09:00.003+01:00

Here are some photos of myself and Andy Preston competing in the 1984 bmx beat competition which we came first and second in! Sorry about the quality of the pics but it was a long time ago! Check out the hair, the size of the TV cameras and the size of the ramps!

Mike all crossed up on the trick ramp

Ramp stall with a coaster brake!!

Mike getting focused for his winning run.

Andy Preston on the right, Mike Pardon on the left, Unknown rider in the middle.

Australia is a beautiful country!!

2009-06-16T14:57:00.004+01:00

Here are some pics of local skateparks in Perth, keep your eyes open for a new improved website coming very soon and features on local tracks coaching information and tips.Check out the hot local "Jayden" he's on a scooter but i tell you he was getting 4/5ft airs out of a gnarly quarter and coming back in smooth as you like. The kid rips on a bmx to but unfortunately got his nicked a couple of weeks ago. Someone give this guy a bike!!!

Moto Gp Sepang 2008

2008-11-17T17:42:00.005Z

Well action sports coaching namely me! Got to go to Sepang in October with All access paddock passes courtesy of Jamie Beswick (thanks jamie) i got full hospitality with the Kawasaki race team,i got fed, watered and met all the riders. Check out some of the images. Cheers Mike

Good Luck to Shanaze Reade

2008-08-20T10:37:00.006+01:00

Having worked on camps with Shanaze Reade and watched her train. I am posting some pics and a vid clip ive taken of her training over the last two years. This is Shanaze's moment when all the hard work is down to 60 secs. Whatever happens we love ya Shinny!!

Heres a great quote from a radio 5 live viewer "If Shanaze Reade can bounce back on her bike after a fall like that, how come certain footballers need an entire trauma team after being fouled?"

Does size matter???

2008-06-28T23:30:00.005+01:00

Today i had the pleasure of testing a one off prototype 22" bmx bike. From a firm called FACTION BIKES. It was really great to ride, even if it was a heavier street bike version. Its as you might expect, a lovely blend with the handling of a 20" and the stability of a 24". Preston bmx track was the venue but its just been revamped and was a little soft in places to give it hell for leather.
Look out for more updates on this and a a possible 22" race series coming soon.

bmx teaching

2008-06-10T20:08:00.003+01:00

Here is some classic footage of the bmx teach ins my self and Andy Preston did for Tv Ams wide awake club show back in 1984. Maybe your old enough to remember it??
We got to choose the music do the voice overs etc ENJOY...

Sadness mixed with adrenaline

2008-05-17T19:45:00.005+01:00

The late Great Robert Dunlop

Here are some trackday images from Pete Wyleman who takes photos at No Limits trackday events. Oulton Park was fantastic on the cbr600rr it handled beautifully and combined with the sticky tyres made scrapping my knees easy.

Can i just send out my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Robert Dunlop who was tragically killed in practice for the North west 200 on Thursday. Robert was the brother of the late great Joey Dunlop who was killed in 2000. I was in Ireland at the time and attended his funeral with 50,000 other people. It was a very emotional event and both Robert and Joey are two of my heroes. A family of really down to earth motorcycle racers. Roberts son Michael Dunlop paid a moving tribute to his late father today by winning the 250cc race at the North West 200.
Goodbye Bob you will be sadly missed.

Cadwell Park trackday images

2008-04-04T22:27:00.002+01:00

Some cracking shots from the cadwell park trackday held last saturday.

Getting my ass kicked

2008-03-19T10:33:00.002Z

Heres me versus Ron Wilkerson in the 1985 Kelloggs bmx freestye champs! I wonder who got the vote?? He did put his feet down a few times though...

New BMX invention

2008-03-11T19:53:00.001Z

Check out this ad for a classic BMX invention.Can you handle it???

British cycling awards night

2008-02-20T20:23:00.003Z

Held annually the BCF awards dinner honours the Uks national cycling champions from all disciplines. I got my "Zimmer Master" award for the cruiser title.
For winning you get a free 3 course dinner and blisters on your hands for clapping at all the other award winners!!
Its then a case of listening to the blah blah of the speeches.
Still it was the first time the team award was recognised and as team manager I was proud to get that included.
A number of racers where recognised as well as Jacob Roberts (double champion) Alan Hill, Abie Hill,Sir Lawrence Mapp. Well done guys.
A fella who's daughter was collecting a MTB award asked me what bmx racing was? I explained it was the newest fad only around for 30+ years now.... he then said are the tracks like 4x? I said no "4x tracks are like bmx tracks.Ah well.

Oulton park trackday

2008-02-18T20:03:00.004Z

Many thanks to www.britishsportphotography.com

Here are some pics of saturdays Oulton park Hottrax's track day. The weather was perfect except for an icy cold track. The air ambulance was called three times due to incidents. I kept it he right way up which is unlike me.

Back in the Day

2008-02-03T10:44:00.000Z

Check this recently published picture of me wheeling down the beach in Tenerife from 1983! (dont mention my shorts ok)
It was published in last months Ride Uk mag.

The all expenses trip to the canaries was to test Raleigh's new burner range. I rode in a variety of locations and the island was a lot less crowded than it is now. I even did a huge jump into the harbour watched by the locals no doubt thinking crazy gringo. Check pics:

Here I am just after touchdown into the harbour note the height and missing peak!! I had to swim down 10ft and pick up the poor burner on the bottom..

Chilling on the seafront in the Canaries watched by a curious local.

Skateboarding in Skirts, Attack of the commandos

2008-01-29T22:15:00.000Z

Hiya here's a clip from Matty Andrews new blockbuster of a few of us skateboarding in Unisex mens clothing!!!?

Enjoy and get in touch with your feminine side...

Bloody hell..how long

2008-01-21T20:48:00.000Z

Sorry for not updating for a while.

Here are a couple of shots taken by my personal photo man nick named "First Class" (name hidden to protect the innocent) of my secret Blackpool skatepark sessions.Roll on 2008

Bike Biz magazine

2007-12-22T10:52:00.000Z

Hiya all,

here is the full Bike Biz interview i did recently. Have a look.

and by the way have a very merry action sports xmas

Worlds most amazing slams

2007-12-16T21:39:00.000Z

Ever heard of Parkour? Think skate and bmx slams are pretty heavy? mmmm check this slam..Reckon i would have a little lie down!!

Roller blader versus car!! Guess who wins?

Huge surf in Mullaghmore

2007-12-09T18:20:00.000Z

Check these pics out of North East ripper and Donegal coast lover Gabe Davies ripping at Mullaghmore in Co-Sligo Ireland. The forecast was for huge waves and the experts said dont go out!! In true surf style Richie Fitzgerald and Gabe plus some other mad men took their boards jet skis and huge family jewels out into the waves.
Mullaghmore only comes to life at 6ft plus and only gets going after 10ft+. These waves where reckoned to be the biggest ever surfed in the Emerald Isle.Somewhere in the region of 40ft faces. Check the pics and have a think about how long you would have to hold your breath if one of these monsters fell on you!!!??

I can feel it coming in the air tonight

2007-12-04T15:28:00.000Z

Ive been testing out the new Genesis altitude 20 mountain bike. It was kindly supplied by my co-sponsors Madison/ultimate pursuits. (thanks Matt)

Being from the bmx side of cycling I am a little naive on high tech mountain bikes. I've never really used Disc brakes and proper suspension. As a bmxer you dont use suspension and tend to use your body as the shock absorber. This bike comes as standard with Rock shox "revelation" forks giving you 100mm of travel,there's damping and variable settings to have a go at. The Disc brakes are Shimano Deore LX and seemed fantasically responsive.

The weathers been terrible lately but i couldnt wait any longer and ventured in the Wilds of Rivington to sample some of the very muddy trails.

First thing that struck me was how light and nimble this bike felt. I guess because its a hard tail, it gave me a lot of feedback on the bumpy off road stuff. Within 10 minutes i was manualing and bunnyhopping like I was on my bmx. I played with the damping on the forks while climbing to firm it up, it worked a treat.

The gears all popped in very sweetly with the XT rear derailleur complimenting the Deore rapid fire stuff excellently.

I did some tough climbs then gave the bike hell on some of the bumpy fast downhill runs. It took everything I threw at it and left me wondering what a great package you get for under a £1000.

Check out the Genesis range at your local dealer or contact Genesis at http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk or http://www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk for more info.

More NEC pics

2007-12-02T20:50:00.000Z

Birmingham NEC motorcycle show

2007-12-02T20:45:00.000Z

some pictures of shiny very fast things from the National motorcycle show

The King is Dead, long live the king

2007-12-02T17:14:00.000Z

Evil Knievel has passed away. Okay it was yesterday but maybe like me he was one of your boyhood heroes? I had his toy jump cycle like a thousand other kids and he inspired me like a thousand other kids to build ramps and launch skyward on two wheels long before bmx bikes.
The original action sports hero.
I salute you Evil as you go to the great ramp in the sky...

All quiet on the western front

2007-12-02T11:07:00.001Z

Mike riding on Morecambe seafront 1984
Mike doing a big old backside air Southsea skatepark 1988

well thanks for sticking with me on my site. I havent been updating much lately as ive been doing a terrible thing,,, a four letter thing, WORK!!. I was due to be on a BCF training camp this weekend but it was cancelled as sadly head coach Jez Hayes has had a loss in the family.

Myself and Jacob Roberts did get a chance to blow out the cobwebs yesterday in Preston. We had nice session. Shanaze Reade was there Lee, Flem, Tim. Andy Clucas ripping some nice lines on the third straight.

Theres going to be a Blackpool bmx session on Tuesday 4th (www.rampcitywsa.co.uk)
It opens at 1630pm on weekdays and closes at 9pm. £5 entry fee.The park is really good for bikes and boards with big open areas and some nice lines and a fine jump box. Hopefully see some of you lot there.

BIKE BIZ interview

2007-11-13T07:56:00.000Z

Here's a copy of a recently published short piece BIKE BIZ did with me on the future of bmx racing in this country.

Boom time ahead for BMX

MIKE PARDON is deeply embedded in the UK BMX scene. From alansbmx.com, the BMX store to Action Sports Coaching, a BMX coaching business, the former British BMX freestyle champion is one of the key shapers of BMX racing.

Pardon said:

"BMX is just so accessible, bikes are cheap, really durable, look great and most kids want to learn how to skid, jump and wheelie. The video game market and whole action sports industry has helped. The amount of exposure is increasing daily."

Pardon believes that BMX will never cease breeding generations of cycle hungry kids but there needs to be more joined-up thinking to keep the scene vibrant.

"Manufacturers, clubs and British Cycling now have a responsibility to become more active and hook up with cycle retailers to offer introductory sessions. Everyone who buys a bike, be it a race bike or street bike, should be given information on local facilities, tracks, skate parks and getting coaching. There are more tracks being built almost very week."
"Not every child these days wants to play traditional sports and not every kid gravitates towards team ideals. Most young people know Dave Mirra and Tony Hawk and it's only right that schools are now actively looking towards putting BMX and skateboarding as part of their curriculum. BMX riding is an ideal release of energy and can be done as a team or individual activity."

will get a big boost next year when BMX racing is introduced at the Olympics.

"There's going to be a real growth in the sport and retailers have to be ready," said Pardon.

For Pardon himself, the Olympics could be a chance to boost his own profile in the sport.

"My goal would to be at the Olympics in either a media or coaching capacity. I’ve done a fair bit of TV and radio work during my career and did some co-commentary for Cycling.tv on the British BMX championships in August. The media opportunities are opening up all the time. I’ve been sending my CV around. The BBC has expressed an interest."

IBDs looking to increase their BMX offerings should start by stocking racing BMXes, not just street, said Pardon.

"Shops should try one or two race bikes. Put one in the window, you'll be surprised how much interest it gets. To this new generation racing a BMX bike is a brand new thing, they have no idea that's where it started."

Alansbmx is also the UK distributor for Supercross and Avent frames, Tangent number plates and Bombshell parts.

http://www.actionsportscoaching.com/ http://www.alansbmx.com/

The Greenland street experience

2007-11-10T09:11:00.000Z

Okay readers get yourself ready for an unreal skate experience!

The drum and basin project at Greenland street Liverpool is simply awesome! I visited for the first time last sunday with Neil Danns, Jake Roberts and Dave Arnold. There's a family sized kidney shaped bowl and a 40ft fullpipe. Its all set in the modern art gallery. When you walk in you are greeeted by a nice clean cafe (something unusual in skateparks) Then sign the waiver and pick yourself up off the floor as you see the fullpipe and the bowl which is suspended on stilts!!! You can walk underneath as people are skating and appreciate how this thing was put together.

Its free of charge!!! Yes free of charge. The only thing they ask is you dont skate around on the floor between the bowl and fullpipe. Its for insurance purposes. Theres a nice cafe which does good cheap healthy tucker. This bowl and pipe is going to be there till April 2008. So get moving

The project Greenland Street is open Weds - Sunday 12-6pm. Late night Thursday until 8pm.

A Foundation67 Greenland Street Liverpool L1 OBY
Tel: 0151 706 0600

Skateboarding in this enviroment dosent get much better..See you there..

Lovely Liverpool

2007-11-04T22:42:00.000Z

Check this bowl and fullpipe in a Liverpool art gallery!! Awesome report to follow....

Its very liberating

2007-10-30T20:56:00.000Z

Here's some recent shots from a film shoot I did for a manchester based clothing company. Now i've done some stuff in my time but skating in a skirt beats them all..Especially skating on the vert ramp. I suffered for my art!!!! Dont think its going to catch on though??

25 years of skate surf and bmx

2007-10-19T09:34:00.000+01:00

This a promo DVD made up from The Martin Scorcese of the skate/bmx world Matty Andrews (i am in your debt mate).

Its spread over 25 years with some of the stuff ive been doing. Okay forgive me for the haircuts and some dodgy tricks i was young i needed the money!!

ENJOY

Mike

Wild surf and swell lines

2007-10-15T17:59:00.001+01:00

Here are some pics of a recent surf trip i did to the Emerald Isle, it dosent get much better!

The aerial movie shot is courtesy of the Irish SAR service (thanks for the flight Fergie)

The places shall not be named to protect the locals.

The daddy of my bmx career

2007-10-05T10:19:00.000+01:00

I had to stick in this shot of Paul Butters (my uncle) on his new F4 MV it hasnt even got the tyres scrubbed in and he did a track day at Oulton Park best place to scrub them in.
Paul bought me my very first bmx bike back in the day, so i guess you could say he fathered ACTION SPORTS COACHING. My sincere thanks to you mate.

Preston's revamped Track brings them in for practice

2007-10-02T18:18:00.000+01:00

Greg Holloway who is improving all the time, keeping it low and fast through Preston's new section

Here is Jacob Roberts 12 years old national number 1 and british champion ( Now co-sponsored by Vans ) at Preston's new PRO section having fun.

Hulme bmx park

2007-09-27T21:37:00.000+01:00

Here are some pictures of the new Hulme bmx park!! I was driving over the overpass in Manchester and i almost crashed the car. Its the first council built jumps ive heard of. They are very much work in progress at the minute but the basic shape is really good. Theres a small concrete skatepark also but they have painted the bottom of the halfpipe so its not the best to skate and the bottom of the quarters are to lippy! Bad design a typical council oversight iam afraid. One of the quarters has the weirdest rail coming off the coping check the pics.

Check the bottom of the quarters, to lippy
Berms in the process of being built
Hows the coping on this beauty??

ssshhhhhh New Secret prototype bmx

2007-09-25T20:40:00.000+01:00

Dont tell anyone here iam trying out the new prototype bmx frame from Supercross

Autumn nationals at Preston 23rd September

2007-09-23T19:20:00.000+01:00

Mike (number 4) leading them out in the main Bradley riding like a red devil
Jack Clarke (Num 1) takes the inside line against tough competition

well myself Jack Clarke and Bradley Minns(Alans bmx team) all entered the first round of the BCF autumn national series today. Thankfully the weather held off bar a few showers. The track rode excellent with the new split 2nd straight working very well. Jack had some tough competition in the shape of Jake Power and they had some great battles in the motos with Jack ending up 3rd in the final.
Bradley Minns was clipped into today and riding on another planet. Jumping the pro section and powering his Avent frame to a massive lead, even doing a flattie during the main.Bradley won the final with ease and i think won cruiser the class also.
I raced again 6 weeks to the day after day breaking my shoulder in the Wales national. I was a bit rusty but came in a nice 2nd on the new supercross Easton frame after leaving a bit of a gap on the first berm. Were all looking forward to the next round at Chesterfield (7th october) and Peterborough (21st October)

A lesson in style

2007-09-22T22:47:00.000+01:00

Check Marco Melandri from a couple of years back in Auz..Tell me this isnt pure class..

New Supercross frames inspire

2007-09-22T21:18:00.000+01:00

Heres a couple of pics of the new supercross frames. The pro xxl 20" and the cruiser pro 24. I rode these today and they are unbelievably light. They handled unreal especially the cruiser which rides just its smaller brother..Check out Alans bmx.com for more details and to order one.

Media Madness

2007-09-17T11:22:00.000+01:00

Paddy Sharrock and BBC Radio Manchester presenters Eamonn Oneil and Diane Oxberry

Paddy caused a stir in the BBC
Myself and Paddy Sharrock 9 years old national champion, appeared live this morning on BBC Radio Manchester promoting bmx racing and the North's outstanding achievements. Paddy was as good on the mic as he is over the jumps, a natural!!

Hiya all well myself Jake Roberts and Jack Clarke all did some filming on Channel M Tv last Tuesday. We rode at the disused bmx track at Bruntwood park to highlight how good this location could become with a little TLC. The attention was all for the North producing 6 national champions the Top club and the top team. Not bad.

BETTER HIPS THAN SHAKIRA

2007-09-16T18:03:00.000+01:00

Here's some pics of Irlam skatepark its really well put together with lots of hips and a huge wall ride. Well worth a trip to ride or skate. Jake Roberts got into the hips and was having fun after this years successful race season.
Check it out at Princes Park Irlam (aa route finder for directions)

Coppull Trails taking shape

2007-09-13T19:50:00.000+01:00

CARL taking us all backVinegar Tim getting better all the time
Dig you bugger

Here's some pics of the new dirt jump set up at Coppull bmx track. Morgan and all the lads are doing a great job. Coppull now has a new gate, revamped track and dirt jumps plus having 4 of its members earning national number one titles this season. Not bad. Keep it up chaps

Super talented Charlotte Green

2007-09-04T10:44:00.001+01:00

Well heres some pics of Charlotte Green ASC pupil and Alans bmx rider. Charlotte took the bmx world by storm this year with a dominant display in the female classes. She is moving up a class next season and doing some european rounds, she is only going to get better.
I really feel this young lady has the skill to be one of the very best.
Action sports coaching salutes you Charlotte.

the Brits images

2007-08-27T23:25:00.000+01:00

British bmx championships

2007-08-27T23:18:00.001+01:00

Heres some images of this weekends British championships held in Burnham on Sea.
Iam doing the Voice over for the TV coverage being shown on Sky Sports 2 and 3 on the 6th and 7th of September in a 1 hour programme.Check this space for more details.

Its all about the Flow

2007-08-23T18:23:00.000+01:00

Bmx and skating always comes back to basics. There will always be times in your skate/bmx life when you return to the skids jumps and wheelies phase. Its why you started and what first gave you the buzz.If you ever find yourself in the stagnant stage, return to the flow and take pleasure in why you do these sports as opposed to any other. What other activity could give you the feeling of flowing. Carve that bowl or pump round the track or park theres always many different ways you can look at the same picture.

Check out the master of flow Chris Miller long time skater surfer and commentator on extreme sports. I salute you..

Check out this video: Chris Miller at Encinitas Skatepark

national champion 2007

2007-08-20T23:00:00.001+01:00

heres a nice shot of me practicing in wales last weekend,
at present iam out of action with a fractured scapula after crashing in the masters final
so i wont be racing the brits but will be there with the team,
see ya there Mike

National Champion then straight to Hospital

2007-08-16T11:59:00.000+01:00

Hiya,
well myself and the bmx team i coach travelled to Tredegar,Wales over the weekend to compete in the final round of the national championships. We had considerable sucess with the team taking the title for the 2nd year running. Coppull bmx club winning top club and the north west producing 5 national champs including me.
I competed in the 40+ cruiser and the masters. This being a double point round no one at the top was secure in the standings. The track was fast technical with nice jumps.There was even a pro section which for some unexplainable reason they blocked off for everyone but Elite riders?? How bmx riders are going to improve by being blocked jumping a section i dont know. If your 10 years old and have the skills then let them jump! Ok rant over.
This was first race back after my wrist injury and i had to win the cruiser class to get my title back and place top 3 in Masters to stand on the podium. I made the main in both classes and took the cruiser win comfortably. Next up was masters i was sitting pretty in 3rd when i got squeezed onto the inside into the first berm and took out some cones then washed out myself and fell like a bag of spuds onto tarmac taking a couple of guys out.
So the race for me was over and i ended up 4th overall in Masters and attending casualty with a suspect broken scapula. Looks like the British championships in two weeks wont be happening for me either. Still thats bmx racing.
Congrats to a few of the action sports coaching pupils:
Jacob Roberts took national number 1
Jack Clarke national number 1
Paddy Sharrock national number 1
Well done fellas..

No1 Team No 1 manager !!!

2007-08-15T08:26:00.000+01:00

the worst crash

2007-08-13T19:20:00.000+01:00

and he walked away!!!

winners

2007-08-13T19:10:00.000+01:00

Check out some pics from the weekends national in Wales.I secured the number one cruiser plate for nthe 2nd year and placed 4th in the masters class despite breaking my shoulder in the final.

Alansbmx/ shimano Dxr The team i manage also secured the BCF number one title for the 2nd year in a row. Not a bad weekends work.

Coppull track comes flying into the future

2007-08-09T16:01:00.000+01:00

Here's a couple of pics from Coppull bmx track. The new dirt trails being built which will be up and running early next year. They are going to be ace and are one of the most welcome additions at a bmx track especially Coppull where the track jumps aren't that satisfying or easy to jump.

The young kids will come on leaps and bounds having these to practice on all year round. Morgan and the boys are designing them so you better believe there going to be ace when done. After the recent sad demise of the standish trails, its a welcome treat to have more options in the area. If i was prime minister I would make trails compulsory at any track in future as a way of working on skills development and of course make bmx and skateboarding part of the curricullum.

Coppull bmx track runs alternate race and practise nights through out the summer, everyone is welcome. check out www.northregionbmx.co.uk for more info

Pendle pedal results

2007-08-09T15:56:00.000+01:00

288 Stephen Henson Male 02:27:15 2 05:43:25 1
287 Dave Lloyd Male 02:27:14 1 05:43:25 2
286 Julian Markham Male 02:35:39 4 05:51:21 3
305 Thomas Ashworth Male 02:28:54 3 05:54:49 4
162 Jason Hemsley Male 02:37:02 6 05:55:25 5
177 Andrew Hunt Male 02:36:59 5 05:58:21 6
69 Greg Atkinson Male 02:45:00 24 06:07:33 7
150 Matthew Green Male 02:45:10 25 06:10:53 8
115 Roy Flanagan Male 02:37:27 7 06:14:22 9
263 Mark Sadler Male 02:39:11 9 06:16:49 10
49 Rob Dickinson Male 02:38:02 8 06:17:11 11
47 Sean Owens Male 02:44:52 21 06:20:50 12
289 Smithy Smith Male 02:49:23 37 06:21:02 13
294 Dominic Raynek Male 02:42:40 13 06:21:37 14
227 Chris Oldham Male 02:55:27 61 06:23:16 15
246 Steven Barker Male 02:44:58 23 06:23:58 16
299 Andrew Rowland Male 02:48:08 34 06:26:07 17
269 Robert Kenny Male 02:44:24 19 06:27:21 18
124 John Hill Male 02:42:45 15 06:27:52 19
120 David Jones Male 02:42:42 14 06:30:53 20
75 Mark Allum Male 02:44:18 18 06:31:29 21
31 Daniel Annison Male 02:41:03 11 06:32:15 22
68 Richard Barrett Male 02:44:48 20 06:32:43 23
237 David Whitfield Male 02:42:55 16 06:33:50 24
128 Brian Muir Male 02:45:57 28 06:35:25 25
290 Noel Holden Male 02:48:01 33 06:36:10 26
4 Gary Johnson Male 02:44:12 17 06:36:26 27
13 David Higham Male 02:58:29 73 06:36:46 28
783 Douglas Nelson Male 02:47:10 31 06:36:59 29
230 Ashton Payne Male 02:44:57 22 06:38:22 30
232 Simon Sharp Male 02:41:30 12 06:38:56 31
66 Carl Taylor Male 02:45:23 26 06:39:11 32
298 Howard Keefe Male 02:47:38 32 06:40:14 33
29 Ged Millward Male 02:53:08 52 06:40:58 34
277 Mike Pardon Male 02:47:02 30 06:41:21 35

Heres the results of the Pendle pedal, (no i aint last) there was people still finishing in 10 hours!!

non stop action!!!

2007-08-09T15:38:00.000+01:00

Well my apologies if you have a look at my blog for not being on the ball lately. Carrying an injury myself and not much happening bmx and skate wise its been a few quiet few weeks.

Me and Alans bmx/DXR team will be competing in the final round of the Relentless bmx national series in Tredegar Wales this weekend.

Its all coming down to the wire in this weather affected national series this season. 4 of our riders need to have good results to get the all important number one plate (me included). The BCF number one team award looks like staying with us for another year after some great results by the team riders so far.I will of course keep you posted.

I rode the Pendle Pedal Sportiv last Sunday in lovely hot conditions, you could choose either a 100k or a 160k route which featured some of the climbs used in the tour of Britain route.

Myself and Dougie did the 160k run, I was fine until 10 miles from home when Dougie Donnely my riding mate told me there wouldnt be anymore hills!!! Then i looked up to see a big bugger staring at me which beckoned with me to get off and walk! Thankfully i didnt and crawled back to the finish in 6 hours 41 mins with a sore arse and the 1000 yard stare. I Devoured any food within arms length and felt much better. I saw suffering on the hills of Pendle that shocked me. How the pro road riders do stuff like that day after day is beyond me.

Anyway thanks for reading and promise to keep it updated more this month.
cheers Mike

Fame at last

2007-07-27T15:05:00.001+01:00

Tour De Wigan

2007-07-27T14:49:00.000+01:00

Well myself and (housewives favourite) Tom Boonen competed in the Elswick Vets Road race last Sunday. Tom (aka Ged) won the A category and i held on with the pack. Apologies to the other riders for sitting at the back and not doing my share i did try and live out my tour dreams and make a break, it didnt last long. If you think bmx is aggressive then go and be heckled by roadies its terrifying. This was a real eye opener and solid training for me.

I pressed my speedo at the end and we had averaged 24.5 mph for 50+ miles not bad considering when i ride on my own i might average 18.5 !!

Arriere de peloton Mike

ps sorry theres no action shots but i was to busy trying to get my breath!!

2007-07-09T09:24:00.000+01:00

Robbie showing them the deal

Heres a salute to Robbie Mc Ewen after winning the second stage of the tour de france in Canterbury.

Robbie's an ex BMX man! He came out of nowhere after being involved in a crash 20k from the finish..

Go on my son.

2007-07-07T18:58:00.000+01:00

Hi all, well the launch of the Tour De France this saturday clashed with the Alexandria Park skatepark Jam near Wigan.It was a nice day for once, with all sorts of events happening in the park. Matty Andrews was there filming and as usual making things happen! I think this new park is proof that "balls to tennis" a website founded by Matty is very true as its built on an old tennis court that previously would have been used for around 4 days a year and now is full of kids learning all manner of tricks. The Kids were out in force and thanks must go to Dave Owen and Co at Wigan Leisure and culture trust for making this all possible.Lets hope the momentum continues.

I was the only person with a skateboard so for arguments sake we can call this a bmx jam! The park is small, metal and fun to ride with hips you can hit both ways and some nice tarmac to mess about on. Just remember to being a second set of eyes (in the back of your head) you will need them with all the kids flying about!

We had three age groups today 8-12s 13-16s 16 and over each group had a 30 minute session on the park. As we had no PA system it was hard to keep track of the riders but PIE BMX judges Andy G, Matty, Sam had it down. Standouts for me and kids which have come on leaps and bounds since the park was finished where, Rueben, Ryan, Martin, Squeak, Keiran. We gave out some prizes and stickers courtesy of Alansbmx.com and Vans. A good day was enjoyed by all. Heres some pictures of the day.
cheers Mike
PS if anyone found a black rucksack at the park today with some knee and shin pads inside its mine, reward for recovery cheers

The winners

360 over the hip

Rueben hanging out

Ryan getting better all the time

Sam,Andy,Matty RESERVOIR JUDGES "PIE BMX"

GETTING OLD TO GET NEW!!

2007-07-04T11:43:00.000+01:00

Well Friday evening i was a VIP guest courtesy of DC shoes(thanks Dan Matt and Nicola) at the launch of the new PK Ripper.

Se racing has a long and rich history in bmx both freestyle and racing. Did i see PK himself standing in the corner?? The new bike was on show and looking lovely i might add. “30 Years of Radness” was a first of its kind exhibition in London which celebrates the BMX explosion onto the world stage in the 80’s, what many consider as the “golden period”, and its endurance from it.

Radbmx.co.uk members where there in force and brought there collections for all to see and drool over.

Here are some facts about bmx you may or may not know!!

BMX riding began to take shape in 1963 and seven years later in 1970 a teenage entrepreneur Scot Breithaupt started the ‘Pedal Cross’ races in London Beach, California which is what many consider to be the birth of organized BMX racing. Scot captured the first US National BMX title in 1976 and soon afterwards started SE Racing (standing for Scot Enterprise). From that initial revolution, SE Racing became one of the most significant BMX brands and has stayed that way for over 30 years.

Breithaupt and his team at SE innovated many frames, the most legendary of these being the P.K. Ripper. Named after local rider Perry Kramer, the P.K. Ripper became the most sought after BMX bike of all time. When the P.K. Ripper hit the BMX scene it forever changed the look of BMX design. It possessed a fashionable and hip aesthetic not previously seen, and set a new benchmark for SE’s competition to rise to. As a result, the industry advanced and the 80’s BMX scene was born.

check pics

Getting oldskool with the new PK Ripper

2007-07-01T18:18:00.000+01:00

Hiya iam just back from the Pk Ripper Dc shoes bike launch in London. Check back later for pics and a report.

How to speed jump!!!

2007-06-27T10:46:00.000+01:00

Ok for my next HOW TO i will try and explain speed jumps over small rollers. I didnt have a stunt double so i had to perform this myself. Note iam wearing Pro Tec helmet and Thor gloves, Vans shoes.(shameless plug)

Step 1: The approach, in a race you aint going to want to slow down, you want to go through every obstacle like its not there! As fast and as smooth as you can. If your learning for fun then and to improve your skill level then just slow it all down.
I tell people in sessions "sometimes you have to slow down to go faster" strange but true, knock off a rev and you will be suprised, you end up going faster! That applies most of all when your learning a trick.
Approach at a medium/fast speed a few feet before the obstacle pull back on the bars to lift the front wheel up, i lean back on the bike to help this. I also cover my rear brake to stop it looping.

Step 2: Now we are getting there, the jump is nearly on us, i use my knees to soak up the bumps and although ive got a firm grip on the bars, i keep them relaxed. Keep looking at where you want to go.

Step 3: Now you have it, your on the jump compressing your weight to keep the bike low and fast. Dont lean to far back or you will flip over, also to far forward and you could end up OTB ( just like me last week OUCH)

Step 4: Ive cleared the jump keeping the wheels pretty tight to the ground, my weight is more towards the front of the bike.

Keep practising this move till you have it smooth as then you can learn to keep pedaling over things (just like Wozza) or manual down the backside (very impressive. If your really good then you can start to nose bonk stuff on the way over. Wear your pads keep practising and whatever your age or ability you cant beat the feel of a good speed jump.

Names and faces have been changed to protect the guilty...

How to do airs!

2007-06-26T10:32:00.000+01:00

Hi well this is a short HOW TO on aerials. ASC pupil Jake Roberts (current national points leader and skater/freestyle rider) shows you how.

Jakes riding a pool with coping that isnt vert.Note he wears Helmet and protective gear at all times!!!

Step 1: When i was learning airs on quarter pipes and banks i basically did a 180 bunnyhop. Learn these before you progress any more.

Step 2: approach at a slow to medium speed and get a feel for the transistion. If its got coping, how sharp or mellow it is.One tip is to just carve or turn the bike 180 on the ramp (Brian Blyther used to do this so smooth) Then you can progress to a small 180 bunnyhop to turn.

Step 3: I always cover my brake in airs (in case you land back wheel up it can stop you flipping) As you gain confidence and go higher up the transistion you need to pull out less to complete the turn. Gravity will take care of that and your body position. Basically the higher you go the more weightless you become and the less you need to pull out of the ramp. Its a feel thing, when riding vert ramps you just float out and sometimes have to push the bike into the transistion to stop landing on the flat bottom. With some ramps that are not vert you may have to pull out to stop hanging on on the top.

Step 4: Gaining height, this is a matter of confidence, the more speed the more height. Dont just blast up though or it could end in a flat bottom TALE. Just progress slowly. Check out the sequence of Jake riding the bowl and turning just out of the coping. He is pulling his bike just enough to turn at the top of the air but not enough to land on the flat.Good man Jake!!!

Step 5: practice practice practice and always wear safety gear. When you have airs wired try them the opposite way or start doing variations. Airs are the key to some of the most fun you will ever have on a bmx bike!!

Check back soon for some race tips cheers Mike

down but not out..

2007-06-21T15:16:00.000+01:00

Well i took a fall last night at the newly revamped Coppull track i was tired after a training session and wasnt going to ride,,, should have listened to the inner voice!? Thankfully i had my Giro lid on and full pads.I hit a jump wrong and landed like a sack of spuds!! So iam out of action for the immediate future with a suspected broken scaphoid.
Iam Gutted to say the least, i miss the euro champs and my home round of the national series in coppull next week. Still i aim to be back at the last round in Wales and the british champs in August.
At least now i will have more time to update my blog so keep checking back.
see ya Mike

2007-06-19T15:04:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

ive been racing the Peterborough bmx national over the weekend and here is a couple of pics that iam well proud of..report to follow

Mike

Preston track changes

2007-06-11T14:22:00.000+01:00

Heres some pics i took this Monday morning of the recent changes to Preston bmx track, it look really good, its made the track fun for everyone. Well done to all involved it just needs some rain and the surface tamping in to make it really fast.

Hard at work

2007-06-11T10:51:00.000+01:00

Well i was hard at work this weekend coaching an up and comer Jake Roberts in the art of airs, check later for some HOW TOs, cheers Mike

A land that time forgot

2007-06-09T15:20:00.000+01:00

Heres some pics of a forgotten bmx track at a place called Bruntwood park near stockport. Its still got the start gate on there! Why it cant be turned into something special is beyond me theres defintely the scope to do it..check pics.

Its all action

2007-06-08T10:43:00.001+01:00

Hiya sorry i havent been updating my blog lately been in training for the upcoming Peterboro bmx national.Meantime iam back on the case check these clips,Gnarly!!

I reckon he needs a good wash after that crash!!?

How fast does this guy get up???

Cold wet bmx

2007-06-01T09:01:00.000+01:00

Hiya all who read,
i travelled to Bournemouth to set up Alansbmx.com/shimano dxr team area and unfortunately it got rained off. The first national since 1985!! It was damn wet on Sunday and Monday and i felt really sorry for the organisers. At least the Saturday night flat pedal racing got the spirits up with the elite guys proving there just as quick on clipless pedals.
Here's a pic of Charlotte Green (Alans team rider) summing up how we all felt on the day..
adios and talk soon Mike

Waves and choppers in Eire

2007-05-24T20:29:00.001+01:00

Action sports coaching gets places!!

2007-05-24T20:12:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

iam back from the Emerald Isle and what a cracking trip it was, the surf was happening. Not perfect but (for those of you that surf)thats the way it goes and you make the best of it!! As Billabong says only a surfer knows the feeling..

I spent many years surfing around Donegal and it was great to hit Tullaghan right and the peak again with old mates. Wont be long and iam there again. Thanks to Powersource surfboards www.powersourcesurfboards.com and Neil Britton at www.donegalsurfing.com for there help during my stay..If you need a board or lessons while in Ireland these are the people to talk to..

I also met my old friend Ciaran Ferguson, i worked with the "BUCK" on Bundoran and Rossnowlagh beaches, lifeguarding in 1994/95.

Ciaran now flys the Irish rescue chopper!! Not bad for someone that used to tell me he wanted to be a pilot 10 years ago!!
He gave me a look around, check pics.

Myself and the Alansbmx.com/shimano dxr team will be in Bournemouth this weekend racing the next round of the british championship series. its a double header so the racing is Sunday and Monday with practice on Saturday. If your about call into the team set up and say hello.

speak soon Mike

in the emerald Isle

2007-05-19T11:12:00.000+01:00

Hiya well just a quick report iam in Ireland doing some training (surfing.) The weather has turned distinctly wintery here. The surf was a nice 3-4ft on the Thursday, its now blowing a gale westerely force 10 with sea conditions in the 10ft plus mark..I may go to Co- Sligo and check the Easky area which can be sheltered in these sea/wind conditions.

I met up with my old sponsor www.powersourcesurfboards.com
Mark Mc Guire the owner and surfboard shaper supreme has moved premises and has a vast selection of boards. Check pics. If you ever need a board, advice,or a chat with someone who knows the area give Mark a call or email him through the website.

Keep checking back for more reports from ASC in Ireland.

Surfing in Deepest Donegal

2007-05-16T21:51:00.000+01:00

I will be away surfing for a week in Co-Donegal Ireland, keep checking back for footage and reports.

Preston Regional Sunday

2007-05-13T19:50:00.000+01:00

Heres a few pics from the Preston Regional held today..

pic from Peterborough 2006

2007-05-09T20:42:00.001+01:00

I had to stick this picture of me racing last years Peterborough national,top shot Billy.

2 wins and a 2nd for ASC

2007-05-09T11:35:00.000+01:00

Well myself and the team i help to manage Alansbmx/shimanodxr rode @ the Cheddar national at the weekend. it was a double header race. I was racing two classes tiring enough but then i had to do it all again the next day. Thanks to Dave and Louise for the offer of a bed on Sunday night sweet sleep was appreciated.
I won the cruiser class on both days and came 6th and 2nd in the highly competitive masters 20" class.
The team did great taking 3 wins on the Sunday and 5 wins on Monday. We left Cheddar with a lead in the overall team points in the BCF national rankings.
Most of all one of my younger ASC pupils Jacob Roberts won his 2nd ever national race after coming back from injury. Well done Jake! believe me theres more to come This is the first of many.

Thanks for checking the blog its going to change appearance very soon with training tips advice etc.Iam on it..

Also look at for the joint Action sports coaching / Warren Bancroft bmx training days coming up in June if your looking for race skills advice or learning from the best then this is for you.
talk soon Mike

ASC goes to Cheddar bmx national series

2007-05-08T11:14:00.000+01:00

i was at the first National bmx series this weekend in Cheddar, full report and more pics to follow. The team did great as did action sports coaching riders Jacob Roberts. I bowed out of the cruiser class with a double win and iam now concentrating on the master 30+.
heres a team pic...later Mike

Cheddar pictures

2007-05-01T18:45:00.000+01:00

getting ready for battle

2007-05-01T18:35:00.000+01:00

Well i travelled down to Cheddar bmx track on Sunday acompanied by Warren Bancroft (alans elite rider) Jacob Roberts (redlines hot shoe 12 year old) and the legendary Gav Foster (www.bikevideos.co.uk) I went down to attend to some team stuff and get some practice before this coming weekends double national race.

I raced 17+ and ended up racing some of the young fellas ive been coaching with the BCF Talent team program.
The track was good fast and technical. Andy Par old time rider just returned and looking hot unfortunately broke his collar bone on the notorious 3rd straight. get well soon mate.

Monday was taken up at Preston Bmx track working with Phil Dixon (BCF mountain bike coach and national cyclo cross champion) and 4 of his academy riders. Phil has the vision to see that learning bmx skills helps pretty much every other aspect of cycling. if you can handle a bmx over a tricky course it has to help when you get back onto a bigger 26" wheeled mountainbike. The guys and girls where fantastic and really improved throughout the days session. I wish them every luck in there future mountainbike careers. (sorry ive no pics) Heres some random Cheddar pictures.
talk soon Mike

come say hello

2007-04-27T19:59:00.000+01:00

Okay well its a busy schedule for me this weekend and coming week, iam racing Cheddar regional on Sunday 29th April and looking after Alansbmx.com team. Then its a busy week coaching the BCF moutainbike talent team hopefuls at Preston bmx track on Monday 30th April. Iam hopefully making an appearance at the BURNER BASH raleigh's 25th anniversary and relaunch of my old bike the team aero pro on the 5th May check poster.If your there come say hello, then its onto the first national bmx race of the season at Cheddar bmx track. I will keep you posted of course.

see ya Mike

Its just what i do

2007-04-25T23:21:00.000+01:00

The good old days

2007-04-25T21:35:00.000+01:00

Hi well ive been busy practising on my bmx at Preston tuesday nights. There gate is excellent for practice and has a flatish first straight so you can really get cranking.If you turn up you may see jamie Staff or Shanaze Read doing their stuff, its worth the journey.

Coppull bmx track kicked off the summer with a Wednesday night race meet. it was well attended and good racing and a friendly atmosphere is the order of the day.The track has undergone major change with hard work put in by the club to make it more challenging and ready for the national in June. The track is riding fast with a challenging 4th jump. its going to sort out many a race come the national!! best not to look at it and go is my advice!!

The racing tonight flashed back in my memory goes like this. Sorry if i miss anyone. Paddy Sharrock looking great. Jamie Norris pedaling for england and winning. Jacob Roberts styling but looking round to much and Michael Hawker riding really smooth. Sutty cooking with gas!! Andy Parr geting stronger and stronger in the cruiser class. Browny killing it and looking fast and strong.

Check these clips if you have any coaching questions dont hesitiate to ask me. Iam going to be running coaching sessions at Coppull track, starting very soon for all ages and abilities.
Cheddar regional at the weekend see some of you there

Mike

Some Hartlepool shots

2007-04-23T08:42:00.000+01:00

Its all words

2007-04-23T08:25:00.000+01:00

Hiya ,well here a quick report of the weekend as i remember it.On Saturday myself and Jake Roberts took a trip to Southport trails the weather was fine and wind was at your back. There was a good session in progress there with Robbie Owen (getting his tricks back) Ryan Alky (got a hole in his head, check pics ) and John Devine (put the hole in his head) Andy G was there and a Mr karl Sanderson doing the big set in some style.

Southport trails are a friendly place, treat the locals with respect pick up your litter and have fun. Jake got his confidence back after breaking his collar bone 3 weeks ago and did the Volk and the fourpack. I managed the big set after bailing more times than i care to mention..Thanks to Carlo Griggs for the cheap deal on a longer frame.It ws great fun and i went home knackered but happy, i had faced my demons.

Sunday morning dawned and myself Jake and Gav traveled to Hartlepool for the north regional. The weather was fine no rain just an increasing wind (check me in my semi with foot off, big gust) The track there is brilliant, down hill, fast, slippy berms, jumps for everyone,I love it..Let me try and recap some highlights.

Jake won all his races after coming back from injury. Bradford Billy was clipped in!!but took himself out in the main due to a last ditch low /high The older cruiser classes where terrifying..Wan winning a moto.. believe in yourself young Wan..You have the power.
Luke Gamble won the A-Final with Oggy second it might have been closer had it not been a melee at the first berm but thats racing. The Alans EZ up was very popular when there was a shower but where did everyone go when it was time to take it down??

All i can say is go and ride the track its super fun.

sweet clips

2007-04-21T22:59:00.000+01:00

sweet saturdays

2007-04-21T22:55:00.000+01:00

some more southport trails

2007-04-18T22:21:00.000+01:00

Action sports coaching goes global

2007-04-16T18:48:00.000+01:00

Check out the motor all stickered up

It aint rocket science!!

2007-04-15T21:27:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone well heres the low down on gearing/ crank /length /weight and height for all the bmx pros. Iam not sure how up to date it is. I took it from the excellent magazine BMX WORLD which i got sent fro the states and i strongly suggest you check out but if you didnt see it on the Alans race blogspot here is another chance. Also heres the new ASC stickers..see ya soon Mike

southport more pics

2007-04-14T18:50:00.000+01:00

the hottest april ever.....

2007-04-14T18:33:00.000+01:00

Hiya all who read my blogspot. Well iam finally getting there regarding the website. If you type in www.actionsportscoaching.com you will be directed to this blogspot which is a step in the right direction. Iam working on the website as we speak.It will be great with good info pics and interactive stuff so keep checking back.

Well after the hottest April day ever where do you start. I was going to go to Preston gate practice and ride my race bike but i got an offer of a trip to Southport trails. NICE. Robbie Owen(filmmaker and Alans employee) joined me on the 40 minute jaunt.

The trails are ace. Well groomed and many lines. Big small hips etc If anything its to dry as we have such good weather.

I padded up as Robbie rode helmetless and padless! My shin is still gnarled up (i chipped the bone)Pads are my friends..

Anyway ive posted some good pictures of us all riding. We where joined by Northern John after his carp fishing exploits and Johnny Devine ripping it up big and tricky. I was inspired and will remember to bring a gallon of fluid next time.
Speak to you soon Mike

a busy night

2007-04-10T23:34:00.000+01:00

Well Preston gate practice was nicely spiced up tonight with the arrival of Shanaze Read and Jamie Staff plus the whole BCF bmx talent team who are on a camp.

It was funny to see us having use the pens for gate practice on a tuesday night!! takes me back that one...
Some good gates where done and plenty of SNAPS where gauged with the competition all there for many riders.
check pics and some clips
cheers Mike

more pics

2007-04-08T17:24:00.000+01:00

Harworth Easter Classic

2007-04-08T17:12:00.000+01:00

Hiya although in a bit of pain i raced today at Harworth. It was a lovely day over in Yorkshire unfortunately the turnout wasnt good,,i guess everyone went to Hayes?
The BCF Talent team was there with Jez Hayes doing some training.

I had a good days racing, i didnt fall and got a couple of good gates considering i was in some discomfort.
ASC rider Arran Shrosbree was riding well with new carbon giro helmet as was Bradley Minns coming second in his age group only being beaten by an on form Jordan Hayes.
The 17+ was won by Rich Batey who ive never seen but he basically wiped the floor with everyone.
Oggy was there having a go on his 20"
some happy riders left carrying away easter eggs!! yummee
Talk soon Mike

you cant make an omelette

2007-04-08T17:06:00.000+01:00

I crashed yesterday at Waterworks just a slip of the pedals but it gave me a 2 inch deep wound.
I go home wash it put on a dressing next thing its swollen up and this happened IT BURST!!uurrggh
Hope it gets me a sympathy vote..?

wanna skate a pool?

2007-04-04T20:43:00.000+01:00

Here's how,,,just click on the vid clip and enjoy a few carves round a pool..

Me skating YO YOs bowl on a nice spring day aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

New park in Meat Pie land

2007-04-04T20:12:00.000+01:00

Heres some shots of a new sk8 park in Alexandria park, Wigan. Its a pretty good set up with a fun mini and a couple of hips. Somebody already tried to burn it down but fortunately its made of metal!
I should be doing some coaching on the official opening ceremony in the near future so keep your eyes peeled on the ASC website.

Pictures are,,Dave grinding the heck out of the lip and me tabletop over the hip..

see ya Mike

Racing in the sun

2007-04-02T10:24:00.000+01:00

Hi well i raced Bradford regional yesterday. It was a cracking day if a little windy which made the first straight feel like someone let your tyres down. There was a good turnout and some good bar banging racing.

The cruiser class and 16+ payback was full up!! This was a well attended race as it was a qualifier for the british championships.

I made the main of 16+ iam happy to say, iam hoping all the training ive done is going to pay off this season.
Will see you all at the first national in Cheddar if not before,
asta la vista Mike

whadya do on a dry spring day??

2007-04-02T10:18:00.000+01:00

Well you empty out the swimming pool and get it ready to skate!! Of course..

Heres Yo YOs bowl being cleaned and emptied by me and Dave in readiness for the summer season.