Eugene, Oregon has always had a thriving BMX scene, and moving here to go to school at the University of Oregon ended up shaping my future as a rider of bicycles. The BMX track at Autzen Stadium was the center of much of the scene then, (and probably still is) and the place where budding freestylers learned to ride running motos as up and coming groms. I remember many afternoons riding the track then digging and riding the trails hidden in the woods nearby. It was also the place where mountain bikers like myself cut their teeth learning dirt jump skills.
I bought my first BMX bikes to ride here, and had some of my favorite street riding sessions ever there. The best part is that many of the crew from back in the day still ride. Not only do they still ride 20″, but after the Harvest Trails were plowed, the scene has migrated to north of town to nearby Junction City, home of Frank Walters and the Backwoods Trails. I keep kicking myself for not making the trek up to hang out for the latest trails jam, especially after seeing the latest posts and edits.
I love riding pump tracks and riding in a buddy’s backyard, but Frank’s place takes it up to 11. (there also is a pump line as well as a half pipe in the barn. On a side note, if you haven’t seen Dan W. manualing the entire line of rollers, you have yet to see what manual skills look like)
On any given day there will be a session with some of the most skilled trails riders in the northwest in attendance. The Backwoods Trails were recently featured on Fuel TV, which just reminds me of how much I need to make a trip up there.
Homepage thumbnail by Tex Diesel
