FreestyleXtreme Magazine Issue 1 | Page 14

F AM FARMJAMZ ARM N J E VERY YEAR A REMOTE, non-descript town in the deep, dark armpit of New Zealand becomes the focus of the entire international action sports world. This little town is called Winton and the rolling hills nearby house an event called the Farm Jam. Since its humble beginnings as a group of mates getting together to celebrate jumping moto, BMX and MTB bikes in 2007, the Farm Jam has grown in leaps and bounds. In fact, it’s now being classed as one of the premier action sports events on the planet. The prize money isn’t on any grand scale; it’s a huge commitment for any international athletes to attend, and mobile/ internet coverage is patchy at best. So why is this remote, grassroots event drawing more and more international attention every year? What is it about this day that makes every rider vow to return again - and convince their riding buddies to come too, thus creating a genuine snowball effect? Well, after attending, shooting and documenting almost every instalment of this two-wheel action sports extravaganza since 2007, I’ve put my finger on 10 aspects that make the New Zealand Farm Jam so damn awesome. u Words: Simon Makker / Pictures: Simon Makker 14 | FreestyleXtreme NZ