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DTV: When does Twilight Jam Take Place?
Jon Dowker: Usually Twilight takes place on the last weekend of April each year.
DTV: What makes Twighlight Jam Unique?
Jon Dowker: For one thing. Twilight is one of the few events in the USA that includes flatland and ramps. I'm all for keeping BMX together. For me its more fun to attend an event that represents BMX as a whole. I have always felt that BMX is stronger that way! This event is so much fun because it's held right downtown in front of tons of people that are amazed by whats going on. There's so many beautiful girls in this town as well. Its a college town with tons of caffe's, bars and venues it's almost impossible to not have a good time! Also the vibe and energy reminds me of the old BS contests that Matt Hoffman used to hold. Guys are throwing down at this event simply because of the enthusiasim of the audience! Its a good time. I guarantee it!
Watch the Full Length video "Props 69"
DTV: What is the motivation for the twighlight Jam:
Jon Dowker: Twilight Critium is actually a bicycle festival held on the downtown streets of Athens, GA. The highlight of the day is a professional road race through the downtown core at dusk. Usually there are a bunch of bike riding events held all through out the day in conjuction with the race.
Originally Kent Pearson held a flatland contest at Twilight around 97 or 98 I think. It was a large success in part because there were two other major contests being held three weeks apart in the South East. Some big name pros made it such as Martti Kuoppa, Nathan Penonzek, Chad Johnston and Steph Cerra!
There is a history of BMX demos at Twilight and I think one year I asked to do a flatland contest. We were placed away from most of the crowds but the area was decent and overall the contest was a great success.
I think sometime over the next year or two was when I decided to start doing BMX shows and acquiring ramps? After speaking with Jean Dixon the event founder. We were approached about doing a ramp contest. Somehow we switched from a flatland contest to building an entire park each year and holding flatland and street!
Its so much work! I hear people complain about how hard it is to run a flatland contest or a skatepark comp. Thats nothing compared to building an entire park on a downtown street one day to run a flat and park comp the next. Organizing classes, judging, DJ. Dealing with event people that don't know whats going on! Working with limited money, space and time! Holding Pro and Am flat and park in one day! Partying like a rock star at night! Having 20 to 30 people crashing at your house! Just to go and tear down the next day! Its so exhausting and generally right in the middle of my busiest time of year doing shows!
Obviously its a labour of love! I absolutely love doing Twilight! Even if I only get to see my friends for a minute? They come from far and wide just to attend this event. It's enough to make me want to do it, year after year :)
I also must mention Kent Pearson and Dave Harrison who work everybit as hard for this as I do. Also all the locals in Athens and guys that attend who pick up screw guns and help us set up and tear down. Often these guys recieve nothing in return but a thanks! I appriciate all the help! :)
posted by DiversionTV at
9:34 AM
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