BMX JAM Drops Into Yelm Skatepark July 6

BMXJAMYelm, Wash. — BMX riders, young and old will take to the Yelm Skatepark for the third annual BMX JAM, hosted by the City of Yelm and Joy Ride Bicycles of Lacey.

“Our goal is to grow the sport by providing a space and time for like minded individuals to come together for an afternoon hanging out and shredding,” said Trout Clinton, service manager at Joy Ride Bicycles. “We are super stoked to host a BMX event in Yelm.”

The BMX Jam is a free, public event and will be held 3 to 7 p.m. July 6 at the Yelm Skatepark with the sole purpose of growing the BMX community. Registration is not required and there will be no entry fee or cash prizes.

“This event gets everyone to hang out with each other outdoors, away from their phones,” Clinton said. “That’s really the one of the greatest benefits of having this event, is getting people outside — the only time kids are on their phones is when they are recording someone doing something rad.”

Joy Ride will provide free hot dogs, water, snacks and various swag throughout the event, and will award prizes for competitions such as High Hop, Foot Down, Ring The Bell, Best Trick, Relay Race and Best Run.

Joy Ride has previously hosted BMX Jam’s in Olympia and Centralia with up to 50 competitors, ranging from 10 to 50 years-old. Over the last few years, Joy Ride has organized and hosted several events in various bike parks in the region including DART Jam in Tumwater, held in mid-April.

“We have made it a mission to support and empower youth in any way that we can,” City Administrator Michael Grayum said. “Whether that be creating a Boys & Girls Club or allowing fantastic community events like this one to take place at our skate park.”

All participants must sign a waiver and wear a helmet and anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signature to ride.