There are definitely a few key pioneers of the sport of BMX in the UK in this shot. Geoff Wiles on the mic who helped launch BMX in Britain along with Malcom & Sue Jarvis and Alan Rushton. Geoff also did some commentating on television as the sport of BMX took off. Next to Geoff, Steve Gratton, who was was ranked number 2 in the UK back in 1982 in the 16+ class behind Robinson’s, Alan Woods. Steve was also a well known Skateboarder and behind Steve in the pic is multi National and European Champion, Wayne Llewellyn who was picked up by Mongoose and went big time in racing before retiring and becoming a Heavy-Weight boxer. Let’s not forget the guy chilling on the Raleigh-Commando!

Today, Damian Myles was laid to rest. Seven bmx’ers lead him out as Guards of Honour, making Damian the 8th rider on the gate with a special Hutch bike and Aero custom Hutch/Mongoose number plate. Carl Hughes, Darren Oakes, Scott Williams, Darren Nelson, Darren Reidy, Simon Bailey, Andy Oldham and John Bentley all led the way on their bikes sporting Damian Myles UKBMX Legend t-shirts along with Damain’s family and friends. Andy Oldham and Darren Nelson were ranked UKBMX National number 2 and 3 in 1983 behind Damian which makes it even more special from the BMXers side and respect to Damain. Thoughts go to all the family and friends and of course, little Ruby. RIP Damian Myles.

I’m sure if you were around in the early to mid 1980’s racing BMX in the UK you would be familiar with the name Damian Myles. Damian’s from the North West of England and rode for Hutch before becoming UKBMX National Champion and getting picked up to ride for the High- Powered, Mongoose Factory Team along the likes of Andy Ruffell, Pete Middleton the Jarvis family and amongst many more of the big names we read about and saw at the Nationals back then. It really was the first BMX Dream Team in BMX Racing, as everyone on the Team was a big name, including Damian. For those of you that have not heard, our friend Damian was diagnosed with cancer not too long ago and it has unfortunately progressed rapidly. We are all saddened to hear his days are limited. Damian was a popular racer back in the day and it’s nice to see how well he remains respected and admired within the BMX community with all of the kind comments on social media today.