Boozer Mike Memorial Jam 2019- #3

 This is my Sharpie art take on a photo Sean Duncan loaned me of Boozer Mike Brown, clicking an X-up, over the Boozer line he built at Sheep Hills.  Sheep Hills was the most influential set of trails in the early years of the 1990's, as BMX dirt jumping evolved into its own sport.  Mike was a hardcore part of the Sheep Hills scene from the earliest days of the trails.  He was also a lifelong BMX racer as well.  He didn't jump the highest, or win double A pro.  But he was an integral part of the BMX scene that produced some of the best  jumpers in BMX history.

What jumpers?  In the earliest days of Sheep Hills, P.O.W. House (Pros Of Westminster) riders like Dave Clymer, Chris Moeller, John Paul Rogers, Alan Foster, Brian Foster, Lawan Cunningham, and Jay Lonegran were some of the top riders at Sheep, among others.  Following them were the guys who became the first generation to start jumping at Sheep as kids, the Sheep Hills Locals (SHL) posse, including Ryan "Barspinner" Brennan, Sean Butler, Josh Stricker, Freddie Chulo, and Jason and Adam Pope, Jason "Timmy" Ball, Neal Wood, and a few others.  A bit later Cory Nastazio, Chris Duncan, Stephen Murray, and Christophe Leveque were locals at Sheep.

During all that time, and for many years after, Boozer Mike was a part of the scene, riding, jumping, and putting in plenty of shovel time, keeping the trails in good shape.  He was a long time part of the riding scene of some of the best jumpers ever.

Several years ago, Mike had a freak accident while racing, and was paralyzed from the waist down.  That's a big hit to take when you're a BMXer.  Mike lived with his mom in the years after, money was tight, life was tough, and began to have health issues, and they progressed over time.  There were a few Boozer Jams over the years, to get Mike back out to the trails for a day, and to raise money to help Mike and his mom, Cathy, pay the bills.  This jam, last Saturday, was supposed to be a Halloween Boozer Jam.  But Mike succumbed to his health issues, and died in August.

So the first annual Boozer Mike Memorial Jam was held to honor Mike, October 26, 2019.  It was to raffle off some goodies to raise money to help Cathy with funeral, and other expenses, and to have a great day of BMX riding.  It was hot and sunny, 300 or 400 people showed up, and it was just a great day of BMX riding hanging out, and spectating.  The vibe was good and fun, the riding was phenomenal, and everyone seemed to have a great time.  I think Mike would have been stoked on the day.  It was a day that showed the best of what BMX is all about.  Ride In Peace, Mike. 

 "Boozer is my homeboy" T-shirt for sale.

 Boozer Mike S&M shield stickers for sale.

 Boozer Brown Ale stickers for sale.

Jason German, who we have called Dogger as long as I can remember, was the man on the mic, and a driving force to make this jam happen.  Sean Duncan and several others worked with him to provide a good day for riders, old and young, and all the spectators who showed up.  Big props to Dogger and the whole crew for all their work.  Make American Bikes Again.