Logan was home to the first successful backflip landed on a BMX in Queensland.
That’s just one of many gems to be found at a new display in the Kingston Butter Factory that showcases the evolution Logan’s BMX freestyle scene.
BMX freestyle historian and professional rider Ross D Lavender opened the display, called Progression Playground, at the Living Museum of Logan.
Mr Lavender has competed in local, state, and national freestyle competitions for more than 35 years, and is a regular at the BMX park in Beenleigh.
His connection with Logan BMX is so strong, he even wrote a book about it, called Transition: 40 Years of Beenleigh BMX Park.
“Historically, the city of Logan has always had a strong connection to BMX Freestyle and Racing,” Mr Lavender said.
“The first BMX Freestyle competition was held in Woodridge in 1985.
“Beenleigh BMX Park (now known as Doug Larsen BMX and Skate Facility) has been home to Australia’s best Freestyle riders for over 30 years. This is due to the facilities and ramps being designed and built by local professional BMX Freestyle riders.
“The riders built a strong community and scene down at Beenleigh, and in return it created and inspired the best of the best.”
Mayor Jon Raven said Logan could proudly lay claim to a Queensland BMX first.
“Tim Wood was the state’s first rider to successfully land backflips,” he said.
In 1993, Tim Wood constructed a customised ramp and launched himself into Logan’s Karawatha Quarry to attempt a backflip for the first time.
The water provided a soft landing and was the perfect place to learn the trick, which he performed the same year in a competition at the Beenleigh BMX Complex.
The Progression Playground highlights the growth of Logan’s BMX freestyle scene from the early years to today’s new generation of riders.
Cr Raven said it was fitting the exhibition had been launched during the Olympics, in which BMX freestyle featured for the second time ever.
“Freestyle BMX is an exciting Olympic sport, and we know that Logan Martin learnt his craft at Crestmead and Beenleigh Skate Parks,” Cr Raven said.
“It’s so much more than a sport though, Freestyle BMX has its own subculture and values that encourage innovation, courage and creativity in young people.”
Progression Playground will be displayed until July next year.
The Living Museum of Logan is open from 10am to 4pm between Tuesday and Saturday.
