Miscellaneous
Back in the mid-80s, there was one trick that was considered crazier than all the rest, and that trick was the 900... Mike Dominguez, Brian Blyther, Dave Voelker, and many other talented riders came close but to no avail... and then... in 1989 at a 2 Hip King Of Vert Contest in Canada... a young Mat Hoffman pulled off the unthinkable, which sent shockwaves through the BMX industry. Again it was proof that a once thought to be impossible trick could be accomplished. Up next and closely behind to complete the 2 1/2 rotation aerial were Dennis McCoy and Jay Miron... As flips and flairs became the new trend in the early 90s, spinning 900s became mostly an afterthought for years to come, simply because of the risk of serious injury. BMX freestyle had become almost as big in the UK in the 80s, as it was in the United States... oddly enough, the ramp scene exploded with some amazing talent, and very quickly some of the best vert riders were no longer just from the US. Along came the eventual master of the 900 from Liverpool UK, Simon Tabron. Simon pulled his first-ever 900 at the World Championships back in 1991 in Aalborg Denmark. Unlike the majority of vert riders, Simon was drawn to the trick and seemingly gave it a try, at or near the end of almost every one of his contest runs at X Games, Dew Tours, and other major contests around the globe. Simon was somehow able to make this monumental and dangerous trick which claimed so many injuries, consistent... but not without eventual consequence. In fact, Simon quite possibly has dealt with more pain and injuries from the 900 gone wrong, than any other rider. Even though Simon wasn't the first rider to pull it off, his name is certainly synonymous with the 900. We caught up with Simon and asked him about the early UK BMX scene, his relationship with fellow vert rider Scott Carrol, his first time competing against Jamie Bestwick, the impact Mat Hoffman had on his life, what classic vert trick he still wants to learn, pulling 900s consistently, riding with some of skateboard vert's biggest legends, being one of the top BMX vert competitors for over 20 years, his reason for taking off his pegs and brakes, serious injuries with the 900, and does he see himself competing in BMX vert in the future. So get comfortable, crank up your speakers, and get to know UK BMX vert legend... master of the 900... Simon Tabron.