As you walk the bustling, historic streets of Richmond, Virginia, you’d hardly guess that just around the corner, a powerful rumble awaits. Not a typical rattle of machines or tremors, but a wave of energy, talent, and positivity that sweeps over Gillies Creek Park each year.
Welcome to the Rumble in Richmond, a stirring extravaganza that benefits RADshare, a remarkable nonprofit, beaming with a simple yet profound mission: “Educate and empower underrepresented and under served youth by providing resources for action sports, specifically BMX and other outdoor activities.”
In 2022, the Rumble was a spectacle, with BMX riders of all ages and skill levels converging in the park. Thousands of spectators watched in awe as the kids and women’s jams and the pro/am dirt jumping contest lit up the BMX track and the pump track trails. And this year’s event, scheduled for June 17, 2023, promises to be a spectacle like no other.
Co-founder of RADshare, Steve Crandall, said, “We started RADshare in late summer 2019, aiming to share the magic and positive impact of action sports, and what we thought was special about BMX. The Rumble was born from the idea of inviting top pros from around the world to Richmond, competing and interacting directly with young BMXers.”
“The Rumble serves as a fundraiser with the emphasis on FUN,” he adds. “Free helmets for kids, bikes to share, and good times for everyone. Watching the pros ride with the kids, getting them stoked, and making a lifelong impression, it’s incredible to witness.”
Beyond the jumps and the tracks, the event creates a sense of community, enabling direct interaction between kids and pros, something rarely seen in other sports. The message is clear: in the world of BMX, there’s room for everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or background.
So, what else does Richmond have to offer in terms of off-road biking? Crandall affirms, “Richmond is a great city for all kinds of cycling, but people might not know that some legendary BMXers have built a really strong scene here and call this place home. Some of my favorite riders who have traveled the world, been seen on magazine covers and had critical acclaim also work and raise families here. By day working in the JRPS, or who own local businesses, play in bands, work in the restaurants and bars, and still manage to ride amongst the worlds best here and abroad. From pro’s to up and comers, everyday riders at the highest level, it’s unique, somewhat understated, and really cool. Riders of all ages and all walks of life all supporting each other, it’s pretty inspiring.”
And if you’re wondering whether there are more events on the horizon, the answer is a resounding yes! “RADshare supports events up and down the east coast throughout the U.S. We do community days at Gillies Creek park, where we also hold a smaller scale event in the fall, providing loaner bikes, helmets, and more opportunities for kids to ride with pros and learn about the arts of fun.”
Last year, RADshare, with the help of some exceptional partners, created life-changing moments for the young attendees by putting them on the roll with the biggest names in the sport. Kids and adults left with smiles on their faces, prizes in their hands, and hearts full of inspiration. The same spirit of inclusivity and fun is expected to continue in 2023.
After the pump track fun, it’s time for the main event. The Rumble in Richmond is a throwback to the early days of BMX, with one jump and one trick at its core. With the anticipation and excitement built around it, 2023 is going to be an even bigger year.
Last year’s event had a significant impact. With $3,000 in cash prizes, 100 prize bags handed out, 4 bikes donated, and over 500 helmets given away, the Rumble in Richmond was nothing short of a massive success. The event proved to be an unforgettable day of fun, action, and camaraderie, benefiting a good cause.
But 2023 promises to push the boundaries even further. This year, the stakes are high, with more than $5,000 in cash prizes up for grabs and a spectacular array of merchandise for participants and attendees. More than just providing bikes and helmets, RADshare has expanded its efforts to include workshops on bicycle safety and maintenance, empowering the community with knowledge and resources.
Moreover, they are putting great emphasis on encouraging women to take part in BMX and action sports. More and more girls are joining the ranks of the BMX scene, and RADshare aims to ensure that they have a place to shine. This year, they’re holding the first-ever women’s BMX clinic at the Rumble, a significant step in fostering diversity and inclusion in the sport.
RADshare is also making strides in creating a more sustainable event. With an environmentally friendly plan in place, they are focusing on reducing waste and educating attendees on the importance of caring for the environment. They are encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, providing recycling bins throughout the park, and minimizing the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials.
Looking back at its inception, RADshare is making an impact in the Richmond BMX scene, turning it into a positive force that drives change within the community. They’ve shown that action sports can be a catalyst for good, teaching life lessons, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering people to rise above their circumstances.
As the countdown to the Rumble in Richmond 2023 continues, there’s an electrifying anticipation in the air. This year, with a series of firsts and an increased emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and community empowerment, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
So whether you’re a BMX enthusiast, a sports lover, or just someone who loves to have fun, mark your calendars for June 17, 2023. Head down to Gillies Creek Park and witness the rumble that’s set to shake Richmond, the BMX way.
Get all the information on Rumble In Richmond HERE
Give RADShare a follow at @radshare
Photos from Rumble In Richmond 2022, courtesy of RADshare
