The Veterans
A veteran “a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field”
In this instance the veterans have gotten rad with the Freestyle Now squad and they have decided to move on with their lives and take up new and exciting things, they still ride but maybe not as much or are busy with their daily lives. These squad members are part of our history. They have helped shaped Freestyle Now with their radness. They have been on tour around the country, shared the highs and lows, laughed and cried, broken and healed and rolled out the rad to the masses. We need to honor our veterans they are the radness.
Georg Molnar – Jason Parker – Kie Ashworth – Tim Rose – Lee Kirkman
Georg Molnar – BMX
Georg Molnar was one of the founding members of Freestyle Now. It was after Shaun Jarvis left the Redline trick team that Georg and Shaun got together and formed their own “bmx trick team” Georg brought his own style of riding to Freestyle Now and rode in the very first few bmx stunt shows that we did in 1986-1987. Georg had some of the best endo variations that were the raddest. 30 years after leaving Freestyle Now Georg bought himself a bmx cruiser (larger wheels) and proceeded to hit up the skateparks with the same style and flair that he had years ago. It is great to have Georg back in the Freestyle Now mix after all these years.
In 2017 Georg gets on a bmx and after a few jumps lays down some style. 30 years between radness is a long time
No Problem. Cowboy endo in the Fremantle mall early 1987
Georg Molnar mid front hops at the Girra-Doola fair show in March 1987
Always one for the fun, X up one footer kick turn at the Fremantle bmx track, January 1987
Date of Birth – October 1969
Freestyle Now squad member since – August 1986 – August 1987 – Veterans – August 2018
Specialty – Didn’t really have one. Did mostly flatland due to a lack of ramps/skateparks in Perth at the time. I was inspired by the awesome aerial photos of what we considered massive airs by the likes of Eddie Fiola & Mike Dominguez.
Started riding bmx – 1981 in Singapore
Main type of riding – Street / Racing and 1984 onwards Freestyle
How did you get into riding? – Everyone in Singapore had either high bar banana seat ‘Choppers’ or Raleigh Grifters. Then one day I see a Malay kid pulling a wheelie all the way down the street on a blue rigid, straight framed bike with blue tyres. That was the first BMX I ever saw in the flesh and it just blew me away. Within like a month everyone was riding BMX bikes. The entrepreneurial Singaporean bike shops had jumped on the BMX bandwagon instantly. We built jumps and made a track on the edge of a bit of jungle. We raced there almost every day for nearly a year. In late 1983 I moved to Perth from Singapore and it was hard finding like-minded BMX mad friends until much later on.
What was your first bike? – MT Sports, a Taiwanese Brand that was relatively cheap and had blue tyres! (Sing.$178 vs $360 for a Kuwahara E.T.). It came with Japanese ‘Ukai’ brand blue steel rims, which I soon swapped out for ‘Araya’ Aluminium Alloys with ‘SR’ hubs. I watched an old Chinese guy at the local bike shop build, balance & true the Arayas. They were light and fast – I loved them.
Who has influenced you the most in riding? – In 1984, when I’d been in Australia less than a year and nobody in my school was into BMX freestyling, I went to see the Australian BMX Championships held in Byford, just outside Perth. I saw Bob Haro’s performance and it seemed to be just out of this world! That just motivated me to try hard to learn some of those tricks. As a side note….I had no idea Shaun Jarvis was there that day too, as we both didn’t meet for another 2 years I was also inspired by R.L.Osborn and dreamed of emulating what he was doing at the time.
What can you remember most about your first competition or demo? – The buzz of excitement in performing in front of a crowd with my mates.
Why do you ride? – I rode because of mateship and I wanted to experience the feeling of what it’d be like to achieve getting ‘massive airs’ off jumps of ramps.
What has been your worst injury? – Nothing bad. Had the usual like gashed shins, bruised everything, but no broken bones riding. I had more permanent injuries from playing soccer.
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Jason Parker – BMX
In 2014 Jason travelled to Japan. He competed at the international bmx flatland contest Flatark. This cross footed Mc Circle was taken at a riding spot in Osaka.
Jason Parker is a very important part of the Freestyle Now squad. His journey to being part of Freestyle Now is a unique story for sure. In the mid 90’s Freestyle Now co founder Shaun Jarvis was doing solo stunt shows. Jason was 15 years old living in Australind when he heard that Freestyle Now (Shaun Jarvis) was going to be at the 1995 Brunswick Junction agricultural show, he was devastated that he could not make it there. Jason almost went to the Perth Royal show in 1996 as he knew Shaun would be performing there, he found a program for the entertainment in the news paper, but unforeseen circumstances rose and he did not make it. Shaun was again at the Brunswick show in 1996 but Jason could not make it there but some of his friends did and told him about it, he was super bummed and just wanted to be able to meet Shaun and see the Freestyle Now show. This was at a time when there were not many riders and no one was riding flatland bmx in Perth. This was at a time of no skateparks and if you found another rider you were lucky. The BMX freestyle scene in Perth was super small. In 1998 Shaun was back at the Brunswick agricultural show and Jason did not make it. In 1999 Shaun returned to the Brunswick Agricultural shows to perform another solo show but by now Jason had moved to Kinross in the northern suburbs of Perth, so he missed out again.
By this time Shaun had started to be the distributor in Australia for the well know flatland products Graveyard, Nankai and Cam Acura. To help promote this distribution an advertisement was placed in a national BMX magazine called Freewheel BMX. In a print mistake the phone number listed was wrong and Jason who was keen to meet other riders rang the phone number. Jason “Is this graveyard products”, old guy on the one end of the phone “Graveyard is some kind of joke” and hangs up. Jason rang that number a few more times and almost put the old guy into a graveyard! Not giving up Jason was determined to get in contact with Freestyle Now so he called a bike shop called Pal and Panther, a popular bmx friendly bike shop who was also a sponsor of Freestyle Now. They happened to have the correct phone number for Freestyle Now and Jason made contact. This was late in 1999. On the first time Jason came to ride with Shaun it was at Shaun’s house in Clarkson, 10 minutes from Kinross. Jason got his mum to bring him up and ride, Jason had some rad tricks and knew what was up with bmx flatland. This was the rider that Shaun was looking for to join Freestyle Now and start doing BMX shows. At the end of the riding session Shaun was showing Jason some photos in the photo album (yes that’s what we used then) One of the photos was of Shaun doing an air on a quarter pipe, Jason recognized it straight away. “That was taken at the Whiteman Park opening, mid show a tram came into the show area and the riders had to stop and wait on top of the ramp” This was correct Jason was at the very first BMX freestyle show that Shaun had been a part of. Mid 1986 before Freestyle Now Shaun was part of the Redline trick team and the very first show they performed was at the opening of Whiteman Park. Jason was only 6 years old at the time. He held that memory of that BMX freestyle show for 13 years. The connection was made 100%
Jason’s first show with Freestyle Now was at the Denmark country fair 26th February 2000. Jason performed constantly for 6 years with Freestyle Now. He even got to perform at the Brunswick Agricultural show 4 times, something he was always pumped about doing. Jason has performed in several Freestyle Now stunt shows since 2006 but his involvement in Freestyle Now had tapered off due to work and life commitments. It’s not as if Jason has ever left Freestyle Now as he never will, this is why we are moving him over to the veterans squad. Jason is a lifer Freestyle Now squad member, his involvement and contribution has been epic.
Jason Parker joined the Freestyle Now squad at the start of 2000 and his first show was at the Denmark Country Fair in February 2000. This was Jason’s second show at the Toodyay Moondyne Festival in May 2000.
In 2016 Jason surprised many competitors when he arrived at DownUnderGround, telling everyone he has not been riding much and then proceeded to take the win in the expert class like he had been in full training mode, everyone knew that he always tells the truth. That’s a total Jason Parker move right there.
Jason Parker worked fly in fly out at Tom Price for many years. He had one bike at home and one bike in Tom Price. Jason trekked all the way up to the top of Mt Tom Price with his bike and had this perfect decade photo taken with the town of Tom Price in the back ground. Pure radness.
In 2002 Jason got to perform at the Brunswick Junction show, he was pumped, as always.
In 2007 Jason was working in Tom Price. Freestyle Now has a stunt show there so this was super close for Jason. No one nose picks the FN box jump like Jason.
2008 Kojonup show, Shaun Jarvis and Jason Parker double routine on the FN box jump.
Date of Birth – August 1980
Freestyle Now squad member since – March 2000 – Veterans – July 2021
Specialty – Flatland skills – Being an awesome dude
Started riding bmx – When i was 5. But started freestyle at 15 years old. yeah boi !
Main type of riding – Flatland.
How did you get into riding? – My cousin showed me the best bmx movie ever made “RAD”
What was your first bike? – A Diamond back Woody Itson Strike Zone He is a sick rider.
Who has influenced you the most in riding? – Well the Kevin Jones, Chase, Jesse Puente, Stumpy, Shaun Jarvis, Aaron Bandy. My cousin Rob and my nephews, Gary Miller just everyone who I have ever watched and had a chance to meet and ride with. Their is mountains of names who have inspired me all the W.A crew and australian scene. My latest Idles Ben Moran and Todd Meyn and not to forget the one and only “Jonesy” Yeah Boi. Also another fav is Warren “decade air ” McVitte along with Ben Clause, Ben Higgs and old Lucas and Morris , the list goes on and on. What about the Deluxe Adam Duncan and Dempsey. Dam tooo many to thank.
What can you remember most about your first competition or demo? – My first demo was insane. I remember the Girls the Money nah not really ummm, It was at Denmark in the south west. Yeah that made me want to get better so we could get girls and money. lol But none of the later ever came about lol. But seriously my first comp was gnarly everyone was ripping. I remember Gave Collins and Joe Morris shredding the Craigie ramps along with Ben Clause who later rode in our shows, blasting massive airs it was sick Trent was doing crazy hard flat as well.
Why do you ride? – I ride cause my friends keep me interested in the sport and also Once you get to a level it’s something you can’t stop doing you may stop for a week a year or ten years but there is always a desire.
What has been your worst injury? – A fractured wrist at vertigo back in the day.
Check out the website archive of all things Jason Parker here
More photos of Jason Parker can be found on out Facebook page here
VIDEOS
Jason entered the video round of the 2016 DownUnderGround video contest. This was filmed while he was in Byron Bay
In 2013 Jason got a new bike, we scope it out and check out some of his riding
Jason edited this video from some of his riding at Belmont skatepark back in 2006. Bonus 2014 Sydney footage at the end
Jason joined the back flip club in 2008. Jason had always talked about backflipping the FN box jump but he never really had the chance. Jason had been working in Tom Price when Freestyle Now had the opportunity to perform BMX stunt shows there. So while his workmates looked on Jason threw it down. On this occasion Jason did not pull it and it was a few weeks later when he was in Melbourne at Rampfest that his goal was achieved. What make this even more challenging is Jason is riding a pure flatland style bike, a bike that was never meant to back flip or has the geometry that even would make backflips easier. A pure Jason Parker move right there for sure.
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Kie Ashworth – BMX
Kie Ashworth has been a member of the Freestyle Now squad since 2005. His first ever stunt shows was out in Corrigin in August 2005. Kie’s ability on his bike is unbelievable. A natural raw talent with such power and ability that it is a pleasure to watch him ride. Kie was one of the first Australian riders to be sponsored directly by American bmx companies FBM and Animal without being into the American competition scene. Kie has helped us grow and given so much rad to the people. Kie Ashworth is a deserving member of the veterans squad.
Kie Ashworth always delivers at a Freestyle Now bmx stunt show, this superman is the goods
Kie set his goal to ice the top of the buoy at the Fremantle skatepark and with a few goes it was done without effort
Date of Birth – April 1988
Freestyle Now squad member since – August 2005 – Veterans – August 2015
Specialty – The ability to ride anything with ease, able to jump higher than anyone, style plus
Started riding bmx – Ten years young
Main type of riding – Everything except race and flat
How did you get into riding? – Just liked the bikes to start with, I guess a chrome bmx bike is like a kids Harley Davidson. Then I realised you could jump them, etc etc
What was your first bike? – Haro Ri, all chrome baby
Who has influenced you the most in riding? – My friends and OUR scene, not the internets
What can you remember most about your first competition or demo? – First demo was a down hill one, I had no breaks and nearly died many times… First comp was probably something local.
Why do you ride? – Fun!! Man it’s indescribable
What has been your worst injury? – Guts hanging out
Check out the archive of all things Kie Ashworth here
VIDEOS
Kie Ashworth was featured in the ground breaking video out of Western Australia How Hard Is It. Kie has the opening section
to the video and even though it was released in 2006 it is still an amazing section to watch and give credit to Kie’s bmx skills
Kie Ashworth was sponsored by the FBM bike co for many years. This is a video edit dome for FBM in mid 2010
Kie Ashworth was sponsored by Stowaway Distribution for many years and this is one of the video edits that Kie did for them.
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Tim Rose – BMX
Tim Rose has been a member of Freestyle Now squad since 2006. His first show was at the Wanneroo Agricultural show in November 2006. We needed another rider and Kie Ashworth said we should have Tim come and ride with us as he is a good rider. Kie was not wrong. Tim has power and flow in his riding, always has, as he had come from a bmx racing background. Tim is an iconic member of Freestyle Now as he shares his birthday with one of our very first stunt shows back in march 1987 at the Fremantle speed classic. Tim loves his jumps and has sent himself over some dam large jumps. His frequent trips to America led him to be riding at the famous Catty Woods trails, where he meet Ashley, fell in love and got married. BMX shapes your life when you are a bmx rider. Tim now had a big piece of land in the hills of Perth building a house and slowly building himself a set of dirt trails. Tim Rose is a deserving member to be added to the Freestyle Now veteran’s squad members list.
Tim Rose has so much style, this table top air on the pipe in Port Hedland is all the evidence you need.
Tim likes to jump big dirt jumps.
Date of Birth – March 1987
Freestyle Now squad member since – November 2006 – Veterans – August 2015
Specialty – BMX riding, jumping large jumps easy, no hander one footer jumps, mad styles
Started riding bmx – About 1999
How did you get into riding? – I used to hit curbs as fast as I could, from there it turned into racing
What was your first bike? – Mongoose California
Who has influenced you the most in riding? – I looked up to a lot of pros when I was younger,
but now I guess just my mates and whoever is having fun.
What can you remember most about your first competition or demo? – Guildford X games trials. Me and my mate were trying to work out runs together and I think we ended up doing the same run.
Why do you ride? – It’s a good feeling for my own fulfilment
What has been your worst injury? – Cracking my knee cap…….worst thing ever
Check out the archive of all things Tim Rose here
VIDEOS
Tim Rose and a day at the trails. Get back to the origins of BMX and build some jumps. Enjoy.
This is one of the videos from Tim’s adventures to America back in October 2011 with Kie Ashworth and Jake Corless
from the trails at Catty and Posh.
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Lee Kirkman – BMX
Lee Kirkman is an extraordinary rider, showcasing a level of BMX freestyle skill that few can match. His versatility on a bike knows no bounds, as he effortlessly conquers various disciplines, from dirt to vert, flatland to street, and park riding. Lee stands out as one of the most well-rounded BMX freestyle riders globally, a true testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. It’s not uncommon for Lee to hit up some large dirt jumps in the morning, roll out large flairs at the skatepark in the afternoon and finish up with a flatland session in the evening. Lee is an accomplished rider with a remarkable list of achievements. In 2011, he clinched the doubles competition title at the Red Bull dirt pipe alongside his friend Clint Bensley. This event was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a unique dirt halfpipe sculpted down a hillside, propelling riders at breakneck speeds over massive jumps. Lee’s victory here solidified his status as an elite rider in the BMX world. Back in 2007, at the prestigious Australian BMX Games, Lee’s talent earned him the coveted “Hungry like a Wolf” trophy, awarded to the contest’s top rider. What’s even more astonishing is that he secured top-five positions in the pro category across Flatland, Dirt, Park, Mini, and Vert disciplines at that very event. Such an all-encompassing achievement is a rare feat in the BMX realm, highlighting Lee’s exceptional skill set and versatility. In every sense, Lee Kirkman is the embodiment of a BMX legend. No matter the terrain or challenge he encounters, Lee effortlessly conquers it. It’s both a pleasure and an honor to have such a remarkable talent as a member of the Freestyle Now squad, and he continues to inspire and awe the BMX community with his unwavering dedication and unparalleled skills.
Lee Kirkman has the best indi seat grabs in the business.
Date of Birth – May 1979.
Resides – Queensland
Freestyle Now squad member since – December 2015 – Veterans – August 2023
Specialty – One of the worlds most all round bmx riders, dirt, park, street, flat, anything he wants to ride
Started riding bmx – Starred riding a bike when I was 7 and then I started riding freestyle when I was 14 and competing at 15.
Main type of riding – Everything.
How did you get into riding? – So happens when my bike got stolen I the only bike I could buy after that was a flatlanders bike, I met a flatland rider in my street who taught me a couple of trick and I was hooked from there.
What was your first bike? – A crisp racing bmx.
Who has influenced you the most in riding? – Matt Hoffman and Dennis McCoy.
What can you remember most about your first competition or demo? – It was a flatland comp in Bundaberg, I was 15 years old and I won! I became addicted to competing ever since.
Do you like riding in shows or competitions? – Love both I can’t get enough.
What do you do in your spare time? – Ride and fish and camp.
To you what is beautiful? – Life
Why do you ride? – It makes me happy
What has been your worst injury? – Two broken elbows at the same time.
Favourite riding spot – Beenleigh bmx park
Favourite Music – AC/DC
If you were given a special pencil what would you do with it? – Write myself a blank cheque because its special haha.
Lee riding in his first international BMX flatland competition in Japan in 2015
Find anything or anywhere to ride and get rad
Lee rolling a hitchhiker, some crazy flatland skills for sure
VIDEOS
Six minutes with Lee Kirkman
Lee Kirkman can ride everything and this below video just proves this point, some dam radical riding in this video, know that Lee Kirkman is the radness.
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Georg Molnar – Jason Parker – Kie Ashworth – Tim Rose – Lee Kirkman
