The Early Days

You started riding back in 2003, when BMX in Bulgaria was still in its early days. What was the scene like back then and what kept you going?

The scene was about 20 people, spread across the bigger cities. In Sofia we were around 10 riders. We were together every day and the fun never stopped. Nobody was really filming videos, but we were often going out to shoot photos.

What kept me going all these years is the pure desire to ride. I still have fun the same way, like it’s the first time I get on a BMX.

A lot of riders from that era eventually disappeared. What made you stay active in the scene all these years?

Yeah, a lot of riders moved on to other things. A lot of new ones showed up and then also faded out. Every now and then one of them sticks around. But my desire to have fun on a little kids' bike never went anywhere. Whenever I find a new spot I just can't hold back. The kid in me wakes up and I forget how old I am. I can't stop.

OG vs New School

In what way do you think riders today are different from the older generation, and what has stayed the same?

Back then finding spots was much harder and there was no online community. I used to wander the streets with a pocket map of Sofia, marking locations.

Information was passed between riders, not shared openly, and discovering new spots was part of the whole experience.

The older generation had to build everything from scratch. They found the spots, set the etiquette, and figured out how to ride in the streets without getting kicked out. Later, when video cameras came in, everything changed. We started documenting spots and tricks, and that pushed imagination and progression forward.

Today it’s much easier to get into BMX. You can see what’s possible right away, you can find spots, parts, even lessons. But at the same time, it’s harder to stay focused. There are more distractions and BMX has never been an easy path.

BMX has no career and no salary for most riders. But look around at what a handful of committed people have built here in Bulgaria. You don’t need a huge scene, but just a few people who genuinely care. As long as those people exist, BMX finds a way.

Second BMX life

You’ve now organized your birthday jam for the fourth time. Where did the idea come from why did you decide to turn your birthday into something for the whole scene?

In 2014 I tore my meniscus and ACL. I didn’t accept it and kept riding with the same confidence. But you know how it is, no matter how good you are, you fall sometimes. For the next nine years I tried to quit BMX, but I couldn’t. Something always pulled me back for one more trick.

I started riding more dirt, where you dig more than you ride. The transitions allowed me to jump without being that scared. Later, a friend of mine switched from MTB to BMX, and that got me back into riding more street again.

Then came Easter 2022. I completely destroyed my knee again on a small ledge. This time it was serious and it led to surgery. The doctors gave me nine months. They removed almost my entire meniscus and gave me a new ACL.

The ninth month lined up with my birthday. I felt reborn. That’s when my second BMX life started.

I didn’t wait the full nine months to start messing around, but on the ninth month I started riding seriously again. I organized the jam to use the hype and start the new season with a bang.

The funny part is, I liked it. I couldn’t believe how many people showed up and what kind of vibe it was. Everyone had an amazing time.

Now I don’t do it for myself anymore, I do it for everyone else. I barely even ride at the jam now, even though I originally made it to hype myself up.

Lead By Example

Most people wait for someone else to organize things. Why do you think it’s important that riders step up and create stuff for their local scene?

In a small scene like ours, if you’re not an active part of it, you don’t really stay part of it. It’s not like someone will kick you out, but if you’re not one of the active ones, it’s just not as close to your heart and other things start to take over.

Skilldash is a perfect example of why it’s important to do things for the scene. All of Europe knows about Sofia now. Hristo Iliev is an example of why filming matters. Many foreign riders came to check our city and scene after watching his videos. Tsacho from the local BMX shop has put more bikes in the hands of kids than all the other shops combined. Bulgarian riders are getting sponsored by foreign brands, and a Bulgarian brand is even sponsoring foreigners. That’s what happens when people stop waiting.

My generation pushed to make it possible. The newer generation developed it further.

What does throwing a jam actually take? time, money, logistics? What would you say to someone who wants to do something for their local scene but doesn't know where to start?

It starts with one thing, desire.

The first “gathering” we did was back in 2007. We just met up and rode. At the end of the day we had a small ceremony, talked about what everyone did, and everyone got their moment.

If you have money, it can definitely be better. But even without it, you can make your own awards from old broken parts. Something handmade, something fun to remember.

The spots are already there. I always try to make it so both pros and beginners can ride. This year it might lean more toward the pro level, but the level is rising really fast anyway.

At the end of the day, it can be as simple as picking a day and riding. The winner gets a beer from everyone and gets one for the rest.

Don’t think nobody will show up. You just need one person to start, and the rest will follow. In the first year of my jam people showed up with their own prizes. Now we’re making posters, we have sponsors, and there’s no going back.

The biggest reward is the memories with your friends.

The Jam Is Approaching 

The jam is right around the corner. What do you want to say to everyone showing up and everyone who still needs convincing? 

Every year more people show up, and this year it’s becoming an international jam.

The level is rising fast, and the spots are starting to feel small. The riders who have been here before already know what to expect and come prepared.

For the new people, expect a good vibe, spots for all levels, prizes for most riders, hopefully a barbecue, and most importantly, memories for a lifetime.