Retrospective: The Final Street Series

The Street Series was originally started in the U.K. by Tom Creasy, DUB BMX, and Monster Energy. In its six-year lifespan, The Street Series grew from an idea into a globally recognized event staged in cities around the world and held in support of BMX Day. The final Street Series took place on Saturday, July 22, 2017, and was hosted in Melbourne, Moscow, Paris, London, San Diego, and Philadelphia. Dan Lacey returned to host the event in Philadelphia for the second year in a row, and with the assistance of Matt Miller and the Chocolate Truck crew, guided the crowd of hundreds of BMX riders from spot to spot through the neighborhoods of North Philadelphia.

One year later, we reconnected with some of the locals that were in attendance as well as our contributing photographers, Sam Downs, Frank Ashbridge, and Kyle Dipilla, for a look back at the final Street Series in Philadelphia. Frank Ashbridge also edited together some previously unseen footage that he filmed during the 9th and Poplar stop of The Street Series.

We hope you enjoy.

“The Street Series was BMX in its simplest form; pedaling around with new and old friends sharing beers and cheering on everyone that was sending it. I always made it a point to attend.” – Evan Smedley

“This was the first Street Series I’ve ever been to, and it was one hell of a time. I was amazed at how many riders had come out to kill it.” – Casey Starling

“The Street Series BMX Day of 2017 was the biggest turnout for BMX I’ve ever been a part of. The DIY on Poplar St. was mobbed from end to end. It was surreal driving to the second spot behind all the riders while Tom Dugan and Rob Dolecki hitched a ride from the back of the car. A day I’ll never forget.” – Frank Ashbridge

“Street Series in Philadelphia was insane. At one point a crowd formed around a roof drop while Daquan Watkins (@bmxcheerios) attempted a bar off it a handful of times. I’ve never seen someone so amped to land something before.” – Sam Downs

“The Street Series was an event like no other. No rules, no score-card, nothing but good vibes at the biggest street session any of us will ever be a part of. The energy is unmatched, and when riders feed off each other like that, amazing things are bound to happen.” – Jeff Purdy

“Street series was a blast! It was such a crazy day and feeling riding with so many people through the streets of Philadelphia. I still can’t believe the turnout. I’m so glad we took the time to go down have a couple beers and pedal around with dudes from all over.” – Dan Conway

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but it was really hot and humid. The vibe was great. It was one of those feelings where everyone just fed off each other. Where else could you have a group of a few hundred BMX riders do their thing with no problem. It was a great day for BMX. I’m going to miss The Street Series.” – ‘Mad Mike’ Guth