The team behind the Bikes Up, Guns Down initiative is taking its mission to another level with the launch of MX Unleashed, an action-packed freestyle motocross event designed to unite Bermuda’s communities while promoting positive opportunities for young people.
Speaking about the event, Promoter Makinday Johansen said the group wanted to build on the success of Bikes Up, Guns Down by creating something that would benefit the entire island.
“Everybody knows about Bikes Up, Guns Down and our initiative to help curb gun violence,” he said. “This year we went back to the drawing board and asked ourselves, ‘What can we do for Bermuda to bring everybody together as one?’”
Working alongside Southampton Rangers Sports Club, Dion Smith, Bermuda Pro-Rider Jonah Smith, and other members of the executive team, organizers decided to revive freestyle motocross in Bermuda for the first time in more than two decades.
“The last freestyle event was around 2004 or 2005,”Johansen explained. “It’s been over 20 years, so we wanted to bring something back that many young people have never had the chance to experience.”
To make it happen, organizers reached out to internationally known freestyle motocross riders Levi Farias from California and Jason Rake from France, both of whom immediately agreed to participate.
The event, MX Unleashed, will take place on September 5 at Southampton Rangers Sports Club, with gates opening at 3 p.m. and activities running until 9 p.m.
Attendees can expect an exciting lineup featuring freestyle motocross performances, showcases by Bermuda motocross riders, opening ceremonies, and youth demonstrations. Organizers also plan to feature the Jump Start initiative, a youth training program developed through a partnership involving Bermuda Motocross, Pro- Rider Jonah Smith, and the Give Back,programs aimed at introducing more children to the sport.
“We want children from every neighborhood to come together as one community,” Makinday said. “This isn’t just about Southampton Rangers. It’s about Bermuda.”
Early bird tickets are available for $125 VIP, $35 general admission, and $30 for seniors, with prices increasing once the early bird promotion ends. Proceeds from the event will support both the Southampton Rangers youth program and Bermuda Motocross youth development.
Southampton Rangers Sports Club President Darren “Butch” Burchall praised the collaboration, calling it exactly the type of positive initiative Bermuda needs.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Bikes Up, Guns Down team has partnered with members of our community, the motocross community, and other stakeholders to bring this event to life,” Buchall said. “We’re crying out for positive outlets for our young people, and there’s nothing more positive than seeing fathers working with their children, fixing bikes, riding bikes, and taking part in motocross.”
He added that while challenges remain throughout the island, the focus must remain on creating hope and opportunity.
“Every time darkness tries to take over, we’re going to keep turning the light back on,” Burrows said. “Eventually that light gets brighter, and people begin to see positive things happening in our communities.”
The event will also serve as a tribute to the late motocross and powerboat racer known affectionately as “Pudgy,” who was remembered as an influential figure within Bermuda’s motorsports community.
Representatives from Bermuda Motocross said Pudi had been deeply involved in the planning of MX Unleashed and would be honored throughout the event.
“He represented every aspect of motorsports,” one organizer said. “He was loved by everyone who knew him. We’re going to dedicate this event to him.”
Makinday added that a portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Pudi’s family.
“He was part of this team and part of this executive,” he said. “This event is dedicated to him. Long live Pudi.”
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