RIDERS and adrenalin junkies flocked in record numbers to the Hillside Dirt Jam at Wamboin and the reason they did is simple, says organiser Cam White.
''I think it's all because of Dane,'' he said.
''Everyone's really come out and shown their support.''
Last night's event was dedicated to the memory of BMX star Dane Searls, a three-time dirt jam winner who died after a balcony fall on the Gold Coast in November.
Fifty-five riders competed in last night's high-flying spectacular, in front of 2000 spectators.
Among those trackside were Searls' mother Jenni, and Canberra BMX star Caroline Buchanan, a close friend. This is the sixth year White, a former BMX Games champion, has hosted the dirt-jumping competition at his Wamboin property and the riders were ''unbelievable'' he said.
''We've had perfect weather and incredible riders from New Zealand, Australia and America.''
White said the tribute to Searls set an emotional tone for event that brought out the best in the competitors.
''Everyone has just been really positive,'' he said.
''There's a really natural energy that's just fuelled into the riders and it's made everyone ride the best they can.''
Three awards were handed out - best trick, best style and the overall King of the Hill.
In a fitting tribute, the overall prize was this year renamed the Dane Searls King of the Hill in honour of Searls' dominance over the event. Searls was named King of the Hill the three years he competed.
''Everyone down here has just been supporting each other and talking about him the entire time,'' White said.
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