2 Jersey Shore BMX scene trailblazers stoked for new X Games League

Brady Baker

Scotty Cranmer and Shore BMX origins

The Shore has been home to some popular skate parks the locals have frequented for years. Ocean County has had a number of hot spots. In Monmouth, professional BMX rider's Scotty Cranmer had a long-popular bike shop in Howell that closed last September. Cranmer's family also owned the Incline Club skatepark in Lakewood.

Reynolds went on to win the most gold medals in BMX history with 16.

"I grew up riding at Toms River skate park and Scotty's skate park Incline Club," Reynolds said. "And as I got further into street riding, I didn't realize this until maybe I was a little bit older but I was in between two of the coolest scenes going on which we had in New York - we had all the Animal (Bikes) wave going on in the city - and then you go to Philadelphia, we had like all the Little Devil (BMX) criminal mischief stuff and I think that's what got me into street riding.

"I think that's what really got me into street riding was kind of exploring the things I've seen in videos and I was essentially located in between two of arguably the most iconic BMX videos where they were filmed at. That kind of opened my eyes of like 'damn, I like to go see cities and see what they're about, ride new things and literally explore,'" Reynolds continued.

Brady Baker during BMX Dirt Final at 2024 X Games Ventura at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, CA.

Baker's the future of BMX

Though Baker is newer to the scene, he hopes to help bring the X-games to new heights in multiple ways.

Before his family settled in Toms River when he was 6, Baker lived in Ohio, Missouri and California. He was already doing BMX racing and Scott Cranmer's park was close to his family's home. He also spent time at Area 51 trails in Bayville, which reportedly dispersed in 2022. It was those times in his career when he learned ramp and dirt riding. He left Toms River right after high school, but says he always remembers those days.

Basker said he "wouldn't be where I am today without those spots."

"The riding scene was already built by that time for me," Baker said. "Coming in there were so many good riders that were already involved so for me being a younger kid. I had a lot of people to mentor me and look up to, learn what to do and how to become good at riding. By the time I was coming up, there was already a super good scene."

On top of riding, Baker is also investing in himself and building a practice compound - dirt, skate parks ResiRamps included - with the money from the X Games.

"I'm like in the realm that I'm kind of going with dirt riding and park riding, I'm just trying to be innovative, progress the sport in a different way," Baker said. "I want to keep winning but I want to put my own flavor and style on the style and events I do and inspiring kids to chase their dream."

Garrett Reynolds during BMX Street Final at 2024 X Games Chiba at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba, Japan.

Reynolds: 'I'm lucky enough to have my body hold up'

Reynolds will be the oldest yet most accomplished participant in the league. He has no thoughts of slowing down and intends on showing fans things they haven't seen yet.

"What I bring to the league is I guess like a lot of experience," Reynolds. "And I'm lucky enough to have my body hold up well enough that I'm still one of the people that's creating new tricks in BMX street and hopefully bringing some new ones to X-games this year."

The XGL will be streamed on the Roku Sports Channel, starting with X Games Sacramento during June 26-28.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ Shore BMX stars Garrett Reynolds, Brady Baker hyped for X Games League