Popular Sheffield BMXing spot celebrated at upcoming film festival
By David Hall
February 26, 2024

BMXers have been racing down dirt at Bolehills for 40 years, the journey has been captured on film and is due to be screened at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival in March.

Over the years the track has been host to generations of riders and even famous faces like Arctic Monkey’s drummer Matt Helders.

Distilling 40 years of history into an hour long film is a hefty job that started by inviting the community to a nearby pub, The Walkley Cottage, to share their stories.

Trailer for 40 Years Strong (Source: Kick Rocks Creations)

Ben Dransfield, creator of the film, said: “The amount of old film photography and old VHS video we got from the community was just insane.

“We could lay out years, dates and the process of the track like it was the memory of everyone that was in the room.”

The highlight is the community behind the track, which is described in the film as a “living art project”.

The film has interviews with Roger Bartimote, the founder of the track, and parents of Matt Helders as well as many other riders and community members whose lives have been impacted by Bolehills.

It was once an official race track, but as the sport has become more professional, the costs involved in meeting regulations has become too high.

Racing on Bolehills in 1986 (Picture: Ben Dransfield)

Richard Baybutt, one of the core team that maintains the track, said: “Although it’s not an official track the community aspect hasn’t changed.

“Back in the race days, it brought families together and they raced and now it brings families together and they dig and ride and progress at their own pace.”

Bolehills always needs more volunteers to help on dig days where the track is built and shaped.

Mr Dransfield hopes that the film makes more people aware of this community gem.

He said: “I’m hoping that it encourages people or convinces them that it is a special place to so many people.

“The film will give people a real pride in Sheffield and make them want to come and ride.”

The festival is screening a shorter version of the film but as its premiere last year sold out its 250 ticket capacity, Mr Dransfield said that more screenings will be announced soon on their Instagram and Facebook.