In the South Bronx during the late 80’s, a once abandoned ice skating rink at Mullaly Park found new purpose as a bike park through Victor Ortiz. Creating what is currently known as Mullaly Bike Park, NYC’s first bike specific park.
Years later, the park would go on to continue its life through Lou Perez and Rob Ramos, founding members of UND. The Underground Never Dies BMX crew of the Bronx. Over the years, the duo has built several memorable plywood ramps to advance this place as a mecca of east coast BMX. When times were rough and there was a shortage of funding to build ramps, the local BMX community banded together to persevere.
UND has cemented independence, positivity, and brotherhood as it’s core values. For many BMX locals and regulars from outer boroughs, Mullaly is a second home. A place to be free of negativity and amongst extended family.
If you haven’t fully experienced BMX culture, you wouldn’t expect these qualities to be associated with it. “UND: BMX in the BX”, an ongoing series, aims to shatter the outlaw stereotype placed upon BMX culture and its riders through a celebration of misunderstood and underrepresented positivity. Influencing those on the outside to understand that this place is much bigger than BMX.
