The era pre-social media, when printed magazines used to be the go-to medium to get informed, inspired and famous. We all know the biggest publications within the moto world, whether it’s RacerX, Motocross Action, Dirt Rider, Transworld Motocross, Cycle News and so on. But let’s have a look at the pure FMX/Freeriding magazines that started to emerge once the lifestyle has stirred up the industry with the release of the Crusty Demons of Dirt. In 1996, Matt Schlingman (@schlingmanm) and Dominica „Miki“ Keller (@mikikeller) started the first FMX/Freeriding magazine called „Wide Open Magazine“, whose first issue we see here. Wide Open not only set the stage for many freeriders, FMX riders and photographers of the late 90s, it also became the blueprint for upcoming magazines that would take it to the next level. After only 9 issues though, the production has been stopped.

Over 20 years later, those beautifully made magazines with their charming 90s flair now serve as one of the most valuable sources of knowledge of the past for this book, and this totally blows my mind. Matt, Miki, thank you so much for what you have done for the sport with this publication.