In the beginning, about 2011, a man named Chris Pickard was emerging as one of the best street dogs to come out of Iowa- He was starting a business, a new wife and conquered every rail imaginable. (Its still contested today that he may have done one of the first 180 Ice rails on tape) His ultimate dream was to build his own skatepark. So Chris and the entire TeamIowa BMX community did just that, built a skatepark on his land.

Fast forward a few years and he had built himself a home with acres of land. A few jams and parties later his family began to grow. Fast forward 6 years and things were changing, and shit blown up for my man Chris and his wife, business and Kids.

In 2017 I was able to buy this paradise he created with the stipulation that I would keep the GnarBarn running. That was the last “Jam” we had at the GnarBarn. Although I was reluctant, (Not really) I agreed and used it as an “invite only” space for me and the locals, however I never turned anyone away. If you can ride it, you were welcome.

Come to 2025- We are seeing some changes coming from the BMX industry now. We have seen it time and time again, for those that have been in it for the past 30 years (next year being my 40th year in BMX) This year My family, my BMX OG homies and Chris are going to give back and share the joy that this GnarBarn has given us for almost 15 years now. Its time

Lets do it for the midwest, lets do it for the private parks and lets do it for BMX
Time to bring back the essence of the road trips,
Ride hard, laugh a lot and make memories,

Mike