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This is perfect timing, since we're on a little nostalgic kick over here, with our latest blog about Vision Street Wear. During that same era, was the beginning one the biggest teams created in BMX, Team Haro. ESPN contributor, Jared Souney was on hand to see a rare, 1985 Team Haro reunion jam this past weekend were he shot these exclusive photos. The demo included the entire original 1985 Haro team, Bob Haro, Dave Nourie, Ron Wilkerson, Brian Blyther, and Mike Dominguez. I'll let Jared explain more about it after the jump.

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Words by: Jared Souney

In 1985 BMX Freestyle was becoming hugely popular with kids like myself around the country. Every major bike company had a touring team they'd send out on the road to do freestyle shows at bike shops in anywhere USA. GT, Skyway, CW, Hutch, etc...They all had touring teams, and if they were coming within 500 miles of your home town, you'd beg your parents to go see them ride.

Jared SouneyThe 1985 Haro Team arrived on site in style...They showed up in the 2-Hip Bikes Limo, complete with an escort of roller derby ladies, and a driver with a top hat. Dave Nourie exits the limo, and prepares to unleash some flatland.

As far as myself and many others were concerned, Haro had THE team at the time. Not only had Bob Haro innovated some of the early tricks, and designed one of the first freestyle bikes, but he'd assembled the best team: Dave Nourie, Ron Wilkerson, Brian Blyther, and Mike Dominguez.

Back in 1985 I got Brian Blyther to sign a pair of Haro arm guards at a bike shop show. At the time I never would have imagined we'd be meeting up 3000 miles away in a similar parking lot, 25 years later. Fast forward to Ashland, Oregon, where former Haro Team rider Dave Nourie now lives. Nourie assembled his old teammates, brought along Bob Haro, and legendary announcer Kevin Martin to put on a show straight out of 1985.

Jared SouneyLong before style became a staple in BMX Freestyle, Brian Blyther defined style on ramps. His high, smooth airs set the stage for modern day riding. Bermslider, just like in the old days.

Last year Stephan Prantl helped organize a similar reunion show at the World Championships's in Cologne, Germany. The reunion literally had tears in the eyes of some of the older riders in attendance. The team rode bikes from the 80s, wore original uniforms, and rode an 8-foot tall quarterpipe. The show brought older riders back to their roots, and exposed a new crop of riders to some important history.

Ashland was a chance to do something similar on US soil. Nourie had a quarterpipe and wedge ramp built, and as the saying goes, "If you build it, they will come." The crowd may not have been as big as in Cologne, but a lot of people came from as far away as New York to see the show (Stephan actually came from Germany as well).

Jared SouneyRon Wilkerson with a classic pedal-picker on flatground. Launch gallery »

Will I be writing something like this again in 25 years? Maybe not, but if you told me 25 years ago I'd be sitting in a parking lot with Ron, Bob, Kevin, Dave, and Mike this weekend, I've had thought you were crazy. It just goes to show you how awesome these little bikes really are.

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