BMX Kidz - Memories

BMX Kidz was written by a young and enthusiastic C64 programmer called Jo Bonar. Jo went on to become part of the Telecomsoft team and was there when the company was put up for sale by BT. What follows are Jo's recollections of writing BMX Kidz, in his own words.

I remember staying up for 96 hours to finish it. And managing to do so, with the help of Ubik. We stayed at his house in North London, went to the petrol station for crisps and fizzy drinks to keep us going.

I remember a surreal conversation about smoked mussels in a can. Joe: "Have you ever looked at these closely? I mean... really closely?" Ubik: "No" Pauses... "Please don't ever draw my attention to my food ever again".

We listened to Tantric Obstacles by Ozric Tentacles over and over (and over). I actually bought it several years later on CD (boxed set!) and listen to it occasionally when I want to revisit my youth.

I remember getting on the tube to go to the office with my 5 1/4" disk with the game on it after the marathon session (which involved crying, I'm sure). I drank a lot of water, and ended up feeling drunk on water - the first and last time that happened.

I remember the elation when Robb Hubbard delivered his famous "Go! G-g-g-go!" music. When Dokk delivered his awesome character sets. When Bob Stephenson delivered his amazing loading screen. When Jori Olkonnen (spelling?) said we could use his amazing tune for the high-score music.

I remember laughing at all the movie references I used for when you screwed up - "What are you doing Dave?" "Eat yer Coney Island" and stuff. I watched Paper Moon again recently and laughed at the reference in that.

I remember writing six and a half K of code for the opposition AI which (and I quote) "didn't do anything to the screen until it had all run". Six and a half K - amazing!

I remember trying to finish the game (this was before the 96 hour stint) and writing code with pen and paper at my friend Kevin's house, watching Top Gun on video and eating KFC (provided by another friend Brough) with a load of friends, and not getting much done... really.

I do remember how stressed out Chris Smith got when the game was late. I know he had so much more to worry about than just the delivery of my game, but I am so very sorry that I added to his misery.