The Miguel
Brian Osborne wants you to know that Beloe has all there products up now. They will also be debuting there fall line next week, get stoked. Click that Beloe link to see the goods.
The latest BMX Videos, Products and News!
Brian Osborne wants you to know that Beloe has all there products up now. They will also be debuting there fall line next week, get stoked. Click that Beloe link to see the goods.
Rich Hirsch is a interesting dude. He has some really interesting insights on things and I feel like he has had some influence on what BMX is today through his brands and other things he has been associated with. This was an interview that was long over due, and due to him being laid out from some back surgery I managed to get one out of him. Lets see some love for Rich in the comments.
Name:
richie hirsch
Location:
portland,or
Years Riding:
20 off and on
Lets kick it off with the back surgery, why did you get it, how did it go, and when will you be back on your bike?
I ruptured a disc in my back Christmas day and didnt actually know until about a month ago. I had so much pain it got to where I could barely walk and it took 4 different doctors and 5 months before I could get an MRI which led to a surgery I just had.I think it went all good and i might be able to cruise around as soon as 6 weeks…stoked.
What are you going to be doing with all the down time from riding? I imagine a lot of blogging on Defgrip?
I doubt it I’m not much of a blogger… I tend to update it just enough to scrape by, and im not doing much other then taking pills and watching tv lately. I’m working on lotek and Fremont all the time though while I’m stuck sitting around.
Right before you went under the knife you had a prototype of your new frame in a bike check, what is the difference between your frame and all the rest and when can we expect to see it available?
Basically I like the roomy feeling of long bikes but the quickness of short bikes so I changed the geometry around in a way I don’t think is currently available and it feels perfect. The designer over at subrosa then took my geometry and applied some crazy new shit to it that they will explain(soon) way better then I could. Change is always fun. It also has a low top tube which I’ve always loved… I grew up riding basic sluggos which had super low top tubes and made turndowns table tops and a lot of 180 tricks feel better on my shins.
Any other Subrosa news or signature items coming from them?
I don’t think so… I actually thought they were only making one of my frame for me to ride so I’m pretty stoked to hear it just went to production.
How about things at Lotek, any new product lines or news going around over there you can let us in on?
There’s a lot right now, here’s a list of what’s in progress:
Lotek sf DVD
Defgrip shoe
Fremont videozine
Chase fremont jeans
Dakpack
Fremont ian shoe
Dehart shoe
Fremont snap back baseball caps
Behind the scenes lotek sf videos on vimby.com
Custom made insoles
New shoe colors coming late July
Thats all I can remember right now
What about Mosh any other big news or signature things coming around?
I don’t think so… I changed my mosh seat up a little and I’m waiting for a sample but nothing much. Mosh just went on an Australia trip the same day I got surgery.
Being a busy guy with a business and everything have you been finding much time to ride?
When my backs good I ride most everyday for at least a few hours… Thats what its all for really.
Where are some places you have had the chance to travel to this year?
Nowhere to crazy just back and forth from California a fair bit. When my backs better I’m going to Columbia with mikey and then over to the 70s house in Brighton and then Prague for a lotek team trip.
Where are some of your favorite places to ride or just types of things to ride?
I really like riding anything, driveway bank, dirt jumps, flat bars, etc. Burnside is my favorite though.
Any big road trips planned at all for filming video parts or web edits?
Just a lot of SF and the above mentioned.
What is a recent new trick you have added to the list?
Walking
Believe it or not Rich cannot do what trick?
Run
What is the best and worst parts of owning your own business?
The best part us being able to pay the bills doing what I love, working with my friends. There’s no negative part.
How do you feel about BMX right now with it being in the olympics, getting cut down in the x-games, being on tv a bunch, everything online, people hating, everything in general?
None of that has anything to do with BMX in by world. We ride and hangout and there isn’t ever any negativity in anyone I ride with, work with, or meet so shits good. People only hate when there jelous and i think we can agree there’s no need for any of that in BMX.
If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
It would be nice if we were allowed into all the parks.there’s a park a few blocks from my house I’m not allowed to ride.
Who are some of the most influential people in BMX in your eyes?
Chris moeller is the originator. He created the blueprint we all follow. Other then that anyone that does there own thing.
Outside of BMX and work, what are some things you are into?
I listen to a lot of music and shoot a fair bit of photos.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Keep staying alive and raise my son.
If you could have any super power, what would you choose and why?
Im good.
What is the “perfect day” for you?
Some tasty waves and a cool buzz and I’m fine man.
If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would you choose and why?
Never have to get a real job
A old ass car that never breaks down
Popeyes for every meal without a heart attak
What are some bands you are really into? Any you suggest people to check out?
Sub society
Greyboy
Duna
The grouch
Roy ayers
Sebastien tellier
The kinks
New order
Husulah
Little brother
Mac dee
Any videos/movies you are into right now?
Zeitgeist
Dead bang
Goods s.o.s.
You seem to be on-top of the trends, what is the next big trends in BMX?
I don’t really mess with trends… I think a lot of the dudes I hook up are pretty popular. The only trend I’m trying to keep around is affordable shoes and having fun.
What are some of your favorite websites?
Not a big fan of the Internet.
What is the best advice / quote you have ever received?
My Dad always told me its better to shine then reflect.
What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
It wouldn’t have been good. Probably Meth with its popularity around here.
What kind of advice do you have for people who want to start their own business?
You won’t ever be happy if money is your motivation. Find something you love and stick with it, or don’t, fuck it…. Just have fun.
What about kids just getting into BMX?
Get dirty, its fun.
Any kind words to the anonymous shit talkers?
Let’s go ride sometime…
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My dad, lori, Kingston, Joel gurga, ron bonner, Heath Pinter, Ryan sher, ron bonner, robbo, shad, eddie, chase, ian, mikey, marco, wolfdick, ian Morris, blackrain, odyssey dudes, Harrison, all my distro, all the lotek family, everyone who has ever bought a pair.
Anything else you would like to say?
Its just a hobby have fun with it…
Oh yes, Rich’s Odyssey part from 2003.
I remember back in the day when Josh posted up on Bikeguide and he was just this kid who rode really good. Then before I knew it I saw him in the Haro contests, web videos that were great, all sorts of stuff.. The kid is awesome, so there was an interview done. Show some love in the comments!
Age:
19
Location:
From: Cape Cod,MA Living: in Greenville,NC
Sponsors:
Staff BMX, Haro/Premium Flow
Years Riding:
6 or 7
It would appear your riding has been getting real popular among the kids on the internet, did you ever expect to be getting the coverage you have been able to get?
Haha no way, i started out as some kid who had a friend who had a friend(Marcus Tooker) who instantly inspired me. He was this kid with a huge white fullface i saw at the park my first day there. After that my mom went out and got me a white fullface and i would go everyday i could after school.It all went from there i guess which led to the Haro video contest and then me moving here(Greenville) a year or so. Then trying to film for that vital video which Kyle Carlson helped me out with. I always just liked riding and watching my favorite riders in videos and never thought i would be in videos or on the internet and even have one person i don`t know, know my name.
You recently had a web video on vitalbmx, do you have anymore web videos in the works?
Well like i said before Kyle hooked me up with that last video so i have been trying to film some stuff and hopefully make another edit for vital again soon.
How about the sponsors, any trips, video parts, signature parts coming around this year?
Actually the day after Dew Tour in Baltimore I will be going with the Staff team on a week long trip or so in New England area.Other then that no trips i`m aware of or video parts and def no signature parts i know of but would be sweet one day.
It seems like you have had the chance to travel a bit more lately, where all have you been riding lately?
Once i moved to Greenville in January i was gone for a month straight in Canada doing shows with Maximum Velocity. Other then that it was just some of the Dew Tour stops i could afford to make it to and the places on the way. I never have had the chance to travel much or go cool places but id like to someday.
Where are some places you would like to go someday?
Cali and pretty much anywhere outside of the states or North America.
It seems like there has been more and more stuff of you riding in Greenville, do you plan on moving there at some point?
Yeah haha i moved here in January like i said before and love it.Its way more then what people think. Most fun i have ever had on and off my bike and it has everything you could want for riding no matter who you are.
What are your plans for 08′? Dew Tour or any big contests at all?
Yeah i am gonna go to the two open qualifiers and maybe do better in it this year and make it to all of them. Other then that i have no idea of any other contests. I would like to go to some but i`m not to crazy on it if i don`t get to them or not.
Who is your typical riding crew, any guys you think people should expect to see more of?
Back home it was Brandon Christie, Chris Childs,Joe Nelson and all the locals around the NH and MA area. Def watch out for those three which have already been all over the internet. Here in Greenville i ride everyday with Christian Stoessel and Ty Morrow. Then i usually ride with Dan Sieg,Jon Reed,Zak Lamb,James Foster,Joey Johnstone, and all the other regular locals.
It would appear you have a lot of tricks on lock, what are some tricks you could never get sick of doing?
Haha well as everyone knows tailwhips!!!! But i also can never do enough bars,hang five stuff and tucks.
What tricks give you the most trouble?
I think my turndowns always look gross and i try to do them a little more here and there to make em look alright and hang fives tricks are so frustrating but fun.
What parts do you typically go through the most?
Brake cables,pedals,and seats.
If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go and why?
Brandon Christie,Christian Stoessel,Ty Morrow,Brian hunt,and Danny Hickerson. Brandon,Christian, and Ty because they are my good friends and always have a good time on and off my bike with them.Brian Hunt because that guy is the funniest person in the world and most fun to watch ride and Danny Hickerson because he is my favorite rider and i never met him but it would be amazing to watch him kill everything we rode. I could go anywhere because i know with that crew we would make the best of what we find on and off the bike for sure.
How do you feel about BMX being in the Olympics, getting almost completely cut out of the X-games, and just BMX in the main-stream as a whole?
I think its rad being in the Olympics but wish it was all disciplines and kinda lame for getting out of x-games. For the main-stream part i have no idea. It would be cool it was treated as all other sports and gave opportunities to anyone instead of just some.
If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
I would want it to be treated equally as other sports like i said because i think its lame that guys playing sports involving a ball can sit on a bench and make a living for not doing anything.
Outside of riding, what are some things you are into?
Just hanging out with my friends and doing whatever we do at the moment and my girlfriend. I wish i was into more but i`m not haha.
Do you work at all or is it just riding now days?
I worked full time for a while and then started doing shows and saved up a lot from those and just been riding for now. I don`t make any kind of money off riding unless i do a show or place well enough in a contest. I am trying to get a job right now since i have bills to pay and left home.
You seem to be into some heavier music, what are some bands you like? any you suggest people to check out?
Haha how am i into heavier music or how do you know that? I seriously like every kind of music. If you went through my ipod you could find any kind of music you could think of besides country and the blues haha. I love it all.
I guessed from your last video part and your myspace
Seen any good movies lately?
Riding wise, End Search is the most amazing video ever and then Garrett’s part from the shook video. Other then that Forgetting Sarah marshal haha i`m not to updated with movies and bmx videos.
What are some of your favorite websites?
Vital,the come up,staff-bmx,myspace, and facebook.
If you could have any super power, what would you choose and why?
I would want to be like Ashton Kutcher in that movie butterfly effect but do things right haha and not fuck it up and die at the end.
How do you feel about public intoxication, strippers, and or midgets?
its funny,strippers are rad, and midgets are funny as hell, this one dude i would see at the local park when i first started riding would come to the park high as fuck on rollerblades and just do headstands on every ramp from 4-10 feet and then go back in fakie.
Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
My Parents,girlfriend,friends, and BMX.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Have a job and save up, get a car,have a nicer place to live in with my lady,figure out what i wanna do with my life and try and go somewhere cool one day.
If you could be sponsored by any non-BMX related company who would you want to be sponsored by and why?
Well Apple for sure, their shit is amazing. Wendy’s because i could eat there everyday. Also some kind of car sponsor would be sweet so i could have a nice car.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
‘Do what makes you happy and don`t do something for someone other then yourself to make them happy’. ~mom
What kind of advice do you have for kids getting into BMX?
Pretty much the above and don`t stress ‘making it’ in BMX. If it happens it happens and awesome if not don`t hate on others and just have fun in BMX don`t take it to serious and miss out on the point of it,FUN. Also don`t forget who your friends are at any time.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My parents for sure,Tony Long for always fixing my bike when i was younger,all my friends and girlfriend,Family,Bob at Staff ,Haro, Kyle Carlson, and you for this interview.Also Josh Kirtland for the photos.
Anything else you would like to say?
‘New England Baby’ haha.
Dave Jacobs whose interview is below (I always type it beloe then have to go back and fix it now!) has been nice enough to give you lucky kids on BMXunion 10 free downloads, he did the same for some of the other websites but I am sure they were gone within a few seconds so if you wanted to see the Brad Simms and Eli Platt videos you can get a chance with:
Use this code after you login to get free access.
This code is good for 10 logins so it will go fast.
CODE: 0E9D102B28
http://www.micreation.net/videos
Enjoy
Dave Jacobs is a man you should respect. He is the man behind Micreation and has a very clear minded sense of things that a lot of people are not capable of pulling together. With that being said here is his interview, I hope you enjoy it.
Name:
Dave Jacobs
Location:
Long Beach, CA
Sponsors:
Micreation, ODI, and hookups from Sputnic, Primo, and Etnies.
Years riding?
15
So Micreation has had some big changes lately, new site, new video formats and everything, how long has this been in the works?
The new site and new HD video player were both in the works for about 4 months, then Brad’s video spot was filmed over about a year.
What else can we expect from the changes? New clothing lines? Full length DVD? anything in particular?
Well, I just finished setting it up so that people can own both Brad and Eli’s video spots. You’ll be able to download a high resolution version, and also one sized for an I-Pod. Currently we are working on doing a video spot with Barney, and also Aaron Bostrom. Joe Cox said he wants to do one sometime soon also. There are some more big changes to the site coming, and the new line is currently in development. We’re also going to be releasing the “Synopsis” video in the near future. I think that will be some kind of DVD/web release. We will see what happens with that.
So this new web video idea going around is pretty interesting. Do you expect web videos like this to catch on with other companies?
Well, I think the internet is definitely becoming more and more where people are going for the latest in BMX. So that combined with the dwindling DVD market is pushing companies in that direction I think. As far as other companies doing it like we are, possibly.
Is there any team changes or other team news you can tell us about?
Yeah, Eric Lichtenberger is the newest member of the Micreation family. I’ve known him for a while now and he’s a down to earth genuine person. He’s also very talented at riding. He is a perfect fit.
What do you think the biggest difference between when Micreation had started to what it has become today?
Its just become more focused and refined. I’d like to think that we’ve grown as a whole, and become better at everything we do.
Your on the road, or was just on the road for a trip, what was that for? How did it go? Or how is it going?
I went on The Local Exposure tour to film and hang out. It was great fun. I met a lot of people that I’ve never met before and got to witness Quinn Sembling blowing up a ralley car. haha
What are your plans for 08′? Is there many road trips planned or anything?
No full team road trips as of yet. We’ll just be focused on new designs, and smaller road trips to film for these video spots.
When will you have a HD video of you for the site?
Actually I thought about that. I’m going to be working on an interview for a bmx magazine this summer, and I’d like to film some stuff while I’m at it. We’ll see what happens.
Where would you like to take your riding and company in general over the course of the next few years?
As far as riding goes, I’d like to get back into dirt jumping and riding ramps. I’d also like to get more dialed on street and just keep progressing. As far as Micreation goes, I’d like to do a full length team video and grow as a whole. I’m going to expand the line and work on getting into more boutiques.
What are some of your favorite spots to ride?
Right now I’ve been having alot of fun riding the Z spot in Long Beach. Its real simple, not a lot to it other then a manual pad and a couple bump jumps but its super fun.
Do you have a trick that you could never get sick of no matter how many times you do it?
Tabletops.
What is that one trick you cannot get on the list no matter how many times you try?
I’ve been working on hop whips for a while now, but haven’t nailed it yet. Maybe tomorrow?
Being the owner of a business you tend to be very busy, do you find a lot of time to ride?
Well, the last month I didn’t ride much at all because I was rushing to get the new site done, and also Brad’s video spot before the local exposure trip. Now that I’m back I’ve been going out and its been alot of fun.
What are some of the highlights for you since BMX became apart of your life?
The friends that I’ve made and getting the opportunity to travel. Its made a huge impact on me. To me I see bmx as a tool to learn how to live. I put myself in these situations where I have to be focused or I’m going to work myself. I learned how to stay calm under pressure. When I did get hurt, I learned from that too. It taught me how to keep pushing and not give up.
How do you feel about the current industry as a whole? If you could change anything would you?
Its changing so rapidly now. It seems to be growing in popularity in the main stream I think. I see in on TV all the time now. Not too long ago it was rare to catch it on TV, but not anymore. I think its awsome. More people are getting exposed to BMX, and thats only going to help BMX grow. There is some wild shit going down too. I can’t imagine what people will be doing 5 years from now. The sky is the limit. As far as the core industry goes, I think that esthetics are becoming more important and more emphasis is being put into making things look good. If I could change anything, I would like to see more emphasis on making changes instead of bitching about how things are.
Where do you see things going with BMX being in the olympics and everything?
Honestly I don’t know too much about it other then its going to be there. From what I know, its only racing. If that is the case, I think that sucks. If BMX is going to be in the olympics then vert, street, dirt, and flat should all be included.
Who are some of the people you ride with on a more daily basis?
Jeff Z and Aaron Bostrom both live in riding distance from me, so I ride with them mainly.
Is there any riders out there that you really see coming up and could do some big things?
Garrett Reynolds is already doing big things and he’s 17. I just watched his shook part and I can’t believe the shit he’s doing. Its nuts.
Did you ever go to college for art or anything of that nature?
I went to college and got an associates degree in industrial technology. Its basically a minor in engineering with an emphasis on C.A.D.(Computer Aided Design). I’ve always loved making things, drawing, poetry etc. C.A.D. wasn’t for me because there was minimal creative freedom. So I started delving into photoshop, final cut, and after effects. I think I’ve found my nitch, I love it.
Outside of riding and work, what are some things you are into?
When I’m not so busy, I like to read and watch documentaries. I also enjoy writing poetry and doing spoken word but its been a while since I’ve done it. Most of my interests are focused around science, spirituality, philosophy things like that.
What are some things that you think everyone should experience at some point in their life?
A realization that there is no separation between you and everything else, I would say that is the biggest one.
What are some movies you are really into?
Lately the biggest one is Zeitgeist. Its a free documentary that you can see at zeitgeistmovie.com. You’ll just have to see it to understand why. Its revolutionary.
Any good music you would recommend to people?
I’ve been listening to instrumental stuff like Explosions in the Sky, Omid, Alias, Yppah, Sound in Color. Classics for me are Eyedea, old Aesop Rock, and of course Wu-Tang.
Being a business owner, do you feel the economy has effected you at all?
I would say the biggest effect so far is the price of gas. Riding in California can get expensive because you have to drive to just about every spot. Unless you live in Long Beach, so thats why I tend to stick in my own neighborhood.
How do you feel about the elections, Hillary? Obama? Other? who has your vote?
I dont subscribe to any particular party line or candidate. The democratic party seems to be becoming more conservative and complacent. The people that really pull the strings are the ones that you don’t see. Not to be a pessimist, but I don’t think it matters at this point who gets elected. There are so many vested interests in the changes that need to be made like pulling out of the war in Iraq. I think its going to require massive protests and disobedience to end it. I think that the biggest changes we can make will come when each individual takes responsibility for themselves and their own community. We need to wake up soon.
Who or what are some of the biggest influences on your life?
I would say first and foremost is my Mom. She had always supported me in whatever I wanted to do and always had high expectations for me. The next big ones would be reading books and music.
What are some of your favorite websites?
Sites that I visit frequently would be dopeawards.com, Defgrip.net, and a lot of random design, science, and political websites. I also frequent youtube for random documentaries and funny videos.
If you happened to win the lottery, what would the cash go towards?
First I would buy my Mom a nice house, then a house for myself. The rest of it would go into Micreation and the Micreation family.
What are some things you personally would like to accomplish in the next few years?
To make Micreation everything it can be and get everyone on the team paid good. Also to do a good full length video part because I haven’t had an official video part since DK Intuition. I’m also planning on doing a documentary sometime in the future.
If you could have any super power, what would you chose and why?
Invisibility. So I can creep around and make weird noises and freak people out. That would be sweet.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
I don’t have a favorite, but here is a good one from Albert Einstein – “A human being is a part of a whole, called by us – “universe”, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest… a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
What kind of advice do you have for people when it comes to BMX?
Have fun. Its not about getting sponsored.
What advice do you have for people who want to start a business?
Start working on it now. If you keep putting it off it might not happen. Get a business plan together, start networking, make it happen! Learn as much as you can about the particular business and become an expert. Keep pushing and don’t give up no matter what. Don’t focus on reasons why it couldn’t work, think of ways it can happen. I guess thats it.
What is BMX to you?
To me, BMX is and evolutionary tool. I see it as an instrument for self expression that helps me learn about myself and life in general, and its a load of fun. Its definitely the best thing thats ever happened to me.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Yeah, thanks to my Mom for being awsome. Also the Micreation family, and everyone who has supported and helped me out in one way or another. You know who you are. Finally, thanks to Kurt Hohberger for the interview.
Anything else you would like to add I may have forgot?
I think thats it. Thanks for reading. Peace.
Brian Osborne had e-mailed me saying Beloe is going to be doing some e-postcards with their team, here is one of them.
I resized it a little bit but they look pretty cool to me. I need to get some interviews back so I can post something that isn’t already on all the other sites.
Brian Tunney had sent this over, and I posted up a photo video the other day from this trip, so here is the video.
Also Jared Chilko sent me over this video of him from a video part that fell through.. The kid is so damn good.
Full length Video Part from Jared on Vimeo.
Last weekend was the contest I had been organizing for the last two months or so. I figured maybe there would be other kids out there who want to have a contest but don’t know where to start. So I figured I would write down all of the steps I did to organize, and finally have the contest.
Idea
All contests start out with an idea, it just comes down to what kind you want to have. A jam at a skatepark, trails, a bunch of street spots. I think the easiest personaly is a skatepark just because it is there; there is no need to worry about constantly fixing it up or getting kicked out of the spot.
So you know you want to do the contest, and where you want it. Now, talk to your friends, get a feel for how into it they would be, see if they would be willing to help or at least throw some ideas in on how to make it good. Another thing you can do is check out bike forums like Bikeguide and The Come Up Board and just ask people what they would want in order to go to the contest. It also spreads the word too once you get it all figured out.
Do Work
After you have that all figured out, set a date with the skatepark owner or your friends, something that works for a lot of people or gives people time to get work off. Skateparks are usually cool about doing contests, it brings a lot of people to their park and gets them a little cash out of it. Street is always there just make sure it isn’t when it is rush hour, unless you guys wanna deal with a ton of people and cars if you are in a big city. Trails obviously, if you don’t want people to mess them up don’t have it there, or try and enforce the build to ride type thing as an entry fee or something.
Once the date and location is set see what you can come up for sponsors for the event, if it sounds like a promising deal a lot of companies won’t hessitate to send you stuff to toss out for prizes. Now don’t go trying to get free stuff from companies just telling them your having a contest and don’t, thats a dick move and will probably lessen the chances people who actually are having a contest can get stuff. The best way to ask is just hit up the websites of companies you are into and find an email, it is usually info@company.com, be polite and explain very clearly when, where, and your expectations of what will happen. I think because this website the companies trusted I was actually having a contest too so I think it might be harder if you are just a random kid, but it never hurts to try. Plus some companies will give you the heads up to grab a prize for yourself, but don’t take more than one or two things. I didn’t take anything until the day of and only from the prizes people said I could grab stuff from.
After you have that all planned, got some sponsors for the event, make a flyer. This may be harder for some of you kids without Photoshop or In-design but ask around if one of your friends is capable, or just take your time on MS-Paint and avoid the spray paint tool.
E-mail your flyer to websites like The Come Up, VitalBMX, Ride BMX, and any scene websites around the area.
Basically get people excited about the contest with when, where, how much, whose sponsoring it, what all is going on. Here is my flyer from the Renegade Contest
The days before
When your in charge of a contest, don’t plan on making money. Actually, plan on spending money. I have no idea how much I spent, but I took a lot of my time, bought food for the grill out, and random other things. Also, making t-shirts for the event is always cool too. Team Dilly who had a street jam about 3 weeks ago made shirts for Team Dilly, they even had some for the Renegade Contest.
The Day Of
So after all the work, the day has come for the contest. Pack up all the product and get to the skatepark early to sweep and mop up the ramps. Usually if your doing something right other people will be there to help out. The trails also will always need some work, or just get to the meeting spot for the jam just so you can get your head straight on where this is all going. Be prepared with sign up sheets and plan out how you want to run the contest, avoid single person runs people hate riding alone in contests and typically it takes a lot longer to do, so throw like 3-5 people together in a run. If you don’t have judges planned, talk to some of the people who are in the upper class and ask them to judge the lower classes, then replace the original judges when they have to ride. Also find a person to run the mic if you haven’t found one yet, if your in Minnesota I would suggest Jay Schill(sp) he was an awesome MC for the event I had and totally unplanned. If you got the cash pay Catfish to fly over and do his thing, he will be all about it plus he gets the crowd amped.
Contest is underway
Being in charge sucks, but it is worth it. The odds are you will have little or a lot less time to ride than the people just coming to compete/ride. I barely touched my bike because I was running around checking on juding scores making sure nobody is getting favored, keeping the contest running, replacing battaries in the mic, all sorts of random stuff. Have your prizes for the top 3-6 places for the different classes depending on how much stuff you have to give away. Also make sure you have a little extra to throw out for the crowd or other random games like footdown. If things were planned well enough they should just run on its own with little need to fix things.
The Contest is Over
You gave out all the prizes, nobody died, people had fun, and it was a good time for you. At least thats all we can hope for right? Help clean up the park, trails, street spots you rode. Thank the owners of the park or trails if you don’t have anything to do with that, and make sure everything is good to go before you take off to pass out from all the excitement.
So that is my views on how to set up a contest. It might not be very clear but that is how it goes for me. I have had 5 different contests since I was 13 (yes 13 and I was organizing contests) I am 19 now. So I have had about one a year, minus one year. So hopefully my insight has helped a bit and you will think about doing a contest if your motivated enough. E-mail me at BMXrochester@hotmail.com if you have any questions on things I forgot I am willing to help you out.