Gator Wrestling FMX Style

Okay- There was no alligators found or harmed on this trip- but we were looking for them!  We started out this trip with a visit to a small town a few miles away from Lafayette to congratulate a radio station winner.  His prize?  Four of the top riders in IFMA came to his school to meet him and all of his fellow students.  About 60 kids were there and every one of them got autographs and photos with the riders.  We took Kenny Bell, Sean Nielsen, Derek Burlew and Jesse Jolson on the trip and while driving on the isolated back roads had our eyes peeled for the gators.  The plan was to make the youngest rider (Jesse) wrestle the gator right then and there, but luckily for Jesse and maybe the alligators- none were found so he was off the hook for another day.  Either way the kids from Estherwood Elementary had a great time and so did we.  Just shows that you can win cool stuff just by being a FMX fan! 

Lafayette was a great stop for sure.  The locals were really nice to us and they always made sure to say hello.  And this time we all stayed in a pretty new and clean hotel, always a dodgy prospect when doing shows in a smaller market.  Autograph lines were long since many of the fans were craving to be up close and personal with the riders.  The show went off great both nights with only two crashes to speak of. Sean Nielsen fell but got up okay on Friday and John Distler scorched his flesh sliding across the concrete floor but says he will be back in action next week in Richmond, VA. 

Impressive rider of the week for me?  Jesse Jolson.  The kid has heart and really rides to his full potential during the shows.  He has a lot more left in him and as he gets comfortable on the tour, he will be a rider to be reckoned with. 

I have been getting some great response from the “Ask the Announcer” email address (you can post your question to fmxannouncerman@live.com ) and pulled one out for   answering this week.  The question comes from Paul P. out of Columbus, GA which just happens to be our stop next week.  Paul asks, “What do the riders do for training?  Do they just ride around or do they do weightlifting, watch video or what?”  Kenny Bell from the Big Belly Crew replied with “Or what.”  John Distler had some more to add, “Since I hurt myself last summer, I have been doing physical therapy and going to a trainer to get back in shape.”  Some of the riders do try to build lots of muscle like Brody Wilson or Derek Cook.  It’s tough to toss a 240 lb. bike around forty-five feet up in the air.  Thanks for the question Paul. Get your questions in- and if I can swipe anything from the gear locker- I’ll give it to the best question.

Well, next week sends me to Columbus, GA.  That should be a good time and it will be another town I haven’t been to.  Don’t forget to join up with the Cross Club right on this website to get special deals available only to members and the best part- it’s free!