Well Now What?

Seems I was just writing about having two weeks off from the road and then having to cover some shows.  Okay, I was just writing about that two weeks ago, but now the list of chores at home is longer, the weeds taller and the shop needs some additional care to get all caught up again.  In the meantime, I will answer some of your questions, give some news and maybe just rant on some things. 

First question is from Rebecca V. from Tacoma, Washington.  She asked, “Who builds the ramps, sets up the shows and does all the behind the scenes work?”  That is an easy one Rebecca.  Elves.  Yes, elves and their elven magic help set things up using pixie dust and all that.  No- just kidding.  Seriously, just joking.  The ramps get built by guys that are usually former riders themselves and friends of theirs.  The IFMA buys them and uses them at the shows. Most of the takeoffs are the same to give the riders some sense of security.  It’s nice to know what a ramp is going to do to you and bike before hucking the both 70 feet away to an awaiting landing.  Landings are a different story.  IFMA owns a few that were purchased from Shane Trittler.  Shane is some old guy that supposedly rode at one time and hangs with the Metal Mulisha a lot.  Not much is known about him, maybe he is an elf?  Many riders also have portable landings that IFMA will use.  The only tough thing about that is some of them are of dubious quality and rarely do they have a match, which can really make a rider think twice about what tricks they pull on which set ups.  This answers Terrance F. question, “In the FMX show in Knoxville, I noticed that Brody Wilson and J(J) Romans only flipped one ramp-why?”   Terrance also commented on my shoes, which are some sweet Etnies I came across- thanks Terrance.

Speaking of the show in Knoxville, the morning practice saw one of favorite road trip buds get injured.  Derek Cook OJ’d (meaning over jumped according to the Stemsters Dictionary of All Things Cool and Uncool) and felt the crushing force applied to his back that most feel when you land flat from 45 feet in the air.  On his next hit, while rolling up to the ramp he felt a pop and was in excruciating pain.  Derek wanted to try and ride the show but we all convinced him to get it checked out first, a back problem is nothing to mess with and can end your career if not taken care of properly.  Derek had this to say, “Man, I want to ride but you guys keep hassling me about it.  I want to apologize to any fans of mine for not being able to ride and help the show.  I need to get this fixed so I can get back quick.”  Yes you do Derek- Now do it because I said so! 

Cory,

You guys put on a great show last night here in Knoxville! We brought our seven year old and he loved it. You guys really got the crowd hot once JJ broke out the first flip. He and Brody were really on their game, and you are a brave soul for laying down for Geoff like you did, especially the "split". It almost looks like he got your legs a bit on one the short hops. 

One question... what was the song that Casey was riding to (I think it was Casey, maybe not)? It had the "Whoooa oh oh whoa" chorus in it.

Thanks, and we're looking forward to a return visit! Great night with great memories.This was our first show, but definitely won't be the last.

Bryan

Bryan- I am glad you guys enjoyed the show.  I came away from that one pretty pumped and so did all the riders- you fans really rocked them hard.  Thanks for the props with Geoff.  I trusted him from the first time I worked with him to do those tricks.  Trouble is, everytime we work together, he gets more confident and wants to find more ways to terrify me and entertain you!
  As far as the song that Casey Higgins rode to, that was "Bro Hymn" from Pennywise.  There are quite a few recordings available both live and studio- and I gotta say I truly only remembered since Pennywise is one of my favorite all time bands.  If you liked that song you will like the rest.  JJ and Brody also wanted to thank you for the ups and said to try and look them up next time the tour rolls through. 

By the way Knoxville, did you know that FMX is coming to Nashville very soon?  The riders will be different, so it will be a whole new show- get you tickets quick!