Archive for July, 2009

Update from the Voodoo Jam sessions!

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Last night I took the Japanese riders to my indoor spot for a late night riding session! It was pretty funny. They were not happy at first with the slippery surface so they hand cleaned the entire floor. The floor was perfect after that and we had a really cool session. Today we are back at my house just chilling and getting ready for another late night practice session. Mickey Gaidos and Bobby Carter are now in route to my house because of-course they will join the fun riding tonight! O yeah, I almost forgot. Before we ride tonight Vanessa is cooking some New Orleans style Jambalayla for everyone!

Session at the Crib with the Japanese!!

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

This Morning we had a session on my personal slab! so much fun!!  Hiroshi is the teacher. We are his students.

Some Japanese riders arrive for Voodoo Jam

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Today Hiroshi and Youhei along with 2 other riders arrived in New Orleans for the Voodoo Jam. I took them to eat at Raising Canes and now we are back at my house just chilling. Maybe going out for a session if they want. Riders from all parts of the globe are already invading the city getting ready for the final stop of the world circuit!

The Japanese riders brought me some gifts from the land of the rising sun. Stoked!

 

Voodoo Jam coming soon!!!

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

The Voodoo Jam contest in New Orleans is just 6 days away!! This year it is the final stop of the world circuit so we will crown a world champion! Amazing! Riders from around the world begin to fly in tomorrow. This is definitely going to be a contest that will go down in the history books. I will keep you posted as we get closer to the event!

Landed another cover of the Dans catalog!!

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

I just landed another cover of the Dans comp catalog. That’s 2 covers in one month. I am stoked! You should see yours in the mail soon!

Results, Club demo, and now sick at home

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Well I made it to the finals which was head to head battles and wound up winning my first battle against Hiro, My second battle was against some Japanese rider I had never heard of. I rode really good with only 1 touch and I  guess the judges thought he rode better than me. I lost that battle and wound up getting 7th place. But honestly I rode so well I was just stoked on my run and now getting super pumped for the finals in new Orleans!

After the conest was over and Matty was crowned the winner we went to a club in Kanazawa where we had a world battle planned. The battle was between me, Viki, Mathias,  against York and Hiro. The club was packed watching the battle  and we won over the crowds applause and took the title for the world battle! We beat the Japan team!

After the Club shows York and I headed directly to the airport to drop me off.  He decided to stop off on the way to end my trip with a relaxing talk at the Katmasu river beach front. The trip really made me realize just how special it is to have friends all over the world that will take care of you. Thanks York for everything.

I returned home on Monday and I came down with a very bad sickness. I am guessing it was from all the traveling, riding, and maybe not drinking enough water. So right now I have a bad fever, hot and cold chills, and very weak stomach and along with a  bunch of other illnesses I would rather not speak of. So now I have canceled my trip to Chicago and my plan is to get well and prepare for Voodoo Jam! 10 more days to the last stop of the flatland world Circuit! See you there!

 

 

 

KOG contest update

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

I just walked out to the hotel to go resister for the contest and they had over 100 riders at the practice area.!!  pretty insane how big flatland is in Japan. Congrats to Yasu, York, Takashi, and everyone else that has been organizing  the King Of Ground contests here in  Japan over the last 10 years. They have really done an excellent job on keeping riders motivated and growing the scene in their country. Walking to the registration booth I met some girl riders and a little kid rider!

 Girls that ride flatland!

 I can not wait to see this kid bust out today!

 

Crazy video shoot with Red Bull Japan!

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

 Yesterday Red Bull Japan organized a filming trip for all the Red Bull flatland riders..  We found some crazy spots and had some funny sessions. Red Bull Japan should be making a web edit of the trip soon. I will make sure to post it when it is available. I hung out with Martti all day and shared stories about life, Michael Jackson, and the future of flat!

Martti Listening to MJ and getting a little upset..

 The contest is today.. should be an awesome event. So many great riders here and the venue looks awesome!! I will keep you posted!

 

 

Off To Japan For KOG

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

I’m off to Japan for the second round of KOG, which is also the second stop of this year’s Flatland World Circuit.I’ve been riding really hard every day and am feeling great, so wish me luck!