November 3, 2002

Once again, John Ortiz comes through with a successful grassroots contest to support the sport. Contests are one of the few times I get to see a lot of riders in one place. Unfortunately, that place was filled to capacity after the first ten or so riders arrived. This gym in Maplewood seems to get smaller every time I step through the door.

I still get that great feeling of excitement though. There is always a DJ spinning the latest hip-hop jams and always at least five riders practicing at the same time. Collisions are narrowly avoided every minute. Tight quarters aside, the gym has a great feel to it. The wooden floor is slick but smooth. If you learn any spinning trick on this floor, you'll probably do it ten times better when you get back on asphalt. And if you can find the bathroom, you should be given an award. Venturing down that dark corridor is like a bad scene from Nightmare on Elm Street.

Don't let the name of the contest fool you, there were no women competing this day. I don't suggest changing the name of the contest though. I like the idea of the invitation always being extended to female riders. All inclusive is the way to go for flatland. Also, the name King of Flatland has already been used for the contest series held in Manchester, NH from 1987-1992 (I look forward to it making a comeback one day).

Since flatland contests are few and far between, some riders will travel great distances to be with their kind. I was glad to see the Pergentiles and other familiar faces from the Great White North there. The turnout was pretty good with about 30 competitors total, 15 of whom were in the expert class. Congratulations go out to TJ Perry for scoring another win and apparently a free trip up to the pro class. Good for TJ, the pro class always needs more competitors. James Kennedy placed first in the pro class with his pedal hang 5's and pedaling time machines. I refuse to say blender because he is one of the few riders who does that trick standing up making it all the more difficult.

This will probably be the last contest in the northeast until next year. Thanks to John Ortiz and all the organizers of this contest. Thanks also to all the riders for coming to the contest. It was great to see all of you that day and I hope to see you at the next one.

Beginners 1. Isaiah Jordan 2. Steve Ballman (tie) 2. Justin Modessa (tie) 3. Dennis Yuroshek 4. Matt Young 5. Larry Shauer 6. Geoff Meade 7. Ariel Amory

Old School 1. Chris Poulos 2. Paul Vail 3. Dan OSD 4. Donald Osbourne 5. Geoff Meade 6. Larry Shauer

Expert 1. TJ Perry 2. Eric Effinger 3. Chris Pergentile 4. Adam Pergentile 5. David Debuono 6. Jeffrey McIntrye 7. Mark Harris 8. Cooley 9. Ron Baker 10. John Findlay 11. John Clemente Flex 12. Eric Jeter 13. Rob Wagner 14. Lee Mejia 15. Donald Osbourne

Pro 1. James Kennedy 2. Brian Chapman 3. Phillipp Früeh