October 2, 2004 — York, PA
Story & photos by Brian Chapman
The longest running annual flatland jam in the world still proves to be the premier meeting ground for flatlanders from across the country. This year's jam was held on October 2nd, which was a nice change of pace to the normally sweltering York summer. Although the turnout wasn't as large as past years, there were still around 75 to 100 riders hanging out at the aging lot behind the Queensgate Mall. The threat of rain made many riders wary of making the long journey.
It's unfortunate that a poor lot will keep riders from coming to York, but it's a fact that flatlanders can be very particular about the surface they ride on. I feel as though the York jam is just as much about meeting up with friends you only get to see once or twice a year as it is about riding. Rumor has it that the Plywood Hoods are scoping a new location for next year. Since this is such a long-running event, I hope they're able to find a suitable location. Not having a York Jam in 2005 would definitely make for an incomplete riding year.
The Plywood Hoods were in attendance and quite active as well. Mark Eaton was on hand selling the highly anticipated Dorkin' in York DVD box set and York Jam 2004 t-shirts. Brett Downs was (to the best of my knowledge) the main organizer of this year's jam and deserves props for taking on that responsibility. He also trucked in the Porta-Jawn for some box jump fun (unfortunately not so much fun for Adam Pergantile). Flatland living legend Kevin Jones was there as well riding throughout the day on an old red Hoffman Big Daddy (I guess that old frame still has some kick left in it).
As always the jam was well worth the drive and if you didn't go or have never been, you should definitely hit it up in 2005. There aren't a whole lot of flatlanders in the world. Often times it's the case that there's only one in an entire city. The feeling of pulling into that lot and seeing it swarming with flatlanders is truly unique and almost essential experience for a flatlander, if just to confirm that you're not crazy for getting on that little bike everyday to ride for hours at a time just to learn a trick.
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