Steve Crandall outfitted in something you’d expect to see if he was playing shuffleboard. White pants, collared shirt and looking every part that of the circus ringleader he is. The premise of the event was simple. Set up a swap meet, run a best trick contest for a new FBM frame and some sweet prizes and just have a good time. I can assure you, all of those things happened today. There was a loose theme of “beachwear” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (a bit of an odd combination, but hey it’s FBM, would you expect any less?)
I asked Joel Barnett a couple of questions about the event. First off, how did you come up with the concept of this event?Joel: In mid-winter, Jake Hamlin and I threw a little jam at East Shore, called the "Winter Fiesta". We didn't have any prizes, but encouraged people to show up with fiesta themed clothes and food. It ended up being a really good turnout and Steve (Crandall) approached me about doing another jam when the weather warmed up. The idea was to create a laid-back, fun-filled environment that everyone could meet up with friends and have a great time!
The theme of the event included a "beach/hawaiian" theme or "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and I saw both being represented at the event. How do you figure TMNT and beachwear go together? Joel: Haha! I guess I never thought about the two ideas being relevant to each other, but I guess they are. I remember playing a TMNT video game as a kid and I think the first level was a beach boardwalk, so maybe that's where I thought of it. Also, they used the phrase "Cowabunga" which I've always related to surfing for whatever reason. If I were a TMNT, I'd always be at the beach!
What was your favorite part of the event? Joel: The countless smiles. It was awesome to walk around every corner and see groups of people smiling. Some were smiling because they were hanging out with old friends and some were smiling because people were launching themselves off a kicker ramp in a gravel parking lot. BMX contests, to me, have always been about the friends you share them with, not the tricks that happened. On a side note, I really enjoyed watching Alex Hetrick ninja drop out of the rafters!
Nineteen riders competed in the best trick contest and there were some bangers. Recent addition to the FBM Flow Team, Vince Smith, took the best trick with a fakie walliride (to the ceiling) followed by a huge footjam to luc-e and 270 out. For his efforts he was rewarded with a new FBM frame and plenty of beach themed prizes including his own se
t of coconuts! Connecticut rider Eric Hennessey came close with a heel clicker to no footed can can over the box jump. Chris Squadrito pulled a wallride to 540 tailtap to icepick to fakie. Chris is an incredible street rider but today he looked at home in a park setting. Akin Francis aka “X” impressed the spectators with a whip off the vert wall. Buffalo rider Jack Hartje nailed a 270 to tire stall to fakie on the sub box. “Tough Guy” award goes to Alex Hetrick for a ninja drop from the rafters. That really was intense. 
Other highlights included 7 year old Clint Baker (Kelly Baker’s son) and 10 year old Freedom rider “Little Larry” Hatter battling head to head in a long jump contest over gravel off a pretty sketchy kicker. These two little guys competed for a pile of prizes that grew bigger as the drinks flowed. Both walked away with a lot of loot! The long jump contest got a bit more intense when riders long jump-360’d for prizes. Jake Hamlin ended up winning top honors but not without first getting some serious gravel burns.
I am
proud to be involved in the Upstate NY BMX scene. After attending the “Upstate Fiasco” at East Shore Skate Park, I am convinced more than ever that our local scene is alive and well. BMX is always about riding your bike, hanging with friends and having fun. Take your bike out today, send it and think of us in NY. I know we’ll be doing just that! Susan Linerode
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.