Saturday morning’s meeting was packed, and focused on everything from judging, to ramp size, to obstacles on the ramp. Mat Hoffman presented some new ideas for competition format, in addition to some drawings of a possible 2007 X Games vert ramp. All in all, the gathering was a good way to get the new faces in the same room with the veterans, and see what the future holds for vert riding. 
When the meeting was over, the attention shifted to the ramp for some fun sessions. There was one heated competition, though: Dave Brumlow and Dennis McCoy were bent on bettering each other’s no-handers… into the foam. I won’t say who came out ahead, as it’s a bit subjective, but I will note that Dennis tends to land his no-handers closer to fakie, than 180. In Dennis’ defense, Brumlow likes to land his flairs upside down, so I guess it’s a wash. They are foam pit equals. 
New faces Zack Warden and Jean Marie Bartsch were killing the ramp all weekend. Zack has been making a name for himself already, and I’m sure we’ll hear more from Jean Marie very soon. Zack has moved himself from St. Louis to Woodward, and has added several feet of height to his already high airs. At 17, and half the age of some of the top riders in vert, Zack has a lot of time ahead of him. Jean Marie impressed everyone with a smooth style, and a great attitude. Did this gathering change the future of vert riding? Probably not. But it did get a dialogue started, and it did get the old and the new together on the ramp, for a few days of fun. Hopefully it happens more often!
-Jared Souney
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.