CHARLIE BOWERS HAS THE BIGGEST BAG OF TRICKS AT RED BULL TRICK OR TREAT

Oct 26, 2008

Written by Bart de Jong

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With nearly two thousand fans looking on, Charlie “Monkey” Bowers proved he was the ghost with the most at Red Bull Trick or Treat. Over 30 BMX riders competed for $4,000 worth of prizes on a course consisting of Halloween-themed obstacles, from a 22ft. coffin-shaped box jump, to a tombstone wallride and hand-painted grind boxes complete with cobwebs, bones and bats as decoration. A familiar face from the X Games, Brian Kachinsky set the scene, suggesting it was contest ghosts (those who rarely are seen competing) versus contest goblins (those who destroy the contest scene). Charlie Bowers may have never competed on national TV, but he showed his tricks were prime time, blasting huge airs over the quarter pipe, nailing a vader foot jam and 540 hurricane on the sub box and an icepick grind on the wallride. He humbly described his feelings upon winning against big time BMX pros, “I couldn’t imagine it, I have no idea how it happened. Everyone out here rode amazing.” Guest judge and BMX vert legend Kevin Robinson gave some insight to his win, “Charlie put so much energy into every run he had, he just really stood out.”

Second place was claimed by barspin master Garrett Reynolds, who impressed the crowd with tricks like his 720 bunnyhop to flat off the coffin, and a no handed 360 wallride. He also got into the Halloween spirit by painting his face like a skeleton, which was an added bonus for him. “It was fun, I like dressing up. It made for a good vibe. With the jam format, you just ride around and do your thing. It’s the way BMX should be.”

Best trick was decidedly won by Kevin Porter, who blasted a 360 whip off the side of the ramp and over the course railing to flat ground. He joked after the contest that he did the trick into the crowd because, “It was time to leave!”

The historic Rochester Main Street Armory, an early 1900’s building that is rumored to be haunted, was the perfect setting for a contest with plenty of spirit. This Halloween, when someone asks Charlie Bowers “Trick or Treat?,” he can say that he officially has both.

Final Results
1. Charlie Bowers - $1200
2. Garrett Reynolds - $800
3. Bruno Hoffmann - $600
4. Pat Laughlin - $500
5. Joe Riley - $400

Best Trick: Kevin Porter, 360 whip over railing to flat - $500