February 2004 - Braun Flatground 2004, Amsterdam, Netherlands
It takes a lot to organize a good contest. After last weekend we don't have to explain that to Michiel Verberg of Soulcycle. The Braun Flatground comp was very well organized but to give you an idea of what is needed to make it work I'll give you a list with a few things that need to be taken care of:
1. Find facility
2. Find heaters for the facility
3. Find music for the facility
4. Find lights for the facility
5. Check on a TV production company and answer all their questions
6. Find sponsors and make sure they come through.
7. Print contest T-shirts
8. Print posters & flyers
9. Make website with all info
10. Organize place to stay for riders
11. Pick up/drop off riders
12. Rent food/drinks trailer
13. Hire security
14. Buy wood for a smooth flatland floor
15. Hire breakdancers for extra entertainment
16. Rent stands so people can sit
17. Make sure banners are up in the right spots
18. Buy big screen for rider info + clock so crowd can check the info
19. Order trophies
20. Make sure paychecks are ready
21. Organize parties
22. Invite press
23. Find judges
24. Set up registration
25. Hire an announcer
26. Find people to set up and take down the place
Michiel sure did have help from friends but basically he organized the Braun Flatground contest all by himself. During the event he stated that he was almost dead and ready for a vacation. If you have to organize all of the above it is understandable.
Renato the Flatland Ninja will write a contest report so if you are waiting to hear who did what, find Renato's story. Paul wrote an article about the KGB release party that took place on Friday night in Bitterzoet.
With this write up I just wanted to give mad props to Michiel/Soulcycle for putting on the event and bringing the flatland world to Holland. With 45 pros present from all over the world we'll have to see if the RedBull Circle of Balance part 2 can top this contest.
If you think Flatland is dead, think again.
Bart
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.