Baco-a-go-go is coming up shortly. It's happening in Florida this year and the two main man behind it (Freimuth and DeGroot) are ready for it. Are you?
What's the deal with Baco-a-gogo?
Freimuth: Baco-a-go-go is our annual halloween bike comp. We started it at area 51
skatepark in 2000, mainly as a reason for our friends to come visit us to ride bikes and party hard. Since then we've just tried to make it bigger and better every year. We finally decided that Florida was the place to do it because of Chad's amazing new park and the weather is always perfect.
DeGroot: This will be our fifth year doing it. It's more or less a Pro Jam. We set up this format to make it like your riding with all your friends. Then it spawned the best trick and title for the year. Josh Nenza received it last year with a 450 to ice pick on the hitching post. He brought home $1000 cash. The funny thing is that the first one we had. Dave had an idea to put a hitching post on the course. People went ape shit. That is how that obstacle all began. Now we have it at everyone. Has it been the same crew putting those events on?
Freimuth: Yep, Chad and I with the help of a few others have always been in charge.
The venue may have changed, but the meaning is always the same.
DeGroot: Mostly. Rye, Freimuth, and myself. Now its just Dave and me.
How important do you feel is having a laugh at events instead of trying to qualify for the final?
Freimuth: Having a laugh is the only reason to go. If it weren't for seeing friends, riding bikes during the day, and partying the nights away what would be the point?
DeGroot: You can't help but laugh at this. It's Halloween and everyone is dressed up all day and mainly at night. It adds a relaxed atmosphere. Last year Scooby Doo rode the whole day and did some of the best tricks and lines.
What can people expect when they go to the Mesh park at the end of October?
Freimuth: A full-blown, double barrel, bmx party-to-go!
DeGroot: They can expect to sweat a little bit more than in Wisconsin. It has been a hot one this year. But, what it comes down to is that my park hasn't been properly sessioned. We only have half of it open right now. It will be the end of Sept before we finish. I took all the ramps from Mission and reasemblemed them with endless lines. I really think people are going to freak out on how the place flows.
What's the fuss about winning this Motorcycle?
Freimuth: No fuss really... UGP is puttin' up a brand new honda 85cc motorcycle for best trick first place. We just thought as long as dudes are killin' themselves trying their hardest shit, the least we could do is give them a proper reward. And why not the biggest, best toy we could think of?
DeGroot: Money is cool. But why not change it up a little. Second place is $1000. So if you don't want the bike, get second.
Is the party part handled?
Freimuth: You have to ask?
DeGroot: We have teamed up with three bars, Red Bull, and UGP to get the night life going. What is funny is that its Halloween and we really don't need to get the party started. We just want to save people some $. We are also having food everyday for free. BBQ style. Baco wants to treat the rider to two days of fun.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.