This past weekend I got to check out and judge the Vans Am contest at "The Block" in Orange County along with guest judges Cory Nastazio and Gary Young
3 classes of 6yr- 15, 16yr up, and Advanced went to battle.
The kids shredded and I was definitely impressed with the riding level in all classes, from the 6yr old kid that blasted the 5 stair first trick and even nearly got some 360 flyouts, to the overall champ in Advanced class 15yr Premium bikes flow rider all the way from San Diego,Chad Kearly, who won the prelims the semi's and then stepping it up to take the final. Chad mixed up a lot of street moves on the course including a long manual line to bar down the 7 Stair set with confidence and ended it with a 180 bar off the bank to flat. Chad improves every time I see him.
Seeing an Am contest was great and the kids will remember the experience forever. Although the course at The Block is very skate influenced with small banks and ledges everywhere, the guys did a great job and made it fun to watch.
This was the first time for the Vans Am event in So Cal and Id say there will be another planed for next year. Haro and Premium hooked up some frames and parts for the top 3 in each class, and the kids also won a 1yr pass to the Vans Park.
Look for the video of the event on vitalbmx soon...
Mackay