Best/Worst of 2009
Posted by Prashant - 26/12/09 at 11:12:11 am
Year after year we compile best/worst lists of the passing year from a collection of different people in the Ottawa BMX community, as well as assorted friends. I asked a bunch of people what they thought the best and worst things were of the last year to them, and these are their responses. Click below to read them.
Roland Labrecque Real Dad
Best
1. Finding a new gear. Mo faster.
2. Woodward trip.
3. Actually learning tricks not just doing them. (Read dialing them in …3)
Worst
1. Ottawa taking a hit as a fun place to BMX. The hate is funny when you are in on the joke but not at all otherwise.
2. BMX event =drunk.
3. Having your son tell you to go ride by yourself because he doesn’t feel like it. Is it just me? LOL
Tommy Hains Young Buck
Best
1. Ben Kaufmann’s crazy web video!
2. 39C-gar jam with a pretty sweet quarry session and Andrew Grant getting violated
3. People getting together to raise money for a box jump at Orleans park
4. Having Claude the molester as a coworker and Crazy Fucking Steve as a boss
5. Gatorade G2
Worst
1. Not going out to ride street as much as I should have
2. Jeremy Mendoer’s red jeans
3. Getting flats when you don’t have a spare tube because you gave yours to emo Josh and he’s too lazy to get you a new one (you still owe me!)
Jeremy Deme Ten Pack/Presence
Best
1. Luke Santucci’s first night out in Montreal/ prank phone call/ park brawl/ black eye/ drunken bike ride home
2. Presence Premiere/ Drunk in snow banks
3. Boston Vacation
4. 3L bottle of Appleton and all the good times that came with it
5. Vancouver/driving across Canada
Worst
1. Montreal rain summer
2. Dill’s farts
3. November in Vancouver, 30 days of rain
4. Hemsky getting injured
5. Hoder in jail
Rich Redmond Hate This
Best
1. 39C made it across Canada on a C-Gar roadtrip, a little bit of biking broke out here and there it would seem.
2. 39C puts together the warehouse Jam. All around good stuff and effort.
3. Orleans Fundaraiser jams, both succesful and fun in my opinion. Thanks to some great helping hands and riders actually showing up. I am proud of myself and the scene.
4. Also really proud of the far too long Hate This release. Pumped on myself once again.
5. Woodward trip – Short but wicked, especially when Roland is back on a bike killing it.
6. Learning new tricks. Never unhappy with that. Every year passes and I am convinced I hate met a wall in terms of learning new tricks and abilities. This is never the case and another year has passed with many tricks done. Other people never seem to stop progressing except for Jeff. He stuck with his same self from year 2000.
7. Ben Kaufmann is back in Ottawa and put us on the map for killing it an being a super pro. Yah Benny. Try not to fall with me dangling off your nuts.
8. Tommy is repaired?
9. Max Vincent finally makes his presence truly felt in Eastern Canada. And even then he was still pussy footing. Good job to Moxley for 2nd place of course. Taz contest.
10. Jorden replies to Chris’s 16mm film with his own version in Hi8 called “for sure”
11. Trails are alive and will probably have a good future until the death of the property.
12. Cockmaster stories are always fun
Worst
1. People come and go and unfortunately it’s never a really nice thing. Although I was super happy that one year when Underbite left Ottawa. That kid that used to train under Todd’s (Ted’s dickhead alter ego) regime was annoying too. Miss ya Ted.
2. Tommy has random crazy orgasms and can’t bike for a large part of the year. Big time Bummer.
3. People (Jorden) are always hurt or working. Especially the proles that work 9-5 mon-fri. Get a life, you wanna bmx?, you have to have wierd jobs people!
4. C-gars past the point of comedy.
5. Charlie still rides a MTB.
6. Ottawa is full of talkers and not nearly as many doers.
7. Ottawa trails are not nearly as fun as the Sudbury ones.
8. Jeff owes me money and this can be on his worst list cuz I ain’t paying him for the hair bet. Fuck You!
Jorden Guth Coma
Best
1. White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping and Sky Diving! FUCKING EPIC!
2. Hate This premiere and all the partying surrounding it
3. Not-so-Metro weekend! RUTHLESSSSSSSS!! And somehow not getting arrested through everything
4. Leaving Kyle on the bus after a night of drinking only to have him chasing after my truck about 30 minutes later after he woke up and had to cab back to 39c from Barrhaven
5. Trails,road trips, the 39c jam, Finding/riding the GT ramp, pool riding, and pool hoping. Good times
Worst
1. Tommy having to take some time off riding
2. Knee Problems for a bunch of different people
3. Not going on the Vancouver road trip
4. The extremely unhealthy amount of smoking going on
5. No overseas traveling
6. Pissing leland off after he gave us a place to stay
Kyle Lafleur 39C Alumni
Best
1. Living at 39C: So many funny time, good nights of drinking, Jeff being a jackass, Boudreau being a loud mouth hard ass. Drinking all of Karls beer. All the challenge’s that happened and all the ones I failed at. Having ramps in the garage, main entrance and backyard was pretty awesome. Fuck 206 and what they call a “BMX” house. The 39C jam was a good time, it was nice to ride those ramps out of our yard. Not to metion Jeffs mission for pools in the spring was pretty fun, I never rode pools before but that guy got me hooked. It was nice to do much more then just riding as Sudbury doesn’t always have that option. White water rafting, bungee jumping and sky diving are things that I will never forget and really want to do again. All though it was a riding trip the trip to Vancouver was absolutly epic. We rode a bunch but we also did a bunch of other awesome stuff…camping in the rockies, zip lining, gondola rides, good beer and just being in Vancouver in general was a highlight of the year “For Sure”. BOUDREAU: “Thats a for sure”. There was also plenty of trips to Montreal and other local parks, a few local camping trips, a party with some trains. All in all we made a loy of shit happen for being as lazy and useless as we can be.
2. $120.00 in empties in about 3 1/2 months. Must of been some good some good nights of drinking
3. Weeks with Andrew Gobbo, that dude is something else and will definitely give you a different out look on life. Most straight edge dude I know but always wants to party. Theres always a party in his head. If you ever want the best pizza in Vancouver just get in touch with this man, he’ll gladly go for a slice.
4. Dead bone in my wrist: I’m trying to look on the positive side of the injury. Riding with this injury cause me to progress in a different direction this summer, dial in some tricks I wouldn’t have ever dialed it had my wrist been good and learned a lot of fun nib jib tricks I may have never learned. It wasn’t the best thing but I still had fun and it could have been worse.
5. Tommy Hains: This kid has had some major problems this year, about 8 seizures and being diagnosed as being Epileptic, and has been kept inside off his bike and out of school for the last 3 – 4 months. We all know Tommy loves nothing more then to ride his bike.
Worst
1. Living at 39C: Theres always another side to the story. Despite having done all that this summer 39Classy wasn’t always the best place to be. I learned to drink A LOT (Not sure if that goes in with the good or the bad). The motivation in that house most days was slim to none, especially if we were trying to get riding or anything happening in Ottawa, calling people to ride was a chore. If we wanted to do a day trip somewhere there would be a little more motivation but calling people was still a chore, there would usually be enough people in the house for a trip and we’d leave everyone else hanging dry. The house got damn dirty…5 bmxers (9 Bikes), people always over and the guy on the couch. The bathrooms were something else at times. That place gets hot as hell in the summer…and we didn’t even really have a summer this year. Shit talk about building a snow bike is going to go on and on like the song that never ends. Lets not even talk about fruit flys and god dammit Jeff get a hair cut and take a shower.
2. $120.00 in empties in about 3 1/2 months. Were all border line alcoholics.
3. 3 weeks with Andrew Gobbo. Again the dude is rad, but having never met him before this and having no idea what I was getting in to. The guy is all over the map and you never know what he’s got coming next. I’m not saying it was a terrible 3 weeks but i’ll just be more prepared next time.
4. Dead bone in my wrist: Despite still having fun this summer, I didn’t progress the way I wanted to. I didn’t ride as much/hard because of it and sometimes sitting at a spot wanting to do a trick I know would hurt like hell if I did it almost killed me at times. Going full blast at woodward wasn’t an option and doing lots of barspins wasn’t an option. God damn I miss barspins.
5. Tommy Hains: He’s starting to get better, he’s on medication and will be taking a few courses in school next semester. Hopefully he can join us all in the spring when riding starts up again. Get well Tommy.
Dr. Wade Nelson BMX Veteran
Best:
1. Going to California: Back in the late winter, I got to go to the invite-only Old-School Reunion at Woodward West. While I was there, I got to ride with my old heroes from the 1980s, and many friends that I met during the 1990s. Very cool. Chatting with Eddie Fiola, Brian Blyther, Mike Dominguez, Dave Voelker, and too many more to list. At the big party, Stefan Prantl (founder of We The People) introduced me to Bob Haro and told him that I had done my Ph.D. on BMX freestyle. Bob was psyched, and we chatted for 40 minutes. Awesome. An audience with the pope.
2. Milestone: This has been my 30th year BMXing. Yup, got my first bicycle motocross bike in 1980. Take it.
3. Mags: Ron Wilkerson had graphite Skyway Tuff Wheels made for his 25th Anniversary Pork bike with a cassette hub which is compatible with Odyssey / Joytech parts. So now you can run micro-gearing with stiff, sealed bearing mag wheels. That is, if you buy the whole bike. Ron hooked me up with a set without the bike, however. That’s right, I’m rocking mags for 2010. They are heavier than my spoked wheels, yes, and you can’t run foldable tires on them because they don’t have a bead / groove to hold the tires in place, but they sure look cool.
4. Chrome: I’m psyched to be on Kink frames now. Zack is an old friend, and he gave me a great deal on chrome and a white 20” frames (Farside / Doyle). I also am rocking chrome bars, and Profile has helped me out with two pair of chrome cranks. Chris at Core here in Toronto is getting a pair of 990 forks chromed for me, too. Retiring the P.K. Ripper.
5. Living with Harley: Lots of BMX and guitars at our place. Six bikes, about 20 guitars.
6. My interview in Momentum magazine
7. Book: I have a book contract with a publisher in the states. Guess the subject matter.
Worst:
1. Being kicked out of BMX three times this year: no details permitted.
2. Bob Haro may be offended: I sent him a copy of my Ph.D., and I’m worried he doesn’t like this one section.
3. Two trips to the ER this year for stitches: One set of three to the knee, another set of three to the face. Much damage caused by the 20” this year. Wait – the face stitches were actually from trying flail boomerangs in the dark on my commuter bike!
3. KHE Anchor bars: Second worst product fail for me in 30 years. Flexed sideways about two inches. Returned to Kink Badger bars. Worst: I tried Odyssey Twisted PC pedals back in the mid 1990s (1996?), and one snapped in half in 20 minutes.
4. Eclat brake levers: Third worst fail. The pins in the hinges bent on installation. Garbage. Returned to Tech 77s.
5. BMX Freestyle: Just continually bummed that we have let the big corporations buy their way in to BMX. This is a generational thing. Fifteen years ago we resisted. A company is not cool because they buy their way in. Conversely, I think that some of the rider-owned companies have blown it, too. Fashion over function, marketing over design, new colour-ways instead of new products. You are a BMXer because you ride, not because you consume BMX products.
6. I’m getting old: I can’t relate to the youngsters anymore. See above. Everyone should have to quit BMX by 21 years old. 38 year olds complaining about what 15 year olds are doing for fun is just silly.
7. Didn’t learn tailwhips for the 30th year in a row.
Harley Haskett Ten Pack/Rad Dude
Best:
1. Re-session Tour – The Re-session Tour was definitely one of the best parts of 2009 for me. I had the chance to roll through so many cities between Montreal and Vancouver, got to spend a lot of time with some great people, meet new friends, and just have fun riding bikes. Seeing Greg Flag check his ‘wrist watch’ on dancefloors from Montreal to Kelowna never got old!
2. Cliff Jumping – This one is pretty much self-explanatory because cliff jumping is amazing no matter what and 2009 saw a lot of it. The quarry in Ottawa is one of the best places ever and seeing Chris Martindale throw some of the most amazing looking gayners off of the cliff was nothing short of impressive. In Penticton I saw Dirty Dillon Lloyd toss the slowest fronties off of one of the biggest cliffs I’ve jumped off. I’m pretty sure cliff jumping will be on my ‘Best/Worst Of’ lists for a long time!
3. Good People – This is a personal thing for sure but 2009 was a great year for spending time with, being involved in great things with, or just meeting some amazing people. From all of the traveling I did, to playing music, to just hanging out and getting wild, this past year was filled with some genuinely righteous people. Except Dillon Lloyd of course, that kid’s a shithead! Haha!
Worst:
1. Falling hats – I’ve taken a bit of heat for my stance on this one, and it’s definitely not something new for 2009 but I’ve noticed it WAY too much this year. As far as I’m concerned, if your crisp New Era hat or saggy beanie gets tossed off of your head while you spin down that 5 set, it doesn’t count. If I were a TM I’d make someone re-film the clip with either no hat or one that’s 1/8″ smaller. Seriously, the majority of Stay Fit didn’t count in my opinion…
2. Turndowns on street – This is definitely not a new phenomenon for 2009, I’ve just noticed them a lot more this year, and noticed how much I want to vomit every time I see one. Sure, there are dudes out there who can click them on street, and that’s all well and good. However, if the options are a letdown on an 8 set or a proper turndown over a nice set of doubles, I’ll take the latter, thank you very much!
3. Anonymous – I don’t really know who this dude is but he’s pissed a lot of people off in 2009. According to message boards and blog comments (not just within BMX), the guy doesn’t like anything at all! Seriously, if you have something to say, grow a set and put your name to it. I’ll respect someone a thousand times over if they’re not afraid to speak their mind without the use of a pseudonym.
Brandon Lalonde Enthusiastic Amateur
Best:
1. Pepsi contest at Taz. Contests are always fun, especially when it motivates people to try new/amazing tricks.
2. Orleans boxjump fundraisers (race and orleans jam). Both occasions were amazing times. I hope these kind of events become a regular occurance in Ottawa. Thanks Rich, Chris, Tommy, Steve, and anyone else who helped out.
3. Roadtrips! This year I was able to go to X-dreams (RIP) and woodward. BMX is all about having a great time with your friends.
4. Trails! The local trails got a huge facelift this year, thanks to a number of people. I am looking forward to getting back there in the spring and making them even better.
5. Pools. Enough said.
Worst:
1. MTB’s still trying to BMX. Just switch already. No brakes+no shocks+big wheels = gayer than eating semen on your morning cereal.
2. Watching a friend go through an injury/illness is always tough. This year Tommy had a rough ride. He is such a great friend and rider… we are all looking forward to riding with you again Tommy!
Jose Bray Joe Mamma
Best:
1. New Bigger Store!
2. New Pup (Hunter)
3. Friends help!
4. Re-session Tour
5. Steamwhistle sponsoring Joe Mamma Move!
6. Better completes/lower prices!
7. Prashant/Jay/Anne-Marie/Eric/Cameron/Ben/Matt/Tom/Ryan – Aka Joe Mamma Staff!
8. Ottawa riders killing it
9. My wife still putting up with me
10. Most important – Ottawa Bmx community support!
Worst:
1. Maillot passing – RIP
2. Having to find a new location
3. Not enough riding
4. Mtb movies that are still trying to be BMX
Prashant Gopal Yo, Sick
Best:
1. Yo, Sick – After always thinking of making one, I finally stopped procrastinating and started making my own zine, and successfully put out one a season. As an evolving work in progress, I hope to do some bigger and better things with Yo, Sick in the new year.
2. Community Events – One of the best things about the scene we have in Ottawa are the community events we put on. Hate This premiere, Capital Cup, 39C BBQ Jam, Orleans Jam, Race Night, Halloween Jam. 2009 had plenty of great events that showcased riding, raised funds, and brought lots of people in the community out and embodied the DIY spirit of the scene.
3. Spots – This year was amazing for finding, discovering, and riding spots in Ottawa. Countless pools discovered by Jeff and drained with the help of lots of people. A certain water park that barged and slides and tunnels ridden. Secret rock trannies. A barrier that was quick-creted. Spots all over Ottawa and Hull that were discovered and sessioned. Hopefully this spirit carries on to 2010 and skateparks don’t remain as the status quo of riding in Ottawa.
Worst:
1. Injuries – 2009 saw some pretty serious injuries from people in our own scene. Chris Bryan’s extremely scary head injury, as well as Tommy Hains’ condition. It’s never fun to see your friends in rough shape, and is a reminder to how vulnerable we all are.
2. Time – There never seems to be enough of it when you have lots to do, and too much of it when you don’t have much going on. In hindsight there are always things I wish I had done more off, and done less of in the last year.
3. Always being the last to finish these lists.
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Prashant you have got to send me that picture!!!
fucking awesome read.
Comment by Jorden — December 31, 2009 #
Wow! So many lists this year. Awesome!!!
Comment by Roland — December 31, 2009 #
I always forget things, like skydiving, pool riding, white water rafting, motocross, and chris bryan defintely tops my worst list. funk.
Comment by Rich Red — January 1, 2010 #
yeah i forgot the white water rafting until the last second too. oh well. we should just do it again next year and then add it to that list. haha.
Comment by Landozine — January 1, 2010 #