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Wichita, Kansas was the location of the next performance of the Pro Impact Stunt Team. I had been working on these shows for 3 months or so, had the portable trailer ramps in place as well as the team. We were just waiting for January 18th, 19th & 20th to get here!
Unfortunately, due to problems with someone else snaking the ramps out from under me, I was left with a dilemma. The original ramps I toured the country with, that I own were in desperate need of repair. Lack of money and time prevented the use of these, so it was off to plan B.
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| I have worked with Bob Kohl and his team "Ride -N- Grind" for many years, so he was the first call. Thanks to Bob, it was going to happen, but not without a little manipulation on his ramps. These were built for BMX'ers, which means the 1/2 inch plywood lips, weren't too big of a deal for them, but we had to make it skateboarder and inliner friendly. So, dilemma #2 presents itself. Actually, it was not too big of a deal. Thanks to Frank Cremona of sk8tramps.com, I got some metal plates. That along with a fresh layer of masonite, would make this 8-foot tall ¼ pipe, 4-½ foot tall jump box set up somewhat rideable for all. But, of course that wasn't enough, after arriving in Kansas, $400.00 later at the Home Depot, we built a spine ramp from scratch. Complete with plastic PVC coping cut in half. Just like we rode in the 80's! |
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Problem #3. I will not talk about too much, but just involved an extra rider from Chicago, that proved to get on everyone's nerves within the first day, but that's all I'll say. So, we had 3 shows a day, Friday-Sunday at "Darryl Starrbirds Exotic Car Show". We had done this event 2 years ago, so it all was too familiar. We were right in front of a stage, and had very minimal space, worse was the landing room, which is somewhat important when your back flipping your bike, landing at 20 miles an hour with a big 'ol country music station van is in your way! None the less, we made it work, close calls and all. The ramps set up worked pretty well. |
| The jump box has no deck, a 4-1/2 foot launch, with a gap of death in between measuring almost 12 feet. After trying my hardest in practice to get speed to clear it on my skateboard, 11 or so tries later I made it. But, after we shortened it to around 7 feet, all was well. I could land 'em every time.Trick highlights include Jason Richard (InLine Skating) pulling a back flip over the jump box for the first time since 1998. Bob Kohl's (BMX) back flip between Jason and I in a triples trick over the spine, I managed to finger flip the spine and ho ho plant the 1/4 pipe. Joe Tecca (BMX) blasting his signature big airs on the 1/4 pipe while Billy Gawrych (BMX) blew 'em away with his flatland, even though he had no space to ride in! Also props to Randy Feroni (BMX) in not completely destroying the very expensive rental P.A. system! |
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So, the shows went great, everyone was happy and we go back for the same car show in Oklahoma City the end of February! Stayed tuned for pics and coverage. Maybe even a few Mullet pics too! = Jeff Ferris
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