On the third day Louisville rested. There was some energy on the BMX street course but most of the skaters attacked the half pipe like a vegetarian eats a hotdog. It could have been the Saturday night "Thunder over Louisville" or whatever they call their Kentucky Derby kickoff party. Nothing like a fireworks show to get the testosterone pumping and beer flowing. Kentucky's 4 a.m. last calls don't help the situation either. I saw a fight Saturday night where one guy had a firm hold on the other dude's mullet, slapped his white Oakley Blades off his face, and laid into his face with some serious Southern vengeance. I steered clear, jumping into a rental car with Dave Duncan, Chris Senn, Eric Wallis, and Donny Barley on their way to a local college bar Dave heard about. It was my first experience with the 'life of a pro' because I lied all night about being one to any girl that would listen. Donny came to my rescue once after my being called out by pulling out a fat uncashed sponsorship check and bling-blinging it in front of her face. What is it with the rock star syndrome? These guys can see more ass than a toilet seat, (though Chris played the good married guy and Donny acted like it was an everyday thing). By 4 a.m., I was good and twisted but sitting at a table alone with Eric because 'Mary Jo' decided my hands were too soft looking to be those of a guy who skates all day.

Patch knows pipe.

Lucky for me, the half pipe prelims didn't start till noon. With the low energy and the muggy heat, only a few riders ripped it in practice and stuck it in the comp. I went through 482 digital photos with 409 of them resulting in bailed airs. Blame it on the day, because the pros in attendance typically rule the pipe and don't slack when money is on the table. In the vert finals, Andy Macdonald stole the show and the cash, mastering every inch of the half. Macdonald pulled a massive Body Varial 540 that sold the crowd and locked up the contest. Canada's Max Dufor had a stellar run that allowed him to retain his second place standing from the prelims earlier in the day and walk away with a second place finish. Brian Patch, always the consistent rider, finished out the top three and took the Bronze.

Trophy in hand, Andy grabs some pizza.

After the comp, Steve Berra joined the crowd with some pre-adolescent high pitched "Andy!" callouts as the autograph mobbing went into full swing. Unlike the street contest from Saturday, there was none of the 'tackle the winners' from ESPN host Jason Ellis.

   Send to a friend  | Most sent  | Submit your photo or video