JUDGES
Josh Orr | Brandon Wolferman |Eric Halferty |Nate Hecke
Words: Rich Hoppe | Photos: Teddy Pieper – Matt Hakey
The stage was set once again in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the 6th annual “Battle for Midwest BMX” amatuer contest series brought to you by Wonder Wheels BMX and Hoffman Bikes!
This year was unlike many others in the past due to the fact that it was nearly 50 degrees outside in January. Most of the contests here in the past have netted in folks drive a few extra hours to overcome rough road conditions, but today we provided sun and plenty of fun at The Fort Wayne Indoor Skatepark!
The weekend started out pretty smooth for those who made it out for Friday night for a chill BMX only practice. Saturday morning practice came with a chaotic cloud as everyone got super focused on getting time to practice the runs floating around in their heads. We had a slight mishap with the prizes from Hoffman Bikes and had put pull some fast moves with Fedex, but we made it happen so that everyone could enjoy the fresh prizes from the HB crew!
I want to thank everyone who helps put on these contests before we get into the nitty gritty of the day. 1st off my Mom (Mary Ann), my niece (Katie Marie) for helping out all day behind the counter, my Dad (Jack) for manning the grill on a beautiful 50 Degree Saturday to keeps food in everyone’s belly. Bill Nitschke for helping out for many years, & Mat Hoffman & everyone at Hoffman Bikes. Dan Butler (my partner at the indoor) for making an entire day of it with us. Also to all the volunteers that help out regularly at the park. We do all of this without any type of payment (Yes all of it). We do not get cash for payment, but we do get to share all the memories and experiences with all of you!
Beginner Class
The Beginner class at stop 1 was ready to get the crowd going full speed as they put on a best of 2, 45 second runs. Take note of the smiles on all 3 of these dudes faces. Wyatt Inmon ended up walking away with the win travelling all the way from the Ozarks in Missouri for this one! Smiles were all over the podium. Daniel Sinclair ended up 2nd place, and out of the kindness of his heart gave his winnings to the rookie at age 7, Carter Conley! john Bryant was stoked to round up the top 3 as we high fived into the novice class!
Novice Class
1st Place (M) Benden Sinclair | 2nd Place (L) Carl Mitchell II | 3rd Place (R) Xavier Gonzalas
The Novice types were in abundance with 16 in competitors in total. We had to whittle the crowd down to an 8 man final after a “Go big or Go Home” round to see who makes it in. After all the sick riding, mayhem, and two rounds of finals were completed the winner was announced. Brenden Sinclair stood highest amongst the judges with his style, speed, attitude, and consistency that paid off today. 2nd place, Carl was on point both days and almost broke a smile upon receiving the goods! 3rd place, Xavier Gonzalas rode smooth and pulled off his 1st backflip to wood in a contest today to secure the 3re spot!
Expert Class
1st Place (M) Blake Osborn | 2nd Place (R) Jake Beissman | 3rd Place (L) Zoa Cross
Now we move to the Expert Class, the class where we see the guys that are close to putting that 10,000 hour mark in to the game. Blake Osborne ended up winning over the hearts of the judging crew as he flowed his way to the top of the podium. 2nd place, Chicago’s Jake Beissman put in some heavy work on the course both days to put him there. Zoa Cross steps up his game to eek into the 3rd spot as the scores were super tight for the top 3 (272-273.5)
Open Class
(R) Rich Hoppe (Round 1 – Rad) (L) Brandon Wolferman (Round 2 Winner – Radder)
(M) Giovanni Mavar (Final Round Winner – Raddest)
More Photos from @Tedisgraphic
Please remember to tag Teddy for his efforts in your photos and remember to tag @bfmwbmx @wwbmx @hoffmanbikes and use the hashtags #BFMWBMX #HOFFMANBIKES #WWBMX #MIDWESTIN
Overall Points Standings by Stop Click Here
Next Stop Wedgewood Ramps 2.16.19!
