In the Bmx community you hear of many riders and events through all forms of media. In the Flatland Bmx world as we have seen this past year there are some really amazing riders and competitors. However; one flatland rider that many would not know is Chris Ridener. Chris is a member of the military fulltime. During his off time he riders flatland bmx and operates Flatmonkeybmx.com a bmx and skateboard outreach organization. He travels the country doing shows and demos with numerous teams and groups to help educate young people about different extreme sports especially flatland and other topics that challenge youth today. Most of the shows and travel Chris pays for himself or gets donations from businesses. He does not charge anyone for a show unless he travels outside of Texas and even then he will help them plan ways to raise money. He also ensures that in most cases the only money he receives is to offset his travel.
Chris states he is not on the cutting edge of the next big trick. He also likes to go to contest when he is not busy but, he only does this for fun and to support his sponsors. He enjoys working with young people. His kind heart and attitude has helped him find a flow space with SE Bikes thanks to Todd Lyons and Brett Downs. It also has allowed him an official spot on an up and coming shoe company known as Airspeed Shoes. Chris has numerous other sponsors like Zoo Minstries, Expo Bmx, Typecast Clothing, 661, SteelMx Optics, and Maxxis Tires who helps support his mission. His goals are to encourage young people to be positive no matter what they do. He also helps to let young people see how creative and fun flatland bmx can be.
He has spent time organizing a small flatland school for beginning riders that will launch at the Boys and Girls Club this summer and Rock Bottom House in Odessa, TX. He plans on instructing basic tricks and organizing small contests for the kids. Another big project he has been working on is getting items together to send to the Voodoo Jam and the Indy Flatland Contest. He cannot always make it to jams and contests but, wants riders to know his organization Flatmonkeybmx.com supports his flatland brothers and sisters. He just wants all Bmxers to know that Flatmonkey was created to support young people and all bmx riders. He knows he can not provide for every need and he will never satisfy everyone but, he is there to support and try to help riders out as much as possible.
Chris and Flatmonkey Bmx has numerous projects planned for 2008 including some free giveaways and more. Stay posted for more news and more information on this growing outreach organization and the many things they are planning for 2008 and beyond.
Flatmonkey BMX – A BMX Outreach Organization by Chris Ridener: February 19, 2008
CATEGORIZED: News
