From Paris To Monaco - Flatland In Rich Man’s Land

FatTony

• April 17 2009
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• 6 comments

With million dollar cars roaming the streets and hundred million dollar yachts filling the harbor, Monaco is a place for the super elite. And last weekend it was a place for nearly 100 flatland riders from around the globe. This is the story of my journey from the U.S. to Paris to Monaco all in the name of seeing flatland prevail in an unreal locale.

Let me start off by explaining what Monaco is because I didn’t even know what it was until a week before I went there. Monaco is a very small city, state, and country all in one that is nestled between France, Italy, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is said to have one of the wealthiest populations of any place in the world. Basically it is a rich man’s playground—where the ballers go to ball.

I was fortunate enough to weasel my way on a road trip from Paris to Monaco for the Riviera Ninja Spin with about 20 other people, including contest organizers, announcers, DJs, judges, and of course, pro riders. My trip began with a flight from Los Angeles to Paris where I met Bobby Carter at the airport. From there we took a train to a random street corner where contest organizer Alex Jumelin and the man on the mic, Catfish, picked us up and took us to the local Paris riding spot, The Opera House. Several international riders were at the spot taking advantage of the covered area to get in a session while it rained. After hanging out and riding with everyone for an hour or so, it was off to Alex’s house for a few hours of sleep before getting up at 5am to start the 600-mile drive to Monaco.

The drive was broken up by a handful of stops at gas stations and restaurants where the crew purchased more baguettes and shots of espresso than I could keep up with. The frequent stops gave everyone a chance to hang out, talk shit, play jokes and pranks, and have a good time with each other while en route to the contest.

Once we were getting close to Monaco, we could see the beauty of the sea on our right along with incredible architecture and landscapes that got us all stoked to finally arrive. The first thing we saw when we got to the hotel was the amazing seamless pool. It looked like it dropped right into the sea even though it was several miles away. The view was nothing short of breathtaking, and it was then that it all began to set in—we were there.

It was already getting late, but the entire posse made our way down to where the contest was to be held at an American style restaurant and bar on the harbor called Stars ‘N’ Bars. Directly across from the venue was a harbor with multi-million dollar yachts and hundreds of upscale apartments and buildings on the other side of the water. None of us could even comprehend where we were. We were all like giddy little kids at Chuck E Cheese or something. After scoping out the area for a bit, Alex made use of his endless connections and took us to a swank club where dozens of exotic cars lined the street. All it took was explaining to the doorman that we were with the world’s top flatland riders and the ropes were drawn back and the two dozen of us walked right in, VIP style. We were there just long enough to be teased and taunted by the rich and beautiful women in the club before we were off to get some rest for the next day’s adventures. Being in an upscale club is one thing, but being in an upscale club in the world’s richest country is on a level that is difficult to describe. All I can say is I am damn glad I got to experience it.

The next morning some of the riders had to go to Stars ‘N’ Bars to do some local press to promote the event so Catfish, Bobby Carter, and I took the opportunity to do a little exploring. We headed straight to the first scooter rental center we could find and preceded to rent 50cc mopeds for two days. Our goal: to drive to Italy. The three of us took off as fast as the little things could take us as we drove East toward the France/Italy border. It didn’t take us long before we could finally say, “We drove scooters from Monaco to Italy.” It was something we were proud of and laughed at like school children. After a few roadside stops for photo opps and a quick walk through a row of tent merchants, we found ourselves at a quaint café eating gelato and drinking espresso on the shore of the sea. It was all absolutely surreal.

Just before we left, Catfish made a comment about us not getting split up. I believe his words were, “It’s one thing to loose your boys in the mall, but to loose them in Italy is a whole different story.” It may have been a self-fulfilled prophecy because just a few minutes later we were leaving on the scooters and Catfish got separated from Bobby and me. We waited around thinking he would show up, but no Catfish. A few hours later, after we made it back to the contest venue, Catfish showed up in a taxicab. Apparently while he was lost his scooter had run out of gas, he accidently put diesel in it, had to abandon the moped in Italy, and pay 80 Euros to get it back. The next night he drove a van to pick up the scooter and try to salvage it.

After a full day of scooter adventures the contest started and I decided to enter the beginner class on Justin Miller’s bike. I hadn’t ridden flatland in months, but somehow I qualified second. I was just as shocked as anyone, but I attribute it to the fact that I know the biggest factor in contest riding is staying on the bike and actually pulling tricks even if they are the most basic ones. Nearly 100 riders competed in four classes for spots in the finals. The level of riding was top notch and the vibe between the riders and spectators was super energetic. Everyone was having a great time—especially once it got dark and the “fun contests” started.

There were a series of goofy, fun contests that began with a bunnyhop contest. This seems pretty typical, but on flatland bikes it is really funny. No one really won since the bar was raised each time by a can of Red Bull. Out of the four riders who hopped four cans of Red Bull, none of them could clear five cans. I guess none of them had enough “wings.” Next was the bunnyhop whip contest. Justin Miller landed 18 whoppers in a row and no other riders even landed two. After that was the highlight of the night—the country vs. country contest. Teams of two to four riders from each country competed for the most crowd noise by putting on skits and acting goofy on their bikes. Even though the French guys did a tag-team run where Raphael Chiquet held Matthias Dandois’ wheel and ran in circles while Matthias spun a halfpacker, Terry Adams and Matt Wilhelm took the win after Terry stripped while riding and did a bunnhop whip with no shoes before doing a dance in front of the crowd half naked and launching a cartwheel to backflip. Then Matthias Dandois won the best combo contest and 600 Euros for an insane link that lasted right at 60 seconds, the maximum amount of time allowed. After the lights above the flatland floor were shut off, the party continued into the wee hours of the morning.

Terry Adams after his run in the “Country Vs. Country” contest:

A few hours after the party came to a close everyone was back at Stars ‘N’ Bars for the finals. You can check out the final battle highlights in the video, so I won’t go into detail about what went down during the contest. But I will say that it is incredible to see flatland contests like this pop up all over the world. Just a week before BMX fans were going nuts in the middle of nowhere (a.k.a.: Joplin, Missouri) and now BMX fans were going nuts in the wealthiest place on Earth. It’s only a matter of time before more and more people start to catch on to the fact that flatland contests are seriously entertaining no matter where they take place, as long as they are presented properly.

The morning after the contest was another early one with our caravan leaving for Paris at 6am. A few stops for baguettes, pastries, and espresso later and we were back in Paris saying our goodbyes and looking forward to the next adventure.

The trip as a whole had a major “WTF” feel to it. It seemed like everyone involved couldn’t believe it was all happening. Everything was so great, and so perfect, we couldn’t have asked for anything more. A huge thanks goes out to Alex Jumelin and his partners who put together Ninja Spin, and of course to Stars ‘N’ Bars and all the other sponsors who helped make the event possible. I hope to see everyone again at the next Ninja Spin…in Dubai?