Hi All,
It has taken me all week to kind of get things back to normal, write my
re-cap of the race over on BMX News, and basically get the office back in regular operation mode.
But before any more time passed, I wanted to post a big "thank you" to everyone who attended this year's show, and for all of your kind remarks at, then following, the event.
This was the first year in a while that Lyn was able to make it to the show to help me out (she is usually down in Florida with her folks for Father's day). Her help made a huge difference, and watching her in action is a reminder of why she caught my eye 14 years ago.
Having Jim, Carolyn, Josh and John there with their JMC goodies was a major highlight. It's so strange, but in all my time in the industry, I had never met Jim. We spent some nice time together on Friday night at the chill session, and at the banquet on Saturday night, and it was a real treat.
The fact that All-Tow set their rig down right in front of our front door was a major bummer, and destroyed our visibility with anyone other than people who knew the show was there. By the time I got there Friday, there was not much that could be done. I have a "next year improvements" list started, and being there on Wednesday, like I used to do, is definitely a "from now on" thing.
Speaking of next year, I have decided to go forward and run the event again in 2013. I have a theme in mind, which I am already pursuing, and a few people have offered their help, by way of collaboration, to help make it the best one yet.
As soon as the ABA releases their schedule for 2013--which will probably be in Mid-November--I will start making things public.
I am sending out thanks privately to Jake and Candy Karau, and USA BMX, but would also like to make those sentiments known publicly. All of the Midwest National organizers have made our Vintage show one of the centerpieces of the event (through the amount of space given over to us, to special parking, and other accommodations. I cannot begin to thank them enough for their generosity, and thoughtfulness, where we're concerned.
(IMG:
http://www.bmxnews.com/hosted_images/rockford_2012_winners.jpg)
VintageBMX.com Rockford 2012
Show ResultsPre-1980 Race BikeJeff Venekamp - 1977 JMC Long (#052)
Greg Hanna - 1979 Quadangle (#098)
Jim Haupert - 1978 Scrambler (#057)
1980s Race BikeJason Parratt - 1984 JMC Andy Patterson (#105)
Jason Parratt - 1984 JMC Shadow (#107) and Nick Bosjnak - 1981 RRS (#115) (TIE for SECOND)
1990s Race BikeChris Norris - 1997 Fabweld (#201)
Jason Parratt 1992 Reynolds (#299)
Jason Bender - 1995 Auburn (#203) and James Robbins - 1992 GT Pro Series (#205) (TIE FOR THIRD)
CruiserSteven Barath - National Pro (#305)
Jim Melton - 1982 JMC (#300)
Jason Parratt - 1983 Tahoe (#301)
FreestyleChris Roepke - 1984 GJS Freestyle (#400)
Caleb Klein - 1987 GT Pro Freestyle (#401)
Nick Bosjnak - 1987 Revcore (#407)
Pit BikeSteven Barath - CW Pit (#600)
RetroJason Bender - Nomorea "Blingberry" (#703)
Terry Pharo - Azusa (#799)
Brian Koenig - 2005 GHP (#700)
Open ClassDon & Chris Campbell - Chrome Slingshot (#904)
Todd Koutney - 1980 Littlejohn-on-an-81-Goose Sidehack (#900)
Mikko Peterson - 1936 Schwinn (#901)
Best In ShowJason Bender - Nomorea "Blingberry" (#703) and Jeff Venekamp - 1977 JMC Long (#052)
(TIE FOR FIRST)Thanks again to everyone who came out for Rockford 2012, and a well-deserved congratulations to all the winners.
Best,
M