The Ricardo Laguna Pro Dirt Challenge in Lake Havasu, AZ Oct. 27, 2012. By RL.

Oct 30, 2012

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 7204 times

I've never been to a city where the community came together so quickly and easily to make an event possible, but that's how things are in Lake Havasu, AZ. This past weekend, countless people and organizations donated their time and resources 100% pro bono, united towards the goal of raising money for Tinnell Memorial Sports Park - a skate & BMX park to be built in honor of Patrick Tinnell, a BMXer and member of the armed forces who lost his life serving our country.

On Oct. 27, at Sara Park Rodeo Grounds in Lake Havasu, spectators had the chance to not only support the building of the new sports park, but to participate in raffles, enjoy

delicious food and drinks, check out local vendors and listen to music while watching the dirt competition, announced in style by industry veteran Fat Tony.

Riders from as far as Hungary came to town to compete in Pro and Amateur contests. One of the coolest things I've ever seen - a dad, Slayer (Casey Joyce) competing in the Pro comp following his son Colin's appearance in the Amateur comp.

I love seeing the next chapter unfold, like any traditional sport where the dad dreams of playing baseball or basketball along with his son. To put the icing on the cake, to have kids come up to me and say they want to continue riding after being a part of this event and trying to keep dirt alive - one of the many reasons why I continue to do this.

During the pro contest, a Cindarella story happened with Dustin Grice who got first place after qualifying last place, Colton Satterfield showed us that you can do the craziest trick no matter where you are. Josh Hult clearly wasn't tired after driving over 14 hours to make the contest, showcasing double tail whips both directions and opposite back flips on the same run. Hungary's finest Danny Josa showed us both style and big tricks all while riding brakeless. Hometown riders Mat Olsen and Sam Stebila made finals with

their own style of riding. I was glad to see AJ Anaya in finals with classic superman seat grabs, to corked out 720s and plenty more of his original tricks.

One competitor that I really admire is Ben Voyles, who I just found out has been fighting through injuries plus cancer twice in the past 2 years. He threw down a textbook back flip bar spin to a tuck no hander to a 360 tuck and winding down his run with the biggest flip whip of the night. He's a true inspiration with his 2nd place

finish that anything is possible no matter what life throws your way. I met Jake Levia when he came to my house, and when he did a backflip 180 over a spine, I knew this kid was serious. He came with unique tricks that were more than enough reason why he was in finals. When Victor Salazar was riding in practice, he destroyed the course with flawless runs, but after crashing and getting shaken up during the

contest, couldn't quite put it together, but still was a crowd pleaser.

With such great feedback and great support from the Tinnell Memorial Sports Park Committee and the city of Lake Havasu, we were able to raise over $15,000 for the Patrick Tinnell Memorial Skate Park. This is a huge step towards completing a venue for the kids to encourage their participation in sports, teach them positive values along w

ith bike safety, and keep them away from drugs.

After seeing a great success with this event, I'm excited to announce the Ricardo Laguna Pro Dirt Series - a 3 stop contest that will happen in 2013. The series begins with Extreme Thing on March 30, 2013 in Las Vegas, followed by another stop TBA and ending with the finals in Lake Havasu in Nov. 2013.

Top 10 Pro Results
1. Dustin Grice

2. Ben Voyles
3. Danny Josa
4. Mat Olsen
5. Jake Levia
6. Sam Stabila
7. Josh Hult
8. Colton Satterfield
9. AJ Anaya
10. Victor Salazar

Amateur Winner
Tyler Kowalski

I can't say thanks enough to everyone who came out and donated their time, resources and energy to make this event possible. Much thanks to sponsors DK Bicycles, TSG, Deco, Freegun Underwear, Hoffman Bikes, Sidewall Distribution, Mudshark Brewery, Profile Racing, Break Lube, It's a 10 Haircare, KNYEW, Woodward, Scion, DAK, Campbell Family and all of the resident of the city of Lake Havasu, AZ!

-Ricardo Laguna