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Riding to live music from Wormz' band Big Grin, and then Wild Yaks, Stolen Bikes' Zac Costa made his long distance bus ride from Virginia via Northern California worth the trip. He came out of nowhere and absolutely killed it. Never heard of him? Many NYC locals didn't either until the 2009 King of New York. Do an internet search on him...he's really good.

FLATLAND: More than twenty four flatland specialists came out to represent at the first King of New York Flatland Jam held in at least five years. Old schoolers as well as new schoolers held court in the taped off flatland-only riding area. Danny Gomes and Dave DeBuono both stood out and were slaying the spot. Al Cayne did a gut-lever that had many youngsters gawking. Flatland Organizer Roy deGuzman said, "Luke Malone had front wheel links that could go on forever." The riders had the final say today and in the end Luke was judged by his peers to be the King of New York for Flatland.

BUNNYHOP: Ten riders started things off at a normal-for-NYC 33-inch hop - about the height of a small Jersey Barrier. But things got tight quick and the bar progressed rapidly to 40-plus inches. Oba Stanley (Simple Bikes,) definitely an NYC street legend, took the Title in the end with a massive 43-inch hop. NYC Bike Film Fest Bunnyhop Champ Big James was seen riding through Tompkins nonchalantly after everything quieted down, assumedly plotting for the KoNY crown for next year.

PARK: The skies threatened rain for part of the second day of King of New York but thankfully no squeegees or wet vacs had to be brought out. For the crowds that did show up, they were treated to hungry young bike riders that don't care much about money or prizes. They just want to ride. And ride they did. "Black Rob" Deveaux has been one of those guys that throughout the years always looked like he could eventually give the seasoned guys a legit run for the KoNY Title if he could learn a few more bangers and not go down in flames trying. The stars and planets were in alignment for him today and Rob put it all together during the jam. Front flips, huge flairs, nose-dive spine 3s, along with smooth flow into and out of spots no one else touched gave him his first coveted King of New York crown.

2009 was also another great year for the King of New York in terms of media coverage and promotion. Time Out New York Magazine promoted the event with a cool feature, and look for upcoming features in Cream and URB Magazines. YouTube also currently has no less than six edits.

Any big event doesn't go off on just the back of one person. "I wish I could personally thank all of the riders and people who came out to watch. Considering the lack of financial sponsorship, I'm especially grateful to the people who volunteered to help put this King of New York together," said Event Organizer, Danny Parks.

Official Results:

- "Black Rob" Deveaux, Bronx, NY - 2009 King of New York, Park, and Best Trick Winner (No-handed Flair)
- Zac Costa, San Francisco, CA - 2009 King of New York, Street, and Best Trick Winner (Gap to Rail Manual)
- Luke Malone, East Long Meadow, MA - 2009 King of New York, Flatland
- Oba Stanley, Bronx, NY - 2009 King of New York, Bunnyhop, 43 inches.


Special thanks go out to Ed Pollio, Rob Ramos, Roy deGuzman, Ryan Humprey, DJ Razz, Troy from Post Bike Shop, Wormz for hooking up the live bands, Big Grin, Wild Yaks, Danny Oritz, Peter Marney, Bryan Close, the NYC Parks Department, John Munchoff, Dave Pawson aka "Ham," Budz, Howie Parks, Kristen Bierly, Maxxis, Animal, Probation Industries, Raw Revolution, and everyone else who contributed.