BY BILL MORGAN
10/8/04

Midwest Bowlriders 2004 got off to a great start at two gnarly concrete pits - Whiting, IN and Edina, MN. Grindline built a superb park for Whiting and the city welcomed us with open arms, providing a loud PA system and coverage in the local paper. Even the Mayor got into the act, showing up at the contest wearing a very festive Hawaiian shirt!

Since Whiting is basically a suburb of Chicago, the contest attracted lots of Chicago names like Stevie Dread, Jackson Taylor and, winner of the advanced division, Mike Owen. A handful of Mpls locals came down to represent. Max and Cody split the best trick cash prize with airs over the doorway. And Josh Folley's FS grind across and down the concrete coping of the doorway really stood out.

The Southdale YMCA's big, bad Grindline park was the site for Midwest Bowlriders stop Two. Erik and his staff at the Y helped tremendously. Over 23 Beginners competed in the contest. I was stoked to see that many younger riders working to develop their entire repertoire of skateboarding skills. Other standouts from this contest were new Consolidated pro Seth McCallum showing up and almost snatching away the $230 best trick cash prize from Josh Folley - whose stylish BS Smith grind in the oververt was just enough to beat out Seth's feeble to fakie. Comic relief was provided by one rider competing under the name "Stu Pidasle." Say it three times fast and I think you'll get it. 3rd Lair hosts the next Midwest Bowlriders, Saturday, October 16th beginning at 3pm. Bowlriders one and all should come out and make this the biggest single bowl session the 3rd Lair has ever seen. Go to midwestbowlriders.com for more pictures and information.

SETH MCCALLUM - OVERVERT FEEBLE

MAX, BACKSIDE AIR

JOSH - FRONTSIDE AIR

JOSH - BACKSIDE SMITH

BRIAN - FRONTSIDE OVERVERT

BEST TRICK WINNERS FLASH THE CASH

MIKE OWEN

DUSTIN AND MAX