In The Know: Daniel Kinney

Tags: bittercoldshowdown, daniel kinney, in the know

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The main reason The Flow was chosen is because of it's massive amounts of space, it's proximity to an international airport and also Skybus and it's central location within the Midwest. The Bitter Cold Showdown is not just a competition and the tradeshow is now also a huge part of the event...

Smoore: The park is next level HUGE but it's very different than Vertigo. It's mainly a bike park so there's a lot of transitions and stuff but the street course is pathetic. It's like a 5 foot stair case, a pyramid, and a few other obstacles and that's it for the street section.

Dirty D: has the flow done anything in terms of building stuff since we were there?

kevizzle: Are you guys going to add any obstacles to this park?

The main reason The Flow was chosen is because of it's massive amounts of space, it's proximity to an international airport and also Skybus and it's central location within the Midwest. The Bitter Cold Showdown is not just a competition and the tradeshow is now also a huge part of the event so we needed a park that could accommodate both with room to spare for the hundreds of spectators. The Flow is known as one of the best BMX parks in the country, which means large transitions, a flow in between all the ramps to allow for linking tricks and minimal "street" obstacles. The current street course was not even considered as an obstacle for the competition and additional obstacles are being planned right now. The Flow has so much to offer outside of the traditional start rail competition and some will love it and others will surely hate it. Personally, I love it.

kevizzle: And I’m not sponsered and want to compete (maybe I'll get to the finals) what do I have to do to compete?

All competitors need to register online; there will be no registration of competitors the day of the Bitter Cold Showdown. If you do not register online you will be unable to compete. All the info you need is available on the competitor’s page of the website at www.bittercoldshowdown.com

Shawn Johnson: What is flow like compared to Vertigo? Meaning in terms of space for the crowd watching?

Imightbearedneck: Will there be bleachers or anything or will only the tall people be able to see anything?

The Flow will be a completely different experience for spectators. There will be more than enough room for everyone to find a place to watch the competition comfortably. We are not planning on constructing bleachers because they will surely not be used due to the openness of the park. The number one complaint from everyone attending past events was the overcrowding and we have addressed that with the move to The Flow. To be honest I am even a bit concerned that the park may be a bit too open for spectators and even judges because a lot of the action will be spread out to different places in the park and some tricks may be missed.

Jay Cottrell: Are you as excited as I am for this years comp?

Most likely, no. It is always exciting to see everything unfold and all of the work come to fruition or unravel before my eyes but during the actual event I rarely have fun. It is great to look back on all Bitter Cold Showdown's to see what I accomplished, the people I meet and the small breaks of tranquillity in between it all but overall it is pretty difficult. This year I am the most excited about the Sixwonsix premiere. I am becoming more and more proud of the project as I get closer to completing everything and I think everyone is going to really enjoy it. Fingers crossed…

Shawn Johnson: are you gonna get drunk and pet girls to sleep?

Hopefully I can have such luck again.

Collin Martin: Who do you think will get 4th place?

I don't care. But for the Roll Series rankings we will figure something out.

wasteland: Rate Akron on a scale of 1 to 10...puke.

I would rate Akron at about a 2 but I would rate your shoulder an 11. Only if that wonderful green stream of goodness wouldn't of just grazed you. Thanks again for taking over on the worst day of my life.

TheBOX: Are you jealous, that the Winterclash is 10 times cooler?

Not at all. It's Europe, it's an amazing park and it's an amazing event. What is there to be jealous of? I think the fact that anyone sees competition between competitions is about the most asinine thing I can imagine. Jealously, in general, is a bit of a pre-teen emotion but to have any ill will about another event that is succeeding just as much as yours and helping push rollerblading into great new places in the process, is a horrible thought. Shame on you.

mindemag: What was up with those shitty unity cess slides in Orange?

How is sitting on your feet and sliding shitty? I am just playing. I have retired the unity cess slide for the time being. They are still fun and I enjoy doing them occasionally but it's amazing how many grinds I have learned since I have no longer been trying to find things to cess slide.

V1ZUAL: Who is going to MC this year???

This year's MC is going to be Tracey White. He came highly recommended from both Collin Martin of the Roll Series and Tom Hyser of the Superhick and I think he will be a great addition to the event.

Drew_Amato: Is it really necessary to charge money to watch the SWS video?

Absolutely. Most rollerbladers seem to be under the impression that everything should be free and that there are no costs associated with putting on an event like this or a premiere like we are planning for "Blood, Pride & True." www.shopintegrated.com/swsdvd Bottom line is that everything costs something and the Bitter Cold Showdown and all the activities that surround it would not be what they are without everyone contributing. Tickets for the premiere are not just for the screening of the Sixwonsix DVD but also a cover fee for the all ages after party, which will also be held at the theatre. It should be an amazing time and if $3 is a bit steep to allow us to arrange such an activity I apologize.

Julian Bah - Topsoul

CTAKBEJIJI: Are you going to switch on HD this year? What setup are you using now to film your wtuff? Thx

Mr. T: What he said.

No, I am not personally planning on upgrading my camera to HD. Right now I am filming everything with my Sony VX2100 and Sixwonsix's matching camera along with their Century Optics .3X lens. I am editing everything in Final Cut Pro on my iBook G4 and doing all the graphics on my Dell setup at work in Adobe Production Studio. I do plan on working on some personal HD projects in the upcoming year though. Doing what I do professionally now puts a lot less pressure on me to get all of my own equipment and allows me to do a lot of things I would never do on my own.

Photos: Brandon Smith, Ashlee Poole, Dave Dinuzzo, Dan Hughes