Buffalo Rising Online

Aug 29th 2005, 3:37pm By queenseyes

Okay, so you might have seen our ad in the new issue of Buffalo Rising Magazine and wonder what is going on? Why is there a guy on a bike in the air over Potomac Avenue with Frosty the Snowman holding a sign that has the X-Games crossed out and X-Mas written below? The best way to describe it is that it is funny. Seriously, why would Frosty be out in August?

The whole Potomac Street jump came about as a whim and Frosty showed up at the last minute to make fun of the X-Games, but he quickly headed to colder climates after the shoot. The idea came about on a Friday afternoon because Colleen at Buffalo Rising was looking for our ad and we were out of ideas. We had to do something that people can relate to, something they see everyday and is easily understood by people that donit ride. Also, it would be fun to jump a street especially the one in front of the shop.

So, the idea was set and it seemed totally possible with the right ramp. The 31 foot street could easily be cleared with a big ramp, but that isnit much of a challenge. A small ramp had to be built, so on Saturday morning with the help of co-shop owner J.P.is brother Adam, we made the launch ramp. It didnit take long to construct and it didnit take much longer for me to realize that it would be more difficult than I thought. I got use to the ramp, but I never actually cleared the distance in practice. I came close, but I felt it was still possible.

With that in mind, the photographers and video guys were called to come out on Sunday morning and shoot the photo for the ad. Sunday was chosen because the Elmwood pedestrian traffic usually quiets down, but not on that day. Luckily, my istunt coordinatingi team was performing their duties magnificently and was able to keep people safe. I must apologize if anybody was offended by the situation, this is something you donit want to be thinking about for too long. So, it had to happen that day.

The street gap actually took 5 tries to ride away from to the satisfaction of the photographers. The first try I crashed and slid a cars length on my butt and back, no injuries except for some newly distressed jeans. So that was a success I actually made the distance without getting hurt and I got some fashionably jeans that nobody else has. On try 2, I rode away but it didnit look or feel right. Try 3, no luck again, it just wasnit right, but I did have to fix my bike. With the adjustments made to my bike, try 4 felt the best, but I put a foot down, so it didnit count. Try 5, finally cleared it without issue, which gave me a big smile and relief because I wasnit doing this again.

Wait, not doing this again! When does the next issue come out? Ahhh, well we will have to think of something a little safer for the next ad. Either way I want to thank J.P., Steve, Jimmy, Liam, Ben, Adam and anyone who helped make the jump easier. nJim (Professional BMX rider and co-owner of Sunday Skate and BMX Shop)