Red Bull's Backyard Build-Off Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Author: Zielinski, Jeff

Have you ever stopped and thought about now much work goes into building a park or a contest course? From the design stage to laying the final layers of Skatelite, it's a monumental task that requires a lot of planning and physical labor. It seems like most of the attention is always focused on what happens on the obstacles once they're completed, and the artisans who created it hardly ever get the props they deserve.

That is. until Matt Bischoff proposed his idea to Red Bull for the Backyard Build-Off. The concept is simple: three teams, consisting of three builders each, get the same amount of materials and three days to design their own section of a course that will work and flow together once completed. The contest was held in Mail's yard, and the course was basically an addition to his already existing mini/spire and trails (see last month's Cincinnati, Ohio Quick Look). Mate Wessel was appointed as the project supervisor, so it was his job to make sure each team's building concepts would work and flow into one contiguous piece.

After three grueling days and nights of hard work in rainy and chilly weather, the ramps were completed and revealed to a crew of 15 of the world's top pro riders. The riders were given an hour of practice on the fresh course before the jam-format contest ensued, with the builders as the judges. Once the contest was over, the riders had to vote on which of the three sections they enjoyed the most.

When it was all said and done, team Thirty Something, consisting of Chris Hallman, Ron Kimler, and Ryan Corrigan, were the victorious build team, and Morgan Wade won the jam. with Corey Martinez and Gary Young placing second and third, respectively. The Build-Off was an interesting and exciting contest concept and a great way to pay homage to the guys who make a lot of the amazing and fun stuff we get to ride.

To see and read more about the Backyard Build-Off, go to RIDEBMX.COM.

PHOTO (COLOR): Matt Bischoff is one happy person…

PHOTO (COLOR)

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By Jeff Zielinski

PHOTO BY Jeff Zielinski