It was a beautiful day for the Gatorade Free Flow Tour’s first stop in sunny California at Da Compound in Perris. We had kids coming from as far as Arizona to compete against locals rippers for a chance at the finals in SLC. With the sun shining and the Gatorade flowing, this is how the day panned out.
The junior jam division had no shortage of competitors or talent with the first backflip thrown in the division ever by Zhean Lafitte. It was Pierce Howell, however, that came away with the win. His winning run in the finals included a big Indian air, wall ride around the curved wall, and a 360 over the box.
Junior Jam Results
1). Pierce Howell, 12, San Diego, CA
2). River Biasi, 10, Beaver Dam, AZ
3). Parker Heath, 12, San Diego, CA
Junior Jam podium cr. Fat Tony/Ride BMX
In the Open park division the level of riding was as high as some of the competitor’s airs skimming the ceiling. Brad Thomas took fifth place with a barspin 360, turndown, and barspin disaster. In fourth place was Sam Stebila and his seat grab superman, no hand tuck, and super whip. Third place went to Chris Rivers and his 540 whip, whip tuck, and big wall t-boy. Coming in a close second place was Kevin Peraza and his bar spin 360 down whip, front flip, and flair whip.
Today’s winner was Daniel Sandoval, a frequent Compound resident, who brought his own fan club. His run in the finals included a 720 whip, front flip, down whip, flair, and super whip.
“Pretty good day! Psyched for the finals, and I can’t believe I landed that front flip. I haven’t tried one in months!” – Daniel Sandoval cr. Fat Tony/Ride BMX
BMX Park Open Results
1). Daniel Sandoval, 15, Corona, CA
2). Kevin Peraza, 15, Tucson, AZ
3). Chris Rivers, 19, Riverside, CA
4). Sam Stebila, 18, Lake Havasu, AZ
5). Brad Thomas, 14, Chino, CA
BMX Park podium cr. Fat Tony/Ride BMX
Today marked the first BMX dirt competition in the tour’s history and there were quite a few riders that showed us they were ready for this discipline to be added! Coming in fifth place was Houston Harmsen and his back flip turn down and flip whip. Justin “Spanky” Spriet and his combos, including a nack nack can can, took fourth place. Third place went to Kevin Peraza and his superman seat grab, tuck 360, and tuck no foot can. Still riding high from his park win, Daniel Sandoval took second, landing a 180 into the hip, front flip, and 360 whip.
However, it was last year’s park winner, Larry Edgar who took the first-place finish and will be traveling to the finals with Daniel and Kevin. Larry’s final run included a 3 tuck, double whip, orbital 360, and 360 whip.
“Sandoval is always good competition, so I’m psyched to go back to SLC for dirt this year!” – Larry Edgar cr. Fat Tony/Ride BMX
BMX Dirt Open Results
1). Larry Edgar, 16, Corona, CA
2). Daniel Sandoval, 15, Corona, CA
3). Kevin Peraza, 15, Tucson, AZ
4). Justin “Spanky” Spriet, 15, Murrieta, CA
5). Houston Harmsen, 20, Murrieta, CA
BMX Dirt podium cr. Fat Tony/Ride BMX
