The Stimilon Motocross Challenge and Hessian Session
by Aaron Wald
Ladies and gentlemen start your engines...Photo Mat McDermot |
On July 29 and 30, somewhere in New Hampshire, fun was had, new friends
were made and old friends reconnected for some good old-fashioned debauchery. Engines revved loudly and proudly; alcohol was consumed in
mass amounts without major incident or injury and again, fun, happiness, and smiles abounded about as much as tattoos at said weekend.
The event and surrounding party took place at the Jolly Roger Moto-Sports Park in Lempster, NH. The largest event of the Big Air
craftsmen's series, the gathering was surrounded by an overall feeling of goodwill towards each other as Olcott's Rider's Meeting emphasis of fun,
truly, well rode true. Evidence of this could be seen throughout the weekend and as, when one rider's bike would not start, three or four guys
ran to give him a pushing start.
Our journey to Hessiandom began slowly, but accelerated as my traveling companions and myself drove to Olcott's house and met up with
his brother Carter, who himself began a long weekend of
bacchanalia. Accompanied by a couple friends, we proceeded to Wal-Mart "to get wife-beaters, beer, and Dale Earnhardt hats" in
Carter's words. The smiling began even before we got on the road.
Stimilon mastermind Dave Olcott and Dave Mills. Photo Joel Muzzey. |
Garbed in a bright orange cap and a Stimilon Air and Style jersey
with nothing underneath, we followed the 'laugh a minute' younger Olcott to the Speedway. Speeding our way to our destination, a fair amount of
highway wolf pack jostling occurred hinting at the weekend's happenings.
Upon arriving and situating ourselves in the middle of things to come, tents and banners began to become erect. The five-foot something
Waterville Valley Mini-Ramp arrived shortly after our first and only jaunt
for cheap domestic beer, and after some creaking, bending and assorted assembly the ramp was in place as were, unfortunately, many ominous
looking clouds. No sooner than the coping was set, did the sprinkles begin rendering the ramp un-skateable for a short time. Many began to
drink a little quicker, however, the sprinkles abated and the initial hessianry of the weekend ensued.
New Hampshire was definitely in the house, skating with style unparalleled by most in attendance. There were no in-line skaters
wallowing in the green metal transitions or a-ankle-grabbin' around, so
the session remained untainted/unmarred. Dan Brothers, fresh off a multiple issue knee injury that rendered him lame for seven months, skated
as though he had never missed a grind, which to my knowledge, he hasn't. The tattooed wonder threw down flawless grabs of variety to fakie
and regular both frontside and backside, making the most dexterous of the foot-oriented sports look easy. Huge frontside flips also left many in
attendance gaping. Paul Miller also d-stroyed as did Matt Gormley (with multiple variations of his infamous fakie impossible sweeper).
Dan Brothers...represent! Photo: Mat McDermot |
Darkness took over, as large generators sparked to life around the
speedway, bringing light to the ramp and beats to the cooling air. DJ Niceness spun old schoolish hip hop instrumentals and implemented his
trademark reggae flavor directly adjacent to the open bar serving all the
Budweisers, Otter Creeks and Red Bull and Vodkas the large gathering could
consume. The festivities went on well into the night, with small and large bands of people congregating here, there, and all points
between. Carter 'I am the life of the party' Olcott gets props for the number one crowd-pleasing antic of the evening among a stellar cast. The
man behind the man proceeded to strip down to skivies, shouting, "You want
the best? You got the best!" while quarter montying the large non-studio audience and attempting the infamous 'burning bush.' Hilarity was
abundant, as beverages later the mini-ramp was sessioned by mini-bike riders, again to a cheering crowd. Needless to say, if you weren't
laughing, smiling, or rolling around on the ground, you were simply not in
the moment.
Sunday began early and in true Hessian form, at around quarter of six, as the live version Iron Maiden's 'Number of the Beast' blared around
the staff area, waking most in the area begrudgingly. Olcott's early wakeup call was moderately successful, as a few of the less hung over woke
and foraged for food while most stayed in their makeshift beds and weathered the musical onslaught. Once again, Carter Olcott provided more
laughter by waking up three hours late to set up the event and repeatedly sounding the horn of his car shouting, "Let's go! It's time to set
up!" Skating ensued again, this time at around 8am, with the same suspects killing the ramp with reckless abandon and no regard for the
early hour.
Photo: Mat McDermot |
The SuperCross format race went off, without major injury, as
riders hauled ass around a 1.5 mile course complete with several tabletops,
berms, and a 50ft.gap. Smells of motor oil, leftover alcohol and sounds of revving engines filled the air. The previous evening's
alcoholic assault led at least one withdrawal due to, in scientific terms,
vomitus in helmeticus. However, most of the riders did manage to attack the course without issue. During the practice laps, many of the riders
cleared the giant gap known as the 'The Intimidator' while busting
heelclickers, whips, and nac-nacs.
Props go out to Wally Silva for taking the victory and $250 each for winning both the 250 and 125cc races. Leo Candedis and Pat Barton
followed Silva in the 250 class. Paul Veracka and Pat Barton took second and third in the 125 class. Barton had a rather profitable weekend,
taking the laassports.com Holeshot Award for both classes at $100 each.
The Stimilon Motocross Challenge and Hessian Session: Jolly Rodger in NH.
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