Intro: Effraim
Interview: Steve Lapsley
Photos: Provided by Joe Miller
If I rewind to 1999, I was at the Louisville X trials I had just qualified first. And this guy Joe Miller, was one of the few guys I remember just being super nice, and supportive. I am stoked to see Joe is still on the scene and giving back.
We all know the Am flat series has really helped the american flatland scene to grow, with attention turning to Round 3. Why not interview the man for Part 2 of the Round 3 Hype! Thanks to Steve Lapsley for stepping up and doing this interview!
Anarchy in Anderson is right around the corner. How are things playing out?
Things are really blowing up! We’re attaining more sponsors almost daily. I’m really happy with the response we’ve received from the BMX community. My lady Angi is the one really working her butt off for this event. Anarchy in Anderson’ success will undoubtedly be in large part to her efforts.
You’ve done shows and other contests before, how has this event been different?
This event is on an entirely different level. The comps I’ve put on myself have always been primarily local, you know, small stuff. However, we have had great turnouts at the more recent events. As for shows, I ride for Fat House Productions & Solution Action Sports. I pretty much just show up where I’m told and ride/hang all day. Shows are just fun for me, you have an opportunity to reach a very wide audience, and the ramp guys I perform with are absolutely incredible! Just getting to watch those guys is fun.
The flatland scene in North America seems to be growing. New events are popping up each year. However, the business side of flatland is still pretty small in N. America. With other big events this year (JomoPro, VooDoo Jam & Texas Toast in Oct) it must not have been an easy task to organize an additional event. Walk us through some of the things you’ve had to do to make Anarchy in Anderson happen.
It actually hasn’t been as difficult as we had first thought. But, again, I remind everyone just how much work Angi has done, more than I probably know about. Once we started the planning stage, I started getting a lot of help from friends in the industry; it’s definitely been a group effort. One of the biggest things we lined up first was securing Fat Tony to MC, having Fat there will take a load off of my shoulders, and Fat being the premier flatland photographer in the industry is a huge plus as well. Then we went to work on securing quality, respected judges and sponsors. So far, I’m very happy with the way things are turning out. It’s looking like we can make this an annual event.
I’ve personally rode at the contest site and it is top notch. Aside from a smooth large surface, what can riders coming expect from this contest?
Expect to have a blast! Our goal is to have a laid back, professionally run event that will keep flatlanders everywhere talking for some time to come. As for the surface, I will go on record right now, as having said, if you have a legitimate complaint about this contest surface, I will refund your entry fee. It is totally flat & level, as well as having the perfect combination of quickness, smoothness & grip. Guys are not going to have to give the surface a second thought; they can just concentrate on shredding.
Last words? Hype? Shout outs?
I have to thank my bride Angi, as well as my entire family for the love and support. I would like to thank Fat House Productions, Solution Action Sports, Jon at Shelter Clothing, all of the companies who’ve been great enough to support Anarchy in Anderson, Tyler Davis for riding with me every day, all of “my Kids” at the skate park, as well as you Steve for doing all you do, and Effraim for giving us all a forum for expression. Last, but certainly not least, ALL members of TEAM UNKNOWN, past & present.
One Love, Joe
just as a heads up this is local contest “backed” by the poorly structured AM Circuit thats trying to pass of being a well organized and fun event.
please list some of the sponsors names. and local bars and neighbors do not count if they donate their piggy banks.
the spot has NOTHING around, worse than JOMO Pro to do. some drug houses but thats all.
i am not just a internet critic also, i know both Joe and Steve and how they operate in regards to flatland. i am severly dissapointed that people will be suckered into taking faith in these organizers…and i mean that in the loosest for possible.
Thanks for your support. I’m excited for this contest. Despite $$ from mega sponsors like RedBull, I’m glad to see other “grassroots” style events popping up. A lot of effort goes into any flatland event. I appreciate Joes effort and am confident it will pay off.
Hope to see everyone having a blast at this event in a few weeks.
And thanks E for what you do!
Steve
This is going to be a fun contest.
Thanks to Joe Miller for setting up a fun day for us. Can’t wait for the demo Hoosier Mattress.
#rumourhasit Ron Monis and Gully are going to break that mattress in Chicago style.
I’m looking forward to breaking in that mattress with Gully.
Listen up ASDF (most likely stands for Ass Sucker Dick Face) You look like a total FUCKTARD here.
If you don’t like how someone else is doing a BMX freestyle contest, then do one yourself! FYI BMX companies get hit up several times per week in the summer. Flatland is a small to zero percentage business for some companies in BMX still willing to send product anyway. There’s only a few small flatland specific companies, and they are struggling to stay in business, so they can’t give out a frame for every comp that comes up. Bigger pro comps get the most, smaller am comps get what they can. You would know that if you had any experience with any event.
I realize it’s probably more fun to be a dick in front of the world on the internet and pick apart what other riders are doing to put on a contest, but it’s not easy! You didn’t make any comments about how to make the comps better. Instead you just bitched about… nothing. In addition, if you don’t like the night life in Anderson throw a fucking party yourself D Bag! Get the spot, the dj, and make a flyer, then promote it, and lets see if even 9 people show up???
You asked them to list the sponsors… the current sponsor line up is clearly listed on the Facebook page for this event. Maybe you should do a little reading about the event before you bash it! Its funny how all you want to do is diss these guys for their effort, while you bring nothing to the table in terms of suggestions or ideas in terms of putting on an event yourself.
The bottom line is, if you don’t like what’s being put out there, put your name on the line and let’s see what you can pull off that’s so much better than what already being done… FUCK NUTS!
BMX Ref- arguing with him doesn’t help anything. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Just like we are entitled to allow comments like this to upset us or not.
However, saying you know me and Joe but yet not showing your own name is cowardly. I’m not going to assume I know who you are, but you have my number and could just as easily text or called me with opinions.
Ooooh! Can we bring this passion into a mud wrestling after-event?
I’ll win vet class. You guy sound like you could take pro!
Well said ASDF, well said!. I couldn’t agree more.
And BMX Ref, you sound really stupid. Just shut up.
Stop with the “put up or shut up” attitude. It’s not his responsibility to “organise” a jam or “bring something to the table” .
and even if he did hold a well organised and better event then you, It still wouldn’t change the fact that this event is poorly organised.
ASDF has every right to his opinion.
oooo what terrible language on here
Whats a FUCKTARD ?????? haha Therapy in the middle of all the fighting as usual haha love it.
Wow, not sure what I have done to anyone to deserve all this bad energy. I just hope everyone can come have fun riding, and sharing eachothers company. I will say that if you have a direct problem with me, then show yourself, what’s your name? I agree with Steve, only a coward won’t attach his name to his verball attacks. Thanks, Joe
Well said Joe well said ,totally agree with you 🙂
Who cares about organization anyways?
We pride ourselves on how unorganized the Twilight comp is every year and its always a blast!
I’m looking forward to riding with some long time flatland fanatics. Could be in the middle of the desert for all I care?
Can’t wait Joe 🙂
Duke,
Theres no sense in dogging on the comp bro if it bothers you so much then dont go easy as that stop being a wanker and ruining everyone elses fun you get what you get and ride with it (not a pun) ive known joe almost my whole life and if he says itll be great then itll be epic
Love ya joe and fam.