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English => General Flatland Forum => Topic started by: D on March 01, 2010, 09:43:38 PM

Title: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 01, 2010, 09:43:38 PM
It's worth it to ask, again, why figure skating, like our own little sport, is a impossibly complicated technical sport, performed professionally by an extremely small number of people, featuring moves only people who actually do it can understand the importance of, can be consistently presented in a way to mass audiences that makes it engaging and dramatic and personal, but flatland, for years and years and years, can't seem to be able to do this.  Why do you think this is?  There's no right or wrong answer to this, just something to think about. 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: i_cant_ride on March 01, 2010, 09:58:54 PM
Because most figure skaters are gorgeous females that spread their legs numerous times throughout their routine while wearing very skimpy outfits. Flatlanders on the otherhand are generally unkempt dirty derelicts who usually are skinny, pale and riddled with scars from riding. If women's figure skating didn't exist in the Olympics you can bet men's figure skating wouldn't exist there either.
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 01, 2010, 10:00:12 PM
They're definitely good at building up the drama.  One fall and the best skater there can go from 1st to 10th....it makes it pretty dramatic to see on TV.  On the other hand, I've overheard random people on the sidelines of the Athens contests not even sure whether or not it's okay to put a foot down in the middle of a long flatland link, or even if that's PART of the link.    
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 01, 2010, 10:01:55 PM
Because most figure skaters are gorgeous females that spread their legs numerous times throughout their routine while wearing very skimpy outfits. Flatlanders on the otherhand are generally unkempt dirty derelicts who usually are skinny, pale and riddled with scars from riding. If women's figure skating didn't exist in the Olympics you can bet men's figure skating wouldn't exist there either.


we need Krys Dauchy to make a comeback then.....

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/173275002_10f1daabd1.jpg%3Fv%3D0&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/37996615450%40N01/173275002&usg=__0vMWlreLvpD0dIBOYJW5hWe6fhI=&h=500&w=400&sz=92&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=zjQxZI9gZHkVWM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkrys%2Bdauchy%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1 (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/173275002_10f1daabd1.jpg%3Fv%3D0&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/37996615450%40N01/173275002&usg=__0vMWlreLvpD0dIBOYJW5hWe6fhI=&h=500&w=400&sz=92&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=zjQxZI9gZHkVWM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkrys%2Bdauchy%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1)
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: katobmx on March 01, 2010, 10:03:42 PM
Mens gymnastic floor exercise=break dancing. I think including BMX racing was a major step for us. Its only a matter of time. the only thing too me is the bikes. Our bike setups are drasticly different from each other. The Olympics usually regulates peoples machinery, but how will they regulate our bikes for fareness sake. All competitors ride a DK opsis etc???
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 01, 2010, 10:11:07 PM
The judged Olympic sports all have extremely strict judging standards that everyone agreed on ahead of time.  That's one thing that flatland just doesn't have, despite many attempts. 
Is a spinning hitchhiker harder than a spinning deathtruck?  How much better?   Meanwhile, one of our most visible moments was when our sports (at the time) youngest and most
promising star didn't like the judging at the '99 XGames, so he complained until they changed the rules in the middle of the contest.  Stay classy.   
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: Ultraman Zoffy on March 02, 2010, 01:40:25 AM
I tend to not compare them, but instead always wonder what type of riding progression we'd see from someone nationally funded with the same coaches, facilities, etc. as a world class figure skater. Incredibly dialed, perfect form, combined with the hardest tricks and links possible? Seeing the results of Martti's coaching of the Thai riders and their performance at that Korean competition a while back probably gave us the closest thing to it, and those guys killed it at that contest.
And for the record, Kiira Korpi from Finland and Mao Asada and Miki Ando from Japan for the win...  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: tafkat on March 02, 2010, 02:29:11 AM
Y'all want to end up practicing for the compulsories as well as the artistic program?
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: Pralex on March 02, 2010, 04:01:50 AM
The only reason you all talk about compulsory runs and sh*t is because you compare flatland to figure skating.  Compare it to snowboarding halfpipe, they do not have compulsory tricks, its freestyle, they go down and do whatever the f*ck they want.  It seems to work.
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 02, 2010, 05:23:58 PM
I'm thinking more about how figure skating is the same kind of technical, subjective sport like flatland, yet it enjoys much more widespread appeal.  The compulsory part of competition doesn't have anything to do with that part of it.   People will tune in for hours and 99.99% of them couldn't tell you one figure skating thing from another.  Whys is it so watchable, but flatland isn't?   
 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: Revig on March 02, 2010, 05:59:48 PM
I'm thinking more about how figure skating is the same kind of technical, subjective sport like flatland, yet it enjoys much more widespread appeal.  The compulsory part of competition doesn't have anything to do with that part of it.   People will tune in for hours and 99.99% of them couldn't tell you one figure skating thing from another.  Whys is it so watchable, but flatland isn't?
Among others differences, one thing you won't find in bmx flatland is the choreography that goes with a selected music that defines figure skating very much also. I think it's a very important part of the figure skating that makes it enjoyable for the people watching it, and it's a thing the judges look at closely also.
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 02, 2010, 06:51:02 PM
I'm thinking more about how figure skating is the same kind of technical, subjective sport like flatland, yet it enjoys much more widespread appeal.  The compulsory part of competition doesn't have anything to do with that part of it.   People will tune in for hours and 99.99% of them couldn't tell you one figure skating thing from another.  Whys is it so watchable, but flatland isn't?
Among others differences, one thing you won't find in bmx flatland is the choreography that goes with a selected music that defines figure skating very much also. I think it's a very important part of the figure skating that makes it enjoyable for the people watching it, and it's a thing the judges look at closely also.

Old school flatland contests let you pick and ride to your own music.  You were out there for anywhere from 1.5- FIVE minutes.  It was all part of a "showmanship" score  that also included how you were dressed!  Riders didn't seem to like it though and eventually it was changed.  But choreography was a big part of flatland back in the 80's.  It might be worth mentioning that people made tens of thousands of dollars doing hopping tricks back then.     
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: Revig on March 02, 2010, 07:27:44 PM
Old school flatland contests let you pick and ride to your own music.  You were out there for anywhere from 1.5- FIVE minutes.  It was all part of a "showmanship" score  that also included how you were dressed!  Riders didn't seem to like it though and eventually it was changed.  But choreography was a big part of flatland back in the 80's.  It might be worth mentioning that people made tens of thousands of dollars doing hopping tricks back then.

I should have write "modern flatland"... (I didn't coz 2010 it's the actual year for everybody).
I know about bitd stuff, the jerseys and off course you can choose your music when you ride at contest, that's not the point here.
Unfortunately, you can't talk (seriously) about choreography when it comes to the similarities between figure ice skating and flatland bmx. There are emotions in figure skating because of the choreography ; something created (and with the music) that can provide goose-flesh for the mass. You can get that goose-flesh when you watch flatland off course but only if you know and like flatland, not if you are not keen about it.
(and seriously again, I suppose it will be very hard to find proficient riders nowadays that will do the same kind of stuff than the os riders. But tell if it's possible if you think it is, why not)
So at least, it's difficult to compare that sport to flatland, and that's not the only difference.
And I regret flatland is not a bigger sport (if it's really a sport) that could come to the Olympics  -_-
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: kessel runner on March 02, 2010, 07:48:05 PM
personally, i am so glad that flatland is not a part of the dramatic chaos that the Olympics represents.  and if it were, you'd be hearing about some pro rider getting sh*t on by the media for drinking a beer at an after-contest gathering or better yet, for riding with no shirt on and causing a huge media circus scandal because it was too provocative of a performance.  the thing i have to ask myself in the context of this thread, is would i really want to be compared, in an Olympic context and thusly, on an emotional level to an ice skater?  no.  i like my drama right where it is, inside my car while driving on the freeway, not on the television or in the tabloids.   
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 02, 2010, 07:54:37 PM
True, the Olympics generates all kinds of scandals for TV, but I think it might be worth it for the advantages the money would bring to the sport.  More exposure = more endorsements =
more pro riders can make a living riding bikes.  If Bode Miller or Michael Phelps lived like even the wealthiest "pro" flatlander for one day, he'd probably kill himself.  Those athletes are well taken care of for
the most part.  As it is it's been more than 20 years since anyone could earn anything more but the most basic living riding flatland without endless touring. 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: kessel runner on March 02, 2010, 08:01:27 PM
hey man, i'm all for pro flatlanders making a good living at one of the most incredible athletic diciplines of all time, not to mention it would give a whole bunch of up-and-comer riders a real great goal to strive for.......it's the monkies in the corporate suits that would run the show and profit off of it, who'd ruin everything at the end of the day.    
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: kessel runner on March 02, 2010, 08:06:30 PM
...and on that note, most of the ice skaters out there who become Olympians are bred and groomed for it by an outside party.  at that point, "freestyle" isn't so free anymore. 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: ASC on March 03, 2010, 12:31:32 AM
Off topic somewhat...right now everyone is talking about the closing ceremonies music, the only thing they got right was Neil Young. Buggers! HAHAHA...

Skateboarding and Surfing are not in the Olympics...nor would both sports-lifestyle want to be compared to other sports. If anything I'd take it as compliment to be amongst these 2 action sports communities.

You all have the Hang-5 dude.

We all know how surfing is freakin'huge, yet a recent comp in their community was not sponsored by heavies in the industry, mind you its easy to understand why if know certain issues too well.
24 top World Big Wave Surfers got together and Jammed. No Ego, No Bullsh*t. Just loads of goosebumps.

They are very much like you all. ITS ALL THE SAME VISION.
Be proud of Flatland. You are ARTISTS, sometimes in a good way and some times....aaaaarrrrrrrg!

N

Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: monkeyflat on March 03, 2010, 02:30:41 AM
Who gives a f*ck. the worlds going to end in 2012 anyways
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: ASC on March 03, 2010, 03:29:01 AM
^^^Then it should BE EASY for you to have A "CHILL THE f*ck OUT!" moment.  -_-

N

Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: Furball on March 03, 2010, 04:04:39 AM
...I can finally go to the kitchen and make me some toast. -_-
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: blind on March 03, 2010, 06:36:22 AM
D weve been looking over your file and well you havent made it out to ride since like fall. havent heard much from you whats up on thur?
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: tod miller on March 03, 2010, 08:08:03 AM
Off topic somewhat...right now everyone is talking about the closing ceremonies music, the only thing they got right was Neil Young. Buggers! HAHAHA...

Skateboarding and Surfing are not in the Olympics...nor would both sports-lifestyle want to be compared to other sports. If anything I'd take it as compliment to be amongst these 2 action sports communities.

You all have the Hang-5 dude.

We all know how surfing is freakin'huge, yet a recent comp in their community was not sponsored by heavies in the industry, mind you its easy to understand why if know certain issues too well.
24 top World Big Wave Surfers got together and Jammed. No Ego, No Bullsh*t. Just loads of goosebumps.

They are very much like you all. ITS ALL THE SAME VISION.
Be proud of Flatland. You are ARTISTS, sometimes in a good way and some times....aaaaarrrrrrrg!

N



I feel this...
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 03, 2010, 03:21:47 PM
D weve been looking over your file and well you havent made it out to ride since like fall. havent heard much from you whats up on thur?

Every Thursday that's been nice I've either had other commitments or been out of town or something.  I did ride with Alexis last Saturday though.  I'll be out more when the weather starts to improve. 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: cow on March 03, 2010, 03:47:36 PM
i do think that flatland is a sport and it actually can make it in the Olympics...come on every country in the world has at least over 10 flat-landers and if each country sends at least two riders......

now before i'm attacked by the ppl who believe that its not a sport or its staying underground would keep it "pure"...come on ppl you spend all this money buying parts and updating every few months,arguing on forums about what's best direction for our "activity",argue with family,wives,girlfriends about the importance of it in our lives...... i mean that's bound to count for something.
every other new sport has surpassed flatland in x-games and Olympics for one simple reason-the ability to adapt and accept the inevitable-CHANGE.

FOR ANYTHING TO GROW IT MUST CHANGE.

we need to settle on comp formats, rules etc for flat to grow to even be accepted in bikepark formats (where kids can actually see it and be inspired to take it up)...... ;D
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: chinadarrington on March 03, 2010, 03:57:13 PM
You guys are too funny... I hate to break it to you but Krys Dauchy is "skinny, pale and riddled with scars" too...  Hell, I got a 20" zipper running up my back f'christs sake!   But yeah...you guys *could* get flatland marketed to an Olympic slant.  But I dunno if you want to make the lifestyle/image changes that it would require. :)  Or...you could infiltrate positions on the Olympic Committees and 'conquer from within'.
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: D on March 03, 2010, 04:36:57 PM
Hey China!  Good to see you on here.   I learned a left foot on the right peg boomerang type thing from seeing you do that in a video "Bmxtremes" back when I was a kid.  I think you were riding
for General then?     

I never did learn did learn those backwards barrides though.  :)   

Are you riding again these days? 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: MICHELE on March 03, 2010, 06:43:22 PM
i do think that flatland is a sport and it actually can make it in the Olympics...come on every country in the world has at least over 10 flat-landers and if each country sends at least two riders......

now before i'm attacked by the ppl who believe that its not a sport or its staying underground would keep it "pure"...come on ppl you spend all this money buying parts and updating every few months,arguing on forums about what's best direction for our "activity",argue with family,wives,girlfriends about the importance of it in our lives...... i mean that's bound to count for something.
every other new sport has surpassed flatland in x-games and Olympics for one simple reason-the ability to adapt and accept the inevitable-CHANGE.

FOR ANYTHING TO GROW IT MUST CHANGE.

we need to settle on comp formats, rules etc for flat to grow to even be accepted in bikepark formats (where kids can actually see it and be inspired to take it up)...... ;D

flatland must stay underground.
flatland will save from hell who really belive in it.
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: Ras Trent on March 05, 2010, 03:53:27 AM
Flatland is a relatively new sport, figure skating has been around for a relatively long time. 
Title: Re: So now that the Olympics are over.....
Post by: katobmx on March 07, 2010, 12:17:08 AM
Flatland is a relatively new sport, figure skating has been around for a relatively long time. 
In this state yes, but Artistic Cycling has been around for years which is flatland. We just use different bikes now

btw anybody seen that french figure skater that used to do back flips in her runs FREAKIN CRAZY!!!