Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Flip Side of DOIN WORK

Everyone always says "DO WORK" when you tell them your going to ride. I believe Chris "Teach" Mcneil has said this on occasion-"In Stuntriding- Riding is only 10%". Which this is totally right. From driving 500+ miles to a comp/show/event, swapping motors in driveways, talking with sponsors, promoting, editing media. A successful stuntrider is a jack(ass) of all trades. Which of course I am not.
But on to my issue, GETTING/KEEPING a Legit Stunt Spot.

I was under someone else's permission this last year to ride at a city owned parking lot. With it being the change of the year, people start checking little things like insurance/waivers and make sure they are covered for the next year, its understandable. During Redemption Week, as most of you know I was asked not to ride at this spot until I could talk to the City Council. Well last night was the town workshop.

Lets trace back a step, being mostly a nonshow rider I do not carry a blanket insurance policy(as probably most stuntriders won't as well, unless you are doing probably 40-100+ shows a year). I have a found a few liability waivers and tweaked them a little to my liking. You can find some here - Click. I would advise if you are not good with legal jargin to leave them be, they are pretty good the way they sit. So, I printed out copies for each of the city council members with an additional signed one for records. I copied my drivers liscence, and health insurance cards. I also had a small resume of shows & events I have ridden in as well as a few stunt pictures(Things that look impressive to people outside the sport, but also make sure you are wearing your protective gear-putting the proper foot forward). And well, I guess we are ready.

I came to the city council meeting right after work so I was dressed well. It was actually hard for them to make the jump that I was that guy that was always stunting down the road. The Mayor walks in before hand and I introduce myself. He was very excited that I had came to the meeting and came prepared! He is good friends with a local extreme motorcycle rider and understands what we are doing. We talked for a couple of seconds and then the meeting began. I sat quietly and respectfully as other issues were being handled on the docket. After an hour or so it was my turn - GAME TIME!

The Mayor gave me a quick introduction to the rest of the council and asked me to explain what it is I do and would like to ask of the city. I first explained my personal life, job, where I lived to show them that I was apart of the community. Then explained riding experience, people I've worked for, charity rides, etc. So once they were comfortable with me. It was time to tackle the real issue. I believe they wanted a blanket insurance coverage(which I beleive the other extreme rider may have. still undetermined). So I methodically went through the waiver and hit on all the key points. Yes, I know this is dumb and dangerous - If I destroy any of my stuff yeah I got it I'm stupid. If I die, Yes, I am an idiot. Points taken. Another point that I made which is in some of the waivers is accidental damage to their property. That it legally bound me to fix it, as I would do anyway. I went on explaining how I already sweep/leaf blow the parking lot and pick up trash. In conclusion, I thanked them all for their time and consideration. The Mayor finished off with a few small questions, stated that he would love for me to ride for their Kid Fest sometime, and gave me a small nod and smile. Thanked them all again and was dismissed.

So the wait begins. In a week or so they will make a decision on whether or not I can still ride. But this my friends is how you go about getting/keeping a legit spot.
The work when your not "DOING WORK".

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