shift

Luke “Duke” Emmons gives you the inside scoop from the Stunt Wars US Open in Orlando, Florida. By Luke Emmons Saturday January 17th, leaving snow to get to 70s and sunny. Destination Orlando, Florida, the current home of the Stunt Wars 2010 US Open. Stunt Wars is one of my personal favorite competitions. Much of my family lives close to the venue so I am able to catch up and practice all week at my top secret stunt spot. Snow has been falling in Connecticut since Thanks Giving making it hard to practice. But cobwebs are quickly dusted off with 6 hour practice sessions! One good thing about living in a snowy climate is that you can wrench on your bike when you’re staring out the window like a twelve year old wishing you could ride. Dave Bolognese, my ace mechanic, and I had taken care of that feat and my bike was tight! After the week of practice I shifted into competition mode. I wanted to bring Stunt Wars home and knew that I had developed the style and skill set to do so. I stopped looking at other riders and have been working only on the Luke Duke style of riding, owning the tricks that I lay down. The usual butterflies filled my stomach before my qualifier and I put down what I thought was a solid run. The judges thought it was even better as I was the number one qualifier. I actually would have preferred to be the #2 or #3 qualifier as it is difficult to put down two great runs in two days. Bill Dixon did not have to qualify because he was a podium finisher in 2009. I was keeping my eye on him and Brian Bubash. Saturday January 23rd, I lie awake in bed staring at the ceiling wanting Stunt Wars bad. I’m sure myself and the 10 other qualifying riders were having very similar thoughts and I drifted off to sleep. Game day is here and I feel awesome. The first event is tandem and my woman Nicole and I have a polished run. Although we didn’t podium we received compliments from the judges, who were impressed with our first competition outing, and Nicole’s ability to back flip off the front of my bike mid-stoppie. After the stoppie comp, and stunt cross comp, I was ready to put my final run down. I looked and felt great. I really think that I was the best looking rider out there in my new shift gear. I had my usual pre-run apprehension but was still very confident. When the flag dropped I pinned my throttle into oblivion and lost all conscious thought. When the five minutes was over and the smoke cleared I had an ear to ear smile. I ran a very clean and difficult run. Award ceremonies were exciting when I hadn’t heard my name called in nine riders and held my breath with the last two names to be called. I ended up claiming a strong 2nd place result behind Dixon, but next year I have high hopes that I will take home the win. I couldn’t have come close to being a Stunt Wars runner up without the help from SHIFT, Racing 905, Dave Bolognese, Hindle Exhaust, Sparx Helmets, HEL brake lines, GPR Dampers, Amsoil, Interbuild, Shinko Tires, ASV levers, Thrust Co, Bike Styles, Stuntride.com, and Hohey Designs. Thank you all.