Shaun Jarvis at Flatark 2016

twitterlinkedinmail

Flatark is the biggest flatland contest in the world. Held in Kobe Japan, riders from all over the world travel to be a part of the event. Riders come and enjoy the event others come to compete. Freestyle Now squad members Shaun Jarvis and Paul Chamberlain travelled to Japan to experience Flatark once again. This is the third time they have gone. Shaun competed once again in the expert class where he place 19th in a class of 42 riders. 2016 is the 35th year Shaun has been riding bmx and it looks like he is not slowing down. Shaun sent us a few words about the trip so please read on.

shaun-jarvis-at-flatark-2016-photo-by-marcio-massayuki-abe

Elbow glide while the birds take flight at Meriken Park in Kobe – photo by Marcio Massayuki Abe

“This was the third time I had gone to Japan for Flatark. For me it is now a yearly thing to do, and I look forward to seeing so many riders and friends and making new friends. I travelled to Japan with two other riders from Perth, Tim Sutherland and Trent Karow. On our first night in Kobe we went to this small jam at Shin Kobe station that started at 11pm. With one like 2 hours sleep over the past 40 hours i managed to ride ok and won a G-Shock watch from Uchino. A very proud and honoured moment for sure. We met Paul Chamberlain and friend Kit McKenna in Kobe the day after. I rode every day and experienced so many good times. On the day of the competition I finally planned out my run. I felt comfortable to ride at the contest site, the more comfortable you are the more relaxed you can be for the contest. I hit two smooth combos and then with the third combo it fell apart a bit and didn’t go very well. I had not slept well the night before so I was not that bummed as I knew I had rode the best I could on the day, I was happy with my run and that is what counted the most. To find out a few days later that I took 19th place was rad, super stoked for sure. After my contest run  I met Ryo Ishikawa, a young 10 year old who is inspired by my riding, I was blown away that he wanted to meet me. I felt very honoured to inspire younger riders. Later I headed over to Meriken Park to ride. There I met 3 young riders (under 10) and riding with them was a highlight of my trip, they inspired me and they started to copy some of my tricks I was doing. They even brought me coffee, something so small but meant so much. Going to Osaka and seeing friends, and riding with them was another awesome time. Halloween in Osaka was an experience I could no imagine, what an insane night, be sure to check the video of the footage to see what I meen.  The whole 10 days trip was so good. Every day riding, experiencing, learning and being motivated. Looking back on the trip I feel so motivated to progress more and I can’t wait to return. I made a video diary from each of the 10 days adventure and compiled them into one video. Give it a watch to see the adventure and how awesome the trip was over the 10 days. Sure it’s just over 1 1/2 hours but the trip lasted ten days with so much packed into it it was hard not to show this much.”

You can check out more photos from Shaun” trip via his facebook page here

 

shaun-jarvis-at-flatark-2016-photo-by-jason-halayko

Shaun Jarvis in the middle of a switch before scuffing forward on the front wheel during his contest run – photo by Jason Halayko

shaun-jarvis-at-flatark-2016-backyard-photo-by-marcio-massayuki-abe

Some backyard action on the big screen as well during his run at Flatark – photo by Marcio Massayuki Abe

shaun-jarvis-at-flatark-2016-finished-his-run-photo-by-marcio-massayuki-abe

Shaun leaving the contest floor at Flatark 2016 – photo by Marcio Massayuki Abe

shaun-jarvis-at-flatark-2016-with-ryo-ishikawa

After his contest Shaun met Ryo Ishikawa. Young Ryo was so happy as he is inspired by Shaun’s riding style.

shaun-jarvis-at-flatark-2016-in-osaka-for-halloween

Halloween in Japan is crazy, this is the crew in Osaka, L to R – Paul Chamberlain, Shaun Tim Sutherland and Kit McKenna. Check Shaun’s video to see some of the crazy Halloween action.

Shaun’s contest run from Flatark