People that have been to Bittercold understand why this contest is one of the best of the country but others wonder why should I make the trip thousands of miles to go to a contest where the temps are just too cold and snow? What is your response?

First off, the tradeshow has become the strongest aspect of the event. It is the most successful rollerblading tradeshow in the country and provides all the companies involved along with all the attendees an incredible opportunity to interact with each other. The contest on the other hand has continually been one of the most exciting in the country as well and I couldn’t be more excited about this year. So yeah, even though you may have to brave some of our wonderful Midwest weather it will be worth it.

What pros are you expecting to be competing this year?

Brian Shima will be there representing Nimh which I couldn’t be more excited about. Along with the typical cast of pro rollerbladers including Haffey, Aragon, Bailey, Stockwell, Bambrick and many others.

Will there be any changes in the format this year?

The format will remain the same this year as in years past. We will continue to do Qualifications Friday night as well to reduce the number of competitors. So, on Saturday we can cut down the time the Bitter Cold Showdown takes but still give everyone the chance to compete.

How much time do you spend preparing the Bittercold Showdown each year?

It’s hard to tell. I usually take around 30-40 hours developing the website and all the promotional materials and go through a bunch of emails everyday leading up to the event. I am spending quite a bit more time this year on everything with the park moving because I am taking care of a lot more myself. No worries though; I like to keep occupied.

What is the hardest part of putting on the Bittercold Showdown?

The hardest part is planning everything thoroughly and trying to make it the best event possible but still have rollerbladers that complain about paying for admittance and supporting the event, rollerblading and the winners. Everybody wants something for nothing and if I could, the event would be free to watch but that’s just not possible at this point. At the same time the event would be nothing without the support of all of the sponsors along with the thousands that come to the event every year.

What drew you to the Flow skate park?

Moving the event to The Flow in Columbus, OH is going to provide the whole event with a lot more space and give competitors the chance to really take full advantage of the park. Along with that, spectators will have plenty of room to move around and not be as cramped as in years past.

Over the many years, which contest stands out in your mind as the most memorable?

The most memorable event for me is still the first one in 2001. It was an incredible surprise to see how many people turned out for the event and Ben Weis shocked everyone by skating this crazy steep 2X4 handrail.

Any last comments or thoughts you’d like to share with everyone?

If you are competing be sure to register for the event online or you will be unable to compete.
http://www.bittercoldshowdown.com/2008/?page_id=16

Also be sure to pick up your tickets for the “Blood, Pride & True” premiere and after party presented by Sixwonsix. For tickets visit
http://www.shopintegrated.com and for the latest on the production of the DVD visit http://www.shopintegrated.com/swsdvd