This scan came to me courtesy of Scott Sliwinski and BMX Plus!. (Why they use an exclamation point I will never know…) The article itself is about a big AFA invitational contest that Charlie had at Grundy’s Ice Skating Rink in PA back in the early, early days of BMX Freestyle. Facts about the article. The ramp future General rider is on is the first portable all metal 1/4 pipe in NJ, mine, from the High Voltage Trick Team. In the results are TONS of local NJ, NY, and PA riders who went on to big, big things in freestyle. Craig LePage, future world champion, John Huddleston who was one of the most underrated flat riders EVER, Jay Jones, Joe Gruttola, Jeremy Alder, so many… Other little known factoids from this comp: Charlie had to pay for the magazines to come out, so this little endeavor cost quite a penny as he also paid to have the CW team there…which Dizz spent most of his time…elsewhere when, quite honestly, he should have been hanging, signing autographs and making sure Charlie got his moneys worth, he still romped me though! LOL. The kid doing the one hand, one foot kick turn is I believe, Len Schuab…maybe Scott can clarify that. The dude doing the standing up backwards infinity roll is however, definitely Marty Stoyer. Asphalt Action Magazine, mentioned in one of the photos originally featured my team in it, in like their second issue…wonder what happened to those guys… Mike Karanik on MCS. Oh and although it says Jean Sliwinski, it was actually SEAN Sliwinski, Scott’s brother who got 3rd in 16-18 novice. All in all these were amazing times to be involved in freestyle BMX and Charlie’s undying love for not only the sport but all the kids who were involved in it really resonated with us. We always knew that Chuck was never in it just for the money but because he believe in all of us. Rest in peace my man, we are all better for knowing you.
