This past April 5th-7th , UGP held it’s annual “Roots Jam” in Central Orlando, Florida. There were three classes: 16 & under, 16 & over, and Pro. At this year’s jam, they were allowing up to 150 riders to enter in the 16 & over class (last year only 80, but ended up with 90 something). I drove down from New York picking up Sarah Efrid in North Carolina along the way. It took the whole car ride down to convince her to enter, seeing as it would be the last time before she ships off to the army for basic training and then gets shipped off somewhere on the other side of the world.

When we got there, Sarah and I entered 16 & over, and while signing up met Brittany, a rider from Florida, and also owner of BRAVE clothing. She was really cool hooked us up with some pretty stylish shirts when she had a free minute, (she was working for UGP at the jam). Later that evening we met up with Cory Coffee at this vegetarian restaurant (we ate there like 3 more times during the trip, place is amazing).

The next day was 16 & over qualifying. Practice was packed, but the three of us got a few runs in, I think. I was in heat 6, Sarah was in heat 7 I think, and Cory was in the last heat, 10 I think. We each got two 1 minute runs. The course was set up alright, not as much street stuff there as I would’ve liked, but it was cool (something for everyone). There was a HUGE wallride with a curve from L-R: a wedge, a 5ft quarter, and a long wedge that extended out along with the curve. And on the way to the other side of the course, a street-spine, next to one with a sub-rail, a pyramid/funbox type of thing, and a box jump. The other side of he course had a wedge/quarter/wedge, topped by a 2 ft. sub-box, which was topped by a huge wallride.

Anyway, the three of us entered, and we all did our runs (for some reason there was some last minute talk of not doing their runs). Considering we were the only three girls to enter the jam, all in the same class with over 100 guys to compete against, I thought we all did pretty well. The first run is always tough, but after that, the second one usually falls into place. Oh yeah, I just thought I should mention the disrespect of this one dude, who came out in the middle of my run, to try this big trick he kept wrecking on. I mean, as much as everyone wanted to see this guy pull the trick, he could’ve at least waited until the end of my run or at least pulled it, he came out right in the middle, and then didn’t pull it. Oh well, the crowd booed and I just sat there waiting for him to finish. At least the judges gave me my time back. (sorry had to vent).

I think Cory placed 66th, I placed 76th, and Sarah 87th. None of us cared who placed where really, but the fact that we all came down to the jam, entered the same comp and did our runs was pretty cool. Hopefully next year, Brittany won’t have to work at the jam and also other girls will be able to enter as well. Ron Bonner, the organizer of the jam/owner of UGP mentioned afterwards of toying around with the idea of having a “girls class.” So hopefully next year, more of you can make it down!! The event was a lot of fun, it’s totally laid back, and if you like vegetarian food (or are one) the Garden Café is left down the block from the jam!

-Nina Buitrago