ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT IN WICHITA
(Thanks to Gravity Slashers for the blog)
02/06/10
I hear people say “We’re not in Kansas anymore” all the time and never really understood what it meant until tonight. The people here are amazing and welcome you in like family and that is exactly what they did tonight at the Intrust Bank Arena for the Gravity Slasher FMX riders. Julian Dusseau kicked things off for us looking to make a second straight trip to the finals from the pole position. He put together a solid run that included a flip nac but was only able to muster an 83.9. They next guy out was Nick “Six Guns” Dunne and as always he played to the crowd, drilling an excellent back flip combo and his signature trick the Captain Morgan in his opening run earning himself a spot in the finals with an 88.7. Keith Sayers wound up the folks at the Intrust Bank arena next and added a nac flip to his run as he keeps making progress coming back from an injury sustained early in the season. He scored an 84.5 and thanked the crowd for their rousing ovation. Derek Burlew rolled out smoothly next and made a full lap before heading to the top of the double landing ramp for a little one on one time with the crowd. They gave him a big yell and that was no doubt part of what helped him on his superb run that included a candy bar to saran wrap combo and an 88.3 which was good enough for the last transfer spot to the finals. Shawn Connors looked much more rested tonight and went big on his dead body, showing the folks in Wichita what the east coast rider was capable of. The “Redneck’s” 84.3 wasn’t enough to get him into the finals but he had a huge smile plastered on his face and gave props to his fellow riders for being so talented.
The second set of qualifiers kicked off with the high flying Rich Kearns and he looked comfortable in the saddle ripping off a codova and a one handed back flip. His 85.0 was a little short of the mark for the finals but you can see Rich getting back to form and he will be a force the rest of the way. The very cool and collected Drake McElroy made his way to the floor and showed off his smooth style for all 60 seconds. He didn’t advance to the finals but the crowd didn’t seem to mind as they gave him as big a cheer as anyone for his phenomenal whip nac. Dustin Nowak fired his big throaty four-stroke up next and flipped, whipped and stretched his way to an 88.5 and the third qualifying spot for the Alefs Harley Davidson finals. The Big Man himself Greg Hartman rode out to the Man in Black and unfurled his 6’4” frame for a super flip and a two hand look back Hart attack, but was only able to score an 88.2 which left him on the outside looking in. Brody Wilson was our final qualifier and he breezed into the final with a series of flip tricks and a Rock Solid that was out of this world. His 90.4 was the top number from the prelims and had him in the Cat Bird seat heading into the 80 second set.
Following intermission we brought back the four riders from Friday nights’ show for a rematch in the whip contest to be judged by the crowd. Wilson and Dunne put up some big air, but the contest tonight was between Drake McElroy and Derek Burlew. DMC tossed out his patented whip nac and the crowd ate it up, but Burlew had the last laugh with a near upside down whip. He also went to the left with everyone else going right and I think that tipped the scales in his favor as he regained the Whip title for the week.
Our Alefs Harley Davidson finals were led off by Derek Burlew fresh off his whip win and he carried that energy to an 88 even. McElroy eased out next and even though he threw in the guitar hero lazy boy he was unable to replace DB atop the leader board, because he was only able to garner an 87.7 from the judges. Nick Dunne had his run dialed until his final trip to the tunnel where he had a little trouble making a clean turn and had to short his run by one trick. He did enough to get in front of Burlew by scoring an 88.3, but with Brody Wilson waiting in the wings that didn’t look like it was going to be enough. Turns out he was right to be worried with “Bro D” pilling up the big tricks including a Holy Grab they had him suspended in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Wilson came to the landing ramp for his interview and was smiling ear to ear knowing he put together a great run. The folks deciding on the score agreed and gave him the win with a 91.8.
Before the encore we called X-Games Gold Medalist Heath Frisby to the floor on his Ski-Doo rocket sled to show the fans in Kansas what the top dog on snow looks like. He brought along a couple of friends in the form or Keith Sayers and Nick Dunne and they hit the ramp three times in unison. The first jump was a dead sailor for all three, followed by a triple up of super cans and the last trip was a flip sandwich with two bikes on the outside and Frisby in the middle. It was an awesome sight and the crowd erupted in the loudest screams of the night.
As the bikes took their final laps and soaked up all the good karma in the building it was obvious the Gravity Slashers left their mark on the Intrust Bank Arena and all the great people in Wichita. We look forward to seeing everyone when we get to a town near you. We will be in Little Rock Arkansas next week so pick up you tickets and come see us. Like I always say, check us out on Facebook and make us your friends. Throw down a post and let us know what you are thinking, all the riders and crew read and post regularly.
- David Kinsley
Hi,
As some of you know I am in California for a few days escaping the cold of Montana. Driving around the L.A. area has been quite an experience for me, especially trying to figure out the different freeways etc. Good things are coming soon that I can’t quite talk about yet, but there are three new sponsors I will be working with. Between video, clothing and optics I will be styling going into Winter X.
Practice has been going really well, and thankfully I have nailed down some new variations on some solid tricks. I am looking forward to getting home and riding in some deep snow, not on the dirt! As the holiday season approaches I would like to bring up a sad subject, but one that everyone should pay attention to, avalanche safety.
Everyone has a snowmobile with plenty of power to get into and out of scary situations, and most riders wear beacons along with shovels and probes. Everyone should carry this equipment when heading out riding anywhere to be safe. Yesterday a good family friend of mine passed away in a avalanche while riding. Joel Barrie was 24, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, he will be missed. Please take a look at sites like Avalanche.org and take some safety classes.
Needless to say, my trip has been cut short and I am heading home. I would like to thank all my friends and family in this stressful time, as well as my sponsors like Red Bull for standing behind me. Have a safe weekend.
Heath
Morning,
Yesterday was the long drive home from Winnipeg and I wanted to show off my new trailer. After all these trips around Canada for the New Rock Live Tour, I needed to pull it together and by a enclosed trailer to work and travel out of. It is insulated, fits all six sleds, and will soon be heated. Not to mention it is secure and locks! This will be mobile command during the X Games and other events this winter. I also threw down and bought a new truck a month or two ago since I will be traveling so much this year. 402hp makes towing a lot more fun!
Later
Friz

Dear ESPN,
Through the past years I have really enjoyed competing in Aspen in the Winter X Games. While looking around the internet I stumbled upon the teaser video for this winter’s event in Tignes, France. I personally love the French, think pomme frites are amazing, and would gladly crate my sled and ship it to France. My schedule is fairly open this winter, and if you could squeeze me into the schedule I would appreciate it a ton.
Best Regards,
Heath Frisby
Canada is expensive, but hey have snow, so I like it. Even though hot wings and pizza were roughly $55, it’s good to be riding on snow rather than wood chips again. Tonight is the first night of the New Rock Live tour I have been talking about for some time. It’s a combination music/sledstyle tour across Canada. It’s a little like a winter Warped Tour for those of you in the US. I’m stoked to be a part of it and think tonight’s show is going to be sick. Isaac Sherbine and Keith Sayers are riding in the tour as well, so it’s really fun to ride with your best friends in foreign countries. Even though I think I have been in Canada every other weekend this summer. Check out this practice picture, that landing ramp is huge!
Later
Friz

Morning,
SCS Wraps has been hard at work designing the new graphics for the upcoming winter, and I finally received my full sled kit. I think they look pretty rad, with a whole new theme to boot. It has been snowing like crazy here in the Wood River Valley with almost 12 inches up north. I think we actually skipped fall and went straight to winter, which is fine by me.
I am heading up to Butte, MT now to gather up all my sleds, gear, ramps etc from Keith Sayers house and packing for the New Rock Live Tour. The first stop is October 9, 2009; Medicine Hat Arena- Medicine Hat, Alberta. So get in your truck and drive up to watch the show
Later
Friz


What’s Up,
Most of us sledstyle or FMX guys really aren’t too savvy when it comes to water sports. Sure we can sit on a boat and drink a beer or two, but most of us are snow or dirt based people. Well the weather here in Bellevue has been windy as all hell, so last weekend we headed north to Redfish Lake. This could be one of the most beautiful lakes in the west, and you don’t have to give up the creature comforts of life going there either. Some friends and family and I went up for a day in the crystal clear ice cold water, luckily right before it snowed. I gave this whole stand up paddle boarding craze a try, and I must say it is pretty fun. The balance needed to keep things upright and smooth it pretty intense. I just cruised around the lake on flat water, but after seeing those big wave videos I am more than impressed by the pros. You should give it a shot next time you give the chance.
Later
Friz

Hey guys,
I have been using this neck brace from Omega that is sweet. Normally, braces like Leatt and others are cumbersome for freestyle and don’t allow me full range of motion. This one is completely different. Everyone should be wearing these! Check out the little video on the right as well. You can get them from my good buddies and sponsors at Western Power Sports.

Hey guys,
I wanted to point out a good blog that is related to sledstyle and snowmobiling in general. Julien has been great about putting up content for me, and I wanted to give him a shout out as well. This is the kind of site we need to grow, let’s make this sport as big as we can! Thanks Julien, and keep up the good work, even is you are in college right now!
http://www.sledstyle.wordpress.com

My boys at SCS Vinyl Works did it once again, and I can’t wait to throw their new wrap on my sleds this winter. Check out their new page with the 2010 snowmobile wraps!

Hello,
This past weekend was one of the most fun weekends I have had in a long long time! I spent the weekend filming with a helicopter for a new movie that will premiere in February by Steve Haughelstine. Look for it soon under the title “From the Ground Up”. Coy Cooper, Keith Sayers and I all spent the weekend pushing ourselves to look the best that we can on film! Check out my tweets on Twitter for more updates.
Later
Friz

Morning!
Wanted to let everyone know that I just signed with a new tour across Canada. Two of my good friends, Isaac Sherbine and Joe Parsons, are traveling to all the events as well. There are plenty of stops so everyone should see at least one. Bringing both music and sledstyle to events will make for a fun weekend. Check out the trailer on the right to see what’s up!
Hi,
What a week! Summer is definitely in full swing, and I have been putting miles on my truck like it is going out of style. Last night was a demo in Monroe, WA, a town outside of Seattle. Show went well, and we had the whole thing packed up as fast as ever. I am on the road right now, and thought I would toss in a quick update of my travels. Didn’t sleep last night, loaded up the truck and headed east right after the show. 592 miles to Helena, a case of Red Bull, and lots of loud music. Driving through the night gives you lots of time to think, and I think I could drive from Spokane to Butte,MT with my eyes closed now.
Sayers, Metzger, and I have been traveling a lot together this summer, and I couldn’t think of a better group of guys to work with. There is no screwing around when it comes down to business, and that’s the way we like it. I need to be in Helena at 2pm today for a private show put on by my friend Ted. He throws a huge party at his house, and invited us to ride this year. Not a bad gig! I’ll have some pictures for sure of this night. Going to grab a quick nap, and keep on driving, talk to you later.
Friz
Good Morning!
I am on the road, packed up the Frisby traveling circus, and headed west. Monroe, WA is the destination for a show this Friday, however on the way I am making a small detour to visit my good friend in Moses Lake, WA. Haven’t seen Stifler in awhile and it is always entertaining. So if you’re out in the Washington area come out and watch the show. I will post details on where the show is soon.
Here is a cool newspaper shot from the Lynden show last week! I cannot for the life of me get this thing to show up right, but here is the photo.

What’s Up,
I packed up the trailer, loaded up the truck, and look like a traveling junk show. Seattle is my next stop on my freestyle summer tour, but first I had to make a quick pit stop in Coeur d’Alene to see my good friend Mike Metzger. He has the job of finishing up my tattoo’s and putting together my sleeve. Here is a quick camera phone shot, it wasn’t easy doing the camera/while getting tattooed thing.
Friz

Hello Everyone,
As you might have heard I have resigned with SLEDNECKS for the next three years. I am stoked to be back and can’t wait to start working on our movie segment for the 2010 snow season. I have been training super hard for this season and hope to win a gold medal at X games. I am excited for the upcoming season and would like to thank everyone at slednecks for bringing me back on the team. I am looking forward to being able to represent for the brand and to be involved in the upcoming movie.
Thanks again
HF

What’s up,
Loaded up the truck again today to once again cross the state of Montana. This time I am heading to Billings, MT for a freestyle show. For those of you who have never seen the Billings Hillclimb, it is world famous. Here is a VIDEO to refresh your memory.
Last weekend Keith Sayers and I traveled to Killdeer, ND for a FMX show, where I helped MC the show. What can I say about Killdeer, there are more cows than people, the attendence was a little low, probably around 500 or so, but the trip was fun nonetheless. Here is a MAP to give you an idea of where this place exists.
You know it was funny this week, I have been driving across Montana and Idaho for weeks now, and never get tired of coming home here. Living and training in Butte has been really good for me, and I love my friends that live here. And then when I return to Bellevue, ID it’s like a little vacation. If you get a chance, come up to Montana, you won’t regret it.
Anyways, I’ll get some pictures coming soon, and a story from Billings ASAP. Thanks for reading, and talk to you soon.
Later
Friz