Michael Reynolds and Starflower Productions bring you a simple story, a bunch of southern good ole’ boys get together and start riding. One thing leads to another and the next thing you know they are an established riding group raising the bar in regards to competition and the level of altruistic stoke that can be shared with other riders. This is the story of the 2005 Dixie Cup; The story of the Downhill Billies.
Now every statement you hear about the DHB involves one if not two things; their amazing organizational and logistical skills and what stellar people they are. With this DVD the DHB makes a statement to the world to come skate with them. The evidence is good that missing the next Dixie Cup would be a sad situation.
The DVD opens with a basic tale of how the DHB got together, in the words of the members themselves. Finally being able to put a face to the voices and personalities that we have all heard so much of Marion Karr, Evan St. Clair, Brent Griffith, Darren Holt and others. The story starts off with a quick run through of the birth and subsequent life of slalom by Jack Smith. The story continues on to the point that the Statesville boys all returned skaters have decided to put on their race this being the impetus of the Dixie Cup; if we can’t make it to the race let’s have one of our own.
With interaction with some of the pro’s of the slalom world the DHB had managed to secure attendance of some of the finest slalom riders in the world. It is as some put it in the video that the pro’s would travel such a distance to visit the very first even this crew has ever put on. Really though, Marion and all the rest of the DHB seem to be people of such quality moral fiber it’s not too surprising. From there it just grew and the DVD takes you through the whole event.
What we took from this video above almost all else is the sense that the DHB really understand that it takes a massive group effort to put on an event of this size. Getting everyone into the mix to provide the service they can. Accepting help wherever it can be found, multiple compliments are paid over the length of the DVD to that regard. Not only to they make use of the assistance of others but they are truly grateful.
As well they are truly lucky as the footage shows the hills the boys session and the crew they run with seem idyllic almost a halcyon to a past not many took part in; Stoked out riders in high spirits just stoked to have fun on quality pavement and hills framed by reaching trees and Victorian houses. The video gives us an eye on the hill and proved enticements to attend the next Dixie Cup.
The video is quality, inside and out highly engaging footage, minimal digital effects and those that are used are not distracting to the footage itself. The soundtrack is awesome, I actually wish it came with an audio DVD cause I would love to listen to some of the southern ole’ timey flavor while riding some hills maybe get a bit of DHB inspiration. There are bonus Sk8 videos in addition to the documentary itself and video of SAPCo live.
The video puts you in touch with who the DHB is an intimate voyeuristic glance at what was the catalyst to the entire culture of stoke that they have become known for. With greats such as Jack Smith, Kenny Mollica, Jason Mitchell and many others speaking honestly about the fun time they had you can be sure that the 2005 Dixie Cup was just the first of many and it was fun watching how it all came together. Like Jason Mitchell said “Fun is the name of the game”
follow this link to download the trailer.
To purchase your own copy:
Paypal $20.00 to \n promotions@downhillbillies.org
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Or:
Mail a check or money order to:
DownhillbilliesPO Box 1435
Statesville, North Carolina 28687
