[2010] Texas Sizzler, March 27-28

[Greg Stubbs]

Also, I have no problem paying the $25 to the ISSA. I think that's nominal. Whatever it takes to make this work. Jourdan, you have obviously done more than your share and I want to restate that if there is anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to shout.

[Greg Stubbs]

Jourdan

I know I'm way up here in Dallas but if there is anything you need help with please let me know. I am wearing my boots today and am willing to kick ass for you, bro. Just let me know...

xxxooo,

Stubbsywubbsy

[Rick Floyd]

Thanks Rick, thats a really good perspective for guys that don't participate in other sports, it costs more to play tennis, bowl, or ride MT bikes than what were asking for.

I think it is important to keep this an "open book" though and if anyone wants to get in touch, I welcome the imput.

Joe

Yup, agreed...just wanted to add my two cents....okay, maybe it was five cents...crap, now I only have $24.95...will that do?

Maybe if you call it a "tax" instead?

-RF

[Joe Iacovelli]

Thanks Rick, thats a really good perspective for guys that don't participate in other sports, it costs more to play tennis, bowl, or ride MT bikes than what were asking for.

I think it is important to keep this an "open book" though and if anyone wants to get in touch, I welcome the imput.

Joe

[Rick Floyd]

I also have some comments on the proposed ISSA member fee requirement. I have always just paid whatever member fee was required in all sports I have competed in, without thinking much about it. If I competed for a year and felt it was a rip-off, I would have either asked for it back, or not competed under that organization's system again...that has never happened. Even the $75 to USASA snowboarding seemed like a very small price to pay to have the privilege of organized racing, no matter what else was offered as part of that fee. Joe, you and the rest of the BOD certainly don't need to justify any ISSA member fee to me.

I encourage others to maybe think along these lines as well. I don't feel any currently elected ISSA member would ever squander my money...that's why I voted for 'em...and now you can too!

-RF

[Joe Iacovelli]

OK, Peter is on the BOD and he has opinion. I am also on the BOD and I have mine, they vary a little, but here you go;

I'm not sure that this is about $25. I think any issues may be about the principal of the thing and urge any racer with questions to take it up with the ISSA BOD. I suggest you not ask Jourdan. As you can read here, Jourdan has greater issues to deal with than ISSA membership fees.

The BOD of the ISSA has not released the entire benefit package, but we are making sure that if we ask a racer for $0.01, that we have a reason, a plan for the $ and some direct benefits that the racers and organizers understand.

I recently had an hour long phone call with just such a racer from TX, that didn't understand and didn't like it. After our phone call he was convinced, on board and willing to give it a try and $25 for 2010. I suggest you all feel free to contact me or any other BOD memeber, or give us another week to publish the entire package.

Again, please consider that we love racing as much as you do and are trying to change things in a positive way.

The 2010 ISSA Board Of Directors are:

Gary Fluitt
Dan Gesmer
Jonathan Harms
Joe Iacovelli
Peter Klang
Joe McLaren
Wesley Tucker


joe iacovelli - iaco@att.net

[Peter Klang]

Great to hear about the race, wish I could be there. However, I do have some thoughts on the membership issue. Any rider spends 1.000 of dollars in a year on slalom skateboard. Travel, entry fee, equipment, hotels, beer, etc so what’s another 25 dollars toward a great couse?

I say, if you can’t pay 25 bucks, maybe you should start collecting stamps, or cans.

Yours Fastest

[Jourdan Adler]

Competitors,

Really exciting news coming out of Austin, TX.

Looks like there is now a 90% chance that we will be granted our permit for the 1200-1400 blocks of San Jacinto Blvd in downtown Austin to conduct the Hybrid and Tight events!! That means you will all be able to “sleep in” on Sunday as the LaQuinta Hotel is located on the 1100 Block of San Jacinto Blvd. at the top of the course. The start ramps will give you a view of the UT Football stadium, and by the fourth or fifth cone you will be one block from the Texas State Capital Building. This has been a dream of Eddy’s, and I am so excited that we are one step closer to achieving it.

Regarding the waiver issue:

At the riders meeting on Friday, as well as prior to Saturday’s GS event, I will have a notary on site “FREE OF CHARGE”, to facilitate the waiver signings. I must apologize for this being such a lengthy waiver, but sometimes the “Bull gets you by the horns”. It takes a ton of coordination and risk to produce an event of this size, and it is of the utmost importance that those assuming that risk, and or making donations to make the event possible are covered to the best of their ability.

Regarding the ISSA membership issue:

I urge you all to hang tight on this issue. I can see things from both sides of the spectrum, and I will do my best to work with the ISSA to see if people who have made the $25 lifetime membership can apply that to the 2010 inaugural year of mandatory fees for racing. Hang tight on this one, and it will be addressed shortly.

Special attraction Downhill event:

Sign up and format for this event will be posted on the NCDSA next week. The rider field will be capped at 72. With a full rider field, there will be a $2000 prize purse split between the top three spots.

On a personal note:

I have been dealing with some very strenuous business/personal issues, and I know that it has had an effect on my level of communication not only with competitors, but also with sponsors and those donating their personal time to the success of the 2010 event. Please accept my sincere apology for the breakdown in communication. I should be through the brunt of it this week, and will be able to put one foot in front of the other over the next couple of days.

I hope all of this information finds you well.

Jourdan

[Rick Floyd]

Thanks Jourdan, hope everything is OK.

Remember, there are a bunch of us willing to help.

Thanks Jourdan - life is more important than skating...do your thing. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I arrive late Thursday night, so will be around all day friday, with vehicle, to assist.

-Rick

[Rick Floyd]

LOL, that is effin' funny Joe! Even looks like Wes...

...why thank you Lav, that's my handiwork. I gave Iacovelli exclusive publishing rights.

[Wesley Tucker]

You know, if you clowns kept your eyes down the course as well I did in that pic y'all would hit a lots less cones!

[Eddy Martinez]

Excuse me kind Sir. Do you know Wesley Tucker. Sir. Oh Well. Your Amigo Eddy Texas Outlaws

[Stephen Lavin]

LOL, that is effin' funny Joe! Even looks like Wes...

[Wesley Tucker]

I KILL YOU!

[Joe Iacovelli]

SLavin,

Give in to Wesley's demands and the terrorists win. It's just that simple.

[Stephen Lavin]

Wes, I'll cover the booze..., NP brother. Maybe some Jerky too.

[Wesley Tucker]

true add my name to the help bin...

I need help with the following:

• plane ticket
• motel room
• rental car
• food
• registration fee
• new shoes
• food
• post-race liquor
• pre-race beef jerky
• one of those doo-dads to keep my toe from moving
• some Blast Waves
• food (I really like food)
• maybe that Radical Brian is selling?

and some clear bushings.

[Stephen Lavin]

Thanks Jourdan, hope everything is OK.

Remember, there are a bunch of us willing to help.

true add my name to the help bin... take care of yourself bro.

[Joe Iacovelli]

Thanks Jourdan, hope everything is OK.

Remember, there are a bunch of us willing to help.

[Jourdan Adler]

Just wanted to reach out to all who follow this thread.

I have been dealt a bit of a bad hand as of late, terrible pun...I have been dealing with a major shake up regarding my day to day business life, which has caused a bit of a break in my communication, which I like to think is a strong point of mine.

I have spoke with Jonathan Harms, Keith Hollien, and the Austin Outlaws are in the loop as far as what I am dealing with off the hill, and all of those guys are up to speed as to where the event stands.

Regarding the waiver....it must be notarized, due to the slippery slope of producing this event, and protecting the rest of my assets. TTA Slalom has been created as the producing body of the Sizzler, this keeps the event separated from any other businesses and sponsors involved. The waiver is bulletproof, and it must be notarized in order to ensure that each person has legitimately completed and signed the waiver.

I noticed that several people are looking for rides to and from the airport. The DIRTY limo will be running all weekend and will be able to facilitate the numerous Friday pick-ups and Monday Drop offs.

I will try to answer questions as I see them.

Thanks for all of your patients, and I look forward to seeing all of you in Texas!!

Gracias,

J-O

[Stephen Lavin]

Just curious...does anyone know why we need a notarized registration document? I've never seen this at any race in any sport in 48 years. Is it an insurance thing?

-RF

Yeah better bring ID like a passport so you can prove you're the guy they notorized...

JK - but I would also like to know why this is required. Waiver understood it's the notory part that is confusing. No argument here, just seeking to understand.

[Joe Iacovelli]

Joe,

I don't get in Friday until 2p. I will be back at the aeropuerto Monday at noon for my 1:30. Let me know if I'm closer than anyone else.

Thanks Marty, we rerouted Fatboy to San Antonio, where he'll hop in the Mystery Machine with me and Fred (my dad)

[GARY GLASSER]

I book cars through Costco. I had a connecting flight cancel on my way to Kentucky last year. I called Costco customer service 5 minutes before having to board rerouted flight and they immediately rebooked a car at the new airport. When I arrived at the airport, (small landing strip on a smaller hill) the car was waiting. I am a big fan of customer service as well as price.

[Rick Floyd]

Just curious...does anyone know why we need a notarized registration document? I've never seen this at any race in any sport in 48 years. Is it an insurance thing?

-RF

[Marty Schaub]

Cars...

I always like to score rental deals at races. Austin was the worst last year to find one. This year I see three options. Try Breezenet.com 1st. You can reserve and XL at anytime without using a CC. They have great rates right now, my midsize is 120.00 total, so grab one and have it in the bag.

2. At Breezenet you will see a link for Alamo Out Of The Blue specials. These are generally a week ahead but not always. This is where Alamo dumps cars so check it once a week and see what it offers. I got my car for Antrim 07 from Logan airport from there two days before the contest for 8 bucks a day.

3. Hotwire is a pay as you reserve site. But today they had full size cars for 125.00 & mids for 104.00 for Friday noon to Monday noon. Check it often and you might score. Always a good place to scour days before the race.

OH and if your having a hard time getting a cheap flight to Austin, try San Antonio. It's an hour drive door to door, I did it last year, and I saved about 150.00 on the fare. It basically made my car and hotel free. And BTW, cars are much cheaper out of San Antonio. See you on the hill!!!

[Marty Schaub]

BTW....

Looking at the barren calendar for the year. Is this one a Major or a Main?

[Marty Schaub]

Joe,

I don't get in Friday until 2p. I will be back at the aeropuerto Monday at noon for my 1:30. Let me know if I'm closer than anyone else.

[Joe Iacovelli]

Looking for a ride for one (1) from the Austin airport Friday at 10:30-11AM and returning Monday at 1-1:30PM

Anyone coming or going at those times?

[Joe Iacovelli]

Rick,

Jourdan has stated you need a notarized registration document. If you cannot make the meeting, you better get on in VT. As to the classes, I'm interested too.

Joe

[Rick Floyd]

Thanks Steve - but I need to know what time it ENDS to know if I can get there in time, or if I can register Sat. AM instead...and about the classes/race status.

[Steve Pederson]

[Steve Pederson]

[Rick Floyd]

what time is the meeting friday? mandatory (I arrive at AUS at 9:15pm)?

Can you clarify classes? it's confusing with the ISSA classes listed then the A/B.

ISSA Status?

You will miss the pre race informal and alcohol. sorry buddy.

that's great...seriously, does anyone know what is going on re: the above questions

[GARY GLASSER]

what time is the meeting friday? mandatory (I arrive at AUS at 9:15pm)?

Can you clarify classes? it's confusing with the ISSA classes listed then the A/B.

ISSA Status?

You will miss the pre race informal and alcohol. sorry buddy.

[Rick Floyd]

what time is the meeting friday? mandatory (I arrive at AUS at 9:15pm)?

Can you clarify classes? it's confusing with the ISSA classes listed then the A/B.

ISSA Status?

[Mike Ohm]

thanks joe

[Joe Iacovelli]

Mike,

The ISSA BOD is voting on said changes this weekend. I contacted Jourdan on the possibility of the Sizzler being our first contest to participate. Jourdan is opperating under the assumption this motion will pass, as he needs to move ahead with his contest information and announcements.

It all depends upon voting this Sunday, but the short answer is yes, you may need to be a member to participate. If that is announced, we will also announce exactly what you will get for the money we ask you for. This will not be vague, this will not be based on empty promises, but tangible benefits for both racer and organizer.

More info after the vote, or feel free to call me.

Joe

[Mike Ohm]

Still a bit confused. From the two previous posts it seems that the TX Sizzler is requiring ISSA membership but the post from Joe seems that the ISSA is not sure. Will the ISSA BOD's please clarify for myself and others. Thanks.

[Joe Iacovelli]

I want to thank Jourdan for stepping up to be the first race of the "new" ISSA. The truth of it is though, that we are not 100% ready to publish what the BOD has approved for the membership process.

We are striving to make sure that any investment from the racer is met with a set of tangible and realizable benefits. That if you go to a couple of races, or spend $100 a year in equipment, you can realize your investment in us right away. Do more than that and you actually make money.

Ryan - the 501c status is up in the air at this point. Why? Because doing that costs in lawyer fees, etc. I would either have to ask you for more, or give you less. We are exploring the options, but it is a day 2 issue right now.

[Jourdan Adler]

<br><br><br><br><br>Competitors,<br><br>The 2010 ISSA Texas Sizzler will be held on Saturday March 27th and Sunday March 28th 2010, in Austin TX USA<br><br>On Friday March 26th 2010, we will be having a racers meeting at Wahoo’s Fish Taco. This meeting will cover a breakdown of the weekend’s events as well as the format for Saturday’s Giant Slalom event. In addition to the racers meeting, you will be able to check-in and sign waivers, as we will have a notary public, free of charge, on site to facilitate the registration process.<br><br><b>***ALL RIDERS MUST COMPLETE A WAIVER, AND RETURN IT, SIGNED AND NOTORIZED TO:</b><br><br>TTA SLALOM INC.<br>c/o Wahoo’s Fish Taco<br>509 Rio Grande Street<br>Austin, TX 78701<br>512-476-3474<br><br><b>IF WE DO NOT HAVE A SIGNED, NOTORIZED COPY OF YOUR WAIVER, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SIZZLER***</b><br><br><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.txsizzler.com/images/waiver. ... <br>***YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE WAIVER HERE***</b></a><br><br>On Sunday March 28th we will have another Racers meeting at 8:00AM at Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:00AM. This meeting will cover the format for the Hybrid and Tight Slalom events. Also at this meeting we will be gathering feedback regarding the Giant Slalom event.<br><br>The Awards Ceremony will be held at Wahoo’s Fish Taco on Sunday evening beginning at 9:00pm. If you would like to have dinner at Wahoo’s, we suggest you arrive prior to 9pm as the kitchen closes and the venue becomes an “OPEN BAR” private awards ceremony. <br><br><b>Hotel and Food Accommodations:</b><br><br>Arrangements for Hotel reservations have been made at the Laquinta, which is located just blocks from the Capitol Building, and walking/skating distance to 6th street and downtown restaurants and attractions. There is a block of 30 rooms all located on our own floor. Rooms must be booked by March 5th 2010 in order to get the group rate of $85 per night. Please mention “TEXAS SIZZLER” when booking your room. Our rate is good from the Friday March 26th through Monday the 29th.<br><br>La Quinta Inn Austin Capitol<br>300 E. 11th St. Austin, TX 78701<br>(512) 476-1166 Office<br>(512) 476-6044 Fax<br><br>In addition to the Hotel Group Rate, all competitors will have a “competitor” badge, which will allow you to eat at Wahoo’s Fish Taco for ½ price. Badges can be picked up at the racers meeting/registration at Wahoo’s on Friday March 26th.<br><br><b>REGISTRATION – SIGN UP</b><br><br>The Sign-Up for the 2010 Texas Sizzler is now OPEN. The sign-up is located at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://67.139.161.195/contests.asp"><b>NCDSA.com</b></a> under the events section.<br><br>The Registration/Sign-Up fee for the 2010 Texas Sizzler is $90 USD<br><br>This amount must be paid via PayPal ***PRIOR*** to your arrival in Austin.<br><br><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.paypal.com/"><br><b>The PayPal address is: TTASLALOM@GMAIL.COM</b></a><br><br><br><br>The $90 Fee covers racing for the Giant, Hybrid, and Tight Slalom races that are sanctioned by the ISSA. Lunch will be provided each day, and in addition to lunch, there will be no shortage of food or beverage at anytime throughout the course of the weekend for Racers.<br><br><b>ISSA REGISTRATION:</b><br><br>TTA SLALOM INC. will require that all Racers have paid the season dues of $25 to the ISSA. <br><br>We do understand that being the first race to enforce such a rule will be met with a bit of backlash, but I ask you to look at thing from an organizational standpoint. TTA SLALOM must secure not only the race venues, but also the necessary officials to facilitate a legitimate/fair race environment. TTA SLALOM must also secure insurance for both days, in order to provide a safe racing environment. That being said, TTA SLALOM as Race Promoter is “out of pocket” regarding all of these expenses. Our hope in working with the ISSA is that with enough support, the ISSA will be able to incur these expenses in the future, and our funds can be applied to Prize Money. TTA SLALOM will be turning it’s books over to the ISSA prior to the awards ceremony to ensure that the race has been run from the standpoint of “not for profit”. <br><br><b>QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, SPONSOR INFO:</b><br><br>Please email ttaslalom@gmail.com<br>

[Ryan Smith]

Thank you Joe. I would be happy to pay up as long as there is some kind of outline as to where this money goes and how having the ISSA name attached to The Sizzler/any other race is a positive thing.
Is the ISSA a non profit org (501c3)?
Are membership dues tax deductible?
Ryan

[Joe Iacovelli]

Ryan,

This was my idea. I've approached the BOD of the ISSA with a plan. We are discussing the term and conditions of what we might provide and what we might ask of you.

You are right, in the past the ISSA has been all about rules, and we would like to change that. But that comes at a price. We want to make sure that when you pay a member fee it comes with tangible benefits beyond that $X for both racers and organizers.

The fact is though, its not a done deal, and while I approached Jourdan for his feelings (all very positive), the BOD has not finished our internal negotiations. We have another conference call this weekend. We hope to announce something next week.

I hope that you and anone that knows me personally or by reputation will believe that I will not sponsor anything that I don't believe promotes the sport and benefits both the serious and casual racer.

Joe

[Ryan Smith]

What exactly is the benifit(s) of being forced to pay $25 to join the ISSA?
Where dose the money go?
Apart from providing a list of rules what does the ISSA actually do?
Ryan

[Rick Floyd]

"Each competitor that will be competing in the “actual” Sizzler must join the ISSA, in order to compete. Please look at the help of the ISSA from the standpoint of, “more money saved on the production side of the event equals a larger prize purse”."


Help me understand....thanks....please dont tell me the ISSA is kicking me out of the club.

Pay up buddy...sell those beat up old knee pads!

Nobody is kicking you out bro - it's time to bring this thing to the next level!!

[Brian Parsons]

"Each competitor that will be competing in the “actual” Sizzler must join the ISSA, in order to compete. Please look at the help of the ISSA from the standpoint of, “more money saved on the production side of the event equals a larger prize purse”."


Help me understand....thanks....please dont tell me the ISSA is kicking me out of the club.

[Eddy Martinez]

Look forward to seeing everyone. Klark give me a call bro. I need my chauffer. Damn this is going to be fun. Joe I glad all of my USSA ideas will be used for the ISSA. Always glad to help. I believe credit should be given where it is due. Jourdan you ROCK Broseph con huevos. If it is good for the sport that is all that counts. Your Amigo Eddy O G Texas Outlaws.

[Jourdan Adler]

Competitors,

We can’t thank you all enough for your interest in the 2010 Texas Sizzler. We have been working diligently to ensure that this year’s event set a new standard for the sport of slalom skateboarding. The progress of the event seems to gain steam daily, and we will continue to keep “y’all” updated every step of the way.

We are proud to announce that Pyramid Brewery will be the “Title Sponsor” of this year’s event. Seismic, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Radikal and Sk8Kings are also participating at a level that has enabled us to take the event to the next level.

The Giant Slalom will be held on Oasis Bluff Drive, which is the same location as the past two Sizzlers. With the help of our sponsors we will be holding the Hybrid and Tight in a Downtown Austin location!!

Huge thanks must be extended to the ISSA for assisting us with insurance, which leads us to our next point. Each competitor that will be competing in the “actual” Sizzler must join the ISSA, in order to compete. Please look at the help of the ISSA from the standpoint of, “more money saved on the production side of the event equals a larger prize purse”.

The purse for the 2010 Sizzler will be a minimum of $5000. Every bit of surplus will be added to the prize purse at the close of the event, and our books will be turned over to the ISSA to verify this. This will be another precedent set by the Texas Sizzler.

We had hoped to open up registration today, but it looks like we will push this to the beginning of next week. Entry for the Sizzler will be $90usd.

Hotel information will be made available next week as well. It will be a downtown location that will be blocks from the Hybrid/Tight location. Please wait to book your rooms until we release the hotel group rate.

Regarding travel, we will have the DIRTY Limo available as the official vehicle of the event, and it can help facilitate airport pick-ups and “in-town” transport. This is a courtesy service, but please don’t depend on it as “your” source of transportation.

There are a bunch of questions regarding the “special attraction” downhill portion of the event. OUR MAIN FOCUS IS TO COMPLETE THE ISSA SANCTIONED GIANT SLALOM, AND THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE GS – TIME PERMITTING. This will be treated as a completely separate event from the Sizzler, and it will have a separate sign up, a field of 72 riders max, and entrance fee of $75usd. The purse for the downhill will be $2000. The format will be as follows:
- 12 heats of 6 riders. Top two advancing from each heat
- 4 heats of 6 riders. Top two advancing from each heat
- 2 heats of 4 riders. Top two advancing from each heat
- Final heat of 4 riders.

Hopefully this information answers a bunch of the questions that have been surfacing online. We will be posting updates frequently regarding the event, and you can expect to see another at the beginning of next week when we open registration.

Gracias, and see you in March!!!

The Texas Outlaws

[Rick Floyd]

Can anyone recommend who to rent a car from if your under 25. Most places let you do it 21+ but policies vary and it can get expensive if you don't do it right.

SK - check this site:

https://www.alamo.com/index.do?action=/ ... m_ig_offer

The current rates only apply for the period listed at the top of this page - so keep checking closer to the event...these are Alamo's "last minute specials" and they can get absurdly low!Select Texas, then it will list any deals for Austin...Check the "weekend rates". I got a full size for $150 total for three days so far. The best thing about this is you can book a good deal and not pay yet, then re-book a different one and cancel the first one later if a better deal comes along.

Alamo age policy is $25/day for age 21-24, but if you were booking a compact for next weekend for three days (Fri-Mon) the base rate would total only $87 - so still $162 total.

That's who I got the big red truck from last year. Their cars aren't the best, but they run, and when you pick up, ask if you can get a bigger ride, or the "big rig" for the same price...they usually will say "yeah, grab any car out there".



-RF

[Karl Floitgraf]

Can anyone recommend who to rent a car from if your under 25. Most places let you do it 21+ but policies vary and it can get expensive if you don't do it right.

[Rick Floyd]

I talked to Jourdan tonight. He makes me hopeful for slalom. I wanna go to the race, but will need to do it on the cheap, so if you are going, and you've previously been picked up at the arport by me, or slept at my house, hook a brother up. I don't need free, but I do need cheap, airfare is $500+.

Joe

Joe - I'll split hotel/car with you if you don't snore. I'm seeing $350 r/t (BDL to AUS) on Southwest right now - about the same from MHT.

I'm seeing cars for about $150 total for pickup 3/26 noon drop 3/29 noon.

I don't think they announced any hotel deal just yet.

-RF