XDL National Championship Round IV
Indianapolis War Memorial; Indianapolis, Indiana
August 27 – 29

Venue:
Indiana War Memorial
431 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

INDIANAPOLIS BIKES AND BEATS 2009

Thursday, August 27th, Josh Borne arrived in downtown Indianapolis for the XDL National Championship. The congested street around the War Memorial buzzed with streetbikes as freestyle’s best set up for the final tier of the 2009 Series. Josh parked in front of the action next to the competition arena. This prime real estate was ideal for fans to view the pro-athlete as he prepared his CBR600 F4i for Friday’s qualifications.

After load-in, Josh teamed up with fellow competitors Chris McNeil, Sean Parrish, Dan Ferris, Nick Apex and others for a pre-competition practice at the local spot. With adrenaline running high, the nation’s top riders pushed themselves to the limit. It was an all out preparation for the hardest competition of the season!

A few bumps and falls did not deter the rider’s upbeat energy. XDL’s finest joked around, playfully challenging each other in friendly rivalry. It was a laid-back, sunny afternoon and the riders enjoyed each other’s professional sportsmanship. The following day would be a more competitive struggle as the best of the best would go head to head for champion status.

Friday, August 28th, Mother Nature apparently did not check with XDL officials. Thunderstorms threatened all day to chase away fans. Although the inclement weather made the riding arena as slick as ice, dedication prevailed. A wet qualifying round began at noon sharp. As riders slipped and slid on drenched asphalt, a soaked audience filled the stadium stands. With more crashes than New York City’s rush hour, a tired and soggy herd of freestylers battled through qualifications.

“This year’s qualification round was tough. No mattered where you turned, the bike’s tires found slick spots. A lot of riders had trouble out there.” – Josh Borne

The main Freestyle event kicked off after dark as the rain ceased enough to dry a few patches of road. Excitement grew as fifteen finalists took their turn in the lime light. Competition was intense and the judges had there work cut out for them. A few mishaps, along with some wipeouts, had spectators on their feet. As the night continued, three riders rose to the occasion with remarkable technique and flawless acrobatics. For the first time in the season, Brian Bubash took a FMF Cup win. Rick Hart nailed second and Bill Dixon took a respectable third.

Directly after Freestyle, everyone re-entered the arena with their comp bikes for a meet and greet. Thousands of fans piled onto the street for a rare chance to meet the renowned athletes. Josh signed autographs and answered questions about his chromed-out Honda and his faithful competition F4i. It was a fun ending, to a very damp, but successful day.

Saturday, August 29th, the sun shined bright and renewed the competitors’ high spirits. Indiana natives, Eric Pettit (aka E-Brake), Josh Graham, Brandon Taylor and Josh met up with Ohio’s own, Andy Niles, for team competition. Unfortunately, a sympathetic but dutiful police officer interrupted practice at the spot. Preparations continued on paper in Josh’s trailer where five determined riders mapped out a synchronized ride. Scoring fourth, the Indy team had a blast tearing up the pavement with simultaneous burnouts and consecutive stoppies.

Photo Media by: Jamie Dubs

For more upcoming events, please check here.

To see an extended show schedule of Borne Freestyle Entertainment, please check here.