Viva La Hip Hop

On April 28, San Francisco’s Justin Herman Plaza will once again serve as the setting for the collision of fixed-gear biking and urban contemporary art known as Red Bull Ride + Style. After a highly successful inaugural kickoff in 2011 (see video below), the event returns even bigger and better for 2012.

Red Bull Ride + Style features fixed-gear riders facing off in both track and freestyle competitions, with the obstacles designed and decorated by San Francisco artists. In 2011, the event brought together more than 50 riders from both coasts, including riders from such fixed-gear meccas as San Francisco, Portland, New York and even Japan.

Last year’s top 10 finalists in both categories will be automatically invited back to this year’s event. While the remaining spots in freestyle are invite-only, the track competition will be open to all riders. A qualifying round on the Red Bull Mini Drome will be held on Thursday, April 26 at Mezzanine (444 Jessie St.) to see who makes it into the big show.

This year’s racetrack is being designed with input from selected participants from the 2011 Red Bull Ride + Style event. Details will be released on the new track and freestyle course prior to the event, so riders can prepare themselves properly for the demands of event day. Another update with the full list of invited freestyle athletes and more information about the event will be released shortly.

Race Top Ten – Automatic Invitation

1. Jason Clary
2. Kell Mckenzie
3. Austin Horse
4. Walton Brush
5. Massan Fluker
6. Chas Christiansen
7. Jerome Stretch
8. Steve Tortorelli
9. Blake Von Knopka
10. Hernan Montenegro

Freestyle Top Ten – Automatic Invitation

1. Matt Reyes
2. Josh Boothby
3. Tyler Johnson
4. Jacob Santos
5. Nasty
6. Michael Chacon
7. Matt Montoya
8. Congo
9. Miles Mathia
10. Joe McKeag

For more information, visit the Red Bull Ride + Style site and find us on Facebook.

Follow RedBullSFO on Twitter for more (#rideNstyle).

redbullusa.com