By Shannon Russell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

More than 90 professional skateboarders, inline skaters and freestyle BMX bike riders will converge on Sawyer Point May 23-27 as the 2003 Mobile Skatepark Series launches its multi-stop tour in Cincinnati for the second straight year.

The series features a world-class street course and 60-foot half-pipe for international, professional and amateur competition. Live music, video games, graffiti art, break dancing, pro clinics and autograph signings complete a five-day free event that last year attracted 60,000 spectators.

The MSS, brought to Cincinnati by Aggressive Skating Association Events and the Greater Cincinnati Sports Corp, allows extreme sports fans rare glimpses of their idols.

"It's the only sport in the world that lets amateurs use the exact same equipment as the pros," said Rick Bratman, ASA Events president and MSS manager. "That's like being able to go downtown and play ball with the Reds."

The MSS is one of six qualifier events in which professionals can accumulate points toward spots in August's X Games IX in Los Angeles, the Gravity Games and World Championships. They also have a shot at an $80,000 purse.

Dozens of big-name pros are coming to town, including BMX legends Ryan Nyquist and Kevin Robinson; inline skaters Fabiola da Silva and Shane Yost; and skateboarders Mathias Ringstrom and Bucky Lasek.

Open Skateparks are open to the public Friday and Tuesday. Sessions are two hours and cost $8, and athletes must sign waivers to use the street course. Helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are mandatory; a limited supply will be available for rental.

The ASA Pro Tour and ASA Amateur Circuit Contest begin Saturday, followed by Sunday's Pro Freestyle BMX Demo and Best Trick Contest and Monday's Amateur Skateboarding Contest.

The MSS travels to Milwaukee, Buffalo, N.Y., Baltimore and San Diego after the Cincinnati kickoff.