Fri Nov 06 2009 11:30:00

 For the past few years Mesh Skatepark has been a staple in the bmx/skate world.  With it's door soon to be closed, what kind of void does it leave on the community?

It is pretty crappy, but necessary situation. I am trying to better it with some local help. We want to improve the Orlando Skatepark, give some ramps out for backyard setups, and keep the scene alive as much as possible. Winters in Florida are great and this one should be amazing, but next years summer with no indoor place could take a toll on this place.

A mother of a younger skater approached you and said her son was crying because Mesh was closing down. Why was Mesh so special to so many riders and skaters?

The kid was really young, but we did a great job of making everyone feel welcome. Mesh was everything for alot of kids. Some kids actually told me they would be horrible without mesh. I guess they found what they wanted and loved it so much. Now to yank that away from them will crush them. Sorry guys.

How are you dealing with knowing your final sessions at Mesh are approaching in the next few weeks?

I wish I could ride there more, but my head is spinning out of control with closing down. So I guess it will really set in after it was gone. There was  a lot more I wanted to do there. More web videos and pics to take. But business got me and I have to deal with it. So riding is pretty much cut off. I am going to make some time to session a few more times. Mesh was the best not only cause I built it, but it really has some fun lines and a wild set up.

 Any big plans for the final session?

Not for sure, but we are setting a date and going to go out with a bang for sure, as usual.

 Where do you plan  on doing the majority of your riding now?

Vans has a nice indoor place but it really isn't set up for bikes. But I do like it anyway. Then there is OSP which is the Orlando cement park. That place is amazing and we want to build some new stuff there to make it even better. So those two places and Daytona I hear has a new city park. Not bad options, just some driving to each. Might have to start riding more flatland again.

 Mesh played host to a bunch of contests, including one of everyone's favorite Baco-A-Go-Go. What kind of support are you getting from your fellow pro riders?

We have had the greatest support ever for anything we have done. video premiers, Baco, art shows, everything. Out of towners and a ton of pros are always stopping by to see whats up.

 With Mesh gone, do you see Baco ever coming back at another venue?

Funny thing is about baco, it started in Wisconsin. Then went to Jellystone campground, then to Mesh skatepark. So it can live on where ever. It will be back. Might need a break for a year, but it will be full throttle as usual soon.

 You are in the works of opening a new shop. How's that process going?

Pretty smooth actually. Not sure why that is, but I am happy as hell with how it is looking and the process. Way easier than a skatepark, but still the same feel, only cleaner. People are going to walk in and kinda freak out on the look. Can't wait to see people for the grand opening in December.

Whats the latest with Deco BMX?

Putting in orders for our first batch. Pretty good feed back. Getting the team locked in and getting them on sample bikes. Will release the team names in a few weeks. Getting hats made, new shirts, and working tons. Next year we will be on it for sure. Now is the waiting game till the product arrives. Can't wait. Ohh ya, filming a bunch to, going to come out with some edits around xmas.

What can your GO211 fans expect next from Chad Degroot?

Aside from an amazing shop that is opening soon, some new edits that I killed myself gettting tricks for, and having fun. I guess you could say I am moving forward and doing what I really want to do. 2010 is going to be big, look out.

Check out Chad's GO211 Profile: http://www.go211.com/u/chadbacomesh/