Dissidence has a reputation of leaving havoc wherever they go. If you are ever fortunate enough to be on an adventure with them, you will have a story to tell. With this being the forth year of their annual Paris Street Jam, there was once again is another epic tale to follow.

In a line with the legacy of the Jam, there is the fame of the spot known as Bercy. Ever year since the original Jam, the street riders of Paris have gathered to throw down on the five block.  This year as the jam began hundreds of kids overflowed the Bercy foundation. Normally this makes for a perfect street jam spot, big open space and a variety of obstacles from small ledges to massive sets.  But this year had a different path; Kevin Demay, co-founder of Dissidence, thought of adding a rail to the stair set. In the past, they simply set a rail on the stiars but not this time. In attempts to make it more permanent, the decision was made to drill and bolt the rail into the ground. Maybe not the best decision because when security came… they were not having it! Quickly problems began to arise as security came and removed the rail; the audience began to boo and a riot sparked. The chaos grabbed the attention of the police and the situation went from bad to worse. Cyrille Benzidane, other co-founder of Dissidence, was detained by the police as they searched for evidence to hold charges. Unfortunately for them, the evidence was quickly disposed  and the “drill” used for ” destruction of property”  was never found. With nothing to continue the investigation on the scene, Cyrille was released and v4 Jam would continue.

 (photo from Yohann Cavazzloi’s Facebook. Credit to the appropriate sources)

Bercy would see some action as the French got the opportunity to reveal their hammers. Yohann Cavazzloi  had the fame for the 5 block, his double decade was dumbfounding. Many riders also brought good tricks to the table including a board whip down the long hubba. In the spirit of the Jam, the best always comes out, not the mention the chance to go home with $2000 for the Best Trick is also great motivation.  Day one had more then a handful of memories, what would day two bring?

For the second day, we met at La Defense, location of the Grand Arch in Paris. This spot had potential  to be another great compound with different obstacles to hit. As before problems arose; the security was practically waiting for us as we arrived there was a guard standing directly in front of the spot. Having this happen two days in a row was making the community upset and the familiar ”booooo” began. To avoid another riot, the leaders instructed everyone to head to the other side of La Defense. After a quick conversation with security, we were permitted to ride the 19 stair and rail. A bit unusual of them to allow but no matter what you give the French to ride, they will take it.

No warm up needed, the French started to chuck themselves down a 19 stair. If it were me? I would… actually I did just watch as bodies began to fly. Laurent Ninos must have been made of steel because with a good half dozen attempts, he hurled a 180 down the 19 stair. Every time he landed, I found my fingers crossed that he would roll away with the half cab. Unfortunately the impact was too much to withstand and the 180 was unconquerable.

From Alpha Omega, Cory Vanlew had his eyes set on the rail. Normally he has the grind plate on but not today. With ease though the rail was done and Cory Vanlew grabbed the spotlight.

(credit to Romain Negrichi FB)

The Dissidence Jam never stops with the surprises. Bangers from unknown stars or chaos in the streets, Dissidence embodies a certain level of destruction but also a much needed spirit for the community. The V4 jam was one to remember and if you ever get a chance to go….. book your tickets, catch a train, ride a lama. Do what you got to do to be there. Congratulations to Yohann Cavazzloi, winner of the best trick, and everyone else who participated  Be on the watch for the anticipated Roots Boy Edit, you don’t want to miss it. See everyone next year for v5!