nicksiders
2775 posts
May 14, 2008
11:08 AM
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I was not prepared for what I saw. It has been decades sense I judged any flys and this was the first time I was a part of an interational affair, judging.
I have stood under kits in California (north and south) and in Illinois. I cannot describe to you what I witnessed at Aubrey Thibodeaux's loft. The man flew two kits totally different in thier performance; one kit had hugh double digit deep breaks and the other was more frequent breaks, but not so deep. The raw scores were 467 and 466. I think Aubrey knew they were equal, but different.
The winning kit was the best kit of birds I have ever witnessed and I was not prepared for it and became almost emotional over another man's kit of rollers. Was I overly generous with the quality and depth coefficients? Probably, but you can't deny the raw score.
My God, they were awesome.
Just thought you would like to know.
Nick
Last Edited by on May 14, 2008 2:11 PM
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rollsoffury
124 posts
May 14, 2008
11:13 AM
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Dam nick wish I can that kind of fix.
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Roll it
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Tony Chavarria
Site Publisher
2501 posts
May 14, 2008
11:15 AM
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Steady Nick...
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
"Discussion is an exchange of knowledge...argument is an exchange of ignorance". by unknown
Support This Site With Your Pigeon Product Purchase-Over 100 Pigeon Products!
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nicksiders
2776 posts
May 14, 2008
2:24 PM
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We often times have talked about seeing a full 20 bird break and I have always agreed that I have never seen one. I should go on and tell you I have never seen a 3/4 turn in competition as well......not until I saw Thibodeaux's do it twice. I was flabergasted; totally awestruct; I was not prepared for what I saw. Just too much for my little bean of a brain to handle.
I will never look at my birds or anybody elses birds in the same light again.
That is why competition is so important
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birdman
562 posts
May 14, 2008
2:33 PM
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Well Nick,
If you've never seen it are you sure you saw it?
Russ
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nicksiders
2778 posts
May 14, 2008
2:49 PM
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Well Russ, that is a good question. Did all 15 birds do a qualified spin on the break? I cannot say positively for sure, but as far as my abilities dictate I say they did.
In scoring the difference between 14 and 15 is large. Goes from a multiplier of 2 to 3.
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birdman
563 posts
May 14, 2008
3:36 PM
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Nick, you said:
( "The winning kit was the best kit of birds I have ever witnessed and I was not prepared for it and became almost emotional over another man's kit of rollers. Was I overly generous with the quality and depth coefficients? Probably, but you can't deny the raw score." )
.........................................................
Not prepared?
Emotional?
Overly generous?
Why?
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bigwilly
578 posts
May 14, 2008
4:11 PM
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Good question B Man. cant wait to see the response
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BIG WILLY
TOP FLIGHT/NCRC
NCRC
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Electric-man
1582 posts
May 14, 2008
4:23 PM
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Nick, don't question yourself and don't open yourself up so other people can pick you apart either. I know you wouldn't score it any other way but the way you saw it! It is what it is!
The main thing is, did you pick the best kits to represent the region, I'm sure you did!
This should make you an even better judge in the future!
Stand tall my friend!
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Val
"Site Moderator"
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Velo99
1732 posts
May 14, 2008
4:34 PM
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The winning kit was the best kit. Nick did his job. He was relating a really great experience. End of story.
I have yet to be blown away by a kit and would love to be under one someday.
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V99
Keep the best. Eat the rest.
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kcfirl
424 posts
May 14, 2008
4:39 PM
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to the guys who are questioning Nick,
please be a judge for a region with some big names and bigtime kits and you will understand completely what Nick is saying.
I know how I felt judging guys like Don Oullette, Joe Emberton, and Roy Edmonds; it can be a bit intimidating, even for experienced judges let alone those who are rusty.
Nick did the job and honestly told us how it felt, that tells me a lot about what he's made of.
Regards,
Ken Firl
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nicksiders
2779 posts
May 14, 2008
4:42 PM
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Don't worry Val, Russ is a very good friend and he is not really picking me apart. I think he is wanting me to explain in a little more detail....ah, right Russ.
I have stood under the best kits in Northern and Southern California and in Illinois. Having done this I thought there was nothing I haven't seen as it relates to a kit of rollers. What I witnessed in Aubrey's back yard went beyond anything that I have ever witness. So, you can say I was not prepared.
I love the roller pigeon and to see what they could be got me a tinge on the emmotional side.
I reviewing what I saw I may have been a point to high on the depth side, but once you are committed you stay with it.
I do not wait until I start doing the paperwork to give the flyer his depth and quality coeficients; I tell him as soon as the fly concludes. I don't want people to come away with the impression that I make adjustments to fit thier final score where I want them to be. I learned that decades ago.
Last Edited by on May 14, 2008 7:08 PM
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nicksiders
2780 posts
May 14, 2008
4:46 PM
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It is without a doubt, the best kit did win.
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birdman
564 posts
May 14, 2008
5:01 PM
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Yes Nick, more detail as you explained. Thank you.
Next questions:
Do you know what family his birds are bred from?
How did he prep them for the fly?
What was the weather conditions?
Russ
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RUDY..ZUPPPPP
1621 posts
May 14, 2008
6:57 PM
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Good job Nick....................................
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RUDY PAYEN
PANCHO VILLA LOFT
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Electric-man
1583 posts
May 14, 2008
7:04 PM
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All right Nick, you let me know! Anyone ever get you cornered, you holler! I can throw these dukes! LOL
Just playing around Russ! I didn't even look at the name on the post before I responded!
Peace!
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Val
"Site Moderator"
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classicpony
683 posts
May 14, 2008
7:04 PM
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Nick,
You make me wish that I was there to witness everything you saw. That must have been quite the kit of birds.
Keep them in the air and coming!
Jim
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3757
737 posts
May 14, 2008
7:06 PM
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Nick - Aubrey Thibodeaux must be a Cajun from Opelousas?
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nicksiders
2781 posts
May 14, 2008
7:13 PM
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Doc,
He is a Cajun and he has lived there all of his life.
Nick
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sippi
245 posts
May 14, 2008
7:20 PM
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Nick sounds like you have seen what we all hope to see one day.
Sippi
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nicksiders
2782 posts
May 14, 2008
7:25 PM
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Russ,
He started the family he has in 1986. Got'em off his son, Jay. He has sense crossed a couple of more strains; the last being Gary Taylor birds from Oklahoma. I would say he flys his own family. I think he first used Joe Roe birds he got from his son.
He used two cups of wheat/milo and on the day of the fly he gave them about 4 table spoons of milo about 2 hours before his fly.
The weather for the 6 PM fly was perfect with a slight breeze. The next day it was very low cieling and breezy; gusting to 20 mph.
Nick
Last Edited by on Jan 23, 2010 12:20 PM
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birdman
565 posts
May 14, 2008
7:40 PM
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Thanks Nick! Way to step up to the plate!
E-Man, no problem. Nick and I are buds.
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nicksiders
2783 posts
May 14, 2008
9:22 PM
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A note-Aubrey trains his birds in winds most of us would not fly in because it is often windy in that part of LA
Last Edited by on Jan 23, 2010 12:21 PM
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smoke747
1129 posts
May 15, 2008
2:08 AM
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Good job Nick, sounds like you enjoyed yourself. Judging can be eye opening experience if you are truly willing to see.
smoke747
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Keith London
ICRC
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Bluesman
Pigeon Fancier
1218 posts
May 15, 2008
4:13 AM
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Nick.If they impressed you that much they must have been Great.You may never see any kits that good again but at least as you said you can raise the bar on what you raise now.I am glad you got to witness it.Wish I had seen it too.Thats what keeps us going forward.Kind of puts the spark back into it.LOL.David
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Customkev
19 posts
May 15, 2008
5:40 AM
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Hello Nick and all,
Giving the multipliers as soon as the clock stops is the way it should be. The whole time I'm judging I'm thinking about the multipliers so they are done when the clock is done. Anyone who watches the team after the clock stops for the purpose of giving the multipliers is not giving the team a fair assessment because by this time they are spent. ( my opinion only ) I applaud you for helping that region out with judging. Kev
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nicksiders
2785 posts
May 15, 2008
6:32 AM
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David,
I wish that all of my friends could have been there. David, that was a show. Now, I hope Aubrey can keep them together and preped for the finales. I got friends in the finales, but if they can't win I want the winner to be Thibodauex.
Do you know, he knew where each kit would fly and I didn't have to move a step.....he has his shit together
Nick
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Tony Chavarria
Site Publisher
2505 posts
May 15, 2008
6:51 AM
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Hey All, I don't understand why there is such a put down spirit of what Nick witnessed? How many on here observe such performance on a regular basis that they can sneer and show such cynicism at his observation?
How many others won't share their experiences of such a personal nature with the rest of us if this is what it gets him?
Nick, I apologize if you felt you had to defend yourself from a few.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
"Discussion is an exchange of knowledge...argument is an exchange of ignorance". by unknown
Support This Site With Your Pigeon Product Purchase-Over 100 Pigeon Products!
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kcfirl
425 posts
May 15, 2008
6:55 AM
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Nick,
I have attended and judged many of the NorCal flies over the last 10 years yet I never met you. It seems strange.
When were you watching the kits in this region?
Thanks,
Ken
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nicksiders
2788 posts
May 15, 2008
7:50 AM
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Ken,
I first met you through Kevin Naylor at the Northern California Roller Club annual lawn show. You were the club president at the time. I stood under dozens of kits; most of the time while competing. I was never the judge; I did not start competing nationally or internationally until last year when I retired. I watched Urbon's birds; Henderson's birds; Emberton's; Wallace's; Fullerton's and several others. We met again, but I cannot recall at whose loft it was......I do exist(LOL). Campbell can verify that I exist. There are hundreds like me that had no time to club; to compete because of shitty jobs we wasted our lives on. After 60 plus hours aweek 6 and 7 days aweek; I just wanted to go to my backyard; say nothing to nobody; and play with the birds.
I lived in Yuba City for 5 years; in the South I lived in Orange county for 16 years.
Nick
Last Edited by on Jan 23, 2010 12:24 PM
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Santandercol
2509 posts
May 15, 2008
8:22 AM
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Happy retirement Nick!!Fill your boots with it!!!!!!
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Kel.
Rum-30 Lofts
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kcfirl
427 posts
May 15, 2008
9:09 AM
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Thanks Nick. I'm just sorry I never had a chance to get to know you. Anyone willing to stick there neck out judging and then be honest with how they felt about the experience like you have is someone I would like to get to know.
Thanks for sharing.
Ken Firl
PS. Can you fill us in on how you see things differently now that you're competing and judging than when you were a backyard flyer?
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JMUrbon
453 posts
May 15, 2008
10:37 AM
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Hey Ken Hope all is well with you and yours. I know it isnt in your character to attack anybody so I didnt take your second post that way at all. I do know Nick although not very well I wish we could have seen more of him in our area when he lived in Yuba City. He had been to my place several times and is genuinely a nice person and a true roller nut.LOL. Joe
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J.M.Urbon Lofts
A Proven Family of Spinners
http://www.freewebs.com/jmurbonlofts/
Last Edited by on May 15, 2008 10:42 AM
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JMUrbon
454 posts
May 15, 2008
10:57 AM
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I'll tell you guys a little bit about my experience judging the state of Utah a couple years ago for the World Cup Prelims. There is 3 guys in that region that each and every roller nut should know. Jay Starly, Guil Rand and Tom Monson. Now I have never been one to be intimidated and have always felt good about myself when I was finished judging an area. Ill tell you what though, When you walk into Jay Starly's garage and look on the well and it is filled pretty much from floor to ceiling with plaques from regional and local flies as well as WC flies it is pretty intimidating. Then you leave there and go to Tom Monsons. Now Tom is pretty much an encyclopedia when it comes to the history of the roller. Then to top it off you get to judge Guil's kits which there were 4 of them. Two for him and two for another flier that had lost his birds and Guil flew two kits for him.
I seen some exceptional birds at all 3 of their lofts but none of them went on to the finals. Jay told me that was the first time in 10 years he hadnt made it to the finals. But like Nick , I felt very confident that when I left there the 3 best teams on the days I judged them were in the finals. It was an experience that I wont soon forget and I would encourage each and every one of you to get involved and help the regions out when asked to do so because it is a wonderful experience. Joe Urbon
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J.M.Urbon Lofts
A Proven Family of Spinners
http://www.freewebs.com/jmurbonlofts/
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SAT Roller
135 posts
May 15, 2008
11:04 AM
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Nick,
Thank you for sharing your experience and feelings with us here.
I was at a friend's house once that has flown birds for years and on this one particular trip I witnessed not a complete kit like you did although he flew a complete kit with a lot of action there was a dun checked hen in the kit that I could not take my eyes off of, she was screaming constantly 40-50' some a little less some more and as soon as she cleared the roll she got back to the kit and very shortly ripped it again. This went on for almost 40 minutes and the kit landed.
There were other folks there as well and after they landed one of them asked my friend "do you have that bird you were telling me about?". Of course, he went in the kit box and picked up that dunn checker and said "here it is".
I about died, I would have done anything to have that bird, she was something else....
Richard
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gotspin7
1327 posts
May 15, 2008
12:56 PM
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Nick, good show! I like your honesty! Keep them flying Nick you will get them there too!LOL
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Sal Ortiz
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RUDY..ZUPPPPP
GOLD MEMBER
2706 posts
Jul 25, 2009
5:46 PM
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Zupppppp Nick how are ur Aubreys..????????????
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RUDY PAYEN
PANCHO VILLA LOFT
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macsrollers
156 posts
Jul 25, 2009
9:01 PM
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Nic, looks like you saw a dream fly! We don't get to see them often enough. Ever been in your backyard flying and your kit does the best you ever saw- phenomenol breaks and the birds are in shape an on fire! All's you can do is grab the phone and call your roller friends and they may share your enthusiasm or passify you as in the back of their mind they are saying Sure the birds did that. But you and Aubrey know what you saw in the air. A rare experience and you got to see it. No wonder you wanted to share it! Thanks, Don M. LVRC
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nicksiders
GOLD MEMBER
3581 posts
Jul 25, 2009
9:50 PM
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Rudy, I have banded 40 birds so far and I am going to continue to breed longer than I normally do. I am flying every day and some are starting to come on. Aubrey told me they come on late; I will not be getting those three month wonders; and to expect nothing until they are atleast 8 months old. None are 8 months yet.
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Just My Take On Things
Nick Siders
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nicksiders
GOLD MEMBER
3582 posts
Jul 25, 2009
9:57 PM
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Don,
Those two kits he flew are still the best I have ever seen. A lot of my scoring is that I caught caught up in the time. When you view what you have never seen before your excitment over activates your brain and you get plum emotional. Aubrey has become a very good friend and he is a person I truly like to be around. He and his son are some of the most generious people I have ever got to know.
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Just My Take On Things
Nick Siders
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donnie james
602 posts
Jul 25, 2009
10:08 PM
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hay nick i bet you would do it again judge the birds ??????????????and how you talk you love doing it and keep up the great judging...............donny james
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