Great Start to the '10 Season

I've been skating so much lately, that I welcome the rain, and a short break. A few of us attended Wheelabrator in Connecticut. It had been the largest ever, with around 40 people. The location reminded me of Overlook Park, here in Vermont, only industrial instead of residential. There is a drafting run, a slide hill, and a bike path. I really like the format of Wheelabrator, or lack of format, that is. There were no prizes, no competition, no ego trippin'. Just good'ol fashion skating around.

Made a couple trips out to Meadow Ridge, and it was fantastic! I really think I'm understanding the correct speed needed to make the flat right hander. Too fast, and you blow out, and you can't predrift because you kill too much speed. Most importantly, don't try to race the guy in front of you, just stick to the line, and hope you come out faster. It has been working well for me so far. I got some footage, but of course I'm totally slacking on that as well.

I have been landing B/S shuvit slides, and practicing switch check slides. My purple O-tangs are nearly cored, and slightly egg shaped. So far, freeriding has been ruling my life in Oh-Ten. Mostly because of how much I commute, I am able to find more time to throw slick slides. Maple Street has quickly become my choice hill get into Burlington. No longer do I have the urge to bomb down Pearl Street, bragging about how I beat traffic. I wait for traffic to pass, so as not to impede there travel, and when I have no uphill traffic, I take my run. At the next stop sign, I wait for those who want to drive downhill, and continue my massive freeride session.

So Mallets Bay has been drastically improved thanks to the creation of a five foot tall start ramp. With theoretical speeds of 15 mph coming off the ramp, it turns Mallets Bay into a world class GS/SGS destination. With Rick's help, we have been setting 40 cone courses, with large tucking sections, and high speed pumping features. Stay tuned for Outlaw news.

Speaking of events, UVM is having a Longboard Demo Day, and Raffle to benefit Haiti. The festivities start April 29th, noon, at the Harris/Millis Basketball courts. There will be ramps, rails, boards, and much more! Check it out. I will also be on VPR's Vermont Edition, with Sarah Ashworth, at some point. I am scheduling a time to meet soon to do an story about skateboarding in Burlington. I emailed in during a show about road usage, road sharing, and alternative transportation. My story sparked an interest with Sarah, so she got back to me. I am really looking forward to this story, because I hope to portray a positive image of skating, and educate those who need to be educated.

I have also heard that the Notch road is clear and closed... I got to go.

Where's the sign?

So there is this neighborhood with awesomely giant banked driveways. It is perfect for huge drifts, and big slides. It is quiet, and nondescript...almost too quiet. As it turns out, the neighborhood is unmarked private, according to one of the residents. The concerned resident was very polite, and a little surprised to find himself dealing with two, very mature, skateboarders. The association's insurance doesn't cover skateboarders on the road, and the neighborhood doesn't want to advertise their exclusivity. I think it would be in the insurance companies, and the associations interest, to advertise "private property". With no clear sign, anyone could use the road, and get injured, not just skateboarders. I respected the guy's wishes, for now, but intend on returning. Not out of spite, but out of principle. Nothing we do on that road is as, or more dangerous, as operating a motor vehicle.

Winter Skating

Here is a short video I through together, a mish-mash of skating from mid-December, to late January.

- Changin Seasons part 1

It was all shot with the GOPRO camera.  Enjoy!

Welcoming myself back!

It's been to long since I made a post.  I thought no one was reading this, so I kind of slacked, but while planning my trip to MHFoS, my friend Pascal from Canada asked why I stopped writing?  I guess there are people reading this, and as long I keep writing, people will keep reading...I hope. 

Back to skating.  This has been the year of races for me.

I'll pick up at Maryhill, which was AWESOME!  So what if it isn't the fastest, or most technical course on the circuit!  I'd recommend it to everyone!  Good times, great people, and so many good memories.  While out west, for my first time, I was able to skate several parks including Burnside, visited Daddies Board Shop (great folks), and skated the Zoobomb.  I qualified 68th, one above Chris Chaput!, but unfortunately I was crashed out of my first heat, and finished 73rd overall, which isn't bad for my first world series downhill race.  I walked away with a tweeked knee, and high spirits. 

I also raced the Farm '09, Can/Am Slalom Championship, and a Brattleboro outlaw.  The Farm is a slalom event that everyone should try to attend, not only because of the great skating, and killer party, but also because it won't be around much longer.  Antrim, NH, home of the '09 Can/Am Championship, is a quaint little New England town that just RIPS!  The town folk were all pumped to have us, and made for a great venue.  I would like to thank Richard, and Boredom Boards, who sponsored me for the event, and gave me the deck that allowed me 3rd place in B class.  Nick Grasso threw an outlaw DH event in his hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont.  Nick was an excellent host, making everyone feel at home, and taking us to all his favorite skate spots.  Too bad the weather, and police weren't cooperating that day.  Thank you Nick, for all the hard work and planning, it didn't go unnoticed.  Next time....

Thanks to everyone who made the '09 season the best skating yet, and I hope you all skate well into the next year!  Is 16 degrees too cold to skate?  I think not.