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.