The 'Burbs to the Ghetto

I LOVE THIS SCENE!

Today was a non-stop orgy of flatland riding. The Tigard courts were pounded down and worn smooth with rolling tires covering every dry spot available. Today made me wonder what it is about each person's "spot". You know, pretty much all of the tennis court is smooth and fun but there always happens to be one little zone where you feel the most comfortable trying something. Maybe you want to roll through a certain area or maybe you like to initiate a trick near a certain crack in the surface or even next to a fallen leaf. Sometimes it's a little maddening trying to break that habit. The Tigard courts make me feel that way. There are zones there that I dig.

Something else I dig is enthusiasm. It's music to the ears when we encourage and congratulate each other. It helps so much to have your friends be excited about your riding and nothing gets me more stoked than when I see one of the guys land something sick or even get close! Darrell's switch footed combo got me so psyched. I can't even fathom attempting something like that. I aspire to ride with his fluidity.

Joe kicked ass today. He's been riding so much and it's great to be around him and his enthusiasm for riding. He's living the lifestyle, hard-fucking-core.

Jeremy's new handlebars are light and narrow. He seems to have a little more "snap" when he does his usual tricks with those bad daddies on there.

Justin and Scott rode their own little section of the courts today. I didn't get to see a lot of what went down over there but I heard a lot of "Yeah!" coming from that direction. I'm sure they both did some things I can't comprehend.

The Machine occupies a very small percentage of the spot when he rides. Head down, headphones on and pure determination. Paul rocks! I almost NEVER see him resting on his bike during the session. I like the way this guy operates. He's stoked to see everyone and then he just charges it.

Part 2: Underground Wild Goose Chase

We didn't find the new spot and after some time driving around Beaverton we decided to head to Grant. Grant is my favorite place to ride. I feel so confident and good when I'm there and it was so rad to see how psyched Jeremy was when the lights finally came on. It's easy to be on fire there. There's just some kind of good energy about those courts. It could be the amazing lighting or the fact that the place is almost perfectly smooth. When you're there in the daytime there are kids playing, people riding bikes on the paths, picnicking families in the grass, athletes running laps on the track, kids stopping to watch and lots of other pretty positive things going on. It just all adds up to a good time. Last night I started to feel steamrollers on the middle lot. Today I really started to figure out forward megaspins there. Hang-5's came to me in Tigard but the comfort began at Grant.

Big, Big Ups to the crew for the encouragement today. It means a lot to me, rock the fuck on!

See you all at the jam. It's going to be so dope...