Working like a busy bee I’ve been and loving every moment of it. If you haven’t head by now, I’ve been writing about rollerblading for the X Games.
I just got back from the Bristol CT X Trials and I know I said I wasn’t going to focus on the big comps but I couldn’t resist, check out the scene.
(left - Taig Khris accepting 1st in vert, Takeshi Yasutoko 2nd, Eito
Yasutoko 3rd )
The Added Plus, I went road trippen with Team Rollerblade and I finally had a chance to hang with Fabiola. Don’t hate me but I wasn’t able to get action shots of her. She seems to never skate when I’m trying to shoot her, I couldn’t even get her on the street course at X Trials. To be honest it seemed as though she was having a bad weekend, as if she really wasn’t into it. There was some controversy on scoring the women as always, and many believe Fab should have placed second to Fallon.
(right - Fabiola da Silva 1st in vert and street)
I witnessed it; Fab had 2 so-so street runs and fell on a few tricks. Just to let you all know, Fabiola is the only girl competing in vert. She basically, just has to drop in to win and earn money. It’s sad in a way…..are the vert girls dwindling away? Ayumi apparently has lost a lot of her great skating power and is no match for Fab as she was when she won the 1999 X Games. Ayumi is still invited to skate the X Games this year and the ASA still has 2 wide cards to give out in women’s vert but wondering weather it’s worth the offering…….more about the Bristol X Trials……and the Girlz Street Scene!!
(left - Fallen Heffernan, Kate, Kelly Mathews)
Speaking of ESPN and the X Games if you are on the east coast and are in driving distance to Philly, well then you better get your ass over to support in-line because we need all the help we can get. Vert is indoors at the First Union Center and the park course will be out doors right next to the Center both downtown Philly. In-line dates are August 16-19. E-mail me for more info and the ASA at www.asaskate.com
FYI, in-line has taken a beating in participation in the last 2 years and although aggressive remains strong, companies have been giving less as far as promotion and sponsorship. Many of you have lost interest including myself; reasons why I side tripped up in Vermont. So, we have to go back to our roots, if you are willing. Don’t know if any of you have noticed, Box folded last summer; last issue was July 2000. The only aggressive skate mag in the US is Daily Bread and I suggest everyone get your subscription NOW.
On other more serious notes, Arlo Eisenberg put together a mini-zine called “Rolling” which I managed to get a copy from him at the Bristol, CT X Trials. It has an interesting article in it about Bluetorch and the message of hate it is broadcasting on their website about our sport being a “wannabe action sport.” It was a lot uglier then that but I don’t want to go into details. All I can say is Arlo will always be our defender and please, please, please, don’t go to Bluetouch, even if you are interested in what I am saying. Just trust me and ignore that website, they think the world revolves around skateboarding.
(right - Kate and Texas power house -Ryan Dawes)
More serious notes: Support the Monsters of Roll Tour and the next event which will be the east coast NSS stop at, once again the South Street Seaport in lovely down town NYC, July 20-22…………BE THERE and skate everyone…..I am……well maybe. If you are not familiar with the Monsters of Roll tour then check it out: www.amskate.com
Recommended not to miss: the last IMYTA stop in San Diego in September and hang at the SIN barbeque all the info should be up on the Monsters site shortly, if not now.
Next I’m off to Milwaukee for the ASA Pro Tour stop hanging with the Pro tour girls. There will be an ASA Amateur event and hopefully we can get a glimpse of any up and coming girl skaters.
