2002

Brace yourself for another season

I saw great talent at the ASA Pro Tour stop in Milwaukee, including Pro Skater Jenna Downing from England.  I’ve been hearing about her over the years, including from one of my WASN SK8 Festival’s sponsors, Sobe Soft Drinks……check out the story.

I also had a chance to see some new faces and had the chance to chat with Kelly Lambeth, a local AM Skater from Wisconsin……check it out.

Am girl soul grinds her way to the top competing at the ASA Pro/AM stop in Milwaukee.

Getting back to the swing of things here on the East Coast and in spite of the recent tragedy my city, NYC and the entire country has experienced, I like to extend my deepest sympathy to all those who have suffered from any loss they have endured.  It’s important for all of us to keep things in perspective. We need to understand that our world had changed before we realized it, but now that we are more aware then we were yesterday, we need to live our lives to the fullest and truly appreciate the wonderful freedom this country gives to us all.

…….And so we must remember that Rollerblading is a Fine Art AND it is not dead.  

I have been all over the country since I last had an inkling of time to write for you all.  One stop was in Milwaukee for the ASA Pro/AM Tour.

My next stop was X Games VII in Philadelphia.  I was working my butt off as the In-line researcher….which means I had the privaliage of interviewing all the invited athletes….how cool was that!  They went off during the X Games….Unfortunately very little TV coverage went up on ESPN for in-line……..forget the girls…….the lake of vert pro females resulted in combining women with men in their competition giving Fabiola and Ayumi very little chance to practice….but in-line made some incredible history…….Taig Chris landed a Double Back on vert for the first time in a major competition.  Just for the record, Matt Lindenmuth was the first to land a double back in June this season at the Hermosa Beach Invitational.  Street was a lost cause.  It had a 6 foot bowl in the center which ended up being useless for even Skateboarders……..Hope they have a better course next year….our sport depends on it.

Next stop, NISS Finals in Santa Monica. I Saw some new and old faces……Allie Paterson was out working the famous, OLD NISS course, along with Angela Ararujo. Fabiola was watching in style as well as some of my favorite guys which include, AJ Jackson, Be Hardin, Todd Grossman & Tracy White as judges and on MC. 

Todd Grossman & Be Hardin

Tracy White, Todd & AJ Jackson

It has come to the point in my life where I can only dream of the days I flew through the air and I still Love Rollerblading.  Ok, if you can convince me to come and skate with you…..I will, but for now I love writing about it. 

Skate until you drop

peace Kate **

I also met an up and coming little grommet, eleven year old Alyssa Barnes, from Santa Monica, California, competing for her first time. Alyssa has been skating for less than a year where she learned from her friends, Pedro and Dave.  She likes to waxing curbs in order to grind.  

When asked if Alyssa was inspired by Fabiola da Silva, Alyssa replied, WHO? In time I'm sure Alyssa will know who Fabiola is. Good luck little one.

Fabiola da Silva hanging out it out catching some rays with Kate Gengo and Angela Ararujo

Angela answering a few questions for Fox Sports Net

Angela & Allie Peterson