Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
When a Longboarder is in Paris...
If you have a son who is longboarder and is under the age of, say, 25, and you happen to be visiting Paris, France, you may wonder what you could do to keep you both happy and get the most out of the trip.
Here are a few suggestions:
Take in the Scenery in Paris:
Skating in Paris: You will notice right away that there aren't many skateboarders or longboarders in Paris at all. We also noticed that there aren't many SUVs either; this is a good thing. But the ratio of skateboarders to SUVs is about 1:1, not a good thing. We counted 4 of each.
The likely cause for so few skaters is the fact that many of the streets are cobblestone and next to impossible to skate. There are smooth paved areas, but they often have 10 lanes of cars on them. One day per week from 9am about to 5pm on designated areas, cars are banned during the 'Paris breathes' program. Roads that are typically open to cars are closed so that non-motorized traffic can take over, bikes, scooters, in-line skaters, and though they don't specify, this would also include skateboarders. We will check out the scenic routes tomorrow. I'll be on foot.
Try snails, speak French, eat baguettes:
Eating in Paris: After more than a week in France, my boy was needing a fix of Vancouver famed, Bon's, an all-day cheap breakfast joint. Unfortunately, nothing is cheap in Paris. But you can find bacon, eggs and a bottomless cup of coffee that needs a load of milk and sugar to make it palatable. We found: Breakfast-In-America. One happy lad. A small chain restaurant that offers the standard North American Breakfast fare all day long.
Art in Paris
You shouldn't be in Paris if you are not going to look at art. There are hundreds of museums and galleries and parks where you can find art. There is art for every taste. My son, it seems likes the impressionists, post-impressionists and gnarly renaissance art:
When looking at art and artifacts, try to make it relevant to your longboarder... look closely and see the reflection of the Coast longboarding logo in the glass. 'Cool.... Coast in the Louvre...' okay, maybe I am desperate to find a link, but it's worth a shot.
Take the Metro
This is the easiest way to get around. Today, we had a race to see who would get back to the apartment first. I took the metro, he rode his skateboard.... guess who won... yup... by 40 minutes... Lunch was on the table by the time he rolled in, but it was a good experiment. The lifts (elevators) are tiny and slow, the metro is big and fast.
Cathedrals
There are a lot of these in Paris, so there is no shortage. Some of the biggies to check out are: Notre Dame (must not wear Bermuda shorts or bare shoulders), Sacre Coeur (many many stairs, both at the metro and up to the cathedral; worth the climb), but our favourite was Chartres. It is a little out of town, but crazy interesting. A huge history an it has a crypt tour; it's all in French, so listen closely, or read your English cheat-sheets and try to follow along. My favourite part was the tower climb where you can see over much of the roofline over to the village below and much of the countryside. It was amazing, and I am afraid of heights. Wolf took his go-pro camera on this one, hopefully it turned out better than our trip through the catacombs (also very cool, in a historic, creepy kind of way).
Get a Haircut
When cultural overload sets in, get a haircut. So that is what he did.
Tomorrow, onto Lyon. The adventures continue.
Here are a few suggestions:
Take in the Scenery in Paris:
 |
| Tour Eiffel, Wolf, Skateboard... of course |
 |
| Arc d' Triomphe, Wolf, skateboard... of course |
The likely cause for so few skaters is the fact that many of the streets are cobblestone and next to impossible to skate. There are smooth paved areas, but they often have 10 lanes of cars on them. One day per week from 9am about to 5pm on designated areas, cars are banned during the 'Paris breathes' program. Roads that are typically open to cars are closed so that non-motorized traffic can take over, bikes, scooters, in-line skaters, and though they don't specify, this would also include skateboarders. We will check out the scenic routes tomorrow. I'll be on foot.
Try snails, speak French, eat baguettes:
 |
| Escargot & Rose... He tried one... I had the rest... not bad. |
Art in Paris
You shouldn't be in Paris if you are not going to look at art. There are hundreds of museums and galleries and parks where you can find art. There is art for every taste. My son, it seems likes the impressionists, post-impressionists and gnarly renaissance art:
 |
| Coast Longboarding at the Louvre |
Take the Metro
This is the easiest way to get around. Today, we had a race to see who would get back to the apartment first. I took the metro, he rode his skateboard.... guess who won... yup... by 40 minutes... Lunch was on the table by the time he rolled in, but it was a good experiment. The lifts (elevators) are tiny and slow, the metro is big and fast.
Cathedrals
There are a lot of these in Paris, so there is no shortage. Some of the biggies to check out are: Notre Dame (must not wear Bermuda shorts or bare shoulders), Sacre Coeur (many many stairs, both at the metro and up to the cathedral; worth the climb), but our favourite was Chartres. It is a little out of town, but crazy interesting. A huge history an it has a crypt tour; it's all in French, so listen closely, or read your English cheat-sheets and try to follow along. My favourite part was the tower climb where you can see over much of the roofline over to the village below and much of the countryside. It was amazing, and I am afraid of heights. Wolf took his go-pro camera on this one, hopefully it turned out better than our trip through the catacombs (also very cool, in a historic, creepy kind of way).
 |
| view from Chartres Tower |
 |
| Wolf at Cafe across the street from Chartres |
 |
| Wolf at Notre Dame, Paris, France |
 |
| Bones in the Catacombs of Paris |
 |
| Skull detail from Catacombs, Paris |
 |
| Wolf in Catacombs, (yes with his board and go-pro camera... |
When cultural overload sets in, get a haircut. So that is what he did.
Tomorrow, onto Lyon. The adventures continue.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Authorized Downhill Skateboard Route in Argonay
Although this sign may seem intimidating, banning skateboarders from practicing on this road at any other time other than those specified by local municipal authorities, the living history of this location is supportive and promising for the riders in this sport.
This road has been transformed from a two way car route, to a one way car route that is then closed to cars for almost each Sunday afternoon so that downhill skateboarders, longboarders, can practice their sport.
This has been such a success over the past decade that four other areas in France have followed suit and have given over a road to the sport, again for a half day a week.
The flip side of this road closure is that the skateboarders have agreed to not skate in the village at all and as a mountain town, all roads are downhill--cruising around is not really possible. It seems that the riders in this community have complied and are happy with this arrangement.
They began with forming an association of downhill riders; it was then that they had a voice with council. Well done folks!
Merci de partager votre réussite avec nous, et votre colline pour cette belle course.
This road has been transformed from a two way car route, to a one way car route that is then closed to cars for almost each Sunday afternoon so that downhill skateboarders, longboarders, can practice their sport.
This has been such a success over the past decade that four other areas in France have followed suit and have given over a road to the sport, again for a half day a week.
The flip side of this road closure is that the skateboarders have agreed to not skate in the village at all and as a mountain town, all roads are downhill--cruising around is not really possible. It seems that the riders in this community have complied and are happy with this arrangement.
They began with forming an association of downhill riders; it was then that they had a voice with council. Well done folks!
Merci de partager votre réussite avec nous, et votre colline pour cette belle course.
The Patron Saint of DH Skateboarding
Wolf is having a fantastic time here in Argonay France. We arrived in this village on the outskirts of Annecy, two days ago for the IGSA World Cup Race, Graveyard Call. We walked the road when we arrived to check the route when Wolf discovered an amazing thing:
Yesterday was registration and free-riding. A very technical course with lots corners. Everyone seems to be enjoying the challenge.
I hear the qualifying rounds have begun. Must grab my camera and head back behind my safe spot behind the bales....
Yesterday was registration and free-riding. A very technical course with lots corners. Everyone seems to be enjoying the challenge.
I hear the qualifying rounds have begun. Must grab my camera and head back behind my safe spot behind the bales....
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Why are there so many pretty girls in France?
He asked me this over dinner, fillet perch and fries with salad, and he asked with all honesty and he's right, there seems to be an inordinate number of lovely young women, de jolies jeunes femmes, I should say. And here I worried that he would be monocular with his skateboard race only in his mind that he would overlook the rich cultural environment we have found ourselves in... well my boy has not let me down, not only can he concentrate and fixate on the race course, but that while still noticing les jolies jeunes femmes as well.
Medieval France is stunning, as are the summer Alps, and that is coming from a gal who is used to mountains. The Coastals are beautiful and the Rockies are breath taking, but i'd have to say the Alps are pretty nice as well, and the towns near them seem friendly and welcoming,,, but I'll have to see how the next few days go first....
Pictures to follow.
Medieval France is stunning, as are the summer Alps, and that is coming from a gal who is used to mountains. The Coastals are beautiful and the Rockies are breath taking, but i'd have to say the Alps are pretty nice as well, and the towns near them seem friendly and welcoming,,, but I'll have to see how the next few days go first....
Pictures to follow.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Enroute to Toronto, To Montreal, To Geneva
Checked: One wheelless longboard, one very large very old backpack with a Canadian Flag stitched to it from my husband's journeys 20 years ago, (a sturdy bag indeed) and a heavy micro-duffle bag stuffed with 10 sets of wheels, replacing the 30 dimpled field-hockey balls.
Carry-on: One blue wheeled bag containing all my attire for the next 17 days, one computer bag with camera, charger, laptop, travel documents, books, journals, extension cord and one european outlet converter, One purse (mine), one backpack containing one hoodie and one vintage notebook and power cord (without it would hold no charge at all).
Two excited travellers have checked in, all the way through to Geneva, but will wake in Toronto, and now lounge, repose, sip and sup in the very tranquil environs of the Maple Leaf Lounge... thank you aeroplan.
I have been looking forward to this trip for sometime, and finally... here it is and I could use a nap;(... but will wait to board the plane first. no photos to report, and it is unlikely that wolf will let me take his picture sipping his sprite and tapping on his computer... I'll save the photos for something actually interesting.
au revoir mes amis!
Carry-on: One blue wheeled bag containing all my attire for the next 17 days, one computer bag with camera, charger, laptop, travel documents, books, journals, extension cord and one european outlet converter, One purse (mine), one backpack containing one hoodie and one vintage notebook and power cord (without it would hold no charge at all).
Two excited travellers have checked in, all the way through to Geneva, but will wake in Toronto, and now lounge, repose, sip and sup in the very tranquil environs of the Maple Leaf Lounge... thank you aeroplan.
I have been looking forward to this trip for sometime, and finally... here it is and I could use a nap;(... but will wait to board the plane first. no photos to report, and it is unlikely that wolf will let me take his picture sipping his sprite and tapping on his computer... I'll save the photos for something actually interesting.
au revoir mes amis!
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Journey Begins
We've had weeks to prepare, to gather documents, tickets, passes and gear. My gear consists of computer and camera; his includes a virtual crate of wheels, a board, leathers, etc. I have had some difficulty convincing my son that this is not the same as camping where one set of clothing will do for the week. It is France. We will be a week in Paris. Camp clothes won't do, not if he's going with me, and he is. One pair of well loved and worn jeans and a set of three-year-old swim trunks won't get you smiles when you try to get a table reservation at a restaurant, or entrance into some of the cathedrals. So as much as he hates it, I have convinced him to go shopping and to buy some new clothes. Wicked, controlling mother, I know, but too bad.
Train Pass Mix-up
I was writing up my itinerary yesterday so my husband would be able to get in touch with us during our journey when I discovered a most disconcerting error. I had purchased rail passes for me and Wolf several weeks ago, one adult 4-day pass and one youth 4 day pass, each clearly marked with the correct name, but when they arrived via courier, the tickets had been transposed. I should have taken photos of them for humour: Lorrie Miller youth pass: ages 16 through 24 inclusive... just a few years out of date. With much wrangling I managed to get it straightened out with Rail Europe (still waiting for the refund), and have new tickets issued and printed at a local dealer with the correct names. Phew... close, I imagined the stress and embarrassment trying to explain the mix-up on a train in France, in French-- not fun.
.jpg)
Lonely Planet Phrasebook French
I have been to France, but that was over two decades ago, and I was a poor French speaker then, and was determined to improve my French following that trip. I improved some, but that was again twenty years ago. I've been practicing with Wolf and my husband (who is rather fluent--despite his denial) and it's coming back to me. But all the same I thought I'd pick up a language support, but not a full on thick dictionary. I chose the Lonely Planet phrasebook French. It is a thin blue book with a reasonable front illustration and has 3500 words and phrases with easy to follow colour-coded categories:
Train Pass Mix-up
I was writing up my itinerary yesterday so my husband would be able to get in touch with us during our journey when I discovered a most disconcerting error. I had purchased rail passes for me and Wolf several weeks ago, one adult 4-day pass and one youth 4 day pass, each clearly marked with the correct name, but when they arrived via courier, the tickets had been transposed. I should have taken photos of them for humour: Lorrie Miller youth pass: ages 16 through 24 inclusive... just a few years out of date. With much wrangling I managed to get it straightened out with Rail Europe (still waiting for the refund), and have new tickets issued and printed at a local dealer with the correct names. Phew... close, I imagined the stress and embarrassment trying to explain the mix-up on a train in France, in French-- not fun.
.jpg)
Argonay, France (location of IGSA's Graveyard Call)
Lonely Planet Phrasebook French
I have been to France, but that was over two decades ago, and I was a poor French speaker then, and was determined to improve my French following that trip. I improved some, but that was again twenty years ago. I've been practicing with Wolf and my husband (who is rather fluent--despite his denial) and it's coming back to me. But all the same I thought I'd pick up a language support, but not a full on thick dictionary. I chose the Lonely Planet phrasebook French. It is a thin blue book with a reasonable front illustration and has 3500 words and phrases with easy to follow colour-coded categories:
- rust: tools
- teal: practical
- olive: social
- orange: food
- aqua: safe travel
- green: sustainable travel
- plum: dictionaries
The 'social' category, included 'meeting people, interests, feelings & opinions, going out, romance sports, beliefs, and outdoors. This seemed very helpful to me until I began to read some of the helpful phrases to my husband over a glass of wine. I could hardly stop laughing.
Meeting people: " Tu es de quel signe?" what sign are you?
" Est-ce que ta un fetiche?" Do you have a fetish?
Two phrases I will NOT be needing on this trip, but those and many others brought lots of laughter to our evening.
Shortly we will be on our way to....
Annecy Prison in Annecy France
(both images from Wiki commons as I am not actually there to take my own images... yet)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Death of a Rider: A mother's nightmare
The tragic death of well known and liked artist and competitive longboarder, Glenna Evans, has shaken the local longboarding community, and stirred public debate.
As a mother of junior racer, Wolfgang Coleman, I took the news the way mothers do, poorly. I didn't know who it was when the news first broke and imagined all the beautiful faces of the female riders that I know or have met through Wolf, and then thought of her mother, and my heart cracked. It doesn't matter that she was no longer a child, she was still her mother and father's daughter. Their pain must be great.
This sad loss has made me reconsider my stand on this very fast sport and my complicity with Wolf's participation. My first reaction was, never again; I must protect my boy. Luckily that lasted for mere seconds. My longer feeling was a quiet prayer to never know such loss myself.
How many people find a true passion in their lives, something that brings them joy beyond textual description? How many young people find purpose and challenge in what they do? How many are able to compete at an international level? How many find community in the physical face-to-face type that extends beyond any virtual network, friends to high-five, to trade trucks, to swap road-rash tales?
Some sports are riskier than others, but consider life-altering knee injuries from basketball and soccer, the bends and death in sea-diving, paralysis and death in horse-back riding, in snow-boarding, in skiing, in motor-cross riding, in mountain biking? How about rodeo sports in general? If we look at the negative and very dangerous effects of lack of sport and passion in one's life, perhaps it outweighs any inherent risk? I don't know; I'm just putting it out there. Not everyone can be passionate about badminton, or table tennis, or golf... but golf has it's heart-failure risks apparently, but that may have something to do with the age and health of some of the players.
I also don't want to see a short-sighted public knee-jerk reaction with any sort of a ban on skateboarding. This would be a step backwards. Should we try to avoid death by closing hospitals, because it is in their walls where most deaths occur? You get my point. Riding usually results in fit, well transported and happy people. And these are good things.
I will not take my son out of the sport. But I will continue to insist on safe riding and safe training, and that means in a group, all the time. Like in diving, and swimming, and sailing (usually) 'buddies stick together'. We've adopted that diving rule and applied it many areas of our lives, and here is just one more.
In a few short days Wolf and I will be jetting to the French Alps for him to race in IGSA's Graveyard Call, and then to take in the cultural scene in Paris before coming home. The race goes on, but I do know that Glenna Evans will be remembered as she has touched the lives of many with both her life and her death. Rest in Peace Glenna, though I never knew you.
links: igsa's memorial page
Glenna's page
As a mother of junior racer, Wolfgang Coleman, I took the news the way mothers do, poorly. I didn't know who it was when the news first broke and imagined all the beautiful faces of the female riders that I know or have met through Wolf, and then thought of her mother, and my heart cracked. It doesn't matter that she was no longer a child, she was still her mother and father's daughter. Their pain must be great.
This sad loss has made me reconsider my stand on this very fast sport and my complicity with Wolf's participation. My first reaction was, never again; I must protect my boy. Luckily that lasted for mere seconds. My longer feeling was a quiet prayer to never know such loss myself.
How many people find a true passion in their lives, something that brings them joy beyond textual description? How many young people find purpose and challenge in what they do? How many are able to compete at an international level? How many find community in the physical face-to-face type that extends beyond any virtual network, friends to high-five, to trade trucks, to swap road-rash tales?
Some sports are riskier than others, but consider life-altering knee injuries from basketball and soccer, the bends and death in sea-diving, paralysis and death in horse-back riding, in snow-boarding, in skiing, in motor-cross riding, in mountain biking? How about rodeo sports in general? If we look at the negative and very dangerous effects of lack of sport and passion in one's life, perhaps it outweighs any inherent risk? I don't know; I'm just putting it out there. Not everyone can be passionate about badminton, or table tennis, or golf... but golf has it's heart-failure risks apparently, but that may have something to do with the age and health of some of the players.
I also don't want to see a short-sighted public knee-jerk reaction with any sort of a ban on skateboarding. This would be a step backwards. Should we try to avoid death by closing hospitals, because it is in their walls where most deaths occur? You get my point. Riding usually results in fit, well transported and happy people. And these are good things.
I will not take my son out of the sport. But I will continue to insist on safe riding and safe training, and that means in a group, all the time. Like in diving, and swimming, and sailing (usually) 'buddies stick together'. We've adopted that diving rule and applied it many areas of our lives, and here is just one more.
In a few short days Wolf and I will be jetting to the French Alps for him to race in IGSA's Graveyard Call, and then to take in the cultural scene in Paris before coming home. The race goes on, but I do know that Glenna Evans will be remembered as she has touched the lives of many with both her life and her death. Rest in Peace Glenna, though I never knew you.
links: igsa's memorial page
Glenna's page
Monday, June 14, 2010
Vernon DH 2010 News
Three o'clock in the morning and I woke in a chilled sweat. I heard clattering coming from the kitchen. My blood boils. I've been woken for their third night in a row because my nearly 18 year-old has taken to being a night-owl and thirsty/ hungry and noisy in the middle of the night. I stormed down stairs to stop the noise and hoped to return to sleep... Of course it was my fault for being a light sleeper, and grumpy... aghhh.
On my way back up stairs, I peeked into Wolf's room. He wasn't home yet when I went to sleep, so I thought I'd check and see if he was in... His bed was empty, unchanged from Friday afternoon when he departed to Vernon for his first IGSA Race. He has his packing to a bit of an art, and can stow his tent, sleeping bag and all his gear and clothes in less than thirty minutes. He has a tendency to underestimate the amount of needed clothing... but that's just me.
My heart crashed around in my chest... empty room, three thirty... I thought he'd be home. Then I became sane for one minute, and checked my blackberry. No messages, good news. No worry. Right? I thought. So I checked the web, and as I suspected in my mid of the night daze, Vernon was a two day race that didn't finish until six pm Sunday evening. He'd be home Monday. I sighed and then went back to sleep... sort of. I actually scrolled through the IGSA website trying to find the final results.
It became clear that Kevin Reimer came in first, followed by Douglas Silva, and Zen Shikaze, with Max Erwin in forth. Women top rider was Brianne Davies. The rest of the results weren't posted at 4am... So I finally went to sleep.
Over breakfast, I flipped open my computer and browsed the posted results. I prayed that Wolf qualified... and he did. I hoped that he'd get through the first round. He did. He made it through to the first quarter final matchup. His was the first heat, consisting of Kevin Reimer, Max Erwin, Jesse Tynan and Wolfgang Coleman. A tough heat, to be sure. The results above tell the tale; Reimer and Erwin went on to the Semi finals and to the top. Wolf went on to the Junior round. He is still sixteen an is going to race juniors and open as long as he can.
On a blistering day at Vernon (up to 30 C) clad in leather- from head to toe, Wolf came in 2nd place in the Junior division, after Alex Tongue and ahead of Mike Slota. Well done gentlemen! Way to go Wolf.
There is a lot of other news from Vernon DH 2010, but my job here is to spread the news of Wolf. Here is a photo of my speedy son--from Gold Rush Challenge. I will post photos from Vernon when they are available, but for now this will have to do.
Here is the link to the full list: IGSA final results for Vernon DH 2010.
On my way back up stairs, I peeked into Wolf's room. He wasn't home yet when I went to sleep, so I thought I'd check and see if he was in... His bed was empty, unchanged from Friday afternoon when he departed to Vernon for his first IGSA Race. He has his packing to a bit of an art, and can stow his tent, sleeping bag and all his gear and clothes in less than thirty minutes. He has a tendency to underestimate the amount of needed clothing... but that's just me.
My heart crashed around in my chest... empty room, three thirty... I thought he'd be home. Then I became sane for one minute, and checked my blackberry. No messages, good news. No worry. Right? I thought. So I checked the web, and as I suspected in my mid of the night daze, Vernon was a two day race that didn't finish until six pm Sunday evening. He'd be home Monday. I sighed and then went back to sleep... sort of. I actually scrolled through the IGSA website trying to find the final results.
It became clear that Kevin Reimer came in first, followed by Douglas Silva, and Zen Shikaze, with Max Erwin in forth. Women top rider was Brianne Davies. The rest of the results weren't posted at 4am... So I finally went to sleep.
Over breakfast, I flipped open my computer and browsed the posted results. I prayed that Wolf qualified... and he did. I hoped that he'd get through the first round. He did. He made it through to the first quarter final matchup. His was the first heat, consisting of Kevin Reimer, Max Erwin, Jesse Tynan and Wolfgang Coleman. A tough heat, to be sure. The results above tell the tale; Reimer and Erwin went on to the Semi finals and to the top. Wolf went on to the Junior round. He is still sixteen an is going to race juniors and open as long as he can.
On a blistering day at Vernon (up to 30 C) clad in leather- from head to toe, Wolf came in 2nd place in the Junior division, after Alex Tongue and ahead of Mike Slota. Well done gentlemen! Way to go Wolf.
There is a lot of other news from Vernon DH 2010, but my job here is to spread the news of Wolf. Here is a photo of my speedy son--from Gold Rush Challenge. I will post photos from Vernon when they are available, but for now this will have to do.
Here is the link to the full list: IGSA final results for Vernon DH 2010.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Gold Rush Challenge on the News
Here is a splash of Gold rush Challenge. Nice coverage!
Gold Rush Challenge 2010 - Global News from UNKLE.CA on Vimeo.
Gold Rush Challenge 2010 - Global News from UNKLE.CA on Vimeo.
Danger Bay 2010
Bad Mother
Okay, so I missed the beginning of the race. Since when does Danger Bay begin on time... I'll tell you when, in 2010. That's when. So when I finally got to the race site, I found my racing son, FINISHED. Yes, chillin' behind the bales, where I should have been an hour earlier! I still can't believe it.
Okay, so I missed the beginning of the race. Since when does Danger Bay begin on time... I'll tell you when, in 2010. That's when. So when I finally got to the race site, I found my racing son, FINISHED. Yes, chillin' behind the bales, where I should have been an hour earlier! I still can't believe it.
And then, Wolf, watched intently as the race went on... he, like the record number of racers, had crashed out into the bales, and his race was finished, but the weekend was still far from over, ahead lay still Jake's Rash and The Gold Rush Challenge.
Wolf took third place in the Gold Rush Challenge Junior division--his last year as a grom. Well done son. Spencer Smith took the top junior place and someone I don't know (but will find out) took the second spot. Spencer and Wolf can race it out this summer at Graveyard Call. That race, son, I promise not to miss.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Graveyard Call: Argonay France
Booked flights yesterday!! Yes, we are looking forward to it very much.
Looking for this year's poster, as the dates are different here. But I'll bet the course is the same. Wolf... you are one lucky kid! Okay, I'm a lucky mom too...
Looking for this year's poster, as the dates are different here. But I'll bet the course is the same. Wolf... you are one lucky kid! Okay, I'm a lucky mom too...
Thursday, April 1, 2010
More Maryhill!!! Free ride
A black bird glides through the air above the steady turn of giant white turbines. It lets out the tell-tale cry that says I'm not Crow--I am Raven.
I unpack my red folding chair and set my seat along the road in front of a twisted dry blackberry bramble. I rest my feet on one of the many hay bales that line the road and I wait. For a moment I am alone. The wind rustles my hair and blows into my ears, reminding me of many Saskatchewan springs from my childhood, as a meadow lark sings. This is where the comparison ends. The hum of urethane at speed along a smooth black ribbon of asphalt that winds its way through these hills reminds me that this is no ordinary hill; this is Maryhill.
One rider after another with wide smiles and keen concentration tuck around the bend in the road where I'm stationed. The day goes on much like this, as peaceful as it is beautiful. I can see why this road has become legondary among the downhill longboarder and street-luge scene.
Another U-haul load of riders drives back to the top, and then a second truck and a third, all filled with sweat, leather and hot eurothane.
Most of the hundred plus rider mostly men and boys, and a few women are a clad head to toe in safety gear. Heavily worn shoes, knee pads, some with armadillo-styled spine protectors, an aray of helmets, gloves and leathers of every shade and hue, often augemented with patches of duct-tape. They remind of some combination of super-heros and race cars. Love it!
Then Wolf, my son, rides by again. I, mother, spectator, van-driver, bale-sitter, photo-taker, click away again as they round the corner. Though it was a very late night, or early morning, when we pulled into Goldendale, WA, and I've had little sleep, my day is good. A little too much sun, and not enough sunblock, but all managable. Being here allows me to pay back so many of the rides Wolf has gotten from Blake in the Landyachtz Van, as both Blake and Simon caught a ride with us. Besides being fine car company, it allowed Wolf to share talk and enthusiasm for the trip and all the skate talk, a topic I can only carry on for so long before zoning out... sorry.
At 3:20 the sky is white with cloud and the wind picks up; blows with a bite less kind than earlier this morning--but still an hour and a half to go. I hunker down and wait. From time to time the radio sounds, someone announcing that riders are on, or someone has spilled at corner two, but then up again all is good.
Already I know that this will not be my last time to this hill, nor behind these bales of hay. The Festival of Speed is in June. Maybe I'll be back for that, maybe I'll let my husband come out with Wolf. Either way, one of us will be here with Wolf. It won't be long before he'll be travelling without us, but not just yet.
The weekend was a fast one, in the end. In more ways than one. A well run, well attended event. I still have to go through day two's photos... still more to come.
Already I know that this will not be my last time to this hill, nor behind these bales of hay. The Festival of Speed is in June. Maybe I'll be back for that, maybe I'll let my husband come out with Wolf. Either way, one of us will be here with Wolf. It won't be long before he'll be travelling without us, but not just yet.
The weekend was a fast one, in the end. In more ways than one. A well run, well attended event. I still have to go through day two's photos... still more to come.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Maryhill Free ride
Anyone who has ever seen her smooth black ribbon of blacktop winding its way over hills and through a magestic landscape will know at a glance Maryhill. But to be honest, I've never been there, but have seen many a minutes of footage thanks to my son, Wolfgang, aka Wolf, aka Wolfie (but only I can call him that). Wolf wants more than anything to skate this coming weekend at the annual Maryhill Freeride. This is the location of the also annual MHFOS, Maryhill Festival of Speed, a World Cup race where longboarders from everywhere come to challenge for the top spot. Think Snowboard cross minus the snow.
He likes riding and it seems he's pretty good. But he is still my lad and a mature 16 year old, but I don't feel comfortable sending him off to another country, even with mature, and responsible co-riding adults. So, this means that I will likely be volunteering to drive... Soccer season is now over, so time to switch hats and follow this child, ah hem, young man, in his sport.
I suggested that I rent a hotel room, and he looked at me like I was a total wimp. I'm not. Usually. Maybe we have to camp? On the ground.... in March? All this given that I will host our youngest son's sixth birthday earler the same day!!! Yes a house filled with a dozen five and six year old girls and boys in costumes doing field day races. A totally different type of event: egg race (on a spoon) three-legged races, and sack races. Fun.
Then off to ride the hill. I'll post again as the week progresses. But for now that's the plan.
Here is a video of wolf 'shredding the gnar' (official term) at the Cypress Mountain. See after 7 minutes the 'side session'. Wolf finishes things off with some 'gnarly slides' and a slip into the one and only hay bale along the entire road. Well done son.
I suggested that I rent a hotel room, and he looked at me like I was a total wimp. I'm not. Usually. Maybe we have to camp? On the ground.... in March? All this given that I will host our youngest son's sixth birthday earler the same day!!! Yes a house filled with a dozen five and six year old girls and boys in costumes doing field day races. A totally different type of event: egg race (on a spoon) three-legged races, and sack races. Fun.
Then off to ride the hill. I'll post again as the week progresses. But for now that's the plan.
Here is a video of wolf 'shredding the gnar' (official term) at the Cypress Mountain. See after 7 minutes the 'side session'. Wolf finishes things off with some 'gnarly slides' and a slip into the one and only hay bale along the entire road. Well done son.
Friday, March 19, 2010
A great, not typical, skateboard film!!!
Last night I attended the premier of the film Drop: My life Downhill, with my son Wolfgang. He is a fan of the sport and a talented rider in his own right. I have attended numerous launches and openings of various sorts through my life, from theatrical performances, to art openings, book launches, architectural and academic celebrations of various sorts. But what I have to liken this event to the most in my experience is an art school theatre opening. What! You are probably thinking, but hear me out.
First of all, this was a highly involved, emotionally charged cooperative project. Lots of folks had a lot invested in this film, from skating, and revealing thoughts and experiences of the sport from an insider's perspective, through to the hours (and hours) of filming and editing. This is not at all unlike the investments that people pour into theatre performances, especially when original material is being produced.
Secondly, the energy of the young people that attended the premier was so charged that they could have it could have run the equipment, or heated the building with it--should have heated the building... brrrrr. Maybe it is just a sign of my deepening middle-age, and I am making more connections than are actually present, but I will hold for now that the community of longboarders with their shared passion, openness, and uni-focus 'skate?' is again like the communities that I was a part of at that same age. How can someone eat, breath, and sleep skateboarding (dream more than sleep)? Well, I know the answer to this: easily, just ask any one of them; ask my son. It may seem extreme to me to have such a single foci, but if you had asked me when I was twenty-anything, if I would do anything that wasn't involved in art, theatre or academics (research...yes it's true, I was very passionate about this), I would have said quiet emphatically, 'it's my life, that and my kids. There is nothing else.' That would have been true, it was my community, my entertainment, my passion, my recreation.
I have to applaud the director, Marc MacCrudden for his vision and execution of this film. He has succeeded in presenting the world of longboarding in a light that it so deserves. Drop: My life downhill, is in a league of its own as far as skateboard films go. If you expect the typical 'skate porn' as described by Chris Chaput, then you will be happily surprised. Drop takes viewers into the individual experiences of some of the word's top ranking downhill and freestyle riders. The racers speak for themselves, revealing their highlights and some lowlights (ie: famous crashes or close-calls). The film is as educational as it is entertaining. One of the highlights for me was the spectacular shots of Maryhill and other winding roads. Sexy indeed.
I am looking forward to an IMAX downhill experience that looks at the entire race circuit... why not? Or how about a feature film that takes a fictional racer (with lots of techincal/ cultural advising and stunt doubling) and follows him/her (maybe a him and a her) through their training, drama, close calls, and other conflicts as they follow thier dream, and get into the big leagues. Think Billy Elliot, but not; Thrashin, but not. You know what I mean?
Way to go all that made Drop happen. You have a fan in me.
First of all, this was a highly involved, emotionally charged cooperative project. Lots of folks had a lot invested in this film, from skating, and revealing thoughts and experiences of the sport from an insider's perspective, through to the hours (and hours) of filming and editing. This is not at all unlike the investments that people pour into theatre performances, especially when original material is being produced.
Secondly, the energy of the young people that attended the premier was so charged that they could have it could have run the equipment, or heated the building with it--should have heated the building... brrrrr. Maybe it is just a sign of my deepening middle-age, and I am making more connections than are actually present, but I will hold for now that the community of longboarders with their shared passion, openness, and uni-focus 'skate?' is again like the communities that I was a part of at that same age. How can someone eat, breath, and sleep skateboarding (dream more than sleep)? Well, I know the answer to this: easily, just ask any one of them; ask my son. It may seem extreme to me to have such a single foci, but if you had asked me when I was twenty-anything, if I would do anything that wasn't involved in art, theatre or academics (research...yes it's true, I was very passionate about this), I would have said quiet emphatically, 'it's my life, that and my kids. There is nothing else.' That would have been true, it was my community, my entertainment, my passion, my recreation.
I have to applaud the director, Marc MacCrudden for his vision and execution of this film. He has succeeded in presenting the world of longboarding in a light that it so deserves. Drop: My life downhill, is in a league of its own as far as skateboard films go. If you expect the typical 'skate porn' as described by Chris Chaput, then you will be happily surprised. Drop takes viewers into the individual experiences of some of the word's top ranking downhill and freestyle riders. The racers speak for themselves, revealing their highlights and some lowlights (ie: famous crashes or close-calls). The film is as educational as it is entertaining. One of the highlights for me was the spectacular shots of Maryhill and other winding roads. Sexy indeed.
I am looking forward to an IMAX downhill experience that looks at the entire race circuit... why not? Or how about a feature film that takes a fictional racer (with lots of techincal/ cultural advising and stunt doubling) and follows him/her (maybe a him and a her) through their training, drama, close calls, and other conflicts as they follow thier dream, and get into the big leagues. Think Billy Elliot, but not; Thrashin, but not. You know what I mean?
Way to go all that made Drop happen. You have a fan in me.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Drop: My life downhill
Monday, March 8, 2010
Olympics 2024
So, post games--Winter Olympics, that is, I got to thinking about the summer games, and what if we hosted them, and what if, say, longboarding became an olympic sport... This sent my mind a wandering into all sorts of fun and wooly ways until I finished the following piece (check out the two part post on Siverfish as posted by Skategeezer)
Olympic 2024: by me... yours truly... hay bale mama. (meaning the spectator, not the rider)
Would love to hear what you think!
Olympic 2024: by me... yours truly... hay bale mama. (meaning the spectator, not the rider)
Would love to hear what you think!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
White Rock Slopestyle
Earlier this month, prior to the Olympic hullabaloo, a group of dedicated longboarders (Wolf included) organized a slopestyle event in White Rock British Columbia:
Here is a picture of Wolf showing his moves, and a link to the full album and article as featured on Unkle.ca.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Too much Steeze? How could that be?
Landyachtz has posted my son (the speedy one) on the team page! Official and all;)
More steeze than someone his age should have... they say.
here is his team page info:
landyachtz team
you can click on his photo, or go to the link directly below. It's a slideshow of his riding.
Wolfgang Coleman
fun!
More steeze than someone his age should have... they say.
here is his team page info:
landyachtz team
you can click on his photo, or go to the link directly below. It's a slideshow of his riding.
Wolfgang Coleman
fun!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Landyachtz opening picture is Wolfgang Coleman
Wolf went out for a photo shoot with the folks from Landyachtz and here is his latest pict! See Wolf ride, See Wolf slide!
I am ever amazed at the photo quality possible, clearly by someone more skilled than I!
I am ever amazed at the photo quality possible, clearly by someone more skilled than I!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Concrete Wave Article
Yeah, this issue is up and live in full colour glory. I have six pages of story about parenting high speed longboarders. For full details of the article see: Lorrie Coleman (still me... this way I match the kids' name???) anyway, that's another story, and it will have a note in the next issue as to my actual name... funny.
But the great thing is some lovely photos and even my little guy is in it (Finn) and Wolf of course. Wolf is just kind of happy to have mention in two consecutive issues of his favourite magazine.
Here is the link, but it doesn't have the full issue on line, so if you are interested, you can find it on some magazine stands or at Landyachtz, or at Pacific Boarder.
Concrete Wave Magazine.
Happy skatin'
But the great thing is some lovely photos and even my little guy is in it (Finn) and Wolf of course. Wolf is just kind of happy to have mention in two consecutive issues of his favourite magazine.
Here is the link, but it doesn't have the full issue on line, so if you are interested, you can find it on some magazine stands or at Landyachtz, or at Pacific Boarder.
Concrete Wave Magazine.
Happy skatin'
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Racing in France
Okay this is the next project in the works. I'm heading over the pond to give a cultural, historical education to my lad. You know things like museums, monuments, villages and lots of French bread, wine, galleries, trains, and well there are the alps. The French Alps that is. So, we are off to Wolf's first IGSA international event. Not yet registered, but then again they have just announced the dates. But, we will be going. It has been almost 20 years!!! since I have been to Europe at all. I always assumed that I'd go back right away, but life just got so busy. I am sure it has changed a lot in those two decades, but I am so pleased to be able to take my son to explore with me, and to follow his own passion and tear up the roads that wind their way through the French alps. Many photos and stories to follow with this up coming adventure! We'll keep you posted!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
