Film: Riding The Long White Cloud

I'm in the middle of watching the coolest series of videos and it's blowing my mind. A bicycle tour of professional skateboarders across New Zealand: "Riding the Long White Cloud." I heard mention of this a while back, never had cable to catch it on TV, and recently thought to look into it. Well the film is viewable in a 5 part series (at thepredatorybird.com). Unfortunately our internet is pretty slow, so I've been struggling to get through the first couple of videos, but my excitement has helped me be patient. I don't usually have enough time to watch for more than a few minutes anyway. This whole concept is a dream to me and I'm in awe of the whole project.

It has inspired me to look deeper into realizing a goal I have merely considered in the past: biking across Ohio. Cincy to Cleveland; or, perhaps, Cleveland to Cincy. Whichever. Both. Not sure what is realistic in terms of how soon, not to mention how to prepare; to train. Maybe a solo trip (that is, if I can't convince C to get a good bike suitable for the trip!)... not sure. I'm thinking this is a couple years down the road, but maybe now is time to start planning.

I really think you, whoever you are, should watch at least one of these videos. Maybe it will inspire you, too.


Riding the Long White Cloud Part 1 from predatory bird on Vimeo.

Photo Updates

aldy watching the "incredible dog championship"

aldy getting belly rubs

handy

work

set-up the new board

Crazy movie + Delurker Day + Bike + Mini Ramps

Wish i knew what this was about--not sure but found it on the Benji Wagner blog and it features Rick McCrank among many others i'm sure... Machotaildrop?


Also, apparently it is "Delurker Day" which means if you've never posted a comment on this blog, do it today. Say hi, or better yet, tell me what you like and don't like or what would care to see more of on this here virtual diary of sorts... It can be yours too--I like to share
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Also-also, I finally rode my bike to work today after a week of driving my car--granted, i did ride a couple nights this week to run errands, but it was nice to get out on relatively clear/dry streets, in daylight, and know that i'll be doing the same on my way home. Also, my love for skateboarding has been reinvigorated by that mini ramp at the bar. Skating a mini ramp--the rhythm, the flow--is an affirmation of the flow of life and energy. It's mellow and exhilarating at once. I am gonna stop by the shop in town and get some grip tape and new bearings to finally hook up the deck and wheels I won in that contest so long ago. Might even get some new skate shoes... Maybe.

Have a great day

get connected

where the wild things skate

Skateboarding

Yesterday I saw a kid--"kid" but probably not much younger than I--skating in the street directly in front of our house. After maybe 20 minutes, realizing the kid was planning on staying there, I put on a long sleeve shirt, my skate shoes, and grabbed my board. Mind you, it's been well over a year since I actually skated beyond cruising down the street to pick up pizza. Maybe even two years. Damn.

Anyway, I went out and introduced myself to this kid, Joey, who just moved in to the apartments across the street. He was really pretty good. It took me a while to warm up and my goal was to finally land an ollie over the traffic cone that was out there. I finally landed it a few times, after a lot of frustration. I was trying all kinds of 180s and just reclaiming some comfort on my board. We didn't talk a lot, just talked a little about ourselves and talked about how we were old and skateboarding wasn't as easy as it used to be... ha

I was out there hardly 30 minutes before I was exhausted and had to call it quits. Joey was real cool and I'm sure I'll be skating with him soon. But seriously, my entire body hurts today. It hurts to walk, it hurts to sit, it hurts to turn, it hurts to think...But there's something wholly satisfying about these aches that makes me excited about feeling better soon and getting back out on my board, even if it is only in front of my house. Maybe I'll try to build a fun-box from some scrap wood I have for the next time I want to mess around...
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Currently listening to a playlist of Jackie Mitto music on Imeem.com...

Wild Things, Gonz

"The Gonz never ceases to amaze. His entire existence is an ode to human beings’ limitless potential to create their own fun."

That quote, and the video preceeding it, was nabbed from this website: we love you so - where the wild things are

this is the info about the site:
In October 2009 Spike Jonze’s feature film rendition of Maurice Sendak’s classic story Where The Wild Things Are will hit movie theaters worldwide. The film represents years of work from hundreds of different artists, writers, photographers, musicians, actors, and creators of all degrees. This place has been established to help shed some light on many of the small influences that have converged to make this massive project a reality.

Simply put, this a place to learn about things we think are great and to share with you the things those things helped make. Wild Things indeed… And also probably a lot of other randoms things that catch our eye along the way.

We hope you like it.

We love you so.

maybe you will be as surprised as me to see how many posts are about skateboarding