Monday, October 13, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Slater + Dylan Hit Melbourne City - The Sequel
I recently edited up a little video of myself and fellow team mate, Dylan Warren shredding it downtown Melbourne city.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Portugal Vid
Now i have returned home in Australia, i have had some free time to work on editing some video i shot while on tour.
Here is some stuff i shot with the sintra crew in portugal. Very scenic locations!
Sorry for the loss of quality on youtube.
Here is some stuff i shot with the sintra crew in portugal. Very scenic locations!
Sorry for the loss of quality on youtube.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
World Freestyle Championships
Today was the day of the world freestyle championships. Riders had travelled from around Angland, Japan, USA, Ireland, Czech republic, Syberia, France, Belgium, Switzerland and myself from Australia.
It wasnt just the rider which made this a true world class event, but the Track features were like no other i had ridden before. The main riding line consisted of a 25ft long snowboard style stepdown, after landing this travelling at mach 10, a quick speed check was required and it was on to the 30ft tabletop with a very steep lip. After riding out of this it was required to get down low and hold as much speed as possible before the next jump, a 40ft long step up jump where the landing was around 8ft higher then the 6ft high take off. Aswell as these features, there were rails, hips and a beasty 12ft drop off.
This set the platform to be the best competition of all time. Many of the expected 1500 spectators began to arrive at 1:00 in the afternoon ready to watch qualifications at 4pm followed by finals under lights at 9pm
By the time of the first qualification run, riders were all at the top and amped to ride. Many riders chose to try and throw down straight away, while others like myself were more conservative to make sure to get clean runs early on in the comp.
Unfortunately after the first 2 qual. runs the rain had arrived, so out came the covers for the jumps(just like in the cricket or tennis).
After and hour under covor, the rain had stopped and it was time for the 3rd and final qualification run. Towards the end of the 60 competitors the rain had joined us again. This time the rain was heavier, and didnt end for several hours forcing the organisers to take results from the qualification jumps.
In the end it was Renny Miles who places first, Pavel Pasha from syberia in 2nd and ben tweedie in 3rd. I ended up placing 11th which i was stoaked on. Riders were then able to relax and enjoy the free jagermeister(one of the event sponsors)
It wasnt just the rider which made this a true world class event, but the Track features were like no other i had ridden before. The main riding line consisted of a 25ft long snowboard style stepdown, after landing this travelling at mach 10, a quick speed check was required and it was on to the 30ft tabletop with a very steep lip. After riding out of this it was required to get down low and hold as much speed as possible before the next jump, a 40ft long step up jump where the landing was around 8ft higher then the 6ft high take off. Aswell as these features, there were rails, hips and a beasty 12ft drop off.
This set the platform to be the best competition of all time. Many of the expected 1500 spectators began to arrive at 1:00 in the afternoon ready to watch qualifications at 4pm followed by finals under lights at 9pm
By the time of the first qualification run, riders were all at the top and amped to ride. Many riders chose to try and throw down straight away, while others like myself were more conservative to make sure to get clean runs early on in the comp.
Unfortunately after the first 2 qual. runs the rain had arrived, so out came the covers for the jumps(just like in the cricket or tennis).
After and hour under covor, the rain had stopped and it was time for the 3rd and final qualification run. Towards the end of the 60 competitors the rain had joined us again. This time the rain was heavier, and didnt end for several hours forcing the organisers to take results from the qualification jumps.
In the end it was Renny Miles who places first, Pavel Pasha from syberia in 2nd and ben tweedie in 3rd. I ended up placing 11th which i was stoaked on. Riders were then able to relax and enjoy the free jagermeister(one of the event sponsors)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
24hrs in Antworp, Belgium
Today i got invited to go with team Trampa to go and Visit Antworp, Home of World freestyle Champion Arno VDV. I was unsure weather to stay at Wanyi or travel for 3hrs to see another part of Belgium. I flipped a coin and was soon in the back of the pimpin black Mercedes vito van headed for Antworp.
We arrived in antworp and spent and hour chillin at arno's place in town. We then met up with his girlfriend and a few of her friends for lunch at a sweet cafe'/ The food was quality and very cheap aswell. We then headed in to On Love Boardshop(one of arno's sponsors) to collect some prizes for the comp on the weekend, as well as to check out all the sweet gear they sold. I'm sure i could of spent 1000euro in here but settled to spend 30 on a t-shirt.
Arno and friends were then kind enough to show us around Antworp, where myself and the english riders sore some amazing cathedrals, the river running through the city and some really unique street art.
After experiencng the cool vibe of the city we had changed our plans and decided to hit the town at night. By this time it was 5 in the afternoon so we headed to our first of many bars for the night. All the places we visted played some cool downtempo lounge or hip hop music and the atmosphere was great. At about 4 in the morning we went back to arno's, grabbed his spray cans and headed out to the streets to do some graffiti on some legal graffiti walls near by. As we were finishing our art pieces the sun was comming up and it was time for us to say goodbye to antworp and drive back to wanyi park.
It was definately a good thing the coin flip sent me to antworp.
We arrived in antworp and spent and hour chillin at arno's place in town. We then met up with his girlfriend and a few of her friends for lunch at a sweet cafe'/ The food was quality and very cheap aswell. We then headed in to On Love Boardshop(one of arno's sponsors) to collect some prizes for the comp on the weekend, as well as to check out all the sweet gear they sold. I'm sure i could of spent 1000euro in here but settled to spend 30 on a t-shirt.
Arno and friends were then kind enough to show us around Antworp, where myself and the english riders sore some amazing cathedrals, the river running through the city and some really unique street art.
After experiencng the cool vibe of the city we had changed our plans and decided to hit the town at night. By this time it was 5 in the afternoon so we headed to our first of many bars for the night. All the places we visted played some cool downtempo lounge or hip hop music and the atmosphere was great. At about 4 in the morning we went back to arno's, grabbed his spray cans and headed out to the streets to do some graffiti on some legal graffiti walls near by. As we were finishing our art pieces the sun was comming up and it was time for us to say goodbye to antworp and drive back to wanyi park.
It was definately a good thing the coin flip sent me to antworp.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Winterberg - Mountainboard Heaven
We all woke up at first light, normally i may get annoyed at waking up this early, however this morning was special... In front of me was one of the best mountainboard parks i have ever seen.
To the left of me was a cafe/bar and going straight up from that was a T-bar lift system to the top of the hill. Comming off the lift(~without unstrapping) you could hit 3 largish jumps, snowboard rails still in position from winter, a mini Boarder X, wallride or Tree jib.
Due to the ski lift we all did hundreds of runs on the freestyle and snuck in a few beers in between runs.
The days highlights were D.C's nosepick stalls on the wallride and Tuai Lovejoys smooth as silk corked 540's. During the days riding at least 100 people hired out boards and were riding the beginer sections of the park with us. Due to this trip making up a large section of the 2009 BFC film, winterberg agreed to sponsor us free lift passes for the weekend which would have cost us around 150 euro each.
Thanks to the guys at ROCKON GERMANY check out www.rockon.de
BACKFLIP
Chairlift up!
To the left of me was a cafe/bar and going straight up from that was a T-bar lift system to the top of the hill. Comming off the lift(~without unstrapping) you could hit 3 largish jumps, snowboard rails still in position from winter, a mini Boarder X, wallride or Tree jib.
Due to the ski lift we all did hundreds of runs on the freestyle and snuck in a few beers in between runs.
The days highlights were D.C's nosepick stalls on the wallride and Tuai Lovejoys smooth as silk corked 540's. During the days riding at least 100 people hired out boards and were riding the beginer sections of the park with us. Due to this trip making up a large section of the 2009 BFC film, winterberg agreed to sponsor us free lift passes for the weekend which would have cost us around 150 euro each.
Thanks to the guys at ROCKON GERMANY check out www.rockon.de
BACKFLIP
Chairlift up!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Let the Road trip begin!
We were up early, around 6:45 ready to pack the cars and get going on our mission to be in winterberg, Germany by the end of the day.
We eventually set of in 3 cars crammed full of people and gear. Myself, James Sleigh and Jed Hornyold were in one car, Tuai Lovejoy, Steve Cownie and Matt Brind in another car and Dave Compton, Rhys Crilley, Jack Johnston(tour Filmer) and Sarah(tour photographer) in another.
After a ferry ride from Dover to Calais filled with duty-free goodness, we had reached France. It Wasn't until 1:00 that night that we arrived in Winterberg. We had travelled for about 15 hrs, through England, France, Belgium, Holand and Germany.
After trying to check out the track in the dark, we decided to call it a dayand instead of setting up our massive 16 man tent we settled for sleeping under the perfectly clear night sky.
We eventually set of in 3 cars crammed full of people and gear. Myself, James Sleigh and Jed Hornyold were in one car, Tuai Lovejoy, Steve Cownie and Matt Brind in another car and Dave Compton, Rhys Crilley, Jack Johnston(tour Filmer) and Sarah(tour photographer) in another.
After a ferry ride from Dover to Calais filled with duty-free goodness, we had reached France. It Wasn't until 1:00 that night that we arrived in Winterberg. We had travelled for about 15 hrs, through England, France, Belgium, Holand and Germany.
After trying to check out the track in the dark, we decided to call it a dayand instead of setting up our massive 16 man tent we settled for sleeping under the perfectly clear night sky.
Friday, July 25, 2008
NEW CAR! Thursday 25th July
After a few hours sleep at the airport, i made it the days mission to but a car. i headed into london on the tube and went to a net cafe to do some research. After a few phone calls , i was on the bus to Cheltenham, where i would later buy my 1985 Nissan Sunny for £100.
Cheltenham is a very posh city, but actually one of my favorites in england due to its cleanliness, hot girls and general cool vibe to it.
After signing some paperwork and shaking hands i was off in my new ride. Driving through the English countryside on a nice sunny day was very pleasant. I rocked up at court Farm in my new ride and was greeted by the crew. Some didnt recognise me due to the car and my haircut. Later on i had quick ride and then slept under the stars.
Heres a photo
Cheltenham is a very posh city, but actually one of my favorites in england due to its cleanliness, hot girls and general cool vibe to it.
After signing some paperwork and shaking hands i was off in my new ride. Driving through the English countryside on a nice sunny day was very pleasant. I rocked up at court Farm in my new ride and was greeted by the crew. Some didnt recognise me due to the car and my haircut. Later on i had quick ride and then slept under the stars.
Heres a photo
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wed 16th - Monday 21st July
Have been very slack with the blogs in Ireland. But am going to try and sum up the last week in 1 blog with 15mins of internet credit remaining.
Tuesday night i was unable to get any accomidation in london so i slept at heathrow airport.. i figured i wouldnt get andy sleep, but at least i wouldnt get stabbed. On the wednesday i caught the plane to Dublin before lunch and arrived at my hostel right in the city about 4 in the arvo. I was absolutely buggered so i slept for a few hours and then went out the some pubs in the temple district with some other people from the hostel. The craic was 90 with live bands and the guiness on tap was at least 40 times better then at home.
Thursday i caught the bus up to Newry in northern Ireland and was met at the bus station by Lee, wife of Gary Parr(owner of the surfin dirt mountainboard center). We went up the track for a bit of a look and then he took me to my accomidation which was a hostel right at the base of the infamous morne mountains. The views here were spectacular.
Friday i went down to the track to do a Clinic/tutorial with some of the local riders. Everything was informal and the idea was to give them tips on how to land new tricks. This was very rewarding with nearly everyone landing somthing new. That night more mountainboarders arrived for the competition the next. Everybody was staying in the same place so we just sat out in the field and had a few beers before going to bed.
Saturday was the Boarder X of the Irish open. In the end i managed to get 3rd place. The weather was misty rain at the start of the day so the track was quite slow. By the end of qualifications the sun was out and the track was drying up. Turns out despite falling off in qualifications i had made the semi finals. In the semi final the race was very tight with all riders no further then a foot apart after the first 2 corners. I slipt back into 3rd place and was lucky enough there was a pile up in front of me and i crossed the line making it through to the finals where i ended up placing 3rd in an equally close race.
Sunday was the Freestyle Jam and the big Air. The freestyle jam was an hour long session on the track where riders could bust out the sickest lines they could. i pulled off a few backflips, massive 3's and 5's and boardslid the rainbow rail to take 1st place. In the big air i wasnt so lucky. On my 2nd jump i dropped in and got some speed wobble sending me off the jump crooked, i was planning on doing a backflip nosegrab, so i was committed to the trick, i new as soon as i left the lip it wasnt sop good, but i had to continue trying the flip so i didnt land on my head. i ended up landing far to the right of the takeoff then bouncing off the landing ramp ontop some rocks beside it. i cut the end off my thumb and it is quite bruised. i continued to ride and took 2nd place in the big air.
Monday. Now i am back in dublin at a hostel. I'm not sure how my thumb will effect me, but i am struggling to write, get my wallet out my pocket and carry my board bag. hopefully it heals up soon. I guess whatever doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
Tuesday night i was unable to get any accomidation in london so i slept at heathrow airport.. i figured i wouldnt get andy sleep, but at least i wouldnt get stabbed. On the wednesday i caught the plane to Dublin before lunch and arrived at my hostel right in the city about 4 in the arvo. I was absolutely buggered so i slept for a few hours and then went out the some pubs in the temple district with some other people from the hostel. The craic was 90 with live bands and the guiness on tap was at least 40 times better then at home.
Thursday i caught the bus up to Newry in northern Ireland and was met at the bus station by Lee, wife of Gary Parr(owner of the surfin dirt mountainboard center). We went up the track for a bit of a look and then he took me to my accomidation which was a hostel right at the base of the infamous morne mountains. The views here were spectacular.
Friday i went down to the track to do a Clinic/tutorial with some of the local riders. Everything was informal and the idea was to give them tips on how to land new tricks. This was very rewarding with nearly everyone landing somthing new. That night more mountainboarders arrived for the competition the next. Everybody was staying in the same place so we just sat out in the field and had a few beers before going to bed.
Saturday was the Boarder X of the Irish open. In the end i managed to get 3rd place. The weather was misty rain at the start of the day so the track was quite slow. By the end of qualifications the sun was out and the track was drying up. Turns out despite falling off in qualifications i had made the semi finals. In the semi final the race was very tight with all riders no further then a foot apart after the first 2 corners. I slipt back into 3rd place and was lucky enough there was a pile up in front of me and i crossed the line making it through to the finals where i ended up placing 3rd in an equally close race.
Sunday was the Freestyle Jam and the big Air. The freestyle jam was an hour long session on the track where riders could bust out the sickest lines they could. i pulled off a few backflips, massive 3's and 5's and boardslid the rainbow rail to take 1st place. In the big air i wasnt so lucky. On my 2nd jump i dropped in and got some speed wobble sending me off the jump crooked, i was planning on doing a backflip nosegrab, so i was committed to the trick, i new as soon as i left the lip it wasnt sop good, but i had to continue trying the flip so i didnt land on my head. i ended up landing far to the right of the takeoff then bouncing off the landing ramp ontop some rocks beside it. i cut the end off my thumb and it is quite bruised. i continued to ride and took 2nd place in the big air.
Monday. Now i am back in dublin at a hostel. I'm not sure how my thumb will effect me, but i am struggling to write, get my wallet out my pocket and carry my board bag. hopefully it heals up soon. I guess whatever doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday the 15th
The last few days i have been chillin with Mike Payne up in Talford. WE have done a fair bit of riding at some sweet freeride locations and skateparks. At one of the skateparks the kids had seen Johnny Kapahal, and they were stoaked to be riding with me and Mike.
Earlier Today i did something way out of Character... Hair modelling. A Friend of Mikes mum needed some peoples hair to cut, and my hair was gettin way long, so myself and mike both volunteered as a bit of a joke. Apparently the hairdresser is renowned as one of the best hairdressers in UK, so i scored a free haircut worth £150.
I am now currrently on the train back to london. The trains here are way overpriced so when i get back from Ireland i hope to buy a cheap car.
Earlier Today i did something way out of Character... Hair modelling. A Friend of Mikes mum needed some peoples hair to cut, and my hair was gettin way long, so myself and mike both volunteered as a bit of a joke. Apparently the hairdresser is renowned as one of the best hairdressers in UK, so i scored a free haircut worth £150.
I am now currrently on the train back to london. The trains here are way overpriced so when i get back from Ireland i hope to buy a cheap car.
Thursday 12th July
Well i've been away for exactly 1 month now and am still having a great time, although missing some aspects of Australia.
Yesterday was another great day, myself, alex and teo went back to double waters to finish off some filming. We then went and met up with some crew at Tom Kirkmans house and had a session in his backyard.
Tom is unfortunately not riding at the moment as he is recovering from ankle surgery, but myself, joel trilivin and Mick Kirkman were throwin down flips and spins off the 4ft kickers to dirt landings. I also landed a few of my first FS Boardslides on one of the smaller ledges there.
Today i am catching the train up to worcester to session Out to Grass this afternoon and then hit the town tonight to celebrate Niki Forecasts birthday, Should be good.
Yesterday was another great day, myself, alex and teo went back to double waters to finish off some filming. We then went and met up with some crew at Tom Kirkmans house and had a session in his backyard.
Tom is unfortunately not riding at the moment as he is recovering from ankle surgery, but myself, joel trilivin and Mick Kirkman were throwin down flips and spins off the 4ft kickers to dirt landings. I also landed a few of my first FS Boardslides on one of the smaller ledges there.
Today i am catching the train up to worcester to session Out to Grass this afternoon and then hit the town tonight to celebrate Niki Forecasts birthday, Should be good.
Thursday 10th June
Today the weather was dry, so myself and alex headed for a place called double waters for some riding and filming. The place is part of dartmoor national park, and has great riding with grass tracks through fields covored in bracken. There are also loads of wild horses and sheep around which you have to look out for.
We did some wicked freeriding and got loads of good footage, and then headed into the village for some cornish pasties(they are sooo good, i've had like 5 this week).
At 5:00 we left for Ivy leaf again for the team training night. There were about 12 of us riding and i threw down some more backflips and learnt boardslides to 270 out on one of the rails. It was another great days riding and tomorrow should be just as good, sessioning Tom Kirkman's(3 times world champ) backyard.
We did some wicked freeriding and got loads of good footage, and then headed into the village for some cornish pasties(they are sooo good, i've had like 5 this week).
At 5:00 we left for Ivy leaf again for the team training night. There were about 12 of us riding and i threw down some more backflips and learnt boardslides to 270 out on one of the rails. It was another great days riding and tomorrow should be just as good, sessioning Tom Kirkman's(3 times world champ) backyard.
Tuesday 8th July
Today i travelled 1 hr by car through the english countryside to get to Ivy Leaf Mountainboard center. As it was a week day Boz and I were the only ones riding, so we had the foam pit and dirt jumps to ourselves.
After trying some stuff in the foam pit, i thought i may aswell throw down some backflips on the irt. All attempts were landed clean so i was stoaked on the days effort.
We went back for dinner and i have just been down at the local pub having a few pints to celebrate the backflips.
After trying some stuff in the foam pit, i thought i may aswell throw down some backflips on the irt. All attempts were landed clean so i was stoaked on the days effort.
We went back for dinner and i have just been down at the local pub having a few pints to celebrate the backflips.
Monday, July 7, 2008
6th July
In the later half of yesterday i was lucky enough to do an interview with BBC tv and Scuz magazine, with various questions ranging from Home and Away Vs Neighbours to what made me come out to the UK.
Today the comp was completely called off due to wet weather + poor track conditions. I packed up my stuff and jumped in the car with Alex aka boz, to travel to his family home in the south west near devon.
Alex's family own a series of cottages onn the propperty and rent them out B+B style. One was unioccupied so i can stay here for the next few days which is sweet.
Today the comp was completely called off due to wet weather + poor track conditions. I packed up my stuff and jumped in the car with Alex aka boz, to travel to his family home in the south west near devon.
Alex's family own a series of cottages onn the propperty and rent them out B+B style. One was unioccupied so i can stay here for the next few days which is sweet.
5th July
Well its 2:30 and its been raining on and off all day. I am currently at "The Edge", where it is round 3 of the UK mountainboard series. I am yet to do my time trial and there is more rain to come.
On the bright side i am lucky to have scored a place in the "out to grass" team tent. Its like a 16 man tent with a huge living area and stuff.
Yesterday was a good days riding in the sun at the edge. The jumps are huge and the boarder X is my favorite i have ridden so far in the UK. Me and Nicky Forecast(the best female rider in teh world hands down) were trying frontflips. I tried 3 and on the 3rd attempt i manueled otu and got worked over, so i decided to call ti quits. BBC Were filming, so maybe it might get on tv or somthing. After a few more runs on the boarder X we headed to the local quarrey for a swim
In the night we all had a few too many ciders and beers.
On the bright side i am lucky to have scored a place in the "out to grass" team tent. Its like a 16 man tent with a huge living area and stuff.
Yesterday was a good days riding in the sun at the edge. The jumps are huge and the boarder X is my favorite i have ridden so far in the UK. Me and Nicky Forecast(the best female rider in teh world hands down) were trying frontflips. I tried 3 and on the 3rd attempt i manueled otu and got worked over, so i decided to call ti quits. BBC Were filming, so maybe it might get on tv or somthing. After a few more runs on the boarder X we headed to the local quarrey for a swim
In the night we all had a few too many ciders and beers.
Wed 2nd + Thursday 3rd July - The slayboy mansion
Yesterday i left London and caught the train to hereford, to attend a session going down at "Out to Grass" mountainboard center. I was met at the station by James Slay and Jack Johnston, and we went straight to the center from there.
Unfortunately the weather was wet and there was a strong head wind, so the track was not running as well as normal. Myself, Wiggy, Slayer, Nicky Forecast and Jed Hornyold were sessioning the jumps, railsand boarder x track before the rain drove us into grabbing some old school boards out of the shed for a powerslide comp on the wet grass.
I Chose an MBS cricket which was my first board, while others were riding frame boards and various other contraptions i had never even seen before.
After this we headed for James Slays house aka "The Slayboy Mansion". This was a huge 3 story mansion with an east and west wing, a massive garden and about 25 bedrooms. We were all staying here the night, so after a few beeers and pizza we went down to the local pub.
After many pints, shots, games of pool and Jenga we arrived back at the slayboy mansion at around 4am.
We awoke about lunch time and made our way to out top grass for a session and then proceeded to travel 1hr by car to "the Edge" Mountainboard center, where my next comp is, this weekend.
Unfortunately the weather was wet and there was a strong head wind, so the track was not running as well as normal. Myself, Wiggy, Slayer, Nicky Forecast and Jed Hornyold were sessioning the jumps, railsand boarder x track before the rain drove us into grabbing some old school boards out of the shed for a powerslide comp on the wet grass.
I Chose an MBS cricket which was my first board, while others were riding frame boards and various other contraptions i had never even seen before.
After this we headed for James Slays house aka "The Slayboy Mansion". This was a huge 3 story mansion with an east and west wing, a massive garden and about 25 bedrooms. We were all staying here the night, so after a few beeers and pizza we went down to the local pub.
After many pints, shots, games of pool and Jenga we arrived back at the slayboy mansion at around 4am.
We awoke about lunch time and made our way to out top grass for a session and then proceeded to travel 1hr by car to "the Edge" Mountainboard center, where my next comp is, this weekend.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
30th of June
The day started off by travelling to the airport with andre and silvia on their way to work. I arrived there at 10:00, a little early for my 2:45 flight, but it was no drama.
For some reason my flight was delayed by 1 hr, so i did not get to heathrow airport until around 6:00. I jumped on the underground and headed for kennington station and arrived at about 7. I was very rushed for time as i had booked a ticket to see Erykah Badu at Brixton Academy, which started at 8. To walk from the station to the hotel ended up taking around an hour, carrying my pack and board bag, but i eventually made it. I quickly checked in, had a shower and jumped in a cab to the Venue.
I Arrived there at around 9, so as i walked in (expecting to have missed have of the show) i was glad to see Erykah just comming out onto stage. Her and her bands perfromance was incredible, however the set list was slightly dissapointing with most songs off the new cd, and only 1 or 2 classics. The show finished around 11:30, i bought a t-shirt and finally ate some dinner.
I made the decision to walk back to the hotel to save some money, and it was only a 2km walk and i thought i knew the way. I walked for about 30 mins along main roads until i realised i had lost my bearing and i had no idea where i was. Luckily there was a policeman on the side of the road so i asked if he knew where the hotel was. He said "its about 1km over there, just walk through the parek and turn right and then left".
I started to walk towards the park and find myself walking alone through some London ghetto at 12:30 at night. The streets were really dark and the people were even darker, out on the street playing ball, drinkin 40oz etc. I put my head down and walked a little faster, it was pretty obvious that a white guy from Ballarat didn't belong here. As i reached a more lit area I realise that a few of the men were following me. i turn the next corner and luckily the glowing lights of the hotel appeared.
So now i have just made a coffee and am washing my clothes in the bath. All is well with my wallet in my pocket and no knife wounds.
HERE IS A VIDEO FROM THE BADU CONCERT.
For some reason my flight was delayed by 1 hr, so i did not get to heathrow airport until around 6:00. I jumped on the underground and headed for kennington station and arrived at about 7. I was very rushed for time as i had booked a ticket to see Erykah Badu at Brixton Academy, which started at 8. To walk from the station to the hotel ended up taking around an hour, carrying my pack and board bag, but i eventually made it. I quickly checked in, had a shower and jumped in a cab to the Venue.
I Arrived there at around 9, so as i walked in (expecting to have missed have of the show) i was glad to see Erykah just comming out onto stage. Her and her bands perfromance was incredible, however the set list was slightly dissapointing with most songs off the new cd, and only 1 or 2 classics. The show finished around 11:30, i bought a t-shirt and finally ate some dinner.
I made the decision to walk back to the hotel to save some money, and it was only a 2km walk and i thought i knew the way. I walked for about 30 mins along main roads until i realised i had lost my bearing and i had no idea where i was. Luckily there was a policeman on the side of the road so i asked if he knew where the hotel was. He said "its about 1km over there, just walk through the parek and turn right and then left".
I started to walk towards the park and find myself walking alone through some London ghetto at 12:30 at night. The streets were really dark and the people were even darker, out on the street playing ball, drinkin 40oz etc. I put my head down and walked a little faster, it was pretty obvious that a white guy from Ballarat didn't belong here. As i reached a more lit area I realise that a few of the men were following me. i turn the next corner and luckily the glowing lights of the hotel appeared.
So now i have just made a coffee and am washing my clothes in the bath. All is well with my wallet in my pocket and no knife wounds.
HERE IS A VIDEO FROM THE BADU CONCERT.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday 28th june
Last night i joined the crew to road trip up the coast to the beach town of Peniche. In the convoy are 2 Wagons, 2 HUGE Vans with beds fridges etc, and a motorhome. We set up camp in the beach car parkwhich is also conveniently close to a bar.
Today was so hot, i´d guess high 30´s. So we chilled out at the beach for the day and rode from about 5:30 to 9. The place we rode was amazing, sandy dirt jumps and natural features on top of a cliff over looking the ocean. As the sun was setting the atmosphere was incredible, To be riding in such a beautiful area. We have just cooked up some beef on the grill and will be hitting up some of the bars on the beach shortly. I´m definately going to miss portugal when i leave for london on monday.
Today was so hot, i´d guess high 30´s. So we chilled out at the beach for the day and rode from about 5:30 to 9. The place we rode was amazing, sandy dirt jumps and natural features on top of a cliff over looking the ocean. As the sun was setting the atmosphere was incredible, To be riding in such a beautiful area. We have just cooked up some beef on the grill and will be hitting up some of the bars on the beach shortly. I´m definately going to miss portugal when i leave for london on monday.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday 23rd of june - Castles, Evil spirits and DIRT
As the crew headed off to work as gardeners or in building preservation, i decided to catch the train from Sintra to Lisbon. I walked around for most of the day axploring alleys full of cafe's, statues, designer clothing stores and local hangouts, aswell as doing the 'touristy' things.
At 5:00 i met up with the crew and we travelled to the mysterious Sintra Mountain. Amongst the Fog, Castles and an old palace were also tales of evil spirits and ghosts. The buildings and gardens were very beautiful, but too touristy to see what they would have been like back in the day. We continued to travel a mile or so where we would ride a place called blue Lagoon. When we arrived at blue lagoon there were people performing rituals, and on the track was a basket with 8 champagne bottles and fruit, apparently these were sacrifices to the evil spirits.
The main feature of riding was at the end of the track. a tree on a 60 degree angle you could ride up. We were getting about 8-9 ftt up the tree by the end of the day and got a cool picture of it.
At 5:00 i met up with the crew and we travelled to the mysterious Sintra Mountain. Amongst the Fog, Castles and an old palace were also tales of evil spirits and ghosts. The buildings and gardens were very beautiful, but too touristy to see what they would have been like back in the day. We continued to travel a mile or so where we would ride a place called blue Lagoon. When we arrived at blue lagoon there were people performing rituals, and on the track was a basket with 8 champagne bottles and fruit, apparently these were sacrifices to the evil spirits.
The main feature of riding was at the end of the track. a tree on a 60 degree angle you could ride up. We were getting about 8-9 ftt up the tree by the end of the day and got a cool picture of it.
Sunday 22nd of June
After a hard days riding yesterday and a late night, today was about relaxation. So at around 12:00 myself, andre, sylvia, toga and his grilfriend went to the sintra beach. The sun was strong, but the water was extra cold to compensate. after spending most of the day here, we wandered back to STP's house for roast chicken and portuguese style salad for dinner... and then it was time for our daily fix of adrenalin, riding through the ancient village of Sintra.
Riding in the streets was somthing new to the portugese riders, and they thought of some great places to ride once I introduced the idea. So we padded up, Grabbed the camera and rode along side some 600 year old architacture and on the stone paths.
We came across some ledges to grind, a sweet wallride and many drops. My camera battery is flat, but i think with the scenery and unique riding style, it is possibly the best footage i have ever shot.
Riding in the streets was somthing new to the portugese riders, and they thought of some great places to ride once I introduced the idea. So we padded up, Grabbed the camera and rode along side some 600 year old architacture and on the stone paths.
We came across some ledges to grind, a sweet wallride and many drops. My camera battery is flat, but i think with the scenery and unique riding style, it is possibly the best footage i have ever shot.
Thursday 19th of June - The 22 hr day
This morning at 4am I jumped in a taxi and headed for Heathrow airport to fly to Portugal. On the plane close to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, the weather was clear and the views incredible. Teracotta roofs, bright green grass hills, wind power generaters and sparkling deep blue ocean.
I was met at the airport by Juan, a local mountainboarder. He took me to the place where i am staying in Sintra, a small town based around a mountain, and beach around 30 minutes drive out of Lisbon. I am lucky enough to be staying with a mountainboarder named Andre' and his girlfriend sylvia. I settled into my room, and then we cooked up some beef on the portuguese style grill.
When the rest of the sintra dirt crew had knocked off work we headed to one of the local tracks to do some riding. The track was a rocky dirt surface, with hand built berms, rollers, rails, jumps and a sweet 1\4 pipe with PVC coping. The only bad thing about the track is that there are ticks and other harmful insects around so you have to be careful.
After riding until 8 it was time to watch portugal play in the 1\4 final of the soccer. We all went down to a local hangout where a tv was set up in the street for people to watch. the atmosphere was amazing, and the sagres (local beer) was flowing. Unfortunately Portugal lost, and at 2:00am the party was finished. It was definately one of the highlights of the trip.
I was met at the airport by Juan, a local mountainboarder. He took me to the place where i am staying in Sintra, a small town based around a mountain, and beach around 30 minutes drive out of Lisbon. I am lucky enough to be staying with a mountainboarder named Andre' and his girlfriend sylvia. I settled into my room, and then we cooked up some beef on the portuguese style grill.
When the rest of the sintra dirt crew had knocked off work we headed to one of the local tracks to do some riding. The track was a rocky dirt surface, with hand built berms, rollers, rails, jumps and a sweet 1\4 pipe with PVC coping. The only bad thing about the track is that there are ticks and other harmful insects around so you have to be careful.
After riding until 8 it was time to watch portugal play in the 1\4 final of the soccer. We all went down to a local hangout where a tv was set up in the street for people to watch. the atmosphere was amazing, and the sagres (local beer) was flowing. Unfortunately Portugal lost, and at 2:00am the party was finished. It was definately one of the highlights of the trip.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Mad Times
Well its the end of my first competition here at haredown racetrack south UK. There were a couple of things that blew my mind about the comp:
- the amount of people at events (a paddock packed with campers both competitors and spectators)
- The standard of riding. (the under 14's winner threw down a backflip and a 360)
i managed to get 12th in the elite division big air, which was won by Joe Dickson with some huge 720's, 540's, flips and 720's in the 1/4 pipe. Ollie Morrison was also throwing down some corked 7's and BS rodeo flips to score 2nd. Incredible to watch, and the whole elite jam session was incredible to be apart of. The energy was incredible and all the riders were feeding off each other to go harder.
i managed to score a ride to bugs boarding with Joe Dickson, Tuai, and Rhys Crilley where i am staying in a acaravan beside the track.
- the amount of people at events (a paddock packed with campers both competitors and spectators)
- The standard of riding. (the under 14's winner threw down a backflip and a 360)
i managed to get 12th in the elite division big air, which was won by Joe Dickson with some huge 720's, 540's, flips and 720's in the 1/4 pipe. Ollie Morrison was also throwing down some corked 7's and BS rodeo flips to score 2nd. Incredible to watch, and the whole elite jam session was incredible to be apart of. The energy was incredible and all the riders were feeding off each other to go harder.
i managed to score a ride to bugs boarding with Joe Dickson, Tuai, and Rhys Crilley where i am staying in a acaravan beside the track.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Day Before i Leave
Well i'm on the plane to London tomorrow and heading straight to the UK-ATB Series comp at Haredown, West Sussex. I presume i'll have a bad dose of jetlag, but should be good going for a cruisey ride and catching up with all the crew.
The Ballarat Courier today published an article about my trip. Full color and all.
The Ballarat Courier today published an article about my trip. Full color and all.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
DIRTY DREAMS
So its under 3 weeks until i am off to europe for mountainboarding / video production / good times, and i decided to make a start on my new mountainboarding film titled "dirty dreams".
The Film will start here in Melbourne Australia showcasing the riding scene and vibe, but will also be filmed in UK, Ireland, Portugal, France and Belgium over the coming months.
Here is a sneak peak from the Melbourne section (pretty rough edit so far)
The Film will start here in Melbourne Australia showcasing the riding scene and vibe, but will also be filmed in UK, Ireland, Portugal, France and Belgium over the coming months.
Here is a sneak peak from the Melbourne section (pretty rough edit so far)
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