Let me tell you, this town is way up north. After a 4 hour drive through the vast forrests of northern Minnesota, we arrived in a little town just outside of Hibbing on sunday night. The team, Pushie, and myself checked into the hotel, found the local skatepark in Hibbing, and shredded for an hour with the locals; who by the way were super cool and friendly. After an epic session (so epic Pushie was out ripping on a mini board) we said our goodbyes until tomarrow. On our way out, Pushie's car stalled. Diagnosis: the alternater was fried. Luckly one of the locals named Matt was a mechanic and worked at the shop in town. He took care of us and towed us to the shop and back to the hotel (super cool, thanks bro).
The next day were the demos and they were a ton of fun. We had Pat D, Tulio, Yost, Tim, DFink and the Blonde bombshell riding. They all ripped hard, definately a top notch demo. Another man we'd like to thank is Bill a local policeman. He hired us to come out and was a great host. Bill also liked the skateboarders and wanted to help get them a local skatepark of there own. So again thanks for taking us in Bill.
With the demos done, we loaded all the ramps into the ryder and headed back to 3rd Lair Headquarters, Golden Valley. Thanks again to the locals and everyone who came out and participated. see you next time.
Swamptrog
Winthrop July 8, 2006
This demo was out west so we passed by our favorite full pipes, but no riding this time. We did demos at 11, 1:30 and 6. The terrain was kind of rough and unlevel but the boys made due. Neil, Dan, Andrew, Jack and the lightningbolt Ryan Yost were shredding these demos because that's what they do. Erik (The Hippie) was also with and did headed up clinics with the kids which is always fun.
We met lots of really nice people in Winthrop including a little fellow named Micheal. He was one of the raddest kids I've ever met. Super nice and willing to help with anything he could, it was an honor meeting you Mike.
After all the demos we hung out with this family of unicyclers and learned the ropes. The first to get it was Dan, he was a level 2 by the time we left and all guys were riding eventually.
After the unicycling we were about to roll out when Dan spotted this temparary stage gap and did the nicest boneless over it ive ever seen. Check the photos.
Thanks for your help Arlys and all the locs that skated the contest and hung out all day.
Swamptrog
Relmfest 2006 - Hayward, WI July 15, 2006
The Trog and I ventured out to Hayward Wisconson this past weekend for RELM Fest 2006. The drive was rather boring, lots of trees and open fields. After about 2.5 hours we rolled up to the skatepark. The day was insanely hot (like 108 degrees) but the locals were there and ready to ride. We sessioned the cement park for about 20 minutes and got set up for the contest. There were going to be 3 divisions (12 and under, Am, and Pro). Each rider got 2, one minute runs, only the best run counted and there would be no finals.
All divisions came out and represented well so the comp went quick. After it was done we gave out prizes and hung out for a bit with the locals. Trog wanted to skate more so he continued on with the shred before we rolled out back to Minneapolis.
Thanks to Killian, Trevor, Shannon, and everyone else who took part in the event. It was definately a good time and we look forward to being a part of RELMfest next year.
MROD
Albert Lea July 8, 2006
No story, just pics. Thanks Justin for the shots.
-Mrod
Hoyt Lakes - Sat July 22, 2006
So, we hit the road again, this time to Hoyt Lakes, MN (about 4 1/2 hours north of the Twin Cities). For this trip we brought the older crew including; Pat D, The Shermanator, Thatch Attack, The Hippie, BJ, and of course myslf. We arrived late friday night and camped at the gig. Early Sat. Morning we awoke and began working on the course set up. By late morning it was demo time.
The demos were killer, even with the limited space an small course our team put on a great show. The event took place at a rad carnival so there was plenty to keep us entertained between shows. We even tried our luck at smashing a car with a sledge hammer. Apparently the fun was all in the name aof a good cause, though I can't remember exactly what that was. By the afternoon the heat was intense and the humidity was worse. We were fully sweating out Tshirts during the demos, a small price to pay for a good time on your board.
After the demos we organized a contest for the locals to showcase their talent. The kids were going off and I think everyone had a lot of fun. Thanks to all who participated and watched alike, you are a great crew.
By 7pm it was time to wrap up and load the truck. We were able to hit the road back to Minneapolis around 8pm. On the way home we decided to take a detour ard check out the Superior WI skatepark. This place was a ton of fun and we sessioned until dark.
We rolled into home base (The 3rd Lair) around 1am and I can definately say this demo was a great time. I look forward to roadtrippng back to Hoyt Lakes Next Year.
