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Skate Across America (157 Posts)
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Skate Across America for Lowe Syndrome |
Longboarders surf concrete jungle - Edmonton
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On 9/15/2009 sk8norcal
wrote in from
(98.234.nnn.nnn)
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/L ... story.htmlGraham Buksa took a$450 skateboard, stuck it under a high-tech cutting tool and carved away at its carbon-fibre-laced foam core.Buksa wasn't hoping for much. If everything worked, the new board might trim his race time and maybe save him a stiff leg.If it didn't, well, the butchered plank might make a decent piece of scrap.Buksa is part of the wheel-shaving, deck-dropping world of long-distance longboarding, where the battle for faster times means a constant quest for lighter boards and lower rides.In the lead-up to this Sunday's Ribbon Of Green Ultimate Endurance race, a 20-kilometre jaunt through the river valley with a top prize of $1,000, Buksa and other riders have been tinkering, hoping to gain an equipment edge.Mike Sanders, a former race winner, has seen riders trim the sides off cheap rubber wheels hoping to drop weight and improve feel. Others have experimented with different shoes, going with a thick-soled sneaker on their pushing foot and an ultra-thin climbing shoe on the other."There's some pretty secretive, mad skateboard science going on," Sanders said in an interview at Local 124, the skate shop he co-owns.Sanders rides a custom Landyauchtz-brand board with the deck dropped below the wheel mounts on either end.He said the key is a low-standing surface that minimizes the repetitive strain on the legs over a long ride."You're basically doing 20 kilometres of squats," said Graham Buksa, so anything that eases that pressure is a bonus.Buksa has a bit of an edge on other riders when it comes to board manipulation.A University of Alberta engineering grad, Buksa owns his own longboard company in B. C. While others are stuck trimming decks by hand, Buksa uses a computer-controlled router to shape his own to within a quarter of a millimetre of specifications.Buksa has another advantage, too: good advice."I'm doing what Paul does, essentially," he said in an interview from the Rayne Longboards workshop in North Vancouver.Paul would be Paul Kent, arguably the best distance longboarder in the country and last year's Edmonton winner.Described by Sanders as "an incredibly fit, strong-headed monster," Kent can skateboard outrageous distances--he recently broke a world record by skating 403 kilometres in 24 hours--and he's a fiend for equipment modification.In an interview from his workplace in Calgary, Kent said he always tries to gain time on uphill climbs, so he wants an ergonomic, lightweight board.For the race this weekend, he has had the nose and tail trimmed off a custom Rayne board. He has also had an inch carved off either side of the deck to facilitate his two-legged pushing style.Kent's board sits about two inches above the ground, but he isn't worried about scraping bottom on any of the River Valley trails.The only worry of getting too low is that you can lose traction through the corners and slide out.He doesn't stop at the board, either. Unlike most riders, Kent wears ASICs sneakers-- a Japanese brand favoured by competitive volleyball players--and not skate shoes for longboard riders."I also use a GPA and heart rate monitor to keep my stats in check," he said. "And compression garments on my calves to reduce fatigue."Kent won last year's race, called the R. O. G. U. E., in just under 55 minutes. And while some of the other best riders in Canada plan to be at this year's edition, Kent thinks his own body might be the biggest obstacle to a repeat.Kent was peeing blood and barely walking after the marathon Seattle ride in July and hasn't fully recovered. He's also planning to hitchhike/skateboard to Edmonton from Calgary for the event."Hopefully, I won't have to skate the whole way," he said."Because it's 300 kilometres and it's pretty close to the race."The 2009 R. O. G. U. E. kicks off at 9 a. m. in Hermitage Park. Organizers expect 100 to 130 riders, with about 20 or 30 serious competitors, many of whom also plan to compete in a downhill speed race on Saturday.Both races offer $1,000 cash and a custom-made Rayne board for the winners.
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Skatefurther
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On 9/8/2009 wafflesole
wrote in from
(82.20.nnn.nnn)
If anyone is interested in doing there own trip; be it across America, Europe, New Zealand or just your state, post up ideas here or head over to [url:1ofdb6c7]http://www.skatefurther. ;com[/url:1ofdb6c7] a site/collection of people dedicated to long distance skateboarding.
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Im in!!!
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On 6/17/2009
W. Brad S.
wrote in from
United States
(76.126.nnn.nnn)
Dude, I was just thinking that. I got myself a pretty nice long board. I was first thinking down to San Lois Obisbo but then I thought a little bigger, America! I am not joking let plan this out and do it. I live in the Bay Area. I will even fly to meet people. Please contact me if you are assembling a crew of people, I want in. This needs do be done. It is a must.
HUSKYDOG1115@YAHOO.COM
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Return from Iraq -- Want to Do This
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On 5/17/2009
Clayton
wrote in from
Somalia
(91.151.nnn.nnn)
I am returning from Iraq in October of this year. I want to see my country in a different way. 20 years spent skateboarding streets, ditches, parks, and in between. Who wants to get a team together? I'm IN.
Clayton Nasiriyah, Iraq
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we're doing it!
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On 4/13/2009 Jerry Craker
wrote in from
United States
(74.221.nnn.nnn)
Dude, we're currently longboarding across america as we speak. We started in San Diego, and we're going to Savannah, Georgia. Currently we're about half done, we're in Abilene TX right now!!! It's hella tight though, you should get the team together, it's great! check out our website. it's www.longboardingamerica.com
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distance trips
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On 3/31/2009
nat
wrote in from
United Kingdom
(82.25.nnn.nnn)
If anyone is considering a long distance skate trip of any kind, it would be good to get yourself over to www.skatefurther.com
plenty of help and advice over there
nat
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Crossing the U.S.
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On 1/25/2009
Richie de Losada
wrote in from
United States
(209.77.nnn.nnn)
OK its 2009 and although I'm still recovering from a bad accident I should be ready to go by June if not July, I could drive, cook,fix skateboards and maybe skate... I have electric skateboards that are great for filming as well as an Electric Bicycle and a segway.... All great for capturing video on the go....anybody interested in trying this again send me info on date and available times...and or possible sponsors that want to promote going green.. We need to do this...
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SkateNewZealand -- done!!
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On 2/23/2008
peters
wrote in from
United States
(24.18.nnn.nnn)
Just got a text message yesterday and a note from Sheldon -- the skatenewzealand crew's done it!!
"New Zealand has been conquered by four 75mm wheels and two legs."
Congrats to the crew!!!
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Skate Across America
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On 9/20/2007
Michael Adeniyi
wrote in from
United States
(76.210.nnn.nnn)
Everyone interested in skating across America, Contact me ASAP. I am organizing a skate across america From Chicago to California for breast cancer. Sponsored by American Cancer Society. Email:admin@buyacircle.com
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skate denmark
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On 8/19/2007 hc
wrote in from
United States
(71.198.nnn.nnn)
http://www.danmark07.com/
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SkateNewZealand.com
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On 7/16/2007
nat
wrote in from
United Kingdom
(82.18.nnn.nnn)
Things are beginning to hot up here.
As well as Lowe, SNZ will be supporting the NZ bases CanTeen charity.
In a couple of weeks nat will be skating 11 laps of the legendary Goodwood Motor racing course in the UK and we are running an outlaw GS event next week to raise some money for SkateNewZealand.
We have a few more sponsors. Independent will be supplying the teams clothes, Holey have sponsored the trucks for the rollsrolls. Old Man Army is supplying a pool deck and Decent Hardware (makers of the OMA BodyBag) will be sorting the bag situation out!
go and check out the website www.skatenewzealand.com nat
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SkateNewZealand
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On 4/23/2007
nat
wrote in from
United Kingdom
(82.18.nnn.nnn)
Hello.
My name is nat, im a 31 year old primary school teacher from the UK. In January 2008 I am going to skate across New Zealand. The 1500 mile (2500kn) journey will be to raise awareness and money for 2 charities. The Lowe Syndrome trust and a NZ based Cancer Charity.
go and look at SkateNewZealand leave me a comment in the forum, watch a vid or two.
if you can help out in any way shape or form drop me a line to the email above...
cheers.
nat
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Skateboard across america
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On 3/2/2007
Ben
wrote in from
United States
(76.169.nnn.nnn)
I live in los angeles and i would love to take part in a skateboard trip across the US. Any information would be greatly appreciated. ben_farquhar@yahoo.com
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Skateboarding Across America
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On 3/2/2007
Tyler Buschmann
wrote in from
United States
(68.126.nnn.nnn)
I'm looking for some skateboarders who want to have a skateboard race from New York City to SF this summer. It would be a race for the World Record. Only solo skateboarders, no relay teams. Who's up for the challenge? http://trekohn.com/
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skate across america
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On 1/13/2007
Matthew
wrote in from
United States
(68.82.nnn.nnn)
I've lived many places and put a thousand miles on my boards, I am ready to skate across america please e-mail me if someone is looking for athletes Peace!
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Lets start the Adventure right now!!!
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On 1/10/2007
Ram C K
wrote in from
Australia
(202.172.nnn.nnn)
Hello, I am not a professional skater for a long journey, but this can be life time great experince to learn about lots of things, if this is gonna happen i am there already on the road.
We need more support, we are doing it in a proffessional way, safty, well organised, with concentrating media's attention towards the event should play important role to complete the task more effectively for the goal of the trek.
Any one joining this event is appreciated, for the development of Skate boarding it will be golden history for all.
thanks
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RE: a little help...
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On 10/22/2006
Buschmann
wrote in from
Colombia
(200.24.nnn.nnn)
Seth,
Training to use both legs is by trial and error. Start on a flat long surface and learn how to balance you weight as you transfer your pushing legs. The more you practice the better you will become. 8 miles a day is a great start. I am the only person to ever skateboard the entire length of the USA. You want to do it let´s get another 4-6 athletes together and ride..
Peace, Tyler
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a little help...
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On 10/9/2006
seth
wrote in from
(212.29.nnn.nnn)
I really want to do this sometime (relatively) soon, within the next 5 years if possible. My question for the vets of this program, how do you train to push with both legs? I currently skate at least 8 miles a day (I know not nearly enough but I have school and I also skate other terrain). I am in Israel (Jerusalem to be specific) in a study abroad program so smooth roads are not so easy to find so my 'distance' board is only 40" long and has a generous nose and tail in order to save myself using ollies and such in case of an unforseen problem in the road. or if i need to ollie onto a curb cause i almost got hit by a car. that only happened once though.
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NW skate treks
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On 8/4/2006
peters
wrote in from
United States
(64.236.nnn.nnn)
Jay -- great shots!! If you repeat the Centennial Trail ride, I'm totally down for that! I asked the organizers of the recent Centennial inline marathon (26.2) for longboard entry but they stuck to the rules allowing only inlines and quads, maybe they'll come around next year.
The Cascade Bicycle association (cascade.org) was open to having me join their Seattle to Portland this year, which rocked!! You just have to have mad foot-braking skills as there's usually no room to carve off speed on the steeps as you're riding next to bikes.
The open road rides are great, and in addition, having a large support staff built-in and roads closed off or re-routed just for the riders is even better. of course on the Centennial you don't even have to worry about that...
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Skate trip pictures
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On 8/4/2006
Jay
wrote in from
United States
(192.234.nnn.nnn)
I've got some pictures up from a few past skate trips here:
longboard across idaho August 2005 http://flickr.com/photos/16929833@N00/sets/72157594220711919/
centennial trail skate trip July 3rd 2005 http://flickr.com/photos/16929833@N00/sets/72157594220696178/
A friend and I have been loosely planning a cross-country trip in a few years. If anyone in the Pacific northwest or otherwise is game for something like this email me and lets get planning and scheming. If anyone is in Southeast Alaska and wants to get some island skate trips planned, I'm completely game for this.
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SAA
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On 2/28/2006 troop
wrote in from
United States
(216.184.nnn.nnn)
hell yea lets do it! we gotta make it in under 100 days tho.
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Skateboard Trek USA
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On 1/6/2006
Tyler Buschmann
wrote in from
United States
(24.165.nnn.nnn)
Is anyone interested in Skateboarding across America? I'm talking an individual skateboard trek from the Pacific to the Atlantic or vice versus. In 2001 I skated from SF to NYC in 117days. I want to skate across the states one more time. A race would be cool!
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saa
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On 9/7/2005 blake
wrote in from
United States
(130.65.nnn.nnn)
dunno man ive been waiting to find out for a while. email jack smith at oldskateguy@aol.com
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Plans for another "skate america"
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On 9/7/2005
Terry Woolgar
wrote in from
United Kingdom
(212.158.nnn.nnn)
Anyone have any plans for another skate across america trip?
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Super Duper a movie film
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On 5/23/2005
Dtheny
wrote in from
Brazil
(200.149.nnn.nnn)
Hello !!! Personal Oi I do not know if ja had heard to speak of super duper I more believes that yes, these things are part of skate an adventure world wait that I can count on voces to send me a photo.
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