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| Blog: Paul Dunn, 60-days to Hood River (177 Posts)
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Blog 19.0
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On 5/23/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Sweeeeet!!!!
I skated today -- and here's a shot of my new GS ride: She's called "FUTURE -- ELLA."
What a total hottie: super snappie, 36 X 9.25 - and I can actually stay on top if it and wiggle through quite a number of varied courses... Part of that is becuase my buddy FLUITT sent me a nice little Split-Fire -- and the 3dm master passed along a few wheels. I still had some Ninja's left, so I put those in there.
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Blog 18.0
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On 5/22/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Workout: none.
Board update: Drilled and set-up my GS stick. Came out 36 X 9.25 with a spoon in the tail. Deck wedge rear with a Split-Fire front and a PVD in the back.
All I have to do now is learn how to skate.
Oh... the board is waaaaayyyyy snappy. This is like a real GS board.
BLR: Billy's Lame Resin? Best Learned in Reverse? Bahne Laminate Research? Bad Lyrics Roger?
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Blog 17.1
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On 5/21/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
The board did NOT get drilled. But I did add a layer of varnish to seal her off.
Tomorrow I'll get on the drill thing and set up some trucks.
Workout: Ran my neighbor's treadmill for 20 minutes and lifted a few. Piped a wine-tasting and generally partied until now -- almost midnight.
Ohh yeah...
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Blog 17.0
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On 5/21/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
The GS board was popped out and sanded yesterday. Hackett is gonna love the graphic. In fact, he might even sue me 'cause it's sooo BLR.
Anyway. Gotta go outside and drill this baby.
Hmmmm what trucks to mount...
I'll post pics if I can find someone in my neighborhood with a digi-cam...
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SCHEDULE
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On 5/20/2005
MARK MCCREE
wrote in from
United States
(69.68.nnn.nnn)
Today's schedule
1)Go to gym
2)Go home
3)MAKE MONEY
4)MAKE MONEY
5)MAKE MONEY
6)MAKE MONEY
7)MAKE MONEY
8)MAKE MONEY
9)Play pool at local bar
PD, I thought Gilmour was the only kept racer.
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Blog 16.0
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On 5/20/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Fluitt said it -- don't lose a race due to a lack of fitness. I'm down with that. I sucked in Brack two years back because I was all pumped, but no cardio. But, you gotta agree, sometimes slalom is waaaay mental -- like 80%...
For the record (and at the sake of "living in the past"), the day ended with me in front of Gary Cross (whom I had to race three times in the final because GC knocked a cone into the timing light at the finish on one of his runs), then Chicken took out Fluitt for third.
Gary had asked me before his runs against Chicken how he could take the big man out. I said something like "get lucky."
A few minutes later I was buying beers for everyone at the Full Sail Brewery. The fun continued when we all went to that barn outside of town with a fun ramp in it. I took a few runs as Hackett stood by with his DT critique sheet. The next day I pulled my lame back out in the quals and struggled to 2nd against...
...HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!! ... Charlie Ransom!
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Hood 02
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On 5/20/2005 FLU
wrote in from
United States
(192.18.nnn.nnn)
My recollection of Hood 2002.
I get a call from Steven King. He tells me what he is likely to set for to the TS. 5.5' stingers, dog legs, curves, etc. I take notes. I go to the Vans parking lot and set what I think I'm going to see. Figure out how to pump to a dog leg, how to deal with curves, learn the joy of the toe block. Show up at Hood, almost the same course is set. I'm stoked. I qualify 2nd. Dunn is overheard saying "Well Fluitt is sure skating over his head". I had never made the 8 before so Dunn was correct. Not sure who I took in the 16, but I remember facing Maysey in the 8. At mid course I hear a screech and the thumping of a brutal run out. Mike hands me the gift of DQ and I walk into the 4 for the first time in my skating career. I draw Dunn and my progress is over. Dunn takes me with experience of racing in the finals. I go to the consi with nothing in the tank. Chicken destroys me and kicks me off the podium. Still though, I was stoked to make the 4 and not disappointed to loose to Dunn. I vow to never loose another race due to a lack of fitness. So far so good. It's all been brain farts that lost me races, not lungs.
PD won the race, I think Charlie was 2nd, Chicken third. Good company.
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Sir?
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On 5/20/2005
mike maysey
wrote in from
United States
(63.165.nnn.nnn)
You cannot stop the 'Master Blaster.'
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Blog 15.0
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On 5/19/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Today's sched:
1) Exercise bike for 45
2) Power skate-squats for 100
3) Go to Cambria & mold new board
4) Figure out way to reduce Maysey's head size...
5) Play 'pipes at Spike's Bar at 8:00 pm
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Paris
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On 5/18/2005
mike maysey
wrote in from
United States
(63.165.nnn.nnn)
What if Paul Dunn, Gary Cross, Charlie Ransom and John Gilmour had raced in Paris?
Paul would have been too fat, Gary would have had trouble running cones on ice skates, Charlie would have been in injured reserve with a disc in his back and Gilmour would have shot screws from his knees injuring the crowd.
Now what if YOUR TRULY was there? Now that would have been somethin.'
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exercise bikes and tread mills?
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On 5/18/2005
WAHL
wrote in from
United States
(157.127.nnn.nnn)
What if Paul Dunn, Gary Cross, Charlie Ransom and John Gilmour had raced in Paris?
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Injury Psyche
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On 5/18/2005
MG
wrote in from
United States
(216.52.nnn.nnn)
Are you sure it wasn't the arm you claimed to have injured? That was my memory of it. Gareth even got you a cake in sympathy. Seems like there was some sort of prop arm sling involved.
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Blog 13.3
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On 5/17/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
The whole purpose of this blog site is to:
1) catalogue the mental wranglings of an aging slalom racer
2) Allow an inside look into the daily routine of the same trying to get ready for yet another race.
I came up with this idea when I was peddling away on my exercise bike a few weeks ago. I was thinking to myself: last time I went to Hood River, there was this huge, over-blown semi-psyche that was perpetrated while Maysey and I were practicing for the contest. I fell really hard and messed myself up. In a moment of anguish, I posted that I practically broke my leg, and was lame for the contest. The idea that this was true spun out, and I perpetuated the myth as the first, in essence, on-line psyche (if it could be called that) ever created in our modern racing scene. It was a gamble, to be sure. Some thought it was genius, some thought I was outta my mind.
The whole thing, of course, came to a head when I actually showed up, bruised but not battered, at Hood.
This time, I decided (like George Costanza) I would do the opposite. I would tell my fellow competitors EXACTLY what I was doing to get ready for this race.
So I hope it's working.
Still no skating, still trying to shed a few extra pounds. Will hope to skate in the next weak or so.
The journey continues...
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Blog 13.2
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On 5/17/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Ah... the 80's...
My old buddy Gary Fluitt took this photo at Cabrillo Estates in Los Osos 'long about 1988. I was working for Vision at the time (and I think Chicken was workin' there, too -- in the screen shop -- it's hard to recollect as there was about 400+ employees back then).
Okay, I was into a long-hair look. Those days, I recall spending my evenings practicing TS on top of a parking garage in Long Beach (where I was livin') with Beau Brown and Steve Evans. We'd practice at night, all alone, even though there was no up-coming races or anything. During those days, our goal was just to figure out what the hell Jim Korten was doing, and why he was so fast.
Later, the CASL (Califoria Amateur Skateboard League) contests sprang up, and Korten set the slalom courses. I started winning all of 'em. Even the stupid ones like a totally flat race in a totally flat parking lot in freekin' San Bernardino... Yick! At the time, I was riding my orange Turner cutaway named "Sweet Emotion." I loved that board.
I think my ex-girlfriend burned it.
Below: That's "Whole Lotta Love" under my feet. I traded an old, yellow cutaway to Bob in exchange for this custom BlackBird. Dig the little cones...
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Blog 13.1
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On 5/17/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Yeah, Steve in AZ:
I was NOT there in '04 buddy!
I was piping my way into first place at the Monterey Highland Games that weekend...
But as far as my thoughts on the possibility of the hill, etc. I'm gonna bring a big 'ole daddy AND probably something "in-between" for the GS. I heard it's a big, long hill. So at least be in shape...
Sunday will be fun. Looking forward to it.
Glad to hear the patch job worked out...
See ya there!
--PD
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Blog 13.0
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On 5/17/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Wow...
Still checking the numbers from Paris.
Truth be told: the "hill" at La Trocadero is about as steep as a wheelchair ramp. Don't jump my s#@!, I'm tellin' the truth. Luca Gianmarco is a skateboarding athlete. Look at his build: the guy is professional rock-climber or something. Part of THAT wins races -- at least in that context.
Busted out with the Tri-bike thing over the weekend. Then, a run on a treadmill and some more biking.
Took the day off today... as I stare at my deck collection wondering if:
1) the old hardware still has it in it..., and
2) This old body still can wiggle.
As far as wiggling, I don't know. I feel like my "fast twitch" muscles are fewer. That's why I always used to lament: Slalom racer never die -- they just race GS."
Yeah -- you can quote me on that.
--PD
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8.01
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On 5/17/2005
Steve in AZ
wrote in from
United States
(192.175.nnn.nnn)
Hey, PD.
That Turner you re-drilled & filled for me back in '03 is sadly gone, but happily in another collection. I'm keepin' the Sims Team Black on Red.
I raced HR in '02, so I'm fam. with Columbia Blvd.; Slope is sweet and not too steep, so power is key on Sun.
Since I missed '04, dish me some more about set-ups for the GS. Hi-lo-no-camber, flex-noflex, stability vs. manuverability, truck width...whatever you can dish, I'll take a serving.
-=S=-
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Blog 9.1
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On 5/13/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Geezer X -- You the man! -- Thanks!
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Blog 9.0
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On 5/13/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Whew!
No sweat today -- but gettin' ready to do 1/3 of a triathlon tomorrow as the biking leg for Michelle.
Dusted off my box of trucks today -- and even a cache of old boards. Managed to find my stash of Ninja's also -- all ready to go. Nice. Need to get some cones gathered up and actually put my feet on a board. Wow. That will be different.
Wanted to mention that Geezer X was highly infuential in my learning quest for board making. He was one of the first to convince me that I could do it myself.
Cheers.
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Blog 8.0
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On 5/12/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
A hefty spin-sesh on the excercise bike, then a full day of work THEN a few hours hangin' with my bros trying to figure out what board I'm gonna have to build for the Hood River GS.
Hint: 36 X 9.25
Big and mean.
Knives and spoons.
Then a nice, hefty Mex chow and a early sack so I can run tomorrow.
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Blog 7.1
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On 5/11/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Here's a tidy shot of Gilmour and me doin' our Ed Economy imitation. Catalina Classic, almost exactly three years ago...
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Blog 7.0
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On 5/11/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
On the bike for 45 minutes... pretty boring but a damn good sweat running down my face.
Went to my storage and dug up a few rolls of carbon-fiber, some release film, foam, and some tri-ax... Pretty low on resin. Also dug up some of my old boards. I'll scavenge some of the trucks & wheels off 'em and see if I can mate 'em to a new creation. We'll see...
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Blog 6.0
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On 5/10/2005
PD
wrote in from
United States
(24.176.nnn.nnn)
Didn't even break a sweat today. Coached my wife at her swimming technique for her triathlon debut this weekend.
I did, at least, speak with another couple industry heavies... I think we're gettin' somewhere.
Maysey -- thanks for the love... You are the young Jedi and I am the ol' Obewon (or whatever...) Hmmm.... the force is strong with this one.
The surf shot is a little more west than Big's...
Got a box of wheels today. Nice.
I've got more to say on the SLALOM forum. See ya there.
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surf shot
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On 5/10/2005
mike maysey
wrote in from
United States
(63.165.nnn.nnn)
Hey PD, is that Big Drakes?
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Lucky Guy
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On 5/10/2005
mike maysey
wrote in from
United States
(63.165.nnn.nnn)
A litle history on yours truly...
I've been very lucky in my slalom 'career'.
In the beginning, it was Jack Smith. I skated some hills with him in a neighborhood called Cabrillo Estates in Los Osos and he told me he needed to get me on a slalom board. I laughed. Thought it was lame. Weeks later I was coaxed into stepping on a Turner cutaway (by Jack) for the first time. Somehow I found the spots for my feet on the deck. It was weird. Anyway, I managed to stick it through a course and from that moment on, I've been hooked. I ran cones with Jack for a few months but once Jack couldn't beat me regularly he introduced me to his mysto friend, PD.
I got fast.
Paul and I began to run cones together a few days a week, many nights with the Gordon clan. Paul taught me things I would have needed years and years to learn. The key for me was, don't ask a lot of questions. Watch the master, do what the master does and if he feels the need to comment, he'd say something, otherwise assume you're doing everything 'right'. Usually we would just skate and have fun. This was my most formitable time in slalom.
I got faster.
Now, I'm skating with Steve 'El Professor' Evans and am having even more fun...still learning and getting faster all the time. Working on boards, trucks, wheels, technique, arm position, shoulder position, knees, ankles, etc.
I have many many others who have helped pull me along in this sport. I could name names, but it would be boring for all you all.
Thanks for making me, an alright skater, better.
Thanks guys, but especially you PD. If not for you, I would not be the slalomer I am today. You were the most important person who brought me along.
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