Andrew Chapman, Zak Maytum, Erik Lundberg, and Chris Chaput battle it out in the semis. Photo: Justin Preston.

The Laguna Seca Invitational happened just about a month ago on Thursday, April 19^th ; up in the rolling hills above beautiful Monterey, California. This event was the first downhill skateboard race at Laguna Seca in over 30 years and consisted of a one-day, hit it and quit it, 34 man invitational race; and was presented by NHS’s recently rebirthed downhill line: Road Rider.

Lone wolf, Keith Henderson, practice runs. Photo: Justin Preston.

Zak Maytum is always a threat. Seen here haulin' ass. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

We not interested in nostalgia in the least, but we do understand the importance of becoming familiar with one’s history—and we love bombing hills—so when Conner Wells of NHS hit us up with an invitation to come check out the rebirth of a classic downhill race, we jumped at the opportunity.

Justen Ortiz and the rest of the gang contemplating strategy at the top of the course. Photo: Justin Preston.

Getting ready for practice run numero dos. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

The day of the event was perfect—not too hot, the sun shining brightly, rolling hills everywhere topped with furry green oak trees, and a Sierra Nevada Beer tent not more than a stone’s throw from the race track. We arrived on course as practice began and to the hearty smiles and hustle and bustle of the riders finishing up their first practice run. The vibe of the riders was strong, and one of excitement. The energy rubbed off on us quickly, as we slapped fives with the homies and caught up with friends in the back of the U-Haul on our way up to the top of the course for practice run number two.

Riley Crone, leading a pack into the top corner. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Justen Ortiz, bombin'. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Wester, way out front. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

We ended up watching most of the race from the bottom of the first corner—after the first drop—which was where a majority of the industry people where hanging out as well. To say the least, there was a mixed bag of spectators in attendance at the 2012  Laguna Seca Invitational. The usual suspects of GoPro-wielding-lurk-dogs, retired-shirtless-rando-dudes, ladyfriends, and double-bros were in full effect; but over the past few years we’ve been to many events and this was definitely the first time we’d seen the likes of George Powell of Powell Peralta, Jeff Kendell of Santa Cruz Skateboards, legendary vert skater Jason Jesse, and Thrasher’s very own Jake Phelps at a DH race. What the shit!? It was also a trip to shoot photos next to legendary skate photographers Mofo and Luke Ogden. At first, seeing all of these dudes at a downhill event seemed somewhat strange and out of place, but after a while, once the novelty wore off, it was totally copasetic and actually a pretty cool experience. Our hope is that these dudes are beginning to see how rad downhill skateboarding is and are here to help bring the skateboarding community together, spread the good word, and have fun doing so. Time will tell.

Daniel Luna, lookin' fast in practice. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Thrasher photog, Luke Ogden, clickin' it. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Max Capps, blurly. Photo: Bandy.

Ultimately, the Laguna Seca Invitational was good times. The course was not that long, or fast, but it was sick enough for the riders to get in tight and fight it out. From our point of view, winning this year’s Laguna Seca came down to weight, technique, and consistency. There were more than a handful of contenders on course who could have won it. But when it was all said and done, the race, and the $5,000. purse, went to the riders that were the most fired-up and on-point. Those riders were: 1^st Kyle Wester, 2^nd Andrew Mercado, 3^rd Graham Buska, and 4^th Erik Lundberg. Congratulations dudes!

Max Capps putting the pressure on Wester early in the day. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Kyle Wester out front. For the win. Photo: Bandy.

Winning: 1st Kyle Wester, 2nd Andrew Mercado, 3rd Graham Buska, and 4th Erik Lundberg. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

A big shout out goes to Conner Wells of Road Rider for inviting us up to the event, to the NHS crew in general for organizing the race and doing it well, to Thrasher for spreading some downhill love to the larger skateboarding community, to all the new faces (to the DH community) for coming out and showing your support for downhill skateboarding, to all the event sponsors for their support, to Santa Cruz’s Boardroom for hosting us dirty skaters in your shop for the after party, and a big shout out to Brandon of Caliber Trucks for letting the Wheelbase crew lurk hard at your house all week. Each and every one of you are appreciated! Till next year . . .

Also, make sure to peep Thrasher’s video coverage of the event:

We are on the road right now with Jesse Breiman and the rest of the Way Out Westward crew—shredding spots, acting way out, and generally living the dream.  That said, we have not had a free moment to post Jesse’s new video from Blood Orange Bushings, until this morning. This is Blood Orange‘s first video, and from what we know about this crew, we expect some really rad product and skate-related radness to follow. This video is doubly dope because it also pays a little tribute to OG San Francisco/bay area artist, Jeremy Fish. Note the Silly Pink Bunnies. Peep it!

“Sorry for denting the hood of homie’s car. Ha ha! Stay tuned for a grip of new shit coming from the Blood Orange crew.” (Jesse Brieman)

Mr. Greasy. Photo: Bandy

Recently, I got hit by a car while riding my motorcycle. When people tell me I’m lucky the accident didn’t take my brain or my life, I agree; yet I don’t feel very lucky. The time off skating, off my motorbike, on crutches, and in operating rooms doesn’t exactly feel like a blessing. Aside from my whininess, there are some pretty banger lessons I’ve learned. First and foremost, I would like to thank my sponsors Comet Skateboards, Caliber Truck Co, and Volante Wheels. It may sound like I’m trying to shamelessly plug these brands, but I’m not. The first thought going through my morphine-blitzed mind was what their reaction would be a potential season-ender. Despite all negative thoughts, my true friends Jason Salfi of Comet and Brandon Stewart of Caliber reassured me that everything would stay the same; even though I hadn’t gotten wrecked skating. Lesson #1: The support of friends is key to a healthy mental state. Respect to the homies.

The type of surgery performed on my leg was some next-level shit. A shout-out to Dr. Shaw and the hot anesthesiologists who put me to sleep and rammed a tube up my shaft. No cast needed, and the entry points of the metal that shoots down my femur are small and now stapled closed. A solid recovery after an injury like this is the difference between returning to 100% strength and a full range of motion, and never getting after it on a skate again. I went a little too hard the first week after surgery and tore a knee muscle. Lame! Anyway, the Doc said to take it a bit easier. That said, the muscle tear setback meant canceling a trip to New York for a Comet Slide Jam. Lesson #2: Proper recovery = proper skating in the future. Live Hard, Pay Harder.

I wasn’t biking recklessly, under the influence, listening to music, or doing some other dumb shit when I got thrown off my bike. The accident was not my fault; I had the full right of way, clearing a green light, when homeboy turned left in front of me. For the first time in my life the police were on my side—which was both refreshing and creepy at the same time. That said, I realize now that I could have prevented the whole fiasco. Even though it wasn’t my bad, I learned from several motorcycle websites, books, and videos that you need to ride with the mentality that everyone on the road is drunk and trying to kill you—a mentality of which I was not riding with that day. Skating down open roads at high speed is similar to motorcycling; the concept transfers. It wouldn’t hurt to shred with that same mentality. Lesson #3: Anything that propels you quickly on/down an open roadway requires awareness of idiot drivers.

Maybe I’m just some dumb kid who got thrashed on a “death bike” as my mom now calls em‘. . . just my two cents here.

Take it easy and remain greasy.

-Liam

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GENERAL DISCLIAMER: The statements, comments, and opinions expressed by Liam Morgan through Notes of a Greasy Young Man are those of “Mr. Greasy” himself, who is solely responsible for them, and they do not necessarily represent the views of Wheelbase LLC. Questions or comments regarding any information listed in this particular column can be addressed by contacting aliens, or channeling the spirit of Isaac Hayes.

Wheelbase Management

Break the piggie bank, sell the mule, hoe the pasture—whatever it is that you gotta do to get to Portland, Oregon for the  2012 Tabor Downhill Challenge—make it happen! Here are all the juicy details, and straight from Mr. Billy Bones himself:

“Pdx Downhill is hosting the 2012 Mt. Tabor Downhill Challenge on June 24th. The MTDHC is a going to be a one day event packed with all kinds of fun. Mt. Tabor Park is located right in the heart S.E. Portland, Oregon and is home to the smooth one-mile course that the race will be held on. The course isn’t too difficult which is why we’ve added the mandatory “old school” tuck to the Open DH class (see: www.tabordh.com for more info). This year we are also introducing some new classes to the downhill race. In addition to the Open DH class we will also have Masters 40+, Groms 14-, buttboard, and minibike (think Zoobomb!). Competitors in the downhill races will be battling it out for the $2,000 we have for this year’s podium. Along with the dh races there will also be a head-to-head slalom race on the old soap box derby track located next to the hill. Once the racing is all said and done, the after party will be held at the Mt. Tabor theater where there will be screenings of old downhill footage, tasty beer (Ninkasi) and some soul music provided by our DJ Andrew Mercado. This may not be the gnarliest race of the year but it will definitely be one of the most fun. Come on out for the weekend of June 24th and check out all the skating that Portland has to offer.”    (Billy “Bones” Meiners)

Peep this video from last year:

This is what’s up right here! The 2012 Boomtown 5 event is gonna be epic. Fact.

Whatever you have to do to get up to Eugene, Oregon on June 9th, 2012—do it! Ross Druckrey and the Boomtown crew know how to get live and they have a truly unique and exciting event planned—grinding, sliding, airs, speed, sketchiness, and more of all of the above. We have a strong feeling that this event is gonna be one for the record books. Anyway, get there if ya can. We’ll be there with the Muir Skates crew—skating hard, and lurkin’ even harder! See you in Boomtown! See below for more of the details:

“For the first time, Boomtown 5 is a fully LEGAL event. I have been working with the city of Eugene [Oregon] and we will have all the necessary permits.

The theme for this event is DOWNHILL SKATEPARK! We will be filling the course with all kinds of jumps, ramps, rails, and the most unique features we think of. If you have any ideas, let us know.

All types of boards and styles are encouraged, but kicktails will be very helpful for navigating the features. Extra points will be given for nailing tricks on and above the coping. The goal is to embrace all forms of skateboarding while using creativity to preform unique stunts and runs.”  (Ross Druckrey)

For more details and other watchamawhos, peep this:

www.Boomtownbroadcast.com
www.facebook.com/BoomtownBroadcast

The Loaded Race Gloves V2 are the updated version of their previously released performance slide gloves and features goat-skin leather, carbon knuckles, a breathable and perforated leather top, internal cool-max wicking fabric, reflectors; as well as high-density palm, finger, and thumb pucks. they come in black and are available in two sizes: Small/Medium and a Large/XL.

The Testing:

In order to test Loaded’s new Race Gloves V2 we rode them on a few of our favorites—steep winding back roads as well as few features in between. We also tested these gloves with and without the finger and thumb pucks.

Results/Findings:

Pros:

These gloves have options.They include finger and thumb pucks for those riders just starting out as well as enough velcro to make any necessary adjustments. We found the Loaded Race Gloves V2 to be extremely durable—they made it through our testing with barely a scratch. We also liked the slide and size of Loaded’s palm pucks. The ergonomical shape of the glove made them super comfortable as well.

Cons:

While we appreciate the protection offered by the knuckle guards, we aren’t sure that they need to be quite so large and the little holder tabs on the side seemed unnessisary. We’d also like to have seen this come in some rad new color variations.

Overall: The Loaded Race Gloves V2 are a great option for skaters of any skill level who are looking for maximum protection. Loaded does not skimp on quality, resulting in a high level of durability while maximizing comfort. The included pucks provide a consistant slide right out of the box. We enjoyed riding these gloves and we give them two thumb-puck up!

If you have any further questions hit us up at Wheelbasemag.com via our Contact Us page, or visit www.loadedboards.com. From all of us here at Wheelbase, we’d like to thank you for viewing this Wheelbase Product Review for the  Loaded Race Glove V2.

Howdy homies,

A rowdy band of shredders from Comet Skateboards, Caliber Trucks, Wheelbase Magazine, Carve Skate Shop, and Volante Wheels‘ will be piling into a van and embarking on a radical skate adventure starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico—May 7th through the 10th, and onward to Austin, Texas until May 14th. See below for a day-by-day breakdown of what we have planned:

Way Out Westward

Monday 7th: Heavy shredding in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Tuesday 8th: Major ripping in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Wednesday 9th: Gnar shralping in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Thursday 10th: Mad bombing in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Friday 11th: Skateparks, Ditches, and Hills. Austin, Texas.

Saturday 12th: “Summer Kick-off Freeride!” Austin, Texas.

Sunday 13th: Skateparks, Ditches, and Hills. Austin, Texas.

Monday 14th: Skateparks, Ditches, and Hills once more. Austin, Texas.

Team ”Way Out Westward”: Liam Morgan, Eric Jensen,  Anthony Flis,  Blake Smith,  Jesse Breiman,  Dave Tanacci,  Aaron Grulich,  Marcus Bandy,  Nick Wnorowski,  Jason Salfi,  Zac Sharp,  and Kurt Smith. 

We hope to see you out on the road!—Definitely make sure to come check us out at the “Summer Kick-Off Freeride!“ in Austin, Tx on Saturday 5/12/12.  The Facebook page for this rad event is (Here).

Hit us up at the “Way Out Westward” Facebook event page with any questions, comments, or concerns: (Here)

Stay skatin’, and keep your eyes peeled for radical videos, photos, and feature articles soon, right here at Wheelbase Magazine.

. . .and make sure to always watch out for giant armadillos!

Over 70 of the world’s finest downhill skateboarders will converge this weekend (May 5&6) on Cantalina Island, CA  for the 2012 Catalina Island Classic downhill skateboard race. Being that this pioneering race hasn’t happened since 1977, many, if not all, of the riders have never physically seen this course, let alone shredded  it.

An order to help the racers become more familiar with the road and better gauge what to expect come race day, the Riviera crew put together this rad edit of Dubes and Matt Kienzle skating the course while Mr. Dubes gives us a play-by-play narration on what to expect—as well as some possible strategies—when racing on this beautiful and winding, island road. Holy hellfire! This is gonna be a freakin’ badass weekend!

“In late march Paris team rider Matt Kienzle and myself, went out to Avalon to get a test run on the 2012 Catalina Island Classic Race Course. We filmed our first few runs and used the footage to layout this video. It gives a thorough look at what racers can expect before they get to the island. We had the pleasure of getting an interview with the 1977 Catalina Classic organizer. Riviera will be using the rest of the footage in an upcoming video documenting the entire event from the start of planning to the execution of all the hard work put in to provide this event for the downhill family. Be stoked, stay tuned and spread the word. This is sure to be one of the best races seen in years!”

(Dubes, of Riviera Skateboards)

Phil Ginn carving off some speed somewhere in the heart of New Mexico. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

New Mexico is at the south end of the Rocky Mountain range. Geologically, everything here was brought about by volcanic activity. (You can see something like 60 plus extinct volcanoes from the foothills of Albuquerque.) Due to the fact that everything is made from hard granite, nothing erodes—and this means steep, unbanked roads. We get somewhere around 8 inches of average rainfall in Albuquerque annually and somewhere near 350 days of sunshine! Translation: year-round shredding.

Dave Price loops across a tunnel of one of Albuquerque's favorite ditches. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

Here’s a couple of facts about New Mexico you should know: It’s not “New” and it ain’t “Mexico”. We do however have a grip of wicked-good skating, and I can say from experience, New Mexico is an awesome place to shred—an endless paradise of ditches as well as ripping roads.

David Price, David Angelus, Ben Dubreuil, and Phil Ginn descend a winding road somewhere near Dixon, N.M. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

I started riding as a commuter back in September 2006, and that Christmas my friend Ben got his first pair of Gravity Slide Gloves—the ninja-turtle jobs. We rode every day and my mind was blown with all the possibilities. I personally became obsessed with Indian School Ditch and my friends and I soon met other dudes from high school who also wanted to go fast. It was on!

Colorado speed-king, Kyle Wester, hits a corner on the old Santa Fe Outlaw race course. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

There was no supporting scene that we knew of at the time, so we just did our own thing. Regardless, we were fired-up on trying to see how fast down the ditches we could go (45mph+ with a tailwind). Sadly thought, being that we were an isolated pod of riders, a couple of the original crew moved-on, and boards got shelved for other interests. But I was committed. I began convincing people to drive me an hour north to Santa Fe so I could continue riding down hills.  I met Dave Price of Timeship Racing there and he asked some important questions: How fast have you gone? How fast have you stopped? Where’s your fullface? Thank goodness for Joe, Dave, and the TSR crew. They are fundamental to New Mexican shredders.

Moving back in time to 2009: Timeship is now having public events. Three buddies and myself drive up to Santa Fe, ready to try this “outlaw racing” thing. There are maybe 12, maybe 13 local riders, including 4 or so more who drive in from Colorado.  We meet a couple OG New Mexico skate-bosses: Will Brunson and James West.

The start of the quasi- annual Campus Push Race at UNM, held by David Angelus. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

Fast forward to 2010: Now we’re hosting our own races in Albuquerque. We have a regular crew of about twelve, fourteen regular racers. Our scene is starting to grow. We’re seeing kids on campus skating every which way—riding everything from Landyachtz to Longboard Larry.

Timeshippers, William Brunson and Dave Price, check out some New Mexican canyon runs. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

Present day, 2012: We just had a race with sixteen racers in open divisions, eight in the grom division, including one female. This might seem small compared to other places, but the scene is definitely growing.  You have to consider the size/population ratio of New Mexico. We are the fifth largest state, but only 36^th in population. When we have a race now, riders drive in from Santa Fe & Socorro, Gallup & the Taos area, Farmington & Aztec, and even some driving four hours from down south, in Las Cruces, Silver City, or Alamagordo—all of these skaters coming to share the Stoke Action.

Price and Brunson shredding in Los Alamos, N.M. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

We also have a growing online community now as well: the Duke City Bombers. Check us out on f-book. These days you can always find a session on the local runs—most of the best running east to west—from the foothills to the river.

David Angelus throwing a heelside slasher—Bear style. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

Timeship Racing is killing it in Santa Fe, supporting the local scene all over NM. The shops we have in Albuquerque are Skate City (which is the oldest skate shop in the SW, since ’76) and 4D’s Board Shop (a recent addition to the community, but one that’s been very involved in our emerging scene). Our crew is now having monthly events with support from these local shops as well as larger companies.

Chris Cade & Phil Ginn riding close in the final heat of a recent NM outlaw race. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

Pretty much everywhere I’ve skated in New Mexico has some kind of terrain for some kind of skateboard. North and West New Mexico have runs with several miles of 55mph riding speeds. Central New Mexico has Albuquerque, the Sandia mountain range, and some world-renowned ditches. South New Mexico remains pretty much unexplored by our crew, but this summer we’re organizing a exploratory shuttle around the South end of the state. Our eyes are on a run coming off both sides of the Continental Divide!

Santa Fe Local, Ryan Ricker, tucks an Indian School run. Photo: Joel Lipovetsky.

We might be one of the smallest scenes in the Rockies, but the scene is growing everyday. We’re working hard, sending out the fliers, skating, talking to the homies on campus, skating, spreading the stoke, and skating some more! The truth be told, we live in a skateboard wonderland where we ride year-round. New Mexico has the terrain, and the riders to shred it. There are more and more skaters in New Mexico traveling further and further to events and this year is no exception. We’ve got grom squads and other tribes/clubs popping up all of the time. New Mexico has an awesome, diverse, and growing community— hit us up sometime. We look forward to shredding with you real soon.

-Chris Cade

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Chris Cade is a shredder hailing from Albuquerque, NM and he rides for Big Myth Skateboards, Logic’s Kung Fu Griptape, and the Duke City Bombers.