Texas boy, Zac Sharp, Switchbackin’ with the locals. Photo: Ruano.
Twelve hours later, after leaving the Sunset District of San Francisco, we rolled into the ever-radical city of Portland, OR at five AM. Specifically , the PDX Skatehouse—home of JP of Rip City Skate, the legendary ATV of shred, Casey Morrow, as well as a solid cast of other serious Oregon shredders.
Back to the top for another switchbacker. Photo: Ruano.\
Amanda Powell railing it through a shadowy and damp corner. Photo: Ruano.
Dane finds a shortcut. Photo: Ruano.
We all passed out for a couple hours on the plethora of couches in the house until JP’s roommate woke us up with a full-on rap session at 7am via his room/studio. It was loud as hell and the dude’s rhymes were quite aggressive towards bitches, busters, and wack MC’s, so we just went with the vibe and decided to get up and go shred some shit, yo!
Dane dips and Seth clips. Photo: Ruano.
Hayden “NASCAR” Conroy feelin’ the effects of that 12 hour drive from SF. Photo: Ruano.
We had previously planned to session some Portland spots with JP and his crew, so we headed out to Switchbacks with some local Rip City Skate groms and other locals. It was damp and patchy, but we had a blast. As the day progressed it dried up a bit and the grip of the road got progressively more consistent. Also, Max Capps kicked Hayden’s ass in a race. Just sayin’ Ha ha!
Rip City Skate owner & Switchbacks local, JP, knows how to shred on wet terrain. Photo: Ruano.
Our crew (somewhat confused where to look) chilling at Rip City Skate. Photo: Ruano.
Wheelbase reppin’ at Rip City Skate. Stoked! Photo: Ruano.
After leaving switchbacks and stopping off at See See Motor Coffee Co. (we hit that shit three times!) We posted up at Rip City Skate, Hayden got some fresh Addidas, and we maxed-out with the homies for a bit. In the afternoon, Amanda hit up Daddies and set up a session on their new ramp and facility. It was sick! As the sun went down, JP & Skip from Subsonic had a special treat lined up for our crew: a private session at the Unheard ramp—beers, brodowns, and shredding were had by all (No beers for John Kruetter of course). A rad session fo sho doe!
Jp with the 5.0 grinder at the Unheard ramp. Private session!!! Photo: Ruano.
Amanda Powell getting her slide on at the new Daddies facility. Photo: Ruano.
Hayden opts for the front fizzle-dizzle on the Daddies funbox. Photo: Ruano.
Heelflip blunt-to-fakie, Hillbilly Bandy, Daddies ramp. Photo: Ruano.
A day of shredding vested, we’re back in the van, and onward to Maryhill. Photo: Bandy.
Before we knew it, it was time to rest our shred-weathered bones and keep on keepin’ on to Maryhill the next morning. After a few hours of shut-eye (and See See’s Motor Coffee yet again in the AM) we hit the road. Our next stop: Goldendale, WA & Maryhill Loops Road.
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A big shout-out to all of the “Keep on Tuckin'” sponsors who made this radical road-trip a reality: Muir Skate, Loaded Boards, RDVX Grip, Landyachtz, Rider Approved Designs, Waterloo Wheel Designs, Rip City Skate, and Paris Truck Co. Thanks homies!!!!