Bmx helps define me. Its what has driven much of my life choices. I’ve dedicated a lot to these bikes. But, things didn’t start that way. A younger me followed his older brother around with reverence. To me, my brother was revolutionary. He was discovering new music, testing the norms, always wearing the new looks before they became something more; he was a skater, along with a few more neighborhood kids on hand. I tagged along close by, completely sold on the rawness of it all. Days were spent on my McGill Powell Peralta board launching off rickety ramps, trying to emulate what Mike and his friends were doing.
One day things came to a solid halt, deterred by a bad accident that resulted in my brother losing months of his memory and living in a coma for a few days. “No More Skating” was announced. We protested, but my parents were unwavering, and with good reasons. “Skateboarding is Not a Crime” stickers posted up all over the house, but to no avail. My brother gave in, but I followed a different tact. I compromised and said if I can’t skate then can I ride bmx. That was the start of a lifetime of injuries, but experiences that can never be replaced.
Fast forward to 2019 and here I am still riding my bmx, among other things in my quiver. Skateboarding has found it’s way back into my life too, by way of my better half. Along with a solid group, Jen makes time in her week for a few slashes and kick turns, whether on the mini or at one of the various concrete creations around PDX. Tagging along with them brings back memories of skating to the local spot with my brother and his friends. And of course my love for photography means my camera comes along from time to time to capture some of the moments.
Since first getting a glimpse of West Linn Skatepark over 15 years ago in the Super 8 film “Northwest”, its been towards the top of my list of best concrete ever ridden. Jen Sherowski surfs those big walls with style a couple summers back.
Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, the city became the hub for us to meet and ride. We were all watching skate videos, studying how they took on similar spots. Charlie Wilkins was one of those names to be remembered around the city. Many years later, on opposite coasts, Charlie has become a friend. The style and level of energy he brings to every session is to be revered.
Scott Koerner and I share a lot of time together; most likely mudding drywall and complaining its another monday. Scott hasn’t slowed down a bit after decades of skating, surfing, and snowboarding, and as the recent new owner of his private bowl it doesn’t seem like that is about to change.
One of the great things about skateboards is their small size. That means on work trips its easy to slip a couple in the truck just in case you find a little gem hidden down some abandoned road. Scott takes advantage of lunch breaks like these whenever possible.