Living in Minnesota gives one an appreciation for really good snow. Mainly because it's so rare to get any. But, I ride in the stuff when I can. Some people distain 'riders because they see a skateboarder in snow. This isn't always the case.
Myself, I prefer to freeride. Give me some good moguls on a Minnesota hardpack and let me go. It's more of a zen thing, just letting the snow fly past under your feet, listening to music on your walkman, feeling the breeze on your face...
It's beautiful.
Either that of let me rip down the Minnesota Slop we call snow at the point when it's about 1/4 melted into slush round-about in March or late Febuary. The stuff skiiers hate? Yeah! It's so messy, and it feels just like a good surf, only you can't drown. Swinging down the rough stuff, using every muscle in your body in ways you never thought possible, screaming down fresh corduroy leaving a tail of snow in your wake when you gently carve right, powering through a slush-pile to make a corner... It's bliss! Pure bliss!
Sure, you come back exhausted, sore for days, and tired beyond belief. But it's worth it. When you ride, theres no phones, no mass media, no troubles. Just you, the snow, and a board under your feet.
I'm not sponsored, and I don't lay any claim to any company. But, suffice to say that I just like to ride. And at $25 a ticket, I ride as hard as I can. But, here's some links that you may find better than I am at describing it.
My board is a K2, and they have a site. It's more hardware.
My software (read clothing) is almost all from Burton. I want to get an Asymetrical board from them, but I can't afford one. (HEY! Any reps from Burton? I don't suppose, for some reason, you guys have a spare Asym just lying around for a poor Minnesota freerider?) Just asking?)
And then there's here... I wandered upon it, and it's got a lot of good stuff.
If you've got any additions (Linkage or otherwise) let me know... I'm building as I type...
It's cold! Back in the Den!
(C) 1996 Panther Free Press, All Rights Reserved