The Longrider

I’m still waiting for someone to send in a pic of the Wheelieboard, so I’ll post this for now. Plastic skateboards were a dime a dozen, so you had to do something to distinguish yourself. The longrider comes to you courtesy of an eBay auction a year or so ago. Right now the only place they are showing up is on defunct Australian eBay auctions. The colorized black and white picture comes from a cool Australian skate zine called GaP, which you can download. It’s in issue one, which dates back to 2005. You can see larger pics and the auction description which is packed with a surprising amount of background info on this 1983 vintage board after the jump.

I’ve never seen one of these things in person, and I was in suburban Illinois when and where these were manufactured at the time. I feel ripped off. I want one, but I’m not about to send to Australia for one. Apparently Australia is where everyone sends their criminals and unwanted plastic skateboards. Here’s the origianl eBay text from the auction I saw sometime in late 2005.

Up for auction is an original, and unique ride-on.  Fun for play with the excitement of a sporting challenge is this LONG RIDER skateboard. Long Rider is a flexible, unbreakable one-piece platform made of molded “space age” plastic with a grip handle on one end.  Mounted on two solid diecast trucks with quality rubber bushings for control and shock absorption, Long Rider also has top quality replaceable high-speed wheels with precision sealed bearings. This item has been used once, and is in very good condition. It is blue in color with yellow printing on the surface. 

The Long Rider was manufactured by Marchon, Inc., a company in Arlington Heights, IL. [1984]  The Long Rider is 53 inches in length, and 4 inches wide. It comes in it’s original box; with the box showing only slight signs of being moved about. The original label is shown on the box – which was purchased through JCPenney – Catalog #654-1478; SKU 0000; serial number 10299268267.  It  is not known whether this item was manufactured after the year 1984.

Although this item is geared for ages 5 and up, it is a better  item for an older and experienced skateboarder and should not be ridden by the younger individual. The special security handle makes learning to ride easier; gives confidence and security; allows safer riding; enables easy turns.  Long Rider’s ability to be steered allows a variety of stunts, spins, and jumps to be easily performed.  Because the Long Rider is flexible, it is self-adjusting to the size of the rider.  Long Rider has a molded foot pad, that helps prevent slipping.  All adds up to more fun and excitement riding and enjoying Long Rider. The Long Rider is:  a different kind of skateboard!

Don’t for get to check out issue one of GaP Skate Zine, for their take on the Longrider which is in the guise of a clever product review.