I’ll cut a typical crappy skate punk D.I.Y. effort a lot of slack when they show enthusiasm for the music, so why not the same for a rap group? It’s not because I’m a racist, or don’t like hip hop. I have a small percentage of groups like Tribe called Quest, De La Soul, Digital Underground, and Public Enemy in my collection. Sure, that’s a pretty white bread selection, but I don’t dislike the genre on principal. This “group” Board Bangers reeks to high heaven of a marketing decision manufactured by producers trying to cash in on the hip hop and skateboarding connection. unfortunately, it’s most likely at the expense of the kids in the group, who it appears, actually do a fair bit of skating. if there are any doubts, all you have to do is visit their web site to be bombarded with a poorly disguised infomercial “to get this special price you must buy now!”

Innes Clothing and Black Label Skateboards is teaming up to roll the Innes RV up the I-5 corridor for some in-store “Meet and Greets” and to skate all the sweet buttery spots they can locate. Skaters confirmed are: Chris Troy Shuriken Shannon Peter Raffin Steve Reeves Donovan Rice Shaun Gregoire Woody Butwolski (Aussie) And a few suprises along the way. TWS is going to run some coverage, but I’ll be there too, so it’ll be a double whammy. TIMES TBA! CALL THE SHOPS LISTED FOR MORE INFORMATION! July 12th Jacks Boardshop in Medford OR July 13th ValleySSS in McMinnville OR, EXIT (Bridgeport Mall) and Skate Legion in Milwaulkie OR July 14th PlanZ in Kelso WA, IandI Boardshop in Olympia WA, SkateBarn in Renton WA. July 15th Drive Day to Boise Id. July 16th The Boardroom in Boise Id

Jake Feranti (No relation to Ferrante and Teicher) sent in some pictures of an no defunct ramp built in a condemned house, which may I say is an excellent idea, provided the house isn’t condemned for asbestos or black mold. Look closely and you’ll see duct tape on the ramp, which was originally garbage picked. It just goes to show that there are small scenes hiding out all over the place. Keep your eyes open and your thinking cap on.

So the doctor returns with some new insight about a local skate park the people who ride it and the government, who would of thunk he was so smart. He is truly insightful listen to him. Peace off.

Revolution in Nicaragua! Nicaragua now has it’s first transition in a skatepark thanks to Nathan Curry and his team. The quarter pipe was the focus of all the skaters’ attention and it was great to see all the guys throwing themselves at it trying to figure it out. After all, it’s the first transition that most of them have ever ridden. Needless to say, I had to answer a lot of questions about how to do axle stalls and rock-n-rolls. It was great!

Stefan from Placed to Ride sent in a couple pics of the newly finished skatepark in Seaside Oregon. The grand opening is June 9th. This one kind of slipped in under the radar. We are spoiled here in the Pacific Northwest. But not spoiled enough I say! There should be more pics on the PTR site tonight. That Sunset Empire park district sign looks like it belongs outside a church parking lot.