A few videos encapsulated in a larger gestalt filmed over the last couple of weeks. It’s been awhile since I threw together longer “me” edit. I love training, filming, riding, filming and editing it all together. Sixty seconds (below) prepped initially for IG: getting the acknowledgement from my peeps on social media is a pump. I like that. There’s also something satisfying about mashing videos it into a flowing narrative that I can look back on. Social is as much a mirror and photo album of sorts as it is a broadcast and sharing tool.
I’ve recently given up two of my “trainer” days. We’ve got some talented new blood who are hungry to guide our classes. It’s given me the option to simply work out and play with filming during class. It also gives me the opportunity to sleep in. It’s been over four years, three days a week at 5:30. Nice to have a break.
There’s a underlying story. I am 60 days – opioid free. Doesn’t look like much typing it now. Certainly feels like a LONG time from the day I pulled the rip cord. The first thirty were surprisingly and terrifyingly difficult. This last two weeks “the feeling” of optimism and enjoyment has redeployed.
X-ray vision or x-ray image. Its hard to make out. At the bottom of my tail bone is a subluxed coccyx. Pointing the wrong directions. My doctor said it might take a year. Indeed. And longer. I guess I did’t want to hear that…
My subluxed coccyx has been a two year long affair. Will I ever be ever be free of tail bone discomfort? I don’t know. I at least know that I don’t need pain management to deal with life. I am freer now. At my last D.O. appointment she said my body was “zen like.” Felt pretty good to hear that! So many appointments I have hammered my bod like hours before at the gym. This last one I intentionally did some yoga prior to see if I could loosen up a little. Maybe that worked or maybe it’s the larger arch of recovery.
I’ve got a few shots here with the Sony Alpha a6600. Can you tell the difference? While I would like to integrate the Sony more during rides – the extra weight and size kid of get in the way as I explore on longer rides. Mostly iPhoneXS here.
On day two of the withdrawal process I filmed my state. I originally posted that on You Tube as a reminder of the difficulty among other things. Even in my misery I wanted to check out the capability my new camera at that time… This video is now in a privacy setting for family and a subsequent blog post sits in draft form. It’s doesn’t feel right at this time to full on public. I do want to elaborate in time.
Many lessons learned. The psychological addictions are what I am observing, as well. So many themes come into play. I am reminding myself often that if I’m not mindful – some unwanted behaviors and thoughts can become habitual, if I let them. Here’s to the future. Stay the course. Staying kinder to myself and others. #recovery#crossfit#mtb#bmx24#mindfulness
The new 2,000 sq foot addition to the City of Newport’s skatepark completed by Dreamland Skateparks was celebrated with a beautiful day, amazing riding, prizes, and food. The video in this post features Spencer Nebel, City Manager and Danielle Scott owner of Dreamland. I am thankful for their comments about the collaboration to support the new build.
This video was pretty textbook. I got lucky and grabbed Spencer as he was leaving the park. And, Danielle Scott was willing to provide some details. “Andy 360” must have tried the loop 15 times before he nailed it. Skaters work hard for their skills. Well earned Andy!
The video also illustrates the synergy and desirable outcome
for our park on a given day. I do not know if there are numbers for how often
it’s used. Prior to the expansion, my own experience has revealed that both locals
and tourists use the park. Since the expansion, my conversations with the
park’s frequent flyers have said that use is up considerably. The influx of
visitors to cities like Newport may support the argument for such investments. We
are a tourist community. Some families may simply choose a city that has such
assets over those that do not. And, communities that have such assets may
increase the stay length compared to communities that do not have a variety of
recreational activities to choose from.
In retrospect, the unification of energy to pull off the
addition exemplifies what’s desirable when dedicating public funds to such
infrastructure. I have not inquired about numbers to the City or Dreamland. I
should do that. The data would be
interesting to know. My casual
conversations lead me to believe that the new addition is the result of
donations, corporate sponsorship of sorts from Rogue, City funding and some
old-school fundraising. There may have
been grant money…
As a rider – both skating and biking – I can testify to
using the park on a semi-regular basis. It’s one of my go to spots during lunch
break. Google Maps says it’s .6 miles from my office cubicle. As a sit/stand office worker I make it a
point to move my body at lunch. “Sitting
is the new smoking.” Desk jockeys benefit from exercise more so than our
cohorts who actually use their bodies for work.
My dude. I had dreams of producing a little skating prodigy. I imagined an early companion too soon, perhaps. Did I start him to early? It was worth giving it a shot. Funny how their peers are ultimately more influential. He’s with the program now. But, it’s not going to happen overnight. I admire his persistence. We bought a helmet too, btw.
To my surprise, the re-grand opening had a special turn of
events for both me and my son. It Inspired him to begin skating. It was also an
affirmation that building community infrastructure to support action sports
such as skating has the benefit of encouraging new discoveries for athletes
young and old.
On the way to the re grand opening I reminded Reed that our
mission needed the inclusion of video documentation. On occasion, the
documentary process gets a little tiresome for my handsome lad. I thought it
fair to give him a disclaimer that I would be up to my usual antics. I mentioned that there was going be food,
beverage, possible prizes and likely a few of his friends. Reed assured me that
“None of his friends will be there.” “How can you be certain?”, I asked. He
couldn’t articulate and became frustrated at my additional inquiries. “Is it
just a gut feeling?”, I asked. “Yeah, Dad.”
Within minutes of arrival Reed asked to go play with a friend. It turned out, that friend, an inexperienced skater, encouraged him to ride. They practiced and watched the other skaters during their blitzkrieg on the fresh concrete. For the next two weeks, he asked that we ride, every day. Every day. I was so stoked! I had wrapped his little body in padding when he was 4 and he reluctantly gave it a shot. He never desired to ride again, however. I let it go. Not his thing, I thought. I ride a lot. But, over the years I’ve often carved out time to do that, without him. So, this was full circle for us. My hope is that the joy I experience from this hobby and sport might be something we can continue to share.
Rogue has been a big supporter for both the Newport Skatepark and Dreamland Skateparks. They also produce a signature Dreamland Lager. Are we lucky or what?! Right the $#@$ on Rogue!
So, the question of weather or not there is justifiable ROI
to the community, the non skateboarding community, is one that is in contention
for some. How we equitably determine
which shared assets are worth our investment? Our skateboard park, our pool,
our various other parks, our roads, police, emergency services and so on. Not everyone agrees all of the time and such
is politics, government and questions of subsidy.
Again, I don’t have specific number for the Newport park
2,000 sq. ft addition. If and when I get this data – I’ll post the update here.
Estimates by the Tony Hawk Foundation suggest the “National Average Skatepark
Cost per square foot: $22.10” These numbers and actual use numbers would
certainly facilitate improved evaluation for this investment and future
investments In our communities.
Public Skatepark Development Guide
Resource for advocates and planners seeking information about public
skateparks. If you’re working on a public skatepark project. https://publicskateparkguide.org/
Lunch break. When I was growing up local concrete parks were not the norm. As a 49 year old it is taking some time as a skater and biker to learn to flow and get comfortable letting centrifugal force carry one through the transitions. Both exciting and/or scary depending on how you frame the experience.
Tony Hawk Foundation
The Tony Hawk Foundation fosters lasting improvements in society with an
emphasis on supporting youth in low-income communities through skateboarding
programs and the creation of skateparks. https://tonyhawkfoundation.org/
