BMX/MotorX/Skateboarding

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

I'll admit it. I've watched more than one episode of Life of Ryan. Okay, I've watched more than one season. Now the Mtv reality show is late in its second season and I'm wondering if I can take any more.

I know there is lots of disagreement about Ryan Sheckler. But, love him or hate him, you have to admit the kid can skate. Not only that, he can market himself like no other (well, he's still no Tony Hawk!). I think what's so intriguing is that Ryan is really just a kid and yet he has a huge career, and a huge image to live up to.

Watching Life of Ryan proves that being a pro skater isn't just about showing up, skating and claiming the gold. Part of the "business" end of skating can be BORING.

I also have to admit that Ryan isn't my favorite person on the show. What does Kane have to do to get more airtime?? He is funnier than any of Ryan's crew, and he probably skates better than most of them!

Now as the new episodes are rolling in I guess I should recap season 2 for those who've forgotten. Taylor and Casey broke up which caused problems between Mitch, Casey and Ryan; Tony is feeling like the odd man out; Ryan bought a house; Ryan had a girlfriend for...umm...a week?; Shane finally convinced Ryan that he doesn't want to compete; Gretchen and Randy are both single again; Ryan and Casey are moving in together...Tony may or may not get an invite later.

So, what's the verdict? Anyone else watching Life of Ryan? Anyone give up on it already? Anyone else think that the voice-over sounds just a little too scripted??

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Finally there is a television show that even I can't watch. That show is Mtv's Scarred, a half-hour program that shows some of the most gruesome, bone shattering injuries in amateur action sports.

Now, I'm not typically a wimp about blood, broken bones and nasty injuries. I've spent plenty of time working in Emergency Rooms, where I've seen some awesome injuries. The thing that gets to me about Scarred is watching as the injuries actually happen.

There are a lot of the videos that I have no problem with (I'm actually oddly drawn to them). I have no problem watching as someone falls, or runs into someone or something and ends up with an injury. What makes me shudder is being able to actually watch as the bones break. And, as with any good home video show, those moments are shown over and over, including the frame by frame play that assures you catch every moment of the injury. The first episode I caught had a skateboarder who hit the back of his head on the pavement hard enough to cause a traumatic brain injury. Each time they showed the impact my head throbbed.

I don't know how they come up with the videos. They were obviously taken by kids of all ages from all over. But, the show does have a disclaimer that says that Mtv does not accept video submissions so I don't know how they get them. I guess the important thing is that they have the videos and they aren't afraid to run them.

If you haven't caught Scarred yet, and think you have the stomach for it, be sure to check it out on Mtv, Tuesday nights at 9:30 EST. You can also catch some clips on Mtv.com

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Like many parents I sometimes feel limited in the types of pursuits I can engage in with my kids. I've heard so many arguments from my friends as to why they don't take their kids along or why they have stopped with outdoor activities altogether. "I can't get my heart rate up with the kids along", "it's too dangerous", "they're too young." That's why I was thrilled to come across a book that proves that outdoor adventuring can be done (and fun!) with kids.

Extreme Kids: how to connect with your children through today's extreme (and not so extreme) outdoor sports was written by Scott Graham, a father of two. In the book he not only shows that these sports can be done safely but also asserts that "kids who participate in outdoor sports as youngsters learn caution and safety consciousness early in their lives." Those are skills that many kids in general don't have, even as they near adulthood!

Click here for my review of Extreme Kids by Scott Graham

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Not only was I thrilled to learn that Bam Margera was getting married (ok, thrilled in a "that's the most bizarre thing I can imagine" sort of way), now I find out that the whole thing will be on tv.

Admit it, your going to watch! You all know the havoc that Bam creates for April, Phil and anyone else who happens along. Now he has an entirely new group of victims who, as family, kind of have to take it. Until now, Melissa hasn't really been a huge target (at least with Viva La Bam, etc.). Does she love him enough to not kill him when he messes with her wedding plans? Brides can be dangerous when their weddings are threatened. And what about her family? Do they have any idea what they're in for?

I think it will prove to be a lot more fun than that Mtv show about the other "newlywed" celeb couple ever was. I mean, come on, Nick and Jessica never had a kayak or a paintball gun during their planning.

Check out Bam's Unholy Union, Tuesday nights on Mtv!

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Winter X Games 11 descended on Aspen this weekend. The energy was high as fans turned out in force to watch the action and catch sight of their favorites.

The base of Buttermilk Mountain pulsed with good music and cheering fans for four days. Vendors were out in force, offering free products and posters. A few lucky visitors walked away with free snowboards. Autograph sessions were held at a few of the vendor tents. Fans lined up for the chance to meet their favorite athletes (all of whom were very generous with their time and attention). Honestly, I waited at the Burton tent and was very impressed with how receptive all the athletes were to their fans. They took the time to listen to them and pose for photos, all while maintaining high spirits.

On the slopes, I was treated to some very nice weather, which only lasted a few hours- the sun goes down early!

The crowds were thick for the men's events, I was a little bummed that the women didn’t enjoy the same support. There was a guy there who seemed to know and dearly appreciate each of the girls. He stood behind me yelling to each girl when she finished her run. "Yeah sunshine, way to go", and other appreciative calls erupted from behind me. I know the girls heard him, the entire mountain heard.

Mono Skier X is amazing to watch. Those athletes fly over the hills and it seem to break all speed records. I'm so glad the event has been added to the Winter X Games.

My article, Winter X Games 11 Results lists all of the winners of the 2007 Winter X Games as well as some highlights.



Have questions or comments? Fell free to e-mail me

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

It is hard to believe that the history of snowboarding goes back only forty years. That forty years actually includes the earliest version of snowboards, the Snurfer.

As horrible as it is for me to admit, I'm old enough to remember a time when there were no snowboarders! I remember the disgust in peoples voices as they talked about the snowboarders that were starting to show up on our local slopes. And I remember my first. "What the ____?" moment as a snowboarder flew past me on the slopes.

How crazy is it that snowboarding is now one of the most popular winter sports in the world? The jump from being the pastime for slope-side bad boys to a mainstream sport in such a short time is an amazing feat.

In addition to the evolution of snowboarding, we also need to recognize the impact that snowboarding has had on other, more "traditional" winter sports. Skiing is no longer just a downhill race to the bottom. Terrain parks and big jumps are drawing skiers as well as snowboarders. Everyone is pushing the limits of their sports, pulling bigger tricks and getting bigger air.

For this week's article I decided to look into the history of snowboarding . It is amazing how far the sport has come in such a short amount of time.



If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me.

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

The Winter X Games are next weekend. In talking with some friends I realized that not everyone knows what events are offered in the X Games. A little thing like not knowing what "Skier X" is can keep people from even wanting to tune in.

Also, the games tend to change periodically. The events that you watched last year may not be offered this year.

Winter X Games Events is my effort to define the events as simply as possible and update you on the changes to the event line-up for 2007.

If you have any inside information you want to share about the Winter X Games (or any questions!) please e-mail me.

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Learning to ride a skateboard means nothing if you don’t know about your board and how to adjust it for the best ride possible.

I’m totally guilty of jumping in and learning how to do things without knowing how to keep my gear/equipment in check.

Skateboarding is a great sport that just about anyone can do. Once you’ve purchased your board and have it set up, all you need is time and a place to ride.

Learning to ride can be made a little easier with some fundamental knowledge. Do you know what to do about wheel bite and speed wobbles? Have you really checked out your trucks and wheels? At some point, you will have changed out trucks, wheels and bearings on several boards. But everyone has to start somewhere. Skateboard Parts for Beginners will familiarize you with the basics on the underside of your board.

If you have any information or suggestions to share with those who are new to skateboarding, feel free to e-mail me.

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Everyone has to start somewhere. If you're new to skateboarding you may be nervous about buying your first board. Even the most basic information can seem like an alien concept if you've never been exposed to it before.

So, what is a deck? What do you need to know? Skateboard Decks for Beginners will give you the most basic information about your new deck.

Manufacturers offer different options on their decks; powerbeam, featherlight, Resin-8, are all specialty options that you may not find on your beginner's board. As you get more experience and figure out your own style you'll be better able to decide what board and options are the best for you.

If you have any questions or want to offer some tips feel free to e-mail me.

Posted by Jodi Gallegos

Well, the end of another year is here.



As is the tradition, it is time to look back on the year. Big in 2006 is my look back at some of the moments in action sports that stood out. Granted it isn’t a comprehensive look at EVERY big moment of the year. These are the moments that stood out to me as advances in the sports and examples of the amazing determination of some people.

My personal favorite moment of '06 was being at Primal Quest Utah. It was hot and dirty (oh, and I was lost a lot!). But I had so much fun and learned a lot. What a great experience.

2006 was also my first year at Suite101.

I hope that everyone has had a great 2006 and has amazing goals for '07!