Early morning conditions

Darin's boat

Travis and Loca gettin' ready

A little rough for my liking :)

The first day I was at "The Spot" was unreal. We rode behind the X-Star that is pulling the tour- thanks Sam. Not only did I land my first half cab roll (I'll leave the number of unsuccessful attempts off of here), we shared the lake with some other riders. Now, usually when I have to share a morning of butter with someone I'm a little bummed... but we were on the lake with Scott Byerly, Ryan Wolfe, and Collin Harrington. Ronn Siedenglandz (Sidewayz Productions) was shooting some video of Darin and the rest for his upcoming film. He wasn't too interested in shooting my riding... although I would've given him some killer bail footage. 

Travis Moye

Travis is a kick ass instructor who has a genuine love for the sport. I learned more from Travis in one day than I have in 3 years of riding. His driving skills are awesome (don't cry Greg... you're still da' man)... must have something to do with the fact that he is driving the pro tour, Gravity Games, and the X Games. Perfect double ups every time which allowed me a chance to really get some good practice hitting 'em. Travis gave us some great insight on what is going on with the Orlando scene.  We finished our day by watching Darin and Collin go off. KGB's, 7's, Crow 5's, Batwing to blind... they were killing it.

Bat Wing to Blind

7

Darin declined my weight lifting tips.

Day two was one that'll stick in my mind for a long while. Travis had to leave and head to Pensacola for the weekend tour stop, so we had the chance to spend the day with Darin (who didn't have to leave 'til the next day. The day was windy and the water basically sucked so he recommended we head over to OWC to try the cable park. It took just a short while to get used to the cable (I gave the audience quite a show with my first two raley-like entries head first into the water) and after about 15 mins. I was hitting the sliders and kickers. Darin was so pumped that John, Ed, and I were hitting the sliders so well he said "pack it up... we're headin' back to my place to hit my slider". This is the first time I truly saw his love for the sport. You could just feel the passion that he has to get out and ride. Seriously, it sounds cheesy but he was genuinely pumped for us and to ride. We sped back to Mary Jane and had about a half hour for the four of us to tear up the slider. I slid the entire 50 foot slider on my third try. Darin went last as the sun went down and was pulling some sick shit. Ed had the chance to pull him. Needless to say he was freaking out... "I am pulling Darin fucking Shapiro man". That night we got some take out and Darin just chilled with us for a few hours. It was just like hangin' with one of the boys.

Half Cab Roll... FINALLY

Mastering the slider

Not quite Darin, but I'll take it.

We need to build one of these

Day three we were sore as hell from getting our asses kicked for the past couple days. Darin headed out for Pensacola and we spent the morning riding with Ky- the guy who developed OWC. We mostly spent the day swimming around the lake trying to get the slider re-anchored (while trying to avoid the gators).

MONEY WELL SPENT! Check 'em out if you are interested in furthering your skills and just wanna have a great relaxing time in O-town... tell 'em I sent ya'! Check out their web site for more info.

Thanks Travis, Darin, Heather, Ky, Collin, Sam, John, and Ed for a memorable experience. 

oh yea... and remember to help Travis wipe down the boat :)