So here's a recap of the events of the Cal State Games.

On July 14, 2004 I set out on a 4 AM skateboard ride to the Civic Center Bart Station, with backpack in tow. Ripping down the San Francisco hills is pretty nice when there isn't anyone else on the road. I got to the Bart station with no problem, and promptly waited 20 minutes for the first train to the Eastbay, and once I got to Oakland, I had to try to get from the station to the airport. Mind you my plane was scheduled for departure at 6:45 AM which means you can log in at the auto-check in kiosks no later than 6:15. It's about a 15 minute "Air Bart" shuttle ride, and the service starts at 6 AM.

So I decided to take the #50 bus to the station, no worries (or so I thought) as it runs all day, about every 20 minutes.

I was standing at 20 to six at the stop waving at the woman driver, and she completely blew past me...so I was left cursing, with the option to take a cab (having about 5 bucks in my pocket, this wasn't an option) or wait for the 6am "Air Bart" (still 20 min away) or hold out for the next bus...so I just waited and tried to relax.

So it's 5 min to six, and the next #50 comes around, and I ask "Does this go to the airport?" The woman replies, "Yes." and promptly sits in the bus, without moving for about 3 minutes (so I'm freaking out, wondering if I'll make it to the airport in time) finally, she gets on the way, and we get to the aiport (terminal 2) at about 10 min after six (and we passed the "Air Bart" so I was pleased I didn't try to take that). I hop on the skate, and rush into the door, and Jet Blue is all the way at the end of Terminal one...I get logged in at 12 after six, with a full 3 minutes to spare...score!

I fall asleep on the plane, and wake up in Long Beach, which is pretty sweet...about a 20 degree temp. change for the better. I grabbed a rental, and drove to Hermosa, and met up with some friends at Hennessey's right on the beach, after a quick swim (and a few games of Marco Polo) at the pool. Then my buddy Nick Doyle and I walked up and down the boardwalk, and I got a major bit of sun on the face...(food was great, big burgers and mammoth 12" fries)

I got on the road around 5 and started on my way to Patty McD's house and got super grumpy in the traffic, till I hit the toll road and was ripping it around 80, and still getting passed like I was standing still...the SoCals drive *real* quick.

Best thing in the world for a sore back from driving...hit the beach, and surf. Pat and I went to a nice spot with rolling waves, and really warm H20. My first ride was the best, I actually got up to my feet, grabbed the rail for support, and rode it in. super stoked. We capped the night off with Rubio's, and at an s-load of fish tacos.

The next morning, we drove down to San Diego and Patrick Henry High School. We were well rested and the sun was out super warm (I love jumping in the heat). The problem was the HJ apron was ASPHALT! Not wanting to kill ourselves, we lobby for the HJ pit ot be moved to the turf infield. The Nike turf was ok, to jump off of, however, neither of us ever got to full speed.

Now for the results...

Patty wins over all, and his age group with a whopping leap of 6'5"
Pete gets second over all, and wins his age group (old fart 25-29) by default, as there were no other competitors with a HUGE clearance of 6'3".

So what does this mean...it's up to the Jury of Sting Poompsters....

1.) Pete has to pee his pants 'cause he jumped like a weenie
2.) Pete gets one more shot on a real track to jump 2.02 and the wager with Pell still stands because of turf conditions...

it's up to you guys.

Holla Back.

-Z
- posted by Pete Ippel @ 10:34 AM