For all the future builders of skateparks out there, here is a behind the scene look at what it takes to set up a demo-course. Even the small events come with hard work.
What was important to the CA Ramp Works Team (Dug, Rueben, and Travis) on this day, was that the Red Bull skate demo was to start around 2pm at the Art Institute in Costa Mesa, CA. What this translates into is hauling a skate course by trailer from Mesa, Arizona, the previous day and making one stop in LA at their sister warehouse for an additional piece- a gigantic quarter-pipe. Despite the awkwardness, Reuben and Dug man handled the ramp up onto the trailor. Next stop- La Quinta Inn and Suites.
6am- wake up call. Assembly begins. The course was up before noon. Red Bull's Event Manager, though pleased with the course, showed some concern over her main rider Jeremy Rogers. I guess he was "on his way".
Dug and I decided to "test-skate" the course, as it is hard to just look at a skateable piece. The crowd thinks Dug is the show and starts taking pictures. He ollies over me, as I sit on the edge of the fun box (speaking of- I need to find that photographer).
3pm- the first Red Bull rider shows up. Though instead of skating he lingers around, timid to skate on an injured ankle, and unmotivated without his teammate.
4pm- Jeremy finally shows. No sign of skateboard. He asks for food and drink, and proceeds to walk around the course. His teammate has found a few lines without him. Complaints and excuses begin to spill from his mouth as if he had this planned even before he showed... something about the course being sketchy and a waste of his time, besides that he had a rap career he was trying pursue, and the Art Institute event seemed to offer no aide to his current or future career. Interestingly enough, he didn't seem to mind talking to the camera crew there:)
5pm- demo is over, and we head to the VIP bar. After we return, the course has turned into seating for the coming fashion show.
9pm- people start to clear out. The ramps start to come down.
11pm- stop at Hooters for some grub.
Next day- we return the quarter pipe and drive home.
Needless to say, Jeremy Rogers was not the only one who seemed to be inconvenienced that day. As much as I'd like to say that fame has gotten to his head, making him self-seemingly above skating something that is absent of national coverage (hate to tell ya Jeremy- you may have been on his show, but you aren't Sheckler- and I don't think anyone in that audience would have known who you were anyway).
On the otherhand, it would also be easy to say that how Jeremy reacted was really just the true skater at heart- unconsciously saying to himself- can't I just skate without an audience anymore? But, the reality is, when he signed that contract, he signed up for the entertainment industry. So, on that note, I'm sure we've all had a case of the pre-madonnas, and even the once humble, unnoticed skateboarder isn't immune to it anymore.To hear more about the art event click here, or go to dirtcityzine.blogspot.com.
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