Things that Changed the Game

A good friend Sam, started a cool blog Things that Changed the Game.

It's an interesting project that he and his friend are doing got me inspired to post more on this and pursue some of the things I've wanted to do this year. Some of my goals this year: start a book, learn spanish, run in a triathlon/marathon. I'm doing the marathon now. I'm running in the NYC 1/2 marathon for Stoked. I'm on week 2 of my training regimen. I've slacked off this week and only ran 2. Tomorrow I'm doing 5 miles.

Skate Mentor was good today. I totally thought it was going to rain but it didn't. There was a snafu/miscommunication with the food, but we were able to work it out. The level of the circles keep increasing with the types of conversations and responses we're getting from kids. Tory, the volunteer of the year, came out to check out the program. It's always great to have non sport volunteers there. Makes me want to do a surf day with just our volunteers and supporters.

Raking in the dough

I was a junior/senior in high school when this some came out. The beat is absolutely out of control. This song also introduced the Bogle (sp). It's the dance that everyone in the video is doing. Man, everyone I know wanted to perfect the Bogle. Enjoy this video. It is def a blast from the past. Learn how to Bogle!

update

I just came from a stealth trip to LA to take care of some HR issues. A very expensive problem to fix. Meanwhile, I think I found a great solution to the problem. Will be unveiling soon. The past few weeks have been particularly stressful. Dealing with growth & sustainability issues. But whenever there are challenges, there are always opportunities. I love traveling simply because it gives me time to think. We will be doing more things with the site and especially in LA.

Program wise, we FINALLY launched skate mentor. with the help of our new program committee & manager, it went well. This is our 4th skate mentor and I always get nervous before we start. The rain stayed away and everyone had fun.

This picture below is pretty serious. Our biggest program to date:

stoked culture

one of the most gratifying aspects of running stoked is that a culture is starting to develop. slowly but surely, people are starting to develop habits, form cliques, bonds, and language are popping up. I just read a great blog from a mentor, Dave. He and his mentee M Cash are being chronicled through his blog.



I heard he's been busting ollies already!

"I Fully Believe I'll Walk Again"

When I first heard that Stephen Murray was paralyzed I was stunned. I'm not a big BMX fan, but there were a handful of guys that I always checked. Of course, Dave Mirra, then Ryan Nyquist, and then Stephen Murray. I remember watching the X Games years ago and seeing this hungry talented rider who moved to California from the UK to pursue his passion of being a professional rider. I even remember seeing a "day in the life" about how well he was doing, got married, had a baby, and even bought a BMW. It all came to a head at the Dew Action Sports tour when I guess he felt the pressure to earn a living and to go big for his family. Expn the Magazine wrote this cool and very inspiring article about his progress. You can actually donate to his fund. I'm humbled an inspired as I read this. One of those things that helps keep your life into perspective.

Brands I like... The BK Circus & The Hundreds

After being super sore from the BIKE NYC Tour, I got in nice and early to check my favorite blogs. A morning ritual to get inspired. I absolutely love and am inspired by 2 brands. The Brooklyn Circus which was founded by my college friend Ouigi. I check his blog often, b/c he's so damn creative and has assembled a community of people that love his shop. He's also expanded to SF and Chicago. He sells a trailer load of tee shirts and has heaps of collaborations in store for the future. A true maven. Plus, he's a homie.



The other blog I check everyday is The Hundreds

Bobby Hundreds and the his crew are tight as hell. I don't know him, but we know some people in common. You can tell they work super hard, love what they do, and you see how their brand communicates to its customers. Honestly, I sweat their stuff. The site is hot, they've recently expanded to SF. They're the type of brand, like The Brooklyn Circus, when they release a limited edition hat, there is a line down the block to buy it.

There are so many companies that want what theses guys have. What they have is community. Something that people can hold on to and something for people to believe in. Something that is even bigger than the original entrepreneur or founder has even imagined. The other thing that they communicate is honesty. You can see, read, listen, the the mindset and mentality of the company in its products and marketing. Rather, non marketing. When it comes down to it, they are putting us on to their lifestyle.