x-games are awesome

I spent the last few days watching recordings of the x-games 14 and I am a huge fan. I got the privilege to attend the x-games (I think it was number 2) when it was in Philly a number of years ago and have been hooked ever since.

The things that these athletes can do with a skateboard, bmx bike, or motorcycle is just awesome and the sportsmanship that they all show is incredible too. I enjoy watching athletes pushing the limits of danger (or insanity) to accomplish something that most of us would not dare to do.

The other thing I really enjoy is that the athletes really seem to be good friends. They cheer for each other, they train for each other and if something happens to a competitor they truly seem to care that they are ok. It is simply amazing that the support is there. Could you imagine Macca and Sadler enjoying a beer after Kona and enjoying each others company - instead of getting in a fist fight? Shoot, there are triathletes in Clermont that will not even talk to fellow competitors when on a training ride or run. I find it very comforting that athletes at the x-games can cheer for each other and help each through the competition - they truly look like they are having fun and enjoying everything special about competition.

Here are some pictures from my favorite events - Big Air, Step Up and Skate Half Pipe - being an ex boarder (I have graduated to the safer long board these days) seeing what people so on a skateboard these days is amazing.

Big Air is basically starting in the rafter of the Staples Center - heading straight down and ramp - jumping a 70 foot crevasse (while doing a trick), landing, going up the quarter pipe that is 40 feet high - hucking yourself another 20 feet in the air and doing a trick - then landing - ALIVE!



Step Up is cool - because it is the high jump on a motorcycle - the rider starts about 15 feet from a dirt ramp that kicks them straight up in the air - they go over a high jump over 30 feet in the air and land on the other side - ALIVE!


I think that athletes (myself included) can learn a lot from these x-gamers and how they treat each others and seem to really support each other.

Happy training - stay hydrated.