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| We're almost through with the worst three months of the year when it comes to riding: December, January and February just plain suck. If you live anywhere in the Northern United States, you're probably still dealing with snow-covered ramps and riding areas, freezing cold weather, sandy parking lots -- all terrible riding conditions. Most of the time it's easier to stay indoors and watch videos than brave the cold, which is what I usually do (the "vacation time" from riding is often a nice break). There's only one other option: run for cover.
RIGHT: Superman seat grab. The skatepark is Canadian; Tom Masterson isn't. Neither is Dave Muggleston, who shot this photo. |
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Warm cover, if possible. Taking a tip from the birds and heading south to warmer climate is always effective. But if you don't have the money or time off from work/school to do that, the only other option is heading indoors. The good news for New Englanders is that there are places to go.
Flatlanders have a hard time finding an area that is covered, well-lighted, clear, flat, and relativly dust- and sand-free. If you're one of these people, consider yourself lucky, 'cause they're few and far-between. One of the most poplular winter riding spots in NE was the Underground in Watertown (near Boston) -- basically a seldom-used (on weekends) underground parking garage. LEFT: Jim Cavanaugh stays warm at Cote's warehouse while spinning a gliding stick-b thing. Photo by Kieran |
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| These days John Cote (the guy whose dad ran the "King of the Flatland" series in the late 80's-early 90's, and who took over after him) has some impromptu jams at his heated warehouse in New Hampshire. Although the place is kinda dusty (a great place to have "King of Dust" comps...), making scuffing a bit tricky, beggars can't be choosers in winter. It's warm, it's flat, there's a decent amount of room, and it's just good to get together with friends I haven't seen since autumn.
New England ramp riders often head for the skateparks in the area: there are places in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Boucherville (near Montreal), Canada. ZT Maximus in Cambridge is the most popular of these, for three reasons: location, location, location. Although the ramps are shared with skaters (or maybe they share with us?), it's a good place to get some winter practice in. There are a bunch of smallish quarterpipes, a vert ramps, with a low ceiling, and a 3/4 bowl mini-ramp thing, among others. And another bonus: there aren't any rollerbladers there. Dirt riders...well, I guess they just have to wait until spring. |
 ABOVE: John Maul manualing the corner of the bowl thing at Maximus. Photo by Mug. |
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