Death Grip

"Buy the ticket, take the ride."

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The Bonnie got fresh oil, and a couple minor fixes last week.  She showed appreciation for the love during our ride through the sunset hours yesterday evening.  About 45 miles with multiple photo-op stops, she started first kick every time, and caused me no problems.  Monmouth County is full of amazing views, winding roads, hills, ocean, and everything in between.  Sometimes a long ride doesn't have to take you long from home.  Thank you bonnie, we will likely ride again tomorrow.

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During a site visit for work, I drove past the Middlesex Greenway.  I had never heard of this Greenway before, but am familiar with similar trails in Monmouth County.  After hiking the property for work, I took a quick 15 min pit stop to do some exploring.  According to the info at the trailhead, this was once a very important railway which carried "black diamonds" aka Coal from the tidewater, inland.  This coal transportation was essential to city development.

Although I only made it about a quarter mile down the trail before it detoured into a neighborhood due to a bridge construction, it seems this 3.5 mile paved trail would be a fun skate.  Fresh pavement calling my cruiser's name.  And check the rules, no county harassment for 4-wheeled modes of transportation. 

Hopefully the next time I am at this site, the day is a little more dry.

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Splicing and Whipping Rope 101: Rafter Hanger Surf Racks.

Step 1: Tape and cut the rope; push a nail through the end.

Step 2: Press two nails through the same gap in the braid; twist the two nails to make a hole large enough to pass the rope end through.

Step 3: Repeat step two in the other side of the first splice.

Step 4: Pull both ends tight to finish the loop-splice.

Step 5: Tape the end to the long rope; begin wrapping the thread around the rope over the splice and over itself.

Step 6: Make a bite in the thread and continue wrapping; pull the bite to bring the knot under the wrap to complete the whipping.

Step 7: Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other side of the rope; use a looped wire to pul the first loop-splice through the second rope to complete the second loop-splice.

Step 8: Whip the second loop-splice.

Step 9: Re-attach the carabiner, then attach both ends to the eyes attached to your rafters/ceiling.  Mount eyes approximately 30-inches apart and on two parallel rafters to hold both the nose and tail ends of each board.

I finished and hung 3 sets in my garage; done once, done right, done forever.

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Dinner conversations sometimes can get a little out of hand; especially after dinner, and a few drinks.  Friday night was a prime example.  I laughed so hard as my neighbors Larry and his wife Katelyn, as well as me and my wife exchanged stories.  It was good to get to know them a little better; can't wait for the next round!

Saturday morning started early.  Its amazing how waiting for surf conditions is often equal to or more time consuming than actually surfing.  I woke up at 5:00, watched the beach cam till 6:00, got to the beach around 6:30, watched/walked/talked till about 8:30, then finally paddled out for a 2hr session.  For how crappy it looked from the interwebs and standing on the boardwalk, it actually was really fun.  Sat on the single fin out the back and just waited patiently for the set waves.  Solid overhead and it cleaned up while we were in the water; really can't beat it (well I guess you could…) for spring time.  The day continued with a ride in my good pal, and triumph mechanic/chopper builder Chris Keogh's Merc to get some brunch.  The flathead sounds and rides great!

Sunday was spent with the wife planting our newly constructed raised bed gardens.  We went nuts with tomatoes, all types of peppers, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, onions, and a bunch of spices.  Only thing left to plant is some various lettuces.  Cant wait to consume the fruits (and veggies) of our labor.

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Since moving back to New Jersey about 7 years ago, the seasons just have not felt normal.  This year is the first year that seems appropriate.  Starting with last fall; fall is typically my favorite season.  The transition from really hot to jeans and flannel weather really wakens my senses.  Its the best weather to skate in, ideal for camping, outdoor fires at night, usually good surf, and everyone is still smiling from the summer.  Winter this year actually felt like winter.  Cold as shit, and snow events every week.  I spent the winter coaching wrestling.  There is an ongoing joke that its always 80s and sunny in the wrestling room, so who cares about the winter!  However, we did get really good surf through the cold months as well.  This spring has been amazing so far.  Warm days, cool days, sun, rain… Just feels like spring.  As we move through this spring, I am starting to realize its these transition months that I like the most.  Opposite of fall, spring is a sign of hope from the cold weather to moving things outdoors before the summer.  Its a time for preparation. Plants are planted, trees turn green, and everything is growing.

Today I took my cruiser for a quick one down to the pond at the end of my street.  I have gone down there a few times, but never walked the full way around.  I've ridden my bike around parts, but never a full circle.  Its really nice; almost forgotten.  There is a larger lake a few blocks away that always has people, but this pond is always quiet.  There are nice trees and benches all around, and the walking trail as all grass.  Here are some photos from todays exploration around the pond.

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I wasn't 25 yet, so Courtney was the designated driver for the whole trip.  We arrived in Lisbon and spent two days wondering around. Our first night was spent at our hotel bar getting the lay of the country from the barkeeper.  The trolly around town is a cool way to see a bunch of neighborhoods, and moves slow enough to see some good sites.  

After a day of recovery from the first night, we drove north to Peniche.  Peniche is a quaint fishing village with a world class wave.  Surfing Super Tubos was great, slightly overhead, draining in about 18 inches of water. This was before the wave made the 'CT as an annual event, and the crowds were minimal. Growing up surfing in Jersey has its benefits when you drop in on a sucking wave like this.  

We woke up the next morning to a full on sand storm.  I remember the winds blowing in the range of 70 mph.  I had to open the car door for my girlfriend of less than a year (now my wife); but it was not out of chivalry this time.  It was out of necessity, she couldn't physically get the door open, get in the car, and get it closed safely.

We drove south to Evora.  Ahh wine country.  Got to hang in a college town for a night, only to get lost the following day on our way to the vineyard in the country.  We showed up late, and conveniently got grouped with a bunch of middle age Swedes during their tasting.  Our initial package included 2 tastes, this group ended up getting 7 tastes; which costed us no extra!  After getting loose with some wine, the head wine maker gave us a private tour of the vineyard.  Our conversations ranged from GWB politics to his schooling in Paris for making wine… Quite the range.  If you saw this guy on the street, you would never pick him for a wine maker of such prestige; he carried himself as a regular wine-o.

From here we drove all the way south to the southern beach area: the Algarve.  This was by far the most chill area of the country we had seen.  We just cruised around the city at our leisure.  Spent the night in the Nah Nah bar; a hostel/cafe/bar/restaurant.  I wish this place was in Jersey, just such an awesome vibe.

After a few days, we drove back north to Lisbon to finish out the trip.  My wife and I had an awesome opportunity to see each others true colors.  They say you learn a lot about someone when you travel with them.  The good and the bad.  I think we both knew sometime around this time we would be together forever.  6 years later and we are still going strong; stronger than ever in fact.  We both have evolved as adults from then till now and have learned so much from each other.  I couldn't be more grateful to share my life with my beautiful wife.

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BEEEEEP; BEEEEEP; BEEEEEP.  My alarm went off this morning at 5:00am; typically I would hit the snooze as many times as I can before its absolutely mandatory to wake up for work.  The promise of getting wet, always (well, almost) gets me up on the first go.  I got out of bed. rushed to get my gear out of the cluster fuck condition my garage was in. Packed my lunch, walked the dog, kissed the wife, and drove off.  On my way to the beach, I was rudely interrupted by my "smart" phone's calendar reminder for my 7:00am meeting.  No time to get in. Bummed, but work affords me the life I live and has to take priority.  Always another swell.

This is Chris Keogh and his Hap Jacobs Log; some other random photos as well.

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I showed up a day late. But since this was my third year attending this swap I had a good idea of the layout, and felt comfortable moving through at a good pace.  My great uncle Ted has been a staple at this show for decades, and I made sure to head right to his table.  Uncle Ted sports his leather that wasn't purchased "vintage"; its vintage cause he's been wearing it since it was cool the first time.  He's in his 80's, rides all the time, builds all the time, and is a true wealth of knowledge.  Only one way to describe Ted: LEGEND.  

McGillis and I moved through the first time around for a quick rummage through the endless parts.  This show is mostly Harley and Indian, so as a Triumph guy my tables were limited, but deals are to be had by all.  Dave, scored, again… Last year he scored major components for his chop, this year, he kept the ball rolling.  My project is nearing completion (thanks Chris & Rob), and I did not need anything major, but the stuff I grabbed will keep me moving forward.  Every time I leave this swap I wonder why I even look on eBay. The only good that comes from looking at eBay is it makes you feel so damn good about what you pay at the swap.

4+ hrs in the car, 3- hrs at the swap.  Rushed home to fulfill my coaching duties.  Now reflecting on anther packed day.  I sometimes complain about missing this, or missing that.  But when its all said and done, I am super grateful for all the opportunities I have, and even more grateful for the friends who make those opportunities possible.  You know who you are.  Keep trucking.

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The best of times,

Video via Nick Immediato.

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Pontone's bag of tricks gets deeper and deeper by the day.  

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Filmed and edited by the man himself, Charlie Pontone.

Handful of Death Grip dudes in there; backyard vert lives in NJ.

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Death Grip Griptape Friends session Groton Skatepark.  This was the last session of a 2 day, 5 park road trip through Connecticut.

Day 1: Stamford, Bristol, & Willimantic

Day 2: Plainfield & Groton

Next time I will try to film more... and clean the lens!

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Phil Jackson's photos always rule; this one is no different!  Andrew and Phil are traveling buddies and this is one from their most recent trip out to AZ.  They both make my job way easier... 

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Hit up the 5th Annual Gasket Goons Hotrod Hustle yesterday... An overwhelming number of amazing hot rods and bikes!  Here is just a sample of what was around.

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Half Owner of Death Grip Griptape Bryan Heller!

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Death Grip Team Rider Nick Immediato Frontside Air over the channel at FDR!

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And I can't wait to get on the road again...