Ambassador Report: Mega Skop and SAGRA Champs Announcement
The Mega Skop started at the Cape Town Civic Centre and covered the 15km’s to Tableview, along the city’s new NMT lanes (“non-motorised transport” – all the rage). Skateboarding is now legal on these paths. And, as skaters would have it, if there’s a road, there will be a race. The format was basic: R20 buy-in, and winner(s) take all.
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
Riders met at Pakalolo’s in Tableview, parked their cars and took the MyCity bus back to Cape Town. After a few high-fives and bear hugs, the 30 odd riders were ready to kick off. The starting format was everyone standing in a line, then running to grab their board and start kicking. From the kick-off a pack of riders pushed out far in front and worked hard to stay there. The rest of the field was spread out, some brave souls trying to catch the front pack, but the most of us in vain.
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
Within the first three kays, Reece Trout used his über-strong push to gain a lead on the rest of the pack. His break-away broke up the front pack of riders, and the distance between each individual rider and the next slowly grew bigger. Reece eventually won the thing, with Matt Crevald taking a tight second. Anel Van der Walt was the first lady across the finish line.
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
After the race had finished and everyone had cooled down, we proceeded to Pakalolo’s in Table View for a few well-deserved beers. Riders enjoyed the refreshments, reflecting on the race and just having a good time. For some riders it was the first time since Hot Heels to see old faces again. For other riders, it was a new experience to hang out, wait, and enjoy a good ol’ faff with the skating crew.
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
A few drinks later, it was time for prize giving and the crowning of the 2011 Downhill SA Champs (Rankings will be posted on the SAGRA website soon). The winner(s) in the luge/buttboard/junior categories were not present unfortunately. The first three spots on the 2011 ranking were filled by Glen Phillips in third, Raoul van den Berg in second, and Paul Du Plessis taking top dog.
All in all it was a fun afternoon and a rad day out. A big thanks to Alex Duss for creating the facebook event, Justin Boast for organising it and Candice Bouwer and Sharon Le Grange for helping out with admin and taking photo’s.
This event confirmed one thing to me, namely that the SA group of skaters really are a closely-knit family, and no matter what the event, keen to get involved and have a good time. It was rad to see old faces and, as always, meet new ones.
Cheers to that!
Photo by Sharon Le Grange
Authors: Lloyd
Original article http://firstnature.be/awesome/news/ambassador-report-mega-skop-and-sagra-champs-announcement/
