Senior Day at the Skatepark...

About a month ago, we stopped by the skate-park (in the mall) so Carter could watch all the kids in action. While he was mesmerized, a seed was planted in the back of daddy's head.

While noodling on the internet later that day I noticed it... "Specials - Senior Discount Day Tue/Thur $5" -- I read further to realize that by being 30+ I qualified for this discount. A thirty year old Senior? In the cycling world, I'm a punk kid. I've been one of the youngest in the bunch for about 5 years. Masters categories start at 35, Seniors not until 55, but in the X-Game world, I was ready for my rocking chair.

I thought about this opportunity for a few days before purchasing some pads and a helmet. Parks rent them, but I figure as a "senior," I should be able to invest in my own vs. renting pads all musty and sweaty from punk skater kids.

Two weeks ago I made my return. I was disappointed that no other "Seniors" showed up. In their place were no less than 50 kids, which I would guess never played Super Mario Bros. on Nintendo or saw any of first Star Wars movies in their original release. Most were about 5' and 125lbs at best.

It made for an interesting dynamic. After several awkward runs, I managed to resume some of my pre-Senior tricks. Front-Side Grinds, Smith Grinds, 50-50, Pivot Grinds, Backside Disasters, and several Rail-slides were the tricks in my mature repertoire (sorry, no aerials at this point - not sure how much $$ is in our Flexible Spending account).

Most of the kids would leave me alone, probably thinking I was going to report any bad behavior to their parents. A few would say nice run or "sweet or sick grind" and ask me how old I was. After scolding one of the kids that continuously snaked (didn't wait his turn) the rest of us on the ramp - he dropped his head and apologized sheepishly. That's right, respect your elders.

Thanks for reading...