Another bright and warm day in the deserts of Palm Springs; the crew woke up a little more exhausted than the previous day, but still eager to ride. We had spent the night prior bonding by the hot tub, sharing stories, laughter, and enjoying each other’s company over some Cervezas and fake White Claws. We also saw nature in its rawest form, involving a baby bunny and the predatory owl… but I won’t rehash the trauma here.
Today’s adventure took the crew to La Quinta Skatepark, a brand new build still incomplete and wouldn’t be set to open until another week. It was to date, the largest park of its kind in the region with an estimated bill of 5 million; and we got to ride it first. At this point, everyone was trying a little harder to use whatever remaining energy they had left in the tank, which was made harder with the lack of shade that this new park offered at the time. Off to the corner, I could see Angie setting up a street nibble line with Dan, and to the left, Maca filming a large hip gap in the newly built bowl.
After La Quinta, and after another amazing vegan lunch spot chosen by Colin and a quick stop at Kings Rideshop, we ventured to a church with perfectly made quarters. Who came up with the design we don’t know, but we decided to bless God’s creation by riding it. It wasn’t long until a woman came out and started yelling at us; saying things like we were desecrating God’s creation to only receive in return, quick quips by the crew. Honestly, there was no way to be discreet with two sprinter vans and a huge RV with Vans plastered all over it. The crew managed to get some quick clips in and thanks to the screaming lady, she made the spot a true street spot, after all… it’s not street until you get kicked out.
The last stop of the day took us to Palm Springs Skatepark, another beautiful spot with a large bowl and a park/street section. Hovering over the bowl were strings of lights, and although we didn’t stay until nightfall, I can only imagine how much more beautiful this place would have felt with the lights on and shadows from the palm trees moving with the flow of the wind. Echoing what was said earlier, the crew pumped whatever remaining energy reserves they had left to ride this park, and whatever extra they had, was given to Teresa that evening.
Day 8 would technically be our last day of riding on the trip, as Day 9 took us to Huntington Beach for the Vans x Bloom Jam. It was hard to believe the trip was practically over.
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