I'd been Slalom Skateboarding for about a month when the first local competition came up, knowing full well that I wouldn't stand a chance of making the course, never mind qualifying, I was convinced to take part regardless.
It was in the East of London, set at Hog Hill, a brand new cycling center with amazingly smooth tarmac and a pretty steep hill. Compared to the flat land I'd been practicing on in Hyde Park, this was a bit of a challenge for me. Then Mike brought out the starting ramps. Jesus.
Thanking the gods for my helmet and pads, I had a few practices runs which never ended up in a pretty way, generally the surrounding hills were filled with my girlish screams whilst I raced down the hill wishing that I knew how to stop.
When it finally came down to race time, I forwent the ramp and still managed to miss 50% of the cones. Despite this, I was pretty pleased with myself!
The racing was fast and frantic, truly amazing to watch really. Everyone wanted to see Martin, the local pro, against the up and coming Louis who is thought by everyone to be the next "big thing".
Sadly Martin beat Louis in the second round, so the final was between Martin and Sam, an old, fast hand at slalom.
In the driving rain, Martin picked up a win and became the first champion of Hog Hill
Ramps. Great. (That's Louis on the near side)
Yes! I made a cone!
Sam in full flight
Kim in "Top Gun" moment
