Note: All stops on the Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark Tour are completely FREE to the public, so if one of the stops is in your area - go check it out!

Here we sit parked on the side of Highway 610 in Houston, getting a ticket for doing 70 in a 55. We made it a whole 10 miles before the Houston po'lice jacked us up. Looks like I got some time to reflect back on yesterday's demo. We arrived at the park about 3:20pm that's 4:20 New York Time. Southside Skatepark is a brand new park built with Birch wood by Animal Chin Ramp Builders, Team Payne. The place was packed out to a standing room only crowd. Tony and the boyz filled in to the sounds of D.M.X. Now when I say boyz, what we're talking are the likes of Eric (Laker Fan) Koston, Alex (Big Backside Drop) Chalmers, Kerry (I can do any trick) Getz, Jason (The TV Star) Ellis, Bucky (Baltimoron) Lasek, Jesse (I don't like rap rock) Fritsch, Riley (The mini destroyer) Hawk, Mike (Rooftop) Escamilla, late arriver Mike (Don't make me mad) V., Sal (Skateboard spokesperson) Masekela and last but least tour funny man Robert (The Chef) Earl.

Tony Hawk- Life is Good.

The tour bus is unbelievable as usual complete with 2 big screens, a VCR, a DVD Player and a couple of fridges. I even got to spec the new Flip Video that's not even out yet; save your money kids this flick is sick. Our bus driver John (a.k.a. Mr. Clean) is a big dude, he looks Sylvester Stalone in Rocky 1. John's two bus rules are no puking on the bus and no crapping on the bus; I guess he never saw CKY2K! If you see a bus plastered with the Hawk Tour Logo cruising around America don't be alarmed, just get out of the way because it's only the best skaters and BMX riders in the world.

Mike V was flown in the day of the demo because his band (Mike V and the Rats) played the night before. Check out Mike V at www.mikevallely.com. Mike didn't arrive until after the demo and put on an impromptu bowl session with Fritsch. I don't want to get ahead of myself so lets rewind back to the demo. It was 90 degrees in the shade, and probably 100 inside the park. The temps never affected the boyz though. Koston was his usual incredible self, f---ing up every handrail in the place. Getz was doing double kick flips to manuals like they were kick turns. I have never seen such board control in my life under one roof.

Mike V. on route to Houston to meet up with Tony and the boys.

Bucky pulled a switch double flip on the street course twice. Jason Ellis was attempting a big spin up a 2 foot step up gapper, correct me if I am wrong but aren't Bucky and Ellis Vert Skaters? I guess nobody told them.

Alex Chalmers pulled a frontside flip on an 8-foot hip that blew my mind. Riley Hawk was kick flipping 5 stairs and a 4-foot ramp to bank transfer, this kid is really getting good. Like father like son, Riley is becoming quite the chip off the old block. Rooftop was doing 540s on the same hip Chalmers was hitting. Tony was throwing down 15 yard long nose slides smooth as butta. The level of skating that took place was in-describable, make sure to check out the coverage so you can witness what I witnessed. The T.H.G.S.T stop #1 is the books. Stop #2 is set for Kona Skatepark in Florida, a place we visited on the first Hawk Tour. Kona is celebrating their 23rd anniversary. I can't wait, I love that park. It was built in the 70's, back before most of you were born! The Park has got something for everyone, old school and new school alike. I just got the word that Dave Mirra will be joining us, how sick is that? I guess we better stock up on the Slim Jims.

Mike V. missed the demo but signed more autographs than anyone.

1 stop down 9 to go. For all the latest 411 on the tour look no further then EXPN.com the worldwide leader in action sports. In the immortal words of Mike V… Stand Strong.

Peace out,

Brad J

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