BoardFree: Goodwood

‘Skating across big cities has always been a part of my skating so when I took delivery of Scarlet, my Rolls Rolls, in the autumn of 2007, things just clicked. I’d not thought about a board specifically designed for long distances before and used to make do with a big old vert board and some soft wheels. I shortly found myself doing miles and miles without realizing how far I’d traveled. I was hooked.

Winter soon came along and I thought that I should plan something next year. Skate New Zealand was happening and I was stuck inside. In January I made a big effort and did my first early morning skate from Reading to London. Boy did that pint at Paddington station feel good as I waited for my train chatting to a guy from Wales. “What’s that? It looks the business.” asks him. “It’s a long distance skateboard. I just skated here from Reading (LOOK AT ME!)” say I.

Now I was really up for something in the summer. Having completed the Goodwood Roller Marathon in 2007 on my Lush Kilima, I promised that I would turn up again this year and better my time. To add a little spice, I thought about tagging a road trip on either end. Ben and DaveC signaled their interest and Boardfree Goodwood was born. A nice little skate in the country with a sub two hour marathon thrown in for good measure.

I’ve managed to plot half of the route so far taking in small lanes. I even managed to skate half of it for fun arriving in Liphook where the campsite (pub) can be found. The landlady running the pub was very friendly and I’m looking forward to staying at this halfway house.

With only two weeks to go, I have a little surprise for my fellow campers. The route from Liphook to Goodwood takes in the A286 which is a very busy road. There are no other options save for traveling round the South Downs so 5am starts will be the order of the day. Also, I have intentionally not located an official campsite near Goodwood Racetrack meaning that we will have to ‘do a Rob (Thompson)’ and free camp somewhere – preferably somewhere slug-free. Ray Mears need not worry too much about competition.

I was aiming to raise 500 Pounds for the NSPCC however I’ve stalled at 210 Pounds. That’s a fair amount by anyone’s standards, and I’m very happy that many people have pledged their support.

My bag is packed, and my go faster Lycra running shorts have been washed ladies. All I need now is a mosquito net, a spell of decent weather, and the open road.

For more information about the event, see http://www.goodwoodmarathon.co.uk/ and if you would like to support the NSPCC, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/boardfreegoodwood

 It’s 75 miles to Goodwood, we got a full bottle of meths, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses

Hit it.’

Recieved via email from UK 24hour record holder Keith O’Leary concerning his upcoming skate.

P.S. thanks to Tom Chase for re-sizing the images.