ZUMIEZ 100 K BLOG

14.01.2008 / Gabe Taylor / comments (4) / views (1192)

After dragging my feet for two days I left Mammoth on Mon. Jan. 7. The 8 ft. of snow we had received over the previous 4 days was greeted by bluedbird skies and little wind. I however, was packing my bags to leave town and head out to Zumiez annual 100K event in Keystone, CO. The drive to Reno was as hectic as they come and the HP had us creeping at speeds of 35 MPH the whole way. I squeeked into Reno minutes before my flight and was off to CO. The drive from Denver up to summit county was filled with even more roadway treachery. Icy roads, big rigs, pissed off drivers and blizzard conditions made the drive a real hoot. Luckily Blaise serenaded us with 2 hours of art stories so things flew by.
The temperature in Colorado hits my bones like a cracked out dominatrix. It's always really cold there, freezing ass cold. For Tuesdays shred session I wore long underwear, long sleeve shirt, sweater, fleece, jacket, mitts, hand warmers, neck gaiter, 2 beanies…. I felt like that kid from "A Christmas story". The jumps at Keystone are always super fun and the triple line dished out some much needed air-time. After risking life and limb hitting big park jumps in flat light we filled our late afternoon with a slew of epic tree runs. Tree jibs, little droppers and other tasty morsels were awaiting destruction around every bend. Our local guide Ryan, showed Mitch Nelson, Tim Semple, Big Joe, JP Walker and myself the goods. Thanks Ryan. The unfortunate news of the day was that my friend Stosh Mania hurt his ankle trying to jib a rail with his shins. Get better Stosh, we'll see you in Tahoe.
The big event was held that night for all the Zumiez employees that sold more than 100K in product. Mitch, Blaise, Laura and I rolled in a little late and were once again overwhelmed with the 1200 employees that made the 100K mark. We quickly ushered ourselves backstage and joined the mob of pro snowboarders, skaters, surfers and industry execs that were already enjoying the free booze. The names at this event never go unnoticed, here's a quick list off the top of my head. Tony Hawk, Kelly Slater, Shaun White, Koston, Rowley, Aarto, Lance Mountain, Tony T, the pop singer Pink, Lil Jon, Danny Kass, JP Walker, Jake Burton and literally a hundred others. I was stoked to meet Kelly Slater this year but the guy dissed me and kept complaining about the guacamole being too hot. Whatever, I guess it's lame to write down some stupid list but still, it's pretty crazy all the heavy hitters that show for the event. Afterwards Blaise, Mitch, JP and I drove halfway around the state looking for something to eat. When traveling with Blaise always be prepared to drive or walk around for hours looking for food. My first international trip we went to Japan and I'll never forget Blaise dragging us around Tokyo looking for this one particular Indian restaurant. We did find it and it was insane, but I'd never been around anyone like that.
I'm now on the plane back to Cali. We're going out to Sonora tomorrow to start filming for the Autumn Line movie. Thanks to Zumiez for having us, see you next year.

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  17.01.2008 at 09:26
  cheshirefoxXx: sounds like a trip, art stories and everything..
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  18.01.2008 at 07:15
  Mania: UHHHN son bad day for me but ill let you know, cheese grating your shin down the deep grooves of a culvert pipe is amazing the way you can hear your bones vibrate like an xylophone and when you reach the end of the pipe you feel like your bone shattered into a million pieces :)
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  20.01.2008 at 02:22
  Banks: Woo...For Mania killing his ankle, NOT!!! Major bummer!!! He should be up soon though, might even be coming up tomorrow!!! Man that event was such a blast...COLD COLD COLD!!!
• 
  27.01.2008 at 07:55
  K-Man: Hey man thanks for comin' out we'll probably see ya next year. By the way, I won the Artec contest for Zumz so prolly see ya soon! PEACE

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