Glory Freestyle said:
The Colorado boys will be there.
Hey LP, you're going to be there too, right?
Yep - it's been 9 years since we started this whole thing (I didn't realize Murph was at the first one!)...I remember the first year when we got tired of Mexico being such a PITA so Joe Gisicki and I got the bright idea to drag some people to Pismo instead. We had 33 riders and thought that was huge. And then the 2nd year -
The Man, Joe Kenney showed up and came bombing right into the middle of the camp site with his then new panel van and promptly got stuck. I was bent then that he effectively cut the campsite in half - little turd. How hilarious is it that he wants us to be sure and "circle the wagons" this year so the gang isn't physically split down the middle? LOL!
The ride continued to grow over the years...I remember midnight moonlight rides in the surf with the only people who were brave enough to do so (THE CHICKS) - That was the year Joe did a backflip off the top of a porta-potty which was residing in the bed of a lifted truck and broke his foot ....and missed the next competition because of it. I also remember bombing through the dunes and giggling our azzes off all night, Laurel catching her new truck on fire trying to tow some guy out of the sand, unbelievebly freakishly high tides, A new rider by the name of Mike Serlin having to sleep next to the campfire because another rider (who shall remain nameless) was gettin' busy in his tent, waking up in the wee hours to giant fire balls as race fuel + litre bottles + fire make an interesting combination, great food, tasty beverages and hanging out with the best friends a person could ever wish for.
Then two seasons years ago Joe decided we'd put on an official competition...so off to Grand Avenue we went and the whole gig took on a whole new persona. Riders from all over the world showed and the industry took notice. He pioneered an entirely new scoring system and stepped up freeride to a whole new level. And kicked azz in the process.
And then....well, we all know what happened that fateful evening. I vivdly remember the last time I spoke with Joe before he was attacked. He was supposed to join Michelle and I in Daytona for the freeride there. It was a Wednesday evening and he called to let me know he wasn't going to make it...he had a new job and a new pad and was "back on the grid" and completely intent upon making a great start of things, so he didn't think it would be a good idea to fly to Florida for the weekend and party with us all. Though we understood his position, he was sadly missed that weekend. We had no idea how close we came to missing him completely and forever. I got the call mid-way home on Joe. That was the longest flight back to Cali, and the longest drive to the central coast of my life. I feared I'd never see my friend alive again. But Joe fought back. He's a fighter like that.
Last year CarolAnne and I did our best to do Joe proud and continue his legacy and comeptition until he was ready to take it back over. That time has finally come and I cannot tell you how happy I am we will all be together this weekend, riding, having fun and hanging out with Joe.
Everyone drive safe - we'll see you all soon,
LP
