Ride For Belief!

Since this is more or less a learning experience for me I figured I would start a focus section on what is neccessary for a cross country trip for anybody else whos dream it is to see the whole of North America. I found this list on L.L. Bean while I was searching for proper supplies:

Backpacking is a challenging and fun way to have an outdoor adventure. Use this list with the Outdoor Essentials list to make sure you have all the gear you need for a fun, safe and comfortable experience.

□ Backpack

□ Tent

□ Ground cloth

□ Sleeping bags

□ Sleeping pad

□ Hiking poles/staff

□ Stove & fuel

□ Cookware & utensils

□ Water purification

□ Water bottles/carriers

□ Itinerary

□ Clean-up supplies

□ Personal hygiene

□ Food bag

Backpack Check for loose, broken straps. Ensure proper fit for maximum comfort.

Tent Set up your tent in the backyard before your trip to become familiar with the process and to make sure you have all of its components.

Ground cloth Protects the bottom of your tent. Make sure the edges are tucked under the tent to prevent water from pooling.

Sleeping bags Make sure you choose the correct temperature rating for your area. 20°F bags are generally the most versatile. Wear a wool or synthetic hat to prevent heat loss while sleeping.

Hiking poles/staff Reduce strain on knees and provide added stability. Wrap duct tape around poles for quick access.

Stove & fuel Test and retest your stove before your trip. Bringing a spare tank of stove fuel is always a good idea.

Cookware & utensils Nesting pots and using aluminum foil for a lid take up less space. A spoon, spatula and sharp knife are a must. Pack one cup, plate and bowl for each member of your group. A mesh bag is a great way to store and dry your items.

Water purification Boiling water is effective but is time-consuming and uses up precious fuel. Other options include purification tablets, water filters and water purifiers that use UV light and chemical reactions.

Water bottles/container Carry two 32 oz. water bottles while hiking and have a larger collapsible container for your campsite.

Clean-up supplies Keep sponges and scouring pads in a plastic zip bag. They'll stay wet, and a bit soapy. A dishcloth and roll of paper towels will come in handy. Use biodegradable soap if possible.

Water container A folding water jug and plastic milk crate make a great combination for holding and transporting water.

Itinerary For any multiday excursion you should leave a detailed written itinerary with a family member or trusted friend. Make sure they know your route and when you expect to finish.

Personal hygiene Toilet paper and trowel, toothbrush/toothpaste and hand sanitizer.

Food bag Bring plenty of rope to hang your food away from clever critters. Sleeping bag stuff sacks work well.

The key to a great trip is preperation. It would be reckless to jump out into the wilderness with just a skateboard, a cell phone and whatever is in my wallet. Most of the material listed above is pretty cheap and can be substitued by other materials. For instance, a hiking pole. Any stick would work really as long as its durable and can hold your weight.

Besides the materials, you have to put thought into where you will be resting your head at night. There are plenty of campgrounds, most charge around $20 per night, with some group discounts. A good handheld GPS system is also important to have. Some come with maps preloaded on them, and others you can download maps onto the system. the Garmin e Trex 20 GPS is one that I am looking at.

Thanks L.L. Bean for the helpful information!

I got my Kahuna Moko Big Stick in the mail today! So much fun to ride with. Its alot like paddleboarding and canoeing. It's a crazy variable to throw into longboarding because its a real workout for the upper body. I'm a little worried about it snapping but I think if I just change up my movements a little bit I shouldnt have to worry about that. It's kind of all about momentum. I want to say you have to rock your body backwards when you put the stick to the ground then move forwords as you're pushing off the ground with the stick. Get that pattern down, smooth it out and economize that and youll be paddling through towns like it's nothing. That's what I'm hoping for! Thanks Cory at Kahuna Ceations for helping me out!

So I got the email on April 4th, 2012 from Guinness World Records telling me they are approving of my attempt at a record. Since then I've spent too much time on the computer spreading the word out to as many people as I can. Creating pages, finding sponsors, social networking, bleh. Besides that I wake up and hop on my longboard and ride until 1 o clock when I have to report to the gas station I currently work at. Then when I get there between pumping gas and charging fees I'm telling the customers about who I am, what I'm doing, what my cause is. Most peoples faces light up when they hear about what I'm doing. Others don't understand why I would put myself through so much physical stress just to make a point. My lovely girlfriend included! But I love those responses, I love the tougher questions people throw at me like that. I'm putting myself through that effort to show that I am not afraid to follow my dreams. The record is more or less for publicity to get my idea out to society. People will listen to what you have to say if you prove yourself with some awesome feat. It's evidence. The cold hard facts kind. 

If I can stir any movement in people it'll be to get up and pursue their dreams before the door closes forever. Any dream at all will do. It doesn't have to be long boarding across a country, it could be attempting to walk 5 miles after a horrible leg injury and being told that walking long distances will not be happening anymore. It could be growing a beautiful garden because you want to be self sustaining and live off what you can create. It can be making a different person smile everyday. It could be just making it through another hellish day at school or work or what have you.

Pursue happiness, it's a right that nobody can ever take away from us. Situations will pop up that might hinder you from taking the leap into the journey but that is life, that is how the river flows. Overcome those obstacles and dont let anything stop you from reaching your goals.

I met a man earlier this morning while I was longboarding on the Shining Sea Bike Path who is 83 and teaching himself how to rollerblade. I stopped and asked him why he was teaching himself now. His response simply was "It's always been a goal of mine to learn how to rollerblade, better late than never". He doesn't know it but he is an inspiration to me because he wasn't going to let his age stop him from trying something new. thats what I'm talking about when i say pursue your dreams, pursue happiness. Don't let things get in your way. Move past the problem and continue on your journey.

Blog 1. Outskies