By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@Centrevillepress.com
“We’re raising money for a good cause and seeing the country while doing it,” said Tristan Lock. He and his trek-mate Josh Stowe (both in their mid-twenties) have embarked on a journey that they will remember and likely talk about for the rest of their lives. Most importantly however they hope people recognize their cause.
Tristan and Josh are doing something nearly (if not altogether) unprecedented. They are in the process of traveling from Virginia Beach, Virginia to San Diego, California on skateboard. The reason for this excursion is to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition affecting some of Tristan’s friends. It is this personal encounter with the disorder which has moved him and Josh in ways few dare to move or even dream of moving.
The pair recently came to Brierfield Park. “We camped where we could see the furnace,” explains Tristan.
The skateboarders were seen, Tuesday, April 20th on Highway 25 near Cahawba Christian Academy. They both seemed enthusiastic about seeing things that most people will never take the time to see. They seemed inspired by history, moved by hospitality, and energetic about educating people on their cause.
Their backpacks are loaded down with clothes, energy bars, water, hygiene products, camping gear and first aid equipment.
The pair skate rural roads with an enthusiasm and stamina that even considering their youth, is awe-inspiring. Though sweating and slightly winded there is a glare of adventure in their eyes, a wonder and a hope that comes from youth. Looking beyond that one can see a formulating wisdom, which comes from openness and understanding.
Perhaps one of the most peculiar truths behind their story, already too long for a newspaper article, is that they didn’t know one another until this trip began.
“The first day I met Josh was the same day we took off on this trip. I started setting up this whole trip and got set up with the National MS Society as a registered fundraiser. Then realized I couldn’t do this by myself. All of my friends told me I was crazy, so I put an ad up on Craigslist, looking for somebody to come with me. Josh responded,” Tristan said.
Tristan and Josh have spoken with Dave Cornthwaite, the current World Record holder for long distance skate boarding. “He’s given us some advice. He told us not to over stress ourselves. He reminded us not to push ourselves beyond our limits,” Tristan said. Cornthwaite and other long distance skateboarders however, have not exactly done what Tristan and Josh are doing. “They usually have chase vehicles to carry their gear. We’re carrying 50 to 55 pounds on our backs and no vehicle is following behind us. Carrying that while skateboarding isn’t really fun,” Tristan explained.
They have had a few run-ins with the police, but both agree that for the most part law enforcement has been polite; especially once officers discover the point of the excursion. Tristan did however explain that one stop in Georgia began with a no-nonsense officer asking without hesitation, “Where’s the dope?”
Josh explained that on the first day of the trip an officer in Virginia stressed that they weren’t allowed to skate on the roads, which according to the skateboarders is not correct. Josh said he was able to explain to the officer that they were within their right and the law. “But those run-ins are few and far between, so far. Most law enforcement has been really cool,” said Tristan. Sheriff Edward Webb from Gates County, North Carolina gave them reflective vests and warned them of spots where high drug activity occurred.
Tristan explained that while the main focus of the trek is to raise awareness and money for MS patients, he also hopes to change the views some have about skateboarders. “Like any group we’re not all connected to the negative aspects which come with it. I consider myself open minded and so does Josh. We hope those we meet, who may think the image of skateboarding creates a certain stigma, will be more open minded after talking to us,” he suggested.
“A lot of books I have read are road journals. One of those that inspired me the most is called ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ by Robert Pirsig. It is about a father who decides to go on a motorcycle journey across the United States with his son. In the book one thing he tells his son is, when you are in a car you are looking through a window, but when you are on a motorcycle you are experiencing something.” Tristan explained that when someone does a journey such as this, they are going to experience a lot. He expresses that his eyes have been opened to a lot of things. “I didn’t really know what to expect when we got to Alabama but so far everyone has been amazing and interested in what we have to say,” Tristan suggests. Josh explains that those the pair have met have not only been interesting but have made an impact which will change their lives forever.
Tristan and Josh are keeping a journal and documenting everything they have experienced and will continue to experience. “We feel like we are making history with this. We plan to write a book about the trip when it is over. Hopefully that will inspire people to do something like it,” stated Josh.
They began the trip in Virginia Beach on March 5th, then traveled through the swamps and mountains of North Carolina, into Georgia. They traveled through the ‘Peachtree State’ into the ‘Heart of Dixie’. During a two-day stay in Birmingham the pair visited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Lakeshore. Eventually two impressive young men, while on a wondrous excursion, made their way into the place most of us call home.
Their experience in Bibb County was brief but seemingly effective. “We stopped earlier at Six Mile Grocery. The people there were really cool; they gave us each a t-shirt, a sticker for our boards, and even bought us lunch,” said Josh.
“Today we’re going to be breaking 1,000 miles. It is a roundabout route. Right now we are heading to Mobile, then to New Orleans, then to Denver, Colorado to Portland, Oregon and finally down to San Diego,” explained Tristan.
Their projected date to enter San Diego is in November, but they would like to get there sooner. “I hope to celebrate the completion around my birthday in October,” said Josh.
To follow their progress and journey please visit: www.longwaytoskate.blogspot.com
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