the lovely lady of england mustve known how much preparation, or lack of, was involved when this trip started to look like it might actually happen. either that or something up there in the sky finally felt that the three months of rain was ruining everyones summer, and it was high time for a stint of sunshine.
lucky for me, the only week and a half of nice weather the boys and girls there have seen, happened to be the ten days i picked out to travel 'home'. its been a few years in the making and i think just about everyone can understand how it feels to have 'it' slipped out from under you time and time again. whatever that prize might be, it sure feels great to have it in your grasp. although it was a shame i had to do it alone (as other priorities were in place for those dudes of mine) but like i said. you know. it definately gave us a minute to myself.
twenty hours later. my brothers durham collected me at the train station. shoot, its been two years, but in the moment it felt like we had just been together. prettymuch 90miles a hour everywhere and around every hairpin turn.
i guess i hadnt realized that rally racing techniques are actually part of the basic drivers training over in the u.k..well enough. Mr Davey Hughes would be the guy behind the wheel. and Mr Tommy Minns along for navigational purposes. how could a thing go wrong?. hhah h a well it seems Mr Hughes has gone and gotten himself a real nice job, getting dirty and wearing some killer boots most of the weekdays, yet he was ready to go (mission like) as soon as his time card hit the punch on friday afternoon. so that left me and tommmy having a pedal round the city and an eight mile trek or so to the trails a couple of times. no biggy. prettymuch what i was hoping for. Strange as it may seem, i think i fell slightly in love with a sixteen year old dude named 10p. the kid is as real as they come and can shread the cider out of 'any'line at 'any'trails. all smiles and his mother actually named him Android hhahaha nah but i bet shes class, because she let him out for the weekend which was the best. the guy Ross, was also a new aquaintence for me, and the man had me in stitches most hours i was around him. too much. i wish i had a detailed file in my head of all the crazy things he and Andy had to say, but im afraid im a earlier model terminator.
soooo, we got rad at a couple of skateparks, but thats where your imagination should have to come in. the towns/citys of Sunderland, NewCastle, and South Sheilds (which was right on the ocean)all had amazing concrete, and some wild dude actually rewarded me with a cold tinny for flying around some curve a couple of times for his cellphone paparazzi needs. so good. thanks fella.
but the real jewels were in the wood. its a shame most people just havent got 'it' in them to pick up a tool and make it happen. but thankfully there are some. the local guys in loughborough and Brighouse were amazing. great attitudes and a drive so few people share. truely a breath of fresh air to me, not to mention that the running water is actually filtered through certified 'organic' land in most places. what a trip. definately different from the murky fluid we call water here in texas. hahha anyways. Joe, Mr Deville, Frogsex, and Gabriel (hope ive spelled yous right) were all extra friendly and receptive to this american. their spot in Loughborough was amazing and to be honest, the only way i can explain my state of mind being there the first hour, was total confusion. with only three summers gone by since they began, theyve sure created something special for themselves. i enjoyed myself. too much. the trails in Brighouse just cant be explained im afraid. Flow, and beauty. take it. kept the photos to a minimum for a reason. use your imagination. these guys also have the best security in place ever. well thought out. very nice. the new friend, Will, was super nice and even let us lock up when he left early. thanks man.
well. seems ive just been accused of writing a novel to all of you. maybe i should kill it here then.
Ive got to thank dave and ross again for taking care of all the driving detail. you guys made it all happen.
The Dudes Mike and Steve, lengendary as it seems, hhaha were awesome as well. couldnt make it out to their spot in the quarry, and then heard that some lips and that were torn down. dudes, we know the feeling.
realy wanted to see the helltrack. take care guys.
see you next summer. nice tatoos again Steve..geeze man hhahah ha h a
anyway. there are so many people to mention that made this one of, if not, the best trip of my life. Seany, Lek, Hutchy, Smithy, Ryan, Kales, Tesa and Sally Minns you sweet little things. many others. oh my goodness, Abby.(shes nine and smokes tabs like most kids eat candies). "you sound right american.!" Denise the shop lady (smoochie boochies), the guy at the indian food joint. our Joe, talkin bout comin through. last minute. best night of the trip. the Lads. i love you guys. see you soon. good luck with the knee surgery baby Tom. anyways yall
heres some photos. tidyed up by the man t to the town. have a look. go'on get out. see somethin new. dont stay home all your life. you dont want that do you??
wait..a couple of classic quotes:
dave tells some dude that im his mate from america.
the dude: aye, american eh?
dave: yah. Texas...
the dude: (confused) i cant text yous..ive got no phone. hahahha tom and i died over that one.
Ross: has anyone got a bit of splash? hha h a im the only one who thought that was hilarious.
..after the most insane laugh session..over who knows what topics and complete ridiculousness(?)
10p says something completely nuts and..
Ross: aow Andy you must be half retarded..
10p: hhaha aow sorry mate..pizza dick. hhahah what?
i dont know. this barely scratches the surface. gotta go have a drink with the god and tristan you know.
lates everyone xxbk yo swellbow
the local cut throat
lord evergreen
yo hardwork
yo android
dustin egan 2038.
frog blurry tweak, Ross on the v's
the dude
start it off
Brighouse or heaven
Ross's Barnsley
Amsterdam
yo caravan
always time
