October 3, 2007
Rebels Without A Metrocard
There's a group of guys, younger than Tony Hawk but older than your average skater punk, who refuse to give up their skateboards -- though admittedly they say they have nothing to rebel against anymore. Skateboarding doesn't have to be about rebelling though, sometimes it can just be about...commuting?
Bikers aren't the only ones finding a better way to move around this city, turns out the skateboard is helping grown men get to work -- and possibly hang on to a bit of their youth. The Observer recently tailed around a couple of these guys, one likening his mode of transport a "magic carpet".
Mr. Mahe doesn’t ride to work every day (“Some days it’s all you can do to find your way to the train,” he said), but he has joined a contingent of late–20-something and 30-year-old skateboarders who are riding the concrete waves of New York and Brooklyn on planks of wood atop polyurethane wheels.There's an entire community of these older skaters and they're not trying to grind down rails anymore or do tricks that may land them in the ER (or on that MTV show Scarred). Most have always skated, so it's an obvious method of trying to get to work...and perhaps they look a little cooler doing it than that guy on the Segway. They're also burning calories and wearing heart-rate monitors -- making cardio edgy! Twice a year they even join in unsanctioned rides: "one in Central Park and another called the Broadway Bomb, during which about 100 mostly adult participants race down Broadway in extra safety gear, including helmets and knee and elbow pads. (They’re not as spritely as they used to be.)"
What's more...the skateboards can go just as fast as bikes, and you don't have to worry about locking it up or getting it stolen. As the caption for the above photo states, "Well, I guess they can keep skateboarding until the first issue of the AARP magazine comes in the mail."
Photo via rukii's flickr.
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GRUPS.
good grief, grow up already
if you're old enough to sign a lease, you're too old to skate on city streets. Extended adolescence is sooooo unattractive!
while you're at it, tuck in your shirt and call your mother once in a while.
never thought I'd ever quote Janine Garrofalo (sp?), but she nailed it when she said ...
Have you ever seen any of those kids at the Astor Place cube actually land a trick?
I saw this all the time when I lived in the SF Bay Area. And come to think of it, I have notice more and more old skaters rolling down the avenues here in NYC lately.
Whatever works.
As long as they stay off the sidewalks more power to them.
#2 also says:
"you kids get off my lawn!"
Damn... I'm 25 and I do this, must be getting old. It really is much easier than locking up a bike though.
skateboards are not as fast as bikes. sorry. but they are a very casual way of commuting.
sometimes my friends and I laugh about dating "grown men on skateboards," but seriously, who cares? wheels are wheels, whether affixed to something that guzzles gas, a bike frame, shoes, or a plank. get over it.
Longboards for the older set.
Tony Hawk is gonna be balder than a cue ball. tis a shame all his money and no hair.
So cool. I grip it and I rip it.
You know how I know you're gay?
You're old enough to grow facial hair and pay taxes yet you ride a skateboard.
Why don't they call the comments section of gothamist Yuppist?
You know how I know you're gay?
You actually quote that hag janine garafolo; and I could give a shit if I spelled it wrong.
Why knock any form of exercise? It's a lot cheaper than paying for a gym and having to be around a bunch of airheads and meatheads.
You know how I know you're gay?
Message board postings upset you.
Wasn't the woman who got branded by a ConEd manhole cover a few years back a skateboarder?
Make sure Streetblog finds out about this. They love anything that's not a car.
you listen to coldplay.
Marty McFly called, he wants his board back.
I think that it is awesome. People should do whatever makes them happy getting to work. Better for the environment, makes for tighter butts on guys! I am in. No problems there. Gay or not, a nice ass is a nice ass. Go for it boys ; >
"the skateboards can go just as fast as bikes"?
i dunno what bikes you're riding, but i'm afraid this is not the case.
"the skateboards can go just as fast as bikes"?
Are you kidding me? Gothamist, please reread that and edit it.
WOMEN ALL KNOW
Boys will be boys
Time and again.
Boys will be boys
And so will men.
are the streets even smooth enough to ride on?
i've seen skateboarders fall off while their board keeps rollin down the street with cars driving by. thats not exactly a safe situation.
I can't help but laugh when I see these guys, but as long as they (and hipsters with scooters) stay off the dang sidewalks, I don't really care.
SideWALK, get it? Nuff said.
Hope they have good health coverage.
I ride my skateboard to work very often, I like it because I can go through the cars easier than on my bike, and it's a lot faster than walking without any of the bullshit involved with a bike. And, I run pretty slick bearings and there is no way it's as fast as my bike.
Nothing says winner better than a 38 yo on a skateboard...
i'm 20 & i ride a longboard to work on nice days. or just around. it's nice. nicer than the subway anyway.
What's the big deal?? I skate at night, when the streets are empty and it's awesome! Skating has nothing to do with age or profession. It's your attitude towards life and really, it clears your head, kind of like yoga.
Am just so tired of hearing that skating is just for little boys/ kids. People with that attitude sound just like THEIR parents.
http://xadness.com
Good for them!