Posted by Marc Critical

Picked up Billy and Rob to go meet up with the rest of the boys. We met up with Blake, Dane, Parker and Clint over at PLA, as they were setting up their boards.

PLA is always about customer serivce. Jason and Ben hold it down for the skate scene in Folsom. If you’re in the area stop by at 350 E. Bidwell, Folsom, CA 95630.

Our first stop was this high school in the area. Endless things to skate…

You never know what to expect with these HA boys. Blake was showing Billy the fine art of sling shooting.

After spending most of our day up in Folsom we decided to hit Whole Foods for a late lunch before heading to Sac. I’m still trying to comprehend why I spent $15 on a coconut water and a bite sized portion of curry chicken.

The highlight was definitely running into Ryan Martin over at the coffee bar. If you don’t know who Ryan is, then get educated. He is a this young ripper riding for PLA, Expedition and Gold Wheels. Even thought he makes a mean latte, I’m going to say he has a bright future in skateboardking.

Now once we were all fueled up, we headed back to Sac to meet up with Richard and Rick at the infamous Space Junk Banks. This place can easily take you out, if you’re not on your game. I have a few bruises to prove it. Highlight at the banks was a session with Space Hank. Even with a GO Pro strapped to him, he was hopping the fence with ease. I believe there will be a short Space Junk video coming out of Hank soon.

I don’t get to spend enough time with the team, so when I do, I feel so appreciative to have these guys not only as riders, but as friends. I can’t think of a better group of guys to have represent the HA brand. I may be in the guys faces with the camera a lot, but I find myself fanning out every time I’m with them. You can say that we’re a family and you can never take for granted the the time you have with your family.

Posted by Marc Critical

I swear time is moving faster these days. Although I can’t prove it and it could be that I’m getting older. With that comes less and less time. A couple of Sundays ago, I had to put my foot down and call Russ and Billy. I intended to get some pictures of the boys ripping, but as sometimes the day goes, I changed my mind and went for the less obvious shots.

We ended up at the new Elk Grove Skate park and though we got the boot from EGPD, we did have a solid 45 minute sesh. Russ steezed out on most every obstacle there and Billy was putting down some new ledge tricks that I’ve never seen him do. It could be the result of his new bright green Spitfires. But, whatever it was, he killed it.

Later, Russ starts putting his board in the sky. I assumed he was looking for the perfect angle to photography with the Sun. Even standing in the street among the vast Elk Grove suburban landscape, Russ has steez.

It’s funny when you’re with the right people, all you need to get back on track is an hour or two and your skateboard.

Posted by Marc Critical

Maple Bar Hughes goes in on Frontside Smith, which got a feature in The Skateboard Mag. Photo by Kyle Duval. Check out more of Kyle’s photos here.

Posted by Rob Critical

Stopped by the LA SHUGHE Mansion this afternoon before the Niner game, where Maple Bar Hughes was knee deep in some edits. The status of the fourth episode from SHUGHE’s Northwestern Tour was once a mystery. Some might have speculated that it was lost forever. However, it has been recovered and in progress. Can’t wait to get the link for this one.

Posted by Rob Critical

Saw this on Amir’s timeline. The homie Devyn put together a nice little Stoner Park montage. With appearances from Skidz and some familiar faces at Stoner. Check it.