A Year Ago Today...

MIke Tag Forever from FBM BMX on Vimeo.

Mike Tag Tribute- All Time Low from FBM BMX on Vimeo.

A year ago today, I found out that Mike Tag, my favorite rider, passed away. Naturally, my first reaction was to be sad. But it wasn't too long before a kind of spirit started to develop inside of me, driving the forlorn feelings out and replacing them with an exciting mixture of hope, appreciation, and wonderment. It compelled me to call my brother to ride that day, rather than the usual crew in Santa Cruz. So I called my brother, whom also heard the unfortunate news, and made plans to ride some old Peninsula spots from when I was younger. Rumors were circulating that some of these places were getting torn down, and the last thing I wanted to do was let them slip away due to idleness or a lack of ambition. A few hours later, I'm at the Millbrae skatepark with my brother and Joe Sprinkles, ready to seize the day.
Although we rode away from things that day which were gratifying, the session wasn't memorable because we championed a spot and recorded some rewarding clips. Surprisingly, the atmosphere reminded me of the futility behind "progress" when applied to your personal riding. The truly memorable part was the aura that encompassed the day, a respectful salute to the pursuit of happiness. I felt honored to be able to do what I do, with the people I've met, and the places I've ventured. Riding offered a spiritual connection with my peers and my environment, and stood as a firm reminder to cherish these moments and the ability to create them. The feeling seemed pretty mutual between all of us; a connection that will be tangible in my head for years to come. Ride in paradise, brother Mike!