Zumiez Trip: Day 10.

Here we are on day 10 of Mike V’s epic Zumiez trip! Today Mike was at the Zumiez store in the Ocean County Mall in Toms River, NJ and New Jersey welcomed Mike home in a big way! The crowd repeatedly chanted “Welcome Home Mike V!” throughout the day and the store was even decked out with a “Welcome Home Mike V” sign. Today’s crowd was also setting new attendance records and the entire signing lasted just over 5 hours from beginning to end. Epic day… stoked kids, stoked parents, no one was turned away… handshakes, smiles, photos, posters, autographs and a positive vibe that filed the air. No one brings it like Jersey!

Presented here is the largest photo blog from this trip yet… enjoy.


We jammed out of Philly late this morning and drove up to the mall in Jersey around 2 o’clock. But first up was a quick stop at WaWa for some snacks. Mike sporting a sweet Mitchell & Ness Blackhawks hat and the much needed pre signing Red Bull.


Inside the Ocean County Mall a record breaking sized crowd was still growing in numbers.


Welcome Home Mike V in full effect!


A little pre-show meet up inside the mall… This fellow skater brought along his ticket that he received for simply riding his skateboard to have Mike sign it. I think it works as a get out of jail free card that way.


Back stage at Zumiez for a couple of private meet & greets. First up Mike met with television producer Tanyo Ryno & friends & family.


Disposable 2 now complete with Mike V’s autograph.


Mike also met with Fan Club member Rick Marshall and family. Thanks for all the rad shirts Rick! See you guys again soon.


Mark caught in a sugar coma… Zumiez pulled out all the stops and brought forth a huge bowl of Reese’s Pieces.


It’s go time! Time to start signing! But first Mike took time out to welcome, greet and thank the crowd.


The first guy in line enters the store. By the time the signing started at 3 PM he had already been waiting for 4 hours! Dedication!


Two thumbs up while mom captures the moment.


Straight out of High Voltage Tattoo and into the hearts of many.


Black Flag? Check. August ‘86 Thrasher? Check. Powell Peralta deck? Check. This guy was armed to the teeth with the classics.


Autographed Mike V decks and posters. These young skate rats are stoked!


It’s great to see everyone that comes out to meet Mike. There is no demographic or classification or labels.


Reese’s Piece fever is reaching critical heights. Mark scores again with the ‘Pieces.


Posse up and hang with Mike V!


Signed and ready to display on the wall.


Every single person through the line gets a free poster signed by the man himself.


New Jersey brought the love. Just some of the hand made gifts that were brought and given to Mike.


A now autographed copy of Revolution Mother’s “Rollin With Tha Mutha” album.


Woodward Skate Camp license plate.


This was awesome to see. A 1989 Hobo Tour poster from back in the World days. 21 years ago!


One of the biggest requests of the day from kids was to have Mike draw a lightning bolt on their forearms.


More awesome Mike V artwork that was brought as a gift.


More awesome Mike V rarities that were brought along to be signed. A Mike V & The Rats and Transit Skateboards t-shirts.


The first of two decks that Mike gave away today went to this lucky guy.


More Reese’s Pieces brought forth as gifts.


Keeping it positive… even with a broken thumb.


More great Mike V decks brought forth to be autographed.


Some of the Edison Wrestling Team came out to meet Mike today. Mike V fun fact: Mike was on the Edison Wrestling team back in the day.


Active board inside of Zumiez. Worlds collide.


The award for best Mike V impression goes to this guy.


The youngest Mike V fan to show up today complete with autographed trousers.


Matt brought out a rare Mike V deck and wheel from Mike’s old company “Transit Skateboards” to be signed.


Another copy of Disposable 2. Don’t have this book? Get it!


Taking care of business in a flash!


Dedication.


Mike V Forever. A Mike V inspired elbow tattoo.


100K revisited.


These two guys were the very last two people in line. Mission accomplished!


Left to right: Bobby O’Rouke, Straight Ed, Mike V, Tim DCXX and Belmar legend and Skate Daily’s own, Derek Rinaldi.


Two of Ocean County Mall’s finest security getting a signed poster for their headquarters.


Another signing is in the history books! Thanks to all the Zumiez staff that helped make today an epic day.


After the signing we began our trek toward Connecticut but something was calling us home, across the open yards so we sprung from our cages on Highway 9 and made a u-turn and made our way to Edison, NJ. This is the song Mike put on as we made our approach.


1/2 for here, 1/2 to go.

Only one more signing left. Come one, come all…
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