Larry Ransom » Blog

Hall Of Fame.

Larry — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:46:17 +0000

Brian Murphy is in the club.

Zero Tolerance “Fuel The Fire” Cassette Released On Vinyl.

Larry — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 02:43:40 +0000

If history is written by the victorious, then it’s time the tale was told of how Buffalo hardcore came to have its sound, style and substance. When the masses think of hardcore from buffalo, the obvious names reoccur. What has never been documented properly is the giant who owns the shoulder they were standing on: the monicker of that occulted beast is ZERO TOLERANCE.

For those in the vicinity of Buffalo in the late 80s/early 90s, Zero Tolerance shows were THE event; the locals that could pull their weight amongst the nationals; the reason you showed up early. Erupting from the chrysalis that was their former band New Balance was a new creature—more furious, more intense, laser focused and precise. Specializing in laconic intros, tight musicianship, an intense stage presence and spiritual lyrics, ZT had the complete package to take on the world at large. The groups recognition and impeccable street cred led them to play shows all over the east coast with some of the bands that influenced them the most, from the Cro-Mags, Sick Of It All and Killing Time to a full US tour with Shelter. These tours gave the burgeoning 90s hardcore scene a glimpse of Buffalo intensity and restrained madness.

The rumors of a signing with In Effect would die with In Effect, and any attempts at chaining the monster to a full length release would remain futile. Unfortunately, the fury and turmoil that gave birth to the sound was ultimately its demise. And with all transient things, we were all left wanting more. In the year of our Lord 2010, Reaper Records is proud to unveil, for the first time on wax, a document of a long lost classic previously only available on tape. Please accept this offering and place it in its proper place among the other giants of that era. If you’ve been waiting for the last two decades as we have, this is for you. If this is your first taste of ZT, you’re welcome.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER from Reaper Records.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER Zero Tolerance t-shirts.

Going On Tour.

Larry — Thu, 20 May 2010 07:04:56 +0000

I’m going on tour this summer with Mike V, Bill Danforth, Kristian Svitak and Ben Raybourn.

Come hang out and say hello!

-Larry

July 18, 2010

Kids That Rip Skateboard School
1927 North Gilbert Road
Mesa, AZ 85203-2851
www.ktrskateboardschool.com
-

July 20, 2010

Woodward SP
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy #519
Grapevine, TX 75061
www.woodwardskateparks.net
-

July 21, 2010

Doc 36 Skatepark
931 Highway 80 W
Jackson, MS 39204-3912
www.doc36skatepark.com
-

July 24, 2010

Woodward SP
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy NW #325
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
www.woodwardskateparks.net
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July 25, 2010

No Name Skatepark
1524 Roper Mountain Road
Greenville, SC 29615
www.nonamesk8.com
-

July 26, 2010

Anti Gravity Skatepark
371 Chatham Drive
Newport News, VA 23602-4382
www.skateantigravity.com
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July 27, 2010

Charm City Skatepark
4301 Odonnell Street
Baltimore, MD 21224-5237
www.charmcity.tv
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July 28, 2010

Woodward SP
1943 Franklin Mills Circle
Philadelphia, PA 19154
www.woodwardskateparks.net
-

July 29, 2010

Rye Airfield
170 Lafayette Road
Rye, NH 03870
www.ryeairfield.com
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July 30, 2010

Garden SK8
321 Changebridge Road
Pine Brook, NJ 07058
www.gardensk8.com
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July 31, 2010

Subliminal
590 Lake Street
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
www.subliminalskatepark.homestead.com
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August 1, 2010

Vertigo Skatepark
105 Grays Bridge Road
Brookfield, CT 06804-2612
www.vertigoct.com
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August 2, 2010

Edison Skatepark
100 Municipal Blvd
Edison, NJ 08817
www.cjskate.com
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August 5, 2010

Evolution Skatepark
216 Navarre Road Southwest
Canton, OH 44707-4047
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August 6, 2010

The Flow Skatepark
4252 Groves Road
Columbus, OH 43232-4103
www.ridetheflow.com
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August 7, 2010

Ollie’s Skatepark
8171 Dixie Highway
Florence, KY 41042-3233
www.skateollies.com
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August 8, 2010

4 Seasons Skatepark
3226 Progress Road
Madison, WI 53716-3345
www.4seasonssk8park.com
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August 9, 2010

4 Seasons Skatepark
200 North 25th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233-2559
www.4seasonssk8park.com
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August 12, 2010

Warp Skatepark
9244 Trinity Drive
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156
www.warpskatepark.com
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August 13, 2010

Ramp Riders Skatepark
2324 Salena Street
St. Louis, MO 63104-2890
www.rampriders.net
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August 15, 2010

Woodward SP
14500 W. Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80401
www.woodwardskateparks.net
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August 17, 2010

Skate City Skatepark
4915 Steptoe Street
Las Vegas, NV 89122-1925
www.skatecity.info
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August 18, 2010

Skatelab
4226 Valley Fair Street
Simi Valley, CA 93063
www.skatelab.com

Zumiez Trip: Day 11.

Larry — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:11:46 +0000

Day 11 of our tour is in the books and this tour ends on a major high note as Mike V spent a record 6 hours in the Crystal Mall in Waterford, Connecticut signing autographs, shaking hands and posing for photos with his fans who showed up in such numbers that the signing could not even take place in the actual Zumiez store but instead was held in a larger common area of the mall. Waterford locals were overheard saying that they had never seen the mall so crowded and when they found out it was for a skateboarder that all of these people had flocked to the mall to meet they were left scatching their heads. That is until they actually stopped to watch Mike interact with his audience and then they understood.

There is no one and I mean no one in any profession or walk of life who values his fans like Mike V does or who is as valued by his fans as much as Mike V is. When you see Mike V greet each and every person big and small with a truly sincere handshake and smile and then proceed to spend real time with each person and give them all, each and every last one, their own special moment you realize you are watching something very rare. Mike V does not see a mass of people before him, he sees unique individuals and he lets every last person know that they are just that — and that they are special in their own way and that they matter to him. Adults and children standing in line for over four hours to meet a guy who rides a skateboard really is pretty crazy but when you take into account that it’s Mike V, it is completely justifiable.

On with the photos…

Our day started in the lobby of our hotel where Mike made time to visit with Lindsay Tenore who has been a big Mike V supporter on Twitter but who couldn’t make the signing later that day. No problem, Mike V makes time for his fans. It pays to follow Mike on Twitter.

Mike also signed some posters for a few young kids in the lobby.

Mike with Lindsay 1 and Lindsay 2.

After we split out of the hotel we headed over for a quick session at the Groton Skatepark before heading over to the mall.

I stopped into the mall a bit early and was surprised to find the line for the signing was not in the Zumiez store but instead in a common area of the mall.

Mike making time for some VIPs, Andy Hilfiger and posse backstage.

The posse.

Mike also took time out to meet & greet with fan club member Dan Patenaude. Membership has it’s privileges folks.

Mike parts the crowd while heading into the signing.

Slapping fives and shaking hands all the way in.

Early bird gets the worm. Here are the first two guys in line.

Haven’t seen one of these in a few years. Very rare Pathway Clothing/Powell Peralta calabo zip up sweatshirt.

Zumiez sold out of their entire stock of Mike V decks at each stop of this tour and today was no exception. Here are the first 3 off the shelf today, now fully autographed and ready to be displayed.

This guy was the lucky recipient of the first deck that Mike gave away today. The torch is passed on once again.

Mike V’s photo from the Bam’s Or Bust article in TWS… now autographed.

More Reese’s Pieces up in this piece! Wud up!?

A mall cop busted onto the scene to try to get some surveillance footage of Rudolph.

Mike brought out a killer photo of Mike V from the Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark Tour in 2001. Walkin’ the plank…

Free skate deck #2 given out to a worthy recipient.

Chokeholds on request.

Original and the reissue.

Signing up an Element deck.

All ages affair.

If there was a spirit or enthusiasm award presented at these signings, I would give it to this family.

Mike V takes it to the floor for a shoe autographing request.

Thanks for stopping by Tommy. Thumbs up.

This kid ruled! Recipient of free deck #3 today. And this one came from Mike’s personal stash.

These had to be the most random and surprising items to be signed today. A girl brought two thongs with her to have Mike sign them.

The mall’s Easter Bunny had no customers today so he had to come over and see who was putting a hurting on all his business.

Google image search and hit print.

The classics will never die.

The wait is almost over… these guys are next in line.

More deck signage…

Taking it to the couch.

Per his request. Lightning bolt to the cheek!

More Reese’s Piece’s brought as gifts. Thanks to everyone who brought us Reese’s Pieces this week. Our dentists love you!

One of the more cool and unique items brought through the line today. A vocal microphone now signed by Mike.

Everyone wants a forearm lightning bolt.

Dr Sexy? What the…

Personalized, signed and ready to be displayed.

A family of Mike V fans, proving once again that Mike V is multigenerational.

Back over on the couch it’s two thumbs up.

Due to a lack of Reese’s Pieces, Mike took it to the couch for a quick nap but the next kids in line woke him up.

This kid absolutely ruled. He read about Mike V coming to Zumiez in his local newspaper and asked his grandfather to take him. His grandfather said “no” as he wasn’t too excited about standing in line in a mall for hours on end. But this kid explained to his grandfather that meeting Mike V would be “The experience of a lifetime.” Upon hearing his young grandson explain something as “The experience of a lifetime”, granddad realized how important this was. Here he is… captured on film with Mike V forever… the experience of a lifetime. Just further proof how much skateboarding rules and connects us all.

Technology.

Someone is clearly going to school tomorrow with Mike V drawn on their forehead.

Paul Blart’s cousin, Timmy Blart stopped by to check on the situation.

2010 is the year of the thumbs up and I am fully backing it.

Public Domain. Too good on so many levels. Haven’t seen it? Purchase immediately.

6 hours later and this signing was beginning to wind down and Ol’ Blue Eyes was taking us out with a little My Way.

Proven to heal bones quicker than a dose of calcium… the lightning bolt is tried and tested.

The quiet after the storm… just a few people remaining.

The last two guys in line. Thanks for waiting so long fellas!

One last autograph dedicated to the Zumiez store on the large promo poster.

Mike V with today’s Zumiez crew. Thanks for all of your help!

That’s it folks… this trip is a wrap. We are currently posted up at a hotel across the street from the Newark Airport in New Jersey and we’re flying back to Long Beach in about 2.5 hours. Do I go to sleep now or wait to crash out on the plane?

THANK YOU ZUMIEZ!

Zumiez Trip: Day 10.

Larry — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:10:08 +0000

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…
-

March 28, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Crystal Mall
Waterford, CT

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(860) 444-8179

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

Zumiez Trip: Day 9.

Larry — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:08:49 +0000

Day 9 of the Zumiez Trip has come to an end! It’s been four days since Mike was out at Zumiez at the Mall Of America in Minneapolis, MN and now here we are at the King Of Prussia mall, right outside the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, PA. I might have to go on record and say this was the biggest turn out yet with what looked like 500 people in line by the time we arrived and the entire signing lasted just over 5 hours! The security at King Of Prussia was threatening to kick everyone who was still waiting in line out by the time the mall closed at 9 PM but once they actually looked in the store and saw all the positivity and what was actually going on they had no choice but to let it continue and run it’s course. Mike signed his name, shook hands, took photos, and gave real personal time to every single person that came through the line. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Twerk on these photos bitches…

Today kicked off with stocking up on Reese’s Pieces. Don’t leave home with out ‘em.

I called Zumiez as we were pulling into the mall parking lot to check in. They told us of the huge line already inside so Mike decided to down some Reese’s for extra energy!

Mark gets the scraps.

The line of people waiting extended the entire corridor of the mall…

…as well as the other side.

The virus is spreading! The fine employees of Zumiez brought us Reese’s Pieces! Mark has created a monster.

And the signing begins! The first group of people are welcomed with a hand shake from the man himself.

One of the most interesting things to me is to see the cool things people bring for Mike to sign. Here we have Skatebook #4, the Mike V Edition and Paul Blart: Mall Cop on dvd.

Everyone gets a photo!

Your board is thrashed to bits? Mike V just might pass you the torch and kick down a brand new deck just like this guy got.

A deadly combo.

Long live the banks.

Who the hell is this guy?

Another torch is passed. One more deck given away to a lucky skater.

Stunned and smiling from his free deck!

Thumbs up!

Stoked posse.

Meanwhile, back out in the mall, huge crowds were still waiting.

Eagerly awaiting to get inside the store.

The crowd was hyped the entire 5 hours.

This young skater brought a photo of her skating to share with Mike. So awesome.

“Will you sign my forehead?” Ask and you shall receive.

There is a definite positive vibe that fills the air at these signings and the “thumbs up” is infectious.

315 people through the line so far.

Handshakes and smiles.

Thanks for coming out Steve!

Huge lightning bolt on the stores floor made from flyers promoting Mike’s appearance.

These two guys made some great original Mike V inspired artwork and brought it out to be signed.

Malls cops discussing the best way to apprehend Rudolph.

“How old are you?” “6.”

So stoked on his temporary Mike V lightning bolt.

360 boneless trick tip request? No problem, clear some room!

Mike V forever. A brand new “Never Give Up” tattoo. This one doesn’t wash off.

This one does.

Mall security makes their peace.

That’s a wrap on signing number four. Thank you Zumiez crew!

Haven’t had your fill of photos from today’s event yet? You can check out a few more on Mark Choiniere’s blog.

Two more signings to go. Details below.
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March 27, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Ocean County Mall
Toms River, NJ

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(732) 341-2037

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 28, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Crystal Mall
Waterford, CT

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(860) 444-8179

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

Zumiez Trip: Days 7 & 8.

Larry — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:45:04 +0000

Thought we skipped out on posting new blogs? I apologize for the delay… we spent all day yesterday in the car driving from Chicago to Philadelphia and today the three of us split up for a bit and did different things. Mike had some meetings and hit up a Flyers game, Mark walked around and shot some photos of the city and I also hit the streets and pigged out on food. But as always here are a few pics from the last two days. Tomorrow we will be back at it full throttle as Mike continues his Zumiez appearances this weekend starting at the King Of Prussia Mall in King Of Prussia, PA. On with the show…

Need to fuel a 12 hour drive from Chicago to Philadelphia? No worries… just grab at some Reese’s Pieces. Mark’s addiction is beginning to take over Mike as well.

Stopped for gas at a Sunoco station and an employee needed a pic with Mike. Here ya go dude!

Approaching the City Of Brotherly Love.

I walked off the daytime blues all over Philly today. Had to stop by Love Park for a quick pic.

Had to make a trek down to the Philadelphia Museum of Art of see the Rocky statue as well. Who is the ad wizard who decided to remove Rocky from the top of the steps? “What are we waiting for!”

BONUS PIC: Check out this pic that was sent our way today from Jason Olivia from The House Of Steam… Mike V singing autographs at Earth Surfer Skateshop in Lakewood, NJ in 1988. He’s been signing his name for a very long time.

Here’s the info for the signings taking place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. BE THERE!!
-

March 26, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez King Of Prussia Mall
King Of Prussia, PA

Starts at 6:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(610) 337-2379

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 27, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Ocean County Mall
Toms River, NJ

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(732) 341-2037

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 28, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Crystal Mall
Waterford, CT

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(860) 444-8179

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

Zumiez Trip: Day 6 – The Hockey Edition.

Larry — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:52:56 +0000

Mike V loves hockey and the NHL game. He loves to watch the game, he loves to play the game and no matter what, you just can’t keep this guy away from the ice. Rolling into Chicago today Mike V surprised us with the news that we were heading out to the United Center for the Blackhawks game against the Phoenix Coyotes. This was Mike’s first NHL game in 4 months and he was invited out to the game by Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Haviland who is a great guy (he hooked us up with tickets and passes) and was a very gracious host.

Says Mike V, ” The Blackhawks are an Original Six Team with a great and storied history and who now have an exciting and highly skilled young team. I was honored to be invited out to a game while in Chicago and to wear their colors. They have the best logo in all of hockey and are a team that I can really get behind and support. I love the city of Chicago –always have, and thanks to Mike Haviland and the Chicago Blackhawks, I now have a new team to root for.”

Mike V in the Blackhawks locker room. Toews and Kane, you may have heard of them, they’re pretty good.

Mike V with Patrick Kane.

Mark Choiniere, Mike Haviland and Mike V talking story in the Blackhawks locker room.

Mark and Mike on the Blackhawks bench after the game.

The Blackhawks locker room. Hallowed Ground.

It was a big game for the Hawks who maintained sole possession of first place in their conference with the win. GO HAWKS!

Okay, let’s go back in time a bit to earlier in the day, before the hockey game…

Joey Esposito wasn’t available to bring our car around today in Janesville, WI so Mike had to fill it up himself.

We no longer denied Mark his fuel… but apparently a whole case wasn’t enough to get him through the drive.

Approaching downtown Chicago.

First stop of the day in Chicago was the Wilson Skatepark.

Overview of the Wilson Skatepark.

Mike V snaps an ollie over the pyramid.

Jeff Phillips inspired straight leg frontside air in the deep bowl.

Steve Steadham inspired backside boneless one. Swoosh!

Goodnight Chicago. Philadelphia here we come.

Zumiez Trip: Day 5.

Larry — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:51:19 +0000

After three epic days of Mike appearing and signing autographs at select Zumiez stores, we switched gears up a bit today. With nowhere to officially be until this Friday we began our drive East. Lots of time spent driving in the car today but we did make a stop in Black River Falls, WI for a skate session. Here’s a bit of a run down on today’s adventures…

We checked out of the hotel in downtown Minneapolis and had Joey Esposito bring our car around.

“I’ve never ate at an A&W before, have you?” “Of course, I’m an American.”

After lunch and getting some miles accomplished on the road we stopped at the Black River Falls Skatepark.

Overview of the park.

Overview from the other side.

Mike autographed this month’s issue of Trucker Monthly for a local skater.

Phone calls and text messages spread the news of Mike’s arrival. When we arrived at the park, only one other skater was there and slowly more people started showing up. One guy even walked a half hour by himself to get there and meet Mike.

Mike V… frontside air over the hip.

One last pic with Team Monkee Graphix on the way out. Thanks for hangin’ guys!

Back on the road, putting miles down. E Street Radio and Neverlost guiding us eastbound.

After posting up at a Cracker Barrel it was back on down the highway. Mission: get to Madison, WI and skate at the 4 Season Skatepark.

Young Mark crashed out in the back. No Reese’s Pieces this time.

We arrived at the 4 Season Skatepark around 7 PM and it was already closed. Their webite said they were open until 10 PM. Epic Fail. Nothing to do now except keep on truckin’. Looks like we’ll be heading south tomorrow towards Chicago. Stay tuned…

You can still catch Mike this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Zumiez at the following locations:
-

March 26, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez King Of Prussia Mall
King Of Prussia, PA

Starts at 6:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(610) 337-2379

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 27, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Ocean County Mall
Toms River, NJ

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(732) 341-2037

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 28, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Crystal Mall
Waterford, CT

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(860) 444-8179

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

Zumiez Trip: Day 4.

Larry — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:49:20 +0000

Phase one of Mike V on his mini tour of appearances at select Zumiez stores across America is now in the history books. Today, Mike was at Zumiez inside the gigantic Mall Of America in Bloomington, MN. The crowds were out in full force and the Zumiez employees had them hyped to the max! Mike once again signed autographs, shook hands and took photographs with his fans for four hours straight. Insane!! Here’s today’s photo play by play of the action…

Today’s motto: “Y’all good?”
Today’s treat: Reese’s Pieces

Our day started out with a drive from downtown Minneapolis out to the mall. On the way out there we witnessed an insane “almost” car accident. Cars were swerving out of control, crossing lanes violently and we had to take it to the shoulder in a construction zone to avoid the chaos. How none of the cars collided is beyond me? Here we are on the side of the highway doing a damage inspection just incase. Luckily for us Mike has stunt driving school training under his belt and fast reflexes and we came out of the situation unscathed. “Y’all good?”

Mark gets his Pieces on during our lunch excursion.

Meanwhile, across the street, inside the mall, hundred of kids were already in line and waiting for Mike to arrive.

The crowd thickens right in front of the store.

The front of the line anxiously awaits!

And it begins! One of the first items to be brought through the line… Paul Blart: Mall Cop on DVD… now complete with Mike V’s signature.

These two dudes drove 11 hours from Detroit and waited in line for 4 hours to meet Mike. They finally made it to the front and got their moment of glory. Thanks for coming out guys!

Autographed Detroit Redwings hockey puck.

Zumiez storefront window advertising the event.

Mark capturing a moment on video for his upcoming masterpiece.

This fella is keeping it old school. VHS lives!

More creative advertising from the Zumiez staff. Flyers made out into a huge “V” as you walk into the store.

These Mike V decks didn’t stay on the shop wall long. All sold out in the blink of an eye.

More store front display action from the Zumiez crew.

Stoked skaters getting their posters signed from Mike.

Not sure what exactly was going on in the line before we arrived but almost everyone have a large “V” drawn on them somewhere on their body. Dedication.

The classics never die.

It’s so cool to see entire families stoked to meet Mike. Not just the “male skater” in the family.. Mom’s, sisters… everyone!

Back in the line, the crowd stays hyped and waits patiently to make it inside the store.

The “man on the streets” chatting it up with the kids at the end of the line.

This guy was all smiles. Positivity was in the air!

ALL HAIL MIKE V.

Two hours into the signing and 299 people had made it though the line.

More dedicated Mike V fans displaying their love on their bodies.

A proud dad snaps a pic of his son and Mike.

Have a broken arm? No big deal… nothing the power a “drawn by Mike V” lightning bolt can’t heal.

After inspection, this fellow skater’s board was deemed in very poor condition and Mike handed over a brand new, free deck.

Passing the torch.

Speechless and stunned after meeting Mike V.

Mike signing a page from his Pro Spotlight from Transworld Skateboarding Magazine.

Two thumbs up. Thanks for coming out Keith!

Brand new autographed deck ready to be assembled and shredded in the streets.

Tony Hawk’s RIDE video game was being played in the store all day. Mike’s character within the game caught busting out a heelflip.

Cooper and Jared with their freshly autographed posters.

One final autograph dedicated to the store to be displayed forever.

Here’s Mike with the Mall Of America Zumiez Crew. Thanks for all of your help and hard work! Hope to see you all again soon.

After the signing we hit the downtown streets of Minneapolis and had dinner at Pizza Luca and took in a late night movie. Theater all to ourselves once again.

On the way out of the movies around 12:30 AM these guys spotted Mike and we stopped for a quick chat, autograph signing and photo opportunity out in the streets. P.S. They’re from the suburbs.

Back at the hotel, Mark fell asleep mid-snacking of Reese’s Pieces.

Yours truly… signing out for the night.

For the next 4 days we’ll be wondering aimlessly around the country. You can catch Mike this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Zumiez at the following locations:
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March 26, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez King Of Prussia Mall
King Of Prussia, PA

Starts at 6:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(610) 337-2379

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 27, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Ocean County Mall
Toms River, NJ

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(732) 341-2037

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.

March 28, 2010

Mike V Autograph Signing
@ Zumiez Crystal Mall
Waterford, CT

Starts at 3:00 PM

For more info call Zumiez
(860) 444-8179

CLICK HERE to RSVP via Facebook.