@Chelsea Ha Diamond Walker was working on his own skate model during covid. I haven’t followed up to see if he realized his dream.

@Chelsea Ha wow, cool! I know he put a lot of effort and research into that. I'll check them out.

Really gorgeous setup! You managed to combine some really excellent components without sacrificing aesthetics. Love your rationale for the bearings (because I have a beagle!). I appreciate your comments on the cushions for the Arius. I actually found the white cushions (80A) too hard, and since they are the softest ones in the set that comes with the plates, I had to order the lavender (77A). Those work well for me, but then I’m a lightweight. Figuring out which cushions to use is the main challenge with the Arius, since you can’t tighten or loosen a truck to adjust them. I know of some skaters who mix and match them, but that’s way beyond me!

@Marisa Sa I think body weight and aggressiveness (in skating, not life!) factor into what cushions give the right combination of control and flexibility. How are you mixing and matching? Front wheels vs back? Inside of the axle vs outside?

@Daisy Valdez I think it’s an annual thing—I know someone who went the last two years. There’s an east coast version if you don’t mind traveling across the country. (But I think the east coast version for this year is happening this weekend.)

@Daisy Valdez It was a great opportunity to try park and ramp skating, which I've never done on skates. The teachers are stellar. And if you're really into it, it's like Disney World--so many different things to try. Have to admit, my take-home lesson is that I'm a rink skater, not a park skater. But I'm glad I tried it. And I got to meet Dirty Deb! That alone was worth it to me.

@Misty Masvalo Is that the East Bay as in Oakland area? When/where are these meetups? Are they open to anyone?

@Natasha Smith As long as you got back up, that’s a win! Glad you got out and got rolling!