(This IS a win - scroll down to video). I've been skating at local basketball & tennis courts since last May no problem. People (including parks employees) have smiled and encouraged me, even said they like watching, I've never been in anyone's way nor done any harm, nor has my benign activity encouraged any other skaters to "invade" the courts... I can't GET anyone to join me. You probably see where this is going... some guy, a belligerent bully didn't just suggest maybe I should reconsider (as I attempted to skate on an empty tennis court) - he threatened me and told me to leave immediately, shouting I was "going to ruin it for everyone!" I politely said I'd been skating there for almost a year no problem, done no harm, no one's said a word until that moment, but it only made him more insistent, loud and threatening, throwing in lots of "bros", etc. I left as he and his friends laughed, having won their little battle, defeating my attempted invasion, making me feel almost afraid for my life. I drove to some other courts but lots of people out for some reason; I guess spring break? I was really rattled, adrenaline pumping, and stopped by the police station nearby to ask an officer what his take on it would be. He was sympathetic but said he'd probably have to go with the what's on the signs, that wheeled things weren't allowed. So I'm left with the trauma of the bully's aggressive confrontation, and the thought that my skating might be over because of one jerk. I mean he was inordinately hostile and twice my size - I did not need or deserve that. Oh well, right? Maybe I should resort to midnight sessions like I tried that one time. It's going on 2 am now and temped to skate at night to feel I wasn't defeated, but that's not allowed either and who knows what a crazy person like that might do - like a wild animal who finds food, he'll probably be back. Rabid lunatics tend to fixate. I never saw him before, and I doubt he has the imagination to think I might go back at a different time, but I have seen how arrogant/aggressive people can be. He seemed to get quite the dopamine rush from his victorious outburst. With what's going on in the world these days, I'm not surprised it's trickling down to street level, but I thought I was an anti-social case study... wow. Cautionary tale - keep in mind there are people out there that refuse to live and let live, and they relish the opportunity to get in your way. This can be an additional challenge to skating. I'll look for a solution or work-around and let you know.

So i did my first pivot at 46!! Im so excited to perfect the move. I love how good it feels to overcome fear- and stigma..im not too old ! Cant stop wont stop and thats how i roll🙌🎯💪

Hey all. It’s been a minute! Work has been kicking my ass! I haven’t been practicing much as I want to but today I made it a point to not only get on my skates but to record some of it. I practiced one leg balance skills, crossovers, open/closed book transitions (still struggling here) and what I THINK are backward crossovers (vide attached so you tell me). As usual I bring for your personal entertainment, my awkward and horrible skating! Don’t go too hard on the kid though. This was my first time practicing this technique. 😩

I walked the route (1.5 miles) to check for sticks, stones and other debris on the country road. Then, I adorned all protective gear, except the elbow pads (I forgot them) and hit the road. The downhill, half-mile slope made me gain way TOO much speed, even though I carved. Then, the uphill skate tested my conditioning. Happily, I'm in better shape than I thought. 😁 I did this hill twice. Would have completed it more times, but a dog decided to join me and was nipping at my skates. 😳

Yesterday I got up early, had a light breakfast, did some stretching, fed the cats (most important), made a little lunch to take with and got out to the courts early. There was only one other guy in the whole 8 acre park (who was doing well shooting hoops - best I've seen there). I kept stretching as I warmed up... and started to feel it... I was skating better and feeling better. Did some drills - went well. I took breaks when I felt tired, had lunch and still the park was empty - nice and peaceful. I got back on the court and skated very well! Like I'd been wanting to since day one. I did another hour, and as I left, then people started to trickle in. Perfect timing... I like it when it's not too "peopley" out. Later, I still felt good, great actually, not tired or achy, so I didn't over-do it. I hope you guys have these kind of days too (just keep at it - they happen). We need a few good ones to kinda reset. Upon reflection, me and that kid on the court had something in common... we practiced, alone, without help or distractions. I wish I'd told him I admired his playing. Maybe he thought the same about me, but I think we respected each other's space and time. Anyhow, it took me ten months, but I managed to have a very good skate day ...finally. Mar 20, 2026