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Hi Everybody, Pthalo here-- And I've done something impulsive again! After a series of events, I've purchased a skateboard from the dreaded poser citadel that is Zumiez. So, if you've got the time, pull up a chair, friend! This is sure to be a doozy. At my new job at an undisclosed University, there are several ways for the staff to get around. Depending on one's department, you're allowed either Golf Carts, Utility Vehicles, or 12-Passenger Vans. The department that I work in is the IT sector-- we have to use Golf Carts. The caveat? There's only two of them. Being the new guy, I usually don't get out in time to hire one out-- so I have to hoof-it across campus to fix stuff or attend training. After a few instances of this, I got to thinking: What if I brought my own transportation? ...Enter my unrequited love for skate culture. When I was a kid I had a skateboard, but not a real one. My folks got it for me at a bazaar out in Grand Prairie from a weirdo vendor with a toothy grin. The colors on it were neon and fantastic, but the thing rolled like crap. The deck had no concave to speak of, plus it was heavier than the Zig-Zags' debut album. Looking back, this is probably why my normally very concerned parents were completely okay with me having this particular skateboard. My friends in the neighborhood all had skateboards, too-- but theirs were nicer: Most of the guys were into World Industries or Toy Machine at the time. Since my board wasn't really functional, I would basically sit on my board while my friends cobbled together tricks that they'd seen. It was awesome-- they truly lived, and I wished I could live, too. One of the shadier effects of a sheltered childhood is that you find yourself revisiting the stuff you weren't allowed to experience back then. So, I bought a Santa Cruz "Cruzer" with these specs: -65mm Road Riders -Abec-3 Generic Bearings -Bullet Trucks -1/4'' Risers -'Classic' Shaped Screaming Hand Deck It rides pretty nice, BUT-- I have no clue where to get more Road Riders, and suspect that they are Santa Cruz OEM equipment with no aftermarket. I saw some Acids with matching diameter-- but I wasn't sure if they were any good or not. At this point all I care about is becoming more competent at cruising and not slamming horrendously in front of onlookers. I have lots of questions, but I'll ask them when the time comes. I've only been on campus once or twice with the thing, and no one's seen me. I'm eventually going to wrack up the nerve to try it when other people are around-- like for lunch or something. To close out, I'll open it up to anyone else who skates AT ALL. Share tips, favorite brands, etc. -Pthalo :-)