PEC Gravity Fest is back for 2012!!

Rider: Patrick Switzer
Photo: Reggie Smith

The Prince Edward County Gravity Fest will be returning in September for its 3rd year. As many rumors swirled around internet-land about it's demise, riders patiently waited to hear of the fate of this dear event. I use the term 'dear event' not because it's the most gnar track out there, or fastest, but because it is Ontario's only sanctioned downhill event. This race has a very different vibe than others, it's hard to put your finger on what's so different about it. Perhaps it has something to do with the massive amount of local riders attending the event, or maybe it has something to do with the awesome community that hosts it. Whatever it is, we're all happy to hear it's going on again!

Just to make sure everyone's getting stoked on this, I had the opportunity to play twenty questions with one of the event coordinators Krisha Parks. Here is what she said to just a few of those questions!

1- Soooooo, It's official. P.E.C is going on again?

Yep! We're moving forward with the race and it's very exciting!

2- For someone who hasn't been to this event before, could you tell us a little more about P.E.C?

PEC Gravity Fest is the only IGSA sanctioned race on the east coast of Canada. It's a 2 day, action packed race that takes part in the heart of Picton, Ontario. The course has a 14% drop into a 90 degree hairpin turn, with a mad dash to the finish. Riders get at least 15-20 rides in per day! There will be music, food, and awesome prizes!

3- Is there anything new or different going on with this race than other years?

We're working on some awesome stuff for this year! There's going to be more prizes, raffles, and other super secret things I'm not allowed to talk about yet.

4- If you can tell, what were some of the issues you had getting this event off the ground for 2012?

The biggest issue getting PEC off the ground this year, as with any year (and i'm sure other race organizers will tell you the same) was finding sponsors. Luckily, we have a huge support system within the longboarding community (thanks y'all) and I actually had sponsors calling me this year- which is a first! 

5- Any new sponsors jump aboard?

A ton! Switchback, Bombora, Ultimate, just to name a few!

6- Any big name riders or companies coming out to P.E.C this year?

Switchback is coming with their massive RV, which is very exciting, and I'm hearing rumours that Patrick Switzer is going to try to make it a three-peat. 

7- Are we still to expect that deliciously massive meal like years past?

You bet! We're coming up with new and awesome ways to feed you! Honestly, when we have our committee meetings, a large portion of the meeting is dedicated to the meal, haha.

8- Has anything been sorted out yet for sleeping accommodations for riders? (hehehe)

Camping has yet to be finalized, but I'm pretty sure we'll have the park again!

9- Any wise words for someone who is thinking of putting on a bigger scale event like this?

Having a good support system is key. PEC is run by a committee of about 12 people (!!). Putting on a sanctioned race is like having a full-time job, so just be prepared to not see your friends for a while. It's hard, it's stressful, but it's so worth it in the end. 

10- Final Words/thoughts (Anything you feel like mentioning.) 

I'm just so grateful for the Ontario Longboarding and Street Luge community, you have no idea. I mean, they're the reason the race is happening. (without them I'm just some crazy girl lining a road with straw bales, haha) The race is coming along swimmingly, and I hope to see you all in your leathers in September! 

The Prince Edward County Gravity Fest is still open to any sponsors interested. For inquiries please feel free to contact Krisha at pecgravityfest@gmail.com.
 To the riders: see you there!

Sector 9 Butterballs: A review... by a girl

I've heard so many different things about Sector 9's butterballs, that they cone in under two hours, that they can last a decent amount of time, etc. Needless to say I was crazy stoked to have a set show up at my door last week. Thanks Sector 9!

I was really excited to try them out, "will this be a wheel that little 110 pound me can wear?". After all initial questions bounced through my head, I finally got the wheels set up on my board.

They are round... Nice!

Hey! My bearing match my wheels... Sweet!

Now off to Barrie for the slide jam with some new wheels to shred

My first run was pretty much a straight bomb, the wheels accelerated very nicely and were smooth. Time to slide!

My first one was a nice long one-handed toe side, I was amazed by how they had the perfect amount of grip and drift right off the hop. Throughout the day it was nothing but predictable and easily controlled slides. Full of stoke, day one was over and with minimal coning I was ready for road trip number two!

FRENCH CONNECTION!!!!!!!!

It was a hot day... and I mean hot!

I was the first one geared up and ready to take on the hill. What can I say, I was excited to try out the wheels again!

My first run down the hill was full of super fast acceleration, my first slide was insane. PURE butter with a hint of ice, but 100% controllable. I had a blast rippin these wheels for the duration of our stay at that hill. Now I'm just learning standies, my first week to be exact. Out of every wheel in my quiver these are the ones I'm most comfortable attempting them on. I feel safer, not like they are going to ice out on me like other wheels. I had no problem attempting heel-side checks and was feeling more confident every run I took. By the end of the day I was totally thrilled with my progression!

Overall, I've had a blast on my Sector 9 Butterballs and will continue to do so until there is nothing left, but cores. At the rate that's going i'm thinking that'll be another month.

First Blog

Hello everyone!
We've started a blog just because facebook couldn't do everything we wanted it to. With having all this extra room we're gunna be adding more photos, posting videos, product reviews and interviews with your favorite and up and coming riders.
Stay tuned for more to come!