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While Los Angeles dealt with the unforgiving heat, stand-up skateboarders, mocking the “watch downhill speed” road sign, breezed through the day at “Dump Road” on Sunday.A single road leading to a landfill (hence: “dump road”) in Redlands was the site of the fourth installment of an eight-part series called the California Republic Outlaw Stand-up Series, featuring longboard racers competing for cash prizes, new decks, and, most importantly: for fun.

PCC student Nick Mehan – who also raced – curated Sunday’s events, for the fourth time. PCC student Brett Nelson, who at the time was placed second thus far in the series, greeted fellow riders who continued to speak of the wind and what role it would play in the race.

Sunday’s race featured about 30 riders from as far away as Canada. The entry fee was $30, about half of which went for the prize money for that race and the rest towards the grand prizewinner at the end of the series.

The setup was simple: Friends and family of riders who were not racing stationed themselves at the top and bottom of the hill, blocking out any unnecessary traffic – the landfill is closed on Sundays, making it perfect for any group of speed aficionados.

Madrid, Tactis Sk8 Shop, Rogers Brothers – sponsors of the event – provided transportation vehicles for the trips to and from the top of the hill.The heats were comprised of four riders, decided at random by pulling names out of a hat – which proved to be slightly complicated when heats became “stacked.”

Canadian Kevin Reimer speeds down Dump Road in Redlands.

“It’s hard to be objective,” said Mehan, referring to having to deal with stacked heats: the first four to have raced were the most experienced riders present. The first heat was flipped with another without changing the lineup, showing the sense integrity that goes along with the sport. There was no doubt riders were looking forward to racing certain others.

“There’s nothing you can do,” said Dave Rogers (of Rogers Brothers). “It’s just the luck or the un-luck of the draw.”

Mehan walked up and down the hill calling names, making sure everyone knew which heat they were in, barely finding enough time to tighten his board and suit up.Practice heats drew four to five riders every 20 to 30 seconds, allowing for riders to get a feel for the road. A considerable number of riders found themselves at Dump Road for the first time.

After every practice heat, riders seemed to lean in a bit lower, testing just how much they can take advantage of the on-coming breeze.

The racers awaited the go from Mehan, communicating via walkie-talkie looking out for any cars. The riders’ faces usually bore a centered demeanor, not reflecting an adrenaline rush. Each heat was a make of speed, force, and concentration.

On this day, Dump Road called for riders to focus on the blowing winds and shifting their weight accordingly to the few but considerable curves.

The wind being the strongest at the top of the hill brought with it not only the stale smell of a landfill but a rider’s chance to gain an edge over his competitors.

Nelson said he found it difficult to pass riders from the left, thinking it was because he weighs less than the others. Rogers – who lives minutes from the site, and has years of experience riding this hill with his brother John Rogers – later advised Nelson that the trick to the day’s wind was to use it to pass from the right and to keep as far right as possible.

Comes no surprise that Dave Rogers owned the competition, so to say, and took home the prize of $500 cash, a new deck, a Tactis Sk8 T-shirt, and a first-place trophy. Following were John Rogers, James Kelly, and Tim Delrosario, in that order, receiving similar prizes, minus the cash.

These events being winner-take-all, “This is the only way to afford to keep racing, is winning,” said Dave Rogers in the closing ceremonies.

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