One of those big contests is in town this week. It’s not that I’m not a fan of big contests… I’m just not a fan of the Dew Tour, and how they’ve gone about things the last few years. Behind the scenes bullshit really. Their sales pitch to get riders on board in the beginning was that it was going to be “different” from all the irritations riders and people in the “industry” had gotten used to with other TV events. That lasted two stops. The first two events a few years back were actually looking like they might hold true to that original pitch. But then it all went out the window. To each his own, and while it’s nice to see some of my good friends getting paid somewhat decent money (I use the term decent loosely in a televised professional sports sense) I’m not in a agreement with the borderline exploitation of some really great lifestyles. An office full of people who either have never touched a skateboard or bike (yes, I know Miller is involved, he and DMC are clear exceptions), or haven’t in many years,  dictating where things should be headed. There’s no regard for what’s really happening with the participants on a daily basis beyond the TV show they’re making. That’s horrible. While there’s a level of professionalism that has to be maintained to create a televised sporting event, things like skateboarding and BMX were founded as the antithesis to those very “things.”

So, while I’m just going to pretend that’s not even really happening a few blocks away from our office, it’s nice to see a lot of friends while they’re in town. Fortunately, a lot of them are down to go and ride what Portland has to offer, away from all the corn syrup. I’ve gotten some good shots in the last two days of some of the Dewds dudes at the local parks. You can check them out after the jump. Above is Ronnie Napolitan. Click to expand the view.

Instead of dewing the Dew, I’m headed to the Haro 25th Reunion Tour in Ashland, OR this weekend. Brian Blyther, Dave Nourie, Mike Dominguez, Ron Wilkerson, Bob Haro, and Kevin Martin. It’s going to be epic. A five hour drive, but no bullshit press credential required. Just like old times. Fun. Let’s Dew Do This.

Brian Hunt, Lookback, Oregon City.

Kevin Porter, can-can, Glenhaven.

Kyle Harris, Turndown, Burnside.

Ronnie Napolitan, Turndown, Tigard. Click to Expand.

Brian Hunt, nothing, Oregon City.

Roman Tencza, lookback, Tigard. Click to Expand.

Seth Klinger, turndown, Tigard.

Kyle Harris, Euro Table, Oregon City.

Codie Larsen, Invert, Glenhaven.

Roman Tencza, No-hander over Codie Larsen, Tigard. Click to Expand.

Brian Hunt, No-footed Can-can, Oregon City.

Kevin Porter, Table, Glenhaven.

Roman Tencza, Huge whip transfer, Tigard. Click to expand.