"Bombing" Gran Sasso.

Today we decided to go and skate Gran Sasso. Translated it means Great Stone. Well on this fine sunny Summer Saturday afternoon there was none of the snow that usually covers these rocks during the Winter months. All that was to be found were literally a great load of stones. Even the road was stoned. 

After not adventuring to faraway places to skate in some time we headed to this "unknown" location. The only thing we had to go on were some images from Google Earth, showing some amazing turns, but as we know all to well the old Google can be a bit deceiving. 

The hill itself is situated about 160 km outside of Rome. Without access to a car, journeys like this would never be possible, but luckily fellow Roman skater, Andrea, allowed us a lift in his car so all was good.

Top and Bottom: Images on Google of the mountain with the road pictured below. 

One of the many tunnels you have to take to get there.

Rolling hills everywhere.

Head up and behind that "hill".

Above and Below: The unfortunate quality of the road.

It is rather unlucky that we keep finding awesome places to skate, yet the road is generally rather shocking. The patchiness of this road makes sliding and footbraking (which there was a bit of on my part) lank gnarly. If only the Italians kept their roads in as good a condition as the Swiss do. 

The first hill we skated.

A quick warm up!

And off we head. Left to Right: Antonio, Me, and Andrea.

Antonio and I at the bottom. My feet were itching my board was vibrating so much.

The second hill had this sexy sign at the top.

Antonio's new "Oneal" helmet with modded visor.

As you can see the road has some serious potential.

And my already Holy shoe became even Holier.

Taking in a cold one at the bottom. Note the ice-pack on Antonio's shoulder...

So what can I say? If you are in Italy. Don't go and skate this hill. It sucks. Unless patchy, sketchy roads rock you boat. Oh and if you have a ton of wheels to burn whilst sliding, this is the place to be. 

Special thanks to Tam and Mat for taking the photos.