Wham Bang Boom! Just that quick and it was all over! My trip to Varna was canned. By
the way Varna is in Bulgaria a former communist country struggling to get the new
capitalist system to work. Enough with the politics. It all started with a simple proposal
from a member of "Team Geritol" Bob Kay. He suggested a road trip from Williamsburg
Va to Washington D.C to do some real stairs and rails. Of course I could not refuse so the
following weekend we journeyed into the "Belly of the beast". We hit the asphalt at 2:00
warmed up by airing a few planters and a few parking lot drop-offs. At about 2:10 we
came across what appeared to be a tame laid back handicap rail up by Union Station. You
know a good rail to warm up on. By 2:11 I had found the beast within the rail. It was still
enough for me to get on and start my ride. As soon as that rail found out what I was doing
it lashed out with all of it's might! I could not withstand the power of the rail. I felt it
grabbing my left skate so I tried to bail with some style a fakie to the far side of the rail.
As I started to bail it grabbed my soul and would not let go! With all the grace I could
muster I continued to spin till my tibia and fibia could take no more and snapped under the
pressure. I landed on my right leg , in perfect position , my left leg was not to be found
and I soon found my butt in perfect position skidding across the concrete. By 2:30 I was
sitting in George Washington University Hospital ER trying to coax Bob into skating
instead of wasting the day sitting around a boring waiting room waiting for me. He
mumbled some stuff about bad karma and no way not after what you just did! then took a
seat. Eight hours later I emerged from the hospital with a full leg cast that went all the way
to where the sun don't shine and pretty doped up on Percocet and Demoral. That is why
my mission to bring the aggressive inline experience to Varna Bulgaria that was planned
for 29 June to 29 July was postponed. I guess it was a good thing since I got no support. I
put posters up in local skate shops soliciting the help of fellow skaters to donate some old
equipment. I got not one response! But what do you care? The average family income
there is around $150 a month. That makes it a little difficult to afford such luxuries as
inline skates and protective equipment. Skaters helping skaters that's what it's all about
whether it be sharing a helmet or showing someone how to do a trick. Well let me get off
my soap box and just say that my story just goes to show no matter how much protective
gear you wear it does no good unless you use your head!
P.S The rail I broke my leg on is featured in the D.C section of the video "No Limits"
Blaine A. Anaya
