skate capital of the world

Spensor Hill in action at the Ed Benedict skatepark in Portland, Ore.

In Portland, skateboarding has been woven into parks and streets in the same manner as cycling or soccer. Skateboarding is illegal in downtowns across the country. Portland’s downtown is marked with “skate routes” featuring signs with a skateboarding stick figure. In most cities, skaters consider it a big victory when a skatepark is built. Portland is building a network of 19 skateparks scattered throughout the city. Skaters even have one of their own in City Hall: Tom Miller, chief of staff to Portland Mayor Sam Adams, rode into politics through skateboard advocacy and has continued pushing for skateparks from the inside.

Skateboarding Capital of the World
Decades of activism make Portland, Ore., heaven for the sport; follow the skate routes

wsj, 31.07.09.

Tom Miller, a skateboard advocate and the mayor’s chief of staff, in Portland.

I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon for a weeklong 'vacation' in Portland.

Bringing my skateboard with me, even though I'm a noob and can't do tricks / won't be able to enjoy these skateparks. But just so I can get around faster, and in the case that I can't find a bike to borrow or don't want to drop cash to rent one.