If you know anything about downhill skateboarding or the thrill of descending butter-smooth pavement, you've heard about the amazing Maryhill Loops Road and the Maryhill Festival of Speed.  Following in the tradition of TSR's race series on this amazing, historic hill, Volcanic Production's put together the '07 Festival and it rocketed to the top of skaters' lists of events to make in '08.  This year, the MFOS is also the IGSA World Championships...

And So, It Begins.

The weather in Goldendale, Washington is cool and crisp, with a dusting of snow on nearby mountains, but  a predicted 72 degree (22c) high with sunny skies over a beautiful road.  John "Maryhill Man" Ozman says, "Mary is all dressed and ready, and the weather is perfect.  We've had light winds so far."    As the race director prepares the venue for the 5 days of freeriding, qualifying and hardcore racing at Maryhill, athletes from around the globe are arriving at Portland International Airport and trekking 2 hours inland along the Columbia River.  They'll pass through Hood River, then cross the bridge to Washington State and Maryhilll, herself.  Malakai Kingston is already on the hill, reporting and seeking to poach a run without being snagged by Bob the course manager. Kai reports that Mischo and Martin Siegrist were enjoying a cup of coffee together near the athletes' village and that the Northwest Longboarding crew have arrived.

We'll have daily reports, photos and more from John Ozman, Marcus Reitema, Silverfish skaters from all over and, if the Wizzard doesn't choke him to death first, Malakai Kingston, beginning tonight.