PDX SGS #5 AKA – The Death Race

PDX SGS is an underground race series that occurred 2006-2008 on Portland's most famous hill on the Eastside of the city. If you have ever skated in the area, you know where this is, and most likely will recognize it from the video. Being an outlaw event it is kept on the DL and spread mostly by word of mouth. The main reason being is the gnar factor of this race course with some heavy consequences if you go off course or collide with the various dangers. Also it's an 18 and over event to enter. Usually there are more spectators than riders as its pretty entertaining to watch them barely make the course, or worse see them slip out and crash!

Rider Billy Meiners slipping out on a wet course in 2007 hitting a light pole.

It's a Super Giant Slalom down the main run with cones set up very close to the edge of the road. 3 timed runs for each rider, fastest time wins. 1 cone hit equals one second added to your time. 2 cones hit equals a DQ. Riders are forced through several rough sections of pavement with various intimidating obstacles. After taking down several riders in the first four races with some brutal injuries such as dislocated shoulders, concussions, stitches, and road rash, the event is now being resurrected six years later. Who will show up to take the challenge on January 4th, 2015? Previous champions include Billy Meiners, Skip Marcotte, and myself twice.

Rider Mike Christopher slipping out and crashing in 2008.

In this video the organizer Josh Burt skates the updated course and its various dangers for a test run! He's riding the Eastside Mach 3 with Indy 169mm Trucks and 70mm These Wheels. Enjoy and hope to see you at the event racing or not it will be entertaining and scary! If you don't make it out, there will be some coverage provided by Daddies Board Shop.

The next cone setup similar to the last giving the riders a scary feeling as they pass through.

Cone setup next to a cement wall forcing riders to go through a pothole and debree.

The gap just big enough for a board width that riders must cross through farther down on the course with more speed.

Rounded edge of the road covered in moss, a terror for any rider who's wheels slip out.

Taking a run at the last race I won in here in 2008 on a dry course.