DC Tweed Ride: The Beginning of the Greatest Century

My friend called me and told me that we should do a fancy bike ride with a newly formed social and fashion group. Well my first thoughts about a bike ride in fancy classical attire were: first, I didn't have anything to wear and second, that I didn't have a bike. We briefly discussed wardrobe ideas, and we figured out something that I could do my eclectic clothing. Of course I figured I could run it on stilts... I checked the route and would probably be able to keep up with the bikes or at least take shortcuts if needed. I reluctantly agreed to attend the 11AM meetup.

Wow there were hundreds of riders in dapper and elegant attire at the start line. Many photographers and reporters had shown up, amazed at the crowd, and it completely stymied the organizers.

Of course the stilts were a big hit. Of the 300+ dandies and quaintrelles participating, I was the only dandy on stilts. The pace was exceedingly leisurely so I initially kept pace with the very front of the group and although many came whizzing past me on the downhill, I never ended up behind.

As Noted by NPR (Slide #7):

"This fellow had no trouble keeping up in his special jumping gizmo"

The Examiner even remarked that:

"One particularly exuberant dandy even jogged the route wearing power stilts crafted out of what appeared to be bicycle components."

(Not a sophisticated reporting piece... at least they got the type of stilts right)

Some video was taken by ReadSetDC, It shows vintage style with power stilts at about 1:42.

Yes, it was fun. People also really liked the hat.

Capital Bocking USA Report

There were nine participants that showed up (that found us) and we came from impressive swath of the country. US States represented were: TX, VT, WV, MA, PA, MD, NY. Also represented was the UK. Most importantly, everyone had fun and no one got hurt.


From the DC Power Stilts Youtube Channel

The DC Power Stilts Challenge Format
Basically the format consists series of mostly easy/ intermediate "challenges" which participants could opt to participate in for points. Some challenges were harder and worth more points, and some were team or head-to-head competitions. Bonus points were awarded to the farthest traveled, the youngest, the oldest, the most feminine, knowledge of congressional procedures, and even for coming to the pizza party. The "secret point swap" made it partly a survivor-style, team strategy game as well. With a variety of skill levels represented and an emphasis on participation, all those in attendance were energized throughout each of the activities.

The first part of the competition was structured challenges on DC's great bocking terrain. Some people tried the terrain challenges for the first time.

DC Power Stilts threw down a good pizza party to start the weekend, and hopefully we indoctrinated everyone with our business philosophy and commitment to powerbocking.



From the DC Power Stilts Youtube Channel

The afternoon consisted of walking/touring in a popular and historic area of town with ice-cream treat. Points were awarded for crossing the bridge from VA into DC. It was hot, but weather stayed dry.

Sunday was a relaxed format where we had breakfast together and hung out in a park near a big farmers/craft market. We got breakfast, played with the camera a bit, and relaxed. Then we did the secret point swap followed by a somber awards ceremony. With obstacle courses, races, group challenges, quizzes, bonus awards, and point swapping, the winners really earned their prizes. I'll profile the event winners in a future blog.

One thing that stands out is that the DC event was a huge success in terms of publicity and local awareness. We were prominently featured with a full color photo and listing on the first page of the Washington Post Weekend Section. I'm estimating that at least 50 people came to spectate the various challenge events, and there were also about 50 that attended the Free try-out lessons after the competition event, which quickly reached capacity. (Thanks to Dominion for pitching in to help teach and organize the crowd!). It seems that about half of those taking lessons were youths, so it was very nice to see that level of interest in our sport.

Powerbocking was extremely visible throughout the city this weekend, as evidenced by a number of local acquaintances who contacted me after seeing people on stilts. I was even riding up the elevator when I overheard two people talking about "people jumping on stilts... in the park".

It was some work to organize and host everyone but I wish I had you all in town every weekend! Be sure and attend next year.

Scouting out routes for Capital Bocking USA

So we just had a nice weekend in DC... with 80 degrees and sunny, hopefully it was a "weather" preview for Capital Bocking USA which is in less than two weeks. The mission was to go bocking and scout things out. I was running across Key bridge at full speed when I tripped and fell as the bridge transitioned to slightly uneven brick sidewalk. I skidded on the smooth bricks for about 20ft, going from about 20mph to zero. It was a very bad fall, and I was stunned, wind knocked out of me, laying on the ground. After a moment, I sat up and assessed the damage: fresh skid marks on my kneepads, elbow pads, and wrist guards plus a minor scratch along the edge of one wrist guard. The moral of the story is: Although falls are rare, always wear protective pads and a helmet while bocking! Bocking looks dangerous, but it doesn't have to be.

And yes, we now have some good, tested routes! See you all in two weeks. It's going to be a great time!

Meet Our Affiliates

I'm happy to announce that DC Power Stilts has recently established our first four affiliates who are organizing local communities and otherwise promote this exciting new sport! Let us know if you would like an affiliate to contact you.

The first DC Power Stilts Affiliates are:

• Bacchanal Promotions (Andrew), in Auburn Hills, Michigan
• Brian in Salinas, California
• DJ in Davenport, Iowa
• Larry in Fairmont, West Virginia

Learn more about the Affiliate Program.

PowerBocking at the Frieght House Market

Hello again Sirs and or Madams!

Spring weather is starting to consider taking a hold of things here in Davenport, Iowa. After getting out of work early. This bocker decided to go do some springing of his own. I took a quick run to the nearby Mississippi River. Only to discover a small flea market of sorts.

Taking the chance to promote the sport. I spent the last two hours walking through the crowds, doing kangas, pogos, split kicks, tucks, grabs and stars in clearing for any that asked. Oh did they ask!

Times like these really make you recall the thrill you yourself got your first time seeing bocks. To bad I was alone with no camera. So I cannot share pictures today. Maybe if some pop up online? I was photographed randomly quite a bit.

Again, if there are any in the area that would like a demostration please look me up.

Visiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival on Stilts

The Cherry Blossom Festival is a wonderful event that happens in DC when the Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees bloom and surround the tidal areas of DC with breathtaking pink and white petals.

Unfortunately the spectacular scenery attracts a huge crowd and the lack of good transportation nearby makes getting around very difficult... for most.

Power stilts change the equation! Now the 4 miles around the area and up to the subway passes with the greatest of ease. The crowd becomes a moving slalom course and every unobstructed view overlooks the heads of those around.

Not to mention the fun of running and jumping in a beautiful place to the amazement and shock of lots of people. Please visit the DC Power Stilts Flickr Photo Stream for the photos I took or were of me on this fine Sunday afternoon.

Since it worked out so well, I think next year I'll organize a group of us to go down together. Mark your calendars and come to DC for the National Cherry Blossoms.

Dogs on Stilts

Don't just walk you dog, now you can bock your dog! Dr. Zancos, a circus veterinarian, was out behind the big top, when he noticed an acrobat on stilts going for a walk with the clowns' dog! As the leashed dog struggled to keep up with it's owner on stilts, the doctor decided that the dog needed an even playing field. After much testing and modification, Dr Zancos was able to fit a pair of Poweriser Kids and a two small peg stilts to fit the dog comfortably. After some initial reluctance and further training, he found that the dog with power stilts was capable of running faster and jumping higher than their tiger.

Next Dr. Zancos is going to be working with the tiger, named April.
Fools in the circus:

"Bock" Obama Inauguration Festivities

After listening to Obama take the Oath of Office via a Jumbotron, the energy and exuberance of the crowd was enough to make you want to jump for joy!

Of the 1.8 Million people celebrating the inauguration in downtown DC, only the coolest, best-informed were smart enough to bring their own stilts.

Security zones were arbitrary and unclear, but walking all over town was a given, and the usual transport network had been mostly shut down by the sheer size of the crowds. Standing above the crowd really added to the awareness of the magnitude of what was going on.



Compare the above picture taken of me in front of the WW2 memorial with the picture from atop stilts below. While everyone was on their toes to peer over each other's heads, I was marveling in the incredible views.


Visit my flickr photostream for more pictures from "Bock" Obama Inauguration Festivities.

Unfortunately with cold temps below freezing all day, weather was not ideal to spend the day doing outdoor activities, so only one polar bear went bocking into history with the "Bock" Obama Inauguration. Although it has been noted that performers on spring stilts entertained at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Video from Bock NYC

Group trick:


Nicely edited! (I'm in camouflage pants with blue springs.)

A Good Route For Fresh Air

For some quick exercise and some fresh air, I usually do a loop starting down River Road and connecting to the Capital Crescent trail. Taking the trail to Bethesda, then stopping for a well earned ice cream or a snack. Finally I'll go bocking back down to Friendship Height on the sidewalk of Wisconsin Ave, about 5 miles.

Bock NYC Aftermath and Report

Bock NYC Was a great success this year!! Since I was staying in midtown, I was the first to arrive at Battery Park. Everyone showed up pretty quickly and impressive vaults of the staircases and many various other tricks ensued. For most people there it seemed that someone on spring stilts was very unusual... but over a dozen people at once? Wow, only in NYC (or Boston /DC /UK...)

Anyways we went up to the courthouse with a nice set of stairs such that you could choose how big you wanted to go. A few skateboarders had set up shop but it was a good place to chill out and have lunch while watching Dawsome doing linked multiple flips.

From there we walked about 3.5 miles through most of lower Manhattan. It was mostly teeming with people going every which way but it was fun to be up above everyone else. The view is only 18 inches higher, but you feel miles above the rat race. We stopped a few places and gave roving demos of jumping and running. People definitely noticed us, and I saw alot of smiles as we passed by.

Finally we stopped in Times Square and formed a "bockers" circle. People gave us some good space as we took turns performing a crowd pleasing and traffic-clogging show for about 20 minutes. We weren't asked to leave, but as our hunger and thirst gave way, we headed back to Penn Station.

Weather was just about perfect and we didn't have any major casualties. More importantly, good times were had by all. Check out my youtube and flickr photo streams for details.

Special Event Coming up... NYC on October 17-19

Ever wonder what would happen if a whole crowd of people got together on power stilts and bocked across a crowded city? This event is going to have professional bockers from all over as we converge for jumping, acrobatics, running around, and having fun in the Big Apple. I am planning to attend and will help arrange carpools up from DC... please let me know if you are interested. If you are new to power stilts, you will especially benefit from bocking around with some of the world's elite for an entire weekend. Link here on the activities page.

Welcome to Bocking!

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