More Than 300 Shred At ‘Rock The Ramp’

Seasoned pros and up-and-comers alike showed off their tricks on skateboards, scooters, and BMX bikes during Saturday’s “Rock The Ramp” event at McVicker Skate Park in Lake Elsinore.

More than 300 rode the ramps while the local alternative rock band Halfway Decent jammed onstage.

“We’re in our ninth year,” said Dustin Spicer, recreational specialist at the skate park. “We had a really good turnout today. The sport is growing, especially the scooters.”

The skate park features an encaged area with more than a dozen ramps designed to allow skaters, and BMX and scooter riders to perfect their midair tricks.

Saturday’s event attracted kids – mostly boys – that ranged from elementary school age up to young adults in their early 20s.

Lake Elsinore resident Jesse Fahey, 14, turned out for the BMX portion of Rock The Ramp.

“It’s not really a competition,” he explained. “It’s more about seeing who can throw the best trick.”

BMX rider Garrett Elliot, 21, of Murrieta, was on hand to watch the action.

“Garrett’s really good,” Jesse said. “He’s a professional.”

Wearing skinny jeans and a striped hoodie pulled over his head, Elliot said he has traveled around the country for various BMX contests and used to teach, but now most of his time is spent working at the skate park.

“I started riding when I was in the seventh grade. I still ride a lot,” he said, noting that he does have sponsors.

Eleven-year-old Justin Mix is an Elliot protégé who has BMX in his blood. His father Mike rode as a kid, and the whole family showed up for Rock The Ramp to show support.

“I started when I was 6,” Justin said. “I ride dirt jumps.”

Justin, who broke both his arms in bad BMX crash in Perris, showed off his repertoire of tricks – ET, Tiregrab, 360, One-Footer.

He’s now trying to perfect his No Foot Can Can, a trick where he slides off the seat midair and throws out a little kick with his legs and feet.

But is he really that good?

“Yes I am,” he said.

McVicker Skate Park is part of the City of Lake Elsinore's park system. For more information, click here.