Dude bombs a hill hitting 72 mph
Title: Skateboarder Hits 72 MPH Bomber Run Downhill: The Rush, Risks, and Realities
Meta Description: Discover the heart-pounding story of a skateboarder bombing a hill at 72 mph, the gear they relied on, and the dangers of high-speed downhill skateboarding.
The Thrill of Speed: Skater Bombs Hill at 72 MPH
Imagine crouching low on a skateboard, wind roaring past your ears, pavement blurring beneath your feet as you plummet down a steep hill at 72 miles per hour. For one daring skateboarder, this adrenaline-pumping fantasy became reality during a “bomb run” that pushed the limits of downhill skateboarding.
The term “bombing a hill” refers to the act of hurtling down steep inclines at extreme speeds—a subculture of skateboarding where skill, courage, and precise equipment collide. Hitting 72 mph is no casual feat; it’s a borderline world-class speed reserved for elite riders on perfectly prepped roads. Here’s what makes such a run possible—and perilous.
Engineering the Perfect Run: How It’s Done
1. Gear Built for Velocity
- Precision Trucks & Wheels: Downhill specialists use stiff, stable trucks (like Caliber or Paris V3) and ultra-grippy, high-rebound wheels (e.g., Powell Peralta Snakes or Orangatang Kegels) to maintain control.
- Aerodynamic Stance: Riders adopt a speed tuck—knees bent, chest low—to reduce wind resistance.
- Safety Armor: Full-face helmets (like Predator DH6), leather racing suits, and slide gloves are non-negotiable at these speeds.
2. The Hill Itself
The chosen route is critical: long, smooth pavement with minimal traffic, sharp turns, or debris. Elite downhill spots include famous runs like California’s Mulholland Drive or Colorado’s Pikes Peak Highway.
The Perils of High-Speed Skateboarding
Hitting 72 mph amplifies risks exponentially:
- Speed Wobbles: A death sentence if uncontrolled. Wobbles—violent shaking caused by instability—demand perfect weight distribution and muscle memory.
- Road Hazards: A pebble or crack can launch a rider into catastrophic crashes.
- Traffic & Legal Risks: Bombing hills often breaches traffic laws, risking fines, injury, or fatalities from collisions.
Why Do Riders Push the Limits?
For downhill skateboarders, bombing hills is about mastery over chaos. The blend of fear, physics, and focus creates a meditative rush. Professional downhillers like Misel Sandrin or Pete Connolly chase records (the official speed record is 89.41 mph), but even amateur thrill-seekers pursue the “72 mph club” for bragging rights.
Safety First: Lessons from the Pros
- Never Bomb Alone: Ride with spotters to watch for cars or hazards.
- Progressive Training: Start on smaller hills (<30 mph) to hone balance and slide brakes.
- Check Local Laws: Many cities ban high-speed skateboarding. Scout legal spots or closed-course events.
The Future of Downhill Skateboarding
As gear evolves—think precision bearings, aerodynamically optimized boards—records continue to fall. Still, the community emphasizes responsible riding. Events like Maryhill Festival of Speed or Lions Hill Bomb promote structured, safe environments for pushing boundaries.
Conclusion: Respect the Hill
Bombing a hill at 72 mph is a raw, unfiltered dance with physics—equal parts awe-inspiring and dangerous. While the skateboarder’s feat deserves admiration, it underscores a crucial truth: speed demands respect, preparation, and humility. For those inspired to try downhill skating, remember—live to ride another day.
Keywords for SEO:
downhill skateboarding bombing a hill, 72 mph skateboard speed, speed wobbles skateboarding, downhill skateboard gear, fastest skateboard speed, Mulholland Drive skateboarding, high-speed skateboard risks.
Disclaimer: Downhill skateboarding at extreme speeds is inherently dangerous. Always prioritize safety, wear certified gear, and practice in controlled environments.
