Quarantine Parks. Private places to ride during Covid-19 times. Part 19: Andy Buckworth's yard (USA)

May 15, 2020

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3238 times

Name Park: Soprano spot
Operator: Myself Andy Buckworth
Location: California, USA

What are the Covid-19 restrictions where you live at the moment?
Andy Buckworth: Right now we are allowed to leave the house to exercise, visit the dr, or visit the grocery store. Restaurants are open, for take away only.

How does it feel having a ramp available whenever you feel like riding?
Andy Buckworth: Honestly it’s a blessing. I hate being off my bike and even though there aren’t any events coming up, I still ride my bike every day.

Has the yard seen much change since you bought the house?
Andy Buckworth: Not yet. However I plan to make some pretty substantial changes. Hopefully in the near future.

What kind of wood did you use for the ramp?

Andy Buckworth: My ramp is made of plywood and it has a layer of skate lite.

Who helped with the design of the new stuff?
Andy Buckworth: As of now the ramp is still the same as it was when Barry Nobles and Caroline Buchanan lived here apart from replacing the spine with a more user friendly spine.

How long did it take to build the ramps you've added and who offered help to put it together?
Andy Buckworth: It only took a week or two in between rain showers for Randy Lawrence and I to build the new spine.

Who comes over on the regular to ride the ramp with you?
Andy Buckworth: Lately I’ve been getting sessions with Shane Davies, Daniel Sandoval and Jeremy Malott.

If you need something re-built or moved, who are you gonna call?
Andy Buckworth: I’ve been in discussions with Anthony Napolitan about building some new things in the yard. I’m making the yard more like a skate park.

How fortunate do you feel to have access to the ramp whenever you feel like riding in these times?
Andy Buckworth: Especially in this time where restrictions are high and skate parks are closed I couldn’t think of a better situation than having a backyard set up to flow around every day.

Are the surrounding public parks still closed off?
Andy Buckworth: At the moment yes. Public skate parks are closed but there are rumors of them opening back up soon.

Are there any plans for further ramp expansions?
Andy Buckworth: Yes I’ve been in discussions with Anthony Napolitan about changing things up in the yard.

Are the neighbours cool with the ramps?
Andy Buckworth: Yeah I’ve been super lucky with my neighbors. Our community is built up with a lot of action sports people past and present.

Thanks to: Barry Nobles, Monster energy, Wienerschnizel, ODI BMX, Vans, Ethika, One day wraps, Ride 100%.