The lifeblood of our small scene is a handful of events where skaters get to assemble and nerd out on their boards. Unfortunately, we think these events are spread too thin. However, we're happy to report an influx of new concepts and ideas crossing our desks from our members. One such concept we're thrilled to report is coming to reality: a multi-day event on the Leon/ Salado/ Missions Creek Trail in Texas hosted by Ehren Mohammadi. You may have crossed paths with him at events like Ultraskate or Ladiga. Or maybe you ordered something from his San Antonio-based Insanity Boardshop. Either way, we caught up with him to learn more about this new event.
First and foremost, tell us the basics about Leon/ Salado/ Missions Creek Trail. What is it? How long? What is the track like? When is it? How many years have you done it?
The Leon Creek is approx. 18.50mi long each way, through a mix of uphill, downhill and lots of turns. It has a mix of pavement changes but it is all really good pavement. Concrete and Asphalt Blacktop pavement. Salado Creek is approx. 20mi long each way, through a mix of uphill, downhill and lots of turns. It has a mix of pavement changes but it is all really good pavement. Concrete and Asphalt Blacktop pavement. On Day 2 (23.50mi) South Salado Creek Trail is a mix of light downhill, uphill with a mix of pavement changes between asphalt blacktop and concrete sections. It has one section that is really rough pavement but you can push through it and move on to smooth pavement again. The Missions/Medina River trail is 30mi long in each direction. Just like the other trails it is a mix of downhill/uphill with really good pavement. Concrete and Asphalt Blacktop pavement. Each Trail has it’s own stone art concrete sections at can give you a rough ride but they aren’t a big deal. I recommend pushing through them chill instead of extremely hard. Each trail also features a switchback section or two of very technical curves. Some have tighter turns that make it really difficult to make the turns going down or up it while staying on your board. Ride cautiously and you can accomplish all of them though like I have every time. If you'd like to sign up head here.
Sounds like a challenge. What makes this route unique compared to other places you've skated?
What I think makes it so unique to other races and events I have been a part of around the world is how much you are constantly changing from curves in the trail to uphill and then a downhill section to another curve to another uphill section and so on. Plus also the constant change of pavement from one area to another. The nature that is hidden in such a big city of 1.5 million people that is mostly Rural environment. The trail is always keeping you on your toes and keeping you thinking about how you should attack the next curve, downhill or uphill section that is coming up.
What should first-timers know about this race before they attempt it?
First times should know that what I am telling you is no joke. This is a hard event for every level of longboarder. It is not an event to take lightly. If you’ve never pushed a far distance such as 50+mi in multiple days in a row I would recommend going at it day by day. I’ve had several people tell me they will only do 1-2 days not all 3 though. Some will do all 3 but I feel that will only be the strongest of us. Day 2 is the easiest day at 23.50mi on the South Salado Creek Trail.
Lots of amazing trail projects are happening around the United States. How has your local system developed over the years?
I have been skating these trails for 10-12 years now. It started out with smaller sections of trails that weren’t connected. Leon and Salado Creek were separated and finally got connected at the end. Which is why if you look at the mile markers on the trails they will constantly be changing depending on which trail you are on. Also the mile markers are not totally accurate. They are slightly off on how long the trail is but the city is unaware or don’t think it is not totally accurate.
What is your best advice to someone thinking about hosting an IDSA-sanctioned race?
If someone would like to organize an IDSA-sanctioned race I would recommend going to many races before they just decide to run their own race/ event. Be conservative about how big you think the race/ event will be the first year. I have held many small short distance races in San Antonio on the Leon Creek trail and you just need to make sure the people that do show up have a good time. How you do organizing your own event will play a big part in determining if people will ever come back in the future to one of your races.
You have organized events in the past but your main gig is selling high quality gear from your shop Insanity. What its like, what kind of brands do you stock?
Yes, we started as a longboard specialty store in 2012. After several years of just longboards we started getting skateboards in the shop also. As we got older we carried more and more skateboards too. Around Covid time, our skateboarding area increased drastically. Longboards have always stayed around and kept moving on their own too. We still get new riders all the time looking to just cruise or use it for commuting. Some do want to go fast and freeride too, or even dancing.
Why is it important for the community to support independent skateshops?
It's important to support that mom and pop family owned small business skateshop over the big corporate free shipping, warehouse full, all the goodies online store that has unlimited amount inventory that is detached from the actual sport and community. The mom and pop store is risking everything just to open their doors every day. It's like anything else: you want good bread, go buy from a baker. If you want good skate gear, buy it from someone that actually skates.
Tell us about the skate scene in San Antonio: in general, LDP scene, great routes, skate spots. What’s your best piece of advice for an out-of-towner that wants to enjoy a skate in San Antonio?
San Antonio is a very big city, it is constantly growing and has room to grow to 2 – 3 million people given they keep on expanding to all parts of town. You could be on the South side of town and feel like you’re in a totally different city than if you were in the North side of town. Although the downhill sections are difficult you will not reach a speed faster than 20mph most of the time. There is one section where Leon and Salado Creek connect that has the fastest straight away reaching 25-28mph tops.
Tell us about how you discovered skateboarding and how it evolved into a career path?
I started using my longboard to commute to class at University of Texas at San Antonio. I would use it to get to and from class and around campus when I needed to get around. I found it easier too use then my car because of the parking situation on campus. When I went into year 2 I lived right next to the Leon Creek trail in some apartments. I only explored it a couple of times but I knew I had found my training grounds for years to come. The more and more I skated to class or on the trails during college, I realized how much I liked this aspect of Longboarding as compared to just going fast Downhill or Freeriding a hill. I had a big group of friends that were into downhill or freeriding but I was more into LDP as time went on. The LDP scene was very new when I was coming up. I got to see the IDSA and Joner at the very early days of him and his organization skills. I was very and still am to this day satisfied with how professional he handles it all. Very much so how I’ve seen other sports handled professionally over the years. I’ve done almost every sport out there since I was a kid. Baskeball, Baseball, Football Soccer, Swimming, and Water Polo.
Bonus Question: What was the most memorable skate session you’ve ever had? OR Bucketlist skate spot/trip?
My bucketlist skate trip at this point would be new countries to skate in. I’ve done a Europe tour, USA tour to Joner IDSA events. I would also love to a country skate trek either on my own or with someone that has the same amount of experience and dedication as I do. Skating alone for a long time can be lonesome also. I have skated over 20,000 mi but never more than a couple hundred miles in a week or month. Never just gone on a journey not knowing when I will finish or how long it could take. Just being out there in the elements and going with the flow of what’s coming your way.
Editors Note
Setting up skate events could be extremely difficult. Event creators put lots of time and effort into building experiences for us to enjoy. From what I've seen, all of them are motivated simply by a desire to bring people to their city or a route that's special to them and have a good skate. If you have the means to book a trip, the time to take a few hour drive, or need to take on a new skate challenge, I urge you to consider heading out to this event (and others.) You will not regret it.