Westbound Boarder

LA is known for being home to some of the worst traffic in the nation… but this weekend all that traffic might not be such a bad thing.  On Saturday (that’s tomorrow, for those of you who might not be counting down the hours already), Red Bull Soapbox is coming to Los Angeles, where forty-two teams will race (and crash) through Downtown LA.  But this isn’t your typical NASCAR-style racing…

This year, a banana slug, a pinata, a beaver (crush the Beaver!!!), and a taco are all expected to make their way to the race.  More than 200 teams entered their craziest, off-the-wall ideas for go-karts, and Sat. will feature the 42 who made the cut.  All teams will be competing to win a trip to the NASCARs, complete with the Red Bull royal treatment (and lots of free Red Bull, I’m sure).

Here are details for Saturday’s event: The pits open at 1am for Soapbox viewing, while the Opening ceremony begins at 12:30pm and the race stars at 1pm.  Due to several street closures and large crowds, Red Bull recommends taking public transportation or carpooling.  For complete event details or to check out team bios, visit the Red Bull Soapbox home page.

If you’ve never been to a Red Bull event, I guarantee you they’re always a good time.  But if you’re on the fence about attending this event and need some added persuasion, check out some of the best (and by best I mean worst) crashes below, courtesy of our friends at Red Bull.  See ya there!

Cool stuff from around the Web, plus cool events, equals cool article; check it out!

• Louie Vito Turns in His Snowboard For… Dancing Shoes? That’s right, pro snowboarder Louie Vito is joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, which premieres Sept. 21.  Will his cha-cha-cha’s are as good as his backside 9′s.  You decide.
• The Best Beach for Beginning Surfers: This week, LA mag highlights the best beach for beginning surfers in LA.  Known for its long, slow waves and forgiving wave riders, this is the perfect beach to hit if you’re just starting out.
• 2010 Winter Olympics Snowboarding Schedule Set: Add these dates to your calendar now, because you won’t want to miss ‘em!

Upcoming Events

• Saturday, Sept. 19, 9am – noon: Coastal Cleanup Day, Southern California, 70+ locations
• Saturday, Sept. 19, 2pm till dark: Bear Mountain Hot Dawgs and Hand Rails, pro invitational rail jam event, music, autograph signings, film screenings, and more; Free admission
• Saturday, Sept. 26: Red Bull Soapbox Los Angeles

Just because summer has officially come to a close does not mean there’s nothing to do.  In fact, our event calendar is just beginning to ramp up.  So if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out our list below (by the time you’re done reading this post, you won’t know where to begin!  Is it Friday yet?!)

• Sunset Strip Music Festival: Sept. 11 – 12 — If you live relatively near Hollywood (or even if you don’t) this two-day event should be an awesome time.  The strip will be closed for performances at several different locations, including two outdoor stages, The Roxy, House of Blues, and other large venues located along the famous Sunset strip.  Headliners include Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Pepper, Unwritten Law, LMFAO, and more, and tickets are $39.50/day in advance, or $50 at the gate, plus additional charges for club events. Additional Details.
• World Premiere of Forum’s “Forever”: Friday, Sept. 11 at the Balboa Theater (868 4th Ave. @ E Street, San Diego), Doors open at 7pm — This Friday, Forum will be debuting its sixth film, “Forever,” featuring Forum team riders such as Peter Line, Eddie Wall, John Jackson, Jake Welch, Stevie Bell and Cameron Pierce (all will be in attendance). The film will be shown alongside Standard Film’s “Black Winter.”  Additional Details. (Don’t live in SD? Totally no worries, its just the first stop of many).
• MSA Classic’s Opening Party and Keep A Breast Foundation Benefit: Friday, Sept. 11 at the Writer’s Boot Camp Bergamot Station Arts Center (2525 Michigan Ave., Building 1) in Santa Monica from 7 to 11 p.m. — Tomorrow the Malibu Surfing Association and Global Surf Industries will host the MSA Classic Opening Party, which will benefit the Keep A Breast Foundation. The party will feature free food and drink (free? yes!), pro surfers, a photography show by Roxy team rider Kassia Meador and Simone Reddingius, a Classic Hot Rod and Kustom Car Show, a raffle, and musical performances by MK & the Gentleman and The Holloys. There is  $5 suggested donation (but it’s going to a good cause, so don’t sweat).  Additional Details. (I’ll be stopping by, so make sure you stop by to say what’s up!)

Pencil This In: Events on the Horizon

• Saturday, Sept. 19: Bear Mountain Hot Dawgs and Hand Rails
• Saturday, Sept. 26: Red Bull Soapbox Los Angeles
• Sunday, October 4: Sixth Annual Night by the Ocean (Kodak Theater, Los Angeles)