It's winter in Chicago. Still. And there is plenty of snow on the ground to prove it.
With tediously long winters and the nearest indoor park being a 45-minute drive (and $12) away, skateboarders in Chicago have to take things into their own hands to avoid hibernation. One example of this DIY effort is The Beerics. Basically a bunch of dudes moved to Chicago from Michigan, got a house in unassuming Roscoe Village, and built the best ramp their 15'x15'x8' garage would allow.
In addition to building this ramp, they started a website lightheartedly spoofing Steve Berra's Berrics, and putting a Chicago spin on it. www.TheBeerics.com is the result. Every Friday skaters and onlookers cram into the standing-room-only garage with beers in hand to skate or watch their buddy attempt a trick for Fifth Try Friday, who has to shotgun a beer after each failed attempt.
I could go on about how much fun it is and how psyched I am to get to ride my skateboard in the dead of winter with a bunch of good dudes, but instead just go to the site and watch a couple videos and I think you'll understand for yourself.
