Spirit Magazine - January 2014 - (Page 68)

S SHAUN WHITE, America's most famous flame-haired athlete, attempts to Double McTwist his way to a third gold medal at next month's Olympics in Sochi, Russia, it grows harder to remember the days when snowboarding was considered weird. Only a few decades ago, snowboarding was seen as a fringe sport, one best left to grungy teens and reckless lunatics. In fact, in the '80s, few ski resorts even allowed snowboarders on their slopes. How things change. It raises the question: What will be the next weird sport to morph into a gold medal- worthy sensation? Ice golf? Lightsaber fencing? Extreme pencil fighting? Okay, probably none of those. But that doesn't matter to the weekend warriors who participate in the countless odd competitions played out across America each year, from Big Wheel races in the streets of San Francisco and chuck wagon dashes in dusty Clinton, Arkansas, to the mud football championships in North Conway, New Hampshire. Sol Neelman would know. For more than eight years, the Portland, Oregon- based photographer has traveled the country documenting our affinity for off beat athletics. "Most of these events have a similar sensibility and humor, a lightheartedness," Neelman says. "People are doing it because they want to have fun, and that's what I come across almost all the time. The common denominator is usually costumes, cheap beer, and lots of laughter." "So many of our organized sports are too organized," says Lloyd Bradley, author of The Rough Guide to Cult Sport 68 SPIRIT JANUARY 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - January 2014

Spirit Magazine - January 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Do Detective Work
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Blend Bourbon and Bitters
Munch on Mozzarella
Rendezvous in Rosemary Beach
Wise Guide
Communicate With Confidence
Put a Stop to Stalling
The Numbers
Make or Break a Beauty Habit
Keep a Secret
Business
Plan a Day in Providence
Secure a Career Coach
Get in the Games
The Long Run
Your Adventure in Wichita
Promotional Series: New Year, New You
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - January 2014