News From Osiris

Butchering Barcelona

04.10.07

Postcard

04.03.07

Postcard

04.03.07

Good mornin Barcelona, well its been a real interesting week here. I’ve been here before like 6 years ago, such an amazing city. SO much tay skate! Even more than I can remember, met a couple a local guys Fernando and Jesus… proper nice blokes like. So how could I sum the trip up so far? ABSOLUTELY amazing, just kickin it at the apartment with the lads is super sick, or flyin around the streets bombing shit!!
Think weve been pretty lucky wit the weather tay like fur this time a year, a mean its totally lashin it down out there right now but the suns definitely not far away. It’s kinda looking like the sun’s just charging its rays fur wen the second squad gets out !!!!
I’m really looking forward tay seing Shuriken and going skating. It’s gonna be so sick man. They’re all gonna cum in flaming hot, especially are TM coung who claps very loud and vigourosly! So I’ll try and write somethin else soon. Hope the sun’s shining were yay are aw the best, skate or die!!!
—Stu

All in all we’ve been lucky with the weather. There have been a couple of days of rain but the city needed it, there comes a point when the cracks begin to show. From where I’m standing this looks like a productive trip. Two weeks disappear quickly when there are things to be done and every day we’ve been dodging the rain and grabbing a photo here and a video clip there. Maybe there’ll even be an Osiris video one day.
Stuart and Russell cleaned the apartment like champions the other day, I was proud of them. My cleaning efforts have been minimalistic to say the least.
Barcelona is still a wonderful place. Like anywhere there are crests and troughs but enjoying yourself is a matter of how one decides to configure ones brainstem isn’t it? It’s drying up out there. Time to skate.
—John

Stu

Weather

It’s raining outside and we are bummin’. Not that bad actually. It’s good to have some time for rest the wounds and play some flamenco. My wife left last Saturday, so we’ve been going out early, coming back late.

Skating with John and Clint is always fun. Having Russell is fucking great as well, be able to get footage that it’s not tripod footage is always a good thing.

I’ll be gone for 3 days, I’m going to Elche to hang out with my wife’s family.

By the time I get back the other crew will be here. Hopefully the weather will get better.
Tomorrow is John’s and Clint’s last day, time to get the gnar boots on.
—Diego

Diego

Teamwork

Clint

Clint is currently sleeping so no update from him for now

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04.02.07

John Rattray04.02.07 (1.9mb Quicktime)

Clint

Stu

So far, our trip has been a lot of fun. We have skated some amazing spots, shared many laughs, and have yet to break anything of the antiques in our apartment. Unfortunately for me, disaster struck last night. Yesterday we finished out the day at the Canyelles skate park where Stu made a burley transfer, John and Diego played a lengthy game of skate on the flat bar and overall the vibes were high. After the session, we headed to one of Diego’s favorite restaurants that he had been hyping all week. After our delicious meal of various tapas and a few plates of the bar’s signature fried fish we were on our way. Diego, John, Clint and I went on to check out a local heavy metal concert and keep our night rolling. Once we left the concert, we were off to meet some locals in the plaza. This was the point where my night took a turn for the worse. I walked off to get some drinks for the crew when two sketchy characters trying to shake me down for my wallet approached me. They were on both sides of me, and while one distracted me from the left, and the other popped my wallet out of my back pocket and took off down the alley. I threw my board down in an attempt to run faster, and the chase was on. I ran in hot pursuit trying to apprehend the thief and I was gaining on him for about four blocks, when he made a sudden dash into a crowded plaza and blended in with the masses. Now I was lost, upset and alone, so I barged into a cab in a raging frenzy. We began to drive and at this point I was furious and could not even remember where our apartment was located. I was so heated I could not even think of our cross street. I repeatedly asked the driver to let me out, and once we both realized I did not have any money for the fare, he got out of his cab and tried to fist fight me. I’m not much for physical confrontation, so I took off running. The driver hurried back into the car and proceeded to try and run me over! He circled around trying to chase me down until I finally made it safety on the median. I faked and dodged with fire in my eyes, I could not believe what was happening. In a feeble attempt to conceal my identity I took off my sweatshirt and ran as fast as I could. I tried to remain stealth and stay out of sight. Once I thought the coast was clear I hailed another cab. Miraculously I recalled our address and got dropped off in front of our building. Since I still had no money, I assured the cab driver I would be able to quickly go up stairs and borrow some cash from the guys. I left my sweatshirt as collateral and charged into the apartment like a mad man screaming how I had just been robbed. Stu lent me the cab fare, but when I went back downstairs the driver was gone. I guess he thought I was not going to return, so he drove off with my favorite zip hoody. So now I’m without my skateboard, my wallet (containing the last of my money, my license, bank card and company credit card) and my prized sweatshirt. I furiously ranted to the guys about what had just happened complete with several reenactments of the robbery and the fight scenario. Then I tried to calm down and sadly began the process of canceling all of my cards. What an awful way to end an otherwise epic day. Always remember to keep your eyes open and your wallet in your front pocket! I hope the others will learn from my mistake and not put themselves in the position to be taken advantage of. Where was Clint when I need him to bust some vigilante tactics?
Bummed in Barcelona,
Mike Fitz

Diego and Skin

Diego, Clint and John

Diego, Clint and John in Subway

John and Mike

John and Stu

Mike, Adrian and John

Stu

Sk8 Mafia

The Crew

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03.29.07

Diego
03.29.07 (1mb Quicktime)

At this point we are a little deeper than a week into our trip. Everyone has been enjoying themselves and skating as much as possible. Unfortunately, the weather has been pretty harsh, so we have seen more than a few wet and windy days. Regardless, our ongoing quest for footage and photos continues and we are making the most of our situation. The spots out here are ridiculous and it has been great having Diego show the crew around.

Diego compiled a lengthy hit list including an overabundance of rails, stairs and street gaps, so when the guys are feeling like giving it their all there is plenty to step to. Aside from the world renowned spots, I would also like to note the locals of Barcelona are the most friendly and generous skaters I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A definite highlight of our trip was being treated to a home cooked seafood paella from Osiris International team rider, Hector Garcia. Hector prepared a delicious meal for all of us, and we all left stuffed and satisfied. Thanks Hector!

Hector

Hector and Adrian

Clint and John

An interesting side note of good fortune was Stereo Sound Agent Q379 acting as a vigilante. Clint was out for a late night bike ride when he heard a woman’s scream of distress in the distance. Now if you know Clint, then you know he’s a true gentleman, he ditched his bike to apprehend a running thief holding the stolen purse. Clint tackled the thief and held him down until undercover cops came to arrest the perpetrator and give the woman back her purse. Nice one Clint. Good things are in store.

Clint, John, and Diego

Crew Footy

Diego and Dani

Stu Graham arrived today ready to rip! Glad to have you Stu, the spots will soon tremble beneath your board. Anyone back home heard from Caswell? We’ve been seeing his homies around town. Hit us up!

Stu

Tilt Mode

We made a stop to check out Diego’s “longest ollie” spot. Well, I was not too impressed and decide to throw out a few kickflip attempts. Below you’ll find some fun with photoshop. That gap is ridiculously huge, well done Diego.

Fitz checking

Fitz kickflip

Adios Amigos.

Let the good times roll,

Mike Fitz

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03.28.07

Footage
Butchering Barcelona (5.4mb Quicktime)

John, Blunt

So far, “Butchering Barcelona” has been a slow burn. We arrived on Wednesday, March 21 to intense jetlag. At this point, our crew consists of John Rattray, Clint Peterson, Gailea Momolu, Diego Bucchieri Russell Houghten (Osiris Filmer) and myself. The majority of us are coming directly from a long weekend in Tampa for the pro contest, and could really use some rest.

First Morning

After some minor complications receiving the keys to our place, we took a quick nap. In order to finalize our apartment rental for the month, Diego had to come equipped with the remainder of our deposit in cash. Our landlord failed to mention to me that upon arrival he would not accept any form of credit card. I was immediately concerned, but Diego told me not to worry and came through with a relaxed demeanor and the rest of the money. Thanks Diego, I owe you one! Our place is very spacious, fully furnished and accented with quaint antiques. There seems to be an overabundance of candles, lights, and even multiple chandeliers. There are plenty of things to break, so we’re trying to be on our best behavior.

Regal Rattray

That afternoon we met up with Diego and took it to the streets. The plentiful spots of Barcelona are easily accessible by metro. You can get off just about any spot and find something fun to skate right off the train.

John and Diego

Subway Sect

Skin arrived on Thursday, March 22 and we met up to get some photos for our upcoming Transworld article. Jason Hernandez is also in Barcelona wrapping up filming Clint’s part for “Let’s Do This” premiering this summer. It has been very productive skating with this motivated crew and we have been compiling a good amount of photos and clips.

Crew Deep

Skin and John

We’ve been skating new spots everyday and have made plans to rent a van for five days to hit up some spots outside of the Barcelona. Diego has secret spots to unveil and the crew is ready to skate some untouched terrain.

Bricktown

Now that everyone had adjusted to their jetlag, and our new surroundings, we’re psyched and ready to shred. We have been having a lot of fun, and are looking forward to the upcoming days. Adios Amigos.

Gailea, John and Mike

Although Spain is probably most known for it’s bullfighting and flamenco dancing, Spain is also known for a ton of amazing skate spots. It’s time to “Butcher Barcelona.”

With the filming deadline coming close to an end for our upcoming video, it was decided another trip was in order. The team decided to head out to Barcelona and meet up with current resident Diego Bucchieri to film for the Osiris video and shoot an upcoming article for Transworld Skateboarding Magazine. Diego would not only be a skateboarder, but he will also be our translator and tour guide. Since moving to Barcelona, Diego has been compiling a list of amazing spots for this trip, and the entire team is looking forward checking them out.

John Rattray, Clint Peterson, and Gailea Momolu would leave straight from the Tampa Pro Contest and meet up with Caswell Berry and Diego once arriving in Barcelona. Two weeks later Stu Graham, Shuriken Shannon, Marius Syvanen, Garrett Hill, Corey Duffel, and James Brockman would arrive. The entire team will be “Butchering Barcelona” for just over a month. Check back often as we post daily updates, photos and video clips.

Let the good times roll,

Mike Fitz