My (LONG) Story of the trip to SoCal (Sasuke USA)

[Ninja Chris]

Well! Hope you all don't mind a huge story... because I have a LOT to tell.

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Chapter 1: Preparing.

It all began on Friday, when preparing for the trip. I was meticulously preparing everything that I needed/wanted to bring.

I decided to pack my Cargo APK (American Parkour) Pants, my green button up shirt that barely matches my pants as well as is light and airy for the hot day, and other required clothing.

I also had my trusty PSP, loaded full of information: .JPEG pictures taken from Maps.Google to properly allow me to drive around the town and know exactly the easiest way to get from LAX to the hotel, the hotel to the event, and the event back to LAX.

I also brought my psp charger/speakers, and most importantly: My jar of Chunky Peanut Butter. That stuff has saved my life. Not really, but it's pure protein, it's portable, and you don't have to add hot water and wait to eat it like Ramen.

I had a total of $92 dollars to spend on this event: $57 on one credit card, $26 on another, and $9 in my checking account. No cash, I didn't want to get mugged. This IS the land of the Raiders (Bad joke...) I didn't mean any of that. I just didn't contemplate bringing cash, but whatever.

My plan also included renting a car from a cheap rental service. They were going to charge ~$40 for a car for less than 24 hours use, and that fit my budget. And as long as I brought it back with the same gas limit, then I wouldn't pay any other fees.

Priceline had booked my Plane to-and-from, as well as the Hotel. Because of the spontaneity of it all, I paid about $560 for the whole thing (Car not included).

I next needed to find a ride to and from the airport. I've been borrowing my parents car to drive to-and-from work, which is only a 5 minute drive either way, but the snow has made it difficult to get around on my mountain bike.

I had two friends who were willing to give me a ride to and from the airport. Already had agreements I would give them cash gas money when paid on pay day. Everything was in order, and perfectly in place. Even with little money... I was going to do this, and was perfectly situated. I thought.

[Ninja Chris]

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Chapter 2: The Flight Out.

My great friend Pamela was the one who had offered me the ride to the airport. My flight out was at 5:50, and we had heard here in Colorado that there might be a large chance of a big snowstorm, so we decided to leave early, around 1:00. It's only about 90 minutes to the airport, but I needed to be sure I was going to not only beat the weather, but the lines. It WAS friday, right before the weekend, mind you.

She picked me up for the drive on time, as I was finishing packing. We left shortly after, for our ride to Denver. Her new boyfriend came along, to be sure we weren't TOO close on the ride up. He really had nothing to worry about... Pamela's already denied me a few times, so it's not like even if I DID make an attempt, that it would be accepted. Anyway...

To make a long story short (Too Late), she continued to drive very quickly the entire way there. There was no snow or ice, and the weather was clear, so she weaved in and out of traffic the whole way. I didn't mind, I could have cared less. I don't know why, but I've barely worried about anything in life except when it related to school. I mean, I even couldn't figure out why I didn't cry when either my best friend committed suicide, or my grandfather died. There's a reason I'm telling you this.

Anyway, we arrived at the airport, and as I opened the trunk, I discovered my first casualty: My headphones. One of the ear buds of my Skull Candy's broke off. I was quite bummed... they had served me well. Oh well, I bit off the bad side, and threw it away, keeping one side like I always do.

I entered the airport, and walked up to the electric check-in booth, to print out a ticket for my flight. Typed in my name, didn't find me. Scanned my credit card, nuthin. Scanned my drivers license... I didn't exist.

I called one of the near-by attendants over, and she was great. Worked her magic after looking at my itinerary, and printed it out like it was nothing. Feeling relieved, I headed toward the plane.

I needed to step through some sensors after I removed my shoes and carry-on objects, placing them into a bin as it passed through. The new sensors are kind-of strange: They do a kind of 'pat down' check by blasting air all over you.

After I was considered fine, I began to proceed, as one of the guys began to question my backpack. I wasn't worried; I wasn't doing anything wrong. So, I became helpful to the attendant and began listing off what I had in my backpack, and in which pocket. Clothes, PSP, HD Camera, Speakers, Peanut Butter...

That was it. My container was not only a large container, but a gel/liquid. I understood his concern, and he took it from me. Another casualty. Putting my shoes and backpack back on, I continued.

I arrived at the plane, a couple hours early at this point. I started my second video log, as my stomach began to grumble. Wanting to eat healthy, I headed down to the Slotchkies Deli (SP). Eating a $6 chef's salad, I savored it, as I knew I'd have to be very careful on what I eat. Not just health, but money too. I wanted my peanut butter back

I waited long enough, and eventually boarded the plane. Frontier. Small, cramped seats for my 6'4" body, but I was smart enough to buy an aisle seat to stretch my legs. The TV's were ridiculous: $6 for 30 minutes of DirectTV. More for a movie. Nah, I had Sasuke 22 on my PSP, so I mentally prepared for the course my whole flight.

I made sure to take advantage of the free water, and limited Tomato Juice instead of soda. I started drinking Tomato Juice on airplanes a while ago, but the more I have them, the more I like them. And with ice, they do actually taste different.

The girl that sat next to me was quite cute, slim, bleached blonde, and had expensive tastes. Gucci purse, iPhone, and constant calls to her boyfriend whom she missed, and complained about how tragic her day was since her hairstylist almost 'destroyed' her perfect hair. If I didn't have my headphone in, I would have gagged.

We eventually touched down, and I noticed that my phone was beginning to die from all the texts from excitement I was sending. So, I shut it off (Battery was at the half-way point), but I was wishing I would have shut it off at the beginning of the flight like recommended.

After leaving the airplane, I had grown a smart idea! Ask them for a plane ticket for my flight now rather than later, and skip the lines. After they did so, I put it into my backpack, and left to find the car rental service.

[Ninja Chris]

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Chapter 3: The Problems Begin.

After waiting quite a bit, I found the shuttle to the appropriate car service, and rode for about 15 minutes to the car rental service. Feeling happy all was going well, I stepped inside.

I was supposed to rent a cheap car, but unfortunately they gave it away, and bumped me up to a PT Cruiser. He took my Credit card with $57 on it, and walked off. Soon after, he had returned, saying it was declined. Not knowing why, I asked him what all the charges was. I had read all the text possible, and found nothing past that. He had stated that there was a $300 charge onto the credit cards that is returned at the end to cover damages.

I told him that they never mentioned that online, and he apologized, and talked to his manager. They refused me, and I was now somewhat worried. How was I going to get around town? For cheap? I had done my homework before the flight, and a Taxi would have cost about $40 each way from the airport to the hotel, and then the hotel to LAX. Not my budget.

I began to ride back to the airport: The only landmark I knew. The shuttle driver had suggested a cheap shuttle service that could take me anywhere for $15. Perfect! I could TOTALLY do that!

I waited in line for the shuttle, and they came. After agreeing that it was in fact $15, and that they accepted credit, I hopped aboard. We drove ever so little space until we had another passenger, a cute, young girl from Britain with stereotypical teeth, who was 21. Can't remember her name. But man... other than the teeth, she was very cute. I would have loved to go out with her.

We talked about her flight plans. She had none. She had been away from home for about 5 months, needed a break from life, and was making up her trip as she went along. I envied her, as I'm sure many of you reading this do. Nonetheless, I laughed with her about it, helped explain American currency, and gave her my phone number. Not for anything but to help her again if she needed it. What was I going to do, date her? Ha!

We arrived at my hotel, and I grabbed my stuff to leave the shuttle. I handed my credit card to the driver, and he said "$20 is fine, right? You're ok with just $20, sir?" I squirmed at the money I was trying to pinch, and knew he was just bleeding me, but whatever I accepted, giving him my $57 credit card. Declined. Starting to get authentically worried, I had him try again. Declined. After 1 more try, I gave him my other card. $26 on it. Declined. What the heck was going on?

He started saying, "Just give me cash and I'll be on my way sir". Telling him I had no cash, I asked him to try again. Declined. He was getting irritated, saying he had no time for this, and tried again. Declined. Once again, saying he wanted cash and he would leave, I said I had none.

Then, out of nowhere, he took my backpack and tripod, put them in his passenger seat, and left, saying I could get them back when I paid. Out from nowhere, I had nothing. My wallet with credit cards that had problems from absolutely nowhere, my itinerary, and my dying cellphone.

Freaking out, I began calling the credit cards service. Chase bank first. Unfortunately, it was 10:30 at night, and they opened at 9:00. So much for my pathetic emergency, I guess. I started shaking. I needed my stuff. I needed my flight ticket. I had completely forgotten about Sasuke USA at this point.

I then called Wells Fargo, and Thank God Almighty: Not only were they running 24/7, but I got a guy with an American Accent. I talked with him about my situation, and he looked over my credit card. The guy had attempted charging my card 3 times. Here's the kicker: The first one was approved. I don't care what happened from then on: Not only did they take my money, but wrongfully took all of my stuff.

I was furious. Starting to do the additions in my head, I calculated that not only had they charged me $60 total ($40 from the $57 card, and $20 from the $26 credit card), but now I had no money to do anything around town. None for food, and I didn't know how I was going to return to the airport. Even if I had gotten back, how would I have flown back? My backpack had my flight ticket.

I checked into the hotel, and talked to the man at the desk. Asking for my Itinerary and Drivers License, he asked for one more thing: My credit card. I almost broke down. Asking him why, he said "We just need to put $15 down onto it to take care of any potential damages. If nothing's wrong, you get it back."

I told him my sob story, and he felt compassionate. He passed me back my card, also warning me that unfortunately, he'd have to disable certain things such as the phone, and TV. I told him I wasn't worried, I just needed sleep.

Right before I went to sleep, I called the shuttle service, trying to find out when I could get my stuff back. The lady was quite unsympathetic, and stated that the department I was looking for wouldn't open until 9 am Saturday, if that. I say 'if that', because they said they didn't know if I could even get my stuff back until morning.

Can I wait until monday? As in, tomorrow, from the day I'm writing about this?

At this point, there's not a whole lot I can do, so I admitted defeat for the evening, had the concierge call to wake me at 5:30 AM, and prayed to God. A big, nice, LONG pray.

[Ninja Chris]

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Chapter 4: The Event.

I woke up at 5:30 AM, right on time, and took a nice hot relaxing shower. Only it really wasn't truly relaxing, just slightly un-nerving. I turned on my almost dead phone, to find that AscentPK was in the area with Brian, right up the street. I decided to try to join them for a bit, as being around others might help me out.

I checked out, asking when the Continental Breakfast would occur, but unfortunately, it wasn't for another hour. So, I simply turned in my card, and prayed a cheap food place would be around.

I started walking up the street toward where the parkour group was supposed to meet, but eventually gave up and turned around, heading in the general direction of Sasuke USA.

A few blocks down the road, I began to get worried I was never going to find the event, but the first of my prayers were answered: I found Straticus. He was driving in his rental, as I called to him. It was funny though, he recognized me, but couldn't place his finger on it. No worries

After telling him who I was, he invited me into his car as he was driving down to Sasuke USA. Along the way we found Leon, who had decided to turn around and go back as well, as he arrived at an astonishing 4:00 AM. And I thought my 6:00 AM was early!

We all arrived at the event somewhere around 6:30, and Straticus and I were the only ones there, minus Security. The guy was very nice and allowed us to be walking around the back side so we could properly see the obstacles before telling us where the start of the line was. However, none of us truly wanted to be first, just so we could see others fail ahead of us.

We stood in line for a few hours, as we did many fun things while waiting for the 4 hours to pass. Someone brought some foam swords, so we had some fighting competitions around the G4 cameras. I also, most importantly, met Patrick, AKA WarriorElite.

Let me state right now that this guy is frickin awesome. Please, help him feel welcome here.

He was on the G4 Forums, and had not seen Sasuke 22. I had told him that I could get him a copy no problem when I returned. However, I had also once again gotten into my sob story, and he jumped at the chance to help, offering that not only would he help me get to the airport, but help get me my stuff back, no matter what it took. Even if it meant shipping it.

I was beside myself. Never have I had such assistance from someone I had barely met.

We stuck close near each other for the rest of the event, due to our numbers being so close, in addition to the new-found friendship. We discussed strategies, competitors, and complaints on how many G4 staff they could squeeze in before the die hard competitors that had been waiting since sun-up.

From the beginning of the event at 10:00 AM, we were finally in the front of the line. Leon, Strat, Patrick, and another guy who I had met wearing a purple shirt (I feel so bad for forgetting his name...) were now at the front of the line right there next to me.

In addition to all that, he even gave me his Arizona Tea for breakfast, since I had not been able to have anything before that. It was a Mango flavor, and man... good stuff. Calmed down my stomach, which really helped out.

BigBlind was unfortunately left behind, but we all wished he was there. The lady in charge of the gig had *somehow* recognized from the blue that we were the first people there, however she only allowed 4 to the front, and the guy in purple was already there. Really hope I can see your run, Colin!

We were just in time to get front row seats to Brian Orosco's run. I feel partially responsible for him running; I had asked him while in line if he was running. He didn't know at the time, and I had told him how much I would have loved to see it.

He obviously accepted it, and made his run. Everything went well, up until the Jumping Spider. His two Traceur friends hadn't taken it seriously before him, doing a flip off the trampoline instead and continuing on through it. Brian instead did his flip, but tried gripping the wall after. Had he have enough height, he would have made it, but he was just short.

Straticus was next. Padding up, David Campbell came up to us right before Straticus' run, and pulled out a can of 'Sasuke Spray' he had purchased in Japan as a memento. I seriously thought that it was a great idea! He sprayed some quick blasts on Strat's, Patrick's, and my hands. I don't know if he got Leon's. That stuff was good stuff... it was pulling lint out of my pockets as I gave the attendant Patrick's and my keys (That I didn't know I had...).

Straticus finally got to do his run, and I don't know if I should describe it, so I won't. But, it was special

Patrick then told me to go next, and my stomach flopped, just the way it did as I just wrote that. He passed me his helmet since they were out, and I strapped it to my head.

I was going to do this.

[Ninja Chris]

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Chapter 5: The Run.

I stepped forward, mouthguard in place, as the girl from Cheat! asked me some quick questions.

"So, I hear you arrived here with some friends at 6:00 AM?"

"Yes Sir."

I couldn't believe what I said. I mean, I DO believe it, I screw it up at work all the time, working at The Home Depot. Just because of my customers, if I ever say 'Yes', it's almost always followed by 'Sir'. It's just how I grew up working retail. It's embedded in my brain. Friends from the event probably heard me say it multiple times to others, too.

The audience started chuckling, but as her TV training kicked in, she laughed it off as a good TV spokeslady should.

"Haha... well, I have been getting other people's names wrong so far, so I do guess it's only fair someone else confuses my gender, eh?"

I apologized, and the rest of the conversation was a blur. All I remember after that was being on the starting line. I gazed down the course, and it felt exactly how I've been imagining the starting line of Sasuke to feel. So many obstacles... so little confidence... so little time...

"3!"

I'm not ready...

"2!"

I can't beat this...

"1!"

Why am I here...

"BUZZZZ!!!"

Run....

StepStepStepStepRunGrabTheBarSlideAcrossLetGoRunGrabTheWoodHangOffLeftHandRightHandLeftHandRightHandCrossTheGapLeftHa ndRightHandLeftHandRightHandTouchDownLetGoRunJumpBounceSpreadGrabTheWallsClimbForwardClimbForwardRegainFootingClimbForwar dLookDownLetGoGetBackUpLookForwardRunLookDownTheSlopeGoFastRunUpTheWallLookUpGrabTheTopPullYourselfUpNowItsInFrontOfYouIt sRightThereGetUpAndGrabItDoItNowHitTheButton...

[Ninja Chris]

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Chapter 6: The... Wait... I Just Did what?!?

I couldn't believe it. I... just couldn't! I threw my fist into the air, and started walking down the steps, wondering... did I really do that? Really? Truly?

I heard some cheers and knew I had did it! Out of the 60 seconds on the clock given to each competitor, they had announced I had beaten the entire thing in 36 seconds!

"I'm here representing Colorado!"

I instantly earned respect, and I accepted many offers from the audience for fist-taps and high-fives. I felt incredible. Colin was in the middle, and his compliments made it even more real. I returned to the end where Patrick and others in line were, as Colin had rushed over to talk some more. I was so out of it I couldn't tell you what we talked about it.

I sat and waited as the black-ninja in black/red garb was in-front of Patrick, and did nothing but showboat for the camera for a good 5 minutes or so. He had asked me to record his run, not his poses, so I skipped that. Hope he doesn't mind seeing that much less of himself when he returns home.

I don't remember the specifics of his run, but if I remember right, he didn't beat it all. Made me feel better, knowing I had skill where he had ego. I've always felt that those with ego should never have skill.

Patrick was next, and I was still so pumped up that I cheered him on the whole run, and he just didn't quit. Helluva good job there, man. Once again, not going to spoil it.

We quickly gathered the rest of our stuff, and left. We were already pushing it if I was to make my flight in addition to getting my stuff back, so I began to worry once again. The success I had received was only reminded each time Patrick got excited about it the whole ride there.

On our way to getting the backpack, we had used his phone to contact the shuttle company and get proper directions. The lady on the other end was the only polite person I had been able to get ahold of, and did as much as she could to get me my pack back. We eventually arrived after many wrong turns (My fault, I've always been a bad navigator due to my short focus span), but the lady was kind enough to bring out my pack directly to me in their parking lot.

After a thank you and a quick check-over to see everything was still in place, we made our way toward the airport, and found a Taco Bell. Patrick still understood my money issue and, thankfully, bought my meal after he stated we wouldn't leave until he paid for it. Admitting defeat, I chose the cheapest, filling meal I could find, and moments later, we were back on the road.

I couldn't believe it. The night before, not only was I shaking from wondering how I was going to get home, but that I had no bag, no money, and no food. He took care of every bit of that. I prayed to God I could help someone else the way he helped me.

He got me to the airport, dropped me off, and as I checked in, he parked his car to give one more farewell, with a piece of advice:

"Never, ever let go of your bag. Ever, no matter what."

[Ninja Chris]

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Chapter 7: The End of a good thing.

Advice I needed... as I'm all too trusting. That shuttle guy really took me, as I never would have expected him to do what he did.

We shook hands, I double-checked he knew what forums to join, and I was off. I was going home. I needed to hurry, but I was going home.

I went through the sensors one last time.... nothing. No buzzers, no peanut butter, no shoe explosive. I was fine

Rushing-without-running, I continued to the flight, and had just made it when they called over the intercom that they were just beginning to accept passengers group '1'. I was in group '4', so I knew I had a quick moment.

Going to the nearby restroom, I looked in the mirror. First time I had noticed my sunburned face, and wildly tattoo'd forehead. I started laughing... and didn't stop. Not because of the sunburn or sticker, but that I did it. With massive, massive help from my good friends, but I did it. The flight, the course, the bags. And now... I'm going home.

I wasn't kidding about the laughing. I was either smiling, or laughing the whole way onto the plane. I was getting very weird looks... but I just embraced them. In my eyes, their lives were boring in comparison to mine. I beat the frickin odds. I beat the obstacles. And now, my ticket to Japan is just that much closer. I instantly had more of a strut in my step.

I boarded the plane, and sat in a much larger, much more comfortable, much more friendly United plane. Not only did they have a movie free, they had 4 movies free. In addition to a few channels to watch, and about 10 music channels. I got to watch 'Yes Man' for free, if you don't consider that I had to pay for the flight.

I once again asked for Tomato Juice, and loved every sip of it. It was a closer for me. It started a great trip, and ended a great trip.

We took off, and all I'll say about the movie is this: I really wish I found a girlfriend like the one in the movie. Seriously. And... I just had a deja-vu on me writing that! Anyway...

I finally landed in Denver, and it was snowing hard outside. I began to wonder if I still had my ride home, and I couldn't call them to find out, but then I realised. Duh... God wouldn't have gotten me through all that just to leave me here. Maybe I was too optimistic, but whatever. It'll all work out, I just knew it.

I had waited for about 15 minutes, when I had my ride paged to the area I was at. No response, but about 20 minutes after the first page, all of which was during a large walk around the airport terminal, I had returned to the desk, when I bumped into my ride as she was heading into the bathroom. I knew it, I knew I was going home

She returned, stating she had not heard a single page, but that was because she was trying to figure out which part of the airport to park at.

We had left as quickly as possible, and soon got to her car. On our way out, the car ticket lady stated we had been more than 10 minutes, and that we'd have to pay the $3. Her card didn't work, so I jumped at the chance. Believe me, I was proud as crap on a stick when it got accepted.

I then told her the entire story as we drove back. She's female, so she took listening to my story and driving through practically a blizzard quite well. It took about 2 hours for a 90 minute drive, so I was very happy for the great timing.

We finally arrived, and I finally started feeling the pain, maybe from the cold. My shoulders and knees felt slight ache probably from the Jumping Spider, my arms and face started feeling the sunburn, and my right shin still hurts from the drop off the end of the Jumping Spider.

I was starving, and ate the last of my White Castle microwavable cheeseburgers, scarfed some Teriyaki Ramen, and had the best sleep of my life.

The End.

[Captain Obvious]

20 minutes without another reserve, so I'm posting...

Excellent story. I'm glad you were able to travel safely without too too too much trouble, and that you've learned a lot of hard lessons of travel without permanent scarring!

Congratulations on your successful run, and I look forward to whatever video you are able to upload!

[arsenette]

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.. holy crap.. Wow.. poor thing.. Well I'm happy you got your run in and it was perfect. LOL I am adoring the stepstepstepzomgIamdoingthis post.. LMFAO.. personally I would have called the cops on that guy.. but then again.. I am Rican.. and I would NEVER allow someone to touch my belongings. What he did was so wrong I can't even put it into words.. gaaaaaaaaaaaah..

Either way.. get yourself another jar of peanut butter and enjoy it! You are braver than I thought!

[Ninja Chris]

Apr 5, 2009 23:28:11 GMT -5 arsenette said:

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.. holy crap.. Wow.. poor thing.. Well I'm happy you got your run in and it was perfect. LOL I am adoring the stepstepstepzomgIamdoingthis post.. LMFAO.. personally I would have called the cops on that guy.. but then again.. I am Rican.. and I would NEVER allow someone to touch my belongings. What he did was so wrong I can't even put it into words.. gaaaaaaaaaaaah..

Either way.. get yourself another jar of peanut butter and enjoy it! You are braver than I thought!

Heh, thank you. It was one helluva trip. Scary as sh*t, but also very rewarding. Gained confidence and new friends, and left without any problems in the end, so it was worth it. Not sure I'd do it again, but hey.

And for the record, I've never considered myself brave. I've just found myself numb to the feeling of being scared. This was the first time in life I was scared for something serious (Not like school grades I mean).

[The Chief]

Wow, talk about highs and lows.

[Badalight]

Some might say that really cheesy but I read the entire thing and I loved it. You deserved to beat the course after going through all of that! Not even Aaron or Oti completed it 100%.

[jcdenton]

You did it man! =)

I can't wait to see the runs on TV

When will G4 air them?

[Badalight]

Maybe you'll be on G4 since you were one of the few there early on. hope you, Oti, and Strat get lots of spotlight.

Aaron to because he was one of the first to put those training vids on youtube, and Blind should get some sort of mention because he almost didn't get to run!

[arsenette]

Apr 5, 2009 23:39:29 GMT -5 jcdenton said:

You did it man! =)

I can't wait to see the runs on TV

When will G4 air them?

I believe they are adding it to Ninja Fest on June 14th? Someone correct me on the date if I'm wrong on that.. going on memory.. they changed the date like 3 times.. LOL

[Badalight]

I'm pretty sure it's the 21st.

[Ninja Chris]

I forgot a major detail... I can't believe I did that.

In the 60 seconds on the clock, I beat it all in 36 seconds

-Added to Blog-

[supersheep]

Wow thats a hell of a story. So nice i hung up on a sexy girl that has a crush on me so I could read it!! No joke!

[Ninja Chris]

Oh wow man! I feel very honored, but you'd better call her back asap!

Damn... I need a girlfriend

[supersheep]

I will, but actually I have work to do right now, been working on something all day and she didn't like me talking to her while I was doing it. If you've been checking the 22 forums, you'd see what i'm doing...