Words By Brian Krans
Photos by Brian Krans unless noted

Bruce Bales of Bettendorf, safety air (Photo by Gary Krambeck, courtesy of the Moline Dispatch Publishing Company.)

Bruce Bales turned in $21 for his registration fee and registered under the name “Bumblebee Bales.” The extra dollar was a donation to the pot, he said.

However, I call it the karma dollar (not that karma can be bought).

Bruce normally dreads skating Davenport’s park because of all of the little kids who always get in the way. Saturday, everyone got a good glimpse at what he could do when the path is clear.

Continue reading ‘Recap: 2009 Iowa River Rumble’

Les Mooney. Davenport. Click to enlarge.

Photos and questions by B.J. Bales

Les Mooney is easily the nicest person I know. I’ve never heard him utter a bad word about anybody. He is the catalyst for promoting positivity through his attitude. I rarely see him without a smile on his face, unless he is destroying the streets that is, then he can get fierce (as you will see). I mean it, the Mooney monster is the kind of rollerblader we all should strive to be. He skates to have fun and has fun when he skates. There is never a sour session if he is involved, and if you are feeling sour he will do his best to correct that. Les’ skating is quickly progressing, and his abilities are really starting to shine.
-B.J. Bales
Continue reading ‘10 questions: Les Mooney’

Adam Niemara. 180 stale. Davenport.

Photos by B.J. Bales and Codee Jennings

Last Sunday, four Detroit area bladers stopped through Davenport on part of their multi-state journey. We had an all day session at the skatepark and a few street spots in the Quad Cities before heading back to the skatepark. Adam Niemara, Cody Boulay, Nick, and Nate Moore all threw down some solid and stylish tricks during our session. They were also really cool guys to hang out with so look out for the Detroit guys coming back through Iowa City on Friday. Enjoy the photos, clips coming soon.
Continue reading ‘Know your neighbors: Detroit bladers visit’

Dusted Faces from Bruce Bales on Vimeo.

Edited by Bruce Bales and Jake Clark
Produced by Bruce Bales, Jake Clark and Josh Goodell
Main Cameras: Bruce Bales, Jake Clark, Josh Hudson, Chad Martens, Tyriek Gibson and Codee Jennings

It’s finally done and ready for your viewing pleasure.

A Deft/WCF production, “Dusted Faces” is the latest rollerblading video from the Iowa Connection. It features footage from Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. With full profiles on Caleb Smith, Bruce Bales, Josh Goodell, Codee Jennings, and Logan Clark, the video highlights some of the best rollerbladers in the region. Also, Josh Hudson, Josh Wordel, and Justin Elsbecker have mini-profiles showcasing their skills. The video also includes various themed montages featuring skaters from all over the Midwest.

Thank you for watching and please leave comments below.

Bonus online footage coming next week, including extra footage from profiled skaters, a lengthy park edit and various b-role.

Special thanks to Adam Morris, Justin “Jefferson” Augustus, Brian Krans, Andrew “Droid” Hall, anyone that helped film, all the skaters in the video, and all the contributors.