Grand Rapids, Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about downhill skateboarding, but the DH skate scene in Grand Rapids—and Michigan in general—is blowing up these days, and in a major way! Testament to such growth and vibrancy in the Michigan skate scene was visibly reflected in this year’s Grand Rapids Urban Downhill event—a 100% sanctioned downhill race that kicked off it’s first annual itteration a couple weeks back on June 21, 2024 during the State Games of Michigan in downtown Grand Rapids. We were there to bear witness to it’s epicness, and it was pretty epic!

Over 110 downhill skateboarders from Michigan, Indiana, Illonios, Florida, Minnisota, Wyoming, Canada, California and other such locations raced hard all day long, down a winding city slope in the middle of downtown GR—and the local community and skaters loved it!

Grand Rapids Urban Downhill 2014 sent 110+ skateboarders down the most difficult hills in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan—otherwise illegal to skate. Thousands of spectators visited, watched, & were thrilled as skateboarders negotiated both right and left off-camber corners—all protected by hay bales. Plenty of crashes—no injuries—hella smiles! Police vibed with the crew and city officials are amped about the vibrancy of DH skateboard events. The people demand more; GRDH is a GO for June, 2015. Special thanks to State Games of Michigan & Wheelbase for making the dream work! -Mike Dallas

Needless to say, the Stoke-O-Meter was frothing at an all-time high at the GRDH event, and of course we were honored to hang, ride, and take pictures (beers too! Founders All Day IPA!!!) during such a rad event and with so many inspirational and passionate local rippers. The contingent of riders at this year’s GRDH ranged from elders to youngins, and there were at least 8 radical women who raced hard as well—thumbs all the way up! Along with the recent second annual Rage at the Ridge event back in April & with the upcoming The Battle at Boyne race set to kick off in August, this Grand Rapids Urban Downhill race is testament to the growing community in Michigan that both deserves the larger communities attention and support. We were stoked to be there!

Wheelbase Magazine was proud to participate in this radical event not because the hill was the most amazing in the land nor because the racers were the most seasoned and prolific riders in the world. Like a vast majority of skaters who attended such regonal events, we came out to Michigan because we love downhill skateboarding in all it’s manifestations! Simple. We got involved with the GRDH event because we believe that supporting thriving regional scenes across the globe is a surefire way to build longterm growth in our larger skateboarding culture. Most importantly, it is our pleasure to support our friends and our family! Plus, the Michigan scene and it’s skaters are totally badass!

Thanks for the invite, Mike & Annah Dallas, and thanks to everyone in the Michigan DH scene for the huge and genuine hospitality. Wheelbase definitely had a blast in Grand Rapids—y’all killed it—we will for sure be back again soon!!!

Race Results:

Pro

1 Jordan Bryan (Rochester, MI)
2 Benson Mason ( Grand Rapids, MI)
3 Peter Croce (Grosse Point, MI)

Women

1 Ashley Ader (Sheboygan, WI)
2 Amanda Lopez (Chicago, IL)
3 Annah Dallas (Grand Rapids, MI)

Open

1 Silas White (Springfield, MO)
2 Sean Al-Saadi (Urbana, IL)
3 Michael DeBruine (Wyoming)

Intermediate

1 Dylan Jones (Valparaiso, IN)
2 Cameron Steger (Caledonia, MI)
3 Ethan Teranes (Grosse Point, MI)

Thank Yous: Mike & Annah Dallas for the invite and for helping grow a rad scene in Michigan. A huge thanks to all those that made this GRDH event a reality and for helping to support! Thank you Dr. David Rosen & Kendall College of Art & Design, Katie Moore, John Shaw, Roy Amos, Mike Strong, Bustin Boards, Don Seifert, Jared Seifert, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc, GR Outdoor, Christian Frank, Shannon Williams, WXMI – Fox17, WINGMAN, 105.3 HOT FM, Marcus Bandy, Wheelbase Magazine, Rey Trucks, Action Board Sports, Landyachtz, Wind Waves & Wheels, Gilmore, Longboard Loft NYC, Edge Boardshop, Loaded/Orangatang, Riptide Sports, Smokin Mad Love, Betty Shreds, Nevada Decks, These Wheels, Michigan Rootswear, IDSA, Harmony Brewing, Go Green Longboarding, CLS, MIDH, Sector 9, Sloth Shack, Midwest Longboarders, and all our incredible volunteers. THANK YOU!!!

Upcoming Michigan event!!!! The Battle at Boyne on August, 23 & 24 and presented by ABS: