Two weeks ago, I led a bike tour through Harlem for some extremely high ranking shoe industry execs. They wanted to experience the neighborhood as I do when I’m riding my Gary Fisher mountain piece from court to court, looking for some decent run. I took the group to 118th St. bet. 1st and 2nd Ave. It’s not a court particularly known for any tournament or legends, least that I know of, but the spot found my favor two winters ago when a 12 year old and I wound up playing 1-on-1 for an hour. It was dead brick outside! Everytime I’ve rolled through since, there’s always somebody playing there. May not be the best comp, but sometimes it’s nice to just watch, too.

As we conspicuously rolled in (a sidewalk heckler asked us if we were 5-0), the rain started pouring down. None of the kids running full retreated back home. They braved the weather regardless. This game was sloppy (and not because of the wet asphalt). I enjoyed watching the horrific field goal percentage, turnovers, and shocking buckets that came every once in a while. I gave them props. How many people were outside, much less playing ball hard?

Peep my other Rain or Shine entry from last week here.