Friday, August 17, 2007

What is Skitching?

Skitching (i.e. "ski-hitching" or "skate-hitching") is the act of hitching a ride on the rear bumper of a car when there is ice or slick snow on the roads. This can also be done with a skateboard or roller skates in urban areas where there is no ice or snow. In addition, skitching can be performed on a bicycle.

The skitched vehicle can either be aware of their load or unaware. When the skitcher is discovered by a previously unaware driver, the driver's reaction is sometimes negative, sometimes positive. It could lead to the driver attempting to "shake" the skitcher, or accelerate faster than the skitcher can handle.

Bicycle skitching can be performed by coming up to speed with the vehicle and holding a part of the rear of the vehicle with the closest hand while steering the bike with the other hand. Skitching can also be initiated by gripping the vehicle while both cyclist and vehicle are at a standstill. Extreme acceleration often leads to forces greater than the cyclist can safely steer under and the cyclist must release their grip. Bicycle skitching is most often seen being utilized by bicycle messengers.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Skitching is the featured event at the annual "Skitchfest" in Athens, Georgia.

Anonymous said...

Yes, yes it is.

Visit Skitching.com - official website of Skitchfest

Anonymous said...

I went to skitchfest. and I must tell you, it's dangerous. don't do it.

Anonymous said...

what 'bout the human sled?

Anonymous said...

Skitching rather than those which were determined being of much dangerously to the Skitchfest III.

Anonymous said...

allzeye no is i'am a'finnta win thu deathrace like i werz about'ta last time.
vivver la deathrace.
vivian spoa.
cheez kaysadeeuh.