ANY AND ALL SKATERS FROM ALL OVA WIT THE SAME LOVE AND STRIDE AS I HAVE 4 IT.====Stride or Die in the Gem City POSTED 6.15.08DAYTON, OH – Almost every city has a nickname and Dayton is no different. Gem City is the name but the origin of it is somewhat still a mystery. But, when you take that name and added the word “Stryders†to it, it gives a fitting description of a unique skate style that when a stranger is observed in action, makes it very conclusive that the skater is from Dayton. The style is a combination of fast movement, extended legs interchanged with crouched positions and frequent circumvention of the outer perimeter of the skate floor.Those who attended the Gem City Stryderz “Stride or Die†skate event on June 7, 2008 know exactly the type of move as described. Stride or Die was a name perfectly fitting for such an event. If you could not hang, you should think twice about hitting the floor. Striders were abundant and their roll was quite energetic. With the inclusion of skaters from Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Philadelphia and North Carolina; the mix of styles was clearly seen throughout the crowd. The skaters were full of high energy and fast moves for most of the night especially on the outer curves.One notable skater is a young man named Bobby Martin. In his early 20’s, standing at 3’1†tall, Bobby is one of the most inspirational skaters you will ever meet. Why? Bobby was born without legs and despite this, there is nothing he cannot do or will not do. He was homecoming king in high school where he was also a wrestler and played football for Colonel White in Dayton. Best of all he is a roller skater. To skate, Bobby uses his hands and a skateboard that is made slightly wider than the average skateboard, and just like his sports performance, he’s a good skater too. If you can’t hang, don’t get in his way. He will roll past you and maybe through you and fast speeds. Bobby has a wonderful personality, inspirational, very charismatic and photogenic. When he sees a camera he lights up and puts on his best performance. It was an honor and a pleasure to finally have the opportunity to meet the man, Bobby Martin.Until Next Time Keep Rollin’ Desi Stride or Die=