The pinnacle of my professional painting career so far, for sure has been the Pit Viper job at Pastrana Land. Home of the legendary 199 himself!
It started with a random Wednesday in May when my phone rang. “Can you paint something pro before a week from now?” I replied that it was possible but I wasn’t sure. “Would you come paint at Travis Pastrana’s house?” “Of coarse!” I exclaimed with excitement. “What do you need me to do?” “Paint snakes” my friend replied. I quickly found my iPad and started sketching. I submitted a few sketches and a video to the Pit Viper representative and I was told all systems go. “Can you finish this in a week?” “Yes let’s do this!” I replied. I had paint at home but I wasn’t sure the full scale of the job yet. I ordered another significant order of paint that day. After ordering street art specific spray paint online, it became clear that I would not have the supplies I needed in time. I made arrangements anyway to begin painting that Saturday.
I departed from King of Prussia Pa with about half the paint I actually needed. On my way to Pastrana Land, I detoured to Philadelphia for more paint. Dick Blick Art Supply had everything that I needed. My accomplice, Natalie and I choose a number of different colors that we wanted to work with. I loaded up my Ford Ranger with everything we needed and set off! The anticipation on the way was pretty intense but still felt great. Pressure and anticipation have always brought me results, so I knew once I started painting I would be great. When we arrived we were greeted passed the gate by everyones favorite rednek, Hubert. Meeting Hubert set a great expectation for everything that was yet too unfold. Everyone was so welcoming, Immediately asking us how they could help with the project. Hubert suggested a leaf blower and a ride, but I asked if my truck would make it to the site. “Besides the big hill, you could make it. Just gas it.” he said. I hadn’t met Travis yet and I didn’t even ask. I took directions to the project, the leaf blower and pinned it up the hill. Just past the hill I could see through the trees, the Viper Pit.
I was so excited I felt like I made it! I quickly set up, and right away got to work on my first piece, “Twisted Tea.” We painted hard for hours until dark, right before completing day one. When we drove back to the garage, we met fabricators attempting to mount a paint ball gun to the handle bars of a KLX 110. The trigger action was the left mounted clutch lever. I was impressed. Thankfully no one got shot with a paintball gun but I sure looked like I did. I was covered in paint. They offered me a Red Bull and asked if I wanted to see the trophy room. Being presented the trophy room finally brought on the gravity of the situation. I haven’t met Travis at this point but I was so inspired in that moment. After chatting with the guys and resting for a bit I set off back home.
It was a surprise to me that day one was quiet, but it was perfect. We got to work and push and tried our best for sure. I now anticipated that my second day at Pastrana land would be quite similar to the first but I was so wrong. I started day two exactly the same. We got up early, had breakfast, and went to Philly for more paint. When we arrived the energy was significantly different. More like what I originally anticipated. People were everywhere getting ready for the event, which was now in two days. We met with Hubert again go over the plans, and I was excited to complete the job. When we trekked up the hill again, we were presented with a handful of people already admiring our work. Some took off to do other things and some helped with the project! We pushed hard working non-stop again until dark. About an hour before completing, Hubert and all of the athletes came to see how the work was going. Everyone had a smile on their face as they watched me complete the last painting. I got to meet Stank Dog, Franky, Banks, Keet and many more! I felt accomplished, the job was done. We hung out for a while and they mentioned that we could come back to the event on Wednesday and we could meet Travis. I was really excited!
Wednesday came and it felt like a Friday. Not just any Friday but the best ones. I had worked hard on this job, on top of the rest of my work and I was ready for a fun day. The weather was beautiful, I wasn’t covered in paint, and we set off to Pastrana land! Entering that gate for the third time was intense. Cars were packed in everywhere possible. We found one of the last spots next to the skate park and parked it. No driving back to the job this time, we were able to hitch a ride on a side by side. Although we did off-road the Subi truck to Hubert-cross later that day. The first event was surreal. We just blended in for a while and watched the Viper Pit, pit bike mayhem! When I first got to meet Travis I was reaching for the Twisted Tea cooler. I was so excited, I just started spewing everything gnarly that I remember him doing. I told him how I jumped out of my seat when he did the double back flip, and I congratulated him on his resent MT. Washington rally world record. He shook my hand and thanked me then asked me if I raced cars. I said “I wish” and we got back to the event. I got to talk with Travis again later, and got his autograph. I hung out with street bike Tommy and the crew. The whole crew was so welcoming, and so down to earth. Everyone I met was so nice, and interested in our painting project. It felt like a dream come true! 10 out of 10 would do again. – CAMP –
