Skating 188 Miles for a Cause That Can’t Wait

At the end of May, five passionate longboarders, Earl, Carlos, Max, Geran, & Zach, are raising money for blood cancer patients revolving around their event, Chief Ladiga – Silver Comet Sk8 188 Challenge, a three-day, 188-mile endurance event spanning the paved trails of Georgia and Alabama.

Earl and Geran are skating not just for the thrill of the ride, but to raise critical funds for the Live Like Brent Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping blood cancer patients cover essential expenses during treatment.

More about the Live Like Brent Foundation:

This incredible challenge is more than a physical test—it’s a testament to the power of community, grit, and purpose. Meet the riders behind the mission:

💙 Earl: A Warrior on Wheels

A distance skating veteran since 2009, Earl is a true icon in the long-distance pushing (LDP) community. He first completed the Chief Ladiga Silver Comet challenge in 2012 and now proudly serves on the board of directors. In 2023, just 4.5 months after undergoing quintuple bypass heart surgery, Earl returned to the trail—covering 90 miles over three days. His determination and passion for the LDP community are unmatched. Earl doesn't break records, he pushes the limits of what we think we are capable of mentally, physically, and spiritually!

💙 Geran: Building Miles & Mental Strength

Endurance sports have been a part of Geran’s life for nearly a decade, and it all started at the Chief Ladiga Sk8 Challenge in 2018. Now a key player in helping the race operate smoothly, Geran sees this event as more than a race—it’s a platform for healing, self-growth, and building meaningful connections. He rides for the community, and for the mental clarity that comes from pushing beyond limits.

💙 Carlos: Riding for a Cure

Carlos Montalvo has been skating since he was two years old, and longboarding since college. From downhill and freeride to bowl and dance, skateboarding is in his DNA. After first joining the challenge in 2011, Carlos became board director in 2020 and has completed five Sk8 events to date. He’s riding in honor of his grandfather, who passed from prostate cancer, and to support others affected by the disease—especially those diagnosed under 50. For Carlos, every mile is a step toward awareness, hope, and healing.

💙 Max: Skating in Circles—and Changing Lives

Hailing from Kennebunkport, Maine, Max Frank first took on the Sk8 challenge in 2014 and has since returned multiple times—both as a rider and a vital member of the support crew. Max also hosts the Skating in Circles podcast, where he uplifts voices from the distance skateboarding community. He believes skateboarding saved his life—and hopes to inspire others to discover its life-changing potential. Max now helps manage the event’s website and operations, always pushing for progress on and off the board.

💙 Zach: Art in Motion

Zach is a Florida-born artist and graphic designer who brings creativity and energy to the skate scene. After logging 100 miles in last year’s event, he joined the board to help grow the challenge and its mission. A lover of the outdoors and all things on wheels, Zach’s goal is to blend his passion for art, endurance, and giving back to make every push count.

Support the Cause

Every donation made to this campaign supports the Live Like Brent Foundation, which provides financial relief to blood cancer patients across the country. From medication and treatment travel to lodging, meals, and utilities—your contribution helps ensure that nobody fights cancer alone.

DONATE NOW to support the riders and make a direct impact!

Chief Ladiga Silver Comet Sk8 Challenge

By Live Like Brent Foundation

Chief Ladiga Silver Comet Sk8 Challenge

Show your support for Earl, Carlos, Max, Geran, & Zach