Mad Circle/New Deal demo at Rampage skatepark in Fall of 98, the weather was shit this day, but the park was indoors. Kenny Reed sat off to the side and did not skate. I asked him who he was "just the new guy, my name is Kenny." Seemed extremely frazzled and shy, but in a tie dye shirt and weird cap, so that was rad. I remember vaguely Welshington crooks'n the fuck out of the 20 foot long 4ft qp.
After the short lived demo, as Rampage was more a park for Bartie and the transition skaters, Karl asked my buddy and I if there was anywhere around to eat. Mind you this is Davenport fucking middle of nowhere Iowa. Literally besides a random diner there's McDonalds. We inform Karl of the weak ass choices of food and walks over to chat with Puleo and Scooch. Turns back around and ask us if we want to go get something to eat and can they get a ride. Rest of the two teams are signing and milling around the shop. We drive them 10mins down the road in the back seat of 2 door Chevy Blazer to Mcdonalds, likely with Xzibit at the Speed of Life or 36 Chambers loaded in the Blazer. My older buddy carried on an extensive convo with Karl about being vegetarian in the Midwest. I sat in awe eating ShitDonalds trying to small talk with Sooch and Bobby. This was almost 25 years ago so I remember very little about the actual conversation. Just San Francisco spot talk and trying to be a cool 16 year old by not vibe them out. We drive them back to Rampage and Scooch asked us if either of us wore a size 10, I lied, said yep. I was probably a size 8.5 at the time. He gave me the brand new black DC Rudy Johnsons right off his feet.
In summary,
Karl, as most know, is so positive and very approachable. Scooch seemed very level headed and also generous on the transportation for shoes trade. Bobby didn't really add much value to the experience.
We attended many great demos at Rampage(RIP) in the late 90's. This demo was probably the smallest turn out of fans, but when I look back this particular experience showcased that when off the skateboard pros are just average joes and McDonalds will play tricks on your digestive system no matter who you're with.