Skitching

For the Pawleys Island band, see Skitch (Band).

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. [http://www.wordspy.com/words/skitch.asp]

Michael J. Fox can be seen skitching in the 1985 film "Back to the Future".

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. The positive drivers let the skitchers hang on and is careful to avoid doing anything risky.

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.

Skitching can also be done on a motorcycle. This is done by placing one or both feet on the ground and allowing the motorcycle to pull the rider down the road. It is important for the motorcycle skitcher to put metal plates on their shoes as to not wear down the rubber on the soles of the riders' shoes. If not cautious, the rubber can wear down and possibly cause injuries. A side effect of using these metal plates is that sparks fly for others to see. Some of the more daring riders jump off the back of the bike and hold on to the rear end while skitching.

In Video Games

* The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis video game "Skitchin'" involves racing against other skitchers.
* The video game "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4" and subsequent games also feature skitching.
* Skitching is featured in the game "Jet Grind Radio".
* Bully also features skitching after receiving the skateboard.