Whenever a "snow emergency" hits a metropolis, look for FODT, criss-crossing the city streets, scoping the sights, and lurking in the abandoned industrial areas.

So what does a shred crew do when they hit the ground in a strange city? They get lost a ton, find features in the process, do a little bit of the tourist thing (like real little, like .05%) and then they get wise and hit up some locals for the inside scoop. For us, it was Matt Thommen at The Shred Shop just north of Chicago in Skokie. You may scoff at the idea of a proper scene in the Chi area, but Matt proved it was just the opposite. One of the most well staffed and stocked shops we’ve seen anywhere, make sure you check The Shred Shop if your travels bring you thru Chicago. With a few hand drawn maps, a quick base grind, and the URL to a blog filled with spots, addresses, and spot logistics, the crew headed off into the great unknown.

Words & photos: Sean Sullivan

Matt Thommen of The Shred Shop helps Jonah Owen prime his board for a week of doing dirt.

Don't leave home without these. Any rider who travels without a shovel is missing the point.

Lucas Magoon pauses for a smoke break.

A carabeneer, 300 feet of rope, a minivan piloted by the Lucas and excavating the gnarliest pile of frozen rock I've ever seen still couldn't get Andrew Brewer up to speed the first night we hit this.

Jonah Owen knows you gotta pay to play. But he also knows how to roll, bounce, and slide out of a fall. Higher learning.

Everybody, even Dylan Thompson takes a knock or two or three on a film trip. Pro style though. I would probably end up tomahawking down this whole thing.