Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Upcoming Events: BMX Swap / BMX Show

Here are couple events that are coming up that you all should know about. This Saturday will kick off a monthly BMX Swap Meet in Santa Ana, Ca. This Swap will be going down every […]

Source: http://www.bmxoutsiders.com/blog/upcoming-events-bmx-swap-bmx-show/

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I'm breaking away early this morning in a desperate ploy for TV time.

Source: http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2014/04/im-breaking-away-early-this-morning-in.html

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Midwest BMX: In My Neighborhood


MidwestBMX.net Midway Skatepark Jam from Zak Gruber on Vimeo.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/midwest-bmx-in-my-neighborhood.html

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Chris Doyle: The Ultimate set up

See More BMX Videos at AlliSports.com


All of Doyle's product is available on ActionVillage. Check it out now! 

Chris Doyle's Signature Products
Kink Bikes
DC Shoes and Apparel
Demolition Parts
Duo Grips and Tires

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/12/chris-doyle-ultimate-set-up.html

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Aaron Smith Part For Kink BMX 2014

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/aaron-smith-part-for-kink-bmx-2014/

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Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays and thank you for another great year! Before 2014 comes in, please enjoy and take advantage of our gift to you all. Cheers and have a great and safe Holiday Season with your […]

Source: http://www.bmxoutsiders.com/blog/happy-holidays/

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Gary Young Signature Sunday Bikes

Exclusive Action Village interview with team rider Gary Young. Learn about what went into the making of Gary Young's Sunday pro- model, who they are good for, custom features and overall stoke level. Check out the bikes on Action Village

What went into the making of your bike?
When Sunday and I were talking about putting a line of complete bikes together, the most important thing that we talked about was making sure that they were completely shreddable right out of the box. Since shreddability is our number one goal, we came up with four levels (AM, EX, Pro, and Signature) of affordable bikes that are ready to be ridden. All of the bikes also come with Odyssey parts--making the bikes simply the the most complete, completes.

What kind of custom features did you add to it?
I got to help pick out all the parts and color schemes that come on the bikes. Besides my Signature bike, I think that the Bigfoot Monster Truck inspired model is my favorite.  The gold parts with the blue frame, forks, and bars just look so good together.  I also helped choose all the angles so the bike has a solid overall feel.

What was the overall input that you had in developing your own pro model?
I got to help choose everything from start to finish. Check out the signature model for proof, it is nearly identical to the bike I am riding right now!


What kind of riders is the bike best for?
When we started talking about making complete bikes, I was really excited to help create something that was accessible and fun for a wide range of people. Whether you are just starting out on a bike or you are shredding the nearest skate park, dirt jumps or street, these bikes = having fun! My bike has been designed so that anyone will be able to jump on it, but more specifically they were designed for people who want to have fun riding.


Anything else really that your stoked on about your bike.
Check out the Sunday team where we built up some completes and rode them right out of the box.
Sunday Bikes

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/gary-young-signiture-sunday-bikes.html

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Bears Bike Bmx 2010 Online Team Video

Erik Saunders over at VP-USA recently showed me this video of some of the VP test riders over the waters… Makes for good viewing, check it out!

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=1107

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Nice Weather + Good Session = Great Photos

Dan hit me up Saturday about wanting to shoot some photos at the park in the morning. I met up with him at 10 the next morning, he was the only one at the park. I had to laugh at him and remind him most BMXer's don't get up that early on a weekday let alone the weekend. The weather was awesome for a January day and quit a few locals rolled in for a good session. Dan clicked away capturing the action and yelled his critiques when the tricks didn't match his expectations for his photos. Couple pics to sample below but be sure to check out his site to see the rest here.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/01/nice-weather-good-session-great-photos.html

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Aaron and Darryl in OLP #11

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/aaron-and-darryl-in-olp-11/

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Bears Bike Bmx 2010 Online Team Video

Erik Saunders over at VP-USA recently showed me this video of some of the VP test riders over the waters… Makes for good viewing, check it out!

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=1107

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Jeff K and friends

 Jeff K and friends got third place in the midwest BMX video contest for this submission:

Team Industry - MidwestBMX Video Contest from @jklugiewicz on Vimeo.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/jeff-k-and-friends.html

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

New Years Day Ride on the Da' 1986 Hoppa'

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/01/new-years-day-ride-on-da-1986-hoppa.html

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The Josh Cox Interview (2nd time around)

This is Josh Cox interview from 2009… Unfortunately the site crashed a while ago, so I’ve only just had the chance to re-issue it. Cheers again Josh! - VS
Yo…�JOSH COX: Hey man VS: We could get this interview started now if you like? JOSH COX: ok man VS: Ok… Name, age, location? JOSH COX: Josh [...]

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=913

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Kink Stealth Pivotal Seats

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/kink-stealth-pivotal-seats/

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Video Game: ?etchNride? (By Wesley Luyten)

Belgian BMX racer�Wesley Luyten (of bmxaction.net/feelbmx.com�fame!), has�in recent years turned his focus to computer game programming. His latest project is “etchNrider”, simple concept, you draw your�course, then you ride it! Brilliant!It looks as if you’re only really limited by your own creativity, and perhaps your drawing skills -�I’ll say it again Brilliant! And it’s obviously�got [...]

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=1083

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Josh McElwee Florida Photogallery

All photos and captions by Josh McElwee This bank-to-bank setup is a lot more difficult to ride than it looks. �James Harvey managed to overcome the slippery and steep surface with a dipped toboggan. �

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bmx-union/~3/ZhB7Y0H6jGA/

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I'm breaking away early this morning in a desperate ploy for TV time.

Source: http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2014/04/im-breaking-away-early-this-morning-in.html

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Doyle at Pittsburgh’s “The Wheel Mill”

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/doyle-at-pittsburghs-the-wheel-mill/

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Gary Young Signature Sunday Bikes

Exclusive Action Village interview with team rider Gary Young. Learn about what went into the making of Gary Young's Sunday pro- model, who they are good for, custom features and overall stoke level. Check out the bikes on Action Village

What went into the making of your bike?
When Sunday and I were talking about putting a line of complete bikes together, the most important thing that we talked about was making sure that they were completely shreddable right out of the box. Since shreddability is our number one goal, we came up with four levels (AM, EX, Pro, and Signature) of affordable bikes that are ready to be ridden. All of the bikes also come with Odyssey parts--making the bikes simply the the most complete, completes.

What kind of custom features did you add to it?
I got to help pick out all the parts and color schemes that come on the bikes. Besides my Signature bike, I think that the Bigfoot Monster Truck inspired model is my favorite.  The gold parts with the blue frame, forks, and bars just look so good together.  I also helped choose all the angles so the bike has a solid overall feel.

What was the overall input that you had in developing your own pro model?
I got to help choose everything from start to finish. Check out the signature model for proof, it is nearly identical to the bike I am riding right now!


What kind of riders is the bike best for?
When we started talking about making complete bikes, I was really excited to help create something that was accessible and fun for a wide range of people. Whether you are just starting out on a bike or you are shredding the nearest skate park, dirt jumps or street, these bikes = having fun! My bike has been designed so that anyone will be able to jump on it, but more specifically they were designed for people who want to have fun riding.


Anything else really that your stoked on about your bike.
Check out the Sunday team where we built up some completes and rode them right out of the box.
Sunday Bikes

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/gary-young-signiture-sunday-bikes.html

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I Can't Believe It's Wednesday Already!

Source: http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-cant-believe-its-wednesday-already.html

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The Gully Factory ? Clippeach: Sky High

Check out Jeff Wescott, Liam Zingbergs and Josh Eilken putting some work in on a rad flat rail spot for this new Clippeach from The Gully Factory! “Some skater started to cut this rail sometime ago and never really finished … Continue reading →

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bmx-union/~3/qMqznpRH7sE/

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Quicky: Shane Weston

Photo: Andrew White Although Shane isn’t usually a man of very many words with his riding doing all the talking that is necessary…. We figured between his banger of a promo for his signature Isla line from Fly Bikes, word … Continue reading →

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bmx-union/~3/NAs1oqjVXRM/

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Monday, April 28, 2014

Jeff K Spotlight

Pro- Profile 

Name:  Jeff Anthony Klugiewicz
Age: 26
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wi
Resides: Eastside of Milwaukee
Year started bmx and why: 2000, all my friends in HS were riding so I decided to grab a bike and join them.

Top 3:

Reasons to like ActionVillage:
1. Amazing Team.
2. They have everything!
3. They have and continue to support Bmx threw Events and Contests.

Bike Spots:
1. Estabrook
2. 4 Seasons Skatepark of Milwaukee

People to ride with:
1. BK
2. Cohl
3. Lil Jon

Favorite Foods:
1. Sobelman's (best burgers)
2. Ian's Pizza
3. Comet Cafe


People to Follow on Twitter:
1. @Etniesbmx
2. @its_Jeff
3. @GaryJBusey
And make sure you follow me...  @jklugiewicz
(Ed note: and us @ActionVillage)

Things you don't know about me:
1.  I Love building things...
2.  I love throwing events and contest.
3.  Play way to many video games in the winter season.

Parts on your bike:
1.  My Mankind "Forward" Frame
2.  My new Profile Racing "dusted Purple" sig color hubs.
3.  My ODI "O" Grips...  They're Amazing!



Fill in the Blanks--

[www.Midwestbmx.net] is my favorite website besides ActionVillage.com

I would [do something stupid] for 100 dollars.

When I was 16 I was [just getting into BMX].

To me BMX means [everything].

Everyone should take time to [look at the world around you, it's amazing].

My favorite thing besides BMX is [film/photography/editing]

The last person I called was [my Mom]

[Michael Jordan]  was my hero growing up and [My Dad]  is my hero now.

The best advice I ever got was [the best way to predict you future, is to create it]

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/jeff-k-spotlight.html

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Cycling and the Case of a Sleep Disorder

Since my 20's, I have snored. 

Growing up, my Dad snored awfully (I mean, really bad) and I am told my brother snores (I don't know if it's true, but so my Dad tells me).

Over the years I have been an intense coffee drinker for reasons other than I just love the taste of coffee.  I have used it as a hard drug, and when epinephrine was legal (meth's cousin), I even took that. It is awful to think that you "need" something like caffeine, but in my case I did. Since college, I have always been rushing around - and since my late 20's with my insurance career, I am constantly on the go, hustling... meeting clients and trying to make a dime here and there. I usually start work at 6:00am - 7:00am, and usually come home from seeing my last client at 10:00pm. I work my riding in my schedule in the early afternoons. This is an extremely busy life that I have grown accustomed to. 

I am now coming on 38yrs. old and, until recently, I felt like this life was wearing on me. I was extremely depressed - the most depressed I have ever been in my life - and riding felt more like a chore than a passion. I started to despise my job, the financial/career choices I've made, and I started to question my place in life. This was unlike me.

We had a death in the family and I had to put down my beloved dog, Rocky

Thank goodness I have a great wife, an awesome family, and some great riding friends... life could have ended and I wouldn't have cared. I am usually a positive person - but a rain of negativity started to fill my head. My riding and my job performance suffered and declined rapidly.

Accompanied with the depression was extreme fatigue. Dizziness, tiredness, and the constant feeling that I needed to nap. I would go out to ride, and felt like collapsing and sleeping right there on the trail. I would use caffeine to try and stay awake, but that didn't help. This compounded the problem, because when I got home from a ride, I would want to nap, but couldn't due to the caffeine. 

In August, I met with my doctor to discuss my health and my blood pressure (which is high and I take a medication for). I started to tell him what I was experiencing, and without hesitation, he says "You sound like a classic case of sleep apnea..."

I've heard of this, and even witnessed an awful case when I had to room up with another insurance agent while traveling. He snored so much, I had to use ear plugs, and he would get up out of bed very often due to - what sounded like - him choking. It was horrible to witness and I couldn't imagine how it would be to live like that. The sleep deprivation would make life extremely difficult to bear.

After my doctor told me that I may have a sleep disorder, everything I was feeling started to make sense. Lack of drive, depression, high blood pressure, constant fatigue and tiredness, etc. So, I made an appointment with a specialist and soon after got my CPAP machine to treat my apnea.


They found that I stopped breathing 22 times per hour. I had asked him if this was a weight issue, and he said it wasn't (I'm not obese). He said that it was my tongue falling and blocking my airway as I entered REM state. Therefore, I was never able to achieve a deep sleep. Essentially, I was choking myself awake!

I have been using my machine for exactly 30 days, and everything - I mean EVERYTHING - has changed. Depression has gone away, I am no longer sleepy (unless it's from working too hard), job performance has improved, and notably, my athletic performance has improved. My blood pressure reduced, and I may even be able to get off my medication. 

Since this is my bike blog, let's talk athletic performance.

August was my first full month of using Strava. That month I logged:


September, I logged:



October, I logged:



November was my first full month of using my CPAP machine. This is a result of getting a full night's sleep, going into sleep R.E.M. mode and waking up refreshed. This was also without the aid of caffeine, energy drinks or any other stimulant:



Out of all four months, I had the least activities, but yet shattered ALL my personal records. I don't believe this is luck, diet, or some sort of "go get 'em" mentality change. There really is only one difference, and that is the treatment of my sleep disorder!

I am a much happier camper now. My outlook is way more positive, work is picking up, and things are changing for the better. 2012 was an incredibly tough year for us, but I'm glad I got this taken care of. 

The lesson I wanted to share with you internet'ers is - go to the doctor for your regular check ups. Get blood work done with a full physical. Don't wait until you feel bad or sick, and ask him/her questions. This simple CPAP machine gave me a much more higher quality of life - on and off the bike.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/12/cycling-and-case-of-sleep-disorder.html

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Art Thomason - Deconstruction


Deconstruction - Art Thomason - March 2013 from art thomason on Vimeo.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/03/art-thomason-deconstruction.html

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Jeff K Spotlight

Pro- Profile 

Name:  Jeff Anthony Klugiewicz
Age: 26
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wi
Resides: Eastside of Milwaukee
Year started bmx and why: 2000, all my friends in HS were riding so I decided to grab a bike and join them.

Top 3:

Reasons to like ActionVillage:
1. Amazing Team.
2. They have everything!
3. They have and continue to support Bmx threw Events and Contests.

Bike Spots:
1. Estabrook
2. 4 Seasons Skatepark of Milwaukee

People to ride with:
1. BK
2. Cohl
3. Lil Jon

Favorite Foods:
1. Sobelman's (best burgers)
2. Ian's Pizza
3. Comet Cafe


People to Follow on Twitter:
1. @Etniesbmx
2. @its_Jeff
3. @GaryJBusey
And make sure you follow me...  @jklugiewicz
(Ed note: and us @ActionVillage)

Things you don't know about me:
1.  I Love building things...
2.  I love throwing events and contest.
3.  Play way to many video games in the winter season.

Parts on your bike:
1.  My Mankind "Forward" Frame
2.  My new Profile Racing "dusted Purple" sig color hubs.
3.  My ODI "O" Grips...  They're Amazing!



Fill in the Blanks--

[www.Midwestbmx.net] is my favorite website besides ActionVillage.com

I would [do something stupid] for 100 dollars.

When I was 16 I was [just getting into BMX].

To me BMX means [everything].

Everyone should take time to [look at the world around you, it's amazing].

My favorite thing besides BMX is [film/photography/editing]

The last person I called was [my Mom]

[Michael Jordan]  was my hero growing up and [My Dad]  is my hero now.

The best advice I ever got was [the best way to predict you future, is to create it]

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/jeff-k-spotlight.html

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Chris Bohm- Bad Crash


I hope you heal up fast Chris!

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/03/chris-bohm-bad-crash.html

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Voodoo Jam 2013 Highlights


VooDoo Jam 2013 | Highlights from robpossible on Vimeo.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/06/voodoo-jam-2013-highlights.html

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Carnivale De Velo | Re-cap

Over the weekend, we had the amazing opportunity to participate �in Deus Ex Machina’s bicycle festival entitled, “Carnivale de Velo”. We received an invitation to represent old school/vintage BMX at their festival and we were […]

Source: http://www.bmxoutsiders.com/blog/carnivale-de-velo-re-cap/

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UNIT SKYCRAFT REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF FMX

Unit Skycraft

Officially launched to an international audience at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida, Skycraft is the world’s first purpose built freestyle motocross machine and a collaboration between action sports innovators Unit and world-renowned motorsport entity Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia.

Conceptualised by Unit co-founder Ian Everest, the Skycraft prototype was engineered by an expert team at Triple Eight, led by acclaimed Technical Director Ludo Lacroix. A central goal was weight reduction. Skycraft is constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre and titanium components. At just 75 kilograms (165 pounds), the bike is over 25 percent lighter than a standard motocross machine.

Ian Everest stated: “The original design brief recognized the opportunity for an ‘out of the box’ product for freestyle motocross. All other forms of motorcycle sports use purpose built machines." 

“FMX riders have no option but to adapt to heavily modify race bikes. It made sense to explore what an FMX specific bike might look like. Being a concept motorcycle it also meant we were not constrained or restricted by production or cost requirements." 

“As an experimental platform, Skycraft will allow for test data and rider feedback to lead towards a potential production bike.” 

The Skycraft concept challenges conventional motorcycle design rules with a heavy duty carbon fibre monocoque frame containing a fuel cell. The tail design has integrated grab handles and a forked seat. While engineering boundaries were pushed even further with the silencer integrated inside a carbon fibre swingarm. 

“We felt that weight reduction represented the best characteristic to provide riders in their quest for bigger tricks as well as helping them innovate new maneuvers,” added Everest.

“The prototype we’re launching today is the product of a combined effort and the engineering foresight and expertise of Triple Eight Race Engineering Australia's Ludo Lacroix."

“There are of course a number of other people and parties that have contributed to the project, each adding input and resources on the basis of their own background and expertise. We must extend a special thanks to the Triple Eight team including Roland Dane, Daniel Williams and Robert Clarke along with Unit's Marketing Director Matt Cousins."

Other contributors to the Skycraft project include LSM Composites, Lightning Composites, John Titman Racing, Talon, Scalvini, De-Tris, Galfer, Mainmoto, Raptor and Racetech Titanium.

Skycraft specifications:

•    75 kilograms (165 pounds)

•    Uses existing powerplant and suspension setup typical to FMX

•    Carbon fibre monocoque frame with integrated fuel tank

•    Carbon fibre swingarm with integrated silencer

•    Ultra-slim carbon fibre bodywork

•    Grab handles integrated into carbon fibre body

•    Carbon fibre rims

•    Compact front-mounted cooling system with single radiator core

•    Custom-built titanium expansion chamber

•    Full titanium axle and bolt kit

•    Titanium shock spring

•    Front air suspension

•    Unit magnum grips (patented design)

•    Increased/adjustable turning angle

Source: http://www.unit.com/united-states/blog/2013/10/17/unit-skycraft-redefines-the-future-of-fmx/

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Welcome to the Team: Devon Smillie

The Basics:
Name: Devon Smillie
Age: 18
Hometown: Santa Clara, Ca
Resides: Suwanee, Ga
Year started bmx and why: I started in 95' when I was three because my mom raised me on Jeremy McGrath Steel Roots and Crusty Demons videos. I wanted to be like the fmx guys.

Fill in the Blanks:
Being a part of the Action Village team to me means [being apart of one of the best teams put together! ]

The first thing I did when I found out I got sponsored was [do a little dance! Then went to ride. ] 

[Facebook.com ] is my favorite website besides ActionVillage.com 

I would [hang five a mile ] for 100 dollars.

My favorite pros are [The Action Village pro team! Along with Dennis Enarson, Tony Hamlin, Nathan Williams, I could go on forever. ]

My favorite bike spot is [the city of Atlanta! ] 

Everyone should take time to [enjoy what life has to offer. ]

My favorite thing besides BMX is [skateboarding. Along with bmxing, I've skated for about 8 years or so. It's fun to hop on a board every now and then. ]

The last person I called was [the tattoo shop! I'm getting my first tat! ]

The best advice I ever got was [keep movin' forward. Life goes on. ] 

With my $1000 shopping spree I'm going to buy [ A new complete skateboard! Some small parts here and there like tires, grips, etc. Clothes?a lot of clothes. and of course some new shoes will have me in a good mood!]




Devon Smillie from Eric Stewart on Vimeo.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/welcome-to-team-devon-smillie.html

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Jeff Scheer- One Fall Day + Two Spring Days


One Fall Day + Two Spring Days from Jeff Scheer on Vimeo.

Great riding from Jeff Scheer! Thanks for sending via Email Jeff!

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/05/jeff-scheer-one-fall-day-two-spring-days.html

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Midwest BMX: In My Neighborhood


MidwestBMX.net Midway Skatepark Jam from Zak Gruber on Vimeo.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/midwest-bmx-in-my-neighborhood.html

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Real Word Cycling (RWC) BB Replacement Bearings

In January of this year, I felt my Shimano BB bearings going to shit - again. I can tell when they're headed for the garbage - doing some weird ticking thing with every pedal stroke. After all, on a cyclocross bike, most of us are using road bike BB's not really designed to be descending bumpy fireroads at break-neck speed.

A few fellow Quadzillians referred me to Real World Cycling BB bearings. RWC offers a variety of things dealing with moving parts: bearings, derailleur pulleys, suspension parts, headsets, etc. The lowest cost BB bearings they offer state:

One of the most important features of a bearing relating to smoothness and longevity is the ball size and the quantity of them. Below are 3 scale drawings of our Enduro Bottom Bracket bearing, a competitors? standard Bottom Bracket bearing and a really sub-standard design of Bottom Bracket Bearing we purchased from another website.

While the static capacity of our bearing is 726 lbs. and the sub-standard bearing is only 229 lbs., if this is not enough to convince you of ours, consider the fact that the larger balls of the Enduro bearing will roll easier and with less energy loss than the smaller balls in the other bearings.

The Enduro balls will spin about 1/2 as many times for 1 crank rotation, and, because of the deeper ball groove they sit in, will stay in alignment of the ball path and with less friction during the high torque forces exherted by a typical crankset.

A deeper ball groove also lends to the lateral strength of a bearing. The groove or ball paths in our bearings are the deepest possible, cupping the bearing to the maximum height and support; see the Side Profile Illustrations:

I purchased a set of Hollowtech replacement bearings for $23, shipped. Installation was easy - since I wasn't keeping my old bearings, I could damage them by tapping them out. Pressing the new ones in was easy with a long bolt, a nut and some washers. Of course, after installation, my bottom bracket spins without clicking or ticking.

I was pretty disappointed at the Shimano stock bearings. I've gone through a few of them, and noticed that they didn't last very long. I highly recommend looking at these RWC bearings - so far they seem to be really holding up well. I will update my review in 6 months.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/03/real-word-cycling-rwc-bb-replacement.html

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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Outsiders Fall 2013 Look Book

Here is the Outsiders Fall 2013 look book. If you are interested in picking up some gear for your shop or for online, please send inquiries to rhandyzf gmail com. Thanks and enjoy the collection […]

Source: http://www.bmxoutsiders.com/blog/outsiders-fall-2013-look-book/

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Reflections on the Old School BMX Reunion (OSBMXR) at Woodward West - a FIRST TIMER Perspective

Now that I've had a week gone by, it's given me time to reflect on my time spent at the OSBMXR. Being a first timer, I wasn't sure what to expect; Steve Swope's itinerary helps some, but not all. I hope my report helps other first timers get a feel of what to expect and what to bring. Also, there's a little insight of how this event changed me.

Tehachapi, Ca.

Tehachapi is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Even as a MTB'er who explores the great South Bay Area, Ca. hills and forests, this place was magical. Woodward West is about 15-20 minutes outside of the small town, and everything you need for the weekend in terms of food and amenities can be found there - so if you forget your toothbrush or want to go dine out, it's just a short drive away. Nothing fancy, but whatever is there get's the job done. Since I don't eat fast food and I'm a vegetarian, my choices were limited, but I was able to "make do".


Woodward West sits at about 4000' above sea level, surrounded by mountains and green meadows. Wildlife has found its place there, as cottontail bunnies, deer and snakes wander about the Lodge at all times of the day. At night, the coyotes can be heard within earshot howling and barking, and bats flutter about as you drive to-and-from the Lodge and hangar as the sun sets.

If you stay at Hilltop - like I did - you will bunk with other OSBMXR attendees - so if you come with a group of friends, make sure you arrange to all room up. I went alone and had a great roommate - Dean Johnstone - a vert/park rider from Bristol, UK. The rooms are bare minimum, but have a bathroom with a shower. The beds are small bunk beds, and you will need to bring your own bedding, including a sheet to cover the basic foam cushion. Bring what you need for a weekend stay: a towel, soap, oral hygiene, etc. It is very much like camping as basic as it is.


The other rooms have one single bed, and if you get one of those, I would recommend you bring a cot or air mattress to sleep on if you have roommates. Honestly, I may bring an air mattress next year, even if I do get a bunk bed. It wasn't the most comfortable thing to sleep on!

If you have an RV, trailer or camper bed, sleep in there. Rooms are $20 a night, which is a great deal, but if you are self-sufficient, sleeping in the Lodge parking lot doesn't seem that bad. Then, bother one of your friends to use their shower in the morning.

Even if you are a brown boy like me, bring sunscreen. Especially if you are white. All the outdoor riding is in direct sunlight, and you definitely get burned. Also, hydrate as one should hydrate. I was so pumped to be there, I don't think I drank enough water at all.

I would also recommend bringing an ice chest full of goodies for the weekend. Food is essentially nonexistent there unless you want to drive into town. I did buy lunch and dinner tickets, but those meals were very small. I didn't even eat the dinner. If you are on a special diet like I am, I would highly recommend you bring your own stash of food. 

Bring all the tools and small parts you think you will need. I brought extra gyro and brake cables, tubes, extra brake pads and all the tools I would need "just in case". Last thing you need is to be in BMX heaven with a bike that's unrideable.

One last recommendation for a first timer is to arrive on FRIDAY if possible. I drove 5 hours from San Jose to Tehachapi, and if I didn't have all that adrenaline going, I probably would've dropped dead. I can rally as much as a man can, but that drive starting at 5am on Saturday morning simply SUCKED. I also missed a whole day of riding on Friday. I would've preferred to arrive there on Friday, get acclimated, and took my time. Saturday, I was up from 5am to 1am, and rode all day during that time. I don't know how I did it, but I was running on octane that day.

Riding Woodward West

Woodward West has about everything you would need as a BMX'er. There are about a half dozen parks, a dirt jump area, a flatland area (which I will get into in a bit) and, of course, MEGA RAMP. You must have full pads and a helmet to ride the park.

The hangar is filled with wood structures, including a big vert ramp, a handful of mini ramps, a foam pit and a resi-ramp. There is also a "street" area with benches, rails, platforms and a banked wall ride.

Outside, there are a few cement parks, a wood park and dirt jumps. Everything is ridable - sort of like the scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Everything is eatable".

The flatland area is one to contend with, however. It was small and slanted. It was ridable, but definitely not level. You find yourself going uphill in some areas and downhill in others. Some acclimation was necessary. Stuff I would normally pull, I just couldn't pull.

Mega Ramp was gnarly. I've never seen such a structure in my life - to a planter-box guy like myself, it was terrifying. Seeing the guys ride it was incredible and is something that you have to witness yourself to appreciate it - pictures do not do it justice, especially if guys are airing 15-20ft. above the coping. Adam Carolla would say, "This is why the terrorists hate us..."


The Vibe

In reality, a BMX'er doesn't have to travel far to ride. We all have our local spots, so while Woodward West is an amazing place to ride, we don't go there for that alone. The Vibe was so positive, so uplifting and gratifying, this is the reason why people travel from all over the country to attend this event. 

I got to meet nearly all the freestylers I grew up idolizing. Not only meet them, but ride with them. If I could travel back in time to a 14 yr. old version of me and tell myself that in 24 years, I would be hanging out with Martin Aparijo - my little brain would've exploded. Standing on top of the vert ramp while Mat Hoffman and Dennis McCoy floated above my head was incredible.

Meeting guys like Jose Yanez and seeing him - in his mid-50's - still rock a backflip like he did in the movie "Rad" was mind-blowing. Speaking of "Rad" - sitting in a theater while Eddie Fiola and Martin Aparijo gave us the inside scoop of the filming and production was very entertaining. 

Vans showed up and brought 200 pairs of free shoes and a pile of free t-shirts. Others brought swag and gave it out; thanks to Primo for the hat and shirt! Special shout out to the Curb Dogs, as well. Thank you, Maurice Meyer for the shirt and being so welcoming to the NorCal crew.

The weekend was capped off with a party at the Lodge. Drinks, food, socializing and an EPIC flatland jam. My edit below says it all.

L to R: Jorge Luzuriaga, Rick Allison, Martin Aparijo, Brian Gavagan, Dave Nourie, James McGraw, Eddie Fiola and Todd Carter. Photo: Steve Peralta

The Take-A-Way

Going to this event changed me. 

Being away from technology, TV and without a constant bombardment of negativity, politics, etc. gave me time to reflect what is important to me and what is not. It made me appreciate what I have and what I'm striving for. It even set into place for me what my career means to me and what it does not mean to me. It helped me identify who I am and what I love. It put into perspective why people act the way they do - both in positive and negative ways.

I love riding. I despise racing and alpha-male dominant inspired scowl-face competition. This event put into focus why I ride - why I got into BMX and why it has called me back. I can now confidently turn away from the cross-country MTB testosterone pissing matches with a smile. That no longer matters to me. With all respect to those that race, I can see how it can fuel some. To me, however, it destroyed my passion in a major way.

I know to some, that's a lot of mumbo-jumbo, but I needed something like this to inspire me again. I was getting burned out on MTB'ing, and training for racing really was the nail in the coffin. In fact, if it wasn't for this event putting it all back into focus, I was finding it harder and harder to unhang that MTB everyday to ride, because "training" was eating away at my passion and my riding soul.

I gleefully ate my race fees and dropped out of racing Sea Otter this past weekend, and I couldn't have been more satisfied by doing so. I woke up at 7:30am (sleeping in for me) and had pancakes instead.

BMX offers freedom. The ability to be creative; to do a trick, or simply roll down the street. To me, the restrictive nature of pumping away at personal records and Strava leaderboards was really eating away at the very core of why I ride. Thankfully, 300 fellow BMX'ers helped me get my passion back.

While this event re-surged my passion for MTB'ing, I also found that BMX has no limitations for me. I discovered that I am only limited to the restrictions my mind sets. I don't have to box myself in with a title such as "flatlander" or "park rider".

As my roommate, Dean, said, "It's all BMX."



More pictures can be found by "wired" on BMXMuseum's site HERE and HERE.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/04/reflections-on-old-school-bmx-reunion.html

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