Live To Ride BMX

John Donson

Mr Svenson over at “AME” recently flowed us some ame bmx grips for the 2011 season - He sent a generous quantity, so that the ValleySide family and friends crew could test them out as well. So first up, thank goes out to Mr Svenson. And keep your eyes peeled for some testimonials from the [...]

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=1181

gt BMX haro BMX mongoose BMX BMX extreme BMX racing

John Donson

The Basics
Name: Joel Pierazek
Age: 24
Hometown: St. Pete Florida
Resides: Orlando Florida
Year started bmx and why: around 2000, I wanted this all chrome Mongoose at Wal-Mart, just to be
cool?. But then I saw Mike Aitken doing this huge unlookback on a RideBMX cover. I bought it and was like "this is cool!! I wanna do this."

Fill in the Blanks
Being a part of the Action Village team means that there is someone there that can help me out, and I
can put their name behind things I do? which will help both of us.

The first thing I did when I found out I got sponsored was call my best friend Nick Mahoney.

Thecomeupbmx.net is my favorite website besides ActionVillage.com; it?s pretty much like CNN news, but a little more relevant to life... Haha

I would pretty much do anything for 100 dollars? I?m pretty short on rent lately

My favorite pros are probably about the same as everyone else?s: Sean Sexton, Chris Doyle, Nathan
Williams, Chase D, you know?

May favorite bike spot is pretty much anywhere; as long as we aren?t getting kicked out, and my friends
and I can just have a good session and sit around and talk shit, I?m having fun.

Everyone should take time to just relax, and not be so serious about everything. For me I like going out
and road biking around town just chillin.

My favorite thing besides BMX is a good combination of girls, music and partyin? haha

The last person I called was My friend Levi, to see if he wanted to go riding today.

The best advice I ever got was probably, not to be a lurk

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/welcome-to-team-joel-pierazek.html

BMX game alans BMX ride BMX BMX museum BMX bike games

John Donson

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Big thanks to the guys from Black Rock Mountain Bike Association for donating the cash for the skid steer rental. We moved quite a bit of dirt with emphasis on lines for beginner to intermediate skill levels, but designed to be fun enough to keep everyone entertained. If you can't have fun at the trails this summer you have issues. Serious issues. Unfortunately many of the locals have sustained injuries that have them sidelined and as the weather dries out and heats up the dirt is as well and getting tougher to move and shape. The old lines are damn near ready for riding, we have been sessioning the first few a bit and things are getting fast. So here is my plea for help, come down grab a shovel and pitch in and help get everything rolling. Mostly shaping and packing as all the dirt has been piled at the ready by the skid steer. Throw some shovels full and help ride in the old stuff. Backwoods out.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/05/so-i-got-this-bitchin-wheelbarrow.html

mongoose BMX BMX extreme BMX racing BMX stunts BMX games

John Donson

Okay, what the heck is going on here?� Just a couple of days ago, Brian Anderson wrote a very cordial letter stating that he will no longer be skating for Girl Skateboards, Paris Hilton Signs a music deal with Lil Wayne’s CASH MONEY, and now, we’ve just learned that Girl Skateboard’s very own MALE MODEL has left the team as well!� I can’t believe it!

Source: http://www.lat34.com/2013/05/20/lil-wayne-signs-paris-hilton-now-alex-olson-leaves-girl-whats-going-on/

BMX games BMX bikes BMX master BMX videos BMX parts

John Donson

"You're NOT going to sell or trade this bike, right?" says my wife after I just finished putting my new 24" BMX Cruiser together.

"NO way... I'm never making that mistake again." I answer.

The mistake I was referring to, was the dumb decision of trading my Eastern Traildigger 26" BMX Cruiser for a broken (not to my knowledge) Gary Fisher MTB. It's a decision I've been regretting for awhile, and since 2010 I've wanted my BMX Cruiser back - just haven't had the extra funds to buy a new one.

Well, after some research, leveraging some cash, and taking advantage of a sweet $30 off Dan's Comp coupon code, I opted for the Stolen Saint 24".

The new-school 24" cruisers are definitely on the come up. Old guys a.k.a. former BMX'ers in their 30's and 40's are looking back at those fun times they had terrorizing the neighborhood on their 20" bikes. However, with older bodies with muscles and joints that don't move like they did in our teens, we're looking for a BMX bike that has a little more give, sits up a little taller and yet has that "freestyle" geometry found on 20" bikes. In other words, we want to shred without committing to a small wheel bike - and thus, the 24" BMX freestyle cruiser fits the need for Dad and his curb hops and endos. Although, a younger market is starting to catch on. And Dad isn't just sticking to endos.

Sunday!, Stolen, Free Agent, Haro and others have stepped into the 24" BMX freestyle cruiser market. Subrosa and a few others are on their way. In the past, 24" cruisers were restricted to lightweight racing bikes that, quite frankly, would explode under a Clydesdale racer like me. But now, we have beefier options available that perform great on the street, park and trail.

I am racing XC next week in the local series, and I just started to feel a little burned out on training. I've been riding 100mi. a week and averaging 10,000' of climbing... so the thought of hitting the trails in lycra today just didn't seem fun. Plus, the season hasn't even started yet and I'm feeling this way - so I had to shake things up a bit.

I decided to drive down to Santa Cruz, Ca. and hit my old spots on the new 24".

I'm not going to rehash the specs of the Stolen Saint 24"; they can be found HERE. I am, however, going to share my impressions coming from a 38 yr. old man who loves BMX down to my core.

Immediately, the Saint felt right. It just seemed to click perfectly. Bunny hopping felt good, nose wheelies felt good, my-sorry-excuses-for-manuals felt "good" and it just felt like a great riding bike. I could not feel the extra 4" of wheel on this bike - in fact, it really felt like I was riding a 20" bike. Stolen truly took the time to perfect the geometry, because at one point I forgot I was riding a cruiser altogether. In contrast to the Eastern Traildigger - I knew I was on a large cruiser atop the 26". Not this bike.

I haven't ridden BMX in awhile, so I just wanted to get my bunny hops back. I jumped some curbs, did some very small nose wheelie drops off curbs, and hopped up a ledge that was about 2ft. tall. Today's ride was 20 miles of ear-to-ear smiles. Santa Cruz was beautiful - 65� in the middle of January.

Some of the issues I had with this bike became apparent at around mile 10. I attempted a hang-5 and the bars slipped. They actually slipped 3 times today. I jumped a curb, and I heard a CLANK! which appeared to be the stem and headset. The front hub came loose, and I had to re-grease and dial it in. The Tektro rear brake needs to GO - it does not stop whatsoever which was a little nerve racking on West Cliff Dr. Forget about abubacas (I know you young guns can do them brakeless - but not this old fart).

The Stolen Saint 24" is a value at +/- $400, but not without its issues. I believe the geometry and 7.5" bars match perfectly, and the stock parts seemed to do the job. Some components felt low budget (like the front hub) so I will need to dial those things in - especially that slipping stem - which I thought didn't exist in today's BMX world. However, components I can deal with... the soul of the bike is that awesome freestyle geometry.

I recommend the Stolen Saint 24" to anybody looking at getting into the 24"BMX Freestyle revolution. For more information about this bike and the variety of other cruisers available on the market, check out the experts at Cruiser Revolution.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/01/first-impressions-stolen-saint-24-bmx.html

BMX parts BMX games online BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX BMX bike

John Donson

Like Patrick Swayze...

Thanks to Shad for exposing me to these guys. I'll never be the same.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/04/when-im-dancing-dirty.html

BMX videos BMX parts BMX games online BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX

John Donson

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

BMX games BMX bikes BMX master BMX videos BMX parts

John Donson

For the past year, I've been pondering how and why being a fast climber is the pinnacle of MTB riding and road riding. At least, outside of the loose-jersey DH guys, this seems to be what many are striving for. Many times I've read - and experienced myself - people's "fitness running out of talent"; you know the folks who haul ass uphill just to white knuckle and on brake a descend? I also understand people's fear and risk trade-off's - although with some focus on skillful descending, many (if not most) people can overcome this.

A lot of people talk about working on their fitness for climbing - and granted, most of us can use that sort of focus. Myself, I've been trying to get faster on climbs for the past 5 years (since I started MTB'ing seriously). However, why not take a few rides out of the week to focus on downhill skills, cornering, obstacles and flow? These skills, at least in my Cat3 point of view, are equally as valuable to being a great climber.

I appreciate it when I see fast riders at the top of Strava on both uphills and downhills - but also find it strange to see fast climbers WAY behind me on DH segments. I ask: What happened there? Even though I get smoked at races, it amazes me how much faster riders will hold me up on the downhill sections.

People use the old clich�: "Races are won on the climbs..." - but what good is that if you're not racing?

I get that many people ride for many reasons - and some people will just huddle-up to their strengths. My strength is downhill, technical and flow (God Bless BMX) - so I work on my climbing to try and balance my riding... but I still work on my downhill a LOT. Not only is it fun, but to me, it makes sense to be a well-rounded rider.

Now that I got that off my chest, here's Chad Degroot's segment from Baco 10...

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/03/bike-riding-is-just-not-climbing.html

haro BMX mongoose BMX BMX extreme BMX racing BMX stunts

John Donson

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/11/luis-re-breaks-his-leg-at-demo-forest.html

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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:

John Donson

If you’ve been following Nat Geo’s Mountain Movers, then you must be like me.� You’ve been sucked into the vortex of other amazing programming on that channel.� Everything from Brain Games to the show about FREAKS, Nat Geo is one dope show after another.� Trust me, turn off the other crappy programming on your television and leave it on Nat Geo and you will come out a lot smarter.� For instance, did you know that it’s good to eat raw meat?� The Numbers Game.� Did you know that guys with SALT AND PEPPER have the characteristics to be an ALPHA MALE?� Going Ape. There is so much to be learned on that channel.� And on the next episode of Mountain Movers, you can learn how The X Games is created.� For Snow Park Technologies (SPT), the most anticipated event of each year is ESPN?s X Games Aspen in Colorado. This event, broadcast live in 184 countries around the world, puts an entirely new level of pressure on the crew as they attempt to build the best courses in X Games history. The third episode of ?Mountain Movers,? National Geographic Channel?s new series presented by Chevrolet, features the SPT crew working [...]

Source: http://www.lat34.com/2013/05/22/national-geographic-premieres-x-games-episode/

colony BMX wethepeople BMX gt BMX haro BMX mongoose BMX

John Donson

Welcome To The Bakery from The Bakery on Vimeo.

Read More Here!

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/04/bk-opens-up-bakery.html

BMX racing BMX stunts BMX games BMX bikes BMX master

John Donson

… The Baltic Games was a banger, and the after-party that follow did not disappoint…�”Read More”�to see the after-party snaps; see if you can spot yourself! - VS

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=1041

BMX extreme BMX racing BMX stunts BMX games BMX bikes

John Donson

Perfect timing! Mutiny Bikes dropped the brand new “Cool Story, Bro” featuring Matt Roe for you guys to enjoy. After you check that out, if you are wondering what these videos are all about, check out this interview with Rich … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.bmxunion.com/blog/daily/mutiny-cool-story-bro-matt-roe/

winstanelys BMX colony BMX wethepeople BMX gt BMX haro BMX

John Donson

Velha Guarda Jam 2013 from Hugo Almeida Videos on Vimeo.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/03/velha-guarda-jam-2013.html

BMX racing BMX stunts BMX games BMX bikes BMX master

John Donson

Something went wrong with the site for a bit, but it’s sorted now for anyone checking back for some nostalgia!
I update with BMX photos on my blog for anyone who is interested!

Related posts:Site problems Some people have said the site comes up with...Site design Started messing with the site design, so bare with it...Changes… [...]

I already had my On-One Inbred 29'er, but not yet entirely convinced that the 29'er was the ultimate for rigid riding; I thought that a 26" version would be fun. After all, 26" bikes whip around very well and the wheels spin up pretty quickly. And, back in 2007, I had a Redline Monocog (and now regret selling it!). Through the years, I've built up 26" rigid singlespeeds, so this project wouldn't be anything new in terms of approach.

By using the search function on Craigslist, I stumbled upon this ad:

Two 1980's Specialized Bicycle Frames - $60 (Hollister)
Date: 2012-09-04, 1:18PM PDT
Reply to: see below

Two rare Specialized bicycle frames from the 1980's. Both are straight with no dents. All cable and brake holders and are in great condition too.

The yellow frame is 19.5 inches and the blue frame is 18.0 inches. Each frame comes with a Specialized head set.

Taking the haul down to Hollister from my home in South San Jose, I purchased the yellow frame for $30.

Over the last few months, I've been able to gather parts through what I had in the parts bin, trading with friends and cheap stuff on eBay. What has come together has been one of the most fun, most efficient, most reliable and care-free, go-to bike I've had in awhile.

The goal was to enjoy the Chromoly frame without dealing with old technology - like a weird quill stem and narrow flat handlebars with noodle'y bar ends. I also wasn't interested in old, crappy cantilever brakes (although I have been riding with Tektro C720's until today), outdated gear ratios with Biopace chainrings, or skinny wheels and gumwall tires.

No... I wanted to modernize it as much as I could.

The first order of business was to get the steering correct. By using a thread-less stem quill adapter, it gave me a wider variety of stems to choose from. And, since I knew old frames had short top-tubes, I opted for a 110mm 25.4 stem from Performance Bike.

I have pretty much guzzled the wide handlebar Kool-aid, and with the 30" wide Azonic World Force DH handlebars I had in my parts bin, I concluded they would fit my build nicely. Typically with such a wide handlebar, you'd have to use a short stem (say, 70mm), but the old Rockhopper's top-tube is short enough where the longer stem and wide handlebar work very well together without slowing the steering or making the handling poor.

I had envisioned a single-speed for this frame, and that's what this bike was built up as originally. But - with some afterthought about the convenience of having some gears - I opted for a 1X set-up. At first, a 1X8, and then after digging in the parts bin along with the purchase of an inexpensive Deore 9sp. shifter - I ended up with a 1X9 set-up, naturally.

XT Cassette, XT Rear Derailleur, Deore Shifter, SRAM 9sp chain, and a Truvativ Stylo Crankset with a 32T single chainring make the wheels go round-and-round. The Paul Chain Keeper holds it all together, too. My feet stay planted with traditional Crank Brothers Candy pedals.

For the trails I ride, I typically don't need a granny gear, especially with the 26" wheels. My Inbred is equipped with a granny gear, but that bike is reserved for more challenging climbs. I've found that the 32T X 11-34 gets me up most hills without having to walk.

I really don't know how people used to rail around on skinny, hard, gum wall tires, but that's what this bike probably had in its glory days. I was a little apprehensive about tire selection knowing that this frame was probably designed to be used with skinny tires, but a 2.1 squeezes on the rear and a 2.3 squeezes on the front. The old, steel fork absorbs the bumps surprisingly well, so combined with the 2.3 tire at a lower pressure, I don't feel like I'm chattering down a staircase riding the trails.

I've reviewed the Fort� tires in previous posts, so I will not reiterate the positive things I can say about them.

If you've ever gone back-and-forth between modern disc brakes and old school cantilever brakes, you will find yourself at a handicap with the canti's. Even with high-end cantilevers, they pale in comparison to discs. Modulation is non-existent and brake chatter is common. I've been riding this bike with Tektro C720 cantilever brakes but scored these Shimano XTR v-brakes through my riding buddy, Ken. The C720's worked fine, but the XTR upgrade will pay huge dividends in the braking department. Some claim that the XTR v-brakes work just as well as mechanical disc brakes when set-up properly. I've only had mid-level v-brakes before, and was impressed. I am sure these XTR's will make stopping issues - well - stop.

Lastly, I will need to mention weight since steel bikes are criticized in this department. I am sure an aluminum bike would come in at a few pounds less than this build. But, with nicer wheels, the old Rockhopper could probably squeak under 26lbs. Currently, with the old, cheap, heavy Vuelta Zerolite wheels, my bike weighs in at a respectable 26.86lbs.

My next upgrade will be wheels, which I think will help in the speed and climbing department. Rim brake wheels are difficult to come by these days, so my choices are limited.

Ride quality and handling of the Chromoly Double Butted tubing is fantastic. Incredible. This bike is buttery smooth and it makes you forget you are riding a 26 (soon to be 27) year old frameset. I am extremely impressed with how well it handles, and I have no problem riding it with people on modern suspension bikes (especially when climbing).

I wouldn't take this bike on gnarly downhill or freeride trails, but for my local, everyday lunch rides, this old bike proves to be a sure winner.

If you have that old steel bike rotting away on the side yard, don't let it die. With a little creativity, you can revive it to bask again in trail glory.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/12/bringing-1986-into-2013-review-of-my.html

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John Donson

After lunch the MegaRamp was opened up for sessioning. Most people headed up on the hill to at least watch what went down. After filling out a seven page waiver you could set foot on the massive new structure. Safety was a big concern and those that looked too squirrelly were cut off. Boozedawg was one of those booted after blowing off the pedals on a sketchy attempt. Shad gave it a few tries but decided it wasn't for him and was content to watch. My first run at it I think I was almost half way up the roll in. I wasn't sure how the lip was going to feel and wanted to feel it out. It felt good and so on following runs I slowly worked my way higher till I was landing on the top right before the "box" started angling to the landing. Shea Nyquist was the first person to clear it after pedaling about six times down the roll in. He overshot by quit a bit, but it was then I realized I would have to pedal at it to make it. Lance Mosley wasn't down with tagging so he went for it first try and got bucked by the lip and ejected. After seeing him, Matt Mardesetch, and Ryan Nyquist bail it was even harder not to be nervous. I tried not to look down the roll in too much while waiting my turn and on my next try I took three pedals thinking it would be enough to clear but not overshoot. Wrong! I cleared the flat on top for the first time but hit a small slant a bit over a bike length long before the landing and then bounced a ways down the landing. Oooooohs from the crowd watching and an increased heart rate. Scary! I was determined not to let the opportunity pass me by to do this and headed back up for another go. More pedals this time and I made it to the landing but pitched forward a bit too much and landed foot down. More OOOooohs and heart pounding! Next go I stuck it clean and was content to call it quits. All and all there were about seven people, including myself,f that cleared it. Check that off my bucket list! I headed back to down the hill to ride with Marcus and missed all the big tricks. Mosley flipped it, Birdwell superman seat-grabbed it, and Ryan Nyquist 360'd it.

Not sure who took this pic but you can check out more here.

Damn that looks big! Cell photo Scott Hagnas.

The rest of the day we spent riding ourselves into exhaustion. Riley worked on some backflips and got some on the resi ramp. I finally sacked up and 360'd the box jump. I was probably more stoked on that then the MegaRamp. It's something I should do without hesitation but over the past few years my confidence with spinning has been at an all time low. Thanks Woodward for the confidence boost.

After the session ended there was an after party in the lodge. Free food, free beer and bmxers is always a great recipe for good times. Dave Nourie, Anthony, and a couple other flatlander's put on a show in the bar. Dave is quite the showman. When the two kegs ran dry and the bar closed up a group of us moved on to one of the rooms. The room stay was short lived after the occupants realized that if they wanted their room to be inhabitable, the party better continue elsewhere. The whole first floor of the lodge was awoken by everyone looking for someone else's room to wreck. I don't think a door or window was missed by someone banging on it. No more party animals, so we hung out in the parking lot where Jeremy and Boozedawg kept us laughing with their drunken antics. Ben Ward gave me another reason not to have a facebook by posting pics of Jeremy DRUNK on his, resulting in an angry voicemail from the wife wondering why he wouldn't answer the phone when she called to check on him. Too funny. How no one knocked one out Boozedawg is beyond me. He was sac tapping or thumb in the bumming everyone within reach. Quite a few people will remember him after that night for sure! Needless to say we didn't make it up and get on the road by eight as was "planned". We left Woodward around 11 am. The Portland bunch of the crew got home around 5 am the next morning. Quite an unforgettable road trip. Check out the pics below and links for more event coverage.

One of the few times you can say fast and Shad in the same sentence. Shad, fastplant. Photo Jared Souney. Check his coverage here and here.

Boozeplant. Photo Mulligan. Check the Ride coverage here.

Jose Yanez (first person to do flips, Rad Stuntman), Bill Allen (Cru Jones!), Eddie Fiola (duh)!

Boozer, the Hizz Dicks smacker!

The drive home.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/04/trip-concluded.html

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John Donson

�� In action sports, we look at photography as an essential medium for capturing athletes in mid flight.� That moment in time crated by a camera will never be duplicated again.� Those split seconds may reveal a lot about an athlete.� Are they scared?� Are they confident?� Do they have what it takes to land their trick flawlessly?� With the art of still photography, we get to delve deeper into an athlete’s soul. That is why with the addition of extreme cliff diving in action sports, we get to look into the eyes of a brand new face.� Something we’ve never been able to see before and I’m very excited about looking deeper into this uncharted territory.� So let’s meet the faces of the future. This is Wade Lew.� Just look at his face.� It’s so relaxed with confidence you just know instantly that he will perform his trick to perfection. Check out Anthony Pirelli.� You may have thought he just came from a Sum 41 concert with that funky hairdo.� Nope.� He’s diving and nothing says confidence more than your eyes going in two opposite directions. Swollen blood vessels around the eyes?� Check.� Nostrils flared?� Check. Jordan tongue out?� [...]

Source: http://www.lat34.com/2013/05/22/red-bull-cliff-diving-meet-the-new-athletes-of-action-sports/

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John Donson