Albert Mercado Kink BMX 2014

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/albert-mercado-kink-bmx-2014/

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Four Years of the DRB Blog - Thanks for reading!

Hello lurkers...

For the past four years, I've attempted to chronicle my bike ramblings on this blog. I appreciate all of you who have come to visit (except for the negative trolls) and those who left comments. I love the back-and-forth with you folks, and I hope I've been able to help you out in some weird way with whatever you got building up in your bicycle cave.

Reading my old posts, I've realized I've gone through a dozen (or more) bikes - some I still have and some are long gone. I've experimented with different riding styles, but I think I've pretty much landed on MTB'ing, cyclocross and the occasional BMX adventure. When I ride road, it's to get to dirt for the most part, and it's done on my cyclocross bike.

Through my interactions with people on and off the internet, I've realized that there is no true "answer" for cycling when it comes to set-up and choices. People are so adamant about brands, frame materials, wheel size, tire selection, pedal choice, gearing, clothing, etc. Some stuff works better than other stuff when it comes to all this, but what somebody chooses to ride is completely personal. And, if they do well with that set-up... then that's the "correct" set-up for that particular person.

Case in point, there is an old dead horse people continue to beat: flat pedals vs. clipless pedals. I personally ride clipless for CX and MTB, and I used to be on the "clipless is best" bandwagon. I probably even posted about it on this blog. But, I've realized that - if somebody rides better with flat pedals - aren't flat pedals for that person the best choice? This example can be used for anything bicycle related i.e. wide handlebars vs. narrow handlebars.

I guess what this all boils down to is the online MTB community can reduce the troll, flaming, baiting and douchebag'y behavior if people just minded their own business about other's set-ups. It becomes tiresome when people dedicate entire blogs and forum threads about why their set-up is "right" and everybody needs to switch. I've even seen those use "scientific evidence" to support their argument. But, who am I (or anybody else) to argue with people about what works best for them?

For those of you who have disregarded the hype of a lot of unproven MTB "upgrades" - good for you. As we say, "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it". Ride what you ride and take it all in with a grain of salt.

---

Also, in the last four years, I've been able to make some really, really, great friends. We loosely formed "Team Social Pace" in the past year or so, and we all get together and ride, chat, and just have a good time. Although I mostly ride alone, riding with these guys have bumped my riding game considerably, but also has brought some really good people into my life.

That's it for this blog post! Here are some videos I've recently done. I forgot to post my last San Jose Bike Party video; I hope you enjoy that. I also experimented with my GoProHD2, and I hope you enjoy a quick lap at Santa Teresa County Park. 

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/11/four-years-of-drb-blog-thanks-for.html

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Reflections on Bike Racing - Part II

In November of 2010, I posted THIS ENTRY in regards to CX racing.

"I think CX racing is not my thing. I really dug deep to think of why I lost interest and there's many reasons (mostly work stress), but I don't think I have the racer's mindset. I can't dig deep enough within to make a competitive attempt. What it is, is I focus so much energy into work, especially with my appointments, phone calling and pending business pouring into Saturdays and Sundays, and then I have to go to all these fraternal events on the weekends that relate to my work. The agency I am in is super sales competitive oriented, and when all is said and done, the only peace I find is in riding. 

What I've come to find is that racing doesn't bring me peace. It actually kinda stresses me out and I don't have fun - and then it becomes a pain in the ass and then I don't want to do it. I feel I not only waste my time and money, but I waste the guy-who-I-may-finish-ahead-of's time, who may be actually going for the glory. I may just be a roadblock for him and he may be trying real hard to get ahead, when in my mind, I just don't care."

On Saturday, I raced CCCX #1 MTB XC in the Cat3 Category, Mens 35-44. I thought I may have had a fighting chance after two years of riding pretty consistent and breaking nearly all my personal records. In preparation, I planned my rides, had a strict training regimen, went hard and took recovery rides, followed a diet and actually lost 15 pounds. I felt confident and determined that I wasn't going to be a last place finisher this time around.

Well, that was not the case. I came in 3rd to last place.

To and from the race, I drove my friend Brett (Cat2) who actually placed third in his class. He went on to tell me how much he loved racing, and how it "drove" him to do it more and more. The passion he expressed was deep. I, on the other hand, didn't feel that way. It was during Brett's A.D.D.-fueled blabbering that I realized: I have no love for racing. Not like some of these guys do.

I don't know if it is my frustration of being a meat pylon, or if it is my lack of passion for racing, but it is clear after two years of making some valiant attempts of being a bike racer, it truly isn't my thing. 

Great friends have encouraged me to "keep at it!" and "don't let this get you down, you're gonna get faster!" - but I don't know if I even want to "keep at it" - because all that "training", dieting and commitment to a failed attempt on my part ended up being all in vain. Not only did I walk away with a feeling of disappointment in myself, but now I have developed this strange after-effect of mental burn-out: I simply don't want to ride MTB's. I have no desire to hit the trail.

This is alarming to me, given that I love riding. But bike racing seemed to do the complete opposite to me what it does for other people. For others, the race is what keeps them riding - for me, the race is what makes me want to say "f' it!".

In my November 2010 post, I mentioned my work, and how the mental demand is at an extremely high level. Quite possibly if I had a corporate job where competition was not a factor and it is done at cruising speed with a steady paycheck, I could see racing being a viable option to "get that edge out of me". But, this is not the case. I work in a highly competitive, mentally draining, quota and commission driven sales environment where it is feast or famine. My paycheck is extremely unstable and varying from very low to moderately high with extremely long hours, working into the late hours of the night and most weekends.

I am not making excuses for my failure as a bike racer, but trying to find the source of the complete opposite outcome of my feelings towards it. 

I've always been a rebel - never wanting to adhere to things that didn't come as fun to me. There's a reason why I leaned towards BMX and not high school sports; art and not academics (although I was a straight A student). Quite possibly, deep inside on a subconscious level, racing may represent to me a type of structure that I naturally want to go against.

Or maybe, I just suck and don't want to subject myself to future ass-whoopings.

Whatever it may be, this is my last attempt at bike racing. I can't say that won't give it a go in years from now, but as it stands, I'm hanging up my number plate.

I need to shake this lack of desire to MTB ride. In the next few days, I will have to force myself to ride and try to ignite that riding passion I've been able to cling on to for 4 years without ever waining. I am so perplexed of how one bike race could burn me out this bad.

Until next time, my friends. I wish all my fellow Quadzillians GOOD LUCK!

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/01/reflections-on-bike-racing-part-ii.html

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BK Opens Up The Bakery

Welcome To The Bakery from The Bakery on Vimeo.

Read More Here!

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

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Is Passion a Learned Behavior?

I've been chipping away at "Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012)" for a few nights after I get home from client appointments and my wife goes to bed. I reflect on how these "children" (Tony Hawk, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, etc.) excelled to become the highest level skateboarders of the time, all under the age of 18. My mind is blown that these youngsters pioneered every trick you see today, including the vert ollie, the flatland ollie and the McTwist.

I feel a close bond to this time in that 1) during those years, it was a toss-up between me going BMX or Skater (obviously I chose BMX) and 2) I grew up in a hotbed of skateboarding (Santa Cruz, Ca.). I relate to all the things in that video, but I mostly relate to The Stoke.

The Stoke - or what many call "Passion" - is something that seems to tie these young skaters together. 

Stories of them crashing, getting up, doing the trick over and over for hours until they nailed it. Tales of Rodney Mullen getting up at 2am in the morning, telling the rest of the boys that he's "going skating" and coming back with dozens of new tricks at dawn.

The drive that these youngsters had was fuel for the fire. Stacey Peralta guided and mentored them, making sure that the fame and money didn't go to their head. He kept them humble and drove the desire to progress.

This leaves me with a question: Is Passion a Learned Behavior?

I'm thinking of my parents, who encouraged and supported me to put my 100% into everything I got into. When I started riding freestyle BMX, they did everything they could to get me what I needed to get better. Same goes with karate, music, etc.

I also think of those who may not have such a supporting family, but have friends and spouses that do the same. It's like they are just as stoked for you (if not more) than you are for yourself... cheering and loving you every step of the way. I still get a gigantic grin whenever I see top-level athletes do the unimaginable, and stand their while fans and friends envelope them in cheers, hugs, arms raised in victory - as if they completed the feat themselves.

Conversely, I think of those who have no passion - for anything. What makes those people so un-passionate? Whether it's riding a bike, surfing, yo-yo or scrapbooking... I have a hard time imagining a life without passion.

They seem to make excuses like "I'm busy" or "no money", etc. but I feel that those are just excuses. I'm as busy and tight on finances as the next person... but nothing gets me more stoked than thinking about my next ride.

What do you guys think? Can you look back and find the source of your passion that keeps you going? Where did you get you get your passionate drive from?

Please leave a comment and lend my your thoughts!

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/01/is-passion-learned-behavior.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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New Valleyside Facebook page?

… Well actually, it’s been up for a while! Click the image to check it out!�Cheers Matti! - VS!

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=910

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London in Austin Jam

London Bikes has been making some new products and picked up some new riders. They made a visit to Austin. Big props to Jim Mckay for taking the time to film and edit some highlights.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/04/london-in-austin-jam.html

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Day 2: A Villain and a Superhero

Friday, day two we woke up early especially for how late we went to bed. Kind of hard to sleep through the sounds of Aaron Huff putting in work for too long. He was in the warehouse as usual at 5 AM and we were up by 8. Dave Nourie and Juan Carlos had met us late in the night and shared in the generosity of our accommodations. Big thanks to Huff for allowing twelve stinky dudes to cramp up his space to sleep. If you're not riding a Solid, chances are you should be, go here and buy one. We loaded up our sleeping bags and waited for Rob Jenson to show up. He was joining Dave and Carlos in their car to head down to Fresno and Woodward. While we waited Boozedawg was in full effect. A pint of Sailor Jerry's and countless beers on the way down and on into the night at Solid turned into beers in the morning. Boozedawg uses a loud voice and Sailor Jerry's breath to spread misery to any within the van.

On the way to Fresno silly stories and the team Schralp video that was, according to Shad, to have footage of Fresno's park helped pass the time on the drive. Turns out after watching it, there is not. World traveler and We The People team rider Chester Blacksmith's international sex stories, with photographic evidence, also kept us entertained. Playstation's, TV's, laptops and cell phones were not anything I ever had on road trips as a kid. Sure are nice to have now. On a pit stop Boozedawg warned me that Jeremy had started a nut slapping game and I should be on high alert. I asked him if he knew the capital of Thailand and gave him the answer. BANGKOK! Right in his! Heavy laughter followed by a hand over the goods for protection. As they say, "Paybacks a BITCH!", and I got mine. I thought I was covered up but Boozedawg came in the van swinging and doubled me over. Onward to Fresno with everyone worried about their sack.

In the van watching Team Schralp.

If you haven't made the trip to Fresno I highly recommend it. A huge concrete park that is BIKES ONLY! You can tell by the size of everything and the obstacles you don't normally see in skate parks that it was designed with bikes in mind. Boozedawg had never set tire in a cradle before and made it his goal to loop it. After a bit he had made a very respectable level of upside down. The rest of us worked out some lines and watched local shredder and Kink Flow Rider Chad Osburn destroy the park. Fresno was HOT! Almost 90 degrees hot, and coming from rainy Oregon made it a little hard to adjust. Riley and I ducked out for some shade, a drink, and a quick rest. Coming back Dave Nourie told me I needed to hurry back and check out my son. I panicked for a second thinking he was hurt but he told me he was fine but fully looping the 19' cradle. Stoked we pedaled back to check out the action. Everyone started yelling at me to check out Mac and he dropped in and started cranking! I was nervous because he was hauling ass and when we had got there he was barely making it over half way up. I about dropped a load when I saw how high he got! The boy wonder was born! He will be forever after known as "Captain Cradle". A 13 year old had just robbed Boozedawg of his glory! The crew made sure to let me know I had a short time before my kid would pass me by in the skills department. Marcus made sure to ask me how it felt to be outdone by a thirteen year old. My response was that I wasn't sure yet but to make sure to ask everyone else because I wasn't the only one. Damn Kids!

Fresno Bike Park

Besides a crazy bike park the city of Fresno is kind of gnarly. Driving to find the park we saw streets piled with garbage for blocks. Turns out it was an annual cleanup but that, combined with poor neighborhoods, gave us a creepy vibe. We thought we were going to see a murder when we witnessed a dude rolling a Jeep Cherokee on 24's worth more than it, hit an equally gangster looking dude in a crosswalk. Looks like after some words they worked it out and no one died. A Wall mart stop for some supplies made us quickly realize how much of a minority we were in those parts. Some threatening comments at the burrito joint we ate dinner somewhat confirmed 10 white dudes weren't a common site and maybe none too welcome. We skipped town and headed to the promised land. Woodward West. We rolled into the lodge at Woodward around 11 PM. After checking in most of us took a shower and headed to the bar downstairs to catch up with friends already in attendance.

To be continued....

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-2-villain-and-superhero.html

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Is Passion a Learned Behavior?

I've been chipping away at "Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012)" for a few nights after I get home from client appointments and my wife goes to bed. I reflect on how these "children" (Tony Hawk, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, etc.) excelled to become the highest level skateboarders of the time, all under the age of 18. My mind is blown that these youngsters pioneered every trick you see today, including the vert ollie, the flatland ollie and the McTwist.

I feel a close bond to this time in that 1) during those years, it was a toss-up between me going BMX or Skater (obviously I chose BMX) and 2) I grew up in a hotbed of skateboarding (Santa Cruz, Ca.). I relate to all the things in that video, but I mostly relate to The Stoke.

The Stoke - or what many call "Passion" - is something that seems to tie these young skaters together. 

Stories of them crashing, getting up, doing the trick over and over for hours until they nailed it. Tales of Rodney Mullen getting up at 2am in the morning, telling the rest of the boys that he's "going skating" and coming back with dozens of new tricks at dawn.

The drive that these youngsters had was fuel for the fire. Stacey Peralta guided and mentored them, making sure that the fame and money didn't go to their head. He kept them humble and drove the desire to progress.

This leaves me with a question: Is Passion a Learned Behavior?

I'm thinking of my parents, who encouraged and supported me to put my 100% into everything I got into. When I started riding freestyle BMX, they did everything they could to get me what I needed to get better. Same goes with karate, music, etc.

I also think of those who may not have such a supporting family, but have friends and spouses that do the same. It's like they are just as stoked for you (if not more) than you are for yourself... cheering and loving you every step of the way. I still get a gigantic grin whenever I see top-level athletes do the unimaginable, and stand their while fans and friends envelope them in cheers, hugs, arms raised in victory - as if they completed the feat themselves.

Conversely, I think of those who have no passion - for anything. What makes those people so un-passionate? Whether it's riding a bike, surfing, yo-yo or scrapbooking... I have a hard time imagining a life without passion.

They seem to make excuses like "I'm busy" or "no money", etc. but I feel that those are just excuses. I'm as busy and tight on finances as the next person... but nothing gets me more stoked than thinking about my next ride.

What do you guys think? Can you look back and find the source of your passion that keeps you going? Where did you get you get your passionate drive from?

Please leave a comment and lend my your thoughts!

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/01/is-passion-learned-behavior.html

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Flat Web TV Episode 29

There is a great interview with my good friend Scott O?Brien in this months Flat Web TV.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/05/flat-web-tv-episode-29.html

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BK's 2011 Passport Promo

Brian Kachinsky's 2011 Passport Promo from DK Bicycle Company on Vimeo.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/03/bks-2011-passport-promo.html

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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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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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Texas Flatland Roundup 9 Results

All Competing Riders

Top 3 Pro Class

 Pro Class Full Results

1st Alex Jumelin
2nd David Weathersby
3rd Art Thomason
4th DiEgo Ivan Tejada
5th Sequence Bmx
6th Christopher Anderson
7th Ruben Rdog Castillo III

Top 3 Experts

 

 

Expert Class Full Results 
1st Kelly Baldwin
2nd Alex Johnson
3rd Ed Jodie
4th Johnathon Tamayo...
5th Kenny Boucher
6th Jin Mahn Park
7th Cesar Rangel
8th Donovan Borja
9th Lee Edwards

 

Top 3 Veterans

Veterans Class Full Results
1st Nikola Olic

2nd Brad Wright

3rd Mark Dandridge

4th Andrew Guerrero

5th Marty La Mantequilla Ferryman

6th Luis Palmas

7 th Paul Magallanez

 

Top 3 Beginners

?

Beginners Class Full Results

1st Place Chris
2nd Place Weston
3rd Place Adam Ortiz 

 

 ?

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/09/texas-flatland-roundup-9-results.html

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Trails 2011

This Photo is from April 2008. This is right before the major transformation of the main line top to bottom. The newly thrown landing you see on the right was the eventual inspiration to shift the line right and make the left hip bigger to line you up for the long jumps down the hill after. Crazy thinking about the amount of dirt that has been moved since this photo and just how shitty everything looks in comparison to today. As you can see by the photos below things are already popping on the old lines. All the new stuff is getting there but still needs some work. Hit me up and get your dig and ride on.

Dan Wrightington flings some limbs.


David Lawrence turndown.


Paul A. gets his grab on.


Mean mugging an x-up.

Hit up texdiesel.com to check more pics.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/06/trails-2011.html

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Chad Osburn Valley Cuts

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/chad-osburn-valley-cuts/

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When I'm dancing dirty

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

mongoose BMX BMX extreme BMX racing BMX stunts BMX games

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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Jeff K. Edits

Jeff K. has sent over a couple web edits for us to enjoy. Check them out.


Go to BNQT.com for more videos.


Go to BNQT.com for more videos.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/03/jeff-k-edits.html

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Wednesday is in the middle of the common Western five-day workweek that starts on Monday and finishes on Friday.

Source: http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2014/06/wednesday-is-in-middle-of-common.html

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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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Voodoo Flatland Jam 2013 A.M. Qualifications Results

This is courtesy of John Yull's Facebook News Feed! Thanks John and great job getting in to top 10!

                                                                                                                                              

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

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I Got Me a New Bike... This Time Not a Frankenbike: 2012 Cannondale Jekyll 4

Yup. 

I joined the rest of the world and bought a complete. After showing off the pictures of my new bike, people posted comments, like, "This is not a Dion bike..." or "I thought you were too hardcore for full suspension..." Ha. 

Honestly, I've been riding pieced together frankenbikes as long as I've been into bikes. I've never owned a high-end complete, even when I was a kid. I guess my last few completes were bought online, but I've never bought myself something off the floor like a normal human. I've never got to enjoy "free maintenance and repairs" from the shop. I've always done it myself. 

I spotted this thing at Sports Basement in Sunnyvale, Ca. after having lunch at our usual Vegetarian Asian restaurant. I really wasn't "looking" to buy a bike, just browsing. I've had, in the back of my mind for a few months now, a thought to consider picking up a full suspension bike - to be more exact, a trail bike. Something that rails the flow. I mean, I've been riding these rigid bikes or hardtails for so long now. The last FS bike I had was a Motobecane DS Comp. Not a bad bike, and at times I regret selling it. Oh well. 

Sports Basement is a sporting goods store with a good bike shop, but it leans more towards the roadie and townie crowd. The MTB's look like they've been sitting on the floor for some time, and if they were shelter dogs, they would've been put down by now. The two that caught my attention were the Ibis Mojo and the Cannondale Jekyll 4 ("The Jek" is what I call it). The Mojo was a lower end build of a high end bike: through axle up front with a 9mm QR in back, XT and SLX components. The Jek is an X7 build, through axles both front and back with the Cannondale proprietary Fox DYAD RT2 rear shock and a RockShox Sektor TK coil fork up front. 

I what initially got my attention of the Jek was the price. It's only a year old and it was marked down from the MSRP of $2,700 to $1,800. Dude, I could afford that - just got to let go of a bike or two to offset the purchase.

The Mojo was $2,750. That would take a little creative maneuvering of money and selling more than what I feel comfortable with. Plus, after riding the Mojo (they only had a medium) - it felt small to me. the Jek is a large and fit me much better.

For shits and giggles, I test rode a Cannondale Scalpel FS 29'er. Um, no thanks. 26" wheels for a trail bike. Thank you.

With a 10% discount and a purchase of some Crank Bros. Candy 2 pedals, I was out the door with a brand new bike. As wiped out as I was from my buddy's bachelor party the night before, I took a nap and went for a test ride.

Ride 1: Feeling it Out

It was everything I expected. Full-Suspension is just weird for me. So many levers, adjustments to be made, finicky settings, etc. I took the suggestions of what people were saying online about the DYAD RT2 shock and set it up accordingly. What resulted was a plush ride, but serious pedal strikes - so the shock was too soft for what I need it to do. The front fork is way too soft for me and needs a firm spring. That will come soon, and I'll report the results of that on my 3 month review of the bike. Because - as it sits with the medium rate spring for lighter riders - I don't think the bike is "there" yet. 

Fit, color, graphics, ergo's... all very nice. The bike climbs as I thought it would - slow'ish, steady, not XC speed at all. But what really surprises me is the flat-out speed it possesses. I feel this might be a result of the lateral stiffness and rockin' the big ring (yes, it has a triple) is not a knee injuring activity. One would think that the Hans Dampf tires it comes stock with would resist rolling, but they seem to work very well with this bike.

Ride 2: Adjustments and Fine Tuning

Again, I struggled with the full-suspension. This time, I was dabbing all over the place, having to walk sections I normally would glide right over and just having a frustrating day. It was also 96�, windy and dry. I had not played with the suspension settings on this ride, and I was experiencing the same issues with pedal strike. 

I flipped the stem and lowered it slightly. The stock set-up felt like a beach cruiser.

I played with tire pressure, lever reach and seat post height. Between the heat, poor traction and with the past weekend starting to catch up with me, I didn't have much of a ride, but counted it as an "adjustment" ride.

Ride 3: Getting better - The Fireroad Test

Many of us, if not most, have to deal with fireroads in some form or another. Personally, I hate fireroads - but they are a part of MTB'ing and unless you're getting shuttled up the hills or if you only ride singletrack, we must sit and spin up these things. 

Coyote Peak Tower climb at Santa Teresa County park is a decent climb. It's steep, long'ish and sits at around 1,200ft. of elevation (although the elevation gain is 600ft. and is 3 miles long). It feels worse than 600ft.

This day of riding, I did play with the rear shock settings, and set just a few steps below the manufacturer recommendations. That made a huge difference - very plush on the rocks and rough, and efficient for the technical climbs. I cleared everything as I normally would.

The DYAD rear shock has two positions: long travel and short travel. There is a bar mounted lever that allows the rider to toggle between the two. I have played with this setting and discovered that the short travel is pretty much good for fireroads and extremely non-technical riding. When things get slightly rough, the long travel provides better traction and more pedal efficiency. 

For the fireroad climb, I set the rear to "short travel" and deployed the dual-position (DP) feature on the Sektor TK fork which lowers the fork from 150mm to 100mm. I also locked it out.

To my surprise, the Jek motored up the hill without issue. I thought the weight would play into things, but I really didn't feel it as much as I anticipated. The bike also didn't wander - but that could be attributed to the lowered fork. There were no traction issues, even in the loose stuff.

I was +/- 1mph slower on this bike up that climb than my 6lbs. lighter, On-One Inbred 29'er with XC wheels. This was to be expected, but I was surprised the climb wasn't worse.

Positives, Criticisms and Upgrades

Pros:

• Great bike fit. This varied between riders, but this bike, off the floor, fit me perfect. Just a few minor adjustments and I was very happy.
• Fox DYAD RT2 rear shock: sweet design and great feel.
• Ride quality is stable, efficient and great lateral stiffness
• I broke all my downhill personal records on the first ride!

Criticisms:

• Limited adjustability of the stock RockShox Sektor TK fork: You must replace the spring tuned for your weight. I am 200lbs, and the medium spring it comes with makes the bike squirrel'y dive'y and just not a pleasant ride. Handling is compromised without getting this dialed. I have the firm spring on order and looking forward to getting it dropped in.
• Weight. My bike is 32.58lbs as shown, but will likely be over 33lbs after I do the upgrades. However, the geometry and ergos help in this regard and you don't "feel" the weight as much as you'd think you would. 

Upgrades:

• The immediate upgrade I did was the handlebar. For a trail bike, you would think Cannondale would stock this with a nice, wide handlebar. But instead they give you a 680mm handlebar. I swapped out their narrow bar with my wide Answer DH riser bar the afternoon I bought it.
• Bash guard. Just a safety precaution, but with the triple, I wouldn't want to come home with a bent chainring. The MRP bash guard is en route, and will add the extra protection needed for big logs and rocks.
• Dropper post. Found an X-Fusion HiLo dropper post on eBay for $140. While the reviews are mixed on this post, I think it will add a dimension to descending that is greatly needed for my trail bike. I have always been against dropper posts, but now, after riding a true trail bike, I can see the point.

I will update the review of this bike as time progresses. I hope this helps some on the fence about the Cannondale Jekyll 4.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/05/i-got-me-new-bike-this-time-not.html

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Mexico City Trip Video!

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/mexico-city-trip-video/

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Um?.... Yeah...

Why not just ride a bmx bike? This makes no sense to me.

iMiNUSD RIDES SF from iMiNUSD on Vimeo.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/02/um-yeah.html

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Print Ad: Sunday Bikes ? Aaron Ross

Here’s a look at Sunday‘s latest print ad featuring Aaron Ross and his new signature Motoross Frame that is OUT NOW!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bmx-union/~3/6FlxhYvGU1c/

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Gary Young at Vans BMX Camp

Gary Young will one of the Pro Riders at the Vans BMX Camp. The camp session is on Aprill 22, 2011 from 10am - 4pm at the Vans Skatepark in Orange, CA. He'll also be guess judging the 2011 Vans BMX AM Contest at the same location on April 23nd.

for more info click here. http://www.vans.com/microsites/bmx/

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/03/gary-young-at-vans-bmx-camp.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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