Trampoline training
posted 6.16.06

Foam pits, lake jumps, and trampolines are all great ways to work out the bugs before taking it to the dirt. I finally had my first session in a foam pit last month, and recently had the opportunity to bounce on the trampoline bike. Fun stuff. <more>

Rad Pics: The Lucky Stiffs

I have been shooting a ton of photos lately. Ever since my time at art school I've wanted to try my hand at shooting live shows, and recently I have been doing just that. Check out my photos of local SF Omni-Punk Rocky band the Lucky Stiffs:

Live at Annie's Social Club
Live at Thee Parkside
These guys kick ass. If you like punk rock, definitely check them out. They're about to blow up.

Rad links:

Taj Mihelich editorial

New clips from Theo Dilworth and Allout Productions:
Rider Spotlight: Local fast guy and all around ripper Ryan Condroshoff
Fontana Race coverage

Pleasanton BMX Park update
posted 6. 12.06

The word on the street is that drainage is being put in at the Pleasanton Bmx Park, and the park is getting some much needed attention. Good news. When we hear more, you'll be the first to know.

posted 6.4.06

We headed over to Pleasanton for a session at the BMX park yesterday. I didn't know what to expect, as last time we drove by the park was flooded and the gates were closed. Unfortunately the park is currently in bad shape. Grass has grown up everywhere, and while it was recently mowed, the backsection with the long double is currently unridable due ruts and grass. I'm more than disappointed with the locals; if I lived in the area, I'd be out there with a shovel, helping maintain my park, and making it better.

We had a good time of it though, making the most of the jumps that were ridable, although the lips are beat and need work. When it got really hot, we rode over to the Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area down the road and played on the water slides to cool off.

As it stands, if you plan to make the trek out there, I would recommend bringing a shovel, and either slime your tubes, or bring spares. Goathead thorns are everywhere; if you leave the dirt sections you'll be in danger of getting a flat.

At this point, if you're in Pleasanton, I'd recommend checking out the skatepark, as well as the Livermore BMX track.

101 Lives
Posted 6.1.06

101. Lives. Again. The first photo shoot of the season went down this week, and we were there, documenting the evolution of the trails. An official report will be up sometime in the near future, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peek of some of my favorite shots from the day.

More Oregon riding.
posted 5.29.06

Last weekend I headed up to my brothers house for a mini-family gathering. As it was mother's day weekend, it was to be family time, although we did manage to pack a full day of riding in.<more>

Ramp Rats foam pit session
posted 5.6.06

The rumors of the foam pit at Ramp Rats are true. Friday after work we headed up to check it out. Personally, it was my first time riding a foam pit, and it was pretty damn exciting. After a launches into the foam, I was ready to try something I've been thinking about for a long time: a suicide no-hander. After a few successfull no handers(!), I missed the seat grab and my bike got away from me, resulting in a nandlebar to the ribs. The lesson here? Although it is foam, it can still hurt. Oh yeah, and pinch your seat really really tight.

The foam pit is free of charge with admission to the park, Monday through Thursday. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, expect to pay an extra $5 to ride the foam pit.

Spots Update: Shells

I'm finally getting around to updating more of the site- check out the official Shells Spots report here.

Site Updates
posted 5.3.06

Lately I haven't had the time to keep the site as updated as I would like. I may be olding off on the zine format for the time being and focusing on being a resource for bay area riders. One question I constantly get is "how do I get to this place?" As far as the underground, unsanctioned stuff goes, these places have to stay underground, or they won't be around for long. Most know of the unspoken code when it comes to secret trails. With more an more public officials lurking on the web looking to bust riding spots, riders have to be more and more careful about disclosing these spots publicly.

Fortunately, a few sanctioned jumping spots do exist. The Pleasanton BMX Park is one of them. I've updated a page with a map here.

Springtime = time to dig
posted 5.1.06

There is something about this time of the year. The days are longer, and the sun is shining. Riders all over the places are picking up their shovels and heading out to the trails to make their trails ridable again.

Reclaiming 101

Checking in at Shells

Novato Update