RideSFO Presents the CHDH

The first Race of the only Bay Area Downhill Race Series starts this weekend, April 21-22. Rain or shine!

The guys at RideSFO have been working their butts off to bring Downhill Racing back the Bay Area. <more>

Bike Videos and Beers: SFDirtLab presents
Trails & Ales- MTB Party

Friday, April 6

7PM @ the Thirsty Bear Brewery
Click here to view flyer

New Clips from Allout Productions
posted 3.26.07

Theo Dilworth from Allout Production has been a busy guy. Check out two new clips from the Wham Bam Thank You Jam in my hometown of Portland, and from the 3Ride Comp at Ray's MTB Park.

Wham Bam Thank You Jam

Ray's 3Ride Comp

Random images.

link

Carlmont Sessions
posted 2.7.07

I have been taking a lot of photos lately in preparation of my jump from the web to print. One of my favorite places to ride these days is a DH playground in the south bay known as Carlmont. For some reason, a lot of Bay Area riders don't seem to enjoy riding here, but the locals would prefer it stay that way. If you are looking for long DH runs, head to Pacifica or somewhere else, but if you are a rider looking to work on cornering, jumps, and drops, put this place on your radar. <photos>

East Bay Grease #3 - AllOut GREASE Premier Party
January 31st

Set to hit the screen for the first time this Wed.
When: Jan. 31st @ 7:30pm
Where: Blakes on Telegraph:
http://www.blakesontelegraph.com
all ages

I'm sure it will be sweet, but I'll be at school. ..

Playing Paparazzi
posted 1/30/07

Last weekend we spent a day scrambling in search of that great photo. The mission was a failure. You can't win them all.. <more>

Greetings from Reno
Posted 1/21/07

A few weekends back we had a chance to get a taste a bit of the riding in Nevada. Check it out: <words and pictures>

Santa Cruz: DJ & Skatepark mission
posted 1/2/06

The Post Office jumps in Aptos, near Santa Cruz have been featured in a number of bike videos. I've wanted to check them out for some time now, and get a feel for the scene just south of the Bay Area. <more>

Old school clips from youTube- RAD- the movie

I was super stoked to find these clips on youTube from the OG BMX movie "Rad". Every so often I go on line and try to find a copy of it on DVD to go with my copy of "Thrashin'". (DAGGERS RULE!)

I did find "BMX Bandits" on Amazon earlier tonight and ordered it like 5 minutes ago. I'm psyched.

Girl Power
12.17.06

A few weekends back, I met up with some friends for a session at the east bay bike park known as SandHill Ranch. However, today was a bit different. Amongst our group today we had three riders of the fairer gender. And not only that, two of them were moms, ready to step it up. <girl power>

Dirt Jumps: A new legend is born?
12.7.06

Last Saturday I headed down to my favorite local jumping spot to help with the digging. What I saw in progress blew my mind, and while I am totally and completely stoked, I'm also a bit concerned. <more>

11.29.06

Our friend and riding buddy Drew Powers just got hooked up with flow from Black Market Bikes. His new ride is built up, and now the Fronj and Mr. Powers are off to Woodward for the weekend for Supersession. It sounds pretty sweet. I believe A.T. and Theo are heading down there too. The rest of us will have to wait until Hella Greasy III or the next Match Video Zine to check out the action that goes down. Expect a bike check of Drew's new Riot when they get back.

The rest of the are planning a fun weekend of riding though too. While much of the rest of the country is suffering in cold weather, rain, and snow, we'll be digging and riding at Shells this Saturday, and sessioning SandHill Ranch on Sunday. If you're reading this, come on out, hang out and ride with us. Don't forget to introduce yourself! (I'm the surly one)

On a side note, Celia posted a story on her blog about the group ride we did last weekend in Pacifica here.

Gallery Updated.
11.26.06

Click on the "pictures" link to view the updated gallery. It's a collection- slash portfolio of my favorite riding photos to date.

Carlmont Session.
11.26.06

We've been doing a ton of riding on the DH bikes lately. In fact, my DH bike has been taken out of storage for good. I can't believe I was thinking about selling it now. The posse is planning on quite a few more sessions at Carlmont, the local DH playground. Here are a few highlights from our session last weekend <photos>

Red Devil to be plowed?
11.23.06

I've been hearing nasty rumors that Red Devil has been shut down. Hopefully this isn't the case. We'll post more information as we get it.

On a side note, I thought this video of a Marzocchi girl photo shoot on youTube was pretty cool.

Pacifica Spot Report
11.18.06

Local coverage of Bay Area Freeriding Hotspots continues with a visit to the trails in Pacifica. <more>

RampRats 26" Big Wheels Jam.
11.12.06

The Big Wheels Jam went down the other night, and made for a good time. All week I was pestering my friend Justin to come up and not only let me bother his Canon Speedlite Flash, but his services as well as my lighting assistant. I'm stoked to say that my first outing with multiple light sources was fairly successful. Check them out:
<pictures>

Put November 11th on your calender:
26" Big Wheels Jam at RampRats in Petaluma!

Contest at 7pm. The word on the street is that the Black Market team will be in the house + Mike Miranda will be giving away WoodWard Scholarships (me want) with other Woodward Pros in attendance. More info will be posted as we get it.

Backyard fun
10.25.06

I love technology. I'm working on the site in one window, and on my laptop screem I'm having a video iChat session with my brother Izaak. He just brought his laptop & webcam to his backyard and is showing me his newly constructed pump track. How cool is that?

It seems that everyone I know with a backyard is starting to take advantage of it. In fact, on my last visit to Portland we had a few good sessions where we didn't have to far at all- the destination? The backyard. <words & pictures>

New World Disorder Video Premier Party
10.23.06

The video premier party was a blast, and as far as I know everyone had a great time. Cam McCaul and Paul B showed up to introduce the film and party down with Nor-Cal, and it was good. <pictures>

Cool Link
10.19.06

http://www.littermag.com

This clip from Litter features what is looks to be evolving into one coolest backyards ever. When I have a back yard one day, it will look like this. Well, that and it will have dirt jump lines circling around the perimeter. And a curved wall ride like Beringer's backyard. (Dammit, why do my lotto numbers fail me!)

Back to the back yard: pump track mania continues to spread through the mountain bike community as the next big thing. (I personally think that people got tired of riding slow over skinny rails in the backyard and are remembering how fun it is to ride bikes fast) I've seen a few naysayers on the boards, but they are forgetting something:

1. It's your friggin' back yard!
2. You don't have to pedal! Hello?!
3. No one said you can't add big ass jump lines that splinter off the main pump lines. (as my future pump track will have) It all depends on how much space you have to work with. An how tolerant the neighbors are.
4. Your girl won't complain, because she'll be out there riding it too! Not to mention you could landscape it, and it would be a new form of backyard art.. Think zen garden...

Hannah Ranch scheduled to be plowed.
10.3.06

Bad news for those of us that like having a place close by to ride our bikes, bring our girlfriends to ride, or practicing earning your turns. This news comes from Chris Duncan, BikeSkills.com Instructor & Pro Rider who spoke with Mr. Hannah himself, so it is for real. They will begin enforcing the no trespassing signs and calling the local police department to enforce it. Anyone who is caught out there will risk being arrested or cited.

10.2.06

I missed out on the last CCCX Race in Monterey a few weeks back, as my brother was in town. We did the Bay Area Riding tour, and rode as many spots as we could. We hit up Hannah Ranch and sessioned the slalom course & ladder drop. Saturday we did the tour de SF, then checked out the Transparent BMX Jam. After that, we headed down to Shells for a session there as well. On Sunday we followed it up with a day out at Sandhill Ranch, where we did run after run. Fun Stuff.

10.1.06

October looks to be a good month for the racing scene, with races every Saturday but one at Sandhill Ranch. It turns out I have a commitment to be at a wedding in Oregon for the first weekend, and will not just be missing out on the 1st Sand Hill Slalom race, but Sunday's CCCX DH race in Monterey. A group of locals are planning a big street ride in SF Saturday night as well. If you're going to be around, check this stuff out:

SandHill Ranch
2006 Central Coast DH Race Series

9.23.06

NWD7 is coming.. I'm stoked to announce that ihatebikes, in association with RideSFO and Jon G Productions will be hosting the Bay Area Premier of New World Disorder 7. Details TBA. Expect a good time- if you like watching bike videos, getting free swag, and hanging out with a bunch of like-minded individuals, this will be a party you won't want to miss. For more information, contact us at:
nwd7@ridesfo.com

9.22.06

While going through and formatting memory cards, I located a few more shots I took at the Meldrum Bar Jumps that gave a better perspective on the size of the bigger sets, and added them. Those boys like their jumps big. Check them out <here>

Spot Report: The Grotto
posted 9.21.06

We continue our coverage of Oregon Destinations. The is welcome to Portland: Dirt Jump trails, Part 2.

If you're keeping a tally, this makes it dirt jumps: 2, and ankles: 0. Advantage: dirt. Lame injuries aside, if you love to dirt jump, the Grotto should be on you list of places to check out. I can't wait to come back. <words and pictures>

Spot Report: Meldrum Bar Dirt Jumps
posted 9.11.06

While I passed through Portland a few weeks ago for my brother's wedding, I managed to get some riding in. This is Dirt Jump Review, Part One: the Meldrum Bar Dirt Jumps in Gladstone, Oregon. Located just outside of Portland, make sure your kung-fu is strong before heading here.< more >

Spot Report: Willamette Pass Ski Area
posted 8.8.06

Located in Central Oregon approximately 70miles east of Eugene, Willamette Pass hosts a DH race series and a number of highly-rippable trails. <words and pictures>

Downieville Road Trip

I missed my chance to register for Downieville's DH race, but made it up there for two runs the day before. As always, the trails here rip. Here are a few highlights from the day. <photos>

2007 Specialized Sneak peek
posted 7.24.06

I was fortunate enough to tag along for a expense paid trip to Reno to check out the 2007 Product Launch from Specialized, and I'll say it now- expect more rad bikes to be available in 2007. <more>

The 2006 Cougar Mountain Classic/ NMBS #6
posted 7.17.06

Somehow this race turned from a National to a National Championship. This made things more than a bit confusing. Did you have to qualify or not? I had no freakin' clue. The posse was out racing though, so we came out to show our support.

Pro Mountain Cross Highlights
Saturday DH Highlights

Geeking out on 2007 bikes..

2007 models are just around the corner, and that has a lot of us obsessing about whether or not its time to get a new ride. I seem to get at least one new bike every season. Is this my new ride?

Spot Report: The Red Devil Trails
posted 7.15.06

Sessions at the Red Devil Jumps. A visual map of the trails with words and pictures.

Oregon Riding Spot: the Harvest Trails/ AKA the Gully
posted 7.9.06

For my birthday, I treated myself to several days of sweet riding up north with my brother and an old friend. We did a lot of riding and had a blast, going from spot to spot. Check out this rad jumping spot in Springfield, Oregon: The Gully. <more>

Red Devil Bmx Jam
posted 6.26.06

The first Photos from the Red Devil Jam are up. Click here.

Site Update:
posted 6.25.06

The "About" section has been updated with photos of the smoe that makes the site. Check it out.

Trampoline training
posted 6.16.06

Foam pits, lake jumps, and trampolines are all great ways to work out the bugs before heading to the dirt and throwing down. I finally had my first session in a foam pit last month, and recently had the opportunity to bounce a trampoline bike. <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 back section 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. Goat head 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 successful no handers(!), I missed the seat grab and my bike got away from me, resulting in a handlebar 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 holding 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