Life of Bikes

Can I convince you to Ride a BMX track in seven seconds?

I hadn't been to a BMX track in over 25 years when I heard of one near my office.  My daughter ended up riding a fundraising ride there and it was a blast to cruise around the track and see her learn. 

If you rode a BMX bike as a kid, you will have a blast doing it now.  Your not too old.  Save that excuse.

When Paige is Away, Taylor Will Play

While my younger daughter was away, my older daughter and I decided to try and learn more about shooting video. Our goals were to work on three things:  zooming in and out during a shot, capturing different angles of the same shot and keeping the subject in the shot. 

Taylor also prepared a script for her introduction and practiced it a few times. Nothing like on the spot improvisation.  

During the video shoot she moved around the park and tried some different things, while of course trying to stay out of the tracks while riders were moving around.

As she says "we hope you enjoy the video".

Shooting Video of Action Subjects - Teaching/Learning with My Kids

As a next lesson in shooting video, I asked my two kids to shoot some video again of me riding some BMX trails.  This time around we focused on framing the shot and keeping the subject in the shot throughout a clip and just shooting the clips so we did not have to edit.  The clips are unedited and drag in a few sections, but it does show how we are progressing to shot better quality clips. 

Take a look.

Littleton BMX Video Shoot with Kids

As I learn more and more about video I figured "why not get my kids involved and learn with them as well".  I took them to a local BMX Park to shoot some footage of me riding the trails.  We had a great time and learned allot about video.  Specifically, they learned where to position themselves for a good shot, how to capture action and the importance of timing.  Of course at their young ages they don't realize they are learning these things, but I can see them getting better. 

Whatever the subject, I am hopeful they will keep shooting and learning.  I enjoyed it and they seem to have a knack for it.  Enjoy.

Check out Taylor and Paige's Mini BMX Movie. Thanks to the Town of Littleton MA for the park and to the locals that have built it. Lots of fun.

She Rules the Driveway

The snow is melting and we took advantage of the warm weather to ride a bit.  We swept the driveway first and then tested it out.  Paige learned from Taylor's mistake that a slippery or dirty driveway can be dangerous. 

After some riding in the driveway we decided to take a spin around the neighborhood.  Paige has friends on each of the two streets nearby.  First was Tyler's house behind us.  She cruised down the big hill and then made it up no problem.  We talked about cadence, the need to pedal smoothly to keep your momentum.  She pretended to understand.  Across Holden Rd., we head towards Elaine's and another big hill.  She almost made it up, but broke the cadence too soon. The ride on these two streets lasts only about 15 minutes, but the hills can be tiring.  She is the short sprinter type while Taylor is the slower stamina rider. 

Soon enough we will be riding the rail trails again...and I will be riding allot of other places.