Life of Bikes

Loving The Direction BMX is Headed...UP!

To watch what you love go up and down over the course of several decades is tough.  Over the course of almost 30 years of being involved in BMX, I have either been involved first hand or cheered and growned from the somewhat sidelines of the sport.  Thanks to some pioneers like Mat Hoffman, Dennis McCoy, Steve Swoope, Jay Miron, Dave Mirra, Tim Hall, Chris Moehler, Brian Foster, TJ Lavin back in the 90's; we have a sport that is not only thriving, its growing as it takes on a more global community.  This video from Austrailia takes BMX one step upwards in the same way the last major leep took place, the Mega Ramp with Mat Hoffman.  Take a look.  Simpley AMAZING!!!!!

 

Old School BMX Dude Crash - Late Eject

Everybody loves a crash.  Most of us love them as long as the person doesn't get too hurt.  In this clip an old school BMX dude was trying to show his kids and some young locals how to jump a huge dirt pile the local DPW had left for something.  He was full on at it a few times.  By the time I made my way over with a camera he was still at it, and still crashing it.  He was fine and smiled throughout each crash.  This took place at a skatepark in Fitchburg, MA.  If you are this dude, let me know your name. 

Lots of credit for effort.

Pump Tracks - Every Backyard Needs One!

Pump tracks are such a blast to ride if they are designed well.  This one in Chelmsford, MA was fun even if it needed a little maintenance.  Fun!

 

Way Past Prime Session - Subliminal Skatepark

Two "old" friends of mine and I went to a local skatepark to cruise around and have some fun.  It's been 20 or so years since the three of us rode together on any ramps...and it was bound to get competitive.  Tons of fun at Subliminal Skatepark, but a few too many bumps, bruises and maybe even a few scars. 

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.

Old habits die hard

Nearly 20 years ago, a riding spot was built like so many others around the world.  Riders were looking for a place to have some fun and learn, and did not find it.  What do they do?  They don't wait for it to come from a town fund raiser.  They find some space in the woods and start digging.  In my home town, we built a spot from some old motorcycle trails.  It grew over a few years to be a rather technical and wild jumping park.  The main gap was a constant work in progress as we all learned and gained more bravado to make it bigger and steeper. 

I recently went back and round that the rhythm section of about six sets was still in good shape.  The final set was in so so shape.  On my mountain bike, I gave the rhythm section a few runs with no problems.  Smooth and easy until the last set.  I skipped a few times for lack of speed.  The infamous "one last run" of course was a mistake.  I had the speed this time and went for it.  In years past BMX bikes were able to handle a cased backside landing no problem.  Mountain bikes are not so well built for this purpose.    A new shock, shifter and chain later, I have a fond memory of the day at the park.  It was just about worth it to sail through the section with ease.

Enjoy it across the street from the Price Chopper plaza in Shrewsbury.  Follow the fireroad near the electric station to the right.