Diggin' in
Now Playing: Fifteen: Lookin' for Trouble
I know, I know, my April Fool's post was totally lame, predictable, etc. Sorry. I really wanted to do a real post and just didn't have time. Sadly, a lot of the points about my faux "retirement" are true (achy joints, scared while riding), but I've been going at it regardless. I rode Kzoo last night with Sean, Tyler Deshaine (who is back in town from Austin), Chris Noble and Josh, who was rocking this number plate...
I don't even know what it was about, but I found it amusing. Not ironically, it really was fun, even though it was a full house of skaters and BMXicans. I'm excited to ride the outdoor elements of Kzoo soon as well.
I've been working hard on my trails.
The weather is perfect for construction and I've been going out there every chance I get. Early mornings, a building session with Noah and a pre-darkness shift tonight shows a good start. This is the first set. I look forward to riding them but I have no realistic ETR (estimated time of rideability).
In other news, this crappy blog made BMXboard.com last week. I wanted to post somethng offensive in case any more dipshits looked over here, but decided I was above it. It was no big deal, really, and some of the replies were flattering, but holy shit, some of those dorks need to get a life. Sorry I still use Angelfire for my blog, dude. I don't need anyone to tell me that it sucks, I already know, but it works and I can maintain it.
The main reason I didn't post in response to it is because I always get really defensive. Ha ha.
Sometimes the mail is just awesome. Yesterday I got the new Props and the RideUK. So stoked. The first segment in Props featured a rider with no chain or sprocket which I seriously cannot bear to watch. However, after about two clips I started changing my mind. This guy, Def Paul (who is severely hearing impaired, not a hip-hop dude) is so amazing. He pumps like he's on a skateboard to get speed and does the craziest, techest shit--I couldn't believe it. It's a very inspiring and progressive segment. The rest of the DVD is no less impressive and just made me want to go out and ride (like a good video should). In these times of web videos and Youtube it is refreshing to watch a legitimate production on a full-size TV.
Ride UK is always kick ass and just keeps getting better, in my book. I got to almost the back of the mag and low and behold, there's an ancient pic of yours truly, doing (what else?) a tabletop on a Dyno with a horrible, welded-on bashguard (they were hot in 1989). It doesn't mention my name (the article is about Spike Jonze) and I'm kind of glad. That photo has been used a couple different times and frankly, I'm tired of seeing it.
I know there have been posts about it on the FBM and Fit sites, but I genuinely encourage you to watch all 16 episodes of the John Cardiel web-documentary. It is really good and "Cards" is an inspiration on many levels. I even have a Cardiel story. Last year I was flying somewhere out west and during a lay-over in Phoenix, I was standing in front of the monitors looking for my flight information. Automatically looking down at people's shoes is a quirky part of my job and I noticed a brand new pair of Vans standing almost right next to me. I panned up and realized it was John Cardiel. I was in awe. First of all, the details of his injuries had been very vague and I was stoked to see him standing (you'll understand after you watch the web docu). I wanted to introduce myself and just say "hi", but as he walked away, I got freaked out and didn't say anything. I'm still bummed that I didn't speak up. A legend, right in front of me.
Anyway, please watch the video, you won't regret it at all, I guarantee.
And if you haven't seen this, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it either....