Ramones Soundcheck - Circa 1980

I've been the huge Ramones fan for decades and clumsily blabbered about it awhile back, so I'll spare you the history for now.

Recently while cruising YouTube, I rediscovered this little gem. Ramones soundcheck from Italy, circa 1980. I dig the informal nature of it all, folks milling about and yet it rocks. Johnny's awesome guitar tone and style in action. Close up view of Marky's drumming technique. Dee Dee warming up on bass. Joey looking awkward and cool at the same time, yet sounding fantastic.

The Ramones, R.I.P...

Slomo - Short Film

Caught this on the New York Times site.  Fantastic message, story, and short film all rolled into one.  At currently 52 years old, this film connects with me on many levels.  Escape from the rat race theme, do what you want - skating, cycling, surfing - whatever your thing or link to the happy place is.

Give it a roll, well worth the 17 minutes out of your (ironically) busy day.  Click here to play.

Chasing Ice - Glacier Calving

Impressive glimpse into our changing world.  You don't get the full scale of it, until the end of the video.  Mind boggling...

Murmuration - Video

Fascinating and beautiful, no other description required.  Give it a view...

Chris Kovarik - Video

Caught this video via Facebook post.  Dude is railing some serious berm action, reminding me a bit of my motocross days.  Nice break from the usual endless jump sessions featured in most videos.

Just keeping my ol' blog alive with a few posts.  Pending some motivation and subject matter to actually write about.  That area of my defective brain been hibernating too long, looking to jump start it soon.

The Jet Bicycle - Video

Utterly fantastic stupid fun.  Legal on your local bike trail?…

26 Ain't Dead - Video

Well done, fun video.  26" wheels and hardtail, dude is ripping it - new school style.  Give it a go and agree.

Even though I've succumbed to 29er hoops, I realize there is no "right" size wheel set.  The right size is whatever works for you and your riding style.  26, 29, 650B - who cares?

As long as they're rolling with dirt under 'em - all that matters…

Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen - Climbs O Plenty

I noticed the report on the 30th running of the Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen via the Bicycle Times website today.  Posted video of the 2010 version, appears to be a local Pittsburg show reporting on it, cool viewing.  Pittsburgh has some mighty steep hills, some complete with cobblestones.  All around painful fun for all.

Interesting concept with this event, only the hills are timed/scored, so a few folks going for the win - while the general mob just attempting to survive.  Everyone riding for their own reason/satisfaction.  Fantastic.

Since I grew up in the New Jersey, I also enjoyed the look of the neighborhoods, trees, etc.  Brings me back to my east coast roots.  Would be cool to ride this event one day.

Old School - Spanish Style

Caught this video via Facebook, worth a repost.  Early '90s old school styling - bar ends, fanny pack, top mount shifters, pre-suspension - it's all here.  These dudes can also ride, as you'll discover upon viewing.  Traffic fun in Madrid, Spain - then trials moves in the mountains.  Cool stuff.

Apparently, this is an episode from a Spanish adventure type program.  Click here for full length original version.

How to be a Mountain Biker - Video

This video has been bouncing around Facebook between riding pals of mine.  For a good reason - pretty well done and proof real life is stranger then fiction...

Washington Student League - Cool Video

Short video on the mountain bike program I was involved with last spring, coaching and running a middle school team.  A great program to get 7th - 12th graders riding and racing bikes.

Take a peek and get some kids out there...

Human Powered Helicopter

Caught this video making the Internet rounds and thought it worth reposting.  Actual human powered flight.  The sheer size of this thing is insane, yet flies by pedal power.  Pretty damn cool...

Unlocking the Truth - The Kids Just Wanna Rock...

Fantastic short film about two 12 year old pals, their band, inspirations, and growing up.  I got a huge kick out of this video and story.  Rock on little dudes, rock on...

Call your Cunados - VW Bus Video

Well done video about some pals sharing interests in old school VW buses, surfing and camping.  I've never owned one, but have always dug this old buses.  Cool stuff...

Tom Ritchey - 40 Year Ride

Nicely done short film about Tom Ritchey.  Racer, rider, builder, innovator - dude is an icon in the bicycle world - no debate required.  What he's accomplished is pretty amazing, no matter what the industry.  Sit back, watch, and agree...

Left Side Story - No Excuses

If this film doesn't give you the inspiration to do something, whatever your something is, might be time to order up that rocking chair and subscription to Readers Digest.

No excuses, no waiting.  Amazing, motivating story to get you moving...

24 Solo - DVD Review

This film was released in 2007 and I picked up the DVD a few years ago, and have watched it a few times since.  Been awhile since I fired it up, so did so last night, partly in celebration of competing in my first ever 24 hour gig a few weekends ago.  Of course that was a team deal, not slogging though 24 hours alone.  Watching the solo competitors during my race also sparked me to watch 24 Solo once again.  Anyone who races a 24 hour event solo is pretty hardcore.  The folks in this film are the top end of those folks.  Hardcore indeed.

The film follows Chris Eatough - pronounced "Eat-Off", as mentioned during a running gag thoughout the film - in a quest for his 7th consecutive 24 hour world title.  Eatough is sort of the Lance Armstrong of the 24 hour racing world.  Film documents the 2006 race that took place in Georgia, I think on the same course as the Olympic mountain bike event (don't quote me on that).  Eatough is the favorite to win, and the film shows him training and during a few other events, along with his support crew.  They all seem to be super cool, normal, and hardworking folks. Besides earning a paycheck doing something most people can't even comprehend.

The title deciding race turns out to be pretty dramatic, with it all coming down to very end, Australian dude Craig Gordon literally riding himself into the hospital for the win.  Sorry to ruin the ending, but hey, this film is four years old now.  Watching Gordon and Eatough battle in the early hours of the race is impressive, looking like a world cup XC event, not a 24 hour race.  Watching Gordon's body shutting down on the last lap is scary and amazing that you can even push yourself that far.  Wound up on dialysis after the race, his blood somehow poisoned via protein released during the intense effort.  Crazy town.  No thanks.

Another thing that struck me, is how crushed Eatough and crew are by coming in second place.  You can see how driven to succeed and having bagged six in a row, probably expected to win.  In the end though, comes across as the complete gentleman sportsman - no excuses - and later thinks this may have been his most important race, since he did lose.

This is a well done film, cool photography included.  With the countless downhill/freeride oriented films out there, having a film that focuses on XC racing is fantastic - especially for the old school XC fan like me.  A great film and worth picking up the DVD.  Give it a go.

On Any Sunday - The Movie

While cruising Facebook last Saturday night, came across a posted link to the entire 1971 Bruce Brown classic, "On Any Sunday". I've seen this film a few times, but the last was easily over 10 years ago. I clicked the link, intention of watching for a few minutes. An hour and twenty eight minutes later, watched the entire deal via YouTube and enjoyed every second of it. Being from that motorcycle era - well, maybe just a tad later - the film pushes all my old school buttons. It's now pretty dated, but still the best motorcycle documentary ever filmed. Hands down. Thanks to Bruce Brown, who's also responsible for the surfing classic, "The Endless Summer".

This film could never be recreated today for many reasons. First, films from the '70s have that specific look and feel to 'em. A softer, more muted colorful look; I'm sure due to the type of film used during the era. Everything also moves at a slower pace, the camera shots and dialog. Film critic I'm not, but check out some films from the '70 and you'll see what I'm babbling about.

Second, during the '70s, a dirt bike boom hit the U.S. Mini bikes, mini cycles, and dirt bikes were everywhere. The sport of motocross was gaining popularity, along with observed trials and other events. Many manufactures were involved with a huge selection of various dirt motorcycles available. Land access and environmental issues were yet to exist. Plenty of areas existed to play ride, practice motocross, and get out with your friends. For better or worse, that scene is long gone.

The whole overall tone to "On Any Sunday" is about having fun and getting yourself out there - not watching other people ride - the film itself giving you the itch to ride. And many did just that, including myself and a bunch of friends during that era. In my case, not directly from the film - was already involved with dirt bikes - prior to originally seeing it. Still, once viewed, nodding my head in approval the whole time with a smile on my face.

If this film were recreated today - caution, old guy cranky alert - it would probably involve tattooed freestyle motocrossers back flipping over 60 foot jumps, to a death metal or rap soundtrack, complete with fast MTV style clips. The intent being how insane these guys are, while the audience munches on a barrel sized portion of popcorn, complete with two gallon sized soda. The message wouldn't be to get out there yourself. Or maybe I'm just biased or been around the block too many times. Old cranky guy alert over, we now return to our regular programming.

In any case, we still have the original film to inspire and show us a good time. Since I'm a motorcycle guy (though on a few year hiatus) and bicycle guy, viewing the film - reminded me how mountain biking fits the vibe of this film. The final scene of Steve McQueen, Malcom Smith, and Mert Lawwill riding and sliding around the beach, laughing and just having a great time riding together - it's the same for me now getting some pals out for a mountain bike ride.

My '70s memories of dirt biking and racing motocross can't be replaced. However, I now have decades of mountain biking memories piled on top of that. Two wheels in any form is always a good thing.

Click here for the full film on YouTube. Full movies on YouTube disappear at times, so if the link goes bad, do yourself a favor and grab via DVD rental. The film is now a classic and worth the time, no matter what your two wheeled slant may be. Check it out.

Performance Mountain Biking with Ned Overend - Video Review

During a trip to library, noticed this DVD hanging out in the rack next to all the Tour de France DVDs, so grabbed it for a look see. Appeared to be pretty dated, but hey - Ned Overend - so worth a spin. Gave it a whirl tonight with 11 year old son Ian as the copilot.

Yeah a bit dated, circa 1996, so hardtails and Bar Ends-O-Plenty. That's okay though, since XC riding techniques haven't changed that much, even with full-suspension now the norm. And with the rise in popularity of 29er hardtails, all of the techniques and tips shown still apply. Plus, did I mention Ned Overend? The man is a legend and even today at 55 years old, still can place in the pro class.

The video covers climbing, descending, cornering, switchbacks, bunny hopping, jumping and other useful skills and drills. It's really a supplement to Ned's book from that era: Mountain Bike Like a Champion, which I recommend. The DVD and book are XC riding and racing focused, but those skills are the building blocks for any off-road action. If you're a beginning mountain biker, you'll pick up plenty from both resources. If you already have many dirt miles under your belt, still hard not to pick up something from watching. There's always something to learn when it comes to riding mountain bikes.

For me, the coolest part of the whole show was the guest instructors Ned brings in to display some tricks. If you're the old school NORBA XC racing fan, you'll dig watching John Tomac, Greg Herbold, Daryl Price and Julie Furtado in action. All icons from the heyday of XC racing during the '90s.

The Bonus Chapters: Trailside Repairs and Suspension Set-Up were added to the original DVD a few years later, since Ned is now post-famous-moustache and the bikes magically appear with disk brakes and full suspension. That's okay though, since Ned does a decent job of describing some suspension basics.

Overall, dated or not, still a fun watch for me due to the famous names involved. Son Ian mentioned he learned a few things, so we give it two thumbs up.

Riding Giants - Film Review

I've never surfed in my life. I'm a terrible swimmer and don't even dig getting in water much at all. Yet, I've always been fascinated with surfing. Maybe its from dabbling with skateboarding during the '70s or listening to The Ventures and Dick Dale.

Then again, I don't think so. I think its from the culture and vibe of it all and how people who are into surfing are really into surfing. Its like an obsession or religion. And that obsession is shared among cyclists, skateboarders, musicians - or whatever your thing is.

Surfing is also a beautiful sport. I occasionally flip through surfing magazines, in awe of the freeze frame photos of surfers in action. The water, sun, splashes of color via the board and wetsuits. The expression on surfers faces while they're doing their thing. Great stuff.

I also see similarities between surfboard makers and frame builders. Surfboard dude shaping a board with a sander in a small shop. Frame builder guy manning a torch, partially constructed frame in a jig. Both are soul tools designed for the committed.

This film documents the beginning of surfing hundreds of years ago, up to the modern form of big wave surfing. Not being a surfer, I don't recognize any of the people interviewed, except for Laird Hamilton - who has spilled over into mainstream culture. If science could create the ultimate surfer, looks and all, it would be Hamilton. Laird and everyone else interviewed comes across as very cool, likable, and totally live what they do - surf.

I got a big kick out of the clips and stories of surfing in the late '50s and early '60s. Surfing was still a secret subculture, yet to get big. The pioneers of modern surfing basically thumbed their noses at society, lived on the beach in tents and shacks, and surfed daily. They needed little money, lived off the land and perfected their craft. As mentioned in the film, maybe 5000 surfers in the world existed at the time. After the Hollywood exploitation of surfing via movies like Gidget during the '60s, surfing exploded in popularity with now millions taking part. Innocence now lost.

As the film progresses through the years, what's considered a big wave continues to grow. Waves and areas once thought unrideable become rideable - and exponentially more dangerous. I find it incredible these guys (and some girls) paddle miles out into the ocean to ride these monster waves. You're way out there with just a board and your talent and ability to keep it all together.

The Jeff Clark story was amazing. He basically surfed this dangerous area in Northern California by himself for 15 years, before other surfers discovered it was in fact ridable. Ridable for extremely talented surfers that is - for non surfers like myself - the place looks like instant death. Huge waves crashing into a rocky shoreline. I have utter respect for people who can call something like this their playground. How they get pummeled underwater after wiping out is incredible.

This lifestyle is not without risk, people do die - as noted in the film - including Mark Foo, a world famous surfer who died on his first visit to very area Jeff Clark surfed solo for 15 years. Then a year later, another surfer died there during a ceremonial tribute to Foo.

The film ends with spectacular shots of Laird Hamilton and other surfers hitting monster waves, 80+ feet tall. To surf these waves, the surfers travel by boat and Jetski further out in the ocean, where these monsters live. The waves are so fast and big, they must be towed by Jetski to slingshot themselves into position. Dropping into one of these waves is like falling off a skyscraper, with a mountain of water right behind you. Surfers with this ability are the chosen few, and for mere mortals watching them do this, is almost beyond comprehension. They literally risk death with each session. It is awesome to witness however.

Riding Giants, directed by Stacy Peralta is well worth watching. Peralta also directed Dogtown and Z Boys, another fantastic documentary, this film about '70s era skateboarding.