Mark Webb Does Impossible Stuff on a BMX Bike
Being old and out of touch with the BMX world, I’ve never heard of Mark Webb. But after watching this video, I’m convinced he’s gotta be the best rider around. Any one of these tricks could be amazing “video-enders”; I’m not totally convinced that all of these tricks are possible (even though I’ve watching it a few times already). Watch and see for yourself…
BMX Movie Database
If you’re an olde-tyme BMXer like me, you’ll find the BMX Movie Database a great timesink. It’s a collection of (mostly) older BMX videos put online, and it’s cool to watch some of my old favorite videos again — the Baco videos, Ride On, Style Cats — that are currently tucked away in a box (not that I have any way to watch those VHS tapes anyway).
It’s interesting to see again the progression of videos from slick-but-soulless professionally-produced videos (like 101 Freestyle Tricks), to fun but ugly homemade videos that highlighted underground riding, to the more modern professional videos well-made by riders (including tons of Props and Road Fools). You can also watch the movie Rad, if you so choose. Not all videos are complete, but there’s definitely enough to keep you entertained for hours.
Related: you can watch “Wire: 1989-1995” here, which is a a compilation of the riding videos I made so very long ago…
“Wire: 1989-1995” Video
Between 1998 and 1995 I made four BMX videos featuring New England riders (who, somewhat understandably, were under-represented in national media coverage). About 10 years ago I took those videos and compiled them into a single “best-of” video, which is infinitely more watchable than the originals.
The quality is pretty low since they were recorded on VHS (the first couple videos were even edited using two VCRs) but if you like old school riding — some of which I think still holds up today — you’re in luck. I uploaded them to a Wire Video channel on Vimeo, but here are all five sections right here:
Danny MacAskill Makes Trials Riders Look Rad
Years and years (and years) ago my brother & friend used to make fun of trials riders and their stupid little hopping around “tricks.” Today, trials rider Danny MacAskill is easily one of the best riders I’ve ever seen.
There’s a new video of him, and not only does it feature some of the most amazing bike control you’ll ever witness (the dude will rockwalk drop-in off of anything!) but it’s beautifully shot and edited.
Fixie Tricks
All those kids doing wheelies & skids on fixed-gear bikes need to learn better tricks. Come on, “Quicksilver” was almost 25 years ago!
Flatland Jam Photos
My friend and all-around good guy Rick MacDonald organized a flatland jam in East Bridgewater this weekend. There was a good turnout of riders (more than I expected) and it was great seeing friends I haven’t seen in years, not to mention meet new people.
Of course, I took photos of the riding — highlights can be viewed on Facebook, but I also put all 150+ photos on Shutterfly if you can’t get enough.
Maul’s Brawl
Dick Maul’s Bike Shop held a contest at Skater’s Edge in Taunton, MA today. It was great seeing some old friends and a lot of fun shooting BMX again (it’s been a long time). Here are some shots from the contest:
eWire Review
I forgot to post it here, but In The Gnar (a site about BMX, among other things) wrote a nice review of my old `zine/site, eWire. You can read the article here.
Built In Providence
A short documentary on Circle A Cycles featuring my brother, Brian:
Freestylin’ Retrospective Book
Growing up riding BMX, Freestylin’ magazine was the shit — very cool, informative, great photos. Every month we couldn’t wait to get the new issue in the mail. I just found out that a very limited edition Freestylin’ Retrospective Book was recently published and from the sounds of it, it’s nearly impossible for us old-school riders to get our hands on a copy. But thanks to the interweb, at least we can see it online. It was also pretty cool to see one of my `zines in the book (page 123).
Find me on…