I was caught by surprise this weekend when I spotted the teaser photos of the yet-to-be released, limited edition, “BLACK GOLD” 24-inch T/A frame, fork and bar combo.
The parts are powder coated in black with a gold sparkle clear coat.
(Which you can see better in this closeup of the fork below.)
The gold sparkle is supposed to give the kit components a cool look in the sun (I guess we’ll have to see more photos to make that call).
Anyway, a pretty interesting departure from a company that counts old-school aficionados as their bread and butter.
I wonder what old-school purists will think about this move by Skyway…heck, I’m still getting my head around the idea of a Skyway T/A frame powder coated black (not to mention, the gold sparkles!).
This winter has been unrelenting in terms of storms, cold temps and all around crappy conditions.
BMXers in the northeast have been hit particularly hard by this nasty weather and are collectively just about ready to say good riddance to old man winter.
Thankfully, this weekend brings two big events that will put a spring in the step of BMXers of just about every stripe in the northeast.
The first is the annual Toronto BMX Jam. The unofficial kickoff to the contest season and an excuse for BMXers to get a bit of a BMX party going on, the Toronto BMX Jam is a contest that gets people’s stoke factor to go off the charts. Set up as part of the Toronto International Bicycle show (kind of like a mini-Interbike), it features the Toronto BMX Jam, a flatland contest, indoor racing (mostly MTB these days) and a jumping competition.
The riding is unbelievable, the crowd is loud and chances are that you’ll run into riding buddies you haven’t seen for ages. So much fun. I’ll be there Saturday and Sunday and if you have the chance I hope you will too…this is one of the most fun BMX events of the year.
Did I mention the riding is unbelievable? Check out this clip from the finals last year.
And a some point, you probably sported a Play clothing sticker on your bike.
And if you went to contests, you probably made it out to at least one Play contest.
In my case, I’m guilty of all three.
Play (and its predecessor 2B Homecooked) along with Useless, represented a more carefree time in BMX…before all the Dew Tours and X-Games madness took hold.
When Hal Brindley and Leigh Ramsdell decided to pursue other things, a little bit of that era went with them.
Check them out back in the 1998 in this classic ad for Props:
A couple of goofballs to be sure, but it was so fun you couldn’t help but be stoked on it.
Now, it looks like Hal and Leigh are “getting the band back together” to start printing some of those iconic t-shirts again.
They’re setting up shop under the oldscool banner but it looks like all the old favorites are coming back.
Looking forward to replacing my long-gone, but dearly missed, “I love sweet corn” tee.
For more information on what Hal and Leigh are up to, check out oldscoolbmx.com
Really looking forward to seeing what else Trent Brocker and his crew have up their sleeve for the next one. I’ve a got a feeling that this ride is gonna get big!
If you’re in the San Francisco this Sunday, you better be making your way to the Clocktower ’cause Trent Brocker and his crew are putting together a Cruiser Ride that should not be missed.
Joe Moody and Mattyjo Shelley are already confirmed so you know you’ll be rolling with good peeps.
24 or 26″, whatever you got, it don’t matter; just get out your big wheels and ride!
Wayne Keller continues to put his Subrosa DTT prototype through its paces. This past weekend he sent over this cool tabletop shot taken at his backyard ramp (photo credit: Ed Rusch).
And, in the spirit of celebrating classic moves from begone eras, Wayne has also been spotted busting out a move that doesn’t get the respect it deserves…the infamous Grizz Air. Josh White would be proud.
Still no word yet on final specs of the DTT but rest assured once they’re released, we’ll have them here.
Dealing with old man winter can really bring you down.
Unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of the sunshine states, have an indoor skatepark nearby (that allows bikes) or are down with practicing flatland maneuvers in parking garages, winter tends to force even the most rabid of bikers into a bit of forced hibernation.
And even if you have an indoor skatepark nearby, they’re often overrun by scooter kids, fruit booters and the like.
Thankfully in recent years, the indoor bike park concept has begun to take off. Usually with a “MTB” in the name, these parks have a little something for everyone…BMXers especially.
Let’s take a look at what some of these parks have going on.
Ray’s MTB
The original indoor bike park, Ray’s MTB is the one that all other bike parks are compared to….it’s basically the one that started it all. Created by Ray Petro as a way for him and his MTB buddies to escape Ohio’s cold winters it has grown to be an international destination for bikers from across the world. Tucked away in an old industrial building, it doesn’t look like much from the outside…but wow, is it ever fun inside. (Two locations: Cleveland & Milwaukee)
Joyride 150
Inspired at least partially by Ray’s MTB, some Canadian MTBers decided to put their own spin on the indoor bike concept and bring it over the border to a suburb just outside of Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Joyride 150 is also loads of fun and happens to be the closest one to Cruiser Revolution HQ so it’s also the one I happen to visit most often. Drew Bezanson filmed one of the craziest videos of 2012 here (and tends to hit the park on a semi-regular basis too) so you know this park has some fun stuff to ride. http://vimeo.com/33575654#at=0
Cranx
Located in Syracuse, NY, Cranx is another good bike park. A pumptrack, jumpline, and a recently completed wooden bowl are just some of the highlights. It hasn’t been open that long but things are constantly being updated and refined. You can read more about Cranx in the recent post Cranx: shreddin’ in Syracuse. Definitely a great place to check out.
The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard brings the indoor bike park concept to Portland, Oregon. Haven’t been to this one yet but I definitely like what I see. Jump lines, pump tracks, and skatepark-style stuff make this another good one to put on your list of parks to check out. An interesting thing that the Lumberyard has is a full-service restaurant. Being able to get some BBQ and a beer or two after a good session seems pretty awesome.
The world famous 4130 Subway Series ride celebrates its 3-year anniversary tonight.
The 4130 Subway Series is pure BMX and that’s been the secret of its success. Looking back at a CR post talking about it in 2010, nothing’s changed:
….cruising the neighborhood with friends.
Nothing quite replaces the joy of roaming the streets, hitting spots and feeling free as you roll along on your bike.
The 4130 Club has captured all those things in their monthly rides.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a street rider, a racer, old school or new school…all are welcome and the positive vibe is contagious.
(Randy Franklin and me (Ed) all smiles at the 4130 Sin City Ride).
That being said, I’m kicking myself for not being down there with the 4130 Chromies for what I’m sure will be an epic ride.
I’m sure even while I’m typing this, people are already doing the final checks on their bikes and making their way down to the meet-up spot in Hollywood.
The main man behind the 4130 ride,The Mayor of Hollywood will be rolling on his sweet twin top tube Tribute 24, complete with a custom 3-year anniversary plate from Crit. (As you can see, Morty the guard dog will ensure no one messes with it before the ride begins.)
So if you’re riding tonight, be safe and have fun.
If you’re not riding, start thinking about when you can attend a 4130 ride in the future. This a must-do for any BMXer!
cruiser revolution 