Haro Freestyler 40th anniversary ride out

4 05 2022

If you’re in California in early July, this might be the event to check out!

John Buultjens is organizing a ride out with none other than the OG freestyler himself, Bob Haro!

It’s all being done in support, and celebration of, the 40th anniversary of the Haro Freestyler.

They’ll be giving away a 26″ Haro Freestyler after the ride, along with a bunch of other prizes (plenty of Haro swag, I would imagine). The Lost Abbey brewery is also aboard for the post-ride beverages and East Coast Pizza will be providing the post-ride carb replenishment.

Sounds like a good time if you can make it!

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Dig & The Albion: keeping print relevant

17 10 2012

I had the opportunity to pick up a couple issues of The Albion during my recent trip to the west coast and I was frankly blown away by how good of a magazine it was.

Chock full of great interviews with legends like Bob Haro to modern-day shredders like Van Homan. And these were not the typical cookie cutter interviews so typical today…you can tell the guys behind The Albion are trying to raise the level of BMX journalism (if there is such a thing). Going a little deeper than just the surface stuff and giving you a real sense about the ‘whole person’ being interviewed and not just their persona they show to the BMX world.

Perhaps influenced by The Albion’s growing notoriety, DIG has really stepped up their game as well.

Their latest installment, #90, is called “The Legends” issue. Featuring four collectible covers, one each of: Brian Foster, Ruben Alcantara, Joe Rich, and Van Homan.

Like The Albion, this latest issue of Dig is filled with great interviews of the four legends on the cover, along with the “people, places, and events that have inspired and shaped BMX and [Dig] magazine since [the] first issue in 1993”. The magazine does a great job of both looking back and also capturing the energy of the current moment in BMX.

In a time when print seems to be looked on as something bordering on irrelevant — given the reach and immediacy of online and video — it’s good to see people putting the time and effort into the print medium and keeping it fresh, real and something that can still move and inspire us.





Now this is a Christmas card…

24 12 2009

Freestyle legend, artist, entrepreneur…Bob Haro is known (and respected) for his achievements in so many areas. One thing that I think a lot of people may forget though, are the iconic cartoon drawings he used to do (mostly for BMX Action magazine). They were so distinctive and really captured the vibe and feeling of BMX at the time. I can’t help but smile when I see one.

That’s why I’m so stoked  to see this image that Bob recently posted of a drawing he did for (former sponsor) Oakley back in the ’80s for their Christmas card.

Here’s Bob’s story behind it:

In the spirit of the season – here’s a drawing I found from 1981 that I did for a little company back then called Oakley. Founder and sponsor of mine Jim Jannard asked me to make their company Christmas card and this is what I came up with. Unfortunately this design was rejected since Santa had a pipe in hand – the next iteration he held an Oakley grip.

Who knew that things would be so politically correct even back then?

Anyways, a great picture and a funny story….but also a perfect way to segue into the real point of this post…that is, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hope Santa is good to you!





The story of Stompin’ Stu Thomsen

6 11 2009

“He was like a god.”

former Pro BMX racer Ronnie Anderson

Finally had a chance to see Stompin’ Stu, The Story of BMX Legend Stu Thomsen DVD last night and I have to say I’m stoked. I got into BMX back in ’80s when the the rivalry between Stu and Greg Hill was at its peak. BMX racing was huge at the time and Stu was larger than life.

But he was more than an awesome racer…he was a great dirt jumper that also rode skatepark sections that intimidated people like Bob Haro.

The DVD lets you relive some of the epic battles he had on the track and also see how he battled and overcame prostate cancer. This is guy that can still turn up at the NBL Grand Nationals and kick ass in the 50-54 cruiser class. And this is not some low-to-the ground racer, Stu still likes to jump!

Stompin Stu NBL Grands

 

You should totally check out this DVD.

The extras with Linn Kastan (founder of Redline Bicycles) talking about how parts were developed are the icing on the cake.