From Olympic Games to video games

15 08 2012

In the wake of BMX’s much hyped second appearance in the Olympics, it seems only fitting that BMX racing has finally made it’s way into the video game arena.

It’s doing so by way of Turborilla’s Mad Skills BMX (a sort of followup game to their Mad Skills Motocross game). Supercross BMX, Fly Racing, Kicker, Go Pro, and Red Bull have all lent their support to this game so it promises to be good.

Of course, there are have been a number of BMX video game titles available through the years…most notably Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX, Dave Mirra’s Freestyle BMX and (gasp!) BMX XXX…but this is the first time we’re seeing something more racing focused ( there is still a liberal helping of jumping, tricks, etc. to keep things interesting though).

Sure beats Excitebike, that’s for sure.

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Ray’s MTB rocks!

17 11 2011

I feel like I’m a little late to the party but I finally made it out to Cleveland, Ohio last weekend to ride the world-famous Ray’s MTB bike park.

I have to tell you it lived up to the hype.

The park truly has something for everyone: jumps, skatepark-style stuff, cross-country…you name it.

Scott Steinbrick, a Ray’s local, was cool enough to meet up with me on Saturday for a session at the park. After a quick tour of what the park all had to offer, it was time for some riding.

Hitting the Red Bull turn...one of the first things you see when you enter Ray's

I think I ended up riding for close to 4 hours and there’s still plenty of stuff I wish I could have spent more time on. There is so much to see and ride.  On top of that, the staff was awesome…very helpful and while seemingly always busy, never reluctant to answer a question or provide assistance.

Exiting the Red Bull turn at warp speed

I want to give a shout out to Scott for showing me around and locals Joe, Brad and Jeff* for being so cool to chat and ride with (and being so spot on with suggestions for places to check out on Saturday night!)

A wall in one of the lounge areas is covered with magazine spreads featuring Ray's

Ray’s MTB is  a bike park you definitely want to check out. (I’m already trying to figure out a time when I can go back!) And while I didn’t have the foresight to pack a video camera, the good folks at Vital MTB  recently posted a video of the Ray’s season opener that provides a real good feel for what’s like to ride at Ray’s. Check it out.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

*I hope I got everyone’s names right…