veteran*bmx

This Weekend

2009-10-28T22:46:00.004-04:00

You've got no reason to be bored this Halloween weekend. There is plenty to keep you busy...

AGA is putting on their annual Halloween Jam at TRP, here are the details:

Halloween Eve, Friday, October 30th – Skate/BMX costume contest for cash, prizes!
Transitions Skate Park
5616 Van Born Ct.
Dearborn Heights, MI
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Check their website for more

Then the day after Halloween...

Kevin and Scott arranged this whole thing and it looks to be a nice time. Trails in the autumn colors. Matt and I have rode trails (or attempted to ride trails in my case) for a grand total of about 4 times over the last 2 years. Needless to say, we could use a little practice.

See you there, right?

Undefunct

2009-08-07T23:41:00.003-04:00

Yes, yes, it's taken us over 5 months to update this site and we should be punished. But, have no fear, Hanan and BUC are still here. Needless to say, this site has sort of take a back seat over the past year. We've been a little preoccupied. But now, we've been married over a year and I think it's safe to say that we're completely settled into our new routines. We haven't totally avoided riding over the summer, although it may seem that way, we just haven't only been riding. We did make it out to the Grand Haven park during a camping trip to Muskegon, we didn't take any photos because sometimes it's just nice to ride without feeling like every bit of progression needs to be captured on film. We regret not riding as much over the summer, but we don't regret some of the positives gained from exploring other options. Yes bmx is awesome, but so are road trips and motorcycles, coastlines and campfires. Consider this a rededication of veteranbmx. Our little hiatus has renewed the ideas behind this site. Our lives are a lot different than they were a year and a half ago, but then again, not that much has changed. We like bmx, like each other, and we like almost every other kind of uncomplicated good times you could possibly think of.

Speaking of good times, here are a few from the past summer that actually were spotted with BUC's camera.

We made it out to Ann Arbor for exactly one good street session and a couple good dirt sessions.

Myself, BUC, my bro, Stewy, John Reed, and Bryan originally met up to get in some runs at the park in Farmington before it opened. We got kicked out of there after 5 minutes by a park ranger we named Martha. We decided instead to go to the new trails in Ann Arbor. Shortly after this photo was taken, Bryan was injured but not by bmx. Ask him how when you see him.

Usually when we're in Ann Arbor, whether it's planned or not, we run into Thomas and Kris K. Thomas is a good guy and a good biker, regardless of wheel size. If you ever run into him at the Ann Arbor trails, be sure to thank him for his efforts and grab a shovel to keep running smooth.

Stewy was along for the ride and par the course he did things otherwise undoable.

We ran into Kris K and Scott Goss toward the end of the night. Kris K got a look in his eye and we figured some crazy shit was about to go down. You can't really tell in the photo but the sidewalk is banked ever so slightly. Kris K pedaled his ass off, boosted the shit out of a nearly non-existent bank, flew through the air for about 6ft., and pulled the smoothest wall ride on the side of a rickety dumpster. Stewy pulled it too but we weren't lucky enough to catch lightning twice.

A couple weeks later we went back to the trails.

My first double that didn't involve tumbling over a landing in a giant cloud of dust.

It had been over a year since we visited River Bends, so a month or so ago we pack up and headed out!

Cory was there and hardly touched the ground the whole time. I think he gets his special bmx abilities from never riding in jeans.

See if you don't wear tight pants, you too could do awesome stunts like this.

We're pretty sure that this fellow's name is Nick and we know for sure that this is a lookback air.

Bryan, fully recovered from the previously mentioned injury, performing a turndown over the hip as Bayliss looks on and Govan shows off his new ride.

Last week, in a last stitch effort to enjoy what is left of the warm weather, we went camping. One of our projects over the summer was to buy an old ass camper from the 80's, fix it up, and take it out on the rode. As you can see we were successful for the most part.

Behold our home away from home, a 1985 Viking Spirit 1600. This camper was probably built before you were born, but we don't care because it kicks ass. We camped in Ludington just because we wanted to be by the water. We found a nice concrete skatepark, so we were bummed because we didn't bring our bikes. Then when we saw all the bikers loitering around the perimeter of the park, we realized we weren't allowed to ride it anyway. The quarters looked super steep, but the setting right on the beach was awesome. I think we'll check back and see if there is some way to arrange a one day only bike event there. Perhaps the next year's veteran cookout can happen there????

Even though we didn't get to ride, it was still worth it.

We're sort of camping addicts now, we're thinking of going out to Muskegon in a couple weeks and going back to the Grand Haven Park, which was awesome except for some annoying little kids. Totally weather dependent of course, if it's below freezing, we're not camping no matter how old the camper is.

We'll update again soon, no worries!

Hanan

Remember Me?

2009-04-27T20:42:00.006-04:00

Yes, we're still here. We're just not that interesting lately. It's been a pretty hectic month and riding just didn't seem like the most important thing to do. I know a lot of you are thinking that you would never feel that way about riding, but as you get older, it gets harder to make time every day to feel like a kid. Sometimes, everything going on reminds you, much too clearly, that you're an adult and you've got other stuff to take care of. But thankfully, things are settling down again. Semesters are over, bills are paid, and spring is here. We, like everything else, are coming back to life after a long ass winter. Maybe we'll even come up with a new t-shirt this summer, it's only been like two years!

To start things off, remember when TRP turned 10!

The only two original patrons in attendance. One is now the owner, and the other a union plumber.

The faces may have changed over the years, but the expressions on those faces are pretty consistent.

X marks the spot and also means 10, HA!

Kris K kept the party going by deliverng pizza to the top of the roller.

The following day, some bands performed and we came away with these goodies.

Buc got there a little late, so we're not sure of the name of the band or this guy, but it's a nice picture. You guys know who you are--let us know.

We actually did get out a couple weeks ago for our first trip to Charlotte this season. I was a little sketchy going to a place that brought me some bad luck last year, but after a few runs in the bowl decided that I still like that park.

We got there and found some good 'ol locals.

Breck, is a mellow local who has that place dialed.

This is TJ another cool local who likes to scare young girls by gapping over them when they least expect it.

Mikey ponders the universe and a line that you couldn't have done when you were 12.

Kyle was there and having a good time as always. We rushed him to get this double peg in front of the pink sky, he obliged.

Angelo with the smith.

When Brad first started riding at TRP, I would just call him the tailwhip kid because he had them wired. I thought he was really shy and quiet, but apparently I was way wrong. This kid is a riot. His trick list is growing pretty quickly as well.

Buc was just testing out the flash here but it worked out. That's Bryan by the way.

Apparently, John Beaurgard has approved this can-can.

As most of you already know, Suchan had a health scare this past month, but has come through ok. Keep him in your thoughts and be sure to tell him to get will soon and get his ass back on that bike!

Ten Years Gone

2009-03-24T21:54:00.004-04:00

TRP is turning 10 in a couple weeks. Skateparks come and go but TRP just keeps hanging on. BUC was there on the first day when it was half the size and the roller was on the opposite side and only 4 feet tall. It's a big deal that it's made it this far and you should be there to commemorate the occasion. We trying to come up with some quirky contest. If you've got ideas feel free to suggest!

A couple weeks ago Aaron put together the inaugural Retro Rad Jam. Retro fun ensued.

This bike is know as the freek'in-style.

It allows you to do things otherwise impossible.

Solan is retro and/or rad.

Jamie won the contest that night with a good variety of stunts.

Mikey will likely become pro and be too famous for the y at the end of his name.

Mini fun time

Kris K with a sweet invert while there appears to be a small fire in the background

John Reed a.k.a Mr. Bendylegs inverts the other way.

Kyle grabbed BUC on our way out and said he had something good for a photo. It turns out he wasn't lying. Huge wall ride all the way over to the wedge.

Look out ladies, Redford Steve's got a new myspace pic.

Many of you know Jordan and the ruffian gang of skateboarders that call TRP home. They've got a blog and it is worth your valuable time. Click on over to downriverskateboardmedia and laugh till you pee. Be sure to look at buttery ass mondays, it'll make sense later.

Out & In

2009-03-12T01:43:00.005-04:00

Spring may finally be upon us although I sense one more major blizzard before we're totally in the clear. This past Friday we did manage to set out for the first street session of 2009.

This is the rail that Stewy decided to attempt his first kinker. It's crazy. He came so close to pulling it. If the sun would have stayed up 10 more minutes he would have hat it. Now we have a reason to go back. If I was the sun, I would hide from Stewy.

After about 50 attempts, Stewy excused his bike so that it could try some stunts on its own. This is how it ended.

Stewy with a barspin off the wedge/ledge.

John Reed is quite possibly the funniest person on earth, and pretty good on the bricks and mortar as well.

If there was a rail in Ann Arbor Stewy found it. Although this is like some mutant half rail half ski jump. He got it, double peg to fly out.

This cop kicked us out of the spot where John feebled the brick ledge and he actually apologized for making us leave. He caught up to us again at the big blue rail and was much less patient although he was still pretty cool.

Hello?

After a night of huge rails and even bigger gaps, Stewy needed a rest.

This post is dedicated to Stewy's beloved Blackberry that was once lost but now is found.

There's gonna be a special late session this Friday at TRP put on by Retro Rad. I think there will be some prizes and an overall good time. At the rate we've been going lately, this will be our one night of bmx this week, but it should make up for lost time nicely.

RETRO RAD LATE SESSON

FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH

11PM-2AM

BMX AND SKATE WELCOME

Oh-hio!

2009-02-27T02:53:00.004-05:00

We were in Ohio this past weekend for the girl's weekend at Ray's. It's taken us almost the entire winter to get down there for a session, but once we got there we remembered how much we've been missing. They make changes every year and somehow that place just keeps getting better. We spent the first day in Cleveland wandering around downtown looking at all the awesome street spots that were either too cold or too wet to ride. That night we went out to Chenga 2 to see if it recaptured some of the original Chenga.

It's no Chenga o.g. and the multitude of scooterers and skateboards sans riders made it a little difficult. After the park cleared out it got better. There are alot of wedges and quite possibly one of my new favorite ramps pictured below.

This is the best wedged wall ever. It's curved just enough. The locals said the park is much better when it's not so crowded. They're definitely right and a follow-up trip may be in order.

The next day we were off to Ray's where I was a little dissappointed to find only one fellow Michiganian.

Heather made the trip out and was killing the rhythms.

I met Betsy at the last girl jam at TRP. She lives in Cleveland and is rad.

We don't really have too many photos because we spent most of the day riding. Buc did give up the camera to me for just a few minutes to get this one.

We're thinking maybe metro jam for our next trip, nothing in stone yet though.

Recruited

2009-02-12T21:25:00.008-05:00

I have a shitty cold again and I am pissed off about it. I can't be more than 3 feet away from a Kleenex box and I haven't taken a breath through my nostrils in four days. I also did not appreciate being teased with warm weather only to be plunged back in the windy depths of winter the following day. Needless to say I've been a little annoyed lately. I'm itching for it to be warm and to ride without going through a sneezing fit. Anyway, we've got some photos from recent sessions at modern and TRP.

These pics span a couple different days.

Wagel's been working on this for a while and has got it clean now.

Super Gordon makes his triumphant return to bmx.

That's Bryan up there in the light, I like this photo!

Jamie is textbook.

Carmickle's name is Matt.

I think this is the Modern session last Thursday, it's too expensive on Sunday.

Chipper is Buc's new muse.

Chipper over the hipper.

At some point during the session (not sure if it was before or after this) Jeff Tabb fell hard and dislocated his shoulder. You would think that ended his session, but he just kept on going after a 5 minute recoop.

Kevin built this contraptions and then he bunny hopped over it.

It was good to see Ed again, it's been a long time.

Brad's got tailwhip airs.

Here are some of the better photos from the Monster Contest. Overall it went really well, despite getting a little hectic in the last bmx heat. The turnout was huge and it was good to see a skate and bike contest go well in the same park on the same day. The Monster Army now has two new recruits from the TRP clan.

Antonio was the youngest competitor.

Malcolm was impressive.

Allen may have dislocated his hip to tweak this x-up cancan.

Will's pretty much dialed most of the big flip variations. Later in the contest he went to work on a front flip and hit the ceiling harder than anybody I've every seen hit the ceiling. He went super high. We would have a picture of it but Buc had to go out and move his truck for Aunt Millie--that bitch!

Rhesse did some huge transfers including this 360 from the box lip to the quarter thingy.

Your winner and still champ, Stewy. You knew it would be.

Stewy and Thorne have the same eyes, it's a little freaky. Anyway, Stewy is the newest member of the Monster army and has access to all the Monster he could want (like he needs it).

You can see all of the good and/or decent photos from the contest on our flickr.

In other news, we are actually going somewhere different to ride, it's a miracle. A weekend road trip that actually involves more than one skatepark.

We're going to Chenga 57 on Saturday Feb. 21st, and then over to Rays on Sunday the 22nd. We haven't been to Rays yet this winter so we're totally past due. Our truck is full but anybody interested in getting the caravan going let us know.

Permanent

2009-01-29T13:59:00.004-05:00

I somehow missed this pic from the girl's jam a couple weeks ago. A tuck no hander flexer, only Stewy!

We spent the weekend up north in the frozen tundra.

Buc was up to his long exposure tricks again.

And this is as close as we came to bmx.

Anyway, in actual news...

Kevin continued his ink tour of michigan based bmx bloggers and is now permanently stuck with one of our old stickers. When we made this sticker i though I was the only one who really liked it, but I'm glad to see that someone else does. The silhouette in the background is actually from a photo of buc airing out of a quarter at Midland skatepark, where bikers technically aren't allowed. I took the photo sort of by accident but it all worked out. Kevin mentioned this a couple weeks ago at Modern, but we sort of didn't think he would go through with it or get it done so quickly. We should have known better though, you can tell from his riding that he's not really scared of anything, least of all a little pain from a tattoo. In a weird way, we feel privileged. Now when Kevin does huge wall rides and floats among the rafters, we'll be there too. (That's probably the only way we'd ever get to be a part of tricks like that)

Check out Kevin's other calf at deliverance.

Get your Sharpie's ready, Rick Thorne is coming!

We'll be there on the 6th, and we'll probably be there tonight too!

Ricky's 30th & Modern Furniture

2009-01-17T18:17:00.004-05:00

First, let's get a pretty big announcement out of the way. Rick Thorne has been in steady contact with Suchan to put this event together.

The biker in black and monster are going on a huge tour to find a rider to sponsor. They'll be at TRP on FEBRUARY 6th. Not sure of start time or entrance fee yet. So check back soon.

Ok, back to business. Here are the pics from Ricky's 30th Birthday. I've had the cold from hell for the last week, so regrettably I wasn't able to make it out. But buc brought back these goodies and it looks like I missed a good session complete with vintage bmx equipment.

Bryan learned no-foot cans.

Blake has dialed turndown's.

Chris Hershey is his name,I think I've called him a bunch of other things besides that, sorry:-(

Ricky's 30 and still kickin!

Aaron was responsible for resurrecting these mags. The frame was only 18 inches long but everyone adjusted nicely.

Otto remembers mag wheels like it was yesterday.

I don't think buc will be purchasing an 18 inch frame any time soon, but at least he didn't smoosh it. Thanks to Bryan for the pic.

This might have been the first time this bike was whipped.

Everyone in attendance.

I think these are from another day at TRP, but still good photos.

Terry looking back on the lost days of his youth.

Vinnie was briefly back in town, long enough to show how many new stunts he's acquired on the road.

We did manage to make it to the Modern session the last Thursday. It just so happens that it was table day.

Smalls.

Pat.

Davey Coop.

Should this still be called a table? That's Jamie by the way.

Scott was in town on rep duties, but it was awesome to have a good old Modern session with him in the building.

Boomer was there as well, another good rider we haven't seen in a while.

Chipper got this one in as the buzzer rang.

We'll end this update on this one. Kyle did pull it, just not this time.

I hope you noticed that the updates are coming a little more often with more pictures in each one. Buc's got a new camera and flash set up, and I just got CS4. So be patient while we adjust but all the new stuff is making it much easier to update, and hopefully it's making the site more enjoyable.

Speaking of making the site more enjoyable. We're trying to get together some kind of Veteran road trip. We're thinking Ohio to Kentucky and back. Or maybe Missouri. Any better ideas? Give us a comment and let us know.

WOF Jam & Stewy Too

2009-01-06T13:33:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Jessica Ausec and Kimix of WOF, a girl jam kicked off the new year at TRP and you were likely there. There was an awesome turnout and the vibe in the park was good. It's rare that we all get together and ride but whenever we do, I'm more psyched than the last time. The ladies were impressive and Stewy was ridiculous.

Most of the ladies in attendance. We took this picture really late and I think we missed a couple people.

L to R: Cindy, Kelly, Crystal, Jessica, Betsy, Maude, Heather, Hanan, Kristin, Jody, Kimix

Front: Nina and Mandy

Jody, the TRP local showing the new comers how it's done.

Rose is rad.

Maude is from Quebec, speaks French, and is unknowingly a big Infantry fan.

Jessica had a big part in putting the whole jam together. She is a cool person and a cool rider. 180 barspin, no problem.

Yours truly, trying to get used to the new frame. I hate riding new parts. I swear, if I could ride the same parts from now on, I totally would. Although, the new frame and I are starting off on a good foot.

I've seen lots of pictures of Betsy but never met her until this past weekend. She's super smooth.

Mandy from Toronto.

Nina Smith. Actually it's Buitrago.

Although the session was mostly about the ladies, the boys didn't do too bad.

Will does barrel rolls over the box that would even look gnarly in a video game.

Stewy put on a show. Buc has a new flash set-up and was super psyched on this pic of Stewy's pocket tuck-no hander.

Late into the session Stewy went to work on this enormous transfer from the mini (that's right, the mini, not the spine) to the box landing. He 270'd it also, because a lookback alone is for amateurs.

Stewy even bails like a superhero. Notice the clean hand formations.

An awesome time was had by all and all the girl's appreciate all the support. Everytime we have an event like this, I get to know everyone better and wind up liking them even more. Girl riders are a special breed. There will be another Girl's Ride Free Weekend at Ray's starting Febuary 20th. You should be there.

There are plenty more picture from the WOF JAM on our Flickr. Click it and enjoy, feel free to comment!

Just a reminder.

Ricky turns 30 this weekend at TRP.

Ricky and his wife Patti are two of the nicest people you could meet. They have a daughter, Rayna, and another bun in the oven. Ricky's a shredder, you should come out to TRP and ring in his 3rd decade.

It's a Christmas Miracle

2008-12-25T03:13:00.004-05:00

It's a miracle because we've managed to update this site twice in less than a week. The main purpose for this one is to fill you in on the upcoming jam at TRP.

TRP needs you now more than ever so spread the word, post this flyer everywhere and be sure to make it out.

And...

Late Session

Saturday, December 27th

11pm-2am

Happy Holidays to everyone out there!

See you at TRP!

Before the Year is Over...

2008-12-20T00:45:00.003-05:00

First of all, yes we are still here. Updates are difficult for newlyweds so we thank you for your patience. 2008 is ending and 2009 is coming in with style. There is plenty of stuff to keep you busy in the coming weeks.

First of all,

There will be a NEW YEAR'S EVE ALL-NIGHTER at TRP. I don't have all the details yet but these things never prove uneventful. You should be there. Check back for more details on Monday!

Then on January 3rd.

Many of the girls in bmx will be at TRP January 3rd to bring back the momentum. We all love the support so if you're able to make it out, please do. Girls are coming in from all over the country so you won't be disappointed.

Then after that...

Ricky and Patti, two of the nicest people on earth, have kindly invited everyone out for a rent out at TRP to celebrate Ricky's 30th birthday. If you're not there, you'll be sorry.

If you say you're bored over the next couple weeks get your ass over to TRP, there's likely something going on there.

In other news...

Here are the best pictures from TRP during our little update hiatus.

Otto's been riding a lot lately and every time we see him he's having more fun on his bike than the last.

Kyle is a fine storyteller.

Our boy. Terry's very first downside whip to tailtap caught on film. They grow up so fast.

You can see Steve's pants from space.

Yesterday we finally made it out the the new old Modern Park. It was a little bizarre to ride it because it was the same as the old one but kind of not the same. The hips are still my favorite.

It was good to see some faces we haven't seen for a while, especially JG and Dane who is back on his bike after a surgery threat was avoided.

Davey Coop as smooth as ever.

Craig has more tattoos than you do.

Chipper and Kevin could have been giving lessons in the mini.

We're going up north for the weekend...depending on the weather we might be back early enough on Sunday for a short TRP session. We've been riding a lot more lately and should be commended (not really).

If you don't come to the girl's jam, I will be personally offended (not really again, but kind of)

Later!

Restore the Roar

2008-12-02T18:32:00.003-05:00

Once again winter is upon us and it is time to head indoors and stay there for the next 5 months.

TRP is evolving nicely and constantly changing, adding, or subtracting ramps. The ledge in the street room has been removed and the pyramid rebuilt. Is is smooth as can be. You're missing out by not riding it right now.

There's gonna be a late jam this Friday to get you back in the mood. Details are as follows:

"RESTORE THE ROAR"

AFTER HOURS BIKES ONLY SESSION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH

11pm-3am

TRP

That's the best deal in town!

In other news:

Kevin hit the ceiling again,

And winter sucks.

See you Friday, right?

Halloween Jam

2008-11-06T23:45:00.005-05:00

This update is for Dane, who has faithfully been checking this site for updates only to be disappointed repeatedly. All of the work on the house is finally done and we can at least somewhat get back to our normal lives that involve much more riding than we've been doing lately. I say this all the time but this time I really really mean it.

Dane's cane can be a lethal weapon, it is in your best interest to steer clear, I've seen it do some damage.

Dane is riding vicariously through others until his knee heals.

Phelps should have some of his medals taken away for causing this.

I thought Redford Steve's costume was hilarious, he barrowed the shirt from his sister and then they did their make-up together. Everyone else is just jealous of how pretty he is.

Who knew that the Geico gecko could do one hander no foot cans?

Stewy said this was a Michael Jackson costume and I laughed for about 5 straight minutes.

Nate Pow! 360 over the post.

Do a good trick and get $5--it was actually a really fun way to have a contest. Stewy left like $50 richer.

Biker Ben wins best mullet wig.

Bayliss tailwhip fakie to a barspin on the wedge. For Halloween Bayliss dressed up as a biker who wears tight pants and a white helmet.

Dane made everyone who said the words Mike Sinner do 10 push ups, including this girl who probably has no idea who Mike Spinner is. Next year, I'm going to make Dane dress up as a Hot'n Ready pizza box.

Check for more pics at the AGA website

This could be the last weekend for SDV skatepark (pictured below). To help make the rent their having a jam this Friday, Nov 7th at 5pm. Check their Myspace for all the details. We'll likely be out there to get in a few runs. We've only got to ride it one other time and that vert quarter is super smooth. There has been a change in ownership and they're really trying to make it work.

Ghouls Ghosts and Goblins Halloween Jam

2008-10-29T08:23:00.003-04:00

A Halloween just wouldn't be complete without some kind of TRP bmx/costume contest/jam.

So be at TRP this Saturday--November 1st--from 6pm to 10pm and bring $10

Just go to sleep in your costume on Halloween night, wake up and wear it the next day, and then show up to TRP and ride your bike in it.

It's all sponsored by AGA

Check their website for exact details.

We've been doing more work to the house lately, and after 3,257 trips to Ikea and Home Depot, it's pretty much done. So we'll be at the contest Saturday, and more than willing to ride.

See you all then!

Dirt Does Hurt

2008-10-13T14:33:00.006-04:00

I really should have known better. I got it in my itty-bitty brain that I wanted to clear a double and dammit, I was gonna try it regardless of any extenuating circumstances. In retrospect, I should have tried a different jump first. I thought about it for like 3 hours, did about 8 bitch runs, and then decided that I would be so pissed at myself on the way home if I didn't try it. I cranked about half way up to the jump, got decent speed, and then stopped cranking for some reason. I watched the lip get closer and in my head I was thinking, I should probably be going faster. By body cleared the jump, in fact I think I landed flat. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my bike. My worst fear was realized and I nose cased into the back of the landing and then OTB causing a small sandstorm visible from yards away. Once, I could breathe again and started recognizing the faces looking down at me I realized I was still in one piece. I actually felt alright and thought about doing it again but decided better of it in the end. I felt a little sore by the time we left Scott's house. But after sitting in an hour long traffic jam and then driving back for two hours I realized I had hit my shoulder harder than I thought. When I woke up the day after, I found out I was fucked. I could hardly turn my head and my shoulder was still throbbing, but at least nothing was broken (i think). It could have been way worse and at least I learned that I should keep my ass on the wooden ramps. I blame everyone else for making that jump look so damn easy.

In all seriousness, despite my disaster attempt at riding dirt, it was an awesome time at birdland. Much appreciation goes out to Scott, Gail, Noah, and Dylan for letting us come out and shred or at least try to. Here are some of the pictures from Sunday, for more of buc's photos click HERE.

This one sums up the day nicely.

Fro, performing my dream stunt. See how I'm watching in awe.

Hatfield in rare form.

Thankfully, everyone was eager to give a hand to keep the jumps smooth.

Jason Burton getting aquatinted.

Buc said it was like a reunion because he got to see so many people he hadn't seen for a while, Bran Block was one of them.

Rusty was super encouraging to me and also one of the first people to help me get up. He's cool.

Baller took charge of this contraption. A few years ago, Jeremy came out to TRP super psyched about a new front mag wheel and was sorely disappointed. Not so this time.

Ground control to Major Moon.

Carmickle with the wind in his hair.

White Lotus aka Luke.

As usual, Stewy killed it and humped it too.

Big Baller and one of my favorite photos on the day.

It's a bird, it's a plane, no...it's a squirrel!

And, finally...the man who made it all possible.

On the way home and standing still in traffic, Stewy decided to slip out and have a cig in the bed of the truck. After some girls in another car bummed a cigarette from him the traffic started moving and he was stuck in the bed of the truck for a few miles. While he was back there he called us on the phone to remind us he was back there. Eventually we pulled over and let him back in the car.

Overall, it was definitely a good day. Trails make for good times whether you can ride them or not.

Lazy Days

2008-10-10T18:17:00.005-04:00

The best sessions happen in half empty parks. No contest runs or loud music. Just the sound of Rob fixing a broken lightbulb and two wheels running over metal sheets. Last Wednesday BUC went up to TRP while I had class and came back with these photos. Participants included John Reed, Wagel, Scott, Sparks, Kenny, Kris K, Mike, Bayliss, and one other fellow who's name we're not sure of (he's doing the three in the photos below). It was a really light-hearted session that gave way to some of my favorite light-hearted photos. Like the session, they're not meant to be taken too seriously, but serve as a decent reminder of why we stay riding even though we just keep getting older.

This Sunday we're heading out to Birdland for the Nationals. This is a much anticipated trip. Regretfully, we haven't rode any trails this summer so we're making up for our procrastination in the few remaining months before snow. From looking at the photos, it's clear that Scott and his crew have put in major hours and effort into those trails and it's awesome of them to invite people out to ride them. Bring your shovels and come out. And yes, as Scott mentioned on Deliverance, we're bringing along some goodies, although when he said Mr. and Mrs. Newman, I though he was talking about BUC's parents.

Remember that TRP contest?

2008-10-06T12:05:00.006-04:00

While we were away from the site, there was a contest at TRP sponsored by the Adrenaline Games Alliance. Remember? Well, you were probably there and you have probably been waiting for these pictures for ages so here they are, enjoy...

It was a while ago so I don't really remember everything that clearly, but in summary--Carmickel got his feet as far from his bike as possible while still being on it-Will spent most of the contest upside down-Dillon did a 720-Cory did heelclickers-Dane will have a second career as a comedian-Bayliss did big tailwhip transfers-Brad's bike was spinning most of the time-Malcom has new stunts every time I see him-Sparks got that look in his eye as only he can-Steve Byrnes is back from Ohio and will double whip your face-and Stewy double pegged the vert wall to fakie and many other ridiculous stunts making Stewy the winner. If I forgot anything or anybody, remind me in a comment. There are many more of buc's photos on the AGA website. They repeated some of them with different effects, not sure why.

Oh, I noticed the pixelation problems on the last post so I changed up templates. Hopefully the pictures won't be scaled. Let me know how it looks people.

New and Moderately Improved

2008-09-17T08:52:00.019-04:00

Well we've been on hiatus for the past month or so and as you can see things are a little different now, both in our lives and on this site. After some encouragement from Scott Towne and a year of procrastinating, we've finally brought this site into the 21st century. Married life is actually pretty simple, it's been about a month and we haven't killed each other yet, so things are going well. Refreshing the site and the recent nuptuils have caused some reflection recently. It all reminds we of why we started this whole thing in the first place. I know this is entirely a blog for and about locals. The people that read this are usually the very same people we see every time we pedal through TRP. That's exactly the way we like it and we hope to keep it as authentic as possible. We think our perspective is a little unique and hopefully you do as well. We really do appreciate any one that has ever glanced at this this, or laughed as something we wrote, or liked one of buc's photos. Hope you like the changes and please pardon me while I catch up. Oh, and better see some comment now that I have empowered you all to voice your opinions.

After we got hitched, we went over to TRP, like any newly wedded bmxing couple, to celebrate.

Redford Steve was spittin his best almost wasted game at my sister, but I don't think it worked out.

If you get married, you too can achieve this man's level of happiness.

This is what awaits you.

The happy couple.

In between cake fights, some riding did take place...

It wasn't a contest, it was a wedding, but Stewy won it anyway.

The day after the next day we got on the road for Mackinac Island, a somewhat local destination that would still allow us to bring our bikes and included few of the worries normally associated with vacations...

Along the way we managed to...

Get disoriented at a scenic overlook...

Pirate a vessel...

and become one with nature along the side of the freeway.

Finally we got to the ferry and spotted this...

I guess this Delorian is supposed to be some kind of indictor that we were going back in time. I guess that bottles of water cost $3 in the past.

I've been waiting for an opportunity to really need my barbag (I'm not sure if that is its official name) but this was it. Street sessions usually don't call for me to bring a lot of baggage, but three hour trips around the island, the bag was optimal.

Trespassing is fun, especially when it's onto the governor's property.

Some of the best and most rare scenery.

In all honesty, we hadn't been to the island since we were kids and it is more beautiful than we remembered. Michigan and Detroit in general get a lot of shit in the media, but it's a really beautiful place and definitely underrated. In case you can't tell, buc and I are into local stuff, so the closer it is the more we like it.

I've always said that the best part of any trip is coming home. The more we travel, the harder it gets to leave once foreign places.

This post was a little long and somewhat outdated, but it's the beginning of a new phase at veteran. Our lives are totally different now and it will be interesting to see how riding and travel fit into it. Updates should be much more often as they are way less time consuming. Thanks for being patient with us and hopefully you won't have to be any more. Now talk amongst yourselves.