El Paso’s best kept secret..
by Lalo on Jul.29, 2010, under news
Well, it’s really Chaparral, New Mexico’s best kept secret but who gives a damn considering it’s only 10 minutes from EP’s North East. Ever since 2002, the El Paso area has had a hell of a time sustaining a legitimate set of trails but thanks to Isaac, Charlie, and Steve that’s recently changed. Meet the Raptor trails. I’m not sure if they named them after the disemboweling dinosaur to deter kids from smashing their manicured jumps to bits, but I guess it really doesn’t matter. They could be called the Tampon Trails for all I care. The point is that I’ll have something other than ditches to ride the next time I visit the motherland.
Walnut Creek pump track POV
by Lalo on Jul.22, 2010, under Stuff
Although expected, it’s been hot as hell this summer in Austin. Luckily if you wait until about 7pm the temperature drops around 10 degrees in the woods. With that said, I’ve been riding the Walnut Creek pump track quite a bit to escape the damn sun. There is always someone to ride with there. All of the dudes are really chill and are never shy to share dirty stories and beers between laps. It’s like summer camp but with way more shit talking. Anyway, while sitting there sweating my ass off yesterday, I got the bright idea to tape my iPhone to my bars and took a few laps. The outcome was reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project but it’ll give you a good idea of what this place is about. Enjoy.
Demolition Team in El Paso?!
by Lalo on Jul.20, 2010, under bikes
I know, I know, it’s been ages since I’ve updated the Beacon but I’m looking to change that soon. Keep an eye out for more. Anyhow, I was browsing throught Demolition’s website a few days ago and came across a set of riding pics shot in EP. I thought they were just passing through, but it seems they’ve been there for at least three days and are sessioning hard. It’s cool to see El Chuco getting some pro traffic. Someone should point them over to the hook!
That’s a shot of Doyle at my favorite wallride ever.
Zombies in Austin!
by Lalo on May.26, 2010, under news
This news may be a little old, but I came across it when I read about a similar story in Florida where a hacker changed a road sign to read “No Latinos, No Tacos”. Talk about keeping Austin weird.
Taj Mihelich ESPN interview
by Lalo on May.24, 2010, under news
There is an entertaining interview/pictorial about the man, the myth, the legend on ESPN’s site. Taj has been MIA for the last several months since his back surgery, but this article explains what he has been up to lately. You gotta hand it to Taj. Even when he’s not riding he is contributing somthing positive to BMX. I wish him the best.
Brake pad of the year
by Lalo on May.14, 2010, under product reviews
I recently started riding trails again since summer seems to have graced Austin a bit sooner this year. Although I am in my late 20’s, I hastily learned that I’m not man enough to leap over consecutive dirt chasms without brakes on my bike.
Since some skatepark rat decided to pillage my bag, I found myself needing a new set of brakes. I happened to come across a cheap set of Fly brakes and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. My only complaint was that with my set up, the brake bolts protruded excessively and threatend to tear my pant cuffs a new asshole. While jutting bolts might not be sexy, through the years I have learned to let things like this slide. Not Fly though. Leave it to them to make the most innovative brake pad since the Mathauser. Very cool Fly. I can’t wait to buy a pair.
Empire & Vclub contest at Ramp Ranch
by Lalo on May.10, 2010, under news
This will be a great one. I couldn’t find the source, but I could have sworn I read somewhere that this will be the last contest at Ramp Ranch. Apparently they are moving to a different location. And for all you pro-hoes, there should also be a good pro turn out since thishappens to land on the same weekend. So if you find yourself in the Austin area and need something to do, you should try hard to make it. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Update: It turns out I read about Ramp Ranch moving locations on Facebook. Here’s a link to the invite. There will even be a girls class! It’s always fun to watch girls shred harder than many of the dudes.
UK Police get bmx bikes?
by Lalo on Apr.29, 2010, under bikes
I always thought it would be cool to be chased by a cop on a mountain bike. Since some of those clowns can barely ride those things, I would envision gapping over something or grinding down a rail to execute the perfect E.T. style getaway (I don’t mean riding my bike in the sky with an alien in my basket, I mean this).
Anyhow, when I came across this article, I pictured cops being put through a BMX bootcamp in an effort to pursue and catch hoodlums. The truth is that UK police are trying to “connect” with the youth by riding similar bikes. I give them an A for effort, but I hope I never look that awkward on my bike.
Mike Buff Tribute Retro Replica PK Ripper
by Lalo on Apr.28, 2010, under bikes
I came acrosss this on Odyssey’s website and thought it was too cool not to post. Way back in the mid 80’s my cousin Steve was really into bmx. I don’t remember much about those days other than what his bikes looked like. They all resembled this one so looking at it takes me back to my earlies bmx memories. It seems The Bicycle Source is auctioning this bike for a good reason. Check out the details here.
The biggest BMX film since Rad?
by Lalo on Apr.27, 2010, under news, videos
Accelerate- The Bmx Movie is in the works and it looks to me like it has the potential to be the best bike flick since RAD. There are many talented videographers in bmx, but since RAD there really hasn’t been a full length bmx drama that’s made it to Hollywood. Eric Bugbee is the Producer/Director and has started a website to create buzz around this film. His goal is to create enough interest to score a movie deal and get it into theatres. Some big bmx names are featured in Accelerate. Joel Moody, Chris Doyle and Bill Allen (aka Cru Jones) are in the main cast, but you’ll also see cameos from Scotty Cranmer, Van Homan, Garrett Reynolds and Garrett Byrnes to name a few. The plot sounds surprisingly good too. It definitely looks like a movie anyone could get into, so be a bro and visit the website. It would be nice to see this make it to theatres.
