The Radavist

We all woke up this morning knowing that we only had 70k to go on our trip and most of it was downhill from the bamboo forest. I really wanted to mob some trails on the Geekhouse Mudville, so James and I headed into the bamboo forest to shoot some video. When we got back to the lodge, we ate lunch, packed and headed out.

The ride today was hellish. Even though it was downhill for the first 15 miles, the wind was blowing hard. Then, when we got on the main road, it was filled with potholes and giant trucks spitting exhaust into our faces. Hangzhou was our final destination so we just put our heads down and pushed forward.

Finally, we were in the outskirts, but had to go through four tunnels to make it to the hostel where we were staying. Four tunnels that were so disgusting that the sissy Americans nearly puked after passing through them (myself included). To give you an estimate, the AQI in the tunnels were over 1000 and I forgot my mask.

Tomorrow, we have a day off before heading back to Shanghai, via a bullet train. We’re all nice and tipsy from post-ride beer and are about to head out into town… May the Necronomicog have mercy on our souls.

Keep an eye on Mission Workshop’s (@MissionWorkshop), Factory 5 (@Factory5) and my Instagram (@JohnProlly) during the day for updates.

LA is rad. Every time I come back here, I fall in love a little more with Los Angeles county. I say county because riding in most of the city is garbage. Pure shit. But riding outside of the city is marvelous. This morning we took a nice little spin and I’m amazed at what awaits you just outside the hustle and bustle. We did 30 miles and 2,600′ all while smiling and talking shit. Check my Instagram at the bottom footer on the site for more pics.

Oh and Wednesday’s your chance to swoop up a Ramblin’ Roll if you haven’t yet. Kyle’s upping some more, so sit on his site!

Also, also, the Necronomicog packs have shipped and the USPS’ tracking system SUCKS. Just be patient, they’re all trickling in this week. If you’re lucky enough to swoop a Ramblin’ Roll, the Necronomicog patches fit great on them…

I’ve still got posts trickling in from my trip to NYC for the Red Hook Crit. One photoset I’ve spent a good amount of time on is my Shop Visit to King Kog. More to come next week and the Necronomicog package will go up soon so save that payday cash!

Don’t forget to ride your bike, hang with friends and take it easy this weekend.

Leave it to coincidence that we plan a 120 mile, 8,000′ ride out to Colorado Bend State Park on Friday the 13th. Have a good weekend guys, get out, ride and I’ll see ya Sunday night.

All hail the Necronomicog!

I’m so stoked on the new Viking vector logo done by Paul DeVay of Angry Icons (shown in a clipping mask above). Its simplicity is a new direction for the site and it’ll be popping up quite frequently in new products. This past week, I’ve been working on so many collaborations that my head is spinning and the only way I can keep it straight is by riding. Here in Austin, the trees have been barren for so long that it’s taken all winter for new growth to sprout. The live oaks and mesquite trees are like dripping veins from the sky and when you’re in Texas, the summer heat shows no mercy, sending you to their shade. I spend a lot of time cooling down while riding and when you look up, you’re greeted with chaotic beauty. The ride and journey continues…

Next up, printing this Raidô graphic on a shirt to correspond with a 4/20 product launch and if all goes as planned, the Necronomicog set will be available soon after. Stay tuned!

The first GoPro footage from the 2012 Red Hook Crit comes from Alex at Thrown Blown with the music selected by Tuesday Teardown PiNP. It’s dark, fast and loose with tunes by Krallice. NYC black metal fits perfectly for NYC track racing. All hail the Necronomicog!

Don’t like horror movies? Never seen Evil Dead 1 or 2? This is all you need.

I don’t care what you say. This bike is it! Long live the NECRONOMICOG!

When I got back from my holiday vacation, I came home to a package from Ed at Milltag. Inside were two Prolly is not Probably jerseys. This was the first time I had seen it in person and I was stoked to get it on and try it out during my morning ride. What struck me first was how bright the colors were and the quality of the print job. These are top-dollar jerseys!

Check out more photos below.

It seems like this has been in the works for ages. The day has finally come. My jersey pre-order is live! Milltag are proud to present The Prolly Jersey…

“You can never have enough jerseys. Next time you ride, make sure the Viking’s got your back. Hop on your bike with the Necronomicog and ride!”

Check out the back and pre-ordering information below.

Please Note: this is a sticky post.

Artwork by Jackson Armstrong

Talk about a tough decision. I think this is hands down the most successful contest I’ve ever thrown! We all saw Jackson Armstrong’s process video for his entry and everyone kept asking to see the final image. Well, here it is, in all its glory. The shear detail of this piece is mind-numbing! I can’t imaging the effort and time that went into it.

Jackson, you win 1st place which includes a set of Viking Hold Fast FRS straps, some stickers and a Viking New Era when they come in. Also included in your winning entry is a month of free exposure with a link to your portfolio site at the top of my sidebar. In addition, I’m going to try to work out a shirt deal with Jackson for this graphic! I’ll wear the hell out of it if everything goes as planned!

Read on below to see who won 2nd and 3rd.