#Austin

tag

Chris’ Ritchey Swiss Cross

Reportage

Chris’ Ritchey Swiss Cross

It’s hard to deny the impact that the original Ritchey Swiss Cross had on American cyclocross. Any cycling history buff will note Thomas Frischknecht’s many victories in the early 90’s while riding the original, so it had to be a perfect choice for Ritchey to re-introduce the mighty red machine for 2012. Having only seen the bike at Interbike, I was stoked to hear Chris’ choice in picking one up when he wrecked his previous cross bike. Built with mostly matching Ritchey components, this build turned out perfect. Last Sunday, after a Walnut Creek singletrack session, I got some photos of this race-ready machine.

Some of my favorite details are the integrated head tube and that wicked cable routing at the seat tube cluster. Check out more in the Gallery.

Danny Garcia’s Summer Sessions

Radar

Danny Garcia’s Summer Sessions

AJ sent me this earlier in the week and to my surprise it wasn’t the usual conspiracy theorist video or hollow Earth evidence. Filmed in just 6 weeks, Summer Sessions captures the essence of riding street and park in Austin, Texas and the surrounding cities. Really into this, Danny!

The 2012 Odyssey BMX Texas Toast Jam!

Reportage

The 2012 Odyssey BMX Texas Toast Jam!

After a successful first year, the Odyssey BMX Texas Toast Jam returned to the east side of Austin, Texas with promises of more fun. And fun it was. With a bigger, deadlier Gauntlet of Death, flatland competitions, improved street course and a ripping dirt course, Texas Toast brought riders from all over the world to have at it over a weekend.

Even with a rainy first day, the turnout was thousands more than event organizer Taj Mihelich anticipated. The first day alone, over 2,000 people showed up to spectate and compete. It was really incredible to see it all take shape and everyone I talked to said it was the most fun they’ve had at a competition. Hell, most of them didn’t even consider it a comp. See for yourself below and don’t worry, this event is getting a ton of love here on the site. Expect more to come.

Texas Toast is This Weekend!

Reportage

Texas Toast is This Weekend!

If you’re within driving distance of Austin, or you’re already here for ACL, you better make it out to the Odyssey BMX Texas Toast Jam this weekend. It’s bigger and better than last year, with a tighter, more techy dirt section, a new and improved Gauntlet of Death, better street course and even a flatland section. I went out yesterday to check in on the guys and it’s a lovely, colorful mess of ramps and paint right now. Some of which look dreadfully fun to shred.

Ross’ Speedvagen Road

Reportage

Ross’ Speedvagen Road

Since moving to Austin and meeting Ross, all he’s been talking about was his 2012 Speedvagen build that he was ever so patiently waiting for. In the time he was sitting on the list, he began collecting parts. The Campagnolo group was a no-brainer, but the Clavicula cranks, Praxis rings, EE Cycle Works brake calipers and Alchemy hubs were above and beyond a standard kit, even for Ross. I have to say, I see a lot of balleur road bikes these days but this one is by far a favorite. See for yourself below!

2012 Texas Toast Jam Progress

Reportage

2012 Texas Toast Jam Progress

Sure, it may look like a bunch of dudes, standing around, looking at some plywood but those are the most capable ramp builders west of the Mississippi. The crew is already cracking away at the 2012 Texas Toast Jam course. With the dirt already getting shaped and the ramps underway, you can expect it to be bigger and better than last year. I’ve seen the sketches for some of the course and its insanity.

Last week I swung by to see the guys. While I was checking in on their progress, I shot some photos with the Hasselblad. Check ’em out! And if you missed out on my photos from last year, see them here and my Recent Roll photos here.

Come See the New Rapha Display at Mellow Johnny’s Today

Reportage

Come See the New Rapha Display at Mellow Johnny’s Today

This afternoon, Rapha is throwing a happy hour to celebrate their new display at Mellow Johnny’s here in Austin. Come see their product line up, from City Riding to Pro bibs and jerseys.

Time: 6-7pm
Location: Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop
Address: 400 Nueces St. Austin, TX 78701

If you can’t make it out, I shot some photos of the display today. Click on the above photo to launch the gallery, or here to open in a new tab.

Icarus Frames Relocates to Austin

Radar

Icarus Frames Relocates to Austin

If you follow me or @IcarusFrames on Instagram, you might have picked up on this. As of two weeks ago, Ian relocated here to Austin and will be building frames in a new workshop. Without giving too much away, he’s working on some rad projects, including building out his shed and as you can imagine, I’ll be shooting all of his new bikes for him. There’s already three Icarus frames rolling around Austin. I can’t wait to see more.

Back in Austin for 7 Hours

Radar

Back in Austin for 7 Hours

I get back to Austin tonight, after a great time in Portland, only to take right off for LA for a few days. When I travel this much, I really miss the riding Austin has to offer. That and the character of the roads. The things you see on the daily are so stereotypical Texan (and American) that it’s a never-ending source for amusement.

Once I gather my thoughts, more coverage from Portland will commence, partially mixed in with tons of LA photos (again).

Enjoy your life, friends and the weekend.

I Don’t Know What I Love More…

Radar

I Don’t Know What I Love More…

This bike, or this Camera. I’ve been using the hell out of both as of late and while there’s not enough medium format content to make it an official Recent Roll post, there have been some gems coming out of this lens. The biggest challenge has been using this Distagon T* 50mm with its dual focusing rings. That and general exposure. Shooting with a Hasselblad has really changed the way I look at film photography. I don’t see myself picking up my AE-1 for a while.

See some more recent shots below…

Josh and His Salsa Vaya Tourer

Reportage

Josh and His Salsa Vaya Tourer

Ever since my Geekhouse got stolen (R.I.P.), I’ve been on a commuter and touring bike kick. Austin has a ton of great builds rolling around and when I can, I stop to admire them. My riding buddy Josh has a great Salsa Vaya that he picked up not too long ago. When I bumped into him yesterday, I had to take some photos of it. It’s nothing special by any means but it’s a great build and his OG Chrome bag shows lots of use, so I met him at the bar where he works, the Liberty and shot some portraits.

Click on the above photo to launch the gallery, or here to open in a new tab.

Empire BMX: Tom Smith 2012

Radar

Empire BMX: Tom Smith 2012

Empire‘s team is on point. Here’s the latest from rider Tom Smith. That last clip is huge in person. Damn! If this isn’t entertaining enough for you on your Friday afternoon, you could always engage in Empire’s Twitter.