The Radavist

I’m usually pretty good at keeping my film in check. Especially on my Mamiya 7ii. It literally costs me $2 every time that shutter button is pressed. So you can imagine my regret when I went to load a new roll of film after shooting some photos at Standridge Speed, to find my camera was loaded with Kodak TMAX 400 black and white.

I had just photographed one of the raddest bikes, with the brightest and most elaborate paint jobs, in black and white film, yet it still does Death Spray Custom some justice. To top it off, I left all my extra film at home, so I couldn’t shoot more.

For a full color Gallery, shot digitally, head over to last year’s Beautiful Bicycle post.

Has me missing it! This day was so incredible on so many levels. I was excited to be riding new roads and we ended up rescuing a Wedgetail Eagle. These photos are from a lost roll of film I just found from Australia. Read up more on this ride, right here.

During the Mythical State of Jefferson Brovet (the ride where I didn’t bonk), we met this character named Kevin Krueger who makes Skid Town Bicycles. These things were built specifically for bombing fireroads and double track and while there ain’t much information on the ‘net about these klunkers, Yonder Journal did manage to capture a few suave gents posing on some of Kevin’s machines.

I felt like it was worth sharing today, especially with Bene’s Trek gracing the front page of the site.

From what I can gather, the Mythical State of Jefferson Brovet is almost ready to launch. I can’t wait to see the photos from that ride!

I keep finding rolls of film in the bottom of my bags and stuffed in with unexposed rolls. It makes for a pleasant surprise, especially when it reminds of my time in Minneapolis this past summer. Jeff’s got one killer van and we had a blast loading it up and hitting the trails at Lebanon on the Krampus.

Speaking of Minneapolis, I’m pretty sure I’ll be at Frostbike. See ya there?

Photos by Trevor Hughes

Before the #MessLife hashtag, photographers like Trevor Hughes took to the streets with their 35mm cameras to document the lives of bike messengers. Projects like this inspire me to get out more with my camera and that’s saying something. These are some of the best messenger portraits I’ve seen. Love the Fat City Cycles cap!

See the full photoset at Trevor’s Flickr!

I’m not into motos at all, but I can respect individuals like Jordan and James over at West America. They’re both unique artists and have inspired people to get outdoors. Introduction aside, this article really blew me away. After leaving Portland, James built this work shed in Whistler from salvaged materials, for around $1,000. The architect in me is loving its simplicity!

Whistler’s a huge MTB haven and I’d love to check it out one day, when I do, I’m pretty sure there’s room for my bike in the shed and a few trees for my hammock.

Head over to West America for the full story!

Also, Hufnagel is still selling that SS porteur if anyone’s interested!

One person that’s constantly inspiring me in life is Ty from Golden Saddle Cyclery. From crushing the Tour Divide, to riding his fatbike to the top of Baldy (10,000′) in the middle of winter and just general radness. Ty’s always got a camera on him when he seeks out one of his epic rides and I’ve rarely seen any of the photos.

Now he’s got a Tumblr called Tytanium Life. Head over, follow him and stay tuned. I’m sure you’ll see some familiar faces in the mix.

I love picking up film from the lab, especially when it’s just in time for #WheelieWednesdayz.

Where do I even begin with 2013? If I can say anything about PiNP, it’s that the site is ever-evolving, much like cycling and my own experiences with it. As my own habits change, so does the content. Looking back over the past twelve months, I still can’t wrap my head around how much I traveled. It was overwhelming at times, but in the end, worth it.

So where do we begin? How about with the first Photoset: a new camera.

Check out the PiNP 2013: A Year in Photos below!

I just wanted to thank all the viewers, friends and sponsors of PiNP. You’ve made 2013 a great year! Enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.

Photos by Kyle Kelley

Yesterday morning, Ty, Kyle, Sean, Moi and myself went out on a MTB ride. On the agenda: up to the top of Brown and down El Preito. I’d never done the full Brown climb before, the last time my rental bike broke down half way up the climb, so I was ready to see what all the fuss was.

We climbed up around 2,000′ from the trail head, soaked in the views of the Angeles Forest and bombed back down the double track to the El Preito entrance. On the way down, Ty found the elusive fatbike air!

El Preito was a lot of fun, especially on the Tallboy LTC. Tight switchbacks, rocky, technical descents down to stream crossings and lots of areas with “consequence” if you’re not paying attention. Basically, yes, it is an exceptional ride and worth doing if you haven’t!

Even though I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that Los Angeles has to offer on a MTB, I can say that what I’ve seen so far has me wanting more!

Check out a few more of Kyle’s photos below!

Photo by Sean Talkington

To party tomorrow night, then to ride some mountain bikes with the dudes from Golden Saddle, Mission Workshop and Team Dream Team. Hopefully, I’ll get to see something like this in person.

Great photo Sean! See the rest of the Full 36 here!

Photo by Kyle Kelley

Sometimes, the course gets the best of you, or in this case, the tape! Kyle usually races singlespeed cross but with a bike like the Stinner Mudfoot edition, you can’t just let it sit around on race day. More on that bike once I get to LA next week!

Photo by Josh Hayes

Look, I hate Las Vegas and I’m not too stoked on Interbike, but being able to hang out with friends the whole time is certainly a high point. Especially these dudes. Magic just happens, like the moment I realized the vuvuzela makes an exceptional beer bong!

One of my favorite bike dudes to hang with (and photograph) was recently interviewed over at Optimus Fixed.

“OF: I remember you as a relaxed and interested person with a modest atitude. So do you have any special philosophy in live?

My philosophy in life at its most simple is to do what makes you happy. Take whatever opportunity you have to travel, and further yourself as a human. I’m lucky enough to be able to go all over the world, with people that I love, and get together on a level that pushes us all to our physical limits.”

Check the rest out here!

Photos by Jack Chev

How does Tracko find this stuff? Chev’s photos of the Gent Six Day Race in t’Kuipke, Belgium are so good, they needed to be re-posted here. See the full 35mm black and white set here!