(T)ampa (B)ay (R)iders

1-2-3-Go! With Henry Wilson.

2012-02-24T20:34:00.005-05:00

There's two things at which you can lock Henry into an interesting conversation: Bmx and Music. He's got an encyclopedic knowledge of bmx dating back to the late 80's. And when it comes to music, and every instrument involved in creating it, Henry shreds it. Seriously. I'm proud to say I got to see Floor play on 2/23 (their first show in Tampa since 2003) where Henry smashed his drum kit so hard, all you could do in response was bang yer' head.
I caught up with him and we had a brief chat about the inspiration/creativity connection between riding bikes and music. Here's some insight...

Left: Wilson. Right: Mike Messano.

1.We’ve had some good, descriptive conversations about riding. I know you see the progression of bmx as an art...with that in mind, what parts of riding really inspire you?

Excellence, style, and a positive attitude. I love seeing someone totally in the cut, just doing it. I'm way into riders that put a little speed into things too.

I've always been attracted to flash and keeping it fresh. In regards to the way one views their attitude on life, the move towards brakeless riding I find very inspiring.... Stripped down, two steps ahead, momentum based action. Very much like playing guitar when all things are firing right and the songs start to play themselves.

Henry's flat rig.

Henry's Polk County Cruiser.

2.Considering you shred all instruments, do you find that riding helps with inspiration to play (and vice versa)?

I definitely hear things while Im riding, new songs , old songs , sometimes classical, lately every time I bust into a hang five I keeping hearing "Screaming for Change". I'm an inside voice person, as in " the voices inside my head", I've worked out many music ideas by simply pedaling down the street, a few cranks and there it is, the songs write themselves. Riding visually is very musical to me, I like sweep, flow, and speed. I hear riffs inside some riders tricks. It's real cool, I'm totally stoked on my experience with it.

Floor: Henry on drums.

The sadly defunct Dove. I seriously miss this band.

House Of Lightning: Be on the look out. This shit is for real.

3.Who, right now, claims the most You-tube/vimeo hits on your computer for bmx web edits?

Matthias Dandois

-Matt

TBR: The Matt's Sunday Sessions.

2012-02-22T06:39:00.000-05:00

Filmed mostly on Sundays, here is a collection of clips on some new and some not so new spots in Tampa. A visiting creative eye, some construction, or something getting temporarily moved out of the way in the urban jungle can make for an new, interesting spot. Nothing ground breaking, just the celebration of new jibs found in the shadows of Tampa Bay. Enjoy.

-Matt Coplon and Matt Arnold.

Tyler Gilliard: Three quick self edits.

2012-02-20T21:09:00.000-05:00

It's quite humbling to watch Tyler's edits. Hours upon hours of riding in a parking garage by yourself. Self-motivating. Setting up a camera in hopes to pull a link he's spent hours (sometimes days) working on. Flat is an art unto itself...its progression sometimes floating in a fourth dimension of human ability.
Here are three edits shot in Lakeland. Some on warm days. Some close to freezing. Enjoy.

New New from Tyler Gilliard on Vimeo.

Untitled from Tyler Gilliard on Vimeo.

Pivot Play from Tyler Gilliard on Vimeo.

-Matt

Pro Nails and Bikeless

2012-02-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

Brett Rohlfing came across a random rap music video that had to do with nails. He immediately thought of Nails, a local bmx rider, and incorporated parts of his riding with the music video to make an edit. On a bad note, someone walked into the house where he is living and stole his bike. If you see Brett, Jordan Pope, or Nails then give some support. Any left over bike parts would be greatly appreciated.

- B.B.S.

Mike Meister Tampa Attack

2012-02-15T08:39:00.000-05:00

Mike has been camping out in Colorado and is in Tampa for a little while longer. He is enjoying the scene, riding, vibes, tasks that Matt Coplon has assigned to him, and ice tea from Taco Bus. He is making the most out of each day. Here are a few photos with a link to Profile Racing's writeup on his visit.
http://www.profileracing.com/news_full.php?id=1429

Mike and Conall eying up a dirt hip

Mike doing an opposite table

There is a tiebreaker with these two on handsomeness

-B.B.S.

Abacoa Bmx Contest March 10

2012-02-13T22:58:00.000-05:00

The Abacoa Skatepark is hosting a contest that is going down on March 10 in Jupiter Florida. There are several divisions, sponsors, and a best trick event just to sum things up. The flyer below has all the information that you need (just click on it to enlarge it). Also, check out the video from last year's contest. If you have not been to this park then the video is a must watch.

- B.B.S.

Quick one to O-town.

2012-02-10T22:17:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Mike Meister for being our chauffeur this afternoon. I got sick as a d-d-d-dog. So far a 48 hour flu that knocked me out cold in the backseat on the way up, and most of the day as everyone got to enjoy a pre-monsoon cold front that began pressing through at about 5pm.

I mustered enough energy to grab these pics on my trusty canon power shot.

Enjoy.

Believe it.

Rob Dolecki: perfect tabe.

Degroot: Disaster.

Meister: Carved tabe at height.

-TBR

Ross Norton Jam this Saturday!

2012-02-08T23:01:00.000-05:00

BMX JAM – ALL AGES February 12 2012

BMX JAM/Contest
ALL AGES February 12 2012
BMX Jam
All Ages
@ Ross Norton Skatepark
Sunday, February 12 2012

Brought to you by 688 Skateshop and Peddlers Bike Shop
Sponsors: Fit Bike Co, Profile,Cult,Madera, Verde,S&M Bikes, iBMX more….

Practice and Registration Noon
Entry: $20
Divisions: Beginner, Intermediate and Advance
Also Game of B.I.K.E
Visit www.688skateshop.net
for more info call 727-729-1941 or 727-871-6880

Peddlers Bike Shop
2183 12th Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-951-1314 (p)
941-951-1303 (f)
www.peddlersbikes.com
facebook: peddlers bike shop
peddlersbikes@aol.com

Ross Norton Skatepark: 1426 S. MLK Jr Ave Clearwater Fl 33756

Highland Skatepark: Adios March 23rd, Hello May 1st.

2012-02-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday, a group of us went up to Highland. Upon leaving, the park attendant informed us that as of March 23rd, Highland is no more. Bad news yes, but there's plenty of good news. They're actually moving the park a couple blocks away, re-cycling the existing ramps and expanding. According to city plans, they want to have the new "Highland" up by May 1st. Sounds pretty dialed. Here's a couple photos I grabbed during the session.

Mike Meister: Denver resident full time. Tampa tourist part time.
T-bog at height.

Meister: spine boost.

Niki Burton: Tuck over the hip.

Alan Shirley just turned 30. Here's a rhyme to go with an x-up grind.

-Matt

Bald Eagle Archive.

2012-02-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

I'm always out and about with the Bald Eagle (aka Bald Matt). Cruising the streets, finding new jibs, and enjoying those 360 days of sunshine (I think that statistic is a bit off If I do say). With that in mind, there's also a good photo opp. somewhere. Most of the shots below were stacking up on my desk top (taken on weekend sessions in the Tampa Bay Area) so I thought: make a little online archive. Enjoy.

Rail ride at the newest addition to the Turtle ditch.

Hop through at Channel-side.

Tranny Carve in the hood.

Booster. In a serious hood.

Double tire in Tamp's periphery.

Yep.

No In. No Out. So go over it.

-Matt

Dustin Carbonaro: Rumors floating around Vista?

2012-02-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

There's rumors floating around town that both the Vista (South St. Pete) and Highland (Largo) skateparks are getting a facelift. Kind of hard to believe in this economy but we've heard from some reliable sources (aka city workers). In the meantime, enjoy these photos of Dustin Carbonaro at Vista taken by Mari Sabra. Dustin's quote upon sending them over: "All is quiet in the hood when its cold so its nice to ride and not look over your shoulder every five minutes."

-TBR

Matt Wilhelm in Sunny Sarasota

2012-01-30T08:04:00.000-05:00

Dans Comp and Hoffman Bikes rider, Matt Wilhelm, came down to Sarasota FL to visit and shred some heavy flatland. He has lived in the suburbs of Chicago and done demos at local schools in my town. Enjoy the technical and smooth lines of a top flatlander in sunny Sarasota Florida.

-B.B.S.

Spencer Fresman FL and GA Edit

2012-01-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

Just before Zack Gerber left to the Northeast he was able to make a solid edit of Spencer using a Canon GL2 camera. Other than some of the clips being filmed in Albany GA, the rest are from the Tampa area. Spencer always comes through with big gaps and technical moves. There is a surprise guest rider who makes an appearance.......DeMarcus Paul!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;-&lt;/p&gt;

-B.B.S.

Last Bmx Session at Vans Orlando

2012-01-24T22:24:00.000-05:00

“The loss of the Vans Skatepark in Orlando is more than just a big room full of ramps going away. It was a second home for many of the locals. Everyone knew everyone else’s names (including the employees), and it lacked the cold, cliquey feel that some parks have. If you were from out of town, or just starting BMX, you were welcomed with the same warmth that any local would be. It helped cultivate new talent like Trey Jones, and it helped keep some of the more seasoned pros like Rob Nolli and Tom Haugen stay riding at a high level. Even though the ramps will soon be completely dismantled and removed, the fun times, friends and progression that happened there will not soon be forgotten.” Brett Rohfling

-B.B.S.

Chris Clanton Mini-Mega Ramp Slam

2012-01-23T07:51:00.000-05:00

Chris Clanton, Tampa local, is at Camp Woodward working on his riding and is a counselor. In addition, he is a wild man. Back in 2006, he landed the double backflip no-hander and is now working on the Mini-Mega Ramp. This time he came up short on the last part, and his butt got owned. Ouch!

Here is the link to the double backflip tuck no-hander http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WRx5djnPQ0

-B.B.S.

Colt Fake: Bike stolen in St. Pete.

2012-01-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

On a recent trip to St. Pete, Colt Fake's bike was heisted. Here it is. A one off prototype which is super costly to make for the dudes at Bone Death. If you see it, let the powers that be know, or grab it if the opportunity arises...

-TBR

Payne Park Sunday Session: January 15th.

2012-01-19T21:49:00.000-05:00

Headed down to Sarasota last Sunday for an early morning session at the Payne Park. It was hard getting up at 7AM on a weekend...nothing a pint of coffee and a brisk 40 degree breeze (windows down on the ride) couldn't solve. Here's what I got. Thanks to Florida for some blazing sunshine: perfect lighting for the ol' point and shoot.

Brad Campos. High speed curved wall to...

...gap from right side flat to left side tranny. This line was pretty damn gnarly.

Conall Keenan. Vert wall ice to over into a super tight tranny. ^^^^

Conall: invert on the quarter/bank.

Jeremy Lowe. Risking death on the tombstone.

Ryan Torrance. Impossibly high tabe on the jersey barrier.

Guest session with Degroot. Mandatory nosepick.

The Payne park in Sarasota is open from 9AM to noon on Sundays. Bikes only. Have at it.

-Matt

Roller Wolves.

2012-01-17T20:44:00.000-05:00

Fuck with a roller blader and get dealt.

So we're starting out a sesh yesterday afternoon, all the boys meet up and pedal over to a janky bank to sub/wall, everyone is stiff and tryin to get loose(because we are all old farts in bmx), a couple ice picks and such to warm up. Out of nowhere, these roller bladers pull up, must've been 20 of em'. Dude runnin the pack rolls up and BOOM!, cracks Matt in the head with a huge lightning fast roller fist. Myself, Forrest and Sean try to react but are quickly subdued by the rest of the roller wolf pack, and im like "yo, whats you're problem bro". The lead roller wolf proceeds to tell me that he saw the TBR hat that matt was wearing and that TBR-Tampa Bay Rollerbladers are a rival roller gang and that this particular spot was the roller wolves territory. I quickly tell the pack leader that it stands for Tampa Bay Riders, a local bmx website blog. We all had a good laugh after realizing it was a classic case of mistaken identity and went our seperate ways.

-Bald Eagle

Lucas Porzio takes Tampa.

2012-01-16T18:12:00.000-05:00

Lucas Porzio: 7 days in Tampa. from Profile Racing on Vimeo.

Edited by L. Porzio (with clips from Brett Rolfing, Matt Arnold, and Matt Coplon), here is a cache of moves that went down over the course of a week last year. Some of these spots have been looked at for years with no takers. Shortly after Lucas got into town, he quickly started checking them off. Enjoy.

-TBR

Hunter Vickers: Keep on Trucking.

2012-01-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

I met up with Hunter Vickers last Thursday at the Highland Park in Clearwater. I always get really stoked riding with him: it seems that after hitting the big 4-0 he's only gotten more motivated to shred. In two days he'll be going in for surgery on his vertebra...a couple are getting fused together in hope to relieve his ongoing bout with severe back pain. Good luck man and hope to ride with you soon.

<----One of few people riding brakes. The only person I know riding two. Nose pick over Highland's delectable spine.

<---- I had never seen Hunter grind a rail until Thursday. Feeble across and down the flat pyramid rail.

-Matt

A fond farewell.

2012-01-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Here is it, the very last column of a year's worth of submissions to Bmx Plus. For the grand finale, Ben and Jeremy offered me a two page spread. After doing a little narrative about a morning's worth of work, I filled the rest with a montage of players in the TBR scene. Thanks for being a part of things and thanks for reading over the past year. It was a good run!

-Matt

Nickie Burton and Friends visit The Edge

2012-01-11T15:10:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday, I received a text from Nickie saying that he and his friends are coming down to The Edge Skatepark in Naples Florida. It was their first time riding the amazing park, and I knew that they were in for a great time. To my surprise they handled and shredded the steep and tight pool. If you are bored one day and wanting to ride a huge and unique park then come to The Edge. All the information that you need is at the link below.
http://www.naplesgov.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation/EdgeSkatePark.aspx

Matt Miller tobogganing the deep end

Nickie downwhipping the roller

Mike double pegging the deck

-B.B.S.

The Pain Park Sessions: Sarasota.

2012-01-09T19:42:00.000-05:00

After five years of not allowing bikes, the Pain cement park in Sarasota has finally opened its doors to us. Could it be one of the best cement parks in Florida? That could be argued in its favor.

-A street course with plenty of ledges, rails, and banks.

-A mini bowl section with some really fun hips.

-The main bowl section: enormous, with lines galore and just plain big.

On last Thursday, we occupied a four hour session easily. Although its on a trial basis for bmx, its looking pretty positive for the long haul.

Here's a couple photos Aaron Foley snapped...

Ryan McGary. Tweaked turn-down on the makeshift step up.

Tyler Jenkins. nose-dipped 360.

Jeff Maurer. Hip roast.

Ryan McGary. Good ol' fashion T-bog.

Things you need to have and strictly enforced:

-Plastic pegs

-Plastic pedals

-Plastic bar ends.

Hours for Bmx:

Thursday from 5pm to 9pm

Sunday from 9am to 1pm.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Payne-Skate-Park-Sarasota-FL/169726356392862?v=info

-Matt

1-2-3-Go! With Matos Goodwin.

2012-01-05T20:23:00.010-05:00

Matos Goodwin has some of the best bike control of anyone I know. He can disappear (which he does quite often), and come back onto the scene with more wild moves than you can count. A fun dude to be around. A fun dude to ride with. And, he is just plain funny. Matt Arnold and I went out last Sunday and met up with Matos on his home turf. Although our old asses wore him out within two hours, he still went "ham" and dialed in some wild maneuvers. I caught up with him a couple hours later and fired these questions over to him...

<----Ledge ride to whip in Brandon, Florida.

Matt: Eat, sleep, ride, and party. Seems like a recipe that will make you live to be 100. What's the inspiration behind your life's philosophy?

Matos: You forgot girls and cartoons. But nothing like good food, home made food, green healthy food, mix that with some sleep and your winning. Oh and riding/partying goes hand and hand if you ask me. After a good day of riding you get all your bmx and non bmx friends and just go ham. I feel like I really see em for more then just my bmx friends, that's why alot of people fuck with me.

Matt: Going Ham? What's the definition of this by Matos Goodwin?

Matos: Going ham? You dont even know how many times I've been asked that and now you can even hear all the rappers use that word. I didnt make it up but when I heard it, it was like gold. It's too funny and you can use it for anything. But to me "going ham" means going for it, or just living it up and getting crazy. Having fun with it.

Above: Rail hop. And well over the rail. Your boy has some spring.

Matt: I've never seen you pissed. And you're probably the most mellow minded person I know. How do you keep your cool?

Matos: First off, thanks Matt, that's pretty awesome to say. And mellow minded, sure I try hard to have fun with what I got and rock a smile. But my head is always going 100,000 miles and I over think everything. But I guess I play that off pretty well.

-TBR

Another dialed SPoT Bowl Session.

2012-01-03T19:03:00.000-05:00

Considering the recent, drastic changes in temperature, I was surprised (on this last Wednesday) to find the SPoT Bowl conducive to carving at full speed. But mostly, I was surprised that lip tricks were at all possible. Cold weather equals an ice skating rink. Happy Winter. But, it's one of the only bad parts about this time of year.

From the session, this is what I grabbed.

Aaron Foley. Engineer at Specialized during the day, bowl shredder by night. Legless berm air over the hip.

After being off his bike from a knee injury for some time, Clay Deighton was back on the shred. Hang five to....

...Whiplash disaster.

Crappy photo on my end? Yes. But I liked it anyways. Jeff Maurer. Snow-birding it from Cincinatti, Ohio.

My apologies goes out to Brendan Leahy for making him do this bar about 20 times. He's got it dialed. Me with my camera, not so much.

-Matt

Lost Photos of 2011...

2012-01-01T23:55:00.001-05:00

Not really. Just a bunch of random ones that need a home. Enjoy the goings on in Florida. Welcome 2012.

(Bryce Toole. Thread the needle gap in Gainesville, Florida.)

(Forrest Roberts. Impossible table out of an eight inch high bank)

(Throwback photo of Sean Albright taken from the Team Pain website. Random trip to Woodward many, many moons ago.)

(Matt Arnold. Hopping between a rock and a hard place)

(Scott Ehlert. Up rail to switch bar grab. Photo by Chris Wharton)

-TBR

Vans Split Edit = Nick Mahoney + Joel Pierazek

2011-12-29T22:12:00.000-05:00

Nick and Joel are locals at the Vans Skatepark in Orlando Florida. The riding is very smooth and tech. Also, today there will be be an amazing event in Orlando. Come out and help support the castleberry trails.

-B.B.S.

1-2-3-Go! With Tom Villarreal.

2011-12-27T18:02:00.000-05:00

At 1pm tomorrow, Tom V. is leaving the state of Florida and taking a flight to his new home in Los Angeles, Ca.. He stopped in at Madera today, taking a break from packing, and we put together this quick Q and A about the move, his latest section in Props "Owned," and what he's going to miss about Florida.

Good luck Tom. We'll miss you man.

(Tom V. and a massive hop in Miami. Photo by Jon Wilson)

1.Your section in Props "Owned" was just released. Having filmed the section over the course of a year with some other heavy hitters in tow, did you feel serious pressure to produce?

Not necessarily the pressure just the fact of being out at new spots in new places was motivating alone. Then getting to see other dudes like alex and drew kill it only helped to push myself.

(Bar fakie at the infamous "Grinds in the Hood")

2.You're next big step, off to cali. for a stint. What's the motivation behind it and what's the plan?

If the opportunity is there take it! You only live once and at my rate, its going to be a quick one which is perfectly fine with me. As long as I lived it, I'll be satisfied wherever I am. Cali. was calling my name. Thanks to my buddy Justin Butts who's giving me a spot to stay at his casa.

(Manual. Head on in downtown Tampa)

3.What do you think you'll miss most about Florida?

All my boys for sure! We've all been through a lot, I just wish they can get up and go but I know its not an easy thing. All I can do is hope to see everyone out there for at least a visit!

Clock In/Clock Out: Tampa in Milwaukee.

2011-12-26T11:17:00.001-05:00

Here's the second to last Clock In/Clock Out column for this year in BmxPlus! I headed up to Milwaukee for a long weekend in November and these were some of the shots we grabbed. Notice the short sleeve shirts...it doesn't get above 40 now in Milwaukee this time of year. I hate to say it, but it's 81 degrees here in Tampa today. Got to love the ol' Florida Winter.

-Matt

Bicycles and Barbecue

2011-12-23T18:47:00.001-05:00

The front window of Alex"s Southern BBQ says it all.

In 1999, Alex Cooke started a charity with modest intentions to provide underprivileged kids with bikes for X-mas. His goal was simple, find 10 kids in need and get em some bikes. Well, word spread and donations came in from all kinds of generous folk, the end product was 182 bikes. Since its inception in 1999, Alex has given away 11,000 bikes to kids in need. Alex goes through schools such as Lake Magdalene Elementary to locate kids and get the bicycles to the parents so it can be under the tree X-mas morning. Once I heard of this I knew it had to be a legit charity, and Tampa Bay Riders BMX needed to do their part to get some kids ridin, so we managed to get 6 new bicycles to donate. Props to Dave Wilhelm and Rick Jablonski for donating 2 bikes a piece, tripling our donation. Email us @ TBRBMX@Yahoo if you wanna get in on it for next year. So get off your lazy asses and help a just cause, $60 can make a big difference to those less fortunate.

For all your cat walking delights, ill take the one with the tassles.

For more info you can contact Alex @813-269-0050. They accept donations year round and they serve Collard greens, so whats not to like.

-Bald Eagle

Happy Holidays from Native Bmx

2011-12-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

To my surprise, I got a box in the mail today from James Covington over at Native Bmx. On opening I'd find that it was an early Christmas gift: what might be the best x-mas gift I've ever gotten.

In the box was this note below detailing the history behind this TBR seat. Considering James and I have had many conversations on meat/skin consumption, he was careful to make it as kosher as possible with either throw away pieces from other projects or re-fashioned parts from existing accessories.

1. The pivotal hole is made out of a scrap piece of 1950's alligator purse.

2. The black material that covers the whole seat is deer skin. It was on close out due to imperfections.

3.The embossed "TBR" logo is raised by bits of cow hide re-used from an old gun case.

I want to thank James for an amazing gift. I'd love to put it to use but I just can't. It's going up on the wall as a display piece.

James is the real deal. I know few people who love bmx as much as he does. Support him and his brand at www.nativebmx.com

-Matt

Props Owned with Alex Magallan

2011-12-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

If you have not seen Props Owned then you are missing out. The spots are incredible as well as the riding. This is a preview to Magallan's part, and there are some Clearwater and Tampa clips in it. Also, Tom Villarreal is mentioned.

-B.B.S.

1-2-3-Go! With Chad Degroot at Deco.

2011-12-15T21:47:00.010-05:00

Ever not laugh when on the phone with someone? That's most conversations, right? Not with Degroot. It's non-stop comedy. Phone calls with him are always an event. Part Pro-bmxer, part Dad, part shop and bike company owner. Comedy aside, Chad's got a lot under his belt. Here's a quick question and answer with the things he does. Thanks Chad. Enjoy.

1. It’s been what, 2 years now since Mr. Bike and Board opened? How's the location been?

Location is real good and will be even better with the Longwood skatepark opening before the end of the year. 2 years have blazed by and truthfully I haven't even celebrated it because I'm too busy. So happy Birthday Mr. B's!!! Our landlord is still hard to work with as for demos and events at the shop but we still do them, just have to be sneaky. We want to do some big ones but that could get us shut down. And we don't want that now do we...

2.What's the craziest thing you've seen happen in that strip mall?

I have an ugly hair dresser lady grab my arm and make my son cry, that sucked. I dropped him off and went back and told the crusty lady that I am smarter than her and I will do what I want. If only you could lock up old people for doing stupid things, she would be sent away. They hate us and we hate them. But they have crappy hair they have to look at everyday and chain smoke cigs daily, so I think we win that one. Other than that we have had a kid blow out all of his teeth, while picking them up we realized there was one missing. A kid picked it up and sold it to his friend for $5. When I found this out I asked if he could bring it to the hosipal which is 4 blocks away and get it put back in. I gave the kid a $55 skate deck for doing that and his reply (not a thank you) was "what am I going to do with this?" He kinda looked mad that I gave him a gift for helping another kid out who blew out his teeth. The deck was the same as the one he was skating...kids man...

3.How’s that curb set up out front of the shop? You ever take a break and go shred that set up in the parking lot?

Last year I was taking the shop phone out there and doing some runs for about an hour a day. Its slowing now and I actually haven't ridden that spot in awhile. It is pretty amazing spot and I still love it, just not much time and since I am running the place myself (little help from Matt, Brien, and Bob) its tough to get a minute.
Thanks to everyone for the support. Bmx is strong in our area and growing. Stop by the Longwood skatepark when you get a minute...holla.

Tyler Gilliard in Lakeland.

2011-12-14T21:29:00.008-05:00

Tyler Gilliard is a sleeper. You may have seen him around, but you more than likely have not. This was an edit put together in a vacant lot in Lakeland. Tyler sent it over with mention that most of it was simply throw away clips, turned into a video resume for a show company out of China. Maybe that's the case for him personally, but for someone who has never been able to comprehend the skill of flat, this is pretty amazing. Enjoy.

-Matt

Scavenger Hunt this Saturday!

2011-12-13T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest with you, the Tampa Two Stroke scavenger hunts are always a guaranteed bad ass time. This is the third one, taking place on Davis Island this Saturday at 11am. If you want to have an amazing time, bring $5 and be ready to pedal your ass off. Get some.

-Matt

Swagfest Contest Aftermath

2011-12-12T09:09:00.001-05:00

This contest was very messy with the skateboarders getting in the way; however, everyone still had an excellent time. There were three divisions, and plenty of time to do what had to be done. Riders were winded by the end of their heat. I was lucky enough to grab some quality photos from the event. A big thanks goes out to who hosted the event, the judges, riders, crowd, and announcer.

Bryan LaCombe's 360 whip Ryan Zielinski's table

Always a good view Joe Guzzo's footjam toothpick

-B.B.S.

Reminder! Props Owned Premier this Sunday at The Bricks, Ybor.

2011-12-10T06:44:00.001-05:00

The good folks at The Bricks Ybor and Skatepark of Tampa in their continuing support of our bmx scene are letting us do a premiere of Props Owned, which includes some heavy hitters, including Tampa Bay's own Tom Villareal. December 11th at 8pm. Come out, have a few drinks and enjoy.

Matt was able to swindle a few extra copies of this video from the good dudes at Props and we'd like to give em' away. So we're gonna do some contests/trivia for those of you cheap asses interested in getting a copy for free.Here it goes:

1. Who ever brings the oldest issue of Props to the premiere wins a copy(dvd or vhs must be included).

2. Here's a few trivia questions, person to answer most questions correctly, or first wins a copy. Send answers to TBRBMX@yahoo.com

   What year was Props started?

   Who started Props?

   Name 3 of the riders featured in the first props.

   How long has Stew worked for Props?

Good luck, winners will be announced at the premiere.

Outspoken Bike Shop Online Store live!

2011-12-09T06:37:00.000-05:00

A little bit of big news from Mike Cottle at Outspoken Bike Shop in O-town.

"Just wanted to you let you all know that today I got the www.Outspokenbmx.com web store up and running.

Here is all of or contact info:
www.outspokenbmx.com

www.outspokenbmx.tumblr.com

www.twitter.com/#!/outspokenbikes

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-C-Cottle-at-Out-Spoken-Bike-Shop/119135184841770?ref=ts

407 688-1959

Support your local bike shop!

-Matt

Save Casselberry Trails! Please Sign the Petition

2011-12-06T23:03:00.000-05:00

According to Shadow Conspiracy, "The Casselberry Trails are in danger of getting shut down and we need your help to keep them going. An online petition has been set up trying to get signatures to show the city of Casselberry that the trails are an important place and shouldn't be plowed." In order to sign the petition, help save the trails, and look out on behalf of bmx, please go to the link below and fill out your name and email address. Also, pass this link out to everyone that you know and even do not know. Every signature counts!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save71n/

-B.B.S.

Winter Swagfest 2011 Contest

2011-12-05T22:27:00.000-05:00

The Edge Skate Park will be closed on Saturday, December 10th for Winter Swagfest 2011! There is no cost for current members or those purchasing a day pass to enter the skate/bmx competition. Cost for admission for non-skaters is $10. For more information please go to the link below.

http://www.naplesgov.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation/EdgeSkatePark.aspx

Also, Ritchie Robinett made his first edit, with his new camera, of clips from all around the Florida area. Expect better edits to come through in the future as soon as he tackles his DVX-100b.

-B.B.S.

Rad! The movie showing tonight at The Independent Seminole Heights.

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Between 8pm and 9pm, come experience the movie that made bmx a common household word. Before the movie starts, we're bringing out the ol' bunny hop pole: dust of those biceps and have a go.

Here's their site address: http://www.independenttampa.com/

Also, here's a reminder about some other upcoming events:

A new PBS TV show--Pedal America--is shooting a segment on the SHBC on Dec. 10 and will be filming during a Saturday club bike ride from Seminole Heights to Hyde Park and back. The bike ride will be from 8:30am to 10:30am leaving from the Seminole Heights Garden Center (two block South of Vélo Champ Bike Shop). All types of bikes, cyclists, and disciplines are welcome. It will be a casual ride suitable for all ages.

Another Scavenger hunt is on the horizon care of Tampa 2 Stroke. Dec. 17th, all two wheeled vehicles can enter, and everything will go down within the territory of Davis Island right in the midst of downtown Tampa. I can attest that the past two have been some of the most fun I've had on a bike. Support!

-TBR

1-2-3-Go! With Mike Cottle at Outspoken bike shop.

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'll have to say, I've known the Cottle's for years. Good people who run a bike shop solidly planted within the Orlando scene for quite a long time. Mike Cottle Jr. (when he's not taking yearly sabbaticals in Pittsburgh for trail season), has been handling a good amount of stuff there at the shop and spear-heading their bmx department. I caught up with him this week on what was new. Here's some things you might know, and some you might not.

Mike Cottle. Pocket wall at Barachel Skatepark.

1.Outspoken has been around for a long time and has always been a core part of the Orlando scene. How long have your parents had the shop and how long have you been handling things there?

Out-Spoken has been around since 1997. We've always tried our hardest to help out with the local scene whether it's going and vending at local races, sponsoring events, or having cookouts at the store. The list can go on and on. This applies to all styles of riding not just bmx. We are a small family owned and operated shop and it will stay that way till the end.

Outspoken's store front.

2.You’re still a integral part of the Cassleberry trails. What’s your schedule with maintenance and riding out there?

There really is not a set schedule out at the trails, I think that the main locals are pretty much on the same page. When stuff needs fix we fix it, When we can ride we ride and when its done for the day we party! We have a real tight group of friends out there and I wouldn't change it for the world. As far as people just coming out and riding: as long as they're respectfully and understand trails and what's put into them, I'm sure they will be welcomed with open arms and a nice cold beer. Long live 71n.

Cottle and Casselberry. Home.

3.Rumor has it Outspoken is starting up a BMX mailorder again? What’s the word?

That's the word on the streets man. I'm pretty stoked to be working side by side with my family and really want the bmx side of the shop to grow in a positive direction. We're not trying to compete with all the large mailorders. We just want to offer our friends that we've made over the years, through riding and travelling, a nice place to order something online. Also, I feel that if we have a nice dialed-in web store, local kids will be able to see what we just got in and they can swing by and check it out. And if I can add just one little thing: We moved our location almost 2 years ago. If you haven't been to the new shop, come in and check it out. It's a pretty sweet place to chill.

Out-Spoken bike Shop

1061 S. Sun Dr Suite 1073

Lake Mary Fl 32746

-Matt

Suavee + Bryan LaCombe at The Edge

2011-11-30T08:36:00.000-05:00

Suavee came down to The Edge Skatepark to ride with some friends including Bryan.They decided to go head-to-head before the session ended and road very well. This video shows some highlights from them.

-B.B.S.

TBR Sessions: A classic Florida dirt jump.

2011-11-28T06:00:00.006-05:00

If you're not in a position like our friends from Casselberry, Florida (clay delivered fresh every year and a half dozen dedicated dudes to maintain it year round), then there's really no reason to waste your time digging in the dirt in Tampa. That is, unless you revert back to the days when your first bike was bought at the local K-mart, and your afternoons were spent roasting that rut in the dirt you kicked out with your heel. And that is, unfortunately, how we still do it here in town. Last Sunday, I threw a shovel in my trunk, picked up Cody Belcher, drove downtown and spent roughly 5 minutes digging this rut. Thanks to Dan Gochenaur and the local MTB crew for the idea: don't worry, we dug our new lip right next to yours. Enjoy the photos.

Alan Shirley: Late hot bar.

Cody Belcher: Tuck at height.

Forrest Roberts might be the hardest person to shoot a photo with. This one I snapped on second go. Perfect T-bog.

Nicki Burton: whippin' it.

When Cody said he was going to front flip this, I thought he was joking. Nope. Handle it.

-Matt

Props Owned premiere at the Bricks Ybor City

2011-11-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

Upcoming events around town! Come out!

2011-11-22T22:21:00.001-05:00

The skatepark in downtown Sarasota is going to start allowing bikes every Thursday starting Dec. 1st. Although we, as bmxers, will pay twice as much as skaters ($10). Shitty, but I won't try to complain too much about that as at least we're now allowed to ride. 6 month trial basis rumor has it. Helmets and plastic pegs required. Who wants to car pool?

A new PBS TV show--Pedal America--is shooting a segment on the SHBC on Dec. 10 and will be filming during a Saturday club bike ride from Seminole Heights to Hyde Park and back. The bike ride will be from 8:30am to 10:30am leaving from the Seminole Heights Garden Center (two block South of Vélo Champ Bike Shop). All types of bikes, cyclists, and disciplines are welcome. It will be a casual ride suitable for all ages.

Also, The Independent will be showing a 'double-feature' of Thrashin' and RAD on Monday, 12/05/11 at 6/7pm. It will be free, and you can expect an update on the Independent website, as well as a Facebook event page to be made in the next few days.

Come out and support the scene!

-Matt

TBR: Fall Sessions.

2011-11-21T06:00:00.004-05:00

Shot through the summer and into the Fall as the heat subsided and (some) leaves decided to drop from tree limbs. Most of these clips were captured in Tampa Bay with a few grabbed on the outskirts. Although this was a long time in the making, we've started filming for yet another to be posted sooner than later...come out, ride, and have fun with us. Enjoy.

-Matt

Props Owned - Tom Villarreal BTS Edit 2

2011-11-18T08:42:00.000-05:00

Here's the second teaser for Tom's section in the Props "Owned" DVD. Due out in about three weeks, you can get an early preview at Mr. Bike n' Board in Longwood next Friday. Go support, both Tom and Chad would be stoked! If you can't make it, we are doing a premier at The Bricks Ybor on December 11th at 7pm. Rumor has it we'll have a couple contests (TBA) offering multiple shots at getting a copy. Stay tuned for details. This video is going to be epic.

-B.B.S.

Doyle Connell, Matos, and Nails. Shredding the unknown.

2011-11-17T06:43:00.001-05:00

pyt from doyle connell on Vimeo.

Here's a Doyle Connell, Matos, and Nails three way split. Within the shakiness, Matos' psuedo-gangster alter-ego, and a hard as hell sound track, there's some sweet clips in here on some secret spots. I love riding with these three dudes...your head might spin from a mounted go-pro, but this is a fun watch regardless.

-Matt

JandR Bike shop's annual sale: Indulge!

2011-11-17T06:30:00.001-05:00

We're pretty spoiled to have a local shop this dialed. In two weekends, get your fill and get it cheap. Support our local all bmx shop!

-TBR

New SPoT Course Sneak Preview

2011-11-16T00:28:00.000-05:00

It is that time of the year when the crew comes in and reconciles the SPoT park. It is the 19th annual course change. If you have a Facebook account then you can include your suggestion of what you would like to see and have at the link right below. The suggestion box is below all of the pictures of the construction. Go to this link http://www.skateparkoftampa.com/spot/a.aspx?ID=1663

-B.B.S.

The Union: SPoT Roast Highlights.

2011-11-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

Go to The Union for more videos.

Jeff Harrington put together this sequence of clips documenting the SPoT Roast. Thanks to everyone locally who came out for the support, and thanks to all of those who travelled hundreds of miles to spice things up. Feast your eyes...

-TBR

TBR Sessions: Clearwater street.

2011-11-13T18:24:00.000-05:00

A couple weekends ago, Forrest Roberts, The Eagle and I drove out to Clearwater to meet up with Alan Shirley for a seriously long street session in Clearwater. I think we got out there at 1:30pm and rode until sundown (pre-time change). On a perfectly clear day, we weaved through Scientologists as Alan took us to some secret spots as well as some jibs that have been ridden since the dawn of bmx. Enjoy the montage (clips will be popping up in a near future TBR edit).

An enclosed grotto near the hospital. From heavy rains, a giant pile of rocks slid into the gully. Regardless, we treaded on.

Forrest and Alan: at the bottom of the infamous (non-rideable) 21 stair rails.

Alan: left to right tranny wall carve.

Forrest: Right to left tranny wall carve.

I hadn't ridden this wall ride in well over 13 years. Still, an absolute diamond in the rough.

Bald Matt, Aka. The Bald Eagle, Aka The Eagle with a quick law firm rail hop with minimal preparation.

Shameless Deco Advertisement.

Yea man, I know bank to walls are boring to look at. But when you live in the flat state, its a miracle when you find a new one. Abandoned car wash near where L. Ron Hubbard comes back from the grave to write his novels.

-Matt

Ed's Bike shop crew in Tampa.

2011-11-09T08:14:00.003-05:00

Ed's Bike Shop and Profile Racing - Florida Trip from Zack Gerber on Vimeo.

Ant Bolash, Court, and Brandon came down two weekends ago for roughly 48 hours of shred-dom upon the Tampa Bay area. Though a quick stint, it seems all three dudes enjoyed their stay (so much so they're planning on coming back this winter). Here's a solid 5 minute documentary starting on the East coast and ending on the West coast of Florida. Stoked to see some Stone Edge footage in there (Daytona) as their new set up looks mint. Enjoy, and thanks to the Jersey Crew for the support.

-Matt

James Covington Talks About Native Bikes

2011-11-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

James Covington gives the in and outs of Native Bikes, built by solid, designed by riders just like you and with a stand over height of 9.5" whats not to like. Its also pretty nice to see a bmx company out of central florida that doesn't have a name beginning with S. Fuck trends.

Zach Gerber: Bro-Bowl Session.

2011-11-07T06:52:00.002-05:00

Oh Juggalos. A race of psychedelic space cadets pledging drug abuse, the wearing of make-up, and Faygo debauchery. In this video, one of their crew showed up and killed the Bro-bowl. Lucky for us, it ended up being Zack Gerber and not part of the true, infamous "family" of clown folk. Enjoy the vid. There's some bangers in here and in the name of ICP: "fuck pre-schoolers, fuck rulers" and especially, "fuck ducks."

-TBR

2011 Bro Bowl Jam

2011-11-03T22:11:00.000-04:00

This was an amazing jam with local and out-of-state riders. There were some good costumes, bails, stunts, and times. A lucky rider received a $100 Zumiez gift card, and there were several other goodies to be given away.

-B.B.S.

TBR Sessions: Bro-Bowl Bonanza part #2.

2011-11-02T21:18:00.000-04:00

This was a rare spectacle. Maybe it was because of Guavaween the night before? When we showed up at noon on a Sunday, nan-one person at the bowl. Perfect photo op.

Spencer Foresman. I asked where he got the denim venom jacket (thinking it was a cheap Halloween prop), and was surprised to hear that it was his grandfather's party jacket from the 70's. Nothing better than a 3-whip in style.

Natasha Wetzel's costume. Simple and to the point. Props to her for shredding the bro-bowl. 360 fly outs both out of the bowl and on the landing of the box wins you a free TBR hat. Boom.

Matt C.. One footed tabe pre helmet and pre-sketchiness.

I have nothing to say here except: Geo is both a nice dude and kills it.

It was confirmed on Sunday that super glue is his gel of choice.

Thanks to Anna Causey and Nancy Oliver for moving some units!

See you in a couple years...

-TBR

The SPoT Roast Tiki!

2011-11-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Conall Keenan for winning the first official, Skatepark of Tampa Tiki trophy. This award was given by Jeff Harrington for the rider who shredded the hardest at this weekend's SPoT Roast. Thanks to Jeff Chouinard for his handcrafted art of the Tiki! If you're interested in getting one of these bad ass pieces of yard art, get in touch with us! Thanks Jeff and congrats to Conall. More SPoT Roast highlights coming soon.

TBR Sessions: Bro-Bowl Bonanza part #1.

2011-10-31T21:38:00.000-04:00

The SPoT Roast went down on this past Saturday, Oct. 29th. An amazing time: riding, hanging, partying, and soaking up the Florida Fall. Brett Rolfing covered it for Fuel (which will be posting in a couple weeks) and Jeff Harrington whipped up some footage which should be dropping sometime soon.

With that covered, here's some pix from the following day: TBR's bro-bowl sessions. Part #2 in a minute. Thanks for the support. Viva La Tampa!

Thanks to Johnny and Nancy Oliver for transporting the ramps out of the Bald Eagle's nest. Adios.

The 6ft vert quarter. Ever see a juggalo do a flair on one of these? We did mid afternoon. Family.

Conall Keenan. Post long jump kicker contest, this wall ride was set up. Conall, Mike Messano, and Forrest Roberts handled some business on this makeshift shred buffet.

The step up box landing position #1. Thanks to the man/woman power for moving these things around.

Brendan from New Jersey. After breaking down in Orlando on Sunday night, Brendan not only made it to the SPoT Roast in the nick of time, but also snagged 1st in expert. Right before getting on a bus for a 32 hour ride back home, he shredded the first avatar of the step up box. Tuck.

Jordan Pope. Cheap, yes. But genius.

This Juggalo showed up attempting to spread the vile philosophy that is "Faygo Armageddon." After 3 dozen "whoop, whoops," he flaired the 6ft. Zach Gerber. Priceless.

Part two posting soon.

-TBR

TBR Sessions: Eating in the streets.

2011-10-28T23:12:00.000-04:00

It could be argued that there is no better place in the Fall to ride than in Florida (well, at least I'll argue it).

With the sun lower on the horizon, the humidity subsiding, and a cool breeze to push you along to spots, eating in the streets is much more appetizing this time of year.

Over the past couple weeks, these are some photos I grabbed while on the daily bmx roam...

Jeff Harrington: steep bank to wall ride in the cut.

The Eagle: Road construction hop on Davis Island.

Forrest Roberts: Tabe on the infamous "grinds in the hood" volcano.

Mike Messano: Old school dude, new school move. The first person I had ever seen execute a wall ride to re-vert. 19 years later, here's a wall ride underneath a rail.

-Matt

Bro Bowl Jam 2011

2011-10-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

I found this video the other night while i was searching for bro bowl pics for this post, and figured this video will do. If this doesn't look fun, then you're probably a roller blader. We're gonna have some ramps set up, i heard that the eagle is working on a step up landing and a quarter, and with Zumiez gift cards care of Sean Albright and some TBR prize packs it should be a fun day.Sunday October 30, starts at 1pm. Be there, or be square.

TBR Sessions: SPoT.

2011-10-24T06:57:00.000-04:00

In approximately one month we will be getting our annual course change. Stoked, yes. But make sure you take advantage of what we got now...Is there a line you want to pull? Some gib that's been haunting you. Time is running out. Handle it.

Thanks to the Skatepark of Tampa for the gift that keeps on giving (every year): A new course. Don't take it for granted...it's one of a kind.

Over the course of a couple sessions I grabbed these photos of some of the locals. Come out, have a session, and support the park that supports us!

Max Martinez: Abubaca care of his shiny new Animal, ASM tires. Who said Haro's Nyquist bars are out-dated? Not Max. Old dog shred fest...always.

Showed up to the session and had no clue Thomas Sanders could do flairs? Here's proof. Part one of a sequence of said trick.

Part Two in a sequence of said trick.

Nicki Burton does some of the best nose jams. Can-can nose jams are in the works. Keep your eye-balls open.

-TBR

Melbourne & Lakeland Street Sessions

2011-10-20T21:17:00.000-04:00

“Profile riders Jeff Klugiewicz, Trent McDaniel, Matt Coplon, and Mark Mulville were in town and where able to make it out to ride some street in Lakeland and Melbourne, Florida. They found a bunch of great spots to ride and got a lot done in a small amount of time.” -Brett Rohlfing

New Business for Zack Gerber

2011-10-18T23:38:00.000-04:00

Zack Gerber just moved to Tampa and has done some pretty amazing things already. In addition, he has been added to Snafu's Pro Team and Redline's Flow Team. There are plenty of Tampa Bay clips in this one. Enjoy some of the insanity.

- B.B.S.

2011-10-17T09:59:00.000-04:00

SPoT Roast - October 29, 2011 from Jeff Harrington on Vimeo.

Jeff Harrington went out to SPoT last Sunday night and shot this commercial for the SPoT Roast. More info is at www.skateparkoftampa.com
Register early online and save $5. Hope to see you there. This is going to be a good one!

-TBR

Day in the life of Tom Villarreal

2011-10-14T02:20:00.000-04:00

It is fascinating and curious to think about what a professional rider does on a normal day. Unlike business people, who look identical and like robots by wearing similar outfits and walking the same paths every freaking day, bmx riders have their own unique personalities, characteristics, and goals (other than money). Everyone give a round of applause to Tom Villarreal and thanks to Dan Dwyre and Dave Hancock for making this video happen.

- B.B.S.

TBR Sessions: De-Soto.

2011-10-12T06:59:00.000-04:00

Late afternoon session this week at DeSoto. November 15th is the official time change...its no fun when it get's dark at 7:15 now, it's seriously shiite when the sun drops at 5:15. Not only is the city of Tampa barely lit at night, the only public "skatepark" that allows bikes in Tampa no longer keeps their lights on. Thanks to the Dept. of Park and Rec. for that.

On to better things: met up with Doyle Connel and Matos Goodwin the other day to snap some pics. This is what we got.

Doyle: The first attempt at this went sour, like pulling an orange off a tree in the Spring and biting in for a nice acidic surprise. With a bummed knee from first go, he fired it out again...and again.

Managing a pic of Matos is like capturing Sasquatch. In that case, this pick is proof that I've accomplished the impossible. Crank arm slide on what could possibly be the most dented flat rail in Tampa.

Long legs equal the ease of a Flamingo. Doyle learned these the day of. Hot move on a not so hot day. Fall is finally here.

-Matt

TBR Sessions: Couch box jump.

2011-10-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the party doesn't get started until the end of the session. Tonight was a case in point. On cruising by an abandon parking lot, Jeff and Forrest spotted two couches flipped over on their sides. And laying near by, a couple pieces of plywood. The couches were finagled: turned, flipped, and cushions laid down for more support. Forrest dragged the plywood over and bam: a box jump was built in Tampa (the first one in about 12 years).

Jeff Harrington and the first stage of the box: pebble lip to step up.

Stage #2: Couch flip turned into a couch lip. Zack Gerber: massive turndown.

Still at stage #2: Spencer Foresman with attempt #9 at a taco neck 720. Close but no cigar...he settled for a pretty damn perfect 540.

Stage #3: Couch lip to couch landing at sunset. A good ol' tabe sealed the session care of Forrest Roberts.

-TBR

Ross Norton comp: Rescheduled.

2011-10-06T21:44:00.000-04:00

Read above. Support. Support.

-TBR

Dude Bird XL

2011-10-05T10:19:00.000-04:00

Brett Rohlfing comes out with Dude Bird videos that are just hard to describe and out of this world. They receive a ton of trash talking on The Come Up on a regular basis.This is a new one that just came out and has a lot of Tampa riding clips and riders in it.

Copy and paste the link below which is a quick clip of Doyle from a previous Dude Bird video. This is too funny.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b364/bmxjeffdude/LOL-2.gif

- B.B.S.

The Opposite of Mulligrubs

2011-10-03T01:00:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, I decided to make a video of a bunch of riders and had to pick out a song. The Black Angels has a song called Sunday Afternoon, which seemed to be perfect especially because it is bike night at the Skatepark of Tampa.

- B.B.S.

1-2-3-Go! With Rob Nolli and Dave Brumlow.

2011-09-29T21:42:00.078-04:00

I don't even know where to begin an intro for these two dudes. Old friends. Legends. Good times...

Mid nineties. Driving in Rob's hot rod to a dirt contest in Zellwood, Florida. It was pouring down rain, the jumps were terrible, and Rob still tail whipped the chasm jump and took 1st place. All of us little jokers thought bmx had ended that day. We saw the un-do-able done.

Hanging with Brumlow. I was 15. He asked me to load 15 bags of ice into his truck. Little did I know he had no intention of paying for them. "Thanks for stealing those" he tells me as we drive off.

Almost two decades later, the antics, the good times, and the riding continue. I caught up with them for a couple questions about the life and times in the ol' F-L. This is what they had to say...

Nolli: Nosepick under minimal Florida shade.

1. I remember seeing a photo of you (Rob) from the cookbook zine circa 1991/1992. You were blasting a tailwhip over the cement island of the 9-bowl at Stone Edge. That same issue had a photo of you (Dave) airing their vert ramp at like 12 feet. From that issue on, it clicked for me that real shit was happening in Florida.

Considering you guys have been a strong part of our scene here for 20+ years, and through sponsors you’ve had (and still do have) the opportunity to travel (literally) the world through bmx, what has kept you both here in the sunshine state?

Rob: I chose to stay in Central Fl. because of family. My daughter is here in orlando and my parents are a few hours away in Port St. Lucie. For riding, Orlando has Vans and O.S.P., but Merritt Island, Daytona And Tampa are all an hour away. And as far as doing demos and shows in Fl. you're never more than a few hours drive. So being centraly located appeals to me.

Dave: There are quite a few reasons that have kept me living here in Florida. The first being my family here and I also have a fairly sercure job that has been very flexible with time off. I'm be able go and do some the the oppurtunities that my bike has offered me. I have other interests outside of bmx as well and florida is the perfect place for them. I like going out in the oceans and rivers here: the weather allows more months out of the year for that. Back when I was into going to shows their was always good bands coming through. And of course, bmx. Like you mentioned in the question, there has been some good stuff going down in Florida for a long time. For 20+ years there have been many bike friendly parks to ride all over the state and that number keeps growing. This also attracts riders from all over to come down on road trips, video shoots, etc. So there is never a shortage of people to ride with here too. There are always some type of jam/contest/session going on here. From old AFA comps, hoffmans BS comps, x-games events, BACO, ROOTS, Dew tours, and the wild casselberry trails parties. Florida has been home to some of the funnest events in bmx. I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel all over the world to ride my bike, and just as fortunate to be able to come back to ride some awesome places and call it home.

Nolli: One of many half time shows.

2.I know both of you guys are still on the road quite a bit but for different reasons. What bmx related events are you guys consistently a part of these days?

Rob: I am and have been doing BMX demos for about 200 days a year for the last 17 years. That takes up most of my time. Between riding 1/4 pipes, box jumps, halfpipes, flatland and most recently announcing, I have been able to keep busy. But if my schedule doesnt conflict, I have competed in vert off and on at the Dew Tour. When I cant make open qaulifiers for contests I have been able to judge some contests such as ASA and Dew Tours. So I do plan on being involved in the sport of BMX one way or another for a long time.

Dave: For a long time it was doing mostly doing demos and some contests. Never did really any good at contest's but had fun and it kept my name in the loop for demos. Contests were also good ways to travel and see some cool places here and in other countries. A lot of the international comps either had a travel budget for riders or had good enought prize money to cover the expenses of getting there. Over the years I have been lucky enough to go to Austrialia, Switzerland, Dubai, China, Korea, Brazil, and Mexico for bike comps. I saw some cool spots and met some good people in those travels. I would like to say a big "Fuck You" the cops in Mexico for mugging me: at least it made for a good story. Demo wise, I got to do some shows for GT and Giant back in the day. Those were fun simply because I was out riding with my friends. Other cool things were small stints out on warped tour. All were normally a pretty good time. Currently my travels have mostly been for judging and a couple demos here and there. The last demo I was supposed to do was cancelled due to the hurricane that just came. ASA events, Xgames, dew tours, and some one off events are some of the events I have judged over the past few years. Judging is a pretty fun gig too, sometimes I can take my bike and ride some spots or the ramps at the contests. Past couple of years judging bike comps has sent me to Korea twice, Shanghi-China, lots of US cities, and of course, cali-brah. Ridaz.

Nolli: over, under.

Brumlow: With some dudes at a strip club in the desert. I wish I could make this stuff up.

3.Having travelled as much as you have, having ridden the many spots/parks over the years, and having been able to tangle up something fun into a career (Rob)/part time job (Dave): what motivates you to ride?

Rob: I still have fun riding. Within riding all aspects of the sport, there is always something new to learn. I enjoy working on and learning new tricks. I like figuring out how to do something new, and seeing the progression. And it's always satisfying to complete a goal. Also I still enjoy traveling, and seeing new places. So there is alot of motivation to keep riding.

Dave: That’s easy. It’s still fun to ride.

Brumlow: Tabe at height. Merritt Island, Fl.

Brumlow: Dude Tour.

-Interview by Matt C.

Bmx Plus: Hopping in the Heat.

2011-09-28T06:52:00.000-04:00

I was on deadline for this last month...of course, the last absolute day to finish it. It was hot, we couldn't think of anything interesting to ride, so we literally just went around hopping everything. Thanks always to Bmx Plus for featuring our monthly column. Grab a copy.

-Matt

Splashing in the Park

2011-09-26T18:06:00.004-04:00

Andy Barber and friends stopped by a concrete park for an evening. Good vibes, riding, and fun.

- B.B.S.

93' til Infinity

2011-09-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

Now that the 3rd annual SPOT Roast Bmx contest has been announced, here's some insight from one of the guys behind the curtains making things happen for SPOT and supporting Bmx at SPOT. Thanks to Clements and Schaefer for their support. Local park, local business and local scene, support it fools.

-Bald Eagle

SPoT Roast: Here we go!

2011-09-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

It's official. Oct. 29th. Mark your calendars.
-$500 Pro Purse.
-Zumiez gift certificates for best crash.
-Vending by J&R bike shop, Subrosa, Shadow, Profile, Madera, Wolf Brand, and Deco.
-And thanks to our cast of sponsors: FBM, Nice, Vans, Pro-Tec, Maxxis, Native, DNA Shred Stix, The Take, ODI, Props, and Powerbar.

Support those who support our scene. Come out and Party.

-TBR

Skunk Ape Research Center out-takes.

2011-09-21T06:38:00.001-04:00

Harrington put together this sequence of out-takes from our trip to the Keys. An amazing way to start a trip full of the shred. Enjoy.

-Matt

Ross Norton Jam this weekend!

2011-09-19T20:31:00.001-04:00

All you need to know is above. Fun park. Always a good time. Bring some sun block because you will get roasted.

-TBR

The many faces of a tabe with Jeff Harrington.

2011-09-16T11:14:00.000-04:00

Jeff has been a round for a long time. And within that time his classic style tabes have held their ground...never an invert...bars always turned...straight out of the origins of BMX.
We caught up with him over two Saturdays and happened to catch a tabe from (funny enough) each part of Tampa. Here are the fruits of our labor.

Boardwalk gap to siewalk Tabe: North Tampa.

Brick bank booster tabe: Mid Tampa.

DeSoto Tabe: South Tampa. Pic by Pinzon.

-TBR

Mike Kuhn and Dean Watson at Hippy Steve's.

2011-09-14T09:45:00.000-04:00

One day at Hippie's from JMikeKuhn on Vimeo.

Our buddy's Mike Kuhn and Dean Watson recently put together this split edit from Hippy Steve's in central New Jersey. If you're not familiar with Hippy Steve, picture Hunter Vickers but quadruple the party. Legendary dude, legendary backyard set up. Here, Dean and Mike kill it bringing back good memories from the Rooster Den Days. Good luck to Dean on his move to Arizona and hope to see Mike down here again this winter. This is a good one. Enjoy.

-TBR

DNA Shred Stix now hooking up the SPoT Roast!

2011-09-13T03:14:00.000-04:00

Last year, DNA Shred Stix threw down $100 for best trick (which went to Lucas Porzio for his rafter fufanu). This year, they're once again on board for either best trick or Pro Purse (TBA). Thanks to Erich Kreybig over at DNA for years of support. Stoked to see who gets it this year???

-TBR

Powerbar on board for the SPoT Roast.

2011-09-12T19:31:00.009-04:00

Thanks to Degroot (DECO) and his hook up through Powerbar for their support this year. PB and DECO will be joining Props Video Mag, J and R bike shop, ODI Grips and Sun Ringle with sponsorship of our SPoT Roast. Degroot will also been on board as a guest judge. See you the 29th of Oct.

-TBR

Flashback (Daniel Arroyo 2011)

2011-09-12T15:12:00.003-04:00

I just saw Fat Tony on Twitter tweet, "This dude is freakin' sick!" Brett Rolfing tweeted back, "Dude is a Tampa local, I should shoot this guy!" I expected to see an awesome bmx video of a Tampa rider; however, I was shocked when I saw this and stopped eating my McDonald's. This is Parkour/Free-Running in the heart of downtown Tampa and around the Bay area. Has anyone seen this man?

- B.B.S.

Matos Goodwin on leave from Czar.

2011-09-12T10:10:00.000-04:00

The chances of seeing Matos obliterated at Czar on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night is about the same as a thunderstorm rolling through tampa on a hot and humid summer day.
Here is a rare glimpse of Matos performing stunts on his primed steed as well as a look into the mind of the most elusive bmxer in Tampa.
Honestly, I really enjoyed watching this. Funny ass dude and someone who is really fun to ride with (the half dozen times I see him during the year).

-Matt

Clay Deighton's New Trick

2011-09-09T10:27:00.000-04:00

Our fellow Florida rider, Clay, landed this trick about one month ago and finally got it on camera. Hang-5 Downside Whip!

- B.B.S.

J and R Superstore on board for the SPoT Roast!

2011-09-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

J and R is now officially on board for the SPoT Roast. Not only will they be contributing some goodies, but expect them to be vending as well--J and R has pretty much anything you might need in stock at all times. Beyond this, J and R will be contributing cash to the Roast's Pro Purse! Stoked. Thanks to Kirk and Josh for coming aboard!

Doyle Connell...

2011-09-06T18:51:00.001-04:00

Mix some Steven Hamilton inspired editing with a hip hop song vaguely reminiscent of the Definitive-Jux catalogue and you have this little ditti...Doyle, what happened to the inappropriate mustache?

-TBR

Skunk Apes and Key West.

2011-09-06T18:41:00.000-04:00

Back in May, I had the opportunity to travel with Mulville and Harrington down into the Everglades to visit the skunk ape research center. David Shealy (The Skunk Ape expert) was on hand to give some amazing stories about his life searching for the beast. Afterwards, we were given a tour of their exotic zoo (of which the alligators were by far the most amazing). From there, we headed down to Key West to do some spot hunting. Considering the island is only 2 by 4 miles wide, we scoured it from end to end and this documentary is what we found. A subsequent article and photos out now in the newest issue of Dig Magazine. Grab a copy.

More BMX Videos

-Matt

Greg Rooke and the Fat-Trax Crew.

2011-09-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

Greg Rooke and Matt Horak have paid visits to Tampa over the past two winters. Two really sweet dudes who not only shred but have an awesome outlook on riding (on top of having an amazing, tight nit scene). They are also affiliated with an amazing shop--Fat-Trax--in Western Mass. I got the opportunity to visit the two of them last month on their home turf--they we're stoked to show us around and ending up taking us to some of the amazing spots ridden in this edit. Enjoy--this is a fun one. Looking forward to seeing those dudes again this winter!

Not another GMP edit from Matt Horak on Vimeo.

-Matt

Dirt Nap Friday with Luis Pinzon.

2011-09-02T06:57:00.000-04:00

North Carolina is now much closer than Los Angeles. Pack your bags, tip the dude at curb side check a tener (so he doesn't flag your bike stuffed in a golf bag), and take a two honor nap while the titanium eagle delivers your ass to the sunshine state. This is now Pinzon's reality upon re-settling in Charlotte, NC. However, Friday he took two naps...the second was at the Bro-Bowl in the filthy sand pit we Tampanians call a "landing." Re-introducing the long lost tradition of "Dirt Nap Friday."

Pinzon: pre-game bike build after his grand entrance via pop's brand new Porche.

Pinzon: Whip to dirt nap doctor style.

Forrest Roberts: Table at height while harboring some serious knee pain (after, literally, being run over by a motorcycle).

-TBR

1-2-3-GO! With Anthony Bolash.

2011-08-31T21:38:00.001-04:00

I met Ant on my first trip to Vineland, NJ. two summer's ago. A humble dude and great rider living within a scene that is on the move due to a cast of shredders revolving/evolving around Ed's Bike Shop. Ant and I have kept in touch over the years and as of last October, checked off Florida as another state he blazed his tires upon.

I shot him a couple questions comparing and contrasting our similar scenes and within no time 3 detailed answers popped up in my inbox. Here is our conversation. Thanks for the support Ant and hope to see you again in the F-L this Fall. Enjoy...

1.On visiting Vineland, NJ., I noticed that the scene there is quite similar to Tampa Bay: spread out. But when its time to bring folks together, people come out of the woodwork (ie. Ed’s Games). I’ve always thought it had something to do with there being minimal stuff to ride...we (like you guys) make due and appreciate what we have. Do you think that contributes to a more tight knit scene?

Ant: Up until like 3 years ago South Jersey was a very spread out BMX scene. Usually, every town had its own group of riders and their own spots, trails, or some back yard ramps. But there was never a place or an event were everyone got together. There isn't really too much exciting stuff to ride down here; theres some pre-fab skateparks, some street spots, Philly isn't too far away along with FDR. But other than that your driving an hour and a half to two hours up to North Jersey were there is definently more spots to ride. Much like the east coast of Florida where there's skateparks everywere up and down I-95. Once Ed started running the Ed's Games (and started to have little jams like he does when a team comes to visit the shop), that's when everyone started to get together. Now Ed's is the bmx hub of South Jersey. Its growing every year with new ramps and obsticles and there's always a group of kids down there riding it. When there's an event you can guarantee a couple hundred kids showing up from all over the place. There, everyone just rides, chills, catches up with people they havent seen in a little while, and, in general, has a good time. I saw the same thing when I came down to Tampa last year at the SPOT comp: there was tons of riders just killin it from all around and everyone was just chill. I think the lack of stuff to ride is a big factor to how our scene and the scene in Tampa is because we look at things differently and have fun on the little stuff. Just because it isn't a Dew Tour course doesn't mean you can't ride and have fun with your friends.

2.South Jersey is pretty flat, right? Along with being pretty rural? Considering that it’s slim pickin’s, what stuff in S. Jersey inspires you to ride?

Ant: Your definently right about there not being much to ride in South Jersey. Considering there's only a couple of skateparks around, all of them being pretty small, but you grow up riding these places and they are your local parks. You got to make do with what you have, and I love to ride my bike so you just have to think differently when you ride these places. Its all about creativity, wether it is a different line or using an obsticle in a way it was never intended to be used: that is what keeps things fresh. Sometimes it's tough to stay motivated riding the same small parks all the time. But lately things have been getting better here. There's been some backyard ramps popping up and Ed is always building new obsticles at his shop, so things are looking up. Honestly though, its all about being creative. We don't have the greatest skatparks in the world around here, or the best trails, but everyone still progresses and everyone is just out to have a good time and to just ride their bikes: thats what it's all about.

3.What draws you back to Florida?

Ant: Theres a lot that keeps me coming back down to Flordia and specfically Tampa. I, of course, love the weather. It's warm all the time and very condusive to riding. Coming from the Northeast you have those cold ass winters so half the year is pretty much out of the question for riding outside. I like the different stuff to ride down there-a nice mixture of street and parks and you can pretty much ride something different everyday. The riders down there are awesome, all of them are super chill and they are all shredders. The scene is really chill too-everyone supports one another, gives each other props. Overall, it's a nice enviorment to ride in. And last but not least what keeps me coming back is the SPOT bowl. I love that thing and its one of my favorite things of all time to ride!

Thanks for your time Ant...Hope to see you soon.

-Matt

Sun Ringle on board for the SPoT Roast!

2011-08-29T18:05:00.000-04:00

Sun Ringle Rims will be joining ODI and Props Video Magazine in support of this year's SPoT Roast! Thanks to Jon Wells over at Sun for the support!

-TBR

Vinyl Tampa - Chase Zink Feat. Tom Arkus

2011-08-27T01:30:00.000-04:00

"Chase Zink and Tom Arkus spent a week in a half in The Tampa Bay Area cruzing around the Ybor City, and Downtown Tampa, with added session at Skatepark Of Tampa, and Desoto." Tom Arkus

-B.B.S.

Conall Keenan in New England.

2011-08-25T10:08:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of travelling with Conall Keenan through New England over the first week of August.

Although it seemed storms were pending on every day of the trip (as you can see in the background of the invert below), we got lucky. We sweated in the heat, rode amazing spots in three different states, and enjoyed some of the last good weather in the North East. Here are some photos I snapped. Enjoy.

Invert. Danielson, Connecticut. This park was a free-form set up: odd trannys, unconventional grind ledges, and some really hard cement that was no fun to smash onto.

Conall, in front of Circuit Bmx. Day one of many good ones to follow.

-TBR

Props Video Magazine Sponsoring the SPoT Roast!

2011-08-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Marco and Chris over at Props for hooking up product for this years SPoT Roast! Props will be joining ODI grips and a cast of other supporters to be announced. See you the 29th of October...Stay Tuned.

-TBR

SPoT Session: Wednesday, August 17th.

2011-08-22T11:57:00.000-04:00

This summer has seen a consistently packed house at SPoT. No school and a ton of rain keeping us in doors contributes to the high yield of sweaty dudes and dudettes. If you haven't gotten a piece of the all day Wednesday or Sunday night pedal sessions, you might want to make the trip out before us warm blooded Floridians go into hibernation and the street course is left empty (that being said: boring, with no one to shred with). I meandered around the bowl for a couple hours and with my point and shoot randomly snapped photos (while using my flash for the first time). And random those photos were as most didn't even remotely turn out. This is what I grabbed...

Tom Arkus from VinylBmx.com. Taking some time away from the Pittsburgh summer and shredding the hell out of a proper tabe.

Tyler Collins has been on it lately. Full speed ahead and always filthy. He did this can about 15 times before I (kind of) justified it through the lens.

Jeremy Lowe hasn't ridden SPoT in well over three, posssibly four, years. Riding with him Wednesday, you couldn't tell. Right before this wild ass air, Jeremy did the most tweaked 270 invert over the hip. Welcome back.

-Matt

SPoT Roast: Saturday, October 29th.

2011-08-20T09:29:00.001-04:00

We're helping the Skatepark of Tampa organize the third annual bmx contest (SPoT Roast) scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29th. Along the way, we will be announcing sub-events going down during the weekend (looks like a SPoT bowl jam as well as a Bro-Bowl jam will be in the works) as well as sponsors that have contributed product and cash for Pro Purse. Stay tuned for more info. This year should be another banger. And as always, support those who support us!

Thanks to Colby and Larry Alvarado at ODI grips for their sponsorship this year!

-TBR

Wade Young Making Moves

2011-08-18T15:13:00.000-04:00

Wade has been shooting and editing footage for a long time. He puts out quality edits for Madera and Profile. With this and a solid job that he is in right now, he found time to put up a really tech video of his riding from over the years.There are some really amazing and well-known spots in this.

-B.B.S.

Mega Tour 10 Trailer.

2011-08-16T22:28:00.000-04:00

Brett Rolfing took some local cats on this excursion: Spencer Foresman, Jordan Pope, and soon to be local, Zack Gerber. Check it, prepare yourself for some serious shred, grab a copy!

Go to PropsBMX.tv for more videos.

-TBR