The Climb

South Florida's highest bridge is the William Powell which connects Miami to Key Biscayne via the Rickenbacker Causeway. It stretches over a mile long, reaches 75 feet high and is one hell of a climb on a bicycle, let alone on a fixed gear. I've done it countless times and it always puts you in your place with it's furious never-ending ascend to the sky. The key is to not look up and just keep pushing. Take a look below at my boy Luke leading the way during a beautiful Miami eve this past week.

Archival Thursdays: DJ Food - Jazz Brakes vol.4 (1993)

DJ Food is the alias of several people, not just one single person as it's commonly assumed. The core members consist of Strictly Kev, Matt Black and Jonathan Moore (aka Coldcut), all products of the legendary UK based Ninja Tune label, but there are a few other collaborators from time to time as well. They've been known to produce bottom heavy beats within many genres and are experts in mixing records and creating seamless mix-sets on the fly. These are professional beat conductors and true turntablists at heart. 'Jazz Brakes vol.4' was one of the earlier records and is chock full of blunted out beats and smooth samples with elements of hip-hop scattered throughout. Be sure to check out my personal favorites "Sunvibes" and "Living beats" as well as the rest of the LP which will surely gain your seal of approval.

I bought this release about 7 years ago on eBay from some dude in France. Also, be sure to check out some great DJ Food mix-sets available for download here.

Chasing Legends

The Tour de France is the one of the most brutal, punishing events in sports history and the oldest race to date, going back to 1903. These guys endure 120+ miles a day for three weeks non-stop along the beautiful roads and mountains of Northern Europe. This years Tour de France was seriously entertaining and I still believe that it was Andy Schleck's race until his chain popped and Alberto Contador attacked relentlessly on the poor man. There were controversies, wrecks, fights, horrible weather at times, and the craziest of spectators almost killing the riders by getting in the path of the race, making it a grand spectacle.

Gripped Films just recently released a dvd titled Chasing Legends, an in-depth look into the cyclists and people of the Tour de France. It covers all aspects of the legendary race as well as professional cycling as we know it. It features masters such as Eddy Merckx, Mark Cavendish, Lance Armstrong, Phil Ligett and many more. For more info and trailers hit up the official website here. Check out the main trailer below.

Essential 'Lazy Sunday' Listening

I've always been a fan of good ole' American rock. I grew up listening to legends like Bruce Springsteen, John Cougar Mellencamp, Brian Adams, etc. That being said, the new Tom Petty album, 'Mojo', kicks some pretty solid ass! It was released last month and is their first in eight years. Check out this wonderfully produced track off 'Mojo' titled "The trip to pirates cove", which I find fits perfect with my coffee on a lazy Sunday morning. Turn it up!


Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - The Trip to Pirate’s Cove found on Rock

Fast Forward Miami

Last month DVS Shoes & Cadence joined forces to produce a series of alleycat races throughout the globe. They traveled to 12 cities to pick 12 riders for a final race back in San Francisco. Cyclists from Tokyo, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Auckland, Paris, Miami and a few other cities competed for that first place spot to secure their trip to the final race in San Fran.

Here in Miami the race was pretty close and was definitely lots of fun. The race ended with Claudio in first place, my brother from the 'leah, Ivancito, in second place, and my other good homie Alex following in third. Unfortunately, Claudio can't make the trip to the final race due to other commitments so they are giving Ivan an opportunity to represent the MIA. Who else? Ivan is fast as shit! Sooner or later, I've been told that a fundraiser type bicycle swap meet might go down to hook up our brethren with a little cash for his trip to the west coast. Check out this wonderful video by Richard Quintero for the Miami event below. It features great shots of my favorite route, the Venetian, and also contains footage of the after party at Black Bar here in the design district. Extra special thanks to Keirin for putting together such a great event.

DVS - Fast Forward from Richard Quintero on Vimeo.

Archival Thursdays: Bochum Welt - Module 2 (1996)

This Archival Thursday is long overdue as Bochum Welt is such a talented producer and one of my favorites from the electro genre. 'Module 2', released on Aphex Twin's timeless Rephlex label back during the great musical year of 1996, is a steady blend of ambient-techno and atmospheric-electro. Tracks such as "Radiopropulsive" and "That's mutuality" simply soothe in every way. Lush electronics with subtle 80's analog tones make this one of Bochum Welt's most sought after release, and a landmark album for the Rephlex label.

I purchased this beauty of a copy from a small store, which closed a few months after opening on South Beach called 'Osiel'.

Cinelli Mash Histogram

Two months back during the Tour Of California, Mash held an exhibition at Project Space in L.A. The installations were photo's of last years Tour Of California which the Mash crew participated in. To commemorate this, Cinelli, along with the Mash boys, produced the Cinelli Mash Histogram frame-set to go along with the installations. There are only three of these beauties in existence, which are exactly the same in colorway, just different sizes. According to Mash, "the finished product is produced with a 2010 Columbus/Cinelli/MASH frame-set, with powder coat, matte clear coat, fine die-cuts." It's truly a beautiful piece, I wouldn't even want to ride it! Check out some photos and recap of the exhibit here.



Just the other day this highly coveted, limited frame-set popped up on eBay, fully built up and complete with a starting bid of $2,500 and a 'Buy it now' price of $4,000. It's a size 55cm and comes strapped with some pretty decent parts, though I would definitely modify a few. There are no bids yet, shit I wish I had money to just throw around, but it can be yours by clicking here! Go ahead, live dangerously! Below are some photos of the Cinelli Mash Histogram that is up for auction.

Os Gemeos x Futura NYC

The great art twins 'Os Gemeos' and the legendary 'Futura 2000' are in the midst of their "giant project" over in the big apple. I've always been a huge fan of both of the artists and all their masterful pieces they've created. If you happen to be anywhere near w.21st street in Manhattan anytime soon, check it out! Below are some recent shots of the progress.




The actual address is:
320 West 21 street

Twelve Ounce Prophet

Twelve Ounce Prophet will always be known for their high quality publications they produced in the 1990's into early 2000. I remember saying "holy shiiit" the first time I flipped through the pages. See, during those times they were the benchmark of all graff magazines and one could tell by the layout and design that there was a great amount of time and attention to detail laid out right in front of you. Well known artists such as Cody Hudson, Barry Mcgee and Cope were contributing their skills and flair as well as many well known others. Their connections in the art world were becoming more and more legit and then all of a sudden, they stopped the press and discontinued their wonderful creation and started doing mail-order, selling all types of graff supplies, accessories, clothes and videos. They also launched their website www.12ozprophet.com which is the hub for anything graff related on the internet, with their forums and blogs.

These days Allen Benedikt, creator of 12oz, runs AKA Studios in downtown NYC which is primarily used for photo shoots and events. 12oz also just launched their new webstore this week which has been closed for a few months, maybe even years. He's also been releasing a few graff related books, but unfortunately no more of that sweet, colorful publication that everybody knew and loved. Long live the Prophet!

Archival Thursdays: Murder City Devils - Thelema (2001)

One of the very few punk records that I own is 'Thelema' by the Murder City Devils, which I happen to be very proud of. Released a few years after 'Empty Bottles Broken Hearts', it shows the bands progression as it seems to outdo all of their previous releases as far as production goes. 'Thelema' is a solid listen all throughout. Tracks like "Midnight service at the Mutter Museum" about the famous skull museum in Philly, are seriously enlightening. Also, another one of my favorites from this release is "Bride of the elephant man" which always ends too soon.

The version shown here is the gray marble vinyl version. After searching every record bin from Miami to New York to no avail, I decided to buy this release on eBay last winter.