I must apologize before this post as it really has this has nothing to do with anything I’m into. It’s just randomness that makes you go WTF?

Grass is always greener, where?

Hot damn!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

I wonder how many cars got dinged for this.

People do the most interesting things.

Lights, Slow shutter, action!

If you do something like this in LA, you might get shot.

And one of my favorites…printed media 4 ever.

We’ve been working with the Loop for a few seasons, however this is the first time they have asked me to come in and do this. They run a very successful web show called Karmaloop TV- Catch them at all the best gigs around the world - from Slate @ Magic to interviewing all the founders and artists of your favorite brands. If you know me, I’m typically lowkey and prefer being behind the lens versus in front of it. This time, I have no choice. (except blacking out my face here). If you want to see the real thing, click here.

Thanks to the Karmaloop production crew.

Jason (686 New England rep) lives in Maine. But like any good rep, he drives way too much. This is what it looks like when he sleeps only a few hours.

This is what his car looks like when he doesn’t clean the hair from his dogs.

For the last part of the day, I was excited to head to New Balance’s Lawrence factory. Check out Lawrence’s industrial powerhouse.

In today’s world, making anything in the States is a rare thing. Making footwear in the USA is non-existent. The exception is New Balance, where they take deep pride in US hand-crafted manufacturing. For over 30 years, Jim Davis (owner of NB) has firmly believed that the best quality workmanship, fit and function all originates in the states. I think it clearly tells it here.

And here

We had our own private tour of the manufacturing area. This nice lady is one of the supervisors of the plant (here for 20+ yrs) who gave us a full-fledged tour.

I’ve been to a lot of factories overseas in the 20 years of doing what I do. What I saw was something I’ve never, and I mean NEVER seen before. What it all came down to is the PROCESS of how they do things. It’s all about Efficiency and Safety with a CAPITAL “E” and “S.” I’m actually sworn to secrecy as they had me sign my life away. All I can give you is one shot of the general area (and unfortunately none of the rad things I witnessed)

Well, maybe just one more little thing. NB is into IDEAS.

They are into it so much that they award employees for coming up with better alternatives of doing things. The more stars the better.

One cool thing working with a company that firmly believes in function, fit and performance is that we have full access to their Testing and Research Labs for the NB686 boots. Again, sorry no pictures in here. You’re gonna have to believe me when I tell you that the snow industry has never been able to do some of things we did.

Just before the show starts-check it from the outside

To the inside

To the jacket side

To the DJ side

Maybe because I’ve been in the game for a long time, details of what people wear, buy and sell are all interesting to me. When I was growing up, my inexperience and lack of a certain level of confidence led me to try and find things to better define who I was. I think it’s a natural part of growing up and coming to age. However; it’s more disturbing to me when I see grown ass adults doing it (ie: EH). Today, my personal style is about what makes me happy and less what brand defines me. If you look at my closet, you’ll probably find more blank T’s with no logos or labels than anything else. In my opinion, I would hope that the person brings the style, not the clothing. Crazy enough, running my brand, we try and tell a story more for a purpose, rather than for something that defines you.

Here’s some satirical examples of Brand Whores by the Cool Hunter

When I was growing up, it took a lot to buy a lift ticket. Although prices were a hell of a lot less, I came to the realization that riding at the hill cost much more than skating down the street. So I decided to actually work at the mountain doing whatever, whenever just to get a pass. Today, we’ve been blessed by resorts across the globe that “get us in,” just cuz. Two resorts (besides Bear) that will always have a big part of me growing up is Mountain High in Wrightwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe in Southlake. Big ups to Chuck/John at MH and J. Rice at S@T for always showing love.

When people ask me what city would I live in besides LA, two places always come to mind - Seattle and Vancouver. Why? A few things: Seasons, City + Mountains, Great food joints, Good vibes and Cool people. The good folks at Endeavor and Airhole in Van, are just that - cool heads that do their thing while having a fun time at it. One more reason to get on the hill now!

Max, Serfas and Dow run-it . Support the ones that support you.

Speaking about having fun. Airhole does it well - ninja style.

The inspiration is a mix of “out of this world” thinking into 3-Ply laminated lightweight shell technology. We used the color palette of Neon Gas Orange with the contrasting hues of Turquoise star specs to make a statement. The collection consists of the 580 NB686 boot, a 580 trail sneaker, a 3-Ply laser welded seam sealed jacket, and the world’s first seamless 3-Ply New Era hat (check out the sonic welded logos and faux button holes) All this was hard cased in a matching color wooden and acrylic box. It was probably our most labor intensive and expensive project to date. Nonetheless it came our insane. Check it.

Last week we did the East coast launch at CONCEPTS in Cambridge, MA (big ups to Frank the Butcher, Tarek, Sponji and the rest of the family). This Thursday the 12th, we bring it to back to my LA hood at BLENDS If you’re around, come say what’s up.

Sunday, November 15 at 9am at Sangria in Hermosa Beach. Come one, come all - Fixed, Road, Cruisers, Big wheels, whatever.

www.pedaltopodium.com

Add some color with the Forecast bubble jacket

Layering is key when it comes to riding. The Solstice sweater makes it happen.

Our glove collection runs deep. Check out the Silence leather glove.

If you were to ask someone two products we’re known for - The Smarty would be one and the Toolbelt would be the other. Over the 14 years this belt has been out, we’ve probably received hundreds of letters telling crazy stories of how this belt saved their lives. Here’s the original in Black.

If you didn’t know how it works-now you know.

Things to keep your noggin warm. The Weave knit

And the Linear knit

The New Era Block

Represent-The Rejoice Short Sleeve

The Roman

The Heli - I took this pict on the Interior BC trip we did last season.