By Michael van Vliet | June 30, 2011
the Stream from Antony Crook on Vimeo.
With the fourth edition of “The Rig Out” currently at the press, the Oi Polloi team has released this short film from their photo shoot in North Africa. Director, Antony Crook. Styled x Glenn Kitson. Art Director, Andy Bird.
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emailBy Michael van Vliet | June 24, 2011
During the 2007 Writers Strike, Jack Olsen found himself with a bit of time on his hands and he set himself to getting his garage in order. What started as routine decluttering, gradually matured into a complete overhaul. He gave himself a $500 budget and set about creating a retro automotive workshop, a DIYer’s dream. He named it the “12-Gauge Garage” because of the 12-gauge metal cabinets he got from Strong Hold. Much of the material he salvaged, repurposed, or bought from Ikea, however since first starting the project, he’s gone a bit over his initial budget. Floor jacks aren’t cheap!
Check out the full story, and ton more pictures at The Garage Journal
By Michael van Vliet | June 22, 2011
[Photos via nehmzow]
There are few experiences as other-worldly as rocketing through a cumulonimbus cloudscape on a passenger jet. Towering canyons of condensed moisture loom up on either side. The clouds wisp and whirl like a slow churning sea and before long you’re transported to some far away world. But then you catch a glimpse of the ground below and remember that it’s all make believe.
See the full collection, plus tons of other awe-inspiriting photographs at www.nehmzow.de
By Michael van Vliet | June 21, 2011
Last weekend The Awesome Foundation, a non-profit devoted to “forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe”, filled a $1000 grant to hang swings all around Los Angeles. The goal is to bring the greatest feeling of joy to the most people for the least amount of money. And judging for this video, it certainly looks like they achieved just that.
After the swings’ success in Los Angeles, the group Swing Setters is looking bring the project to developing nations all over the world. The next location is Bolivia and they’ve started a Kickstarter to get things off the ground.
By Michael van Vliet | June 17, 2011
Chris Burkard – Photographer from LONELYLEAP on Vimeo.
[Via Lonely Leap]
At age 19 Chris Burkard began his professional career in photography. 5 years in, he has garnered international acclaim for his unique perspective on the surf world. Chris is a staff photographer for Surfer Magazine and lives on the central coast of California with his wife. Lonelyleap sought to capture a glimpse of the inspiration that drives his work.
By Michael van Vliet | June 16, 2011
[Pictures via Unreal Hawaii]
The Haiku Stairs were built in 1943 as a way to access an ultra low-frequency naval radio antenna that was being built above the Haʻikū Valley. Originally made out of wooden ladders spiked into the hillside, the stairs were later replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. In 1987 the Navel station closed and with it went public access to the stairs. Even after spending $875,000 to restore them in 2003, the City Council still prevents public access due to liability concerns. However, this has done little to prevent intrepid hikers from making the climb. Apparently if you get to the trail head before the security guard shows up at 7am, you’re in the clear.
By Michael van Vliet | June 13, 2011
High Line Park in NYC opens second section between West 20th and 30th. Built on an abandoned freight rail line, the public park is a ribbon of green elevated 30 feet above the city streets, giving visitors a unique way to experience the urban cityscape. http://www.thehighline.org/
By Michael van Vliet | June 10, 2011
The long road home.
We had now reached the final day of our four day journey. Day One was a blast, Day Two broke us in, and Day Three really put us to the test. It was now time to mount up for the last time and speed back out over the desert, back to the real world. But before we did we were going to have a little fun first.
The first stop was to an abandoned gold mining settlement just up the path from Base Camp Alpha. The settlement was founded in the early 1900′s and was active up until the mid 1950′s when it was suddenly abandoned. Remarkably, much of the town has been left completely untouched. Books still on the desks in the school house, glasses still on the bar in the saloon. It was like walking into a time-capsule.
We then continued out to The Pinnacles, massive rock formations jutting up from the featureless desert floor. There we got our first chance to ride on rock. Which is a lot like riding on pavement, just a lot more ruts and grooves to avoid. Sort of like driving in LA.
We stopped for lunch at a nearby general store. The sun-drenched desert outpost is apparently a hot spot for bikers and RVs, and has full bar and concert stage setup in the back.
From there we hit the pavement and headed up to the twisty canyon roads that snake their way through the mountains outside Bakersfield. For some of us this was the first time banking the bikes on a hard turn. There was something very freeing about getting the bikes up to speed and banging out some corners. And despite their size the 1200GS performed spectacularly.
From there we had to take the I-5 back to the ranch, which turned out to be the most terrifying part of the the trip. After spending 4 days hauling around the wilderness, we suddenly found ourselves surrounded by cars, mini-vans, and semis. And what are these markings on the road? Lines? It took us all a moment to readjust to the rules of motorway travel, but it still was quite a challenge keeping all 18 of us together.
As we turned our bikes up the long winding driveway that leads to the ranch, we finally realized the journey was at an end. We rode passed the figure-8 circles, ribbon course, and sand pits that had caused us so much grief just days ago. But we had come so far in terms of skill and confidence that those times seemed like long distant memories. We dismounted our bikes and packed up our gear. We said goodbye to the crew and exchanged contact information with our fellow riders. And as we drove our cars back down that long twisting driveway we were all thinking, “You know, I really wish I was on a motorcycle right now”.
By Michael van Vliet | June 9, 2011
The Trekol is Russia’s ultimate all-terrain vehicle and is designed to access some of the most remote regions of Siberia. Using a patented low-pressure tubeless tire, the Trekol is completely amphibious and can travel up to 10 mph over water. The unique semi-inflated tires also gives it superb traction over rough and muddy terrain. It’s even been test against polar bears!
