Monthly Archives: February 2013

Photo and Interview by George Marshall

“I’ve spent my life riding bikes and falling in love with them.” – Taj

THIS IS SO RAD! 

Taj is a big inspiration to me and all that he has accomplished in his pursuit to be a part of, and have input into rad bike/skate creations!  This photo sums up the Ride x Create Vibe perfectly!!!

Thank you Taj for all that you have and all that you will continue to create!  Mucho mas radery!!

Make sure to head over to Rapha for a full interview of Mr. Mihelich.  Promise you’ll dig it.

As mentioned Friday… I had something in mind for my next #WHATISONMYWOOD project.  What I originally had in mind I put on hold. Can’t wait to create it… maybe next weekend.

Then this inspiration hit me.  A solid combo of Ed Templeton meets Folly good time vibes!

The Outcome

Now… what to do with this next.  I’ve thought about painting it with other cool details… or just leave it natural with the simple detail of the black outlining…

I hope all of your weekends were filled with the Ride x Create vibe!  Feel free to #RidexCreate and @createfolly on your IG posts to let us know what radery you’ve been working on.  I love being inspired by you fine folks!  Cheers. 

Matt Blevins of Blevins Bicycle Co. invited me up to his shop for some brewskis and the request to take a few shots of the builds below for a little promo love.  It’s the first time anyone has requested me to shoot photos for a specific promotional purpose (knowing that all I have is my iphone).  I don’t promote myself as a photographer nor do I view myself as one, Matt was just being nice.

With that said, Argue for you limitations and soon they will be yours; my mind immediately started racing on how I was going to capture the idea of what Matt wanted.  

I got to the shop and Matt was finishing up this mega bad ass Parlee build with all the bells and whistles. He was talking with a few customer as I cracked open a beer.

After a few minutes in my own thoughts I came up with the idea to head outside.  I wanted to start with the Waterford being that the Parlee wasn’t complete yet.  I’d noticed there was some rusty metal shipping containers on the side of the shop that would be a cool background.

Matt has this small stand that I couldn’t find anywhere and I didn’t feel comfortable taking someone else’s fresh, expensive bike outside in the wind (it was a bit windy) without something to secure the machine. So, I started taking super shitty shots in the shop with the hopes one of them would turn out. The basics, ass, profile, front type stuff.  It was depressing.  At one point Brandon (the shop manager) asked if I needed a hug… “yes” as I open a fresh one.

Then… Matt shows me a simple shot he took of a frame with this white sheet as a backdrop!  BINGO, I knew I could do something with this.  For a good bit of the shots I throw up on IG (@createfolly) I detail the shot with Snapseed first.  Although this backdrop is just a simple sheet, I knew it had enough contrast to the bike to enhance the white and make it bright white; eliminating the imperfections.

I’m really pumped on how these turned out.  In no way would this pass for a pro shoot whatsoever, nor would I promote it as such… BUT, it is a cool first step into exploring the limitations of something as simple as an iphone for some cool shots.

Never sell yourself short. Never stop pushing your limits. Ride x Create

Stanridge Speed HSP

Stanridge Speed CX

I must say… Mr. Eldridge is one hell of a hard worker. On top of his hard work and GREAT creative American made bicicleta’s… he’s a nice fella.

Feel free to follow Stanridge Speed Cycles on IG (@stanridgecycles) for a close look at Adam’s creative process and the attention to detail he gives each and every one of his rad cycling machines!

Photo from Yonder Journal IG (@yonderjournal)

“Help spread the word about Yonder Journal. Tag your best photos of outdoor adventures, the frontier spirit, or general corn dogging with #goyonder and @yonderjournal. We’ll chose the best 5 photos and send you a Brovet book for free.  Maybe a sticker too. You have one week. Go!” – Yonder Journal

DO IT

Photo from The 5th Floor’s IG (@the5thfloor)

Mondo gnar patchery

“Patches going on the web store this weekend.”

Dustin Klein is one nice dude.  He was kind enough to send one of his rad pieces of art our way.  Very inspiring to create something new. 

I’ve recently gotten the itch to start drawing more.  I’m (Matt) not the best at drawing, but who is the best when they first attempt new creative processes.

This also doubles as a mondo iPhone wallpaper

If you follow DKlein and all of the different creative ventures he pursues, then you know that they seem to be endless.  It’s a huge motivation!  I tend to shy away from things I’m not good at.  It’s intimidating and I develop and internal fear of failing myself… dumb.

I encourage you fine Folly folks to push your limits this weekend.  Find that creative desire you’ve been putting off because you’re afraid you’ll suck at it!  You most likely won’t be the best… but that’s the point. You will definitely not get any better if you don’t pick it up to begin with. 

I think I may work on another #WHATISONMYWOOD project.  Already have something in mind.

Element. Takes the cake every time.

Really looking forward to checking this out this year! 

Photo taken from All-City Cycles

Jeff posted an All-City Blog post on their reasoning for not adding names on their frames. I must say, I give this a big high five!

“Who gives a shit if Billy-down-the-street can see that it’s the “nobjobber” model from Generic Bicycle corp.”

Check out more over at All-City… promise you’ll dig it. Cheers