Gus Molina - Jumped In

Happy New Year - Gus Circa January 2012 - DB

Please help me welcome Gus Molina to the CSK California Division. Though he has been down with us for quite some time, I wanted to take a moment to recognize and share a few things about him. Needless to say, this is long overdue (I've actually been leading him on for an interview for well over half a year. Can't say I'm not glad to have seen it through). Gus is a pioneer and has led the charge both in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes for a good few years. We've crossed paths on many occasions and i've enjoyed each unique interaction. His outgoing character and personality stood out to me immediately. Gus shreds a bike and life. He is an asset to this team and we are so stoked to have his support.

Almost all pictures used in this post are thanks to the one and only Dave Beard. Others were supplied via Gus.

Fence Smash - Somewhere in California - Late 2012 - DB

CSK: Please introduce yourself, give us any kind of relevant information we might need to know about you before we get personal.

Gus: My birth name is Gustavo Edward Molina , but you all have to call me dragon. All you need to know is I love my dog roman shout out to that doo doo head.

Roman

*Here are 3 more things that you may not know about Gus.

  - Gus' first language wasn't English. In fact, he didn't learn it until he was about two and a half.

  - Gus didn't learn how to swim until he was 17.

  - Gus is deathly afraid of clowns. All types of them.

What would you say are the top 3 perks of living and riding in southern California?

Living wise:
Disneyland
The beach and last but most certainly not least Mexican food.

Riding wise:
It's sunny about 85% of the year we have a lot of street spots and good ditches California is not all skateparks like some people may think haha

What spot are you currently riding the most? What’s the set up like?

Lately I've been riding these jersey barriers I've been fucking around on a lot for some part I got in the works haha

You seem to go out on a lot of missions and seek out some crazy set ups. What kinds of tools do you bring along on the expeditions?

Um tools? My bike is the only tool yeah need haha

I don't ever really modify a spot to often to ride it haha

Expedition - Full Pipe - Late 2012 - DB

Gus can wrestle his bike. Clip from the Wrahw Dad himself outside of Milwaukee.

Who’s Dave Beard and how come he takes so many pictures of you?

Dave beard is my boy. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have gotten any sort of exposure I owe a lot of it too him. And he takes pictures because he good at it haha check his site www.davebeard.com

I know you are an artistic fellow. You designed Congo’s HF straps, a shirt for TTV and used to make zines a while back. Did you go to school for art or just something you’ve picked up?

Yeah I went to art school for graphic design for two years got way to expensive so I dropped out hahaha but no I got a job a design firm so I'm doing ok. I've always liked art since I was a kid I just like creating things haha

Congoloid Hold Fast Straps - Photo Credit Hold Fast

What’s a typical day in the life like for you? Work day and non-work day.

Work day:
Roll outta bed with just enough time to get dressed leave for work get back home around five hang out maybe ride if anyone's down haha

Days off
Hanging out hardcore doing whatever riding Disneyland the beach any kind of adventure I can get into for the day. I normally try and take full advantage of my day

What’s your favorite part on your bike right now?

I'm currently really digging my unknown wheelset shout out to vinnie for that !

Current Set Up - Insane Seat

My favorite part on your bike right now is your seat. I have a slight obsession with them. What did you use to cover your new signature Wrahw seat? And when is the how-to video dropping?

Thanks man! I snaked one of my dads old jackets I think it's like ostrich skin or some shit haha I would love to do a how to as soon as I lock in the process myself hahaha

So. What’s the deal with Disney? Did you drink the kool aid or is it really that much of an awesome place? I’ve never been so maybe I just don’t know what I’m missing out on.

Hahaha I drank the pineapple whip. It's just a really fun place I just got lost in all the whimsical -ness there hahaha

Gus did the Wolfdrawn back in March 2011 while modeling his signature nosepick shirt - DB

This Gus' Welcome to Cultur edit released back in December of 2010. Love the line at the 1:44 mark, bar up a curb to nollie double peg. Fedora made the clip though.

To you, what does CSK represent?

A brotherhood like a sons of anarchy of fixed gears haha but seriously grassroots type shit that I love being a part of.

Do you have any questions for me?

What do you do for a living? I notice you're always in long beach for random burst at a time so I'm just being nosey haha

I used to be in the beverage industry but now I'm baking. Long Beach is a quick one and a half hour flight and and a guaranteed 15 degrees warmer than Seattle on any given day. Plus, there is a really great spot with comfy couches to sleep on and some cool dudes to hang out with as well.

180 Tree Bonk - Old - DB

I Can't Stand the Rain

Here are a few clips we've gathered in our favorite winter hiding den that you all know as P6. The layout and assortment of materials and resources has led to some fun experiments and antics. Moveable parking blocks, dollies, and ice melt. I love how Chris and tyler disregard the standard and have dropped their signature stamps all over this spot and edit. Needless to say, they own it. Excited to welcome Kyle in to the mix as well. Enjoy.

CSK-I Cant Stand The Rain from chris clappe on Vimeo.

Always fun to see how far we've come. The edit below is from 2 years ago. Same spot, same dudes, whole different outlook.

Winter training from chris clappe on Vimeo.

Dinh

Photo by Matt Lingo

Jackson quickie

You can take the rider out of Seattle but you can't take the Seattle out of the rider. Jackson with a wicked spill and absurd set up. Pulling tricks for FOAD, ZLOG, and our socks.
Miss ya bud.



Caught via our California correspondent TTV

BALHOGS in Richmond, VA

Sam and Colin went down to Richmond for a day trip to visit the RATPACK and cruise the streets. Always excited to catch a few gems from these dudes. Never a dull moment. I'm loving the Colin's break action and Sam's beastly 29er style.

1Day in RVA RATPACK and BALHOGS from Lucas Bockelmann on Vimeo.

Make sure to swoop in on a BALHOGS Humble Sticker Bundle (or two) as well. 

Tre and his USA Cycling Mechanic License - Leveraging Life Long Learning Opportunities

Tre (far right) mean mugging and beanie wearing

A few weeks ago I visited Tre at the shop and he shared some exciting news. He was packing up and headed out to Colorado Springs to embark on an intensive 5 day clinic to receive his USA Cycling Mechanic's License. As one of a select 60 people, Tre spent the week in both lectures and workshops covering a range of topics including bicycle material construction and design, race support techniques, as well as career and program development. The group took a field trip and toured the 7-Eleven U.S. Olympic Training Center Velodrome which Tre was quite excited about. 

Tre has already invested quite a few years in to his maintenance career and is an exemplary model for what Life Long Learning is all about.

He's makes it a priority and it is evident through both his passion and actions for pursuing and leveraging opportunities and experiences to enhance his skill set.

I've told him before that I would only let the best mechanic press in my bottom brackets but I didn't think he would really go through all this trouble.

Congratulations Tre, this is definitely an achievement worth celebrating.


Take a peak HERE for and article about the program

JD interview in SOFB 11

Our very own Jonathan Davis has a solid interview and two gnarly photos in the newest issue of Stoked On Fixed Bikes. Check out pages 13-15 for the goodies and the rest of the zine as well.

Thanks for the shout out homie and congrats!

Open publication - Free publishing

Antonyo Ice and Krew Sock Absorption

Antonyo demonstrating the substantial impact absorption capabilities of the Krew Socks with the insane  barbed wire ice stall. Footage via Omar.

Antonyo Wothe - Quick Clip from Omar Sebai on Vimeo.

JD on socks, rails, and tights

So when JD tells me to check my email today, I took a peak and found these two gems. Looks as though his new SE Showtime is treating him well...

Happy Halloween.

Beanies

They are up on the store (HERE) if you want one.

Wolfdrawn KVLT KLIPS XIV

Matt put it down eloquently and simply. 

It has a been awhile and some of this is old footage but who cares really. No kinked rails, no bar spinning 15 stairs, still we are having more fun :]

Some Chicago and Milwaukee clips in the mix along with the Long Beach escapades. Whole lotta family in this lost and almost forgotten footage. I haven't worn shorts since that trip.

FF Power Hour 10

Wow. So much family in this I can't even get out more than a wow. See you sooner than later I hope. Torey wins style points for the SAG Life hoodie but whoever drank that make your own milkshake is the real winner in this edit, I think.

ff power hour 10 from antonyoxxx on Vimeo.

Corey for All City by Wolfdrawn

Corey went all in for this one. Think he's been back on the bike for a few days and easing back in to things. Real excited to see what else is to come since he's had a good long time to brew and stew on new stuff. Matt edited this together seamlessly. Love the Chicago footage and the 13 stair flat hubba pedal feeble flat? Yep.

All City: Corey San Agustin from Matthew Spencer on Vimeo.

Tyler, All White, All Wall

Capitalized on a break in the rain and got out with Chris and Tyler this past weekend. Tyler's been going on and on about this wall to wall transfer. Looking forward to sharing what else he pulled.

Tyler's game face

Chris on that white balance tip

Perspective

Lucas for Mishka DART Taiwan

Spotted this little edit Lucas put together for Mishka DART Taiwan. He supports the Mishka distribution over there and from what I hear, is incredibly busy. Always stoked to see some clips from him, especially the unexpected wheelie bar line. He's currently riding my rig's sister frame. Both were made as samples and produced with a hand sanding finish. Thanks to Lockedcog for the spot on this one.

MISHKA D.A.R.T. TAIWAN Video Contest (taiwan only) from SDG LUCAS on Vimeo.

Congo now on SE and still a stud (no duh)

Stoked for my man Congo and his new adventures with SE Bikes. He sent over a few of the rig and and a cute model pic as well.

Already smashing on it and still holding down a little shout out to the Krew. Safety First.

Justin x CONGO x Mitchell from Dave Jaranilla on Vimeo.

JD, Tuck No at Garfield

Jonathan Davis, Tuck No Hander, Garfield 8 Stair, Photo by Chris Case

Sean Coats' Hold Fast Subverter26 Up Close and Personal

Sean sent over a few sneaky photos of his newly built up Subverter26 Hold Fast frame.

Rumor has it that he's stacked a mean grip of clips from his recent adventures on the East Coast with Torey, Sam, Colin, and Tom. Pretty excited to see how he handles the new bike and those mean New York streets.

Frame: Hold Fast Subverter
Fork: NS RNS2
Bars: Fucked Up Prototypes
Grips: Edwins
Stem: Demolition
Sprocket: Unknown
Cranks: Resist
Pedals: Eastern
Straps: Hold Fast
Front Wheel: Alienation Black Sheep to Spike
Rear Wheel: H+Son Todestreib to a Sadio
Front Tire: Intense
Rear Tire: Resist

When People Stop Being Polite, And Start Getting Real

CSK-When People Stop Being Polite And Start Getting Real. from chris clappe on Vimeo.

I am thrilled to share with you the results of a summer long endeavor that we've titled When People Stop Being Polite, And Start Getting Real. This video embodies all that the CSK Northwest Division stands for. Maintaining courage, being open to change, and leveraging life long learning opportunities.

Also, if you haven't yet, take a look at some of the other clips that did not make the final cut.

CSK Leftovers from chris clappe on Vimeo.

Unknown in Korea

Vinnie, Antonyo and Elliott went out to Korea for a bit on an adventure (remember, that falls in line with the whole 'clean your input' strategy...). Quite a few clips of their travels in this one. Patiently awaiting an edit with their own footage as well. CSK all up in that mix too.

WE RIDE SEOUL CITY Part.3 from Kim KwangHyun on Vimeo.

Kris Sundet for CSK California Division x Disney

Kris and the rest of the California Division Posse

Too Good To Pass Up

Tyler doing his thing, as Chris put it "too good to pass up"

Thoughts On Filming

Chris dropped this picture from the other day up at TT. I've had a similar conversation with at least 5 people and recognized that it was time to share my experience and recent thoughts. Actually trying to film is intense. My hands get sweatier behind the lens than when I'm actually trying to get a line. So much pressure behind making sure that the angle is right, you don't chop their head off, and that you end at just the right spot. Throwing in the skateboarding aspect and fisheye lens complicates this 10 times over. Not only am I stressed about capturing the trick but also not hitting a crack and smashing the camera. The new gear has definitely opened up a world of opportunities that previously seemed untouchable. Definitely excited about the new opportunities and what's just around the corner for CSK and the family projects.

When people stop being polite and start getting real, CSK NW Division

Chris posted these screen shots up on ZLOGBLOG for the new Northwest Division project and shared these words:

Heres a couple screen grabs from the CSK video that we’ve been working on for the past few months. Tylers got a bmx/fixed part thats done and Jruff and myself are getting close to finishing our parts. Hopefully wrapping it all up within the next few weeks.

Tyler

Chris

Jacob

Tony K: Machete Quick Clip

Tony throws some serious heat in this quick clip for Machete and the CSK family. Stoked. Glad to see you got the shirt too!

Dave Beard, March 2012, Long Beach, California

Dave posted these few photos from a Long Beach adventure back in March on his site: here. If he just posted these from 6 months ago, I wonder what kinds of crazy stuff he's got from the summer!

SKYLMT Crotches

Tyler Thizz Face

Congo double peg 

Tickle monster

Joe McKeag in August

Another solid edit from Joe. He showed this to me when I was down in Long Beach last week. Pretty jazzed on the double bar and taboggan bar as well as the oppo 3's and trucks.

An August of Joe McKeag from MoN on Vimeo.

Krew Shirts Available Now

We have a few Krew Shirts up in the store. Take a peak here. Stickers included with every purchase.

Can you tell how excited Kris and Corey are?

Far East Division Group Photo

Well, Taipei and Taichung are fully equipped. Cogwei sent over this shot of the handsome BB17 boys with their new gear.

From right to left: Ken, Wonder, Lucas, Cogwei, Teddy Boy

Fixed Factory 1 Year Anniversary Power Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza with the CSK California Division

Fixed Factory 1 Year Anniversary Power Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza with the CSK California Division from CSK on Vimeo.

I went down to Long Beach to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the Fixie Factory and Matt Spencer's jersey retirement from the house over Labor Day weekend. I was able to ride with most of the group and here is a small collection of what occurred. Included in the clips are Matt Spencer, Mike Dinh, Antonyo Wothe, Joe McKeag, Elliott Milner, Calvin Gunt, Corey San Agustin (making his debut after suffering from a broken foot). Additional support provided by Vincent Shim (rides to and from the airport and my new from wheel), Justin Congo Mitchell (for waking me up every morning with his smile), Kris Sundet for being an outstanding host and model CSK ambassador, and Kim for keeping a clean house.

Enjoy and see you sooner than later California. Thanks for the hospitality and great weekend.

Don't drop that thun thun thun.

Barspins

Can't help but see a bit of myself in this video. Well. Actually a lot of myself. "I just never get comfortable with them." But what are friends for? They are there to push you to excel and hold you accountable for your actions. A bit delinquent on a promise to my NW Division cohorts. Perhaps this weekend will be the one...haha.

Wolfdrawn: Summer is Dead

Apparently summer is over. Here are some of the remaining clips Matt had on file. Just shy of the entire California Division in this mix along with a few cameos from Tyler and yours truly. A day late is better than never, sorry for the delay.

Summer Left Overs from Matthew Spencer on Vimeo.

Killian Martin: Altered Route

And the debate goes on and on. Spots and spot interaction, filming, and tricks. My dad sent over this video of Kilian Martin shredding the abandoned water park. Can't decide if I'm more stoked on the filming and mood of the edit, the environment, or the tricks. All seem to interact and evoke a very direct and succinct tone. The sound track seems to tie it all together as well. Definitely some things to learn from this one. Thanks for sharing.

This immediately reminded me of Lingo's photo of Gus catching a quick ice pick out of the river float when they were traveling out with the SE team. The picture sends a similar message of desolation and emptiness.

Congo x Joe x MLK Park

Joe and Congo crushing the MLK park, captured by Ramon. Need I say more?

METHOD MAN (original cut)

Undeniable truth.

Technical: Sock Folding

"So guys, if you want to impress the girls, that's the way to fold your socks. Stand them up, color code them, and they'll love you forever."

Matt Spencer Barspin

First thing I did to start my day was check TTv and watch this video of Matt doing a barspin. It's how I'm going to end my day as well. Too good not to repost.

Machete: Far East Division

K Birdie, Chu, and Mo put together this edit for Machete Bikes and CSK. Really stoked for the support and to see some of their riding spots. Can only begin to imagine the landscape in Hong Kong. Keep these videos coming guys!

Machete Present: Click Click Careful Chill Ass Edit from K Birdie on Vimeo.

Jonathan Davis for SE: What the Fuck?

So JD has been writing back and forth with me for what seems like week's that he's got an edit in the works for SE and co and well, what the fuck? Dude goes hard and charges everything. As I mentioned in his Jumped In Interview, it's got to be something in that wrist brace, or maybe it his small feet in those CSK socks, I guess we'll never know...

Regardless, coming home to this video made my day. Thanks.

Jonathan Davis Welcome To SE from patrick taber on Vimeo.

Tony K: Tuck No No

Tony with a big tuck no no captured by Calvin Gunt

Jumped In: Kareem Shehab

I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome you to the most recent Northwest Division transplant: Kareem Shehab.

We decided to take a different approach for his Jumped In interview for the following reasons. Through his Death Pedal video series (DP4 dropping soon!), work with Leader Bikes, and WRAHW FAM antics, he has established quite a name for himself within the global fixed gear community. For those of you lucky enough to know Kareem however, you know that there is so much more to him beyond his fame and glamour. I chose to document an afternoon adventure with him to expose some of the minute details and nuances that would have been easily missed and overlooked through a written interview.

Though we have known him for some years, Kareem's recent move to Seattle has allowed us to really dig in and understand what he is all about. Each encounter with him seems to somehow top the previous. His enthusiasm and devoted energy towards bikes, ping pong, his career, and most everything else he takes on is inspiring. Half assed is not a term in his vocabulary.

Last Sunday we set out in a search for a flat rail in a neighborhood just north of Seattle. But this video is not about the rail. This video is about the little things, the comfortably uncomfortable in betweens.

We are thrilled to have Kareem with us and hope that you enjoy the next 10 minutes with him.

Kareem Shehab - comfortably uncomfortable from CSK on Vimeo.

KVLT KLIPS XIII

Wolfdrawn dropped installment 13 of the KVLT KLIPS. Really? How has it already been that many. SO MANY California Division heads in this one. Spencer, Congo, Dinh, Wothe, Coats, and Pissy. All going hard and repping just the same. See you guys soon?

K Birdie: Exclusive Bike Check

I received a treat email yesterday from my main Hong Kong man, Mr, K Birdie. Included was a little sneak peak of his current setup including some limited GREEN POWER Machete 4 piece bars, proto Machete 10t driver hub, and an all around bangin' BB17 Serpent 29er build. Check below for the full part list from the CAVS CREW master. 

Follow his activities here: MACHETE

Sup mang,

   Just shot some photo of my recent setup as we discussed before. With the green power Machete Slayer bar~haha
Check it out yo~ Exclusive for CSK~haha

Frame: BreakBrake17 Serpent 29er Frame

Fork: BreakBrake17 Cobra Fork V3

Headset: Primo headset

Stem: Primo Aneyerlator V2 Top Load

Handle Bar: Machete Slayer Bar *Green Power edition*

Grip: Cult Dak Grip

B.B.: Subrosa Bitchin' BB

Crank: Subrosa Bitchin' Crank 175mm

Sprocket: Spike 27T 4130 crmo sprocket

Pedal: Shadow ravanger pedal

Strap: YNOT

Chain: Shadow interlock v2 chain

Seatpost: Octane One Pivotal

Seat: Bone Deth Vibrator mid seat

Rims: H+SON Todestrieb 29" rim 36H

F. Hub: Madera

R. Hub: Machete Deaf 10T Micro Drive Hub prototype

F.Tyre: Schwalbe Big Apple 29 x 2.15

R.Tyre: Schwalbe Big Apple 29 x 2.0

Bb17 Serpent build

Machete limited Green Power 4-Piece Bars

Machete Deaf Microdrive Proto Hub

TTv Repost: Mike Dinh's Unknown v3

Too stoked on Mike's TTv bike check, had to repost.

Tyler at Fixed Fest Indonesia

CSK family goes world wide. Tyler has been out in Indonesia the past week. Here are some of the first video clips from the contest. Boosting a 3 and some gnarly truck spills. Some nice photos below from our man John Prolly.