20negative.com/salt

A Case for the defence

2009-12-14T07:31:51-07:00

It seems there's a few similarities between these publications.

1. They're both free
2. I don't like the front cover font on either
3. Some of the writings awful.

When I first picked up my copy of Case and saw that the editorial was center justified, I've gotta admit I was worried, but in general I liked the rest of the layout. Some good use of negative whitespace, and some pretty on point pics.

So you're wondering what "Twist" is, that's the first issue of a 'zine I did when I was 15 (1986 if you're counting) Why did I have a skater on the front? Fucked if I know, probably R.A.D. inspired, it does have some very bad reproductions of some of my first ever SLR BMX shots and some terrible writing, though at that age I still reckon I knew the difference between comprehend and apprehend. You can download the whole 5 pages here.

All respect to Netley for getting off his arse to challenge the Ride/Dig duopoly, let's hope he makes it to Issue 2, Twist never did.

One False Move

2009-10-17T14:19:03-07:00

I guess this is Greg's excuse for not writing on here, because I'm pretty sure he's still as salty as ever. He always talks about filming cameras and stuff, but we never get to see much output. This is apparently about to change as he's been filming full time for the last 5 months and hospitalized only 2 people so far, so I asked him a few questions.

There's a trailer at the bottom if you can't be arsed to read all this.

Name, age and residency?

Greg Short, twenty seven, residing Bromley.

When and how did you picked up videography?

I guess I always messed around with cameras, I picked that up from my dad who has always been into still photography. Video just sort of evolved from that. I got my first personal video camera when I was about 16 I think.

Have you studied anything cinematography related or are you completely self-taught?

I'm self taught (though not sure how much I have learnt!). I started a college course but it turned out to be bullshit so I quit it!

What have we seen from you before?

Just web edits really, mainly its always been personal,'Til now!

How do you think your filming and editing style has evolved from project to project into the current state?Has it changed?

I think it has just evolved over the years. You learn how to do different things and what looks pleasing to the eye, my eye at least! Things have changed dramatically since the early days!

The quality of BMX videos seem to have boosted in recent time. Why do you think this has happened?

I guess (until this economic crisis), things were getting cheaper and more affordable which helps obviously but also the internet anonymous comments mean people can rip your latest web edit to bits. Maybe this inspires people to take more time over things?Or put in more effort the next time they film?Also I think people see things that one person has done and want to emulate it. One good edit leads to another etc.

Are there any guys you appreciate filming/directing/editing wise in BMX?

There's a few actually, first and foremost Mr. Joe Simon. Everything that guy does is awesome, he has a great eye for a shot and will/wont work. Its not even fair what he's done to BMX films. The guy that does the video work for Woozy Dominik Wrobel, he's doing some awesome stuff lately as well. His 5D stuff recently has been awesome to watch. Im a big fan of that. As well as those two there is a load of people out there doing awesome things right now.

I know you don't always purely shoot BMX, what other stuff do you shoot and has it influenced any way your bike related work?

It is mainly BMX but sometimes something just catches your eye and you feel obliged to capture it. I think everything relates some way to the work I do with BMX. I probably wouldn't even own a camera if I didn't shoot BMX.

What kind of camera and other filming/production equipment do you use?

Its mainly a Sony VX2100 (Until Scarlet!), though I have a TRV900 for second angles when I need it. I need to upgrade to HD soon as for some reason I feel like Im being left in the dark ages! Other than that its a Mac for editing sing Final Cut Pro, After Effects and Photoshop/Illustrator. Its pretty standard and definitely not anything exciting!

What's making you hold out on going HD, and which route do you see yourself going?

Finances (and shitty codecs)! I quit my job to go to Austin basically. Apparently now is NOT the best time to be out of work! Luckily I have other things occasionally so its not too dire. Im really eagerly awaiting the Scarlet announcement on Oct 30th to see what's going on there camera wise. Other than that Im really into the 5/7D look or the GH1. The shallow DOF gets me every time. Or the HMC150 or HVX200, there's a LOT of good cameras out there right now! Though finances may dictate something else!

What are your influences when making BMX videos, both inside and outside of BMX?

I'm influenced by everything! I see an advert on TV and try and work out how that would work with bikes. Just listening to a song causes me to edit something to it in my head. Its sub-conscious now! With BMX influence its just seeing people having a good time and wanting to capture that that inspires me. Outside BMX I watch a lot of Skate videos as well and Ty Evans and Jason Hernandez are basically amazing.

Is there anything that frustrates you the in BMX?

Ha! Have you not read what I write?! Sooo many things frustrate me in BMX! In fact EVERYTHING about BMX frustrates me! From Shoes to jeans. Im either overly sensitive or easily pissed!

Do you have a favorite rider to shoot with?

I have shot with Sam Bryant just about every day for the last 4 or 5 months and if I have to see him again it will be too soon! Seriously, I don't know. Anyone that has thoughts and ideas and the determination to make them reality. So not Sam, or Alex Nash. Right now its Arron Boggis. I cant wait til he's riding again. Heal soon Ronnie.

What are the most important qualities needed to have to be a good BMX videographer?

Patience?It's probably not as bad as filming skate stuff but watching people trying the same thing 30 times can wear you down but you cant let it get to you. It'll either happen or it wont. Its not me risking my bones so I couldn't possibly get annoyed by that (unless its 30 try Sam). Also being able to set up properly and pretty quick if someone has something they have one shot at.

Do you ever worry that a rider doesn’t like the angle or something else of a banger trick you just shot of him or you are always confident in your filming skills and judgement?

Ha! I think I am my own worst nightmare when it comes to criticism. I take any ideas on board and will usually try them out and see how it looks. I usually have a pretty good idea where I want to be and how I want to shoot it but all ideas welcome!!

Favorite things to film?

I guess street, thats where I seem to spend the majority of my time filming. I like that its constantly somewhere different and always changing though sometimes that can be a hinderance. Trails are good to film at as well but they bring a different set of issues!

Favorite spots for filming?

Austin. No question. The light always seems different in Texas!

If money weren’t an issue what would you use for making a video?

I would hire a DOP! i think I would just go all out! 10 Red One cameras and prime lenses, Phantoms, high speed cameras, the lot. Id want a sound crew as well. Either that or do the whole thing on antique film cameras for the look. Shit thats a tough question!

What’s a piece of video equipment you’d really like to own?

I think if it wasn't a camera I would say a top spec Mac Pro and cinema displays! If it was a camera I'd want a Red One and all the accessories! Bring on the lottery win!

In your eyes what makes a good video part or whole video?

Thats tough. the riding has to be there but film wise, just shot nicely and exposed properly (wrong exposure its a pet peeve). A good soundtrack goes a long way to creating atmosphere.

What are you working on at the moment?

My first real full length DVD. Its a learning curve! We have 3 main rider sections, Sam Bryant, Alex Nash and Arron Boggis and Ben Qual have a split section, its more of a scene thing so there will be other sections with other riders as well. its exciting but stressful as well. The riders have all (except Ben) given it a lot to get what they want out there so, show some love and pick up a copy when its out!

How much footage have you shot for this project?

I think we've clocked about 20 or so hours of riding so far, there's still a little way to go.

You spent a few months in Austin this year, how was that, and will the footage you shot be in this project?

yeah for sure, I didn't film a whole lot while I was there but there will definitely be an Austin bonus section in there!

How important do you think is to have a good relationship between a rider and a filmer?

It's helpful of course but not essential. I think that sometimes shooting your friends can be harder than strangers. Especially if they fall (and they do).

How did you choose the music for this videos?Is it entirely your decision or riders have input as well?

Sam seems to think he has the last say but he's dead wrong! I have most of it picked out already but not the whole lot. Riders are welcome to suggest music but if it doesn't work, it doesn't get used. Its a shame but you cant make everyone happy all the time! Im sure everyone except Sam will be happy!

Anybody had you sitting on a curb for hours while they bitch ran?

HAHA!! thats an interesting question. I think that everyone has something they want to do then they have to build up to it. Unfortunately I know that they could pull it on any attempt so I have to press that red button regardless! I have spent a LONG time not filming a certain person of the Jewish persuasion at the banks in Bromley though!!

Has anything scary ever happened when you were filming?

Yeah definitely, its been a bit of a shit storm really! Sam rolled his ankle really badly at the start of filming which meant he wasn't 100% for a while. Arron broke his arm snaking Bert's gap at the pub, he should be riding this weekend for the first time since he did that so we'll see how he gets on after that. Ben smashed his thumb (and is generally MIA) so that set him back and to top it all off Alex nearly killed himself sliding a rail. That was really scary actually, but 5 hours in resuscitation and a few CT scans and x-rays and he was good to go again a few days later. We have some fire stuff that we did as well. Our Pyro guy was stoned and his safety plan was non-existent so that got a bit scary!!

Is this going to be trick-after-trick pure riding video or a video with a sort of script and concept?

Its gonna be what's its gonna be! Don't wanna give away too much!

When can we expect to see the finished project?

I'm aiming for a December January premier but Im not sure if its realistic to put a deadline on a bunch of slackers like us and expect to meet it!!

DVD or just for the Web?

I'ts Purely DVD, no web action here. I wanted to do something physical rather than just existing in 1s and 0s. Something you can use as a coaster, frisbee or whatever you want!

any thanks?

Firstly the riders, obviously without them I wouldn't have anything to shoot so thanks to them! They've all half killed themselves for this so I cant thank them enough or ask for any more. They all rule so THANK YOU to all of them. I wanna take the opportunity to thank Colin Austin for everything, ever. you fucking rule, thanks! I have to thank Nick as well for this interview and everything else as well! Also I'll thank anyone that goes out there and buys a DVD!!

Thanks Greg for doing the interview, watch the trailer for One False Move below.

One False Move: Trailer 1 from greg short on Vimeo.

Mwahahahaha

2009-08-11T05:38:23-07:00

Courtesy of Fat BMX

Our previous post on the subject

This Weather...

2009-08-01T15:43:58-07:00

..fucking sucks

Guest trails Salt

2009-06-29T17:48:19-07:00

I've been on a pretty serious salt diet the last few months (much to Nicks annoyance), but today we have a treat. One of the saltiest people on the planet got in touch to tell me about a pretty shitty trails incident that happened this weekend. I wont bore you any longer, so over to our guest writer, Sam Bryant.

"A little respect in bmx would go a long way. I have now come to understand this so much more these past few months since i started to help dig at our local trails spot. seen here. With amazing friends of mine and a whole new breed of locals and new riders, the scene hasn't been so alive or fast growing in a very long time, the trails have been a huge part of that as well as a great place to be ride and hang out with my friends. That is, untill the weekend when without notice a few problems suddenly occurred. The problems started when some people that do not help out at our jumps and are generally not welcome turned up without so much as a phone call (even though most of these trespassers have my mobile number) and with a serious lack of respect. I now finally understand why the trails scene can come across as being the saltiest scene in BMX. So if you're planning a little trip into the woods to ride someone else's hard work just give the locals a little help, like water the jumps for them or even just ask if they need anything doing, even if its wiping there arses. Think of it this way, how many years have some of these trails spots been there for and how much hard work and winter digging sessions have gone into what you want to ride?
The next time you roll up somewhere just think about that.

Thanks, Sam Bryant"

Sam at home in the woods

So, there it is, Sam's rant, I guess if you're thinking about heading down the woods this weekend, spare a thought for the builders and if you haven't even lifted a shovel there, give it a go, you might like it. Or just wipe someone's arse?!!

Who's a fool?

2009-04-02T02:37:18-07:00

Scotty M, Trailtalk, Stone Cold, Lloyd and Peeps publicly fell for our April Fool yesterday, did you?

The End

2009-03-31T17:31:14-07:00

So, it is with a heavy heart and tears in our eyes that we have to tell you that 20Negative, your favourite place on the internet, is not long for the virtual world. It would seem our Nike article pissed off some industry types who in turn pissed off some of their lawyers enough to take six months to do something about it, when we thought all they were worried about was the colour of stickers. A cease and desist complaint has been filed with the courts and we are being forced to shut down. We don't have the money for an army of lawyers to fight this one so we are reluctantly giving up. Hopefully soon we can get something new out under a different name and with some slightly less inflammatory content. It's been fun pissing people off and having somewhere cool to post pictures but all good things come to an end and this is ours. Hopefully this will appease the Gods at Nike and it will be an end to the threatening correspondence that we have been receiving for the last couple of months. Shit, you never know, the next site we get up may be updated from prison!!

Thanks to everyone who checked the site and enjoyed it.

So, we will leave you with the immortal words of Homer Simpson "Fame was like a drug, but what was even more like a drug were the drugs."

Nick & Greg

PRINT IS DEAD

2009-03-04T09:19:23-07:00

With good fucking reason.

In a climate where the printed word is rapidly dying in favour of websites and blogs, you'd think that the magazines would be trying there hardest to bring you somehing fresh, something new, something errrr cool? Apparently not. Apparently they would rather re-use bike checks from previous issues *cough*Harry Main*cough* THEN add 25 new ones! 26 bike checks in one magazine? HOLY SHIT. Way to sell magazines. If this is the best content they can come up with, is it a supprise that no one is buying it and people would rather read something on there computer screen? So bike checks aside there is another more glaring problem. Who's your role model? Martin Luther King? Jeremy Kyle? Harry Main? Jesus? Axl Rose? The Iron Sheik (sorry Dye)?! A grown man riding a childs bike? Umm what? Yup, apparently your role model is likely one of the 22 faces on the cover? I only know who 3 of these people are and as much as I enjoy watching them ride bikes and shaking my head in disbelief at there amazing aerial gymanstics, they are certainly not my role-models or any body else I know. These 22 people on the cover are probably awesome people, but role model is a serious leap from bike rider and I'm not even going into the lack of a Jamie Bestwick picture! Too old maybe? Plus you're shit out of luck if your role model is not from the UK! Too foreign maybe? God forbid your role model happens to be of a different race, I wouldnt even bother looking! The magazine industry is crumbling and people aren't buying. Maybe these industry types should look at there own content instead of moaning about the internet destroying there business? I'm aware people are gonna be pissed off that I have chosen to highlight Ride UK but the rest of the magazines out there are no better, its just that this issue really highlights whats wrong with the 'industry' right now. Old un-original content and a lack of fresh ideas.
Bring the hate.

MAN DOWN!

2009-01-22T05:02:18-07:00

Friend and Slum Village Shredder, Rich Patterson took a pretty harsh slam wednesday night at the ramp in Charlton. The latest news is that he broke both Tib and Fib, no wonder he cained all that gas so fast! Spare a thought for Rich who is on the operating table right now. Everyone at 20negative wishes Rich the best of luck and a speedy recovery. Feel better Rich!

Rich in healthier times

UPDATE: I have just spoke to Rich by the power of text and he said that unfortunately the surgery didnt go ahead yesterday due to the swelling, so today holds more X-rays and a temporary cast. If you have Rich's number get in touch with him and keep him from going mental in that hospital bed! Most of us know how boring and depressing that situation is!

24/01/2009
Latest news is that Rich is now at home again relaxing before he has to go back to hospital next week for surgery. Again everyone at 20Negative wishes Rich the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

THE 2009 20NEGATIVE RIDERS GUIDE!

2009-01-19T10:13:47-07:00

It seems like we have slacked a bit on posting the last couple of weeks, BUT were back for 2009 with our most hopeful article to date. Whether you are a Nu-Skool rider straight off of Myspace picking up your first bike or a seasoned veteran looking to stay up with the times, look no further!

First off we have to start with the MOST IMPORTANT part of being a BMX rider in 2009, IMAGE. I cannot stress enough how important image is in BMX and 2009 will be no different.

The first image is going to give you an idea of exactly what to buy next time your shopping for those razor sharp up to date riding threads.

As you can see, not too much has changed since you bought your 2008 wardrobe.
(1) Beanies, I really cant tell you just how important these hats are going to be in 2009. They started in 2008 but they will be essential in 2009.
(2) Any kind of T-shirt will do but obviously the same rules apply for sizing, borrow this from any anorexic family members. A child sized T-shirt is the perfect choice.

REMEMBER: 2009 is about coordination so try and match your shirt to your trainers and iPod.

(3) Jeans are still borrowed from your closest female family member. Best to borrow these from someone much thinner than yourself if at all possible
(4) Trainers, Make and model is not really a concern but COLOURS PEOPLE, lets think no less than 3 or 4 neon colours per foot. They do not have to match but man, they better be bright!
(5) The BMX staple key chain, the carabiner. No self respecting BMX rider is gonna be seen dead without one. Purple is the colour of choice but Black is acceptable if the shop has sold out.
(6) The iPod. Obviously you are going to want the smallest model Apple make as getting it in and out of those pockets is gonna be hard enough anyway.
(7) The foot high ledge. Never be without one. Its that simple.

So now the important part is dealt with we need to deal with the less important aspect of BMX riding, the bike. As you can see below, not much has changed since 2008, but lets take a quick look anyway.

So all looks pretty similar to 2008s bikes, with a few exceptions. The top tube is slightly higher for 2009 so your gonna want to cut that seat post down again. Chains havent made a return for 2009, the cheap mans free coaster is still going strong. Youll also observe that handle bars have straightened up a bit. Reminiscent of the old school vert riders bar placement they make you whips even more awesome. New to 2009 is the spoke less wheel, wheels for 2009 are going to be laced with strong fishing wire. It saves at least 12 grams per wheel that plagues every BMX rider.
So there it is, your look into BMX for 2009. Hopefully this has given you an insight into what you are going to be spending all your hard earned money on in 2009.
Now get out there and ride that ledge!

Greg

Not so United

2009-01-08T03:17:35-07:00

I'm no marketeer or advertising exec but this sticker thing got me thinking about United as a brand.

Brand (-noun) Kind, grade, or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark, or the like

If you're trying to build a brand (United started in 2006) then I'd expect something consistent, like the Nike swoosh, McDonalds golden arches, S&M's shield, Metal's Ace of Spades etc.

A quick look through United's site, gives us

The uppy downy text logo

A Helvetica Extra Bold logo with inset interlocking U's and a star for a full stop (They also use this without the inset U's and a block for a full stop.)

Now they've started using a different font on the 2009 40's (and dropped the full stop altogether) and another on the 40oz, and another on the trinity series.

So if all that lot doesn't confuse the brand, they leave you in no doubt at the bottom of their site and all their advertising with this

If in doubt, slap it all on there, notice the Helvetica logo has changed again!

Saying that, I expect my next frame will probably be a United, but I think I'll get my own stickers made, I wonder which relatively unheard of BMX company I will piss off then?

We've had a little change up on the site, all the salt and photos will now appear on the front page

Fag Papers

2009-01-02T15:05:05-07:00

got a new in blue.

made some to finish it off.

did a about the "one of a kind" stickers.

says they ripped them off and copied his design?

What did you clear up? That you can't read

Seasons greetings

2008-12-24T01:13:22-07:00

Happy Christmas Fuckers! Stay safe out there

The plague of the Under Hander

2008-12-03T16:30:42-07:00

THIS IS A PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING FOR ALL BMXers

There is currently a plague sweeping through BMX reaching epidemic proportions. We are currently un-sure how the disease is spreading but it IS spreading fast. The condition seems to affect the riders arms and shoulders, or at least the muscles within them. The effects of this disease are commonly seen at your favourite street spots but skateparks and trails are becoming infected areas at an alarming rate. The rider seems fine, perfectly normal in fact, laughing and joking as usual. Until they begin there run. The rider will pedal and steer his bike normally until he is required to perform a 'no hander'. This is where the symptoms become obvious. Rather than performing the trick in the correct manner (see image below)

The disease will FORCE the rider performing the trick to point his arms and hands downward in the incorrect UNDER HANDER fashion. (clearly seen below)

Obviously, this is a very serious problem that we are trying our hardest to conquer but we need your help. Please help these afflicted riders to seek the medical attention that they need. A good place to start would be any video of Jamie Bestwick or Mat Hoffman, even Rick Thorne if Mat or Jamie are un-available. The UNDER HANDER is a very serious illness that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Help us make a difference, if you see a friend acting unusual there is a sure fire way to tell if they are infected. Can they raise there arms above there heads? If they are unable to do this then they are almost certainly infected, please quarantine these people as soon as possible and be sure not to take any pictures or shoot any video of these people as that seems to be part of the reason for this epidemic.

Remember, we're here to help.

Front Covers

2008-11-29T13:22:32-07:00

Missed this article, until today.
Can't ignore this line though
"Some people might be creaming themselves over this mistake but we're not"
Maybe that's the problem, I heard it was messed up after it left ride's office's, but to not be bothered?
Shame, I like Fenlon's photo.

Cold Hands

2008-11-27T00:38:21-07:00

Are the fucking worst.

New School, My Arse

2008-11-18T03:59:05-07:00

CW advert from 1983. Check those pro bars, 8" rise, 28" wide New School, My Arse

Nike discovering the world

2008-11-07T09:06:02-07:00

Stolen from Ride US site. Press release for the new Nike Video.

"Writing on the Wall: A BMX Movie by Nike 6.0

The four-man crew of Garrett Reynolds, Dennis Enarson, Nigel Sylvester, and Mike Spinner spent over a year living out of suitcases to film the first Nike 6.0 BMX movie, Writing on the Wall. From 4-wheelin’ to 4-star, ditches to public parks, the 6.0 crew scoured the corners of the Earth to discover the undiscovered and lay down new lines. Battling school calendars, narcolepsy, ridiculous competition schedules, and border patrol; the crew rallied to capture amazing riding. Writing on the Wall showcases the distinct style of each rider, from Nigel’s street skills to Spinner’s technical prowess; from Dennis who rides anything at any time to Garrett’s assault on cities around the world. The 6.0 crew represents the next generation of riders driving the progression of BMX. Enjoy the tour, as one of today’s most diverse BMX teams travels to Beijing, Dubai, Barcelona, NYC, Australia, and more."

Just one quick point:
"the 6.0 crew scoured the corners of the Earth to discover the undiscovered" "travels to Beijing, Dubai, Barcelona, NYC, Australia"

Yeah cos NO ONE has been to Barcelona or NYC. Hopefully the writing really is on the wall, at least for your BMX program.

No words to describe

2008-11-05T03:08:11-07:00

The ultimate pointlessness of shit like this

Fuck sake

Apathy

2008-11-04T03:22:39-07:00

I havent posted any salt in ages. I suck. The weather is shit, which kills BMX outside for most of the year in this CoUNTry. It seems like everyones getting hurt doing stupid things, one thing I know is if your gonna fight a ramp, dont punch it, use fire. What arsehole decided that the clocks going back/forward was a good idea. What a bell end. Its dark by 4pm now so thats annoying as shit as well. Im not even gonna get into the weather, if you must know and get to a window check out London BMX Weather Report for the latest weather reports

I guess theres something big going down in the USA today? Apparently two dudes are going toe to toe for a job as a puppet? Weird, in this country you just get told who the next PM will be by the current PM, at least thats how it worked last time!

20negative poster boy Scot Malyon got a picture over on FBM using Nicks flattie picture at Rom. I guess thats it for today.

Now fuck off and go ride

Don't...

2008-10-27T14:31:49-07:00

..leave your bike at the ramp. Nick

Personal Salt

2008-09-30T10:28:05-07:00

Shit, I suck. Ive been away in Italy watching Bert

comb his fringe and write poetry for a week, as well as shredding the hire bikes to death

hence the lack of any kind of posts. Were hoping to have the article mentioned before up by the end of the week so sit tight, itll happen.

Piss boot!

5 Reasons to dislike Scott Malyon

2008-09-19T01:23:18-07:00

1: Without hesitation or warm up he'll drop in and make you wish you hadnt bothered.

2: He has forgotten more tricks than most people will ever learn.

3: He 180s spines higher than most people jump them (me at least!).

4: His mess about runs are better than most peoples 'A' game runs.

5: Shit like this.

Greg

Something BIG brewing!

2008-09-11T17:06:52-07:00

Just a note, no salt!! There's some big things coming up for the site so keep your eyes peeled! It's gonna be a banger! Keep checking back in the next week to see what I'm talking about!

Greg

BMX GANG STRIKES AGAIN! 10 years ago

2008-09-11T05:51:43-07:00

Seems the murderous BMX gang have been around A LOT longer than we were led to believe. This article taken from HERE appears to show our gang in there early days. Before they elevated to murdering kids outside Pubs or there houses it seems they were simply stealing there future get away vehicles! Obviously this heinous crimewave of at least three reported crimes in ten years is out of hand and of epidemic proportions. I think Colin had the idea fo wrist bands for an anti BMX gang charity. Someone needs to stop these lunatics before they kill again.

"BMX thugs steal park boys' bikes From the Guardian Series, first published Friday 6th Aug 1999. TEENAGE friends fell victim to BMX bandits when they were robbed of their cycles in broad daylight. Four thugs escaped with bikes worth more than £800 after wrenching them from the grasp of two 14-year-old pals in Birchwood Forest Park. The pair had been using the park's BMX track without incident when they were approached by the gang, aged between 14 and 16, at around noon on Sunday. Det Con Kate Parkinson said that initially a youth asked one of the riders if he could borrow his bike. But the youngster refused - leading to threats and a push which enable the youths to seize his cycle. The four then forced the other boy to do likewise before escaping into the park, according to DC Parkinson. Police say the bikes in question are red Raleigh Extreme BMX-style bike, with yellow and blue transfers. And the other is a yellow GT Tequesta mountain bike. Both are thought to be worth in excess of £400. Witnesses are asked to be on the lookout for a youth, believed to be aged 15, standing 5ft 9ins, medium build, with black, short hair. He was wearing pants and a t-shirt. Another youth was aged around 14, 5ft tall, with dark, ginger hair, in a bowl style cut with a centre parting, wearing a black Adidas t-shirt and black pants. The third youngster, thought to be aged 16, was around 5ft 9ins, with short, black hair. He was dressed in a white short-sleeved Ellesse t-shirt, black trousers and black Rockport shoes. Meanwhile the fourth gang member, also aged 16, of medium build, had short, blond hair and was also around 5ft 9ins. Park users who might have spotted the incident are asked to call DC Parkinson or DC Derek Lockie on 01244 ******"

The best part of the story other than neither of the bikes were BMXs? The infamous 'BMX GANG' werent actually ON BMXs at all until they stole the bikes(the BMXs that were in reality mountain bikes). Sensational reporting though. My favourite quote (baring in mind its an English article)" standing 5ft 9ins, medium build, with black, short hair. He was wearing pants and a t-shirt." A 15 year old in a park in his pants? this gang REALLY needs to be stopped, before the pants come off.

Possible culprits?

BMX MUDERERS!?

2008-09-02T06:54:03-07:00

So another day, another kid dead HERE . This time last year, in fact almost the same day a year earlier, a child was shot in Liverpool. A young boy of 11. Rhys Jones was shot dead whilst playing in a pub carpark. Initially all the NEWS REPORTS had the same 'FACTS'. The young boy was shot by a teenager on a BMX. Underlined and highlighted BMX. It emerged later that noone actually knew what kind of bike the shooter had been riding and in the re-constructions the gun man was riding a mountain bike. Obviously the reporting of the crime was somehow biased but why? Are we as BMX-ers somehow part of an underground mafia that Im not aware of? Indulging in murder and organized crime in seedy bike shops? Well this past weekend a young man, well a fucking kid of 14, Shaquille Maitland-Smith, was stabbed to death. Nothing new for London then. Another weekend another child killed by these idiots. This killing however had something the others havent, a BMX gang! EVERY news report Ive heard, read or seen has had a refference to a gang on BMXs. SUN ARTICLE. With irresponssible head lines like "'I cradled my dying son as knife attackers fled', says mother of Army cadet, 14, stabbed to death 'by BMX gang'" how are we supposed to regain some sort of respectability from the 'mainstream'? We gained alot of ground this year with BMX in the olympics only to lose it to headlines like this. Once again we'll be viewed as pests, criminals and vandals. It intimidates people enough that we fly down the main road in a manual, weaving through traffic, we dont need bad press like this as well! SO why was the fact that they were riding BMXs relevant? Would the headline have read 'Boy, 14, stabbed by kids that use bus'? Or 'Boy, 14, stabbed by gang who use trains sometimes'? No. I dont think it would. the fact that so much emphasis has been put on the gangs mode of transport baffles me. Id love to know why thats so important. Maybe someone will tell me in the comments. Feel free to link this rant to any of the news services covering the story, maybe they have an answer. Til then I guess we'll all have to put up with being looked at as thugs and murderers. Is it not a blatant act of discrimination?

Once again as stated before our Condolences go out to the family and our thoughts are with you at this time.

ANY dick head comments will be deleted.

NO SALT.

2008-09-01T06:37:32-07:00

Just wanted to say thanks to those who have checked the site from links posted on DEFGRIP. So if you were/are involved in the Nike debate feel free to throw a comment up and have a good look around the site.

BUT beware of BMX MURDERERS. Expect a salt post how fucking retarded the coverage of this has been. Still, no kid should die on the pavement.

20 Negative's collective thoughts are with the family.

With a twinge of jealousy but mostly boredom

2008-08-22T06:17:18-07:00

Please?

No salt all love

2008-08-22T02:49:40-07:00

Found this picture and it brought back a load of good memories. Red Airwalks FTW!

*Image from 23mag*

Bring back muddy weekends in fields in Hastings.

By the way

2008-08-22T02:25:55-07:00

Bring on retirement

Old fashioned John Dye style weather rant

2008-08-21T02:16:02-07:00

WHAT IN THE FUCK is going on? I was promised that if people burned more fossil fuels and I kept using CFCs that global warming would raise the temperature. Fucking bullshit. Its the 21st of August and its been raining for two weeks almost non-stop. Global warmings a fucking myth like bigfoot. liars. Its mad that summer time has reduced people to riding indoors. Fuck rain lets all go and live in the desert.

In the imortal words of 'Stone Cold' Colin Austin "WANKER"

Whats it gonna take?

2008-08-18T03:43:00-07:00

For people to work it out? Multi billion dollar sports companies strolling in and taking over, giving the bare minimum and taking what they can. Reebok tried it with Boks, that shit almost flew with Hoffman riding for them but shit, Nike? Sure. Levis? Do it. Bmxers are smart enough to see through the bullshit, oh, shit, wait, theyre not. Not alot of em anyway. Seduced by new colourways (its the same shoe dick head), and a rebranding (6.0? WTF is that). Bmxers flocked to Nike and there Skateboarding line, which were shit for riding in anyway. Now every kid on the streets and in the skatepark is 'rocking the latest dunks' or whatever model is 'In' at the moment. What the fuck? When did BMX become about running shoes? Notice Nike has no BMX branded shoes like the SB line. Thats loyalty to the sport innit. Nike has no place in BMX and the fact there still trying (and succeeding) is testament to how stupid some people really are. Nikes the worst offender obviously but lets not overlook all that is Levis. "were making a video, thats how much were into BMX". Thanks? theyve sponsored an awesome team for sure but of all the money they must have made selling denim to dick heads, what have they put back in? Red Bull at least pay there riders a nice bit of money, they do a lot of awesome contests and I hear they do a LOT behind the scenes. But shit, are we so gullible in the age of limitless information that we cant make our own decisions? We have to be told whats cool to fit in? Fuck off. I'm sick of seeing all you clones with your leggings, scaffold pole handlebars and your fucking nikes. Get a clue retard, Nike are 20 years too fucking late. Support the people that support BMX, those that didnt run away the last time BMX "died".
Do they look like shoes to ride bikes in? Dont make me laugh, do yourself a favour, buy em a few sizes too big and join the fucking circus you clown

FUCK nike, FUCK Levis, FUCK clones. Get a clue
Have a lovely day

Colins rant

2008-08-18T02:28:58-07:00

Heres Colins rant about emo/scene kids.

"stone cold Says: I hate that Bert's kind are into BMX Bert is cool but the rest of em emo's or scene kids what is there problem and why bring there attitude in to BMX and what the fuck is the difference between emo and scene please some 1 tell me"

Better as a post than a comment!

Nick came to his senses

2008-08-13T08:52:56-07:00

I have a login! Let the never ending flow of salt begin! This is gonna be the heat magazine of BMX Bring it on! Greg

virgin

2008-06-18T12:34:37-07:00

just got in from work...not feeling very witty, my knee keeps bloody collapsing on the train. fecker. Oi Bone, how do I upload pics (don't give me any of that HTML shite...I have to deal with technology all day and I'm only doing this if its easy).