Life Behind a Lens: Tom Spellman Outlook 2011

Music festivals are honestly one of my favorite places to be.  The atmosphere is always awesome, the people are great, all of your favorite artist are playing in one place and most importantly they're outside.  Basically an explosion of ridiculously raging outdoor music.  I was scrolling through my blog-roll today and came across these epic pictures of Outlook 2011 which is held in Croatia.  From what I have gathered Outlook is an unbelievable four day festival held in Pula, Croatia in the beginning of September.  These are a few of my favorite shots but if you are yearning for more check out Better Never Than Late.

If you are interested, the program from the festival is pretty cool and I definitely recommend checking it out.

Fall Back

For the past couple of days the weather in state college has been absolutely beautiful, the temperature is prefect, the leaves are all changing and there is not a cloud in the sky.  Recently I have been able to explore a bit more of the area around State College.  It's mostly farm land but honestly it never gets old, it's just so therapeutic.  Fall has always been my favorite season so get out there and ride before it starts snowing and we're all stuck pedaling in place.

Deaf Pigeon Preview

Deaf Pigeon Edit Coming Soon from Danny Cameron on Vimeo.

I spotted this video entitled "Coming Soon" a few days ago on UK's own Deaf Pidgeon blog. I'm definitely stoked for the final cut, there are a bunch of really awesome shots and the soundtrack fits in flawlessly. It's honestly just a fun video with a lot of great riding, plus it's fall and who doesn't like fall (more on that at a later date). Also, deaf Pigeon has a rad logo and a real cool site, check it out!

The 2011 Philly Bike Expo

This past weekend I decided it was in my best interest to brave the blizzard and make the trek home to attend the Philadelphia Bike Expo and man did it pay off. The 23rd Street Armory is an awesome venue with plenty of room and a really cool atmosphere. There were tons of vendors and the cream of the crop when it comes to north eastern frame builders. Some of my personal favorites included Peter Mooney, Royal H and of course Icarus and Bishop. Also noteworthy was Holland Cycles, I talked to a rep for a bit and the material they make their frames out of is so high-tech and beautiful that I couldn't help but drool (a mind blowing combination of Titanium and Carbon Fiber).  Unfortunately my camera is terrible and I didn't get too many pictures. There was also an outdoor section where cyclists were selling their own hodge-podge of parts or in some cases, just showing off their RIDICULOUS collection of vintage bicycles. I had the opportunity to have a short conversation with the man himself, Mr. Jon "Prolly" Watson, which I might add was pretty cool. I hope everyone that attended had as much fun as I did and I hope to see you next year (hopefully I'll have a real camera by then)!

I will also be adding a few more photos to my Flickr over the next few days if you are interested.

Massan x Macaframa Raw

Massan x Macaframa Raw from MACAFRAMA on Vimeo.

I'm pretty stoked on this video to say the least. Massan (I think he deleted his blog) has always been one of my favorite riders and the video has such a good vibe. There is nothing like smashing down a curvy mountain road, burning every mm of rubber off of that fifty dollar tire you just bought. In all seriousness though, this video definitely captures all the best parts of riding a fixed gear. Ever since FGFS came crashing into the scene, laid back videos of plain old riding and having fun just aren't as common and I'm glad to see the guys at Macaframa still got it! Smash on Mashers.

FNG Presents L'Eroica 2011

Spotted on FRESHNGOOD

 I'm no expert when it comes to Italian and Google translate can only get you so far, but as they say a picture (or a whole slew of them) is worth 1000 words.  I spotted this awesome photoset on FRESHNGOOD's website of the 2011 retro cycling L'Eroica event.  From what I have gathered L'Eroica is a retro themed bike race that follows an unbelievable route through the Tuscany countryside (who wouldn't want to do that?). Above I picked out a few of my favorites and you can check out more on FNG's website linked above. Crediamo in te bici!

P-Fix: I Would Buy One

I Would Buy One from John Prolly on Vimeo.
Spotted on Prolly Is Not Probably

Although I am not usually one for FGFS, there are definitely a few videos here and there that I can really get into.  "I Would Buy One" from John over at Prolly Is Not Probably is definitely one of those edits.  The soundtrack is GREAT (Rick Ross sucks but he makes it work and Black Sabbath well, they just rage) and there is such a perfect mix of 20", 26" and 29" wheeled bikes that its hard not to stay interested.  With a solid foundation in photography I would say his videography skills are definitely getting there (love the skid shot in the beginning).  By the way Tony Fast SHREDS.

"I don't own a P-Fix but I think it's a very good bicycle.  I would buy one if I had the money and jump into the river all the days; P-Fix by specialized" epic.

Ebay Dreams: NOS TI Shamal Wheelset

Definitely a little pricey but an awesome eBay find none the less.  Besides maybe a high-tech pair of Madfibers or maybe some 1080's, this is honestly the best looking wheelset to date (THE best if we are talking metal).  I have always loved the old Shamals, the 12 spoke front and 16 spoke rear lacing, the beautifully polished sidewalls and of course those stunning low flange hubs.  NOS and Titanium, man am I drooling right now. Cop this pair right about...here.

I would kill a man for this wheelset, but really. 

Random Ride

I was feeling rather ambitious when I woke up this morning and decided to bring my digital camera along for the ride. It wasn't a long ride by any means, but definitely relaxing. For the first part of the fall semester and the latter part of the spring semester riding around rural State College is absolutely Beautiful. I snapped a few shots as I rode around one of my normal routes and here are a few I liked. If you were ever looking for an infinite number of outrageous climbs followed by even more outrageous hill bombing, State College is definitely a good place to be.

I am also in the process of getting a Flickr up and running, so feel free to have a look! Expect more photos in the future.

Kid Zoom

KID ZOOM process from KINGBROWN Magazine on Vimeo.
Spotted on King Brown Mag

Ever since I was a young lad, the art of graffiti has always intrigued me. How is it that someone can make lines so sharp and images so detailed with a can of spray paint? Constantly I am stumbling upon new artists, Kid Zoom aka Ian Strange being the most recent. Spreading himself between buildings, canvas, installation and even road kill, it is easy to see his unbelievable talent. I highly recommend checking out his website. The blog is only updated once every month or two but when something new pops up it never disappoints. After filing through the pictures I wish I could have visited his "This City Will Eat Me Alive" exhibition a while back; some of his pieces just blow my mind. I'll definitely be on the look out for future exhibitions and you should too.