P,

It was just the truck that Walter bought from Faye....By the way Russel WHO?

JK

man, those are sick bikes. you guys should try some of the new style bikes. way different geometry than the old bikes. if you want a light front end, get one with shorter chainstays like chang's formula. as for bars, 5 degree sweep is pretty standard, but not like the 7 and 10 degrees like before. the s and m slam bars are killer. i ride with them now.

Is that like sugar smacks?


... never mind, its the green frog that did it as opposed to the screaming lambs... sorry..

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Good day JK-

I'm a shade bit late on my reply to you on this one, quite possibly because I needed to analyze the term we call "mature" or "maturity". I would assume that when someone says "mature", like I did in the context of BMX staging and framed in the timeblock related to the era of the 70s, we might think of a concept like "non-sensical dialogue with the under-developed structure of self". Simply put, I did not possess the level of maturity (simplistically, even) needed to be a successful BMX racer. This element of the BMXer's repertoire, among other catagories at their disposal, may be one of the most important considerations when moving up in the ranks. I believe concentration, focus, non-judgemental performance (not to be castrated by the self) and bouncing back after a defeat, repeatedly, molds one's character into a strong self as life develops, both inside and outside BMX.

Seems to me that in your teens, as well as some others like Chang, Lau and maybe even Mongoosedrummer (though I am short of information to process here) had a fraction of attraction, at least, to the goal of BMX and an awareness of the implications the starting gate presented. I was going through some motion really, not fully comprehending the task at hand, thus unable to synthesize non-material elements available and manufactured by the self for either preservation or conquering/mastering that which presented itelf given the dirt-laded environment. If you think about it, patterns of the surroundings in addition to concurrent inputs to the senses provide the fabric by which our insights emerge, thus seriously complex images + information can then be distilled into clear and somewhat sensible/logical plans that can springboard into action by the self. This means a vision or cloud of thought that can be digested beforehand and thus a mind-body connection can be made and actualized once the actual process is placed into motion by the continuum called time.

It is here that I wanted to highlight, the mere recognition of the task at hand as one. When I mentioned the maturity level as noticed by a detached observer as myself, speaking of you and other BMXers who achieved various levels of success, I meant the ability to produce an output equivalent to actionizing insights from the minefield of the abstract to the concrete. This is problem identification immersed in cognitive juices, over time, marinating itself into a crystallized plan of attack on the par of formalized thinking as opposed to arbitrary action of the moment. When the gate is hoisted into position and tires make contact with the metal grating of destiny, the golden road of success is already pre-paved with innovative stratagies meant to induce success as envisioned. This is where I failed miserably as a BMX racer since at the time I was either unwilling or unable to fuse the concentrated effort with my fuzzy plan of attack at the moment of "Riders ready, GO!".

Hence, I attempted to reflect back and bring to the forefront of my memories the possible thoughts that may have been swirling about in my head back in the BMX pits between motos. Looking back at the photos of yesteryears throughout Vintage BMX, in many cases, the most successful individuals appeared (at least to me) to be able to harness the anxiety and detect, enhance and ultimately, produce the desired action by carefully and masterfully synthesizing the immaterial and material to the moto at hand, enjoying the benefit of conceptualized victory. And learning from mistakes.

This is, in my glazed estimation, the groundwork for maturity in sport and in life.

Quite honestly, I did not possess that level of maturity back then as my imagination was enjoying the on-going disagreements between my carnal desires and mind, unable to over-ride my preoccupation with either jumping at Cannons or my equally debillitating need to bunnyhop a picnic table with ease.

I salute those BMXers from back-in-the-day till today, those who seize the day rather than spending time between motos deconstructing the issue of non-functioning BMX actions of the near/far past.

Here is a photo from the Kauai championships way back in the 70s.



L to R: Paiea Paul, Mark Miyashiro, Raymond Motosue, Tayne Toma, Eric Mitsunaga and Lance Nishida

Introspecting and analyzing are valid tools, but applying the vision to the dirt is another matter.

Here, I am leading Kerry Kamaunu over a small rise. I lost a race playoff for the last spot in the main.



Strangely, I never got mad at losing, which I managed to be really good at!

I wonder, is this another undesirable trait that roadblocks BMX success?



Keep those wheels turning!


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KL-

Oh yes, that is seriously ILL, love the number plate number 1, very cool.


Great shape too, that bike. By the way, I apologize for not responding to your comment about posting a picture of my road bike. My digital camera is on the fritz, but I'll get to it soon.


Keep on rolling!



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GREAT SHOT, case in point. Check out the sheer concentration and determination on those mugs!

You can see it in countless other pictures scattered all over this excellent website too.

Thanks a million for posting these pics everyone, I am enjoying them all...



Cheers and Beers..


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OMG, now this is my all-time favorite shot up till this point on Vintage BMX!

I wish I looked that good in shape now, LOL..

Fantastic, thanks for posting that!

Hey Rockne, you're number 1 man.. that is too cool..



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LOL

OK, thanks for the verification, I believe I'll sleep soundly tonight as a result.

Here are my BMX riding/racing/jumping friends from way back:



L to R: Mark Miyashiro, Daniel "Danny" Lee, Raymond Motosue

Shot at Hickam Air Force Base.

Love the Robinson jersey and Danny's Redline V-bars!


I wonder where my pals are these days?



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Kevlau,

I have some Slam bars on the way. Picked them up off Ebay. I am looking forward to giving them a try. I have heard good things about them on vintage. Eventually I will probably pick up a newer geometry bike but, nostalgia is where my heart is right now.

P,

Success or "maturity" is a matter of perspective. If I recall you were a HIGHLY successful BMXer as evidenced by this pic and many other I have seen. All the same concepts applied if you really think about it. Preparation, visualization and execution.......Race day......Jumping. Its all BMX!

JK

P,

Awesome shots! I love the fact that Danny is wearing a shirt with a collar. I don't think I even owned collared shirts then. Well except for the dreaded school uniform. Keep the pics coming!

JK

I have some Slam bars on the way. Picked them up off Ebay. I am looking forward to giving them a try. I have heard good things about them on vintage. Eventually I will probably pick up a newer geometry bike but, nostalgia is where my heart is right now.

for new bikes with and old school flair, check out these: kappa is like hutch, porter is like thruster, ghp is like the old ghp. walter and i are thinking of welding up some 20 inchers to mess around on. i really want to make the forks like the 1980 redline proline. i love the look of the dropouts. i'll post some pics when we get them done.

Nice style!
I table same way! These days that is refered to as goofy footed or opposite footing. Left foot forward (lead foot) that is on the bottom and right foot (trailing foot) is top side turning your tables to the left. You are more forcing the table rather then the correct footed way by scooping the trailing foot under you and twisting into the table. Back then I wondered why it was so hard to table or to do certain tricks. Look backs (Harry Learys) were easier for me. I can table both ways, but my opposite is more flat and it feels better. I guess thats how the brain works.

I ride S&M Slam RV (Race Version) bars I bought a few years ago that they don't make anymore. Now they make the S&M Race XLT versions that are the lightest version of the Slam Bars line that are the same of what I have, but are 4Q Baked Heat treated. I didn't like the 12 degrees back sweep so I put them on a vice and bent them a little so they are around 10 to 11 degrees. I'm more on the Freestyle side now a days and ride a Eastern Chrome Grim Reaper that resembles and old school frame. I rode a Kappa Starsky that resembles the Hutch Trick Star, but it was time to replace it with something new and lighter. I got Eastern at 25 1/2 lbs. and it still rocks 4 pegs, back and front brakes and a few ti parts here and there.

Keep those pics and stories coming! Brings back alot of memories of Hawaii! I remember there was a PAL race at Waipahu Gym, somewhere around 1980-81. Any of you guys raced there? I didn't have BMX bike back then, because my Moto Mag Mongoose got stolen in 79. So I was on my Schwinn with bananna seat. Soon after that I got a Nickle Mongoose from a friend. I remember some days I didn't like wearing shoes because it was so hot! So what went on? What else but the Slippa's!
Remember the surfing ones that looked like it had a tire from a car on the bottom? Also can't forget the pants rolled up on the right/sprocket side. I remember driving my mom nuts with dirty red feet and slippers. Always had to wash your feet before you go inside the house, then you rolled your pants down and had red lines from where the folds were.

In turn all of us guys back then that didn't race dreamed of racing one day and being sponsered, having updated bikes, high end parts and jerseys. Some of us could not afford many of these things and made due of what we had and traded and bought parts among each other. Also when freestyle came around it started to divide us in some way, but it was the brotherhood of just riding that brought us back together and of course hanging out at the local bike shops. (Soul Riders) is what I call it. Its the very thing that is bringing us back together either be old friends or making new friends that lived through the same era. We all lived and experienced it, and it makes you feel young again!
Its like being in school back then, you can't wait to after school to get on that bike and ride with your friends and hang out with Da Boys!
SO NOW GO AND RIDE!

Hey JK, for the old bike I sugest trying to stay period correct with about 3 years. To me it looks kinda funny mixing parts that were made 10 years apart. You may have to hunt down what you want but in the end it will better represent that time of your life. , Then give it a good clean and polish. For getting a little more thrill back from riding go for a modern day bike. like I said before try many peoples bikes and figure out what you like then jump in. There are so many more choices and sizes that getting a bike dailed is alot esier now. Plus you don't want to buy something then find out there is something else that is more perfect to you. In my older years I have changed what or how I like the bike to feel. I actualy like a more squirlier bike now, or should I say more responsive rather than solid and stable. I don't have it in me to muscle the bike where I want, so having a bike the reacts easily is what I like. Short back end and a light front, med steering is good for me. I don't mind the looping out sometimes as it is less harsh to land on your but than your face.

Changstar

I did other jumps too.

BMX Plus, still have that bike and trying to restore it.

BMX Action, article on how to jump triples, I am #12.

Jason,

Thanks for the advice! I'll take it to heart. I need to check out your bike one day. Those pics of you are SICK!

Jk

Two more pics from JT of Safari Cycles:

Stuart Saito at Wheeler jump 1979



Daryl Saiki at Wheeler jump 1979

Thanks J, totally ILL pics once more.. thanks for posting them!

I love that lookback too, the full factory gear + a tweaked style = sickness..


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Nicely styled pics JK, great that you posed them up.. I do not remember the Wheeler jump.

How sad of me.

Onward to happier times, here is Barry Nobriga at the famous Makiki Jump..

BARRY NOBRIGA:



I believe this is called a "Redline" style jump.



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Good day BMXJoe-

Thanks for the clarification on terms, we should append those words to the BMX Dictionary. I kept my pedals in the same fashion with left foot forward. That is true, the "scooping" of the twist when executing the tabletop made the jump feel like a fully flatted bunnyhop x-up and was easier in my opinion. Seemed to make it easier to land too, as I recall. I had a harder time learning to table the way is it pictured as below:

GOOFY FOOTED TABLETOP at CANNONS:



My main reason for learning this style table method was to get tucked like the pics of Moki and Changstar, but as you can see, I've failed miserably. I could get the bike flat, but my legs had some Gumby-Foghorn-Leghorn miscommunication going on.. never got it dialed like you guys.

NORMAL SCOOPED TABLE at PEARL CITY FLATS:



Here is a sample how I learned to table x-up to the left. I was trying to imitate Jeff Bottema and Tinker Juarez from pics I saw in BMX magazines. Certainly was easier to learn the goofy foot kickout going to the left. To get the bars twisted in this manner forced me to spread eagle for creating space there. JK's table appeared to be untucked too, if I recall properly. I took many knocks to the skull and therefore my neurons fire haphazardly these years affecting my active attention and long term memory awakenings LOL..




This is a trick I could never do, ever. I remember a picture of a Leary by Harry himself on the cover of BMX mag and he was kicked out just like Chang's beautifully styled lookback in the thread. Notice how his pedals/footwork is opposite and makes room to tweak the bars. To conquer this trick required a mastery of hoisting the frame the other way, and the blessing of the lookback gods. I must have stepped on satan's tail because I just never got the hang of the move.

MY FEEBLE ATTEMPTS at a LOOKBACK:



Ugly. Maybe it might be better described as a "Redline". Mark's hair adds to the pic's appeal.



Check out Michael Tyau's "Redline", or is this a "lookback" in it's own infancies, waiting to rise by merit to a higher promotion?

Nice one MT, Cannons Club late in the day, back in the day.



Beyond the freshness of youth, melody of birds and the perspiration of plants, the jocular sayings of our BMX forefathers included this: "Exercise your dirt ambitions and collect your jumping memories in your brain". That way, a cleanliness remained and you could pluck those concepts stored up therein and repeat the feat to a better and finer replication.

There happened to be a scratch in the record of my brain though. Thats how mine works, anyways.


Thanks again BMXJoe, keep up your postings!



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Nice pic of your resurrected scoot.

Thinking now, I also wish I never quit the sport too, though I was forced into it.. as having my Mongoose stolen served as the unforgivable catalyst (of sorrows, it turns out). Burrowing back into my somewhat-seasoned ground of memories, I remember riding someone's bicycle a few months after my ride got ripped and I could still "feel" and "remember" how to jump and bunnyhop.. I might have even tried some bigger tricks if I didn't have a lingering fear of trashing a bike that didn't belong to me. Moreover, I almost didn't want to give back the bike LOL.. If the new BMX track does open, count me in. I have been thinking about the fun we all used to have way back, and really.. it might be cool to play around a tad once more.. in fact.. **ahem**

I had a random thirst for BMX blood this past weekend and emerged from my BMX shell just a bit. Made a quick visit to the Bike Factory to check out some 20s and 24s. Like a blind beggar recently awakened from the BMX graves, I had no real idea of what I was looking at LOL. One nice looking stead was advertised as a 24 with a rotor, front and rear calipers, very sturdy looking rims/wheels and a more-than-capable handlebar. Front and rear axle pegs added a polished look. The gearing on the single sprocket appeared rather small, however. I didn't have time to take it for a spin, but I am certainly thinking about buying a 24, though I must ask opinions, you guys.

I have not handled a bicycle besides my road ride and hope for some pointers? I stand a fraction under 5'8" and wonder what size bike I might think of trying out. I believe a 24 or 26?

Look forward to some advice, anybody?


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YES! Another old school Hawaii BMXer bitten by the bug! My guess is the one who can best guide you is Changstar. He is the only one who stayed in it when we Rocked til today. I would say go for the 24 so you can start pulling sick air again.....Did you see what MT has in his posession? Sounds like Cannons Club may be making a comeback! Keep us posted!!

JK

Here is Kerry Kamaunu, older brother of Kyle.

Windward side jump, way back when:





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More friends from the olden days.

Here is Reid Kawamae:




Pearl City flats action -- FMF action.



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P--That Leary pic was from BMX Action 1984 Cover, same pic that I saw and tried to learn that trick from. Just like ChangStar's pic, you can see the right leg resting over the top tube and him turning and leaning to the right in front of the bars. I remember trying to learn them the way you do yours, but at times your front foot would hit the tire at times when you are twisting around. I remember seeing guys do them this way in the mags, and it looked a lot better because they were super straight and leaning more forward. I remember a pic of a CW Racer that used to tweek look backs this way, but I don't remember the rider.

As for looking for a bike it depends what kind of riding you want to do. I'm 5'7 and still ride a 20".
I'm more into the old school flatland tricks and still do a lot of jumping and skatepark riding so, new school freestyle frame suits me, and I also ride front and back brakes. I ride 20.50 top tube frame, but they make them all they up to 22" on other bike frames. Like ChangStar says try other peoples bikes and check out bike manufacters. Retro thing is in also so and don't forget about that idea. Building a retro PK Ripper is not a bad idea. The new school PK is Hot! You don't have to worry about it being old. You can get some double pinch bolt Redline cranks and some Comp III's to dress it up!
Also some road bike seats resemble the old school plastic seats like the Kashimax and Viscount.

P-- Also whats the story on the stolen Mongoose? Just curious?

Changstar #4 in the middle, leading a semi in Rockford, Illinois 1994. Also that year I went to the World Championships. I choked on the gate and got 5th, but to be 5th in the world is something I feel proud of. This is my old promo pic with my sponsors at that time.

Ahh racers, we rode for fun but always had training on our minds. Competition is just in us, we want to jump higher, jump farther, get the flattest. Nerves of steel, that look of focus just before your moto. An inner drive to be the best, and never give up. For those who took it serious, wanted to win every race, someday even beat Rockne. It all starts before you even get on the gate, here is a little inside to how we try to get in that zone, calm cool and some quiet time to get phyched in the pits.

Where was this jump located at?Was it across the Main Gate all the way up at the top of the road?---We had a spot there we use to ride and it was called "Jump Track".I remember riding in Higas van with all the boys to go ride there.

Sugi,

I don't quite remember. I have been there a couple of times as a kid but my memory escapes me.

JK

Here's a pic of me riding yesterday...check out the "Don't tease my BMX bike" thread to see why...

JK

Already reponded on "Tease my bike thread" Judging by the pics it is " Jump track" looks like some were taken at the smaller jump at the entrance, while most were from jumping out of the bowl.

Changstar

Most recent photo, first straight Wheeler race track 2002. This is over over big table, about 7 feet high and 25 feet long, yeah I cleared it to backside.

Nice pic Changstar!

Here's a few more of Dale Farias at the Wheeler Jump Track. Photo's by JT of Safari Cycles.

Here is a very old one of me at Cambell's 1979. Still have that jersey, riding a Cook Bros with Z rims and a Haro brake lever.

Wow! Pro tec helmet, Scott mask, front brakes, Haro lever, Most Factory Magazine Jersey......Thats good times right there. Post more pics....you got some cool ones.

JK

My current ride, FORMULA frame, Saint hollow alum cranks, Stealth rear hub, Carbon forks. Seat is high to cruise the streets. I lower it for on dirt or jumping.

Changstar,

Now that's something I'm interested in seeing too! How's the Saint Cranks? Are those lock on grips? What brand? Give us more scoops on your current scoot!

JK

The Saint cranks are truly the best crank available, but pricy. Very stiff, as stiff as any chromo crank and I have tried them all. You want to use the newer DXR which are basicaly the same crank but more specific to BMX as far as fit and alignment. The Saint were actually intended for MTB and gears so sometimes chain alignment was off when used with BMX single speed. Yes the grips are lock on, ODI I think, so much easier than than the old style grip as far as putting on and removing. Stealth hubs are the best period. Instant engagement that my seem like only a small difference from a freewheel but after riding it for a while it feels awfull to ride a bike with a standard freewheel. I never used to be a a guy that thought much of forks, but after putting them on(BOMBSHELL CARBON) I could feel a difference in how light they were and how it afected lifting the front end. I don't worry as much about strength any more since I don't jump as much and now days all jumps have a nice landing ramp. No more high jumps to flat ground landings. Since the pros are running them, I figure they put more stress on parts in one of the new style supercross track race than I will ever put on them. Plus I only weigh 150 lbs so I feel safe. You can try it anytime, I live in Mililani too, by the way any idea who is the guy going by the name mililani? Hey with enough of us here maybe no one will laugh at those old guys on their kids bikes. I have had many people say how cute it was that a Dad was riding his kids bike. Ahhh, no it my bike mam.

Changstar

Changstar,

Thanks for the rundown. Definately want to check it out one day soon. Yeah, I know the "kids" bike comment very well. I get alot of weird looks while I am trying to learn to manual in front of the station. I have no idea who mililani is on the website. So are the Saint cranks only for small bottom brackets? Do they come in raw aluminum color? How much do they run? I dig the look of those.

As far as the stealth hubs. What do you mean about instant ingagement? From coasting to pedaling there is no play? Is that what you mean? There is so much to catch up on isn't there? Not just skill wise! I'm clueless about the NS stuff even clueless about helmets. Everyone seems to be running full face helmets now days.

If you get the track running I'll see what I can do about getting some hose.

JK

saint cranks are cool, and i have a set, but the new profiles with the hollow chromoly spindle is supposed to be lighter than saints and dxr's. the stealth hubs are awesome, but a lot more drag because of the engagement system. if you see a copper bmx bike riding by with stealth hubs(no noise), then grab it,... it was mine, until someone else took it from me. oh yeah, it also has hutch crank arms too.

kl

Yo Kev, you had Hutch cranks? Are they chrome? From where. I am one of the few who would know a Stealth hub right away. If I see it I will grab it. Where was it stolen from? So I know what area to keep my eyes open to. Actually I know where every one of the Stealth hubs went to so I don't think anyone has them besides us and a cruiser in Kailua. J Kam is looking to do his old Jag in a copper color like the original

Changstar.

kevlau,

I'll keep an eye out. The copper frame might be a dead giveaway.

JK

i had chrome hutch repros made by kappa to fit a 48 spline spindle, the stealth hub was black with a 15t cog. it was stolen in town. the frame and fork are copper plated with an acid that makes it patina over time. if the bike or parts ever turn up, i would know every part on it. there are some stuff no one else would have. i said that about my last mountain bike too, like 15 years ago. and it has never showed up. thanks for looking.

kl

Old Guys Club:

Thanks BMXJoe-

Here is the Leary cover shot:



Here is the Changstar shot:



You're right, not only would your foot hit the tire, the leg would prevent getting more tweaked than possible. Simply not enough space to get the bars twisted 'round. In any case, I like the style of the pics above.. groovy.

Totally cool!

I checked out some 24s on the internet and settled on a Texas 24 Cruzer, except the base model I looked at did not have a rotor. I'll probably have to take my time and do lots of research, after all I need to get something I can trust and not be afraid of breaking. PK Ripper looks nice too, there are so many choices. On the SE website, there are some really rad pics of the riders and also the bikes themselves. The bad news is, I've been abusing myself with tons of work and I'll be traveling for most of the next month. During that time I hope to check out some bikes if I can..

I'd like to use the bike to do some old-school flatland stuff, but mostly jumping, more than likely. In the event I don't kill or maim myself getting back into the groove, I'd try some track racing. Looks like Changstar has done Yeoman's work on a dirt track, upcoming. Nevertheless, I need a bike that is strong and sturdy, able to take some punishment as I am far from the 120lbs skinny kid from back in the day LOL.

I'd like to do this again someday:



.. and live to tell about it ..

On my stolen Goose. Back in 82, Phoenix, Arizona, 25th St and Camelback, location of the college I was attending. I had this malfunctioning lock (my fault for not getting a new one) and would use it to lock my bike to the rack. Got away with it for some time, then **poof** ripped. I believe it was a chrome Goose, Tuf neck, redline V-Bars, Oakley grips, Goose forks, Cheng Chins, one-piece steel cranks with KKTs, 44-16 gearings and front/rear Dia-Compes. The Goose was pretty trashed though, my rims were slightly taco'd as per usual. Never saw it again.

On a nostalgic note. I did get to ride the ABA track in Mesa and carried the American flag around the track once before a race. Got to watch the racing from the announcement tower, that was nice. The dirt jumps were big and I was still able to get rad before the races and had a good time.


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What a great memory, captured on film too.

5th in the World is awesome!

Well done, sir.


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JK-

Nice pics, I love the old retro look, socks up high, jersey flapping in the wind..

Most excellent, thanks for posting the pics.

Changstar, now that is what fun is supposed to look like (sheer concentration, of course)..


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Look out, its David Baker at Cannons Club:






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Danny Lee, at Cannons Club jump back in the days of King Tut:







WHOO HOO


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You two guys look as fresh as a daisy sprouting forth in some distant meadow.

Real nice!


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