Robbie Maddison Jumps 120 feet to the top of the Arc de Triomphe in front of Paris Las Vegas
Robbie Maddison rings in 2009 with another world-first motorcycle jump. Captured on ESPN's live 'Red Bull: New Year. No Limits' special and syndicated on my flip camera, this superstar will attempt to jump his bike more than 120 feet high, landing on top of the 96-foot-high and 40-foot-deep replica Arc de Triomphe in front of Paris Las Vegas, and then jump off of it in an acute showing of skill and bravery.
There is no doubt in my mind that Beau Manley is the most mysterious, weird, creepy, yet incredibly cool and friendly dude I have ever met. I can't remember the first time I met him, but I remember shredding a mini ramp with him at Real Ride skatepark in beautiful Perris, California. I was a bit intimidated by the guy at first because he looked like a byproduct of Charles Manson and Courtney Love on smack (and acted like it too), but the more I started vibing out with him, the more I realized that he was a really cool dude with a rad and horribly rude sense of humor.
I kind of lost touch with Beau, but I ran into him at a Fuel TV M80 end-of-production party in Hollywood. After catching up for a little, I learned that he had been living in Los Angeles (Burbank to be exact) for the past couple years. I didn't really ask him what he'd been up to, but I knew that he wasn't still riding FMX because I hadn't really heard anything from him or seen him in any mags.
This photo would lead me to think that Beau Manley is a model... or is he an actor? A couple years later (more like 3 or 4) I ran into him at Twitch's house in Temecula. His look had kind of changed a little bit, but he was still keeping it OG and dirty. Everyone was gearing up to go ride in the hills and freakin' Beau threw on some bright blue Alpinestars, kicked over his CR250 and went riding with the boys. It was rad to see Beau back on a bike and surprising to see him rocking bright colored motocross gear — I hadn't seen him ride in anything except for black baggies.
We caught up after the sesh and he told me that he was living back in Temecula. I was kind of wondering why the hell someone like Beau would move from L.A. back to the Temek, but I didn't really say anything. Just like before, I took off and lost touch with the dude. Then, a couple weeks ago, MJ sent me a video interview that she did with him out at Perris Raceway. I thought to myself "What the hell does Beau do?" "Why does he always pop up in the most random places and how the hell does he even make money?" I couldn't figure it out. Is he riding? Is he making his money from the Mulisha? Is he slanging dope? Is he an actor or a model? What is his deal?
So, I sent MJ to get the skinny on Beau and find out what the hell he's been up to for the past year. She tracked him down, whipped out her infamous hot pink Dell laptop and proceeded to grill him. The funny thing is, that even after watching this interview I still have no idea what it is that Beau does. But I'm almost thinking that I don't need to know — he seems to be doing well for himself... especially with the ladies.
If you still have some time to kill, check out this interview
Malcolm McCassy did with him at the US Open of SX in Vegas - effin' classic.
I am pretty pumped to have another one of my photos featured on the home page of EXPN! Ryan Leyba, former FMX athlete, turned photographer, and now runs the sickest moto blog on the planet, Barap Haps, knows sick shots when he sees them. I got some insane shots of Myles Richmond, Julian D'usseau, and Taka out at Julian's the other day and sent them right over. Ryan was stoked on the photos and said things like, "I love those photos, they're $!#@ing DIIIZZZZOOOPPPPEEEE!!!!!" and "Dude, you're so $!#@ing awesome. Leyba love you long time...". But I think the question remains...Leyba can love you long time but can Leyba Sucky, Sucky!
Ha-ha, Leyba you're the man! Thanks for hookin a brotha up!
Check out the screen shot and head on over to EXPN for more action.
If you are a tattoo enthusiast, chances are you have picked up a copy of Inked Magazine. Inked isn't your typical tattoo magazine filled with gay photos of some sweaty guys arm or leg. Instead, Inked Magazine is a lifestyle magazine featuring edgy and artist photos of musicians, athletes, movie stars, etc. I love the magazine and on my monthly trip to the local Barnes & Noble, I always pick up a copy!
In the latest issue of Inked, they did a feature on the Metal Mulisha. They hit me up to get an interview and a photo of Mike Metzger. As difficult as it is to track down the Godfather of Freestyle Motocross, I got the interview lined up and supplied them with a photo.
When you get a chance, head down to your local book store and pick up a copy. The issue featuring my photo of Metzger will be on news stands until November 24th.
Between building websites, designing wedding albums, processing photos, and shooting wedding after wedding, I got the opportunity to do a shoot for EXPN. I got a request from EXPN to do a shoot with Pro WMA (Women's Motocross Association) motocross racer, Vanessa Florentino. The photos were to be used in a feature on credible women in Action Sports. They needed one action shot and one lifestyle shot.
When the request came in, I thought, this is a great opportunity to do something really cool. So I gave Vanessa a call to discuss some ideas I had. I wanted to do something classy and a little sexy but showcase her as a woman that means business. So I rallied the troops and called in my set coordinator, Michele Johnson of MX Girls to help out! It was a huge help having Michele assist and organize the outfits, fix Vanessa's makeup, adjust her hair, etc. I could not have done it without her...Thanks Michele!
Also want to give a shout out to Ryan Leyba for hooking me up with Micah Abrams at EXPN to do the shoot! Word-em-up Ryan!
Vanessa is 20 years old and recently competed in the 2008 X Games 14. Not only is Vanessa smokin hot, she also rips on the track.
Kevin Johnson takes Gold at X Games 14 - Moto X Speed & Style Final
Kevin Johnson busts out a cliff hanger at the X Games 14 - Moto X Speed & Style Final...what! Kevin Johnson wins with a score of 90.70 over Ronnie Renner's score of 87.75.
As they say, anything can happen at X Games. Travis Pastrana took himself out in his first heat leaving the door wide open for the rest of the field and Nate Adams took a pretty big spill on his parade lap.
Speed & Style Results
Gold-Kevin Johnson Silver-Ronnie Renner Bronze-Jeremy Stenberg
For results, head on over to EXPN's website by clicking here.
Once again, Jamie Bestwick takes gold at ESPN X Games 14
At X Games, it is difficult to see every event. If you are into Skate, you have to plan each day around where the event is going to take place. If you are into Moto, you end up at Staples Center on Thursday and Friday, and Home Depot Center on Saturday. Every event overlaps one another so it is difficult to get around to see the different competitions. Luckilly I was able to whitness first hand an unreal session by Jamie Bestwick. After winning Gold last year, Jamie steps up this year with one of the sickest runs ever. Busting out tricks like an opposite flair downside whips, no handed 540's, and a olley-oop barspin to turndown, downside whips to X and a never-before-seen olley-oop turndown flair!
To see results, visit EXPN's website by clicking here.
