#medium-format

tag

The Radavist 2014 Calendar: October

Radar

The Radavist 2014 Calendar: October

This is the tenth layout of the Radavist 2014 Calendar, entitled “West Texas Roads”. The camera and location are noted on the bottom left of the document.

Our trip from Vegas to Austin in my pickup truck was a blur, except for moments like this. Oh and Sedona. Sedona was rad. Anyway… The thing that sucks about traveling by car is that you never want to stop when you see a great road. After 13 hours of driving that day, we definitely stopped for this one…

For a high-res JPG, suitable for print and desktop wallpaper*, right click and save link as – The Radavist 2014 Calendar – October. Please, this photo is for personal use only!

(*set background to white and center for optimal coverage)

That Was Such an Amazing Road Trip

Radar

That Was Such an Amazing Road Trip

I finally got all my film back from the #RadGoldenDream road trip that Golden Saddle, Team Dream and I went on. These two photos are some of my favorites and best represent the vibes on the road.

The Radavist 2014 Calendar: September

Radar

The Radavist 2014 Calendar: September

This is the nineth layout of the Radavist 2014 Calendar, entitled “Ascension”. The camera and location are noted on the bottom left of the document.

The Pacific Coast is a cycling Utopia. Minus the RVs and tourists who are unable to operate their rental cars. Still, in one of the heaviest traveled scenic highways in the US, solitude can be found, even amongst looming giants like the Redwoods.

For a high-res JPG, suitable for print and desktop wallpaper*, right click and save link as – The Radavist 2014 Calendar – September. Please, this photo is for personal use only!

(*set background to white and center for optimal coverage)

How to Rule Summer in Central Texas

Reportage

How to Rule Summer in Central Texas

Let me begin this post with the phrase: don’t blow up the spot, bro. Now, I know I’m posting photos of a few hidden gems, but you don’t have to name them… That said, we also were given “special permission” to access these spots from land owners, so, again #dontblowupthespot, bro. Also, also, remember one thing: this is Texas, people have a lot of guns and a particular connection to their private property. I’ve dealt with angry land owners before. Let me tell you, it ain’t worth it.

Now that that’s out of the way…

Central Texas can be quite unforgiving in the summer months and the only bastian for relaxation are limestone swimming holes, sink holes, aquifers, lakes and other vessels for holding water. The problem is: every frat boy bro and his messy friends camp out with coolers of beer and boom boxes, littering and ruining a lot of these swimming locales, leaving my friends and I seeking refuge in lesser-known locations.

Be it on a mountain bike, cross bike, or in this case, simply driving outside of the Austin area to swim has proven to be quite fruitful this summer in particular. We hike in and leave nothing but footprints and tire tracks.

Last sunday, we ruled summer as we partook in some classic Central Texas cliff jumps and lounging… enjoy the Gallery!

Tools of the trade:
Mamiya 7ii / 80mm
Kodak Portra 400

SF to LA with Cadence – John Daniel Reiss

Reportage

SF to LA with Cadence – John Daniel Reiss

I’ve been a long fan of Cadence for some time now. Over the years, they’ve been huge supporters of PiNP and The Radavist, so when the new Flow kits dropped, I wanted to do something special to commemorate them. I knew from Cadence’s Instagram that they had just ridden from SF to LA and TCB Courier‘s John Daniel Reiss was trucking along taking photos, so I reached out to them to do a Reportage on the trip… Below you’ll see the ride unfold.

Yonder Journal: (Dis)Enchanted Rock Permanent

Radar

Yonder Journal: (Dis)Enchanted Rock Permanent

You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t…

The last Yonder Journal Brovet in Austin was a clusterfuck of epic proportions. I planned the ride, which, in context was one of the best 300 mile loops in Texas Hill Country. That context though, is slightly mottled, since, you know, I live in Texas and these guys are from California and Oregon – which has some of the best riding in the country. Maybe they’re soft-skinned liberals and I’m ok with Texas being stuck in the 17th century, or maybe riding for 40 hours in the pissing – just above freezing – rain just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Context aside, I planned a 300 mile route, the weather was nice – 80 degrees and humid – hey, it’s Texas – and everyone arrived in Austin.

Cursed. We’re all cursed. Or maybe I’m cursed? For whatever reason, mother nature took a shit on us, then smeared it on the route. 300 miles got cut in half, we had to bail so people could catch their flights. Ty got drunk – after he and Kelli got engaged. Moi got drunk. Kyle threw up in my yard. Hahn got drunk and raided dirty laundry.

The story goes deeper than this over at Yonder Journal! Head over to read about the Curse and (Dis)Enchanted Rock. See a few more selections below and follow Yonder on Instagram as they’re in the middle of another Brovet down South!

Ride Along: Crihs and His Legor Singlespeed Cross

Reportage

Ride Along: Crihs and His Legor Singlespeed Cross

As we continue our “Hot Boyz of Cycling” series – that’s what I’m calling it anyway – I caught up with “Dominican Crihs” in Los Angeles en route to a local unsanctioned cross race. Which he lost to Hern if I recall. His Legor is one of my favorite singlespeed cross bikes I’ve had the chance to photograph. Crihs is a good friend of mine and one who is always quick to call me out on whatever he so pleases, so I put him on a spot a bit.

Ride Along: Mudfoot’s Eric Brunt

Reportage

Ride Along: Mudfoot’s Eric Brunt

If you’ve ever ridden with Eric Brunt aka Skullcrusher then you’re well aware of this dude’s strength on a bicycle. A recent transplant to Los Angeles, Eric spends his weekends doing insane rides (like going up Cloudburst, TWICE in one day) and soaking in the San Gabriel mountains.

The last time I was visiting Los Angeles, I shot some photos of Eric at GSC, working on his Ibis cross bike. Check out a ride along interview below!

Sights, Shops and Signs

Reportage

Sights, Shops and Signs

It’s that time of month again. I’ve got all kinds of Randomness left over from a Recent Roll. Actually, a few Recent Rolls. There’s some LA, Pasadena, Austin, Moab and Fruita photos in here, all noted in the photo’s captions. Got a favorite? Point it out. Open up some commentary…

Tools of the trade:
Mamiya 7ii / 80mm
Portra 400 / Ilford HP5

Things Fall Apart

Radar

Things Fall Apart

Sometimes, your wheels get dented or damaged beyond repair. That happened to Kyle while we were riding in Los Angeles back in January on his Stinner Mudfoot cross bike. I liked the way these three photos turned out from the aftermath.

Argonaut and Some Rouge Roubaix Randomness

Reportage

Argonaut and Some Rouge Roubaix Randomness

I can’t help myself. No matter where I go, I always take my Mamiya 7ii and at least the 80mm lens. As I was packing for the Rouge Roubaix, I grabbed it, along with two rolls of 220 film, tossed it in my bag and took off for Louisiana. Most of the photos I shot were of landscapes, the vernacular, with a few Argonaut ‘lifestyle’ photos mixed in from the race.

Personally, I can never get enough of that Southern architecture and live oak trees…

Tools of the trade:
Mamiya 7ii / 80mm
Kodak Portra 400

Gone Campin’

Radar

Gone Campin’

The winter is the time of year to camp in Austin. Some of the Beat the Clock Cycling club guys and I will be spending the weekend camping and riding a nice loop I put together in the middle of hill country. While I doubt I’ll be maxed out in gearing like I was in this photo, there will be a lot of climbing and a lotta dirt. I can’t wait!

Regular posting will commence on Sunday but I’ll be posting to Instagram @JohnProlly all weekend!

Recent Roll: Stanridge Speed and Death Spray Custom Highstreet Track

Radar

Recent Roll: Stanridge Speed and Death Spray Custom Highstreet Track

I’m usually pretty good at keeping my film in check. Especially on my Mamiya 7ii. It literally costs me $2 every time that shutter button is pressed. So you can imagine my regret when I went to load a new roll of film after shooting some photos at Standridge Speed, to find my camera was loaded with Kodak TMAX 400 black and white.

I had just photographed one of the raddest bikes, with the brightest and most elaborate paint jobs, in black and white film, yet it still does Death Spray Custom some justice. To top it off, I left all my extra film at home, so I couldn’t shoot more.

For a full color Gallery, shot digitally, head over to last year’s Beautiful Bicycle post.

Yonder Journal: Skid Town Bicycles

Radar

Yonder Journal: Skid Town Bicycles

During the Mythical State of Jefferson Brovet (the ride where I didn’t bonk), we met this character named Kevin Krueger who makes Skid Town Bicycles. These things were built specifically for bombing fireroads and double track and while there ain’t much information on the ‘net about these klunkers, Yonder Journal did manage to capture a few suave gents posing on some of Kevin’s machines.

I felt like it was worth sharing today, especially with Bene’s Trek gracing the front page of the site.

From what I can gather, the Mythical State of Jefferson Brovet is almost ready to launch. I can’t wait to see the photos from that ride!

Epilogue – Themes While Bicycle Touring Through China

Reportage

Epilogue – Themes While Bicycle Touring Through China

After looking back through all 800 photos I shot while on bicycle tour through China with Mission Workshop and Factory 5, I had a hard time breaking it down to a cohesive gallery show.

What I began to notice were themes in the photos, not apparent as I flipped through the files, but when I printed out a selection of photos, they began to tie in together. These themes represent not only my eye for cycling in urban environments, but also my background education and professional career as an architect.

China really changed my perspective on the world as a whole. I saw beautiful landscapes destroyed in the name of progress and capitalism. I witnessed a precious and old culture wiped out to assimilate with a preconceived notion of luxury. Everywhere I looked, I saw western civilization to blame.

Globalization, our desire to own and consume had changed China. Granted I had no benchmark for the status quo, I could only gather enough information through examining the landscapes.

The Chinese build for the sake of building. Supply and demand is a skewed balance, tilted in the former’s favor. This growth is unwarranted and most importantly, uncontrolled.

So where did this bike tour fall into place? It was, after all, Mission Workshop’s idea. While I was given no direction, no instructions, I did have really, complete freedom to do what I wanted.

We had an agenda: test out the new US-manufactured Acre clothing while riding a bicycle through some of the most polluted areas of China and document the trip for a gallery show. Was it successful? I’d say so…

Which brings me to this post: a selection of 50 photos, all shot with my Mamiya 7ii and Kodak Portra 400. These photos break down into illustrative observations, all of which are noted in the photo’s title. Some are obvious, others are not.

You’ll see the themes fairly easily and I’d like to hear what you have to say about them. Feel free to critique / comment, just be polite and constructive.

Many thanks to Mission Workshop / Acre, the Factory 5 crew and anyone that helped us on this journey.