Head in the clouds. Photo: Justin Gural

It’s been a while between posts, largely due to a new gig doing great things.

Here’s a #hiatushaiku in the meantime:

Thanks for visiting.
Currently on a hiatus,
but not gone for good.

Stay tuned... and as Arnie said it, “I’ll be back.”

“Down River,” A Mountain Bike Adventure.

From the team:

The town of Green River, Utah has been on the MTB radar for over 10 years now. Many riders and film crews have come to this remote location searching for new and unique terrain to ride. In an attempt to access areas that had never seen a bike tire, Diamondback DF5 team riders Eric Porter and Kelly McGarry teamed up with Bike Magazine, and a rambling crew of media misfits to go on a different kind of bike trip. Using human powered whitewater rafts they made their way down the Green River, into the unknown, searching for the unridden.. This is what went down.

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Shot and Edited by: Justin Olsen

Still Photography by: Haruki Noguchi

River Support by: Stephen “Chalupa” Darrigo

Supermoon rising over Essex Junction, Vermont. Photo: Justin Gural / @theTraverse

During a quick bike ride to the corner store for weekend supplies, I saw the moon rising over the Junction cemetery. I booked-it home to grab my SLR and tripod, and took a few shots. Here are a few from the session, and an explanation about the ‘supermoon’ from NASA, below.

On the not-so-bright side, the light from this perigee moon will wash out all but the brightest fireballs from the springtime Eta Aquarid meteor shower –which is made up of debris from the trail of Halley’s Comet, passing by Earth every 76 years. Maybe next time.

Cheers to barking and howling at the moon. Ozzy-style…

Supermoon rising over Essex Junction, Vermont. Photo: Justin Gural / @theTraverse

The supermoon, captured just after 11:35p EST when it reached perigee and lined up with the Earth and the Sun to become full. Photo: Justin Gural / @theTraverse

The perigee full moon on May 5, 2012 will be as much as 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full moons of 2012.

Dr. James Garvin, chief scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, answered questions regarding the supermoon phenomenon in a 2011 interview.

Question: What is the definition of a supermoon and why is it called that?

‘Supermoon’ is a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon. So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times.

It is called a supermoon because this is a very noticeable alignment that at first glance would seem to have an effect. The ‘super’ in supermoon is really just the appearance of being closer, but unless we were measuring the Earth-Moon distance by laser rangefinders (as we do to track the LRO [Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter] spacecraft in low lunar orbit and to watch the Earth-Moon distance over years), there is really no difference. The supermoon really attests to the wonderful new wealth of data NASA’s LRO mission has returned for the Moon, making several key science questions about our nearest neighbor all the more important.

Are there any adverse effects on Earth because of the close proximity of the moon?

The effects on Earth from a supermoon are minor, and according to the most detailed studies by terrestrial seismologists and volcanologists, the combination of the moon being at its closest to Earth in its orbit, and being in its ‘full moon’ configuration (relative to the Earth and sun), should not affect the internal energy balance of the Earth since there are lunar tides every day. The Earth has stored a tremendous amount of internal energy within its thin outer shell or crust, and the small differences in the tidal forces exerted by the moon (and sun) are not enough to fundamentally overcome the much larger forces within the planet due to convection (and other aspects of the internal energy balance that drives plate tectonics). Nonetheless, these supermoon times remind us of the effect of our ‘Africa-sized’ nearest neighbor on our lives, affecting ocean tides and contributing to many cultural aspects of our lives (as a visible aspect of how our planet is part of the solar system and space).

BME X-9 Nighthawk

The first fully assembled frame was first presented at Berliner Fahrradshau in Berlin in March 2012, and needless to say, upon design alone, it has turned some heads.

It’s constructed using a new, experimental frame made out of sandwiched honeycomb-core panels wrapped with carbon fiber skins. The handlebars and stem are pure carbon fiber, and the carbon fork was shaped to match the frame design.

BME X-9 Nighthawk

Even without knowing how the ride rides, we’re tipping our hat… because this design is officially breaking the mold. The edges are edgy.

Check out the bike in detail at BME.

Rotor Concept HPQ2 Camera Quadcopter

The bait, on my Twitter feed, was taken immediately: “@c5dnews: Article: NAB 2012: $900 Quad Copter for GoPro sized cameras.” A $900 camera helicopter? Yes, please. Looking to blow a few hundred of your tax return? Here’s an approved option.

This little bird could be a game changer, which offers any pro or amateur the ability to add flight footage into their service Rolodex starting at $900 –or the NAB show special, $349.  I’m imagining this will take plenty of flight time to perfect a steady flight path, once you’re dialed the footage you can produce should be pretty amazing. Providing, of course, you don’t crash and burn the copter, your camera, and accompanying livelihood.

I’ll wait patiently in line for the testing session, and in the meantime, here is some beta and links about the two models from Rotor Concept.

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Rotor Concept's HPQ1 Camera Helicopter

HPQ1

Rotor Concept’s high performance quadcopter (HPQ1) comes fully assembled and 100% ready to fly (RTF), HPQ1 is controlled by a 6 channel digital radio/receiver using the latest code pairing, for anti-interference & fail safe, 2.4GHZ digital spread spectrum frequency. Other than flying for enjoyment, HPQ1 can perform some real life applications for both commercial and industrial through various optional live streaming video and on-board digital video recording HD camera systems. Features the capability to carry a maximum payload of up to 12 ounces with standard blades or up to 1.2 pound using optional high performance blades. HPQ1’s flight control board is intergrated with advanced sensors such as auto barometer, accelerometer, magnetometer, 3-axis gyro and inertia based (6DOF IMU) self stabilization system. Also comes as standard is the signal loss and the low battery flight warning system which allow the HPQ1 to perform gradual auto self-landing, Fly up to 20 minutes with the included lithium-polymer battery and with 4 brushless motors. Maximum flight altitude up to 2,000 feet. Maximum flight radius up to 1 mile. HPQ1 can pair with any 4 channel radio as well. [$899]

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Rotor Concept HPQ2 Camera Helicopter

HPQ2

Fully assembled and 100% Ready to Fly. HPQ-2 is the larger version of the HPQ-1. The HPQ-2 quadcopter is a foldable and comes with a 28×8.5×8.5 inch metal carrying case. HPQ-2 is capable of carrying up to 3lbs payload. Possible applications: Real estate, rooftop inspection, private investigation, law enforcement, sporting events, etc. [$1,795]

VIDEO (hit mute)

Into the Barrel of the Aurora. Looking up from the ground at almost a 90-degree angle, this image was captured while documenting Project Aether at Murphy Dome, just outside Fairbanks, Alaska. (Canon 5D Mark II, 16mm, f2.8, 1250 ISO at 10 seconds) Photo by: Justin Gural / @theTraverse

Documenting the aurora borealis at Murphy Dome, just outside Fairbanks, Alaska. (Canon 5D Mark II, 16mm, f2.8, 1250 ISO at 10 seconds) Photo by: Justin Gural / @theTraverse

On assignment, I traveled to meet the GoPro production team to learn more about a scientific partnership they’ve established with a group of rocket scientists and school teachers. The unified goal: thoroughly document what goes on around the plume of plasma that ignites our beloved –and highly photogenic– aurora borealis, and then excite students across the country to do the same.

This isn’t the surf-slashing, car-jumping POV camera company you might be accustomed to, and that’s why GoPro is so excited about this particular project.

Stay tuned for more about this adventure; which was stock full of late-nights, space flights, retrieval missions, mushing, moose tracks –not the ice cream– and all the mad-scientist shenanigans you might expect from a duo named “Hans and Franz.”

Watch the timelapse, which includes the first-ever video footage from alongside the edge of the aurora, courtesy of GoPro. Very cool, on so many levels…

Coming in hot from the talented production group at Anthill Films, in partnership with Red Bull Media House, here’s a teaser for the highly anticipated release of their 2012 film, “Strength in Numbers.”

'Strength in Numbers' Film Trailer. Photo: Anthill Films/Red Bull Media House

The film was shot over a two year period at some of the most iconic mountain biking destinations on the globe, and in true Anthill fashion, features many of the sports top riders –Atherton, McCaul, Smith, Peat, Simmons, Agassiz, etc.

Enjoy the Trailer…

The film premieres on April 20, 2012 in Monterey, CA at the Sea Otter Bike festival, followed by cinematic events all over the world. On May 24, 2012 the film will be available on redbull.com/bike, and will be released afterwards on DVD+BluRay and iTunes worldwide. A basic version of the entire film will also be streamed online for free in autumn 2012.

From Anthill Films:

Strength in Numbers is a rally call to connect all mountain bikers, regardless of location or language or discipline. The film captures a true way of life, from the world’s best pros to those who are just learning to love the sport. Shot over two years in some of mountain biking’s most iconic locations, Anthill’s signature style combines compelling stories with core action to create a shared experience that unites all riders. Come join us!

anthillfilms.com/strengthinnumbers

Featuring: Graham Agassiz, Gee Atherton, Adam Billinghurst, Matt Hunter, Cam McCaul, Anthony Messere, Brandon Semenuk, Andrew Shandro, Wade Simmons, Rene Wildhaber and Thomas Vanderham. With appearances from: Rachel Atherton, Steve Smith, Aaron Gwin, Ryan Howard, Tracy Moseley, Tyler McCaul, Steve Peat, Greg Watts and Alex Reveles.

Communities: Aptos California, Whistler BC, Fort William Scotland, Green River Utah, Nepal, Kamloops BC, Verbier Switzerland, Vancouver BC.

Music:
“Soul of a Man”
Ramblin’ Jack Elliot
ramblinjack.com

“Fire in Your Eyes”
Chase & Status
chaseandstatus.co.uk

Strength in Numbers is produced, written, directed and edited by Anthill Films in co-production with Red Bull Media House. Presented by Shimano and Trek in association with Contour HD, Clif Bar, Pinkbike.com and PRO Components. Additional support for the film is provided by the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Kona, Toyota Trucks, Scion, Oakley, Easton, Evoc, Big Mountain Adventures, Verbier St. Bernard and Ride Nepal

You may or may not remember this little event they hosted back in February, and if you’re connected deep enough, the place it holds in backcountry skiing and snowboarding. If you don’t know, now you know. Just be responsible about your knowledge, young ninjas.

Baldface Lodge, 2012. Photo: Baldface

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And if you have more time, here’s some more eye candy from Tristan Greszko.

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I’d say it worked, indirectly.

President Obama and Air Force Two approaching Burlington, Vermont. Photo by: Justin Gural / JAG::PHOTO

Slipping around the back side of the airport, I had hopes to catch Air Force One Two arriving from the southeast. With an iconic Vermont landmark in the background, Camel’s Hump and the rest of the Green Mountains were emitting an ironically welcoming Democratic Party blue tone –thanks to some haze and bluebird sky.

President Obama's approach into Burlington, Vermont. Photo by: Justin Gural / JAG::PHOTO

President Obama's touch-down in Burlington, Vermont. Photo by: Justin Gural / JAG::PHOTO

Air Force Two cruising the strip at BTV in Burlington, Vermont. Photo by: Justin Gural / JAG::PHOTO

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More photos by Justin Gural at JAG::PHOTO.

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In fact, not many do. I was fortunate to run Gatorade’s event presence at the event in 2009, the brand’s first foray into action sports and skateboarding, and then I attended the Pro again in 2010 as a member of the media for BNQT.com.

The following is an excerpt from a blog posted in March, 2010. More photos at JAG::PHOTO.

The deck above the park is packed, shoulder-to-shoulder, all day long.

There are only a few thousand tickets allocated to the public each year, and it sells-out year after year. With prize winnings totaling over $75,000 and sponsors handing out contracts on the spot, SPoT provides a safe haven for street skating’s elite and industry heads alike.

Dwarfed in comparison to the scale and bravado of X Games and Dew Tour, Skatepark of Tampa (SPoT) recently celebrated their sweet-16th anniversary of the infamous Tampa Pro. This event, which was created with the ‘by skaters, for skaters’ mentality, stands strong as a must-skate comp for any pro out there. It’s not about gold medals.

Monster wall ride on vomit head.

Just ask 2010 winner, P-Rod, who is on record repeatedly stating a Pro win is not just a regular win – it’s a career win. Well, Paul, go ahead and put a big effin’ check mark on that column. With a perfect run, he amped the crowd who was salivating for the elusive flawless set. Lutzka got close. Chaz got close. Nyjah got close. Sheckler got close. P-Rod got it.

The Pro isn’t exactly intended to be a spectator event. Crammed along the street course there are a few rows of bleachers and vantage points where braces-picking groms and industry peeps are stacked shoulder-to-shoulder. Get there early, especially for the finals, and post up your spot.

Auto signing 3D posters, not many comps allow spectators such an intimate environment to interact with pros.

If you’re ambitious enough to bookmark ‘Tampa in March’ for your 2011 travel itinerary, you’ll witness some of the best skating you’ll ever see in a contest environment. It’s a skater’s event, and the level of skating is naturally elevated.

Confirmed by Lutzka during the awards ceremony, and again minutes later reiterated by Sheckler, this very well could be the best street contest. Period.

What contest would be legit without a schwag-toss? After watching the pros do their thing, kids and parents alike bum-rushed the floor for their chance to get some freebies. The pros and industry reps, lining the ramps, know to get the hell out of the way.

And let’s not forget about the less-famous –but equally-entertaining– Moat Race. A Tampa Pro crowd favorite, where a handful of prize-seeking spectators sprint, wrestle and claw through a 75-yard gauntlet of stinky drainage-ditch-run-off schmeg.

Insiders tip: the bridge is a great spot to watch the entire race, but if you want to get more intimate and huck unnamed items at the racers (rotten eggs, spent beer cans, vomit), I’d recommend finding a spot along the moat. Beware of downwind breezes and overthrown chachky’s.

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