Rodney Wills @ 2008 Interbike

DSC01800, originally uploaded by Akira k's Photos.

I went to Interbike again this year. This year it was a little different in that we got to mix work and play - HPI RACING - SRAM

All my Interbike images.

Time to Catch up!!!

OK, so it's been since May since I've updated the blog, but my Flickr is always the most updated and then the forums of which I visit. But it seems that all of my interested are a bit blurred, so I think I may see where / how the blog can actually keep everything glued together. Yes, I have been contimplating just how to use the blog as my interest are all over the map. While I will still want to post in the forums withing the different interest, the blog for me personally can make it all flow together.

SO, since May, what have I been doing? Lot's of work of course!!! As Marketing Manager at HPI RACING, it has been one busy summer! Just look at our events reports!

Since I am yet to be cleared to ride off-road on anything, it's been lot of bicycling to-from work and little trips on the weekends whenever possible. Just see my Bicycle Collections folder on Flickr to see what all is going on.
And I also picked up a new vehicle - a 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80 of which I am calling ADV80 as this will be my family 4WD version of my KTM950ADV - adventure motorcycle.

Commute By Bike - 3 Times this week.

Rodney May 2008 038, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Finally back on the bike and riding, bicycle that is, and note the GT Zaskar is Slicked down [minus knobbies] to keep me off the dirt for a while. Still want a road bike/fix gear for commuter action.

Basically my commute is a 1hr-35min / 19-mile one-way venture to work.

May 19: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/sets/72157605141048961/

May 20:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/sets/72157605160960625/

May 22:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/sets/72157605192167200/

ZEV & Carbon Fiber Spotting May 2008

ZEV Spotting May 2008 006, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Spotted this Zero Emission Vehicle while on the way to work, driving up Bake Parkway, Foothill Ranch, Ca. Nice Carbon rear defuser too!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/sets/72157605179721857/

Honda Hybrid Rally

Honda Hybrid Rally, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Go read all about it: www.oaktechybrid.co.uk
Rally Action: www.oaktechybrid.co.uk/site/photoalbum_album.php?album=1

Critical Mass Orange County

Critical Mass Orange County, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

March 28th, 2008 - The little OC Bike Fix Click. The previous weekend broke out in some rowdiness and resulted in some Police support action this weekend. Bicyclist are suppose to be working together, especially in the So-Cal OC "Overly-Car" infested scene.... o'well, new kids, new bikes and same ol' hater'tudes and haters with no real history or knowledge thereof.

MASH SF DVD

MASH SF DVD, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

For all you fixed gear fans, this is it!!! My buddy from SRAM put this DVD on me as I was about to buy it! I bought the Critical Mass / Return of the Scorcher DVD before this one, so it's natural progression: www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/227947 7769/in/set-72157...

The guys making this DVD are totally into riding themselves and make this DVD legit!
Check it!!!
GCRad1 seal of approval!

--------------------------------------------------------------

While at it, you may as well get this DVD as well!!! Just click the image and go straight to Ted White site and make your purchase.

One more to check out, but I have not gotten this one yet - Still We Ride The Movie

Banff Mountain Film Festival

IMG_4143.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

I went, I saw and way cool!!!
http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/

Arc'teryx Tango Military Backpack

Arc'teryx Tango Military Backpack, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Well, my brother did not get his hands on the newest Arc'teryx military pack as the new one's have the logo on the outside of the pack as show in my previous Arc'teryx Military Pack post.

But we did get the Arc'teryx packs and these seem to have some serious cache in the backpacking circles! Here are the two packs I picked up for my step-son and I. SUPER-COOL!!!

See the details.

KTM WARNING: Advice against trips to Tibet

As some of you know, I am a devout KTM - FAN of almost religious proportions and try to keep up with as much KTM news as possible.

I find it very interesting when you can learn something from different angles, learn things about one subject from different avenues, much like collaborative art projects from two very different people or companies. In the case, KTM & Tibet. It was just a simple association for my appreciation of KTM and a warning of travel to Tibet.

We have all heard the phrase "FREE TIBET" I first heard a bit about it from the Beastie Boys, but honestly did not hear much more than "FREE TIBET".... Guess I never went to any of the Tibetan Freedom Concert during 1996-2001:

My vast-little knowledge of Tibet.
I know the Dalai Lama is from Tibet and while I did not understand the hardships that he and has people have and are going through, you just don’t get much real news from our national news sources.

I also know Tibet and the mountains thereof are the most famous spectacular mountains in the world. Mt Everest is located in the Nepal / Tibet Region and first accended by Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Yea, I am fascinated with mountain climbing culture and the pursuit of adventure. I know what a Sherpa is and his value, knowledge and culture have done for a many mountain expeditions. Other than that my knowledge of Tibet – not much!

Another insight into China’s rougher region. Through my ADVrider.com [adventure motorcycle riding enthusiast site] I have gained new insights and interest and while researching new enthusiasms, I found this DVD:
RIDING SOLO To The TOP Of The WORLD

While I know I will never ride or visit here, it does more than just show you a great place to ride, it shows us into a world we do not understand, or at least I do not understand like the relations between China and India. While I had one idea of India, I know have a different perspective and understanding. I highly suggest purchasing this DVD!!! But you have to have an open mind, even from a motorcycle perspective as this guy is not riding the latest KTM or BMW. But at the end of the day, this guy is super-cool and has all my respect! Buy the DVD at http://www.dirttrackproductions.com/

So, I get the email notifying me of some news from the KTM Adventure Tours website. I see with the introduction of the awesome road bikes from KTM, they are doing some cool riding tours! But, right there on the side of the page I see something that catches my eye: Advice against trips to Tibet My brain quickly remembered the DVD about Riding Solo to the Top of the World, so my curiosity pushed to link to read more. In the context of the warning was “people protested against China’s dominance in Tibet”. That was the section I copied and pasted into the Google window to find out more about the issue.

Google [people protested against China’s dominance in Tibet]: http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=protested+against+China%E2%80%99s+dominance+in+Tibet&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

The 6th listing is the one that caught my eye:
Tibet hampers the Bush plan for Iran Wake Up From Your Slumber
The Israeli government tries not to anger China (the future Zionist host) by giving too much support to Tibetans .China lodged a stern protest against the ...
www.wakeupfromyour slumber.com/node/4838 - 31k - Cached -Similar pages

“With Bush-Israeli-China-anger-Tibetans” and “WAKE UP FROM YOUR SLUMBER” all in one description, I HAND TO READ THAT ONE!!! If you want to know what is really going on, you sometimes have to go some back-history as we easily forget that while we are spending our time learning every engine code and year model difference between every Honda XR from the 1980’s to present and the difference between KTM’s SF, SF-X, EX, EX-C and some ADV’s…
The world and the governments that oversee this marble of marvel, they are diligently doing what they are doing and rearranging “codes,” press-releases and “hype stories” to best suit “their story” yes, “HISTORY” starting with 1950 - so if you want to know: www.wakeupfromyourslumber.com/node/4838

Another item to give you a little global-jolt. China prepares to host the Olympic Games in August and add yet another aspect to the China-Tibet unrest:
www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10903883

While I usually am not a big political talker, it’s issues like this that shape the world, and yet, we the motorcycle enthusiast need to work a lot closer together and remember while we are out riding in the middle of the desert, that very dirt we are free wheeling across is under political debate, discussion and government decisions are been made against you “free wheeling” mindlessly across the land use we deem as our free right. Sometimes we have to fight for our free rights. But the “Free Game” has to be played by their game rules and in their “game house”.

By far, the comparison of our riding area closures does not come close to the scope of what is going on in Tibet, but if helping Tibet is a little too far out of reach or scope, you can always turn to your local issues and help make a difference. Someone needs to organize and vintage-desert-historical-MX-show… at the capitol in Sacramento, that’s how you get all the guys to come out of the desert and come to some event, just at the right place and then issues can be made, signed in numbers, delivered in force.

Hiking around Back Bay, Orange County, CA

IMG_3936.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Since I have this broke neck, all I can do is walk. I had that nasty cold that was going around, but it stuck with me for like 5-weeks! Finally got rid of it and finally feel human again and needed to get out of the house. So out the door I went with Kona dog in tow and camera in pocket. Left the house around 2:15 and returned around 7:30. Long hike but not at a fast pace, just cruzed. My dawg's [feet] did get tired, but it was worth it. I have yet to map out how many miles it is around the Back Bay and have ridden it for years on the bikes!!! I have no idea how far it is and a Garmin 60CSx sitting right there that could give me all the details! Guess that calls for another hiking session. In the mean time, check out my little photo-essay of what I saw on my BB-Hike.

Canon Porsche 956 Le Mans race car

HPI Canon Diecast 11.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

HPI's latest group of hyper-detailed 1:43 scale die-cast model cars features the world-beating Porsche 956 Le Mans race car in accurate racing livery and colors for discerning model car collectors! This version is the #14 car driven by Jonathan Palmer, James Weaver and Richard Lloyd. Classic bright red and white Canon livery make this car stand out from the crowd.

These precision cast models are 1:43 scale, a convenient size (approximately 10 x 4 x 3cm) for any desk or display case. Each Porsche 956 version comes in a crystal clear acrylic case with black base so you can easily stack the cases if you wish. All versions have a removable engine cover so you can display the car whole, or show off the fine engine detail!

Incredible attention has been paid to make the cars as true to scale as possible. Fine exterior details like radiators, disc brakes, brake calipers, mirrors, wings, exhaust, headlight buckets, mirrors, tow hooks and radio antennae combine to make the models extremely realistic. The paint and even the sponsor logos are color-matched for exact scale representation. Each car has a fully painted and detailed interior, complete with a roll cage, racing seat, fire extinguisher, steering wheel, and dashboard. Engine detail includes the full cylinder block, exhaust system, turbos, radiators, oil coolers and more!

HPI uses the drawings and plans from the manufacturer to accurately reproduce what we feel are the finest 1:43 scale die-cast models available. Look at one close up and you'll agree! Remember: All of these fantastic recreations are made in limited quantities, once gone they will never be available again.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/sets/72157603832430016/

Arc'teryx's Tango and Charlie packs made in camouflage patterns and constructed to military specification

My brother called and told me about Arc'teryx's Military packs!


So I started doing some research.
Seams that Arc'teryx has what is called the LEAF division [Law Enforcement and Armed Forces]. The Improved Load Bearing Equipment or ILBE is the new United States Marine Corps issued backpack, designed to replace the existing ALICE and MOLLE packs currently in service.

Arc'teryx's Tango [Tan-top] and Charlie [black] packs, are also made in camouflage patterns and constructed to military specification, including numerous PALS -type attachment loops and fabric featuring neutral and camouflage coloring.

Now to get my hands on some of this Military version instead of the Civilian version!!!

Suzuki 4-Door Sidekick research: Next project?

I have been a fan of Toyota Land Crusier's and Land Rover Defender 110's but, I still like 4-Cylinder vehicles. They use less gas! There are several reasons why I like 4-Cylinders, but when I started seriously thinking about my next vehicle and with the same Adventure spirit that I have with my motorcycles, I narrowed down my search to the 1990-1998 Suzuki 4-Dr Sidekick. Here are a couple of examples of what I wish to build:



This is Brian's 1995 Suzuki Sidekick Trailrig
This is EXACTLY what I want to build!!!

Another budget buildup:

This is Rod Suzuki’s Suzuki Sidekick “mean green”

Another nice Suzuki Sidekick example in action!

I like the Black&White Bead-lock style wheels on the red Sidekick. A little red or black powder coat on that blue suspension pieces would have made it nice-nice...

Indonesia obviously has some major competitions going on for the Suzuki's!!! And so far the coolest Sidekicks I've seen so far!



OK, now for some Suzuki FORUMS:
http://www.zukiworld.com/
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/
http://suzuki.off-road.com/suzuki/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=277516
http://www.suzuki-offroad.net/index.php
http://www.suzuki-forums.com/

The COOL ADV4X4 sites:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/index.php
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/forums/index.php?
http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/

The Suzuki SHOPS/PARTS:
http://www.rocky-road.com/kickome.html
http://www.rocky-road.com/suzuki.html
http://www.asianautopartsofaz.com/engineparts.html
http://www.puresuzuki.com/suzukimain.htm
http://www.boondoxmotorsports.com/
http://www.izook.com/
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/sidekick.htm
http://www.petroworks.com/
http://www.roadlessgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Store_Code=rgl
http://www.shrockworks.com/
http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/
http://www.trailtough.com/default.htm
http://members.cox.net/aftermarket4x4/

And one COOL MAGAZINE:
http://www.overlandjournal.com/


OK, now to find the 1990-1998 4X4 Suzuki 4-Door Sidekick!

Dust Mag #11 Jan 2008 with HPI Advert / My Moab story and Scotts Tech

Dust Magazine #11 Jan 2008 issue - Includes HPI Baja 5B advert / my Moab story and Scotts Tech story.

HPI Racing in Monster Jam Offical Souvenier Yearbook 2008

HPI Racing sponsored Bounty Hunter, Iron Outlaw and Scarlet bandit for 2007 & 2008and and created this page for the 100,000+ copies that is at every Monster Jam event.

TWENTY SIX 2006 Photo ANNUAL

IMG_3715.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

For all you MTB fans, this is a MUST HAVE MONSTER BOOK!!!
It's thick, it's fat and it's sick!!!! o'yea and full of killer images!!!

Published from the kids over at DECLINE magazine, this seems to be a new side-project from under the same roof. Check'em at www.twentysixmagazine.com

HPI Racing Baja 5B graces a page in Dirt Bike Magazine!!!

The HPI Racing 5th Scale R/C car has made news in Dirt Bike Magazine!




Cool STUFF!!!
I love the Baja 5B and we did a couple of cool deals where we drove the Baja 5B 120-miles through the desert and fun in the sand dunes of Dumont Dunes!

The SIX-DAY Bicycle Races DVD

The SIX-DAY Bicycle Races DVD, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

For all you FIX GEAR Hound's, here is some real history to add to your r'epertoire of infinity lessons. So much American history that we have no idea about. I bought the DVD directly from the Six Day Bicycle Race website so every penny would go directly to them in support of making this DVD! Cool Stuff!

WRC BestMotoring DVD 's

WRC BestMotoring DVD's, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

My buddy Thuy of LiveSockets brought these over during my injury downtime just after my accident. Thanks Thuy! Check out his site as you can purchase these DVD's an much more!!! YES! LiveSockets is the OFFICIAL USA source for your WRC DVD NEEDS!!! FINALLY, we have an official source - THANK YOU THUY!!!
www.livesockets.com

The week of OUT and SHUT DOWN!!!

SUDAFED PE, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Last weekend I went out and played and over did it. This week I paid for it! So Monday hit me with the worst cold that put me out until this morning - 5 whole days!!!

Two boxes of SUDAFED PE about 6-bottles of Gatoraid and some chicken soups, toast and pretzel sticks.

HPI / HB International Guest Track Day & RC Drift Challenge Day

IMG_3587.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

January 18th and 19th, two very long day's especially with me having a broke neck. It was an adventure in itself just getting there. I'm still sleeping sitting-up and most comfortable in this one particular chair. John Schultz would be hauling up one of the Subaru's in his motorhome and trailer, so I thought this would be the best way for me to travel the 100+ mile trip to Willow Springs Raceway. Our plan was to leave Thursday from the office and take my chair with me in the motorhome so I could actually be assured I would be getting some sleep! We camped out at the front gate and fell asleep quick and 6:30 came even quicker!

All in all, it was a great day and both international guest and employee's got to ride in and drive the two Super-Takiyu Subaru's!!! This will make my second time missing out on driving the cars, but they are right hand drive cars... I've driven wildly exotic rally cars, so I'm quite ok with not driving these cars. The hardest part is just being at the track and not driving.

We did invite all four of our RC magazine partners [Driver, Action, Extreme and RC Car] and NOT ONE SHOWED UP!!!! I would like to thank Greg of TPR Magazine and Bob of Urban Racer . com for coming out!!!

The following day was the kick-off of our HPI/HB Challenge Series and would also be a showcase for our international friends. the event was located at the HPI RACING Global headquarters back in Foothill Ranch.

We arrive at the office on Friday night about 11:00pm [in the big RV & 24ft trailer]. We part around back of the building, where all the 18-wheelers park/deliver/sleep over-night. For some reason, this new security guard is set on kicking us out of our property at 1:30AM!!!!

I'm the one with the broke neck, so I let John get up out of bed to answer the door as security is banging away! I hear John come to the door and let out a "WAIT! I'm going to THROW-UP!" And he makes way back to the large garbage can and tosses his cookies! SO, I get up. I have on my pants, socks, t-shirt, beenie and monster neck brace and of come out of the RV and I'm pissed!!! But I try to reason with the rental-cop to the fact that we have a permit for the event and such. And to the fact that I have keys to the building. And to the fact we have been working all day, very tired and obviously I have a sick driver!

He is not having any of it and makes way to his truck and starts calling his superiors. I make way to open the building to prove to him that what I say is true. When I open the building he said he has called the police. Sheriff's. three cars worth are there in like 2-seconds!!! I am quite happy to know and see how quick they got there and I basically go over to one and explain the situation and the security guard is sitting in his truck.

I told the officer that I was very upset but he will not have an issue with us as I will simply re-arrange vehicles in the warehouse and move the massive RV& trailer inside. He said ok, and they quickly split and saw this as a non-issue as they saw the 18-wheelers there. They left and the security guard is waiting for us to pull in the RV. So now John is pissed. Gets in the driver's seat, backs up and try's get get lined up to pull the RV in, but the security guard is in the way. John lays down on the horn and filling the rental-cops mirrors with some bright lights. So he leaves the scene.

We pull in and quickly go to sleep as it's much darker in the warehouse and better to fall to sleep. 6:00am comes all too early! Sorry, no photos!

Everyone starts showing up and we start setting up the course and display area. We had a lot of help from our different friends in running the event. Event was great and well received, especially the first ever RC DRIFT TIME ATTACK!!! Event photos start with Yoichi and Kerry of HPI RACING judging the concourse before the drift action gets underway.

OK, I'm now sick with a cold and I have that hated sore throat with cough!!! ERRRRR!!!

GT Zaskar stationary roller - spinner

IMG_3463.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Finally, I bike I know I can peddle for some hours! OK, a few minutes there and a few here and whenever I can jump on it. Hit DirectTV-857 [XM Chill] or 812 [FuelTV] and peddle. Peep the Charles Eames Lounge Chair. OK, it's a knock-off made by Plycraft who is no longer in business. Either way, the Eames are the one's who develop molded plywood who essentiallymodern skateboard manufacturing.

Before I mounted the GT Zaskar up, I had to get a new back tire, one with no knobbies. So off to the local bike shop and I pick up a Michelin XC Road tire. Come home, mount it and knock out some peddling!

I hope to mount up a REDLINE 925 as my next project bike!!!

Source of Excercise

Bianchi, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

Since my accident I have been relegated to minimal means of exercise!!! Aside from walking the dog i'm now riding FIXED.....
HAHAHA GOTCHA!!! I'm riding in a fixed location!!!! Not fixed gear yet, but anything to keep the legs moving and the heart rate up!!! Recovery sucks! Scroll down on my GT Zaskar page on velospace.org and peep the fix gear bikes i'm looking at.

So, I gave this Bianchi Premio to Anthony, but when I brought this roller home, he wanted to mount up his bike. I rode it for like three days, 1st day:30min, 2nd day: 45min, and the 3rd day for a 1hr-30min session. OK, had enough, this bike is too small for me!!! PLUS - I blew up the freewheel cog. It's old, no grease and just fell apart!! You can see the cog laying on the ground...

THANK YOU www.ANDYH.com for the roller!!!

I will be mounting up my GT Zaskar next!!

2008 and a new look!!!

2007 was an amazing year! Just see my FLICKR page and see all the 2007 stuff! LOTS!


But the big story is that I had a big off on my KTM 950ADV!!! Not so fun as I will be rocking this new look way into 2008!! Read my whole deal on my ADVrider.com post.

Holiday through the screen

IMG_2985.JPG, originally uploaded by Rad1·· ± » ° /*.

A couple of image from picking the tree prior to the holiday's and testing out my flickr/blogger...

testing one, two, three Rad1's House is the place to be...

1OK, So it's 2008 and I'm just now messing around with this Blogger action! But hey, I am in so many other places on the weba'dub'dub'double'U.

It's not that I am new or anything.. I was on Friendster before there was a Myspace!! I rarely use either, becuase once I found FLICKR, that is the place for me as I can post all my images!!! I'm all about my FLICKR: www.flickr.com/photos/rodneywills/sets

I also have a YoutTube page too! Youtube is basically taking over tv as we know it!!!
It's like Sirius/XM radio - but more like content on demad! I can search all the things I am interested in and find cool stuff to check, plus post a few of my video of the things I am doing.
http://www.youtube.com/GCRad1