Author: Prashant Gopal

27 Feb

Posted at 16:02h in archive by

While we have written about BMX’s love affair with junk food in the past (La Belle Province, Taco Bell), I feel the need to write about another recent popular indulgence: Four Loko. Yes, it is not what one would call food, but it still falls under the junk category. If you’ve been under a rock for the last  six months, let me explain. Four Loko fever seemed to sweep not only BMX, but North America by storm last summer, and left a trail of destruction in its path. While we cannot get the caffeinated malt alcoholic drink in Canada, that didn’t stop plenty of riders from shopping for them at stores south of the border. It is said that just two or three of these monstrous 23.5 oz cans can leave a person in a world of hurt and hangover regret. They come in a variety of fruit flavours such as grape, watermelon, lemon-lime, cranberry lemonade. Nowadays it’s harder to find a can of the original recipe Loko in stores after much criticism and controversy came from several US campuses after many students began experiencing injuries, blackouts, and often hospitalization from over consumption of the drink. This led to the Liquor Control Commission in several states to ban the drink, retailers voluntarily pulling the drink from shelves, and eventually in November 2010 a ban of the sale of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by the Food and Drug Administration.

While I feel that Four Loko might be old news by now, there are still places where people can and are finding them for sale, and with the number of Canadian riders flocking down to warmer US climates this winter, no shortage of stories of people getting Loko’d. On a personal note, I think it tastes like a horrible mix of an energy drink and cough medicine, but to each their own. My favourite thing to have come out of all the Four Loko mania however is the music video that you can watch after you click below.

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21 Feb

Posted at 15:30h in archive by

Everyone in Ontario can enjoy Family Day today, and reminisce when the weather was better. Here Rich Redmond does just that when out in Vancouver last September. Turndown at New Westminster park, and a tiger style vader nose manual behind some industrial complex in Burnaby.

16 Feb

Posted at 11:23h in archive by

If you are well versed in the history of BMX in the Toronto area, the name Patrick Krzyzanowski may sound familiar to you. Over the years he has had parts in numerous different video projects. Nowadays Pat’s primary focus has shifted from riding and filming towards fine art. After finishing his degree at the University of Guelph at the end of 2010, and completing an artist residency program in New York City over the summer, he has relocated to Toronto, where he shares a studio space with a few other artists. He’s been busy working on a series of intensely detailed watercolour paintings depicting wild fantasy wrestling scenes for a solo show in September 2011 at the the ISE Cultural Foundation Gallery in New York City. I wanted to catch up with Pat and he took me for a tour of his studio. Click below to check it out.

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01 Feb

Posted at 16:57h in archive by

David McCaig is a talented photographer and rider originally from the Ottawa area, and for the last number of years has been traveling the globe with both his cameras and bicycles in tow. From touring the coast of Australia, to working as a courier in Tasmania, to living in a squatter house in London, England and cycling to Egypt (click that to view a photo documentary of that trip from last winter), Dave’s life seems to constantly revolve around being on a bike. Fortunately for others, he usually carries a camera with him, allowing us to catch a glimpse of what it is all like. Like so many photographers that simply want to share their work with the world, he recently set up a photo blog. It’s only a couple of posts deep so far, but check often for ongoing updates.

davidmccaig.blogspot.com

17 Jan

Posted at 16:59h in archive by


Stretched superman at Woodward East. photo: Chris Chitaroni

Trying to write an introduction to an interview with a friend that you admire is always an awkward thing. You don’t want it to come across as some sort of hero worship and blindly praise, or fill it with inside stories that have no relevance to the reader. When it comes to Roland Labrecque, what I can say is that he wears many hats; rider, competitor, contest organizer, ramp builder, father, husband, and more. At 40, he’s been a staple and active member of his city’s BMX community, with a history of efforts to improve relations with the city over the development of parks and equal access for bikes. But don’t be fooled, I don’t think you should know about Roland simply because of his age and pursuits to still shred. He’s an interesting individual beyond just that.

Over the last ten years of knowing him, he’s always been an extremely hard working and modest individual. He puts 100% in to everything he does in his life, no matter how big or small. I sat down to ask him some questions about his past, present, riding, injuries, home renovation, juggling responsibilities, his son, and more. Click below to read the full interview with Roland Labrecque, who is 40 and rollin’.

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20 Dec

Posted at 13:17h in archive by

As a follow up to our last Ode To Junk Food post, Toronto’s Leland Nightingale sent through his story of BMX road trip indulgence:

We (Leland Nightingale, Patrick Krzyzanowski, ‘Miami’ Mike Broff) have been going to Ft Lauderdale, Florida for four years now every winter before xmas (to ride) and each and every day we have Taco Bell once (or twice) sometimes for breakfast and we always go to this same grimey pizza joint (Downtown Pizzeria or DTP) for late night slices once a day. Its pretty gross but its the way she goes.

13 Dec

Posted at 13:46h in archive by

BMX brothers are nothing new. Lots of brothers grow up riding together. Brothers that have a passion for both BMX and photography however is rare. Scott (left) and Trent (right) Barker both come from Southern Ontario, ride bikes, and shoot photos constantly. I asked them both a few questions about themselves, their work, and their favourite photos. Click below to see more.

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09 Dec

Posted at 15:30h in archive by

BMX road trips and junk food just seem to go hand in hand. Whether it’s a stop at your favourite burger spot, falafel spot, or just some candy and energy drinks from the corner store, just about everyone has their vice while on the road. Van Homan may have popularized Wawa in Philly, and California might have their In-N-Out Burgers, but what about Canada? Well if you are anywhere near Montreal you have La Belle Province. Famous for their steamed hot dogs and generous servings of poutine. Whenever I am on a trip from Ottawa to Montreal with friends, it is not complete without a stop at La Belle on the return. 8pm or 3am, it doesn’t matter, a stop is made. Obviously not the healthiest of choices, but it’s become so ritualistic that if we do not stop, something feels off. What are some junk food road trip staples you and your friends indulge in around your area or on the road? Let us hear them at NorthernEmbassy@gmail.com.