Rider Profile: Cody Lewis

So, I run into this guy from time to time on Jefferson during my commute. He always has a huge smile on his face, chats me up about riding, and bikes. It's just nice to run into him, and have someone friendly on my commute. I love how stoked he is for bikes and wish him the best with his cycling adventures. Keep it up, dude and I'll see you on the road!

Rider Profile: Borachos

So it's been a minute since the last LA profile, Joe held it down last week with Chas from SF, look for more SF rider profiles every week, they're gonna be good ones. I'm finally back on track, and feeling almost like my own self. Worst sickness ever. Anyways, this week is the lovable scamps "The Borachos"! I love these guys, the future of Los Angeles Cycling. Always riding, always together, making amazing moves for guys that young. I'm proud and a little jealous of what they got going on, and wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

Rider Profile: Sean Martin

I was real lazy this past week. I gotta case of the winter funk, and I am trying to break out it. So, I'm doing my own profile this week. Lazy boy.

Rider Profile: Adan Hernandez

Adan, my brother. I have known this guy for over half my life, we have been to the brink and back. So many war stories, so many Lulz, we have seen and done things that would make a normal man go insane. Coming home for the holidays, I wanted Adan for the Monday profile. He as amassed a wicked Schwinn collection, and rides all year round. Snow tires for the winter, slicks for the summer. My old faithful friend, who has been there, for so many of us Alaskans throughout the years. He's the best, even though we don't get to see each other very much, when we do it's like time stood still. If you ever make it up to AK, be sure to go to Oscar's Taco Grande, the only Taco truck in Anchorage. You will not be let down. I have the pleasure to fly down to Seattle with my friend, for NYE, and there really no one else I would want to be traveling with. Seattle, watch the fuck out. Trouble is coming.

Rider Profile: Riccardo Stanley Mejia

We almost didn't have a Monday profile today. I have been pestering Riccardo all day about getting me the answers. He finally finished. Thank god. Hahaha. Seriously though I am very proud of this kid and how fast he has taken to riding bikes. I love to see him at races, and I always want him to win (unless I'm racing, of course). He is part of this next generation of LA cyclists, coming up from the streets, and that are gonna be killing it on every style of bike they touch, but also working on creating a better cycling city for LA. Everyone should take note and watch out. I will be right there cheering them on. Keep it up Riccardo, you are the future and I think it is in good hands.

Rider Profile: Fabian Vazquez

Fabian Vazquez, another one of those young beasts that LA is producing right now. I have watched this young man in the last year go from geeky on the bike to getting 2nd Road, 4th overall in the Wolfpack Crash race this past weekend. Then he went home napped, got up and raced in Sanctioned race. What did I do? Rode home and slept all day. Ya'll need to really watch out for all of these young guys, I'm talking about, they will be LA's cycling future. I expect big things from Fabian and his stable of bikes.

Rider Profile: Danielle Marie

The Homegirl Danielle, will race the shit out of you. The first time I rode/ raced with her was on Wolfpack All-city lll. I saw this rider up ahead just blasting by guys, sprinting, racing all out. I was like you gotta catch up and work with racer. I caught up realized it was Danielle and we just took off really working well together. Then the next time we raced, she helped me win the VCR thanksgiving Alleycat, by doing the same shit, and giving a really good route. I wish I would ride more with her, and see her more. Not only is she super fun to ride with, she also is a blast to kick it with, shit talking the whole time, and giving you the best advice while doing so.

Rider Profile: Colt Van Sky

This is the first of the Monday profiles. I wanted to Showcase the best of LA riders. Those unsung heroes of bike who I admire, and deserve a more then just a few moments in the sun. Some will be friends, some will be enemies, and some will be folks I see everyday riding, and I just want to know their story. First up, Colt! He is a really good friend of mine, and one the best dudes I know. Always down to ride, and has a huge smile on his face. It always makes me happy, to see him. I met Colt on Mellow Mondays, and grew to love the dude pretty fast. Solid rider, super fun to ride with, great skills. If you have never seen Colt bomb down a hill before, you are truly missing out, he kills hills, like no other. One of the best. Read on after the jump.

Rider Profile: Hern

Lil Hern. One of the fastest dudes in LA. I have raced and lost against this guy more times then I would like to count. Solid rider, on any bike, you put him on. Makes me happy to see him race at the Velo, and racing Cross this fall/ winter. I expect big things from Hern in the next year. He's really put LA on the Map as far as fast goes in the street racing world and I hope he continues to dominate, in the racing world of gears and banked walls. I really can't wait for next year when we meet again in street races and on road in the Cats. Watch out Hern, I'm coming for you.

PROFILE RACING RIDER: LARRY ALVARADO!!

Here is a dope video of Profile Racing's BMX rider Larry Alvarado.

Rider Profile - Steven Tortorelli

Let me start this off by saying Steve is one of the more genuine people I have met in a long time, super positive guy. It might be just his youth, but I hope he stays optimistic and doesn't turn in to a Cynic like most of us.

I mean come on, the kid was on his way to visit his parents right after we shot the photos for this interview. Who wouldn't like the guy?

Peep that yung profile below and Happy 2 year anniversary TCB Courier!




what do you ride?
My whips include
Track- 2009 and 2011 Mash Cinelli Bolt, 90's Nagasawa, 2006 Surly Steamroller
Road- 2007 Specialized s-works tarmac(for competitive racing), 2000 something Waterford
Cross- 2008 Specialized Tri-Cross

How long have you been riding/ what started you?
Ive been riding since 2005. I started working at REI in SF and a co-worker had told me after i bought the Steamroller that i was going to be like all the other hipsters and buy a fixed gear then give it up..Five years later im still going strong! No longer working at REI though..

Do you wear a helmet and why or why not?
I always wear a helmet! Its stupid to not wear one! One car can change the whole game of riding and life. Ive knows too many people that have gotten in accidents for doing stupid ish in traffic or just not having enough riding experience. I guess its the uncool thing to do because wearing a fitted cap is 100 times better looking that something that will protect your brain?


Favorite Shop? Why?
Favorite shop is a toss up between MASH and Pedal Revolution. The guys that work at Ped Rev are really down to earth and its a chill atmosphere. Also they're the main sponsor for Team Chica Sexy (The competitive race team for Road and Track). And the MASH store I always have a good laugh with Mike, Al and Dylan.


Clip or clipless?
Clipless and Cages for sure!! When I race alleycats I usually go Clipless just for that extra jump. But I do like the safety of cages for skidding when I really need to. And for a more comfortable ride also. On the Steamroller I have some re-load tarking straps which are a different feel but still help to get the job done.

Ride with headphones/ music?
When I work I keep one headphone in just to hear traffic. I think that's the law, right? I dunno, I think its stupid to see kids disconnected from the world when riding and not being able to listen to the things happening around them. That's just me though..Get some YDM if your sour aboot it. I like old school Hip-Hop and alot of new stuff too Lil Wayne and the new Jay-Z album have been keeping me going. I do visit Hype-Trak every morning. I also listen to a good amount of oldies too.




Sponsors or teams/ gangs/ clubs you are a part of?
MASH, Team Chica Sexy, Team Murder and POMB are the peeps that keep me going on the racing tip. And Thee Shredderz Krew.


Fav. Race?
Favorite race...hhmm It has to be QCR (Quake City Rumble). Its the biggest race that SF throws every year and it always has a really good turn out of messengers and non-messengers. Its just a great weekend because there are parties every night with alot of free PBR and friends to share in the scumbaggery and good times.


Fav. place to ride or route(s) in SF?
I love myself a good ol fashion city loop. The city is only 7x7 so usually a down and back loop is good enough. Plenty of hills and flats to go around. I grew up in the Sunset so riding through that part of town is always chill for me.



Fav. person(s) to ride with?
Peeps that make riding fun have to be the OG POMB crew. Non POMB affiliates though would be thee Ferg Dawg and the other Chica Sexy dudes, Hernan and the DTLA dudes, Trev Dawg, Chas, Walton, Kyle. Also anyone with TCB Courier except for Jeremy hes a ginger but Sean Martin is cool id ride with him any day. Oh and Beaver Beavs only because he knows bad ass strippers. And you too Joseph.


Dope Chill spot?
Chillest spot has to be my ladies crib. But MASH Transit would be the second place because they have a mini fridge stocked with mexican Coca-Cola and coconut waters. Oh and good people hang out there too!



Why SF?
Why not SF?! Ha! I grew up here its my jam and i dont really see myself leaving for anywhere else anytime soon. The riding is really chill but competitive when it needs to be and everyone has a good vibe. It isn't LA but I love the weather here. The hottest it gets is high 80s sometimes mid 90s and I'm cool with that.





What do you do for work?
I work Full time for TCB Courier (Taking Care of Business). I am the SoMA Manager these days and its been alot of work to get my side of the company to where its at meow. Its a really gravy job but watch out SF were spreading!



What else do you do/ projects/ hobbies?
I really enjoy watching spaghetti westerns and old school samurai movies. Graffiti is cool. Im a HUGE Samurai Champloo fan also Cow Boy Bee Bop. So i guess sitting on my butt watching movies/ cartoons would be my jam for this question.

Dream Bike?
My dream bike is any bike i cant and will never be able to own! ha Full carbon everything sram red from head to toe hella kitty deep dish rims on any 4000 $ whip sounds like a dream come true for track road or cross..aww man well now my keyboard is sticky thanks Joe.


Best/ worst about riding in SF?
Best part are the cutty lines you can find to get from one part of the city to the other real quick! Worst part of riding in the city are the commuters. A lot of them are afraid of their own shadows when they ride. I'm not really into the "Big boy gear" riding. If you ride a stupid big track gear in SF your asking to get hurt. Track gearing is meant for THE TRACK. And a lot of the peeps out there have never experienced what their bikes can really do unless they get out to the track and see what a 59x11 can do when you really try...Ha! I don't think anyone really rides a 59x11 but your picking up what I'm throwing down right?



Any SF secrets/ tips you want to give out?
Loose lips sink ships Saul. SF secrets are SF secrets. Tips are be aware of whats around you when riding in SF, or anywhere for that matter!


Shout outs?
Shout oots to Paul and Saul Upinya, erryone with MASH, all my peeps in Berlin, Basil, and Milan. My girlfriend that wont be reading this.. Ha! umm The Tortorelli family and your mother.


Last word
Be uncool wear a helmet and Rubber side down.... IM OOT!


- photos by : Joseph Lobato

Rider Profile: Justin Kizzart

I am back. What a trip. More on that later. What better way to start the the New Year Profiles then with someone who will be taking over in the 2011. Justin, my homeboy. If you don't now his brand Knice, then get up on your game, son. I expect big things from my dude this year. Not only from his brand, but from the man himself. Race hard, my friend, the world is watching.

Rider Profile: Iggy Cortes

One of my Favorites at O20 and from DTLA. Iggy used to come into the coffee shop, I worked at downtown to spit knowledge about LA to me while sippin on coffee in between tags. Now nither one of us works downtown, but he still kicks down LA knowledge to me, everytime I come in O20. Enjoy the return of the Monday profiles, I have missed doing these and Iggy was kind of enough to be the first set them off again.

Iggy Cortes

What do you ride?
Masi SpecialeSprint 2009

How long have you been riding/ what started you?
Since 1987. Lived in the counrty where there were many wooded trails.

Do you wear a helmet and why or why not?
Yep, I'm in like with my brain.

Favorite Shop? Why?
O20/cause I get to talk shit and kick people out.

Clip or clipless?
Clipless



Ride with headphones/ music?
Hell Na. I like to punch A-holes in the ovaries that turn into me or block my way cause they can't hear me call their six.

Sponsors or teams/ gangs/ clubs you are a part of?
1st Legal, Orange20, Burrito Project, Minimal Mass, DTLA, The Wall, Arco

Fav. Race?
Cranksgiving

Fav. place to ride or route(s) in LA.
Last minute CCW, Damn I miss those!!

Fav. person(s) to ride with?
The Minimal Mass

Dope Chill spot?
Reception Lobby of Standard Oil, Olympic Ave.

Why LA?
Cause it's my Plymouth Rock


What do you do for work?
Talk shit and put smiles on peoples faces

What else do you do/ projects/ hobbies?
Fly kites.

Dream Bike?
Lugged Moth Attack w/ S&S Couplers.

Best/ worst about riding in LA?
Best: Girls on bikes.
Worst: Weenies and Theives.

Any LA secrets/ tips you want to give out?
Ride Wilshire all the way.

Shout outs?
My Posse

Last word(s)?
Joder vos Bici!

--
Iggy Cortes

Rider Profile: Juan Gutierrez

Juan is a Hater. In a good way. He makes me see what is real and what ain't. He calls it like he sees it, with no mercy. It's awesome. Juan and his equally rad lady Gabby were the first people I rode with in LA. On some MR halloween ride in the first few weeks I had moved here. I think I was the only one with my face painted, (like King Diamond) then a few weeks later I tried to host this photo scanvenger hunt ride/ race, and Juan, Gabby and Armando were the only ones to show up. We went drinking instead of doing the ride/ race. We realized later that we had met on the halloween ride and I was the Kook with my face painted. Juan, is one of the best dudes to have in your corner, he has saved my ass more times then I can remember, in many different ways. A ride or die homie, that loves and hates bikes more then anyone else I know. Enjoy.

Rider Profile: Tim Mcgee

Intro By Beaver Beavs

When I met this kid years ago on the polo courts, he was a young little smiley grom. Tim killed it at polo and now he's grown up a little to step up to the velodrome. He was already pretty quick but riding with the Predator Cycling team as well as the is making him faster and faster. Within a year of racing on the velodrome, Tim has already upgraded to CAT2 on track and CAT3 on the road and now he's training with the fastest dudes in the country on Team USA. But as he moves up in the racing world, Tim's still just as down-to-earth as ever. He's still shootin' around on the polo courts and If you ever meet him, you'd feel like you've known this kid for years. One of the best dudes around and he's always down for a big smile and a good laugh.

Tim Mcgee

What do you ride?
Bike Polo: Black on black Surly 1x1 with a gold chain.
Track: Look 464
Road: Predator Cycling Carbon Road Bike
Mtn: Foes Pro Lite XC and Transition Bottlerocket

How long have you been riding/ what started you?
Since a child but 4 years ago 818 Bike Polo started it all for me.

Do you wear a helmet and why or why not?
Yes I do! My mom wouldn't let me out of the house without it and I've had 3 concussions in 10 days.

Favorite Shop? Why?
H&S Bicycles because it's family and I work there.
Predator Cycling because they're my team and I can check on my peanut looking power test.

Clip or clipless?
Clipped for racing but when it comes down to putting people in the boards in Bike Polo I'm clip-less and strapped.


Ride with headphones/ music?
Sometimes I do and currently Jay-Z and Kanye are playing all day.

Sponsors or teams/ gangs/ clubs you are a part of?
818 Bike Polo, Predator Cycling, H&S Bicycles, and Chain Gang T.O.

Fav. Race?
The Keirin at Elite Track Nationals and the Predator Keirin Classic.

Fav. place to ride or route(s) in LA?
HDC Velodrome, Encino Velodrome, and the Valley with Bicykillers.

Fav. person(s) to ride with?
My little big brother.

Dope Chill spot?
Wednesday Nights 7pm-10pm Encino Velodrome.

Why LA?
I moved here from Hawaii in middle school for a better education.

What do you do for work?
I work at a Bookstore and H&S Bicycles in Burbank, CA.

What else do you do/ projects/ hobbies?
Illustration/Graphic Design, film photography, silk screen printing.

Dream Bike?
The bike that I'll ride to a World cup.

Best/ worst about riding in LA?
The best is riding anywhere with friends and the worst is the air in LA.

Any LA secrets/ tips you want to give out?
Don't sleep on rollers. Literally.


Shout outs?
Class 69 of Encino Velodrome Wednesday night.

Last word?
Check out my website www.everythingeaten.com


-Tim McGee

Rider Profile: Kevin Kang

One of my Favorite Koreans, Kevin Kang. He brought T-Level to LA, and nothing but good times,
and great stories of his broken english. I will never order "Animal Style" from in & out without chuckling again.

Rider Profile: Congo

What can be said about this dude? He shreds thats it. On a Bmx, tarck or track bike, he simply shreds. Enjoy his answers as much as I did.

Congo

What do you ride?
A fixie duuuu! My trick bike is a LDG hammer frame with all resist/demo components and for a fast bike its the LDG aero. It's really good for leg over skids and bar humping skeeeez!

How long have you been riding/ what started you?
I started riding fixies about 3 years ago. Its just a lot easier to get around. I started riding bikes at the wee age of 7.

Do you wear a helmet and why or why not?
I dont really wear a helmet. It just feels better and it kinda gets in the way. I would wear a helmet if I was racing or if I was going to a skate park that required it

Favorite Shop? Why?
Long beach City Grounds. The crew of workers is really good and great prices #youknowwhatsgood

Clip or clipless?
I ride clipless on my track bike. Just feels better and I ride CONGOLIOD Hold Fast strap on my trick bike. Get them!

Ride with headphones/ music?
I do listen to music when Im riding place to place but when I get to a spot I'll take them out

Sponsors or teams/ gangs/ clubs you are a part of?
LDG, Resist Parts, Hold Fast straps, VAGX, Hurley, Mountain Dew, City Grounds (no its not a coffee shop). As far as a group, THE FIXIE FACTORY

Fav. Race?
My first race I did. It was bunny on a stick a few years ago.

Fav. place to ride or route(s) in LBC?
I just love riding all over LB. The skateparks are really good

Fav. person(s) to ride with?
Everyone at the FIXIE FACTORY. Out of town people, Tom L, Steven Jensen and Tyler Johnson

Dope Chill spot?
Dis dik

Why LBC?
Cuzz bitch, we busten atem

What do you do for work?
Lol. Right now riding sweet fixies and stupid lil jobs

What else do you do/ projects/ hobbies?
Riding bmx, working out and disc golf,


Dream Bike?
One that fits me just right. Right now I really want a LOW, or all carbon teschner.

Best/ worst about riding in LBC?
Worst, nigga be mad froggy. Best part, Im froggier

Any LBC secrets/ tips you want to give out?
Depends on what your trying to find.

Shout outs?
TTv, FIXIE FACTORY #youknowhatsgood #HUYAMOUF, FIXIE FREESTYLE

Last word?
SUCKS TO SUCK

*Middle photo by Jason Rosete

-Sean Martin

Rider Profile: Devon Tsuno

Devon. When I first came up with doing these profiles, Devon was on the short list to be amongst the first. He's the raddest, always with a smile and quick wit, takes amazing photos, a very talented artist, and all around great guy. Whenever ever I have had beef in the community, online or in person, Devon is always the first one to to hit me up later and give me those words of encouragement that I need and has something funny to say, to snap me back out of that funk. I thank him for that, and look to forward to our first encounter on the track. Thanks Devon, you're the best. Interview after the jump.

Rider Profile: Chas - TEAM MASH

I was just going along on my morning commute and I ran into my friend Chas all big flossy in the new Mash Swag. So we stopped took some flicks, etc.



what do you ride? (can be your stable or just one bike)
I ride cinelli, got an original mash cinelli prototype from 2 years ago and a new cinelli zydeco cross frame

How long have you been riding/ what started you?
i've been riding for 5 years professionally and before that i road a bike to get around , havent owned a car in 10 years.


Do you wear a helmet and why or why not?
i dont wear a helmet for work, although i should, i do wear one when ever i race or plan on going dumb

Favorite Shop? Why?
My favorite shop in SF is BoxDogBikes because they have been down since the begining, and in PDX Oregon its Bike central, the illest track bike shop ever

Clip or clipless?
I have an addiction to time atac pedals, i own like 6 sets,, i ride clips and straps on the sunday cruiser



Ride with headphones/ music?
Once again i do and i know i shouldnt , but really nothing beats jamming thru traffic with your favorite song on

Sponsors or teams/ gangs/ clubs you are a part of?
Down with MASH SF, and rep. Team Murder, our local messenger krew

Fav. Race?
My favorite race is todd dangers coffee cat in portland during the westside invite!! i took me four years to beat Sharky!!

Fav. place to ride or route(s) in SF?
My favorite spot to ride in SF is bernal heights, shit is like a big concrete roller coaster

Fav. person(s) to ride with?
my favorite people to ride with are the MASH Homies Blake, walton rainier, mark, steve, gabe, and garret


Dope Chill spot?
i'll never tell about the dopest chill spot, but i hang out on the benches in front of Rheas Deli.... cold chillin



Why SF?
I live in SF because right now its 60 and sunny in January, nuf said


What do you do for work?
I run TCB Courier, i dont know if you could call it work, but its what i do with my time

What else do you do/ projects/ hobbies?
my hobbies include, but are not limited too, reading, coffee, going to house shows, sewing, and painting on things

Dream Bike?
my dream bike, a bullit cargo bike with ALL CHRIS KING componenets (all gold)

Best/ worst about riding in SF?
The best thing about SF is the hills, and the worst thing about sf is the hills

Shout outs?
i'd like to shout out MASH, TCB Courier, Pushbike, and the Jelly Donut (24th SVN)



THAT NEW KIT IS ILL..

Rider Profile: Fish 'n' Chips Aka Dylan Hurst

While I big up the fast young kids, I can't forget about the young guys killing the tarck bike game in LA
I love this kid. There isn't much more to say, if you know Dylan, then you know he's pretty rad.
Good style on FGFS tip. Smooth lines and bike control, someone needs to film this kid more.