Just got made aware of this sweet ‘DEPHECT‘ promo vid featuring the ‘Vibes Painting‘ at ‘Trellick‘ (Produced March, 2012).

Filmed by: ‘Andy Oates‘ and ‘Matt Drane‘.

Edited by: ‘Andy Oates‘.

Music by: ‘Anile‘.

After corresponding with A’ME Grips on several occasions, Mr Bob Rutten (Head of Marketing over at A’ME Grips) has kindly enrolled both myself & ValleySideDistro onto the A’ME Athletes Support Programme – Within the next ten days I will have received a box including fourteen different grips models (in various colours) – Subsequently, these grips will be tested by various riders on the ValleySideDistro Programme (including members of the flow team). Grips available for testing include the ‘BMX FREESTYLE ROUND GRIP, the ‘BMX CLAMP-ON TRI GRIPS’ and the ‘BMX CAM GRIPS’. If you’re not on the ValleySideDistro list, but you still want to test a set, get in contact and I may be able to get a set out to you. Thanks again to Mr Bob Rutten! – Chris@VS

Information about A’ME: -

History ‘A’ME’ Aeromarine Molding and Engineering was founded in 1974 to design, develop, manufacture and market injections molded products based on new and patented technology. In January, 1975, the company was incorporated and changed its name to ‘A’ME  Manufacturing, Inc.’

In 1981, ‘PRECISE’ was formed to design, manufacture and sell golf  grips for A’ME.

In 2007, the principal owners formed a new business, ‘Gripos’ LLC and  began operation in February 2008 in Henderson, Nevada. Gripos is  responsible for manufacturing all A’ME products and Precise Golf Grips.

For over thirty years A’ME (Aeromarine Molding and Engineering) and now Gripos, has amassed numerous patents for pioneering the  development of new technology and injection mold processes.

BUSINESS A’ME primarily manufactures sport grips. We have the  capability take a new product from initial concept through final production. We use state-of-the-art technology at each critical stage of design, engineering, prototyping, tooling and manufacturing. It is our  unique blend of patented technology and molding capability that makes  A’ME an innovative leader in the sport grip industry worldwide.

A’ME/Percise designs, manufactures and markets its own brand name products.A’ME/Gripos designs and manufactures custom products for OEM  Customers. A’ME/Gripos manufactures injection molded parts after a customer  furnishes the tooling (mold/cavities) for the desired part.

As a pioneering leader in the development and use of state-of-the-art  technology and equipment, A’ME can rapidly ‘tool up’ to meet the growing needs of the OEM marketplace. This means A’ME delivers products based  on new technology faster and at a lower price than it’s competitors.

GOALS in the past, A’ME focused on the sports and recreational markets  for its own products. Now, A’ME is intent upon becoming the world leader  in sport grip design and manufacturing and is expanding its efforts toward  the OEM markets. Those markets have responded as they have learned of  A’ME’s patented technology and capabilities – in other words, A’ME can  deliver a technologically superior product that no one else can!

We are dedicated to using all of its strengths, including engineering, manufacturing and  research and development, to successfully  prepare for future growth while demanding  that the quality of its products provide  consumers with complete satisfaction.

Links: www.amegrips.com 

/// Name: Chris Jackson // Support/Hook-ups: Purchased parts from Slam69 and have had an amazing service from them, massive thanks! // Frame: Dartmoor Yuki (2012) // Forks: Primo (Dartmoor Satio Forks on the way!) // Headset: Odyssey // Stem: BSD Frontloader // Bars: Amity RD // Grips: Dartmoor Shamman // Bar ends: Dartmoor // Brake lever: Eclat Brake // Cable: Odyssey Uppers+Lowers (White) // Brake caliper: Eclate 2012 U-Brake // Brake pads: Odyssey Clears // Chain: YBN Halflink Gold // Sprocket: Federal 28T // Cranks: Dartmoor Flair // BB set: Dartmoor Spanish // Pedals: Dartmoor Stream // Seatpost: Fit (cut down) // Seat: Federal Slim (Black/Black) // Front tire: KHE MAC 2 Dirt // Front rim: Cinema 333 // Front hub: Cinema // Rear Rim: Odyssey 7KA // Rear tire: KHE MAC 2 Street // Rear hub: Profile Totum // Pegs: None ///

How many tubes do you go through? None very many, I think I have good luck with tubes!

How hard do you tighten your axles? As tight as they will go!

What tire pressure do you run? 90-100 PSI, super fast!

Do you ever modify your bike to ride different styles? I mostly stick to park and trails. My set-up is basically perfect!

What tools do you take riding? Everything I need: Spanners, Allen-Keys, Spoke Key, Chain tool, brake/chain spares!

Thanks to? Graham at Slam69 for providing some of the sickest products on the market! everyone who has helped me in the past and in the future! And a shout out to Cozzy Locals – Always pushing each other even if in different sports!

Stats: -

• Name: Ethan Mumford.
• Age: 20.
• Weight: 11 stone.
• Location: Cheltenham (UK).
• Sponsors: Slam69/Dartmoor (UK).

1) How did you start riding? What got the fire burning? I started on a Mtb actually, ha ha! I just started going up into the woods, next I started getting into riding skateparks, etc – As you can imagine, I started breaking loads of bike parts – In the end I made the decision to switch to BMX! I’ve not looked back!

2) Where are you originally from? How’s your situation changed? Well, I lived in Stonehouse and there was not much of a scene, just me and a few mates – Next I moved to Quedgeley and the scene was preety good! I currently live in Cheltenham and the park we have is dope! The locals all learn real fast – Keeps you trying new tricks!

3) What’s your favourite trick? And what are you working on? I would probably say turndowns or nac-nacs! And no new tricks in the pipe line – I just think of something and try it! Ha ha!

4) The public have already seen a fair bit of your skatepark/street style – But what about ‘street’? What street moves you pushing? Yeah man! I want to try and get some street footage for my new edit! Smashing it down stairs and all that! You’ll have to wait and see! Ha ha!

5) How did the ‘Dartmoor UK’ deal come about? How have you dealt with fame? I needed a new frame and thankfully, Graham over at Slam69/DartmoorUK was kind enough to help me out – I’ve now known Graham for a while and our cooperation has grown! It’s a good situation, as for my frame, it’s definitely the best frame I’ve ridden… Now go buy one!

6) What is the best thing about using a ‘Nami’? I would have to say the colour, ha ha! But seriously, the frames perfect for my riding style, it’s a sick frame, sick product! Keep your eye’s peeled for my next custom paint job!

7) Where is the best location you have ridden? I would have to say the best place I’ve ridden is probably the Nike Pool! But I can appreciate anywhere with a good scene! It’s always going to be fun! I also love my local skatepark!

8} You’re fully registered for ‘Pro Park’ at the ‘Xfest’ – What expectations do you have? And is this your first ‘Pro’ event? Ha ha! I’m going to get destroyed by all these big ass pros, from all over the globe, ha ha! But I’m just going to have fun and hopefully that will reflect in my riding! And yes, I’m nervous!

9) Who is you favourite PRO rider on the Xfest list? And for that matter, who is your favourite Dartmoor Bikes team rider? Dude, there’s so many good riders going! It’s destined to be a world first! Ha ha! As for the Dartmoor team, I would have to say Dawid Godziek – That kids sick!

10) Tell me about a ‘good day’? Wake up, check twitter and Facebook; Then I take a shower; Next breakfast; Again check the net for some new edits; Then chill with the misses for a bit; Then down to the local for a session with friends – Maybe learn something new; Then home and more chilling! Ha ha!

11) What goes down on a ‘bad day’? As for bad days, I never usually have any, but if I do, maybe it’s a puncture, or perhaps the rain that sends me over the edge…

12) If you had one wish? Hmmm… I would probably wish to win the lottery! I would build my own skatepark, buy a sweet house and travel the world!

13) Do you have any goals for the rest of 2012? I did not really make any major plans for the year! Maybe get some new photos, perhaps produce a new video edit! Obviously I’m riding Xfest! I also really want to ride Barcelona and Poland at some point – This all depends on what happens over the next couple of months!

14) Any shout-outs? Credits? Final words… Yeah man! Shout out to Graham at Slam69/Dartmoor, for giving me a fresh bike! It rules! Thanks to Chelsea Stroud for putting up with me! Thanks to all my riding homies! And thanks to Chris at ValleySideDistro for helping me get an online interview done!

I remember watching Baco 9 for the first time over a decade ago – A film which was packed with technical ramp and street riding from riders such as Dave Friemuth, Chad Degroot and Brian Vowell – Amongst these well grounded names, there was a new rider on the block – His name was Brian Kachinsky and he was instantly recognisable - It was not his style, nor his creativity that made him stand out… It was the fact he was so brave! Meet Brian Kachinsky! - Chris@VS.

Stats: -

• Name: Brian Kachinsky.
• Age: 30.
• Weight: 165.
• Location: Chicago, IL.
• Sponsors: DK, Etnies & Arnette

Questions: -

1) Morning Brian – Let’s start with a little bit of your history as a rider – ‘When’, ‘where’ and ‘how’ did your career in BMX ‘blow-up’?

I started getting clips in videos and photos in magazines around 2001, when I was 18. It was also that year that I won the CFB series in the AM class. It was also that year and the year after that I started to get hooked up from people like Animal, Standard, Primo and some others – It was awesome getting flowed free stuff! As the years progressed, I was added to the Standard Bikes Pro Team – I also rode for Axion Shoes. During 2004 I started riding for Etnies and DK, after parting ways with Axion and SBC. The rest is history!

2) What was it like growing up in Neenah, Wisconsin?

Neenah was a great place to grow up, but not ideal for riding outdoors! Luckily the neighbouring city, Appleton (also home to Dave Freimuth and the Baco crew) had an indoor park called Area 51, which I rode frequently. Neenah is a smaller town, but we got a skatepark built as well, so the riding scene was small but good!

3) What inspired the move to ‘Chicago’ and how is life treating you right now?

I originally moved here for a change of place. I had lots of friends living here and my girlfriend at the time also lived here. I was constantly in Chicago for riding and traveling purposes (major airport hub) so it slowly started to feel like I belonged here.

4) Briefly describe the circumstances surrounding your knee injury – And how is your current situation?

I have a new knee! Got my ACL fixed this winter after riding with it torn for almost four years. It feels great and I am glad to be back on it again.

5) How have riders like ‘Dave Freimuth’ and ‘Van Homan’ influenced your riding?

They are amazing riders. Both burly and technical. I love that style.

6) You’re well credited for busting out some wild nollie combos in recent times – Talk us through your personal evolution with the ‘nollie’?

I remember seeing guys like Butcher and Luc-e do nollie stuff back in the day – I was also into doing nose-wheelie to grinds for a long time as well – Personally, It just made sense to take the nollie to new situations and new set ups, which were original! Nollie to rails are still scary, even though I’ve done a lot of them, but they are super fun – All commitment! Nollie gap to rails are even scarier, but those are fun as well.

7) How do you feel about the police?

There are good cops and bad cops. I’ve dealt with plenty of both. Overall I try to avoid them, but when I do I try to be respectful despite being disrespected by them in the past.

8} What did you study at University? Has it altered the approach you take to riding? Or the way you approach new brands, etc…

Yes, I studied Business and Consumer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It certainly gave me a new outlook on everything around me. I might not have a “job” related to my degree, but business and marketing is around us all day, every day, whether we like it or not. It’s interesting to see what works and what doesn’t. It’s also good to know when you are the target of the marketing – You can make better decisions and see things differently. It hasn’t changed how I ride obviously. Riding is my escape and my outlet, that’s never changed.

9) How old were you when you slid your first handrail? Describe the set-up…

I think I was 14 or 15 when I did my first rail – It was a 6 or 7 stair polished aluminium rail. I found on my first try that aluminium and steel don’t go well together! I pulled it second try though… I have been hooked ever since!

10) What’s the biggest drop you’ve done? And could you do it now?

I’m not sure, but I actually think have improved at doing drops, as time has gone on. I have never really been into huge drops though, unless there is a rail to help me on the way down it!

11) Out of all the amazing online video sections you have produced, which is your favourite and why?

I think my props interview is one of my favourites because it shows a good portion of my life, family, friends, etc. I was also stoked on the riding in it! I wasn’t stoked on how much the editor focused on crashing and failure, but that’s what people like to see, right? I was also proud of Etnies “Grounded” and also Ride BMX “Living in Exile” – Living in Exile was actually the first and only video part I have finished filming, without being forced to because of injury.

12) Who do you ‘look up to’, or indeed ‘look across to’, as the best street rider(s) in the World?

There are too many! But I’ll name a few: Corey Martinez, Garrett Reynolds, Nathan Williams, Van Homan, Alex Kennedy, Josh Harrington – The list goes on and on…

13) Out of all the things that make ‘Brian Kachinsky’, well, ‘Brian Kachinsky’, what is the most important element?

I’m not really sure what makes me… Me! But I will say that the most important and valuable thing in my life, has been escaping my comfort zone on a daily basis! No matter what I am doing, or where I am, I try to escape my normalcy and do something I haven’t done, or learn something new! It’s amazing how fulfilling that can be, but it also sets you up for failure! I’m also definitely not afraid to fail, that’s obvious in my riding… Ha ha!

14) What won’t my readership know about you? Tell us something new, which has not been documented online, through videos or in the magazines…

I’ve actually mentioned this before briefly, but I think it’s worth saying again: I was horrible at BMX when I first started riding – I was scared of everything and nothing came naturally! I think that’s what intrigued me the most – I would watch videos and almost all of the tricks I would see people do seemed impossible. After a lot of work and a lot of crashes I slowly began to progress and it has lead me to where I am today.

15) It goes without saying that you are strong, healthy athlete – But in your heart, how long can you see you career spanning for?

A long time to come I think – I take care of myself and despite my riding style and injuries, the urge to ride and progress just keeps building. I know what motivates me and I have a lot I’d still like to get done on my bike before I think about calling it quits. It’s those new ideas, new spots and progression, that keeps me going.

16) We’ve seen you pushing the nollie, amongst countless other rail manoeuvres – If I may, what does the future hold for Brian Kachinskys riding?

Thanks! I have always tried my best to bring something new to the table. That’s always been my goal, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like to learn the tricks everyone else is doing as well – Some of them are just fun and that’s why everyone does them. I think the future will hold whatever pops into my head at the moment and whatever looks fun. There are a few moves I would like to get done, once I find the right set up – But until then I will keep those to myself! Most of them involve rails though! Ha Ha!

17) Tell me about your favourite location?

Right now my favourite location is Chicago, where I currently reside. I love this city and all it has to offer. The BMX scene here isn’t the size of some other major cities, but it’s a great vibe with tons to ride! I’ve also built my personal paradise here, The Bakery (insidethebakery.com) and made many great friends inside and outside of BMX. There is so much going on here it’s impossible to get bored. However, it’s no secret that I love to travel. Wherever my bike and suitcase happen to be, at any given time is my favourite location – I can have fun anywhere.

18) What is the best thing about being Brian Kachinsky right now?

I think the best thing about being me right now is having my friends, family and sponsors. I have gone through some pretty rough times this past year or so (some public and some private) and through those my relationships have only gotten stronger. I am surrounded by some of the best people in the world (and they are literally all over the world) and they make each day worthwhile. I’m fortunate to say the least.

19) Do you have any plans you would like to talk about? Or perhaps products, skateparks, or events, that you would like to promote?

Yes! Always tons going on over here! I have pretty much a full summer of traveling, events, filming, etc! Some trips overseas are already planned as well! We also have some new stuff coming up soon with The Bakery Project, this includes new guests, the Chad Kerley Invitational event and some other fun stuff. I am also working on some other things which will benefit the local Chicago scene, but that’s a work in progress. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest… And some cheesy humor! Ha ha!

20) Final words? Thank yous? Shout-outs?

My final words would be to make the most out of every day. Live outside your comfort zone and good things will happen. When those good things happen, strive for more, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses once in a while! Thanks to DK, Etnies, Arnette, everyone who’s supported, visited and watched stuff from The Bakery and thanks to my friends, family, teammates, filmers, photographers and followers. You’re the best.

It’s been good to hear a little more about you – Thank you for your time! And good luck with the next phase of your career – VS

>>>

Check out some of Brians Videos: -

Once again Mr Saunders over at VP-USA (VP Components) has kindly sent over some of VP’s latest pedals for testing - Models include the VP VICE, VP-69, VP-69n, VP-Grind and a few sets of the VP-577s – Hit continue reading to view individual product shots…

VP GRIND (VP-535) >>>

•  View the specification for the VP-535 here.

VP 577 >>>

•   View the specification for the VP-577 here.

VP VICE/vp-015 >>>

• View the specification for the VP-VICE here.

VP-69 >>>

• View the specification for the VP-69 here.

VP-69n >>>

• View the specification for the VP-69n here.

At present, the VP-69n, VP-535 and VP-577 are being tested by Chris Smith, Max Higginson, Grant Maddocks and Mike Higgo – So far, so good! The VP-VICE pedals and VP-69 will also begin testing soon. Once again, ValleySideDistro would like to thank VP-USA for their support!

/// Name? Christopher James Thornhill // Support/Hook-ups? ValleySideDistro ///

/// Frame: Dartmoor ‘Nami’ // Forks: United ‘KL 40’ // Headset: Un-branded // Stem: Primo ‘Aneyalator’ // Bars: Dartmoor ‘Flow’ // Grips: Mutiny ‘Team Grips’ // Bar ends: Mutiny (with grips) // Brake lever: None // Brake Cable: None // Brake caliper: None // Brake pads: None // Chain: Shadow ‘Half Link’ // Sprocket: Federal ‘Street Light’ // Cranks: We The People ‘Royal V3’ // BB set: Illegal // Pedals: Superstar ‘Plastic’ // Seatpost: Colony // Seat: Dartmoor ‘fatty seat’ // Front tire: Primo ‘Dirt Monster’ // Front rim: Amity // Front hub: Amity ‘Calamity’ // Rear Rim: Primo ‘VS Rim’ // Rear tire: Un-branded // Rear hub: Demolition // Pegs: None ///

How many tubes do you go through? “Not too many anymore, like 2 a year!”

How hard do you tighten your axles? “As tight as I can get ‘em!”

What tire pressure do you run? “About 100 psi…”

Do you ever modify your bike to ride different styles? “Nope, not really!”

What tools do you take riding? “None! But I should, my bike normally falls apart!”

Thanks to? “ValleySideDistro”.

>>>

You may be interested to see some of Chris Thornhill’s old edits… Just to get an idea of his riding…

Stats: -

// Name: Piot Przywecki // Age: 21 years old. // Weight: 80kg // Location: Leszno, Poland. // Sponsors: Dartmoor bikes & taste.tc. //

Questions: -

1) When did you start riding? And what was it that made you start? I’ve been riding since 2005 – At this point several friends who had already been dealing with ‘extreme riding’ encouraged me to try and ride a little  differently – And so the saga began! The first bike I had was used mainly for riding through the forests – My riding soon evolved and about two or three years later I started using my bikes on the streets and in the skateparks – A natural progression of course!

2) Describe a ‘good day’? I wake up, take a quick shower; Next I eat breakfast with my girlfriend; Then I grab my bike and I’m going to the local skatepark for a few hours; After that I come home and get ready for the party with my friends… It’s all about having fun!!!

3) With reference to the competitive aspect of your lifestyle, do you take any specific lifestyle choices to help you maintain optimum performance? I try to ride regularly in order to stay dialled, make progress and stay fit! The most important part for me is having fun and making everyday enjoyable!

4) Tell us a little about the locations you have been riding over the last few years? First of all, there are many locations in ‘Poland’ that I visit regularly. And I also visit neighbouring countries, such as ‘Germany’ and the ‘Czech Republic’. I try to stay in a habit of visiting nice new places and events on a monthly basis – So  far the best locations I have ridden are the ‘Mellow Park’ in Berlin and the ‘Bike Hall Contest’ in ‘Trutnov’ (Czech Republic). Going back to ‘Poland’, every-day I ride the largest skate-plaza in Poland, which is located in my hometown, ‘Leszno’!

5) If you could invent any contraption, what would it be and why? I never really thought about it… I guess if I could invent one contraption it would be a device that delivers happiness and smiles! (Ed/NB. It’s called a ‘vibrator’!)

6) At present, how do you allocate your time between riding BMX and other elements of life? I try to ride hard every day; but I always find time for my family, girlfriend, friends and work – It’s important to maintain that balance!

7) How have Dartmoor Bikes supported you? Dartmoor bikes provide hardware whenever it’s needed. Dartmoor also issue refunds from competitions that I enter as a representative! Our partnership is just perfect – Huge High Five to Dartmoor!

8} What riders have been influential lately? For me, the greatest players in recent times are ‘Dawid Godziek’ and ‘Waldemar Iwanowicz’ – Both are amazing riders!

9) Do you have any new video projects in the pipeline? In the near future, I am going to make a new video to promote our new facility, which is known as ‘Skateplaza’.

10) What else do you have planned for 2012? This year I want to visit many events in Poland and abroad, also I’m going to travel  to ‘Barcelona’ for a few days.

11) Is there anything else you would like to talk about? I would like to see more younger riders using helmets when it’s time to ride!

12) Any final words, shout-outs, thanks, etc? Many thanks to all my sponsors! And to you for this interview! High Five Dude!

>>>

Links: www.slam69.co.uk (The UK distributor for Dartmoor Bikes)

>>>

Check the Piotr in action…

Alin Moldovan just sent me the link to his latest web edit… It’s preety good… Check it out – VS

If you like Alin’s Bike visit: www.slam69.co.uk