First leg 99%

Opening day... First off my buddy Mike Adams was my wing man on the maiden voyage,the first leg being Daytona Beach. It's been smooth sailin through rain and shine. The weather was a bit rough but helped cool us off and ended up being a treat. Mike demonstrated the correct way to fall off a bike and let me tell you I'm happy to see him still rippin. Didn't even phase the beast. Were a mile from the skatepark so check back for tomorrow for a update.

Thanks Eryn For The Write Up Check Her Site http://www.velomuse.org

Photo courtesy: Bryce Toole

Ripping Gypsy (RG): Hey my name is Bryce Toole. I live in Orlando Fl. Guess my profession would be living life to its fullest!

VM: “At what moment in your bmx career did you decide that you wanted to ride long distance?”
RG: I believe it was the summer of 05′, I was staying in Pittsburgh with Bobby Valentine and Greg Smee. One evening Bobby was like, “hey man im outta here” I was living with him at the time and was like….”well im coming with”. We jetted back to the house, packed a rough sack,which was a change of close and bam, Bobby,Greg, and I were off. It was a wild bmx cycle to Akron Ohio. Camped and rode the free concrete park for a few days. Ever since ive had this bug of adventure.

VM: “What was the biggest obstacle in achieving your first long distance ride, and how did you manage that?”
RG: Biggest obstacle would have to be either the countless flats, or the hills. Seeing that we were on bmxs’, it was gnarly.

VM: “What made you decide to stop in Pittsburgh?”
RG: I love Pittsburgh. The people, history, and what better of a way to get there,via bicycle.

VM: “What are you going to do when you get here, this time?”
RG: See all my buds. Definitely going to Primanti’s and getting a cold one and a sandwich. Were going to ride some bmx trails hopefully and pedal around Oakland hollering at some chicks hahaha. All around, just have a blast.

VM: “What’s next?”
RG: Well… I asked Bobby if he was able to ride some with me on the next leg of the trip out of Pittsburgh, and its looking like it could happen. Im stoked! Its going to be due west from Pittsburgh, over one of the many infamous bridges, and on to the open road.

Id like to thank,
Matt and Charlie at Profile Racing
The Cottles at OBMX
James at Mr.Bikes & Boards
Brain at ESPN
DNA Energy Drinks
And My Mom, Momma Toole!

You can follow the trip at therippingypsy.blogspot.com

Wake To A Cup Of Coffee Or A Black Bear?

That was earlier this morning. Guess the mid aged Black Bear got a bit lost from its home somewhere in the Wekiva Springs area. Game and Wildlife did a good job getting it tranquilized and into the truck. It was humbling being within a few feet with such an awesome animal. Warm up for life on the road, thats for sure.

Stoked on the new rear bag. Now my camera has a nice little home for the trip. Before the bag i would have to break down the rig just to snap a photo and that was always a pain. Now shes golden! 7 days to dial everything in on the bicycle and trailer. Looking forward to hitting the open road. Be sure to check the Madera site for updates on the trip along with Espn!! Stay tune and get tuned.

Got some new parts for the ride today. Big thanks goes out to James and Ched at Mr. BikesNBoards!!! Keep Rippin

Met this fella Rich last night at the bar, and he was nice enough to draw this and was pumped on hearing about the trip. Cheers dude!

Getting Things Together

Props go out to my buddy John Kaufman for lending this tent for my trip. The thing is radical. As shown... tent, mountain bike, bmx, water proof satchel sitting in the b.o.b. trailer. Let the good times roll!

There You Have It

Well i head out on the open road the 31st of May, so
stay tune to follow a wild adventure!
Bruce