Why Scooter kids suck

In this blog I will be discussing why scooters are the deffenition of being un-cool, and what we can do to stop this epidemic spreading over the US.

Reason #1: Scooters are easy

It really does not take someone very long to learn scooter tricks, which makes skills and riding scooters less of a big deal and less cool. On average it takes BMX riders 3 years to learn tailwhips, while someone can learn tailwhips in one day on a scooter. Scooters are making things too easy and attracting kids because of how easy tricks are.

Reason #2 : You look ridiculous

Lets be honest, riding a toy that is meant for kids under 10 is not the most attractive or cool thing. Especially when people run their handlebars super low and hunch over the bars. If you thought BMX riders looked goony, then scooter riders are something else.

This kid is the typical scooter kid, shorts, some nike shoes, a T-shirt, and always a white skateboard helmet. Riding around on a contraption with wheels the size of Raley's cookies is pretty weird, especially when your handlebars reach up to your knees.

Reason #3: You're in the way!!

The biggest problem I have with scooter kids by far is in the skate park. Besides how silly the whole "sport" is, the scooter kids crowd the skate park by the dozens on some days, and block your way because they have absolutely no skate park ettequite whatsoever. My rule is if youre under 10 years old and ride a scooter, its ok, its a kids toy, but if youre 15 or 16 and take it seriously, then thats where I draw the line. I can't tell you how many times I've hit a scooter kid on my bike trying to ride the park. There are a few kids at the park I respect but the majority I despise of.

How to stop this epidemic?

Start kids off at a young age by teaching them the love of bikes. Here's why bikes are better.
>Bikes keep you in shape, scooting around isn't much of a work out
>As they grow older, bikes don't look silly on them or become awkward
>Bikes are somewhat expensive, your kids will never have money for drugs or alcohol
>Bikes take you places and are efficient machines, unlike scooters
>Your child will not be bullied in the skatepark for being lame

In conclusion, ride a BICYCLE, not a scooter for an improved life in general.

Frame Materials

Many different bikes are made of different materials depending on quality, intended use, and desired look. All of these beautiful frames have their uses.

Aluminum Frames

 

This Cube frame is made from Aluminum. This metal is a fusion of Iron and Steel, and as a result, its much lighter then steel and Chromoly frames. Most mountain bikes are made from aluminum, as it is relatively cheap and pretty strong. These frames are built by having pre cut tubing welded together where it will be strongest given the frame design. 

Carbon Frames

 

Carbon fiber frames are a pretty recent technology, and is pretty advanced. Carbon fiber frames are made of carbon fiber based fabric-like strips. The closest thing I can compare it to is using paper mache' strips, when the fiber strips are laid down, but laid down over a super light frame. they are heat treated. Next the carbon is let to cool, but the temp must be very slowly lowered over a longer period of time, such as a few days. If they aren't cooled down slowly, they will not have as much strength. A few factories had this problem while making carbon handlebars and the result was not pretty. Carbon frames are lighter then any other frame material currently, and also the most expensive. Although the production of these frames is complex and much harder then metal frames, carbon is becoming more and more common on bikes, and not just in frames. Carbon handlebars, wheels, seats, pedals, and even carbon brakes. 

Chromoly frames 

 Chromoly frames are not a recent innovation in technology. Chromoly is mainly used for BMX frames because while it is not the lightest material, it for sure is the strongest. Chromoly is also used in some mountain bikes, but its roots are in BMX. Some frames are half Chromoly and half steel, this saves the companies money, which is why full chromoly frames are more expensive. Chromoly welds are a lot stronger and wider then those of an aluminum bike. I have yet to see a chromoly frame snap. I've seen an aluminum frame snap, but never a chromoly.

Home Trails

I have a few trails near the house in which I can ride out of the garage and I'm at the trailhead in 5 seconds. I used to spend hours every week maintaining and building new trails, but these days I haven't done a whole lot of work on them. I'm gonna try to start working on them and improving them.

A photo of me riding "Orange Burrito

I have built wooden structures with lumber and cut down trees along with large dirt berms and landings. Within 3 acres of woods I've created a decent amount of trails and features to keep me entertained. From downhill bike drops to bmx jumps, the property has some good stuff. I built the above feature last summer with some wood lying around and some cut down trees. I like building with wood and moving earth in the forest.It's calming and invigorating in good ways. 

Some of the features are super fun and never get old. The front yard step up is a addicting jump that I session with friends quite a bit. I love stuff like that because its so close to the house and it helps me and my friends progress while having a blast. There are a lot of trails within 5 minutes of my house which I consider "home trails" but to me real home trails are the ones right outside my house.

Brown Pow

Dirt Heaven

I recently discovered a mountain bike trail building gem with Evan a few months ago. We never got around to building in the area until a few days ago. I have to say out of all the places I have made trails, this has the nicest dirt I have ever seen in my life. I have to say I'm pretty jazzed on this spot.

The location offers everything I could want for an area to build. Its close to home, only a 2 min ride away. The dirt is the most shapeable dirt I have seen, as it is a perfect mix of clay and sand. The clay is sticky and can be shaped into almost any desirable shape, while the sand makes it pack well and not stick to your shovel when digging. Also, the natural terrain offers fun trail aspects such as rolling hills, elevation drops and more.

 

It's always good to have a second eye when building trails because you can get different peoples perspectives on angles and how the trail should go. At this point Shendo is also having a lot of input on the trails.  It can get kinda crazy when everybody has different opinions on how things should go, but usually we come to a concensus.

 There's a great feeling when you pick up a shovel and create a work of art in dirt, out in nature. It's a form of creation that can be so temporary. A lot of these illegal trails get torn down or people get kicked out. The important thing to me is to build the trails, ride them, document it somehow and to leave it. If the spot is meant to be usually it lasts a while. Building 400 feet away from a buisness and 100 feet away from homeless camps aren't the best of conditions, but the dirt is totally worth it. 

I look forward to continuing building in this zone for the weeks to come.