Props' first foray into the world of flatland-only videos is subtitled "A comprehensive guide to modern flatland." That's a pretty big claim, but whether Groundwork is such a guide or not, it's a damn good riding video with some of the best flatland riding you'll see today. The overall feel of the video seems to really push the stereotype (however true it may be) of the lone flatland rider practicing alone in a parking lot — a stark contrast to many street/dirt/ramp videos which usually has pretty good-sized groups of guys all riding together. The music for Groundwork is mostly mellow indie/emo rock, which provides an ample soundtrack — some might prefer louder and/or faster music to punch it up more, but this way the riding isn't overpowered by the music.

And the riding is the most important thing here. Riders include Brian Tunney (cool rolling around-the-front-of-the-bike tricks), Chad DeGroot (not riding any street this time around), Aaron Behnke, Brian Rybak (rad as shit front-wheel switch thing), Nate Hanson, Leif Valen (funny intro and big socks), Akiba Okamura, Michael Steingräber (smooth flowing links with those Vector-style bars), and Chase Gouin (insane brakeless back wheel stuff).

Dylan Worsley, formally known for crazy on-the-pedal tricks, is now doing stuff that'll make you say "Holy shit — what was that?!" Multiple cross-footed hitchhiker whips, rolling/flip tricks, and a forward-rolling backpacker whip thing are just part of his section. A brakeless James White does a halfhiker to half-kickflip to 1-handed forward karl kruzer. Unfortunately, a little too much of his section was shot in the dark — a cool silhouette effect, but kinda hard to see what's going on. Dan Rigby's section, the last of the video, will have you saying "What the f*ck?! Where did that hitchhiker come from?" His dumptruck directly into cross-footed inverted backwards wheelie to deathtruck walkover to stick-b was pretty rad, too.

The filming and editing is top-notch, as you'd expect from Props. About the only bad thing is the length: at 20 minutes is seems a little on the short side (you definitely want more). On the other hand, Groundwork is all riding — no filler or useless crap, so it's a solid 20 minutes.

Props Visual

Empire East

I recently purchased a copy of the new video Empire East by Jim Winschel. Jim is from Erie, PA and his video features the exploits of a very talented group of riders, some from Erie, and others who migrated there to challenge themselves riding the incredible terrain that the region has to offer. Jim and rest of the Erie locals must work pretty hard, because their trails are quite extensive. The lines are endless and Jim's unique editing style perfectly illustrates how the trails flow. The trails are also terrifying, because the gaps are enormous, some are at least 30 feet.

The kids in this video ride everything with determination and pure style. From dirt to street to skatepark, their technique is infallible. I really admire the mentality that drives these young animals to wake up each day and throw themselves over the tallest, steepest, widest, scariest doubles really anywhere, then go hit up the skatepark for a night session. The video starts strong and it's power does not once dwindle. Jim leaves out the nonsense and hang-out footage that often burdens new videographers' work, and focuses on the riding. The whole thing has a consistent look and feel that many experienced video makers never grasp. The filming and editing is mature and original, but the riding is what is most important, and Jim never once lets the viewer forget it.

Kris Bennett is fearless and, I think, completely underrated. I know, he's got a signature bike, and he gets coverage from Props and all the magazines but seriously, he is ridiculous. The Square One Clothing CEO, defines the Erie style. Raw ability riding absolutely anything. DK's newest team rider, Mike Szcesney just kills everything. Tricks go down over the biggest sets at the trails...old-style no hander to x-up...no-footer to lookdown, you get the idea. Marvin Loetterle makes a few angry appearances innovating bicycle abuse, and throws the biggest 360 barspin probably ever. Jim's own part scares me, Massachusetts' own Ryan "Biz" Jordan represents himself nicely, and Ty Stuyvesant flows around the skatepark as if it was a set of trails, pulling technical and powerful tricks with the smoothest, most natural style.

Mike Aitken, though...I mean really, what can you say? His style is bold and new but simply reflects BMX's true heritage. Mark Losey said that he makes artwork out of the most basic tricks. This is well-said, but just as importantly, he does incredibly tech variations with a pure moto style. He will do three variations in one jump, and though he holds each one forever, each flows together and never looks forced. Empire East captures Mike's riding where he seems most at home, in the woods with a few like-minded friends, where this young master truly shines. His part ends with a 360 that is so and far and clean, a crescendo that pretty much sums up the whole video.

Empire East is a strong first video from a motivated young director. Expect more good things from Jim Winschel in the future.

empireeast@hotmail.com