Team Bahati photoshoot

My alarm goes off at 5:05am in the morning… The streets are clear, the sun is still hours away from peeking through the skyscrapers… “where in the hell am I?” were the first words out of my mouth. Then a few groggy milliseconds later I remembered I had to get up early to do a group shoot for the Bahati Foundation pro cycling team. More specifically the Bahati Foundation is a program that helps inspire youth in inner-city and underserved communities.

The Top Eagle

When I heard my high school baseball coach was awarded the 2010 National Coach of the Year, I wasn’t shocked. Coach Dean Jones has been a mentor for every player in a Chesnee Eagles uniform for the past 47 years of being head coach. Count that, 47 years. Not only was coaching his job, it was his way of life. With that kind of history, a kid being coached doesn’t even think of questioning his logic. Simply put, Coach Jones could coach a team just by putting his arms on his hips.

Trail Blazing with Rudy Napolitano

If you know me decently, you should know I’m a road bike enthusiast. So it was about time that I did a serious shoot with a local professional biker. Rudy Napolitano of Team Helen’s was my first victim. He suggested a local Malibu road for the shoot, and it was amazing to say the least. Remote, twisty, breath-taking views, and 1-way traffic. Perfect. The original pics came out great, but you know me, I had to take them over the top with some photoshop love. This is my take on road bike photography:

Climbing to new heights

1 more week until the dreaded 100 mile Assault on Mt. Mitchell “event” in S/N Carolina. I knew I had to kick my ass this weekend so I’d have a fighting chance to get to the top of Mt. Mitchell the next. This ride was sort of a last-minute decision, so I couldn’t find any buddies down to pedal next to me on the trek. Just me and my iPod jamming the workout playlist. The route is estimated at 7,000′ in 23 miles. Starting at the bottom where Hwy 39 splits (West Fork) and ending at Dawson Saddle (the highest elevation point on the Angeles Crest Hwy). You can literally start at the top, and not have to pedal at all until the very bottom. Very little flat or downhill sections on the way up. BRING THE PAIN!