ACwithFT

Off the Beaten Path update…

July 15, 2015May 9, 2016by ACwithFTLeave a comment

It’s been a while. Sorry about that. At least I can say it’s because we’ve been out and about doing some pretty neat things. We just got back from Iceland filming for “Off the Beaten Path” and we’re really stoked on how that project has been coming. And, to be fair, it’s not like you’ve been sending us updates everyday either. C’mon now. Step it up.

We’re also in the process of revamping the whole website so we’ve been putting in time behind the scenes and plan to launch the new site in conjunction with the release of a trailer for “Off the Beaten Path”.

In the interim, check out some video frame grabs of Pat Smage and Liz Sampey from our trip to Iceland!

Off the Beaten Path…

January 30, 2015May 9, 2016by ACwithFT1 Comment

Time to let the cat out of the bag. Actually, that’s not accurate. We’d never put a cat in a bag. That seems cruel. Ok, maybe a kitten playing but just for a second…I digress.

We’ve been working on a new adventure film project, “Off the Beaten Path” and, to be honest, we’ve been having a lot of fun along the way. The focus is on fat biking and showcasing that fat biking is somewhat of a natural progression of mountain biking. Early mountain bikers were looking to create bikes that allowed them to ride on terrain and in conditions they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Many now look to fat bikes for the same reason.

Expect a unique cast of characters and imagery of bikes riding in places bikes have never been. Check back soon for more images, updates and links to places where people are talking about “Off the Beaten Path”. You can see some low-res video frame grabs from some of our early shoots below. Go West Foto has some high-res images too. And, if you’ve got questions about the project, interest in getting involved on some level, or have a great micro-brew to recommend, hit us up.

Update 2 A pre, pre-teaser…This is just some self-shot riding featuring Anthony from First Tracks and Emmie. No full production crew or athletes in this clip, but some sweet views and a goofy dog:

Update 1 with first round of media links featuring photos and words from First Tracks Productions: http://adventuresportsjournal.com/biking/fat-bikes

http://www.theunion.com/entertainment/14842863-113/keep-on-rolling

http://www.moonshineink.com/sports/fat-tires-and-fat-growth

More to come soon…

Burned Bear Cub ‘Cinder’ Gets 2nd Chance…

November 24, 2014May 9, 2016by ACwithFTLeave a comment

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care does incredible work. And, we’re happy to help them out and spread the good word. Yesterday morning we got footage of their volunteers preparing ‘Cinder’ for her transfer to her last stop, a rehabilitation center in Idaho, before being released back in the wild. Cinder was brought to LTWC badly injured from a forest fire. And, after some amazing treatment, she’s one step closer to being back where she belongs. Some of the footage we shot was used on the CBS Evening News and you can see the story here: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cinder-the-bear-cub-gets-a-second-chance/

4 Year-Old Mackenzie has Leukemia – Let’s Help

September 29, 2014November 2, 2016by ACwithFTLeave a comment

Please help in anyway you can: https://www.theyoungandbrave.com/warriors/mackenzie-b/

Mackenzie Bogart surrounded by her siblings: Kailey, Tyler and Ashley from left to right.

The Bogart family is amazing. I can’t think of another word to describe them. Jesse and Jenn are amazing parents and they have 4 amazing kids: Tyler, Kailey, Ashley and Mackenzie. Jesse is a military officer and graduate of the USAF Academy (Class of 1999) currently serving on an active-duty tour in the Hawaii Air National Guard. Jenn is a Supermom who probably juggles more in a day than I could in a month. The kids are always in motion, whether it be snowboarding, skating, surfing, wakeboarding, sailing, football, baseball, soccer, basketball, swimming or just goofing off being kids.

Jesse and Jenn’s support of their children and all they do is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. Case in point: They sold their TVs to buy their kids surfboards.

In January of 2011, Kailey underwent pediatric neurosurgery to decompress a Chiari Type I malformation—a congenital disorder that was essentially causing her brain stem to act like a cork in the base of her skull. She’s had an amazing recovery and is now a two-time National Snowboarding Champion with USASA.

Now, they have another challenge. Their youngest, 3 year-old Mackenzie was just diagnosed with leukemia. Cancer is tough at any age, but for a 3 year-old, days filled with blood transfusions and chemotherapy are especially difficult. We’d love for you to help support the Bogart family in their time of need. There are a lot of great causes to support out there, but this should rank high on any list. Everyone who donates is automatically entered in to a raffle for some great prizes including a new snowboard and lots of other gear.

Please help by clicking here – no donation is too small. All donations will go directly to the Bogart family to assist them in covering bills related to Mackenzie’s illness. These will include medical bills insurance doesn’t cover, child care costs to allow Jenn to spend as much time in the hospital with Mackenzie as possible, etc.

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Bicycle Brothers – Reality Show Trailer…

August 19, 2014by ACwithFTLeave a comment

Ryan Jezek is all about bikes. And, that passion has rubbed off quite a bit on his family. Rather than just go out for bike rides together on weekends, Ryan and his brother Todd started building their own bikes in the garage and are about to launch a new a bike brand. The family that makes bikes together stays together? Stay tuned…

Dylan Heinstein 2014 Snowboarding Edit. He’s 9. He’s good. He’s fun to watch…

August 11, 2014August 12, 2014by ACwithFTLeave a comment

We got a chance to follow one of the top kids in a snowboarding around for a few days this past Spring. Dylan has that sort of easy and relaxed style on a snowboard that you don’t expect to see from someone his age. Maybe it’s the skateboarding background, maybe it’s natural talent, maybe it’s that he truly loves to ride and enjoys learning new tricks…Whatever it is, it’s working. Expect to see a lot more from Dylan in the coming years.

Just one day after releasing the video, OnBoard Magazine has picked it up – you can see what they had to say about Dylan here.

Corral Trail – Mountain Bike Community / Forest Service Partnership…

June 1, 2014May 9, 2016by ACwithFTLeave a comment

It’s pretty cool when two groups that may not have played too nicely together in the past get together and do something truly great. The recent work on Corral Trail in South Lake Tahoe, CA showcases the coming together of the mountain bike community – fostered by TAMBA (Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association) and the US Forest Service to create mountain bike specific features for users of all abilities on public lands. Yeah, pretty cool.

As avid mountain bikers, we’re incredibly fortunate to have this in our backyard and we encourage you to come ride some laps. Until then, check out the story of how it all came together and see some action from the new features!