etnies

Road Fools!

We got photos from the Road Fools Tour! These shots are from the Phoenix to San Diego leg, including some KC and Morgan action. Enjoy... and stay classy.

AZ landscape

Catfish on the mic

KC doing his thing

KC X up

Morgan... oh Morgan

Morgan - Wallride Tailwhip

Crazy lady

Nick and the rig

Road Fools Crew

Randy Taylor Mini Interview

etnies Flo Rida Randy Taylor has a quick little mini interview up on DefGrip.com.

Thanks for the quickie, Randy!

Aaron Takes 3rd!

Last weekend Aaron Ross won X Games Bronze in Brazil! He took third in the BMX Street competition after throwing down more than a few choice tricks.

Brian Kachinsky also came out to represent etnies.

X Games Brazil. April 24th-26th. Results:

1. Garrett Reynolds. NIKE
2. Sean Sexton. VANS
3. Aaron Ross. ETNIES
4. Dakota Roche. LOTEK
5. Van Homan. ORCHID

Countdown To Dallas!

The Journeys Backyard BBQ is back and May 10th is our day in Dallas! We're counting down 'til then, and we're not the only ones...

Come join in the fun!

Grounded Remix Contest!

Wanna edit footage and win stuff? Now's your chance, courtesy of the etnies Grounded DVD Remix Contest. You know all that unedited bonus footage included in the DVD extras? That's your content and the world is your oyster. Put it to music, or not. Add a voiceover, or not. Make it funny, or not. The big winner will enjoy a year's supply of etnies shoes (a new pair every month!) plus loads of apparel! Get the details and enter here!

etnies Backyard Jam Footy

Fun footage from the archives. etnies Backyard Jam circa 2006. Some shit just doesn't get old. Watch it.

Sergio Layos In Paris

Woozy BMX has a couple good pics of Sergio Layos taken somewhere in Paris. I'd show you, but Woozy specifically said not to. So... go have a look on Woozy and enjoy this totally unrelated pic that I found in my files.

Kachinsky's UGP Footage

(Ahem) Someone was "just sayin'" something about less posing for pics, more action shots. How 'bout we do you one better with three minutes of Kachinsky footage?

Check out this little video gem of Brian Kachinsky running the streets in Chicago, Wisconsin, Minnesota... and Florida to top it off. UGP road trip to Florida's capital for some added rails. Good lines, raw ass rails and Go Brian Go attitude make this an entertaining three minutes of BMX. If you see Brian, go buy him a sandwich or coffee... edit by Chad DeGroot.

Happy now... bro?

etnies With An Industry First

We, at etnies & Sole Tech, are celebrating Earth Day with the announcement of a project already years in the making; etnies is committed, and well on its way, to becoming the action sports industry's first carbon neutral company!

Whether or not you get what that means, you're probably familiar with the concept of carbon dioxide emissions and their devastating effect on global warming. The idea of carbon neutrality is to offset ALL emissions in various ways, so that the total is a big, fat, neutral zero. Makes sense, right? Being the realists that we are, we know it's much easier said than done... so what have we done so far? One major step we've taken is the completion of our first corporate eco-audit to measure the company’s overall carbon footprint.

“Corporate responsibility and environmental conservation have been at the forefront of our philosophy for many years and our commitment to making an impact on the consumer, the industry, and the planet is stronger than ever,” said Pierre Andre Senizergues, CEO and founder of Sole Technology. “As we release the results of our first eco-audit, we look to our team, our customers, and our partners in the action sports world to help us become a carbon neutral company that will pave the way for a greener future.”

Led by the company’s environmental affairs manager, Roian Atwood, the eco-audit examined the organization’s activities over the course of more than seven years, focusing predominantly on its carbon emissions, waste and consumption, and water usage. In addition to this detailed study, etnies has executed the installation of 616 solar panels, the conversion to water-based cement manufacturing, corporate wide-recycling efforts, and the creation of a seasonal sustainable footwear and apparel collection, the etnies SEED Project.

“We are confident that the future looks bright for eco-conscious corporations, and we strive to be a leader in the field every day,” said Atwood. “By sharing our findings and making a conscious effort to use the results to alter our business practices and impact on the environment, we hope to play a key role in changing today’s corporate culture for a stronger tomorrow.”

The Sole Technology eco-audit found that in 2007, the company generated 40,000 tons of CO2, equivalent to volume of 2.5 billion shoe boxes 58 percent of which came from footwear manufacturing and the emissions released in the development process through the use of coal-burning sources and electricity. Another 18 percent of its carbon emissions are attributed to the making of the brand’s cardboard boxes, and 8 percent is related to logistics and shipping.

In terms of waste and consumption, Sole Technology found that of the 72,000 pounds of internal trash it consumed, the company recycled 57 percent, exceeding the country’s national average of 30 percent, and California’s average of 50 percent. By 2010, Sole Technology’s goal is to recycle 70 percent of their waste with assistance from the Blue Bin Brigade, an internal committee of department executives whose goal it is to increase awareness and find environmentally-friendly means of conducting business.

“Given the harsh abuse on a skateboarder’s shoes, our industry is constantly challenged with the issue of consumption, which is why we strive to make the most durable, quality products in the market,” said Senizergues. “Building long lasting products that are sturdy and have a longer life with consumers is an important element to consider in the eco discussions related to manufacturing and consumption.”

The eco-audit determined that 95 percent of Sole Technology’s water usage is attributed to the company’s apparel development, an industry-wide concern among clothing manufacturers that is a leading cause of damage to the environment. By taking immediate actions on business offices such as installing waterless urinals that save 325,000 gallons of water annually and dual flush toilets, the company is already affecting its internal water usage as it continues to research innovative technologies that will also benefit the manufacturing process.

Senizergues’ personal commitment to the environment and ecologically conscious lifestyle has made him a trailblazer in the industry, having implemented green practices many years ago. In addition to his professional goals, Senizergues practices green living at home as well, and has been honored by Global Green USA with a Corporate Environmental Leadership Award for his environmental practices and corporate responsibility. He was also an executive producer with Leonardo DiCaprio on the documentary The 11th Hour about the effects of global warming and how society can prevent further damage.

Stay tuned for more news this week, including further details on our eco-audit results...

Sandy Carson Interview

Sandy Carson talks photography, bmx, his lady and... kitties?

Read up at bmxUnion.com.

Mike Vincent Benefit Party

Hello,

This past Thursday was the three-month mark since Mike Vincent's accident. It was also the one-month mark since he was moved from Cedar Sinai to Rancho Los Amigos.

Much of what has happened since the move can be best described as organized chaos. From day one, it was clearly evident that Rancho did not have the adequate personnel and equipment to care for Mike's condition. After much lobbying from Mike's parents, it appears that they are finally taking the necessary steps to accommodate Mike.

Now that the dust has settled from the initial turmoil, we are happy to report some wonderful news. Soon after Mike arrived at Rancho, his family was notified that Mike was blind in both eyes and that it was most likely going to be permanent. Thankfully Debbie, Mike's mom, did not accept the diagnosis and pushed for further testing. The tests concluded that Mike had severe hemorrhaging behind his eyes from the initial impact, but his eyes, nerves, and retinas were not badly damaged. He underwent surgery to drain his right eye earlier this week and once it's healed he will have his left eye operated on. After being in complete darkness for four weeks, Mike is rapidly adapting to light and color.

The doctors are also reevaluating Mike's medications, which at this point are only counteracting each other's side effects. In the short time that the dosages have decreased, Mike has shown great improvement. His agitation has significantly reduced while his attention span has grown to allow for short conversations.

Mike's strength through this arduous journey is inspiring. He has met and surpassed every prediction and projection of his recovery.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed his or her heart, time and money to this cause so far. Yet the road to recovery is a long one and Mike Vincent and his family need your continued support.

Here are the current ways you can contribute:

Direct contribution to PAYPAL

Mail a check payable to:
Michael J. Vincent Fund
903 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029

"Back off the Wagon" Benefit Party
When: Monday, April 21
Time: 9 PM - Close
Where: The Bungalow Club
7174 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046

There is a $10 donation cover charge. Happy Hour specials will reign the bar all night long while DJ Derrick Wize and friends will keep the music pumping. We will also have Mike V. merchandise for sale along with a raffle at the end of the night. Some of the raffle items include a Haro BMX bike signed by Ryan Nyquist, Pro Tec helmet signed by Bucky Lasek, Logitech iPod Speaker System, and much more.
*See above flyer for details

Please feel free to repost, forward, and spread the word about this cause.

If you would like to be added to the e-mail list for updates, please send an email to MikeVincentUpdates@gmail.com with ADD in the subject heading.

A special thank you to those who have made this event possible: Haro Bikes, Verde BMX, Hoffman Bikes, Odyssey, Dakine, Duo, Coda Skateboards, Habitat Skateboards, Alien Workshop Skateboards, Herbivore Clothing, Alpinestars, Indie Printing, ASA Entertainment, Playboy, Hellen's Cycle, Gagosian Gallery, LAfixed.com, ESPN, X Games, The Bungalow Club, Yanco Pads, Sweet Pea Bakery, JaredSouney.com, Mat Hoffman, Jim Bauer, Ryan Nyquist, Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek, Jake Brown, Pierre-Luc Gagnon, Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, Jeremy Lusk, Todd Potter, and everyone who has contributed their heart, time and money to this cause.

Ryan Smith Bike Check!

etnies Flow rida Ryan Smith is rollin' a new ride.

Check the deets on Mutiny Bikes.

More From Kachinsky

Brian Kachinsky checks in again...

Hi Everyone!

I am enjoying some time at home until I leave later this week for Brazil where I will participate in the X-Games Brazil next weekend. I'm glad I was home around this time because I got the chance to ride Undercover skatepark one more time before it closes its doors for good.

The last session was good and went into the early hours of the morning. I was stoked/pumped/psyched to ride the park one last time since I've had hundreds of awesome sessions there over the past 5 years.

This park has kept the Appleton scene alive and well and it will be sad to see it go. Thanks Mark Hilson for keeping the park going for as long as he did!

On the upside, it's been warming up and I've gotten to do some more riding/exploring around the Chicago area. Isn't it funny how sometimes the greatest things in life can be right under your nose and you don't realize it? For example this week I found a cool kinked rail and abandoned school not too far from my house. Perhaps even more amazing than that is this fountain that's down the block from me as well.

Now, I've been fortunate enough to see some pretty amazing fountains in my day. From the Buckingham fountain (Chicago), Krisik (Prague), Bellagio (Vegas), Manneken pis (Brussels) and many more; I must say that this one is the shit. It blows the rest out of the water and it's right down the street!

More soon after Brazil!

Love,
Brian

Freimuth Bike Check!

Details on Dave's Colony MVP!

New Ruben Alcantara Wallpaper

Ride UK BMX has a new Ruben Alcantara wallpaper available for download... get it!

Rad New Iglomat Review

Them Austin folk really know their music... Here's what the Austin Chronicle had to say about Sandy Carson's little project, Iglomat.

etnies ON SALE!!

Shop now!

Randy Taylor Bike Check!

Randy Taylor is one of our flow dudes and he's got a new bike check on the Mutiny site!

Sergio Layos Bike Check!

FAT BMX posted a brand new bike check featuring our very own Sergio Layos. Go ahead, check it out.

John In Africa

etnies rider John Heaton dropped us a line to let us know he's still alive and well and back from Africa.

Here's a photo of John at a waterfall about an hour outside of Abuja, Nigeria. He claims that the falls were amazing to see and the picture may not do them justice. The crew hopped right in for a good half hour water massage... sans happy ending!

"All in all the trip was great... I got sunstroke twice and my cabby was chased at gunpoint but it was still a great trip."

Sounds great, John!

To hear more about his trip, check out John's blog on Volume Bikes!

Free Socks & Shipping

For a limited time only at the etnies Online Store.