Ramen
We found us a new ramen spot for lunch breaks down in Rosemead called "Shinsen Gumi". Got there today and waited a good 15 minutes for a spot at the bar.
Tried the Hakata Ramen with miso (L set which is 1/2 ramen 1/2 fried rice). They give you a paper to customize the thickness of your noodles and soup broth.
L set comes with a salad which was mighty tasty.
Chicken onigiri.
Anyone in the Rosemead area randomly craving ramen, give it a whirl: SHINSEN GUMI
Post by: Leila 042409 Listening to: Clinic-Distortions
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Hawaii Day TWO
4 AM wake up call. Busy day ahead! Last night, we got a call asking if we could make a last-minute trip to
Maui. Immediately, Kaz and I got off the phone, booked our tickets, got some sleep, and off we went. Since
coming back to Hawaii, I've been dying to jump in the warm ocean water--wetsuit-free. South side is
supposed to get a small S bump, but it will have to wait a bit more.
First things first, meetings await, and time to stoke out some kids in Maui.
Honolulu city lights. Dusk. Flight attendants, prepare for departure.
The curvature of the earth is not viewable to the naked eye unless you were lucky enough to ride
a Concord Jet or happen to be in the NASA space program. But look close, and the horizon on this morning
gave the impression the earth is round. East Oahu from 5,000 ft and rising. Sunrise.
BAYVI Hawaii Regional Manager Kaz all smiles early in the morning.
30 minute interisland flights are short and the best. The ever-so-distinct approach to Maui's Kahului
Airport, flying past the Maui windmills.
When we landed in Maui, we were stoked that the rental car company gave us the Dodge Charger (also
seen from the Transformers). Always wanted to give one of these guys a try. Drives pretty well!
Off to our meetings. In the meantime, back in LA, here's a shot of Chris Kays showing you some special
love from the BAYVI Distribution Center.
After a full day of meetings, Kaz and I made it back to Oahu. Straight to the ocean and had 25 minutes
before the sun went down. Finally got to surf! Only had time to surf in town at Rockpiles. Waves weren't
epic, but was nice to be in the water. Here's a photo Kaz took of BAYVI rider Chris Pendleton on a similar
day. It's cool to see the city lights all turn on as the sun goes down.
BAYVI JAPAN guys arrived this evening. We're meeting them first thing in the morning.
This is part two of a six part series. Stay tuned for Days THREE-SIX to come,
Post by: Ron
042409
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Buenos Aires
Just got back from a trip to Buenos Aires Argentina. What a nice place to visit. Everyone is super nice
and the beef is great! The picture above is of the famous Casa Rosada or Pink House. This is where
the executive branch of the government sits. In the past the pink color of the building came from mixing
bull blood with the plaster they used on the surface of the building.
Plaza De Mayo the epicenter of political life in Buenos Aires and probably all of Argentina.
Doing what they do best at Casa Las Lilas, grilling beef! The Argentinian beef is much more flavorful
than the US counterpart. Argentinian beef cows are grass fed versus American cows which are mostly
grain fed. Argentinians have the highest rate of beef consumption in the world at an average of 140 lbs.
per per person, per year, 50% higher than the US.
Spent a quiet day in Colonia, Uruguay. What a contrast between Colonia and Buenos Aires! It seems
like this place hasn't really changed in the last 40 years.
Posted by: T2
4/23/2009
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Hawaii Day ONE
It's by no coincidence they call Hawaii "paradise". It's something in the air. And the water. And the
people. We've been on the road a lot these days, from California highway to highway, airport to airport,
and hotel to motel. It's our job, our duty, and our passion. Spread the word, and recruit for the VI. From
Santa Barbara the week before to Buenos Aires, Argentina, this past week, it's literally such a trip to see
how the BAYVI vibe has grown and how random people come up, recognize the mark, and are fans of
the VI.
And amidst all the travel, flight delays, and traffic jams, there's just something about making it back to
Hawaii. Of course it's nice to shed a 4/3 fullsuit and booties and jump in 80 degree boardshort heaven,
but it's something more about it that perhaps can't quite be explained. So when an opportunity arose as
the guys from BAYVI Japan were coming to Hawaii to film and shoot for a magazine and video feature on
BAYVI in Hawaii, you bet we're gonna take a flight back, spend time with the shops who've grown and
supported the VI from day one, hang out with the teamriders, and reconnect with family.
LAX-HNL.
I wonder how long it took for the designer to construct the look and functionality of this lunch box. Pretty
clever little contraption using minimal space, complete with rich chocolate brownie hidden under the 'hood'
of the right panel. While marveling at the recent changes of in-flight meal packaging, I couldn't help but
get nostalgic on the old and classic meals. Does anyone remember when you used to get served on loud
cafeteria trays and metal utensils?
First sight of land after 5 hours. Ever-so-distinct Molokai Island.
Birds-eye Diamond Head.
Straight from the aiport, met up with Kaz, and straight into a round of meetings for the rest of the day.
This is part of 6 part series, Days TWO-SIX to follow, Stay tuned!
Post by: Ron
042309
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Oahu Orchids
What a lovely surprise! Ron just got back from Hawaii the other day with a present from my family- orchids from their yard! Best gift i've had in a while, reminds me of home & there's definitely no place like it. It's the little things...
I'm sure Ron will be posting photos from Hawaii soon. Stay tuned.
Post by: Leila 042109 Listening to: Buzz of the a/c (still) |
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On A Sweltering Day In April
100º today in Los Angeles! My whole apartment complex was out at the pool, taking up every fold-out chair and bobbing on the water atop clear hot-pink blow-up rafts. I didn't feel like squeezing in to get some water and sun so I headed down to a nearby garden and enjoyed some time relaxing amongst the flowers and trees- definitely worth the walk.
Post by: Leila 042009 Listening to: The buzz of the a/c
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041809
Spring time in California. Getting a little crowded out there, lately.
Post by: Leila 041809 Listening to: Asobi Seksu-Walk On The Moon |
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041409
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041209
Another weekend gone... Post by: Leila 041209 Listening to: Silence
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BAYVI JAPAN's Minetou Ushikoshi advances to the Quarterfinals of JPSA Event #1
Photo credit: Kamio
Japan surfing legend, former Grand Champ, and BAYVI Japan head MINETOU USHIKOSHI hasn't missed
a beat. He's still proving the guys on tour that he's still on top of the game.
JPSA Event #1 is now underway, and USHI is working his power guages and tube-riding skills in BALI,
INDONESIA as he's now advanced to the Quarterfinals of the JPSA GARUDA Pro.
We have two finals going on today at the same time, with Kays in Ventura skating in the Ultimate Boarder
comp and Ushi working his power in Bali. Good luck to the TEAM_VI.
Here's a photo taken recently of USHI training back in Japan for the contest. If you thought Hawaii's been
cold lately, or if you thought even California's been cold lately, take a look at what Ushi's been surfing in
and quit your whining! haha
For those who can read Japanese, follow Ushi's progress at jpsa.com .
Post by: Ron
031109
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BAYVI SKATE : Hawaii's Chris Kays advances to FINALS of Ultimate Boarder Skate. FINALS on for Today.
Aloha everybody. Chris Kays has flown in to SoCal and we've been making the drives back and forth to
Ventura, CA as he tackles some of the world's top 50 athletes in Surfing, Skating, and Snowboarding in
the triathalon of boardsports, the ULTIMATE BOARDER competition.
Yesterday, he skated with his typical smooth and sexy style, earning him a birth in the FINALS of
Ultimate Boarder which goes down today. This year, he's defending his skate placing of 3rd place from last
year.
For those not familiar with Ultimate Boarder, it's a 2 week long contest testing your boardsport abilities in
snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding. With thousands of dollars in prize money, you see the world's top
athletes hungry and breaking themselves for the title.
Good luck Kays!
A few photos from this week:
Kays post-heat: Skate
Surfing Competition Day 1
Competitor's Corner
C-street. Ventura, CA.
Good luck Kays.
Post by: Ron
041109
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San Clemente, CA : Jed Noll Surfboards Opens
Our friend Koki invited us to the Grand Opening party of Jed Noll Surfboards in San Clemente.
(For those who don't know, Jed is the surfboard shaper and legendary son of Big Wave and North
Shore, HI pioneer Gregg Noll. Known for his famous black and white striped trunks, Gregg Noll made his
mark at Waimea, Third Reef Pipeline, and Makaha, on days when most watched from shore.)
Our friend Koki designed the apparel-art pieces on exhibit--so even more reason to go and support,
catch up with those you haven't seen in a while, and grab a beer. I was particularly impressed with Jed's
new shop for reasons I will try to articulate here:
First, anybody who's got the balls to start a new business and go for it is nothing short of inspirational.
Not to mention the current economic climate the world is in, makes it all the more impressive. We push
hard with BAYVI, regardless of climate and regardless of circumstance, because it's what we love to do.
Perhaps there is comfort found when you see others do the same. I have nothing but respect for leaders and
individuals who charge and go for it.
Looks like Jed's taken after his father.
Jed addressing the supporters and media.
Front showroom.
Tributes to the father of surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. These boards on display were rumored at $70,000.
But priceless in historical value.
These guys know how to open in style and with soul, and show they're not afraid to take the extra step to
differentiate themselves and beyond. From the front room, to the art room, to the back shaping rooms,
to the parking lot in the back, you can't help but notice how much these guys eat, breathe, and live their sport.
Parting shot: Greg Noll's original pair of the famous black and white boardshorts that defined his style.
Deck wax marks embedded on the shorts and all.
For those BAYVI 6A members in the San Clemente, CA area, feel free to give em a visit. More info on
Jed Noll's surfboard shop here .
Aloha,
Post by: Ron
040809
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Santa Barbara
after doing a little work in ventura, we stopped off at a winery in santa ynez. a warehouse full of wine barrels, for all you wine lovers.
recharging the mental batteries was much needed for the both of us. stayed the night in santa maria and headed down to solvang (danish town) and santa ynez for some random side-of-the-road stops.
post by: Leila 033009 Listening to: With Every Heartbeat-Robyn & Kleerup (acoustic)
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BAYVI 6A : Meet Slade and Jeremy
We had the pleasure of meeting these two brothers from Ventura this weekend. Saw these guys cruising
on the street and grabbing a snack, and it was time to stoke em out.
Everybody, meet Slade and Jeremy from Ventura, our newest members to the BAYVI 6A:
Photo submissions always welcome:
Post by: Ron
033009
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BayVI riders at Volcom contest
Today was Volcom's contest at Maili point. the waves were small but our team riders Hana Harrison and Chris Pendleton entered and they both did really well.
Hana made it to the semi! she was surfing really well all day but there just weren't enough waves for 6 girls in 15 minutes. great job Hana!
Chris also had a great day. he was surfing solid all day. he came in 2nd in his division! Congrats Chris!
Right after the contest i went over to Hawaii Ocean Expo at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. BayVI got a booth for sample sale there. it's going on 9am to 6pm tomorrow (sunday), so stop by and say "hi"!
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Sunshine Visits LA
Had a chance to catch up with teamrider Aaron 'Sunshine' Lee on his recent trip to LA. Sunshine was our
very first skate teamrider from back in the day, thanks to the magical intro and work of Rob Waldron.
Sunshine is one of most down-to-earth guys you'll ever meet. His video editing and music-playing skills
are top-notch, and his newest part-time job is amongst the coolest I've ever heard: working as the official
guardian of the Kunia croplands in Hawaii, he keeps birds away from the crops, armed with slingshot and all.
Aaron ('Sunshine') had a good first day in LA, skating through Hollywood. Too bad he got struck with some nasty
viral sinus infection and was bed-ridden for the rest of his time. Seems like a lot of people been sick lately,
take care of yourselves everybody.
We'll end this post with a photo submission from Sunshine himself, rockin the BAYVI IWO ALOHA tee:
PS: Thanks to Kragen for the hospitality!
Post by: Ron
033809
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You are not alone
Post by: Leila 032609 Listening to: Pearl Jam-Given To Fly |
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Spring
Happy Spring, everyone! Starting to warm up over here and all of the trees are regenerating. No more flowerless gardens or skeletal forests, looking forward to some sunnier times.
Post by: Leila 032409 Listening to: Silence |
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BAYVI 6A: James Moore
We love getting emails from our 6A Members.
Just got this message from James Moore, who works at SUN DIEGO Boardshops, at their Bonita shop
location. Had the personal pleasure of meeting this fine gentlemen last week. James had a chance to
grab a few photos on his trip to LA last weekend, rockin the VI.
6A_James Moore from Sun Diego.
In case you haven't checked out Sun Diego Boardshops lately, they got a great round of shops with a cool
staff. Check them out here .
These photos are sick.
Keep em coming!
Post by: Ron
031909
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California One
Good morning to the BAYVI 6A Member Crew. So I watched this documentary the other day on TV about
the great Colonel Sanders and his famous Original Chicken Recipe. The guy literally drove all around the
USA from chicken restaurant to chicken restaurant getting his recipe known. I got so inspired, we
decided to do the same with BAYVI, just like how we've done before.
The past few months we've been on the road, driving up and down the California Coast, from beach to
beach, skatepark to skatepark, shop to shop, spreading the BAYVI vibe. Ushi-san's been holding things
strong in Japan, Kaz and the team have been holding things strong in Hawaii, and the UK boys growing
things in London. If you've met one of us at a beach, park, shop, or music event, contact us and let us
know how you're doing. The 6A grows stronger by the day, one member at a time.
Here's a few photos from our recent travels. For those who have never taken a road trip along the coast,
we'd recommend the California One (Pacific Coast Highway) for a good next trip!
On the road.
Airports.
California Fog.
San Clemente Power. The unspoken border between South and North.
Central Cali.
Welcome to Surf City. HB.
More to come, stay tuned.
Post by: Ron
031909
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