If you told me I’d be writing a review of an issue of Props on my 29th birthday a year ago… I would have told you that you were full of shit.
It’s weird how much things change as time goes forward and technology evolves. When Props started they were on VHS, then came the era of DVD’s and then Blu-Ray. Once everything started to land online and the floodgates opened with affordable camera equipment and editing software you could run on your phone, it got crazy. Everyone became a filmer and editor and producing a BMX video didn’t take nearly as much effort. Unfortunately running a video magazine wasn’t quite as lucrative of a business anymore and Chris Rye made the decision to put the Props Video Magazine to rest while focusing on deeper projects like the up coming Jimmy Levan Documentary, the Baco Box Set and some how managing to cram ALL of the old Props videos into 5 Blu-Ray discs. It was a bummer, but it made complete sense, even if a lot of the older guys weren’t very happy about it.
Fortunately, things in BMX tend to go full circle and every now and then we get a reincarnation that kicks a lot of ass, even if the reason behind it isn’t the best of news. A little while back BMX legend Chris Hallman was diagnosed with Colon cancer and Chris Rye decided to get the band back together and do a one off, special edition issue of Props to raise some much needed funds for Hallman and his battle with cancer and the ridiculous medical bills that come along with that. Chris charged up the camera batteries and enlisted the help of filmers Darryl Tocco, Steve Crandall, Bob Scerbo, Jerrod Glasgow and Jeremie Inflelise to go to work filming different sections for the video.
Even on a pretty short timeline, the guys were able to cook up some excellent sections with the support from a bunch of BMX brands that were able to chip in to help make this one a reality. The sections you can find in Props Issue 79 are…
– Bobbie Altiser Profile
– Day In The Life of Van Homan
– Steady Rollin’ with Cody Diggs
– Everyday We Do It (In Texas)
– FBM Lost Bowl Sessions
– Trey Jones’ FloriDeah
– Iowa Barn Fools
– Relic Road Trip
– Dan Coller Bio
The bonus section features the Taj Mihelich “Life After Pro” video that is some how even better on an actual TV.
Needless to say, the video brought together a ton of amazing riders, filmers and people in BMX that put in the work to produce another timeless Props issue that you’ll want to replay over and over again. If you have been missing that spark to motivate you to ride, this will do the trick. I wasn’t even through the first section and I wanted to grab my bike for a session and it was cold and snowing out. Having something like this come out on DVD was a much needed break from the Youtube and Vimeo videos that are constantly flowing across the computer and phone screens day in and day out. It was a good reminder that even as times change, sometimes going with a classic form will produce a better result than what might be easier. In this case, it was producing a DVD versus just releasing it online and hoping for enough likes, comments and shares to get it seen.
Now, this might not appeal to the younger generation of riders out there, but just know that proceeds are going toward a great cause and you get a piece of history in return for your generosity. Props Issue 79 is now available in the PROPS WEBSTORE for $19.99 (DVD) or $24.99 (Blu-Ray) and through BMX shops and mail-orders like Empire BMX worldwide. Full proceeds go toward Chris Hallman and his battle with Colon Cancer!
Big shout out to Chris Rye and everyone that had their hand in producing this video. It turned out even more amazing than expected and it was a good reminder that BMX kicks a lot of ass. Do yourself a favor and go order up a copy today!
