Hans Meevis, Jeweller (& very funny blogger)...



Citrine ring designed & created by Hans Meevis



We always look forward to hearing from old customers/friends & we were delighted to hear from Hans Meevis again recently, who needed some bearings to repair a jewellery laboratory handpiece. 

Hans Meevis

Formerly based in St Maarten Hans & his lovely wife, Anne, have recently relocated to Germany - you can see more about their adventures (& Hans' amazing jewellery) at their blog & jewellery website.


We've previously supplied some bearings to Hans for a "spinning ring" jewellery project - you can see the bearing seated in the ring here, with a screw throught the centre...

A miniature bearing positioned in Hans' ring

And this is the beautiful, completed ring...

Whilst we hope that our bearings last for a very long time Hans,

we look forward to hearing from you again soon(-ish)!



Hogtoberfest: Well that went well....A big thank you!

Hogtoberfest: Well that went well....A big thank you!:

The organisers of Hogtoberfest say "Thanks to everyone who took shredded, everyone who helped, the centre and the campsite, our wonderful sponsors for putting in SO MANY goodies..."

And we say "No worries"!! Glad that everyone had fun & delighted that our bearings, won as a raffle prize, helped William Ballard bag a first place in his heat - yeay!

Also, you have to check out this brilliant video by Mark Pickering, which truly captures the Hogtoberfest spirit!



OOH!  And we've just had this one from Cam Deegan as well...



Thanks guys!

Cardboard bicycle...

Engineers tell man he can't build a bike out of cardboard...so he goes and gives it a try. Check out the result:

The inventor, Izhar Gafni, has great hopes for his cardboard creation & believes it has the potential to change transportation habits, from the world’s most congested cities to the poorest reaches of Africa.

Cool! But maybe not ideally suited to the British climate... ;-D



Ian Emery - RC Heli Pilot end of season update...

We've had a great season update from our friend Ian Emery today.  Ian competes in precision aerobatic competitions with his RC helicopters & is turning into a real RC whizz!  Read on for his competition reports:

Dartford – Round 4

"After 2 month break for the European Championships, it was time for round 4 of this years AHA league competitions. At long last I had somebody to compete with, as Jon Kemp had decided to fly the Sportsmans instead of the F3C schedule to prepare for the British Nationals which were to be held at the end of August. The first round we were both quite rusty after the break and neither of us had done much flying due to the bad weather, but Jon did manage to win that round. He also won the remaining 2 rounds but I did manage to close the gap each time, which from a personal perspective I was really pleased with as Jon has been flying Sportsmans for a few years now".

British Nationals (Barkston Heath) – Round 5

"This was my first Nationals competition and it was an early start to drive to RAF Barkston Heath ready for the weekends flying. It was uncertain if the Sportsmans competition would be run due to lack of numbers again, but thankfully we scrapped together enough people. After a nervous wait it was my time to fly. I was really pleased with the improvement from the last competition and managed to finish joint first, getting exactly the same score as Jon Kemp. The other 2 competitors were Stuart Mott and Rob Turnbull who are both members of the British F3N (3D style) Team who had volunteered to enter to make up the numbers. Round 2 was once again a really strong round for me as I finished 2nd behind Stuart who at this point was really beginning to turn out great performances. This meant that I was leading half way through the competition. That is a good as it got as I made a couple of minor errors in the last 2 rounds pushing me back to finish 3rd overall. Stuart won the day as well as winning the F3N competition that he had flown in, with some outstanding flying in both disciplines. I can't be too disappointed finishing 3rd in the British Nationals, and it was a great way for me to finish this seasons competition flying. I would just like to thank SMB for the continued support over the past year".

Thanks Ian - SMB are delighted to play a very small part in your continued success & look forward to supporting you throughout the coming season & beyond!     As the competitive season is now at an end for 2012, it's time for essential maintenance.  To prepare for the new competition season, Ian's helis need stripping back, cleaning & thoroughly maintaining - replacing any worn or damaged parts, so we'll be helping Ian with our precision miniature bearings to ensure competition readiness next year. 

If you need new bearings, why not have a look at our range too...

More news soon!

SMB Skate Crew, video updates...

A video from Shannon Francis to celebrate her upcoming website
www.shannonfrancis.co.uk ...



And a lovely vid from Schaeffer Mclean...  "the Summer 2012 Adventure with Schaeffer McLean 8 year old skateboarder travelling and having fun on a skateboard. Filmed in Spain, England and Norway including a short tour of all the skate parks on the Costa de la Luz. On our journey we came across a forest fire which inspired the title. The weather temperatures were reaching 43c on some of the days and a week later this fire swept through a huge area of countryside. Thanks to the amazing Haugaland in Norway and Subside Skate Park in Bristol, they are both really great parks".




Thanks guys!  Awesome videos :-)

Scooter check video...

Our friend Shannon Francis has some awesome friends & some awesome scooter skills, both as a stunt scooter rider & also as a scooter maintenance wizard - you can check it all out in her videos & here is her latest as a taster...

Shannon currently has a big old case of chicken pox right now -bleurgh...

  hope you feel better really soon Shannon!!

Harry Redstone - RC summer series races drama...

 Many congratulations to our friend Harry Redstone, who's just been in touch to let us know that he's finished 2nd (out of around 30 competitors) in the latest round of Swindon Radio Controlled Model Car Club's (SRCMCC) summer race series.  If Harry can win this weekend, then he stands a great chance of clinching the championship as a whole.  We will keep EVERYTHING crossed for you Harry :-)

 

The latest race in the series took place over 12 rounds & Harry used his Losi 8 EU to great effect to clinch 2nd spot overall! 

Harry's keen eye & attention to setup detail (changing bearings & oil) meant that his car was race-fit & ready to kick some serious butt...  Harry says "my setup influences the end result, because on the outdoor astroturf track you get a lot of grip, so you end up rolling on corners/flipping & things like that - but if your setup is right you should just fly!"

So what's next for Harry? He's looking to bag the top-spot next time around, as well as competing in the SRS race series & also the ultra-competitive national competitions if he can get in...

I asked Harry if he had any advice for people just starting out in the sport & he says "In this sport, you get what you pay for - if you pay £100 for a brand new car it will fall apart so research & then research some more, save up & buy the best car that your funds allow - it will help you in the long run :-) " 

It's always great to learn from someone who's been through it all, so thanks Harry - I am sure your sage words of advice will help save a fair few people from disaster! 

We'll look forward to bringing more of Harry's news as the season progresses.

Jankowski Weathervanes, new projects...

We've just had a quick chat with the lovely Stan at Jankowski Weathervanes.  He's got a bit of a rush on at the moment, but he had enough time to tell us about a few projects & we thought we'd share them with you...

Stan's creations have featured in some weird & wonderful places - on the set of "Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang" for example...



Copper cockerel made for Universal Studios 2010 film
"Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang"



... and are now in demand worldwide - the latest creation is off to Kuwait next week Stan tells us.  Take a look at some of his amazing work below, it's no surpise that there is such international interest!



Stan with his majestic dragon creation




Trout weathervane, just completed & installed




8inch copper Dalek - bet you'd like that on your desk!




Copper Rose

 We're delighted to be a very small part of some of Jankowski Weathervanes work & would like to wish them continued success for the future.

Hogtoberfest Blog is up & running...

Check out the blog for Hogtoberfest...

"Hogtoberfest: Blog: ACTIVATE! And welcome on board Newton's Shre...: Woah! Not all the graphics are done but those of you out there who want to get registered and even paid up can jump on it using the registra..."

See lots more info about this amazing downhill freeride bonanza on the site & join up if you dare - have fun people!!  And if you do go along, you may well win one of the spiffy prizes that we've just donated!!!

It's behind you!! Doug Brown's close encounter with a giant gorilla...

This photo is awesome!  It features our friend & pro skateboarder Doug Brown (pictured with his board).  Doug is "at the Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford CT. Paul was notorious for playing pranks on his actor friends so for his birthday one year they got him back placing this large gorilla on his lawn. After Paul's death the gorilla now resides at the camp and is brought out for special events for the kids".  Not sure which would be more epic to have on your lawn, Doug or the gorilla - these guys get both!

ShockWave Skate Team Competition...

Our friends across the water at Shockwave Skate Team (based in Hogansville, Georgia, USA) are having a skate comp soon & we've sent along some prizes for them - we'll look forward to sharing coverage of the event with you soon....



Good luck to everyone taking part, both organisers & competitors - have a great time!

Pro skater Doug Brown...

We've had a news update from our friend Doug Brown, pro skater:

"Greetings Everyone,
Summer 2012 has really shaped up to be a great productive summer with lots of events and travels.

I must be doing something right as the new book is selling well and this is my tenth year as a professional skateboarder.

I never thought the summer of 2002 at a chance meeting at the Gravity Games would open the door for paying sponsors,

a book deal, travels, events and so much more. Last week I flew to Connecticut for what we've labeled the philanthropy tour.

View the video diary here:

Also the story behind my new pro model with Outbreak Skateboards

View here:




For all videos and updates visit:

www.dougbrownskate.com

Order books direct at:


www.beyondtheboard.net

Thanks everyone for the support, lots ahead. Stay positive and keep being yourself.

Truly,

Doug"

 

 

Thanks for all the news Doug, much appreciated!

SMB Wristbands are back...

... & we have some shiny new stickers to go with them!!

 

If you're lucky enough to meet up with one of the wonderful people we sponsor they'll be handing them out, so keep your eyes peeled!! ;-D

SMB's skate bearing store, prices cut on ebay!

With the help of our lovely friends on Facebook, we've been conducting a review of the prices of our skate bearings &, as a result, have reduced prices across the board in our ebay store.  The bearings are the same professional quality, but we've tried to acknowledge the pockets of our younger, budget conscious clients!


ebay prices now start from £6.48 with free postage



We stock over 2000 different sizes - see our complete listing here -

for all other bearings please continue to contact us 

& we'll quote price & delivery by return.

Shannon Francis, scooter rider...

Our friend, Bristol based Shannon Francis, has just made us this really cool advert:

Thanks very much Shannon, you're a star & we are delighted to be sponsoring someone as passionate, creative (Shannon shares some great photos & videos) & dedicated as you.

Shannon is also sponsored by Rat Scooters & Campus Skate Park, 

because she is THE BEST!

Shannon's latest Instagram photo...



You don't just have to take our word for it though - check out her out on YouTube & on Facebook or maybe even meet her in person if you're down at Campus Skate Park, Bristol...

Harry Redstone, RC car race victory...

YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!  Our friend Harry Redstone had an awesome race series this weekend, at Swindon Radio Controlled Model Car Club (SRCMCC), & it saw him clinch victory, even leaving his older brother, Ben, eating his dust!  Check out these results:



Harry tops the tables, beating off some stiff competition...

Harry has just acquired a new baby - perhaps that's what swung victory in his favour?!



Harry's Losi 8ight EU

  

Harry & his dad, hard at work in the pits



Harry is competing in the regional leagues this year, but next year is moving onto the bigger national competitions, where we're sure he'll be an absolute star. 

Well done Harry, we're so proud of you ;0) 



Schaeffer Mclean, 8 year old skater...

Hey guys!  Schaeffer Mclean, 8 years old & already a skate LEGEND,  has just uploaded another vid of some awesome skateboarding action - filmed during June and July 2012 in London and Bristol. It was the wettest month of June since records began.......

Fingerboarding... Northwoods style

Until we started talking to Jared at Northwoods Performance Fingerboards last year, the sport & passion of fingerboarding wasn't something we knew much about.  

For those, like us, not quite sure what its all about, a fingerboard is a working replica of a skateboard that a person "rides" by replicating skateboarding maneuvers with their hand. It can also be referred to as a finger skate board or even a Tech Deck. The device itself is a scaled-down skateboard complete with moving wheels, graphics and trucks.  These boards are used to perform skateboarding tricks, or just as collectables - either way, they're a real passion for a growing number of people.

Lets get one of Northwoods' own team, Spencer Blaufuss, to show us all how its done!

Northwoods specialise in producing high end, performance boards & we're delighted to be helping them with our supply of precision miniature bearings for their wheels - the wheels currently found are generally quite cheap & for beginners, so we are helping to improve the standard! 

Jared says "Northwoods was conceived when 20 years of fingerboarding and skateboarding met 5 small pieces of veneer. What followed was a year long, borderline insane, passion-fueled quest to design a board unlike any other on the planet. Intense trial, error, research, development and final CAD designs have yielded a deck so fun, functional and beautiful that we have to share it with the world.  Fingerboarding is a sport and we have taken great strides to treat it with the respect and seriousness it deserves. Our very own, exclusive innovations like “SWEETRIDGE” and “POWERLINE” are at your fingertips, literally. Feel free to visit our DESIGN page to see how deep we dive into our decks. We are very happy to make such a high quality, precision board available to all who want to step up their game, try something new or just appreciate the art". 

Skate/Scoot videos...

Hey guys!  We've had some exciting new videos from the SMB Skate Crew - check them out:

Shannon Francis, Bristol based scooter fanatic...



Schaeffer McLean at this years 2012 NASS Festival near Bristol in England The World Cup was held here so Schaeffer couldn't enter the competitions but he had fun just messing around. Although Schaeffer couldn't get to skate the Pro Course he skated backstage with all the Girl Skaters from around the world warming up for the World Cup competition including the winners of the Xgames. His friend and girl competitor Anita Arvelo Almonte came 6th place overall. Schaeffer skated the Route One Mini ramp for a bit and got a very quick go on the Pro Course at the very end. The guys throwing themselves down the stairs were trying to win cash for best tricks. This is the video of the fun Schaeffer had...


The awesome French downhill rider Marie Bougourd (aka Spoky Woky) has been having an amazing IGSA season & has been updating her blog - check it out here

Spoky Woky takes 1st at Confortable

We'll bring you more news and updates soon - in the meantime we'd just like to say a big fat congratulations to our skate crew for being so AWESOME!!!!

Go Skate Day UK

Go Skate Day UK

Check out the news from London's Go Skate Day 2012 - we were delighted to donate some prizes for such a great event & are glad everyone had a good time.

Photo of the week...

Wow! 

I have enough trouble moving myself on two wheels, never mind with a camper on the back too!

Designed by Boston-based artist Kevin Cyr, the Camper Bike is both a fully functioning RV and the subject of a number of Cyr’s amazing paintings...

One slight drawback of the design seems to be that you'd have to sleep standing up though... :-)

Happy weekend everyone!

****

Gravity sports update - Vive La France!!

Well, what a weekend for our French gravity sports team! 



Philippe & Marie - victors at Rigalet! 
Awesome picture courtesy of Goat Longboards



Philippe Dupuy & Marie Bougourd took the number one podium places at the Rigalet downhill challenge. 

Marie (aka Spoky Woky) was admittedly a little disappointed to be the only female rider in the competition, but gave the men a serious run for their money & placed twelth overall...



Marie on the podium



& Alexandre Lebrun grabbed the number 2 spot at the Italian World Cup IIda Cisterna D'Asti event.



Alexandre's podium moment in Italy



We are so proud of you guys (and so pleased to see that you all bagged some wine as a prize)!!  Now the season is off to a flying start for sure & we'll look forward to brings you more news asap.

Interested in trying gravity sports yourself?  Find out more from the IGSA...

****

RC Heli Pilot Ian Emery, season update...

We're really pleased to have caught up with our friend Ian Emery today - not least because he appeared with a very splendid box of cakes for us!  Ian flies his RC Helis in the AHA competitions & has fast progressed through their ranks.

We've sent Ian away with some more bearings & our very best wishes for his upcoming competitions (which seemed only fair after he'd bought such nice cakes - we are all sticky now, but very happy). We've been pleased that he's found our precision EZO bearings up to the hard-knocks job of keeping him flying.

 

Here's Ian's update on his season so far:

 

Bexhill-On-Sea (Round 2)

"The second event of the 2012 league was held at a new venue at Bexhill-On-Sea. It promised to have a good turnout as there is a good following in the South East. The weather was sunny, although very windy. Surprisingly nobody turned up for the Sportsman’s class again, although there were 2 new competitors entering the Clubman’s competition which I flew last year. The Clubman’s competition is a list of 28 manoeuvres of which you have to choose any 8, and since my manoeuvres were included in that list I decided to fly in Clubman’s, joining the 2 new competitors so at least we could have a competition. I flew the Sportsman’s schedule which consists of 2 hovering and 6 aerobatic manoeuvres whilst the other 2 opted to just fly aerobatics as they were competing with Flybarless helicopters. I managed to win the event overall, although I had a slight scare in round 2. The wind caught me out when I was climbing into a manoeuvre called a Cuban 8, I had to bail out of it which lost me quite a few marks. That is what I like about this hobby everyday seems to be a learning day".

Festival of Flight – Barkston Heath (Round 3)
"This was to be the last event before a 2 month break whilst the British Team go to the European Championships in Germany. Amazingly whilst the rest of the country seemed to be suffering from torrential downpours, Barkston Heath was baked in sunshine. This was a very poor turnout and there weren’t enough competitors in any of the 3 classes to form a competition so it was decided that we would have a training day. The British Team were ironing out any last minute issues and I attempted to fly the F3C Schedule for the first time, although there were a few manoeuvres that I wasn’t brave enough to attempt just yet. What surprised me is what a huge step it is from Sportsman’s to F3C, those guys just make it look effortless. Nevertheless I got some very good feedback and some pointers for me to work on before the next competition".



Ian also recommended that we watch this video, as it shows us what is expected of him in the F3C competitions this year...
The new F3C pattern demonstrated by the world champion Hiroki Ito:

Wow, that looks tough...  we're sure you'll pick it up in no time Ian - good luck from us all at SMB!



Schaeffer Mclean & the 10-deck ollie...

Schaeffer's crew say "For Go Skateboarding Day 2012, Schaeffer was going to try Ollie as many boards as possible. Then, as usual in England it poured with rain so he didnt get to do it.....but here is the practice session he did last week. He nearly made it".

Pretty amazing for anybody, never mind someone who's only 8 years old - well done Schaeffer!

****

Schaeffer Mclean, 8 year old skater...

Lovely footage of May/June skating sessions from our fab friend Schaeffer Mclean, we look forward to seeing more as the summer progresses!

SRCMCC have a new online home...

Great new website for SRCMCC - looking good guys!

Gravity sports successes continue...

Our amazing French gravity sports team had another brilliant success last weekend.

Picture copyright: Xavier Izard
Their trophy cabinets will be sinking under the weight of all that bling!

First place in Buttboard, Streetluge & Inline for Thibaut Méline and Alexandre Lebrun on the second stage of the French Championship, held in Saint Ouen last week-end.
Well done guys, what an amazing performance!


We can also enjoy this video of the ever-graceful Marie Bougourd (aka "Spoky Woky") skating her local park, wonderful!
 




We are delighted to be sponsoring Marie for the 3rd consecutive season & are sure she'll continue to be an amazing success in the European IGSA ranking this year.

We look forward to bringing you lots more gravity sports news as the international season progresses.

Plastic bearings - polypropelyne now available...

We've just introduced a small range of Polypropylene bearings into stock - these are used where a higher level of corrosion resistance is required from a plastic bearing & where our standard acetal plastic bearings won't cut the mustard!  Visit our website for more information on plastic bearings.  If we don't have what you want in stock, we'll order it in for you, so contact us if you have any questions!

****