It’s not 2019 anymore – AFM Round 4 Race Report (2021)
“Back in 2019….”
“I’m 5 seconds off place from last year.. well 2019 I mean…”
“I used to run…”
“My times are down”
“Back in 2019….”
“I’m 5 seconds off place from last year.. well 2019 I mean…”
“I used to run…”
“My times are down”
Can you believe I’ve been shooting and editing video for 6 years with Joe and the rest of the 4theriders team? Over the past six years, I’ve done and experienced things I never believed. Filming MotoGP, getting up close and personal with some of my idols, and making many new friends from all around the world, and being allowed to do what I enjoy most – filming and creating motorcycle films.
With what started out with me convincing.. No. BEGGING Joe that video would be worth adding to the 4theriders model, has lead to an overwhelming demand that has us turning people away at times. I started out doing it for an absurdly low price, in which I still felt guilty taking money because I was getting to do something I enjoyed more than anything. Someone was handing over $150 to allow me to film and edit them a trackday video. They were giving me full creative freedom because they enjoyed what and how I make moto films.
I’ve shot quite a few races over the past couple years, both photo and video. From AFM to MotoGP, I have had the wonderful privilege to be able to watch and shoot races and racers from restricted areas. I have watched so much raw, un-edited onboard HD GoPro footage from so many different racers I can’t even keep track anymore. But no matter how hard I tried to understand the “why” behind sportbike racing, I was never able to truly FEEL it how I knew I could. I understood it in my brain, but I didn’t have a 100% clear picture of it in my heart… and it drove me crazy. I have done trackdays, gotten in fun little battles with friends, but as time went on, the need to feel what I felt like I was missing out on grew stronger and stronger. From a full grid start, all the way to setting up a pass on the last turn of the last lap, I wanted…NEEDED to feel that. It was with TTP Racing that I was able to experience something I will remember for a lifetime.
Though I have only been doing motorcycle film and photography for a couple years, I am often asked, “How do you get into the business?” Rather than giving an answer, I ask them, “what makes you want to get into the business?”
The answers are usually the same, ranging from love of motorcycles, to wanting to make money with their camera and doing what they love to do; taking photos and video. Though, there is a dark side that can’t really be explained until you actually DO it and experience it for yourself, but I’ll try.
Most folks see the end result of our work. Fancy photos posted up, or a new video of some bikes ripping it up on a track, engines screaming to a rockin soundtrack. Seems simple and fun.
Fun? ABSOLUTELY. Simple? Absolutely not.
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This video was created as a “Thank you” to everyone in the AFM, as well as a “thank you” to the early adopters of our video services this year. Without them, this video wouldn’t be what it is. We appreciate all of your support over the years. :)
This film is free and will not be for sale.
If you want to show your support for the time it’s taken to make this video…buy some pictures! Or sign up to have a personal video made for you at a future AFM round! If you want a hard copy of it, shoot us an email.
Thanks again, everyone! Here’s to 2011! :)
This non-profit film was put together for the awards banquet for the 2010 AFM racing season.
Inspirational speech by John Doman and Versus TV
Music by Apocalyptica and Explosions in the Sky
This may have been written about already, but it is something I feel strongly about. I truly believe the word “passion” is thrown around too freely these days. Over-used, and its true meaning lost.
Passion. Simply defined as boundless enthusiasm. The object of an intense desire, ardent affection, or enthusiasm.
People often say they are passionate about many different things in life. To me, there is a big difference between enjoying something, and being passionate about it. To me, there is a HUGE difference. True, raw, unfiltered passion is what separates that 1% from the other 99%. It is that primal, unfiltered desire to do whatever it takes to pursue what you want, that is true passion.
I’ve had a lot of interests in my life, and paths I’ve persued. Like some, I took up music and started a band. I enjoyed creating music, touring, and all the fun that came along with it. From playing shady bars in Fresno, to singing live with my favorite band on stage at The Warped Tour, I had a blast.
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As the 2010 track season is right around the corner, I can’t help but to think and reflect on 2009 and what I have learned in such a short amount of time. At the track, everyone is there for the same reason… to ride, and have fun. Everyone is more than willing to help one another, and help in any way they can. I really learned a lot about what a track day is through the lens of my camera.. as a silent observer if you will. If you are hungry, a complete stranger will make sure you are fed. if you have a headache, someone will make sure you get some aspirin. If you are hurt or you go down on the track, a flood of complete strangers will come by just to check on you and make sure you are ok. I have also seen countless acts of kindness when it comes to bike maintenance, with complete strangers helping other riders get their bike dialed in, even if it means missing a session or two. It is this type of environment that I have grown to love in such a short amount of time. This is where my excitement comes from filming events like this. Being able to capture these types of behaviors, along with some fantastic riding, is why I do this.