Ask Ping!
Friday, January 28, 2011 | 9:15 AM
ODI dates back to the 1980’s as the leader in grip manufacturing. Focusing primarily on the bmx and mountain bike industries through the 90’s and early 2000’s, ODI re-entered the motocross scene when they developed the patented lock-on grip system that eliminates wire and glue. Continuing to advance the way riders hold on to their bikes, ODI has worked closely with the teams they support such as Troy Lee Designs to create the product that is now being used by some of the top teams in the industry.
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PrintPing,
1) Who started this whole "70's" sunglasses look? I swear my mom owned a pair of sunglasses that looked exactly like the pair Chad Reed had on for one of his interviews last weekend.
Kevin
2) Dear Ping,
Could you please tell me what the deal is with all these riders wearing those oversized sunglasses that look like there from 1984? Can't these eyewear sponsors provide there riders with glasses that don't make them look like complete assclowns? Do all these riders really think they look cool? If they are gonna sport this style of sunglasses then at least go all the way and shave some lines in the side of their head and grow a nice rat tail!
Mike from Florida
I really wish we could all get on the same page regarding our fashion dates. Are the ridiculous glasses from the ‘70’s or from 1984? I literally received no less than ten emails about sunglasses since the series started this year. I wasn’t really paying attention because this sport has a bad habit of being really trendy. If you want to see what the top racers will be wearing later on this summer go ahead and tune in to an episode of BET’s 106 and Park. I can’t figure out why but that seems to be where young riders are finding their style tips. Remember when we used to make fun of Blue Blockers; the massive, bulky, UV blocking shades for really old people? Throw a Dolce and Gabanna logo on the side of them and you have one of the most popular models of women’s eyewear today. Maybe rat-tails will make a comeback?
PING
David,
Let me start by letting you know that I enjoy your column every week. The recent direction change in your life gives me great respect for you. I’m sure taking a step away from the sport that has been such a big part of your life for so long wasn’t an easy one to take. I don’t have a family of my own yet, but I could see how life as a motocross team manager could make things difficult as a husband and father. My plight is this: I currently have a part time job at a company that I feel could grow into a career, however, I would be miserable. My passion, for as long as I can remember, has been motocross. I never aimed to race as a career, just as a hobby. But I have always wanted to be involved with the sport in some shape or form. So my question is: What does the sport need? In your travels, and experiences, have you seen a void that needs filled? I consider myself to be a hard worker, and an intelligent individual. I am willing to make sacrifices to make this happen. I’m hungry for it. Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for you time in reading this, Ping. Keep the good stuff coming.
Brandon Erminio
What did the five fingers say to the face?
Congratulations! You have been selected to be my very first intern, a position I’m calling Assistant Bitch Slapper. You asked the right questions my friend, and what this industry really needs is for someone to be in charge of slapping the hell out of people who desperately need it. Do you think you can fill that void? If so, we’ll be getting started right away with a trip to Oakland this weekend. There is a long list of folks that need a good backhand and that momentous responsibility belongs to you. You can start by smacking the crap out of every security guard working at the supercross. They are all drunk with power because they have that sweet yellow jacket but in reality they have about as much clout and respect as Barney Fife. After that we’ll head over to James Stewart’s rig where he will need a slap for refusing media interviews. Be warned that his “posse” may jump you and you’ll have to fend for yourself, as I will be fleeing the scene. You said you were willing to make sacrifices for this, right? A few others on the list include most man-friends and anyone else with no real function clinging to the sport like a stubborn booger on a nose hair. You will be obligated to smack anyone belligerently drunk, anyone blowing cigarette smoke in my direction and anyone who works for a health insurance company (still bitter about my 50% price increase). Warm your shoulders up and put on a few heavy rings, Brandon, because the job of your dreams is about to get started. See you at the Ontario airport where your first job will be to slap the guy patting me down in the security line.
PING
Mr. Ping,
I am sure you've read this LA Daily News article by this Hoff-arth fellow, about the Round 3 stop of the Monster Energy Supercross at Dodgers Stadium.
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_17172270
I can see a point or two of his and I know the crowd that shows up to these events includes a handful of the types that will be camped out at the stadium awaiting the arrival of Grave Digger and the back flipping Nitro Circus truck coming next month. However I think he took the article a bit far as if the stadium had more class then our sport.
I have my thoughts regarding the article and was wondering what does the all knowing PING have to say about it?
Best Regards,
Brad Kroepfl
The Jeremy McGrath of baseball?
This article is very telling in regards to the general public's perception of supercross/motocross racing. This pathetic, fescue-loving crap bag had the platform to express his thoughts but you can bet there are plenty more just like him all over the country. Well, the following is what I’d like to say to Mr. Hoffarth:
First of all, the stadium that you think is such a majestic holy ground for higher-level athletics is a dilapidated dried up turd. Honestly, I’ve been in countless ballparks and stadiums around the world over the past two decades and, with the possible exception of a shabby bullfighting arena I raced in once in San Jose, Costa Rica, Dodger Stadium was the most run-down contraption I’ve ever seen. It reminded me of a lean-to that was probably propped up in the exact same spot in the 1940’s.
Second, you might want to come down off your moral high horse when it comes to baseball. Has any other sport ever been so rife with illegal steroid use? For years the mantra of major league players has been juice up until your forehead and chin look like some kind of dinosaur mutation that even the best paleontologist couldn’t explain away. Next thing you know Lance Armstrong will be joining the MLB tour.
And did you really diss the fans of supercross? Really? Have you ever journeyed out of the press box long enough to see the mutants that frequent Dodger games? I’m literally scared for my life down there.
You included a quote from Dodger’s great Orel Hershiser. Do you know why Orel was there to make that observation? Because he is a supercross fan and he came all the way out from Vegas to watch it, you jagoff! His stepson emailed me to let me know they were excited about the race and they were headed there Saturday morning. I could go on and on but you are hardly worth it. Oh, and your precious Dodger Dogs? Just a run-of-the-mill wiener with a bun that’s a little too short. You suck.
Up yours, truly,
David T. Pingree
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Well Ping, once again I couldn't have said it better! I hope that idiot will think twice before he runs our sport down again!
The real question is, did you actually send that letter Ping?
Ping, I expect better from you... You should also tell the baseball hack it takes 2 balls to race SX.
Once again Ping you hit the nail on the head .
Way to go Ping! That letter was On Point For The Nation!
well put ping-a-ling ! up yours Hoffarth !!! ha ha ha ha ha lil bitc*
PING, you sir, are the man !!!!!!
Good Stuff Ping!... The only thing though, is in regards to Steroid/Performance enhancing drugs / EPO etc... ... I'm willing to bet my ass it's all over the place in Motocross.. just hasn't been brought to the forefront... I'm just saying..
Excellent job. Ping for prez.
I would think if SX/MX athletes were doing anything it would be oxygenating the blood (doping) not steroids. These guys are not looking to build more muscle. More like a tour de france type of conditioning
i'm just saying
Ping, please tell me that you actually sent that letter !
That was great, and can I get the job slapping people for you?? I would love that. And there are alot that needs it. And what is it with Stewie not allowing media interviews. this is the kind of thing that has really turned me off of him and his camp. He really is full of himself. And read the Bob Hannah interview in "Motocross Action" this month (Feb/2011) issue, its great. So is the interview with Decoster. He tells what happened with Honda and Suzuki during his team Managing career.
Brandon Erminio- career advice.
1. There's nothing wrong with doing something you hate if it is going to get to you something you love or at least like. If the job you now hate has no path to what you think you might want to do then stop right now.
2. We all love MX or we wouldn't be looking at this site. That doesn't mean you need to work in the industry or that you would actually like what your skills qualify you to do. Think about that for a sec. You could end up like a ski lift operator- loving skiing but watching other people do it all day. That sucks.
3. We all start somewhere. If you are 40 as you write this then perhaps its time to do a little planning. If you are 22 then there's nothing wrong with taking a few different jobs to figure things out.
I hope this helps.
Ping, you are the man! Nice way to write off the jagoff! The guy can't even scribble, much less write. What a fool!
You turn on the TV and the show starts with multi-colored flames, half dressed girls blowing kisses, and shot of the crowd with a bounch of 9 year olds yelling "Whooo hooo" at the camera for 5 minutes. What are you about to watch?
A Monster Trucks
B Crash Up Dirby
C Supercross
D Any of the above
The answer is D, which is part of the reason why the general public isn't gaining any respect for supercross. Just my opinion.
And that sound system at Dodger stadium sucked. "Welcome to Supercross!" sounded like I was talking to someone in a convertible on the I-40 at 89 MPH on an iPhone with AT&T. Not bone rattling at all.... I won't even get into the mess that is the parking lot and the hours we spent trying to get out of that place.
I sent my thoughts about this ridiculous article to the publisher and editors at the Daily News.
The daily news publisher/president is Jack Klunder and his email is [email protected]
The editor is Carolina Garcia and her email is [email protected]
The online editor is Steven Rosenberg and his email is [email protected]
The VP of circulation is Ron Hasse and his email is [email protected]
Send your thoughts on this bashing of our sport directly to the people that matter at the newspaper (and directly to [email protected])
pass these email addys on to everyone you know......
that's cool you talk shit on all those people, but Lance Armstrong? Come on man, that dude is as much an athlete as any one. A far cry from a fat aut of shape baseball slugger..
Agree with the osized shades but hey im not 20 anymore. Why back in the day sonny a ponytail was not used to describe horses and Carrera goggle sunglasses had their 15 minutes !
JimM
CarlsbadCa
Dang 'ol man, lemme tell you what, them sissy-queers wearin' them fancy shades is plain 'ol stupid. Ain't nuthin fancier than my oak-a-ma-faces and a sturdy pair-a denim shorts. Now that-there is how we're all s'posed ta dress. Having style is fer foreigners!
Our sports version of steroids (to name a few)
144 / 262 kits
27 year olds in the lites class
3 speed 450s
Programmable ignitions at sound check
Ill stop there
JimM
CarlsbadCA
I'm so glad to hear someone else chime in about the stupid looking "fashion statements" of todays riders. I'm a vet class rider who has seen some ridiculous "fashions" come and go and I'm guilty of several myself in my younger days (yes, I had several pair of SMP/LBZ baggy pants for the desert and day-glo anything is a sore spot). Part of this can be attributed to youthful ignorance but, If "skinny jeans" riding gear comes out, so help me, it's gonna take all I can muster to keep it together......bring in the Slapper!!!
Ping, That last question and answer was the best thing I have read in a while...Dodger Fans are the only people I have ever heard of to thumb their nose at you, then break into your car and steal your radio...Great work!
Alot of you guys complaining about the fashion sound like your parents complaining when you were 17 years old. You guys sound old. I am 42 and I know that fashion stuff isnt meant for me to like. I'm not supposed to like it. Just like my parents didnt like my style when I was young. Its no different, but you guys sound real old. Let them be kids.
I hope you were sure to send your last letter mr. tom hotfart's personal e-mail... I know I did.
>Mr. Tom Hoffarth,
>
>Unfortunately, you have missed a mark in such a way in which you hold
>the "L.A." pretentious stereotype up loud and clear. I believe your
>article on Supercross at Dodger Stadium is best summed up with you
>stating "..This place, we always thought, had more specialness."
>That's correct we, or should I say you ,thought Dodger stadium held
>some sort of specialness. In all reality however, if Dodger fans showed
>up with a little more habitually to ball games or if the Dodgers would
>make a playoff run with more frequency, Dodger Stadium might not be
>forced to search for revenue somewhere else. My point being Dodger
>Stadium is special to you, to many other's it is just a venue. As
>stated in your article ( hmmm...loony rant) Angels Stadium is
>frequented regularly by the Supercross series (as well as many other
>world renown venues). Which team the Dodgers or Angels last hosted a
>World Series?
>
>Now back to your pretentious attitude; from your statements it is
>obvious that you think Supercross is a white trash sport (or should I
>say event, since you probably don't believe the riders are athletes).
> It's funny how such a white trash sport can bring in so many Blue Chip
>corporations. Toyota, Dodge, Geico and so many others sponsor race
>teams. In fact, San Manuel Mission Indians sponsor a race team, is it
>just me or is their logo also adorned on the left field wall in Dodger
>Stadium? I could go on for paragraphs about your ignorance, but it
>would hardly be worth my white trash time.
>
>In closing, Go Giants!
>
>Michael Jones
Ping, another entertaining read, thank you! Send a slap to all the crooks who voted for the health care law, who promised that the law will prevent our premiums from going up. Brandon, don't quit your job until you have another one lined up and follow rg807's advice, he's correct. Wtfman, please encourage some of the posters here to use their spell check before writing anyone outside the sport. Otherwise the white trash stereotype will only be reinforced. Kudos for making those adresses easily accessible. I agree with the goofy shades comments, but that's my opinion and they are entitled to theirs. If you're old enough, find a picture from back in the day of yourself sporting a mullet with spiked hair! Every generation seems to have their own fashion blunders. At least I never had a pair of pink AXO's haa!
I almost forgot, there are a handful of current racers sporting roid nips. Either that or they just recently quit breast feeding! Steroids can be used for endurance and strength, not just bulk.
You tell 'em ping-aling, little buddy! If someone would pay my way, I would like to fill the position of ***** slapper, but with one stipulation. My official title has to be ***** Slapper TNT. I'm six feet, six inches tall, 247lbs, with a remarkable ability not to acknowledge pain. Other than my trick neck, pulverized ribs (on one side,) one eye, and moderate limp, I assure you even David Knight would not be a problem for you. (We could get your number 101 back!) Just PayPal me some money for gas, booze and hoes, and mail me a ticket or two for the next venue.
You wanna talk about dumpy ballparks, take a look a Wrigley Field! Biggest.Dump.Ever.
OK folks, here we go. To get the attention of the editor from the LA Daily News, go to this link www.dailynews.com/feedback and let them know what you think. It takes all kinds to make this sport work. I pissed off a few guys on here with my anti-thug-wannabe rants, but I'd still buy those guys a beer or race gas at the race.
Dear Ping, I look forward to reading your matter of fact point of view every month and wish there were more people like yourself to tell it like it is. Unfortunately weeble world has succumb to a PC/don't hurt anyones feelings society! I'm an ex navy seal for 8.5 yrs and now a professional firefighter in Michigan. I ride/race with my two kids 9 y/o girl and 7 y/o boy and they love it.My point is this, Think long and hard before going into firefighting because when the Heroin junkie you run on for the 30th time in a month blows smoke in your face, and you tell him to quit being an ass. Don't expect your dept. to back you up. They surely will side with the idiot and you will be out on your ass!You are in elite company and your still badass on a bike so just my 2cents. Slow Dad, that would love to take care of your light work!:}
Ping, you really have to stop sugarcoating it. Tell us how you REALLY feel about that Dodger stadium article....Good stuff man!
Do people still watch baseball? Amen Ping!
Just to follow up on my comment above about performance enhancing drugs... on one of the gazillion podcast i listened too... ping was going off talking bout how much respect he's lost for riders he knows first hand using them.... i'm just sayin