https://shop.odysseybmx.com/collections/odyssey-bags?utm_medium=banner&utm_source=dig

Stunts, Detours, and Surprises in the Deep South

Canada Boys Weird and Revered take the Southern Road

28 Dec 2017

Wand R Deep South Asu Equinox Structure Credit Wikipedia 2

ASU Equinox Structure – Photo: Wikipedia

Words by Justin Schwanke

When it comes to planning a BMX trip, the world is your playground. There are plenty of obvious destinations to choose with consideration of warm weather, incredible spots, and strong scenes; think Los Angeles, Barcelona, or Vancouver. However, there are also the often overlooked or rarely explored locations in the BMX landscape. The former is likely to prove fruitful while the latter can be a gamble.

On our most recent trip, we opted for the unconventional. After much deliberation about where we wanted to film next for our upcoming DVD, we chose to head to the Deep South. Many people—both at home and on the trip—were perplexed as to why we would travel to this region. To them, the last place they would want to be is the Southeastern United States. To us though, this destination offered intrigue and adventure. We wanted to see what the Deep South is really like compared to what we’re told it’s like. The media often portrays the south as a land of toothless gun-toting Trump supporters. We knew there was more to the region than a stereotypical anecdote, and thus we decided to find out for ourselves. 

After some flight time, our trip officially began in Atlanta, Georgia. We were greeted at the airport by a quartet of pre-teen pop divas. Thomas accompanied them in song while we patiently waited for our rental vehicle. Contributing his occasionally flat notes, Thomas immersed himself in Beyoncé covers with the girls. Eventually, these airport harmonies came to an end as we completed the paperwork to obtain a pearl white Dodge Grand Caravan. Wasting no time, Thomas connected his auxiliary cord to the dashboard of our “soccer-mom-mobile” turned “20-something-road-trip-wagon.” He cued up Outkast’s ATLiens and we were suddenly taken back to the renaissance era of southern rap. This musical testosterone boost gave him the bravery to tackle a frantic maze of freeways and “Spaghetti Junction[s].” Our travels would take us through a variety of cities and towns in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Below is a collection of stories from our time on the road.

Wand R Deep South Collage Brokenbikesnappedstem

Rest in pieces. Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Thomas Henderson

Popsicle Sticks

On our first riding day of the trip we stumbled across a multitude of we what we dubbed “Big Boy Set-Ups.” These weren’t normal street set-ups; these were “file-your-own-taxes, serve as power of attorney for your grandmother, grown man street spots.” Throughout downtown Atlanta and the Georgia Tech campus we found lengthy gaps, impressive wallrides, and large stairsets. The hype was high and the nerves were low. These conditions made for a productive day of filming. 

After riding the last spot of the night, I noticed my bars felt loose. I grabbed an Allen key to give the bolts a twist. To my surprise though, they were all tight. I pushed on my bars once more and they suddenly pealed away from the bike. Startled, I examined the separated pieces. The dichotomized bicycle part was my stem. It had sheared in half like a two-stick popsicle on a sweltering afternoon.

"It had sheared in half like a two-stick popsicle on a sweltering afternoon"

Weeks prior to this event, I had gloated to my friends about how much I treasured my stem. With no cut-outs and a lengthy 65mm reach, I figured I would be riding this block of metal for life. Thomas and Jesse would often mock me for trusting an archaic component dated back to the early 2000’s. My over-confidence clearly came back to bite me. The component—fatigued from old age—finally broke.  

Despite no longer having an operational bike, I experienced the safest outcome possible. Had the component failed while riding some of the bigger set-ups earlier in the day (Ex. Gap to firecracker at 2:43 and parking lot drop at 3:04 in the video), I could have been seriously injured. In hindsight, I should have listened to my friends and replaced my stem long ago. Nonetheless, this was an opportunity to reflect on the blessings within my mistake. 

The next day resulted in frustration as we tried to find a bike shop that stocked BMX stems. During our phone calls and visits to various shops we cringed at the recurring line of “We can order one in, but you’ll have to wait 2 weeks.” Finally, we contacted a bicycle rental store and were told that they had BMX stems in stock. Awaiting us was a generic forged Taiwanese catalog product with no logos. I had nothing to lose so I handed over $30 and installed the stem in the parking lot. Hours later I realized the stem’s clamping area was mismachined and ovalized. My bars would continue to slip for the rest of the trip.

Related Video

Weird & Revered in the Deep South

Atlanta, Georgia to Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida taking the road less traveled - More Info

Statue of Limitations 

Our next destination on the trip was Montgomery, Alabama. Parked at a university, we unloaded the bikes, pedalled around campus, and hunted for spots. Jesse immediately saw something in the middle of the campus square. The structure awaiting us could be best described as a demented Hot Wheels Loop De Loop with obtuse angles at its apex. Deemed another “Big Boy Set-Up,” we decided it was best to come back later in the day. We proceeded to session various spots within the city’s core and returned to the unusual statue in the afternoon. 

After some deliberation, I decided I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to ride this unique spot. I planned to ride up the transition on one side, jump through the middle, and land in the transition on the other side. After some camera set-up, I was ready to go. I pedalled hard towards the structure. My wheels travelled up the transition, eventually reaching the vertical. As I tried to transfer to the right, I realized I had misjudged my speed. I went too far up the vertical and was unable to hop and level out across the gap. My front tire rode off the side and I was sent into a full nose dive. Picture an overzealous kid trying to impress his friends by riding his bicycle off a drop. He approaches the edge of the drop, but fails to lift the front wheel and is inevitably sent over the bars. After roughly 18 years of riding BMX, I too succumbed to that amateur error. I plummeted off the statue and my bike was sent bouncing across the pavement. Pandemonium erupted. Cheers and jeers filled the campus square. “That white boy’s crazy!” a student hollered. 

Gasping for error, after having knocked the wind out of myself, I grabbed my bike and hobbled away. We sat around the corner on some stairs as I tried to catch my breath. Eventually, the student spectators found us and began asking questions like, “Are y’all Youtube stars?” It was an odd exchange of sheer shock, complete confusion, and slight awe. We gathered such a crowd that some other “campus stars” interpreted the event as a marketing opportunity. Two local rappers awkwardly promoted their hip hop crew’s latest mixtape as we sat there in disbelief. Once I caught my breath, I indicated to Thomas that I may re-attempt the stunt if the crowd dispels. I picked up my bike to cruise around, but soon realized I couldn’t complete a pedal stroke. My knee was swollen and seizing up. The university’s unusual concrete homage to Ratchet & Clank was victorious. I had lost the battle.

Wand R Deep South Jesse Pensacola

Jesse harnessing his inner fish. Gulf Breeze, Florida. Photo: Justin Schwanke

Attack of Electric Steve

After a couple dramatic riding days, we were ready for some beach time on the coast. Of the three of us, Jesse was most excited to harness his inner fish. Within 15 minutes of arriving in Gulf Breeze, Florida he had procured commercial grade snorkelling goggles. Jesse’s enthusiasm elevated as we headed to the shorefront. He sprinted towards the water and quickly submerged himself. Thomas and I lounged lethargically on the sparkling white sand beach, occasionally hearing shrieks of delight from our friend. “I found a school of fish!” he shouted.

Eventually, Thomas went to join “National Geographic Jesse” on his quest to spot “Electric Steves” and “Sting Daves.” This adventure was short lived, yet arguably successful. From afar, I watched as Thomas flailed in a frenzied panic. He galloped and swam towards the shore. After having recovered from his inner turmoil, he later explained that he had obliviously stepped on an electric ray. This land-locked prairie boy was no match for the creatures of the Gulf of Mexico. Electric Steve: 1. Thomas: 0.

Wand R Deep South Thomas Atlanta1 2

Thomas Henderson. Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Justin Schwanke

  • Wand R Deep South Airbnb1
  • Wand R Deep South Atlanta1 2
  • Wand R Deep South Jesse Footplant 2
  • Wand R Deep South Jesse Mobile 2
  • Wand R Deep South Lowerninthward 2
  • Wand R Deep South Deep South Trip
  • Wand R Deep South Montgomeryspot 2
  • Wand R Deep South Neworleans 2
  • Wand R Deep South Neworleans2 2
  • Wand R Deep South Slossfurnaces 2
  • Wand R Deep South Thomas Bush 2
  • Wand R Deep South Batonrouge2 2

of 12

Ratty Riverwalk 

It wouldn’t be a trip to New Orleans without seeing the French Quarter. Our experience in the Big Easy’s famed cultural and party district was memorable. We parked our minivantastic automobile on the outskirts of the neighbourhood and took a leisurely stroll. It was unusually quiet as we walked through the residential area of the district. We admired houses coated with yellow, pink, and blue pastel hues. Residents sat nonchalantly on their porches or balconies, enjoying a comfortable evening. The air was humid and calm. The streets were even calmer; or so we thought. 

When we finally wandered to the nearby Mississippi River we were met with an unruly sight. In stark contrast to the previous scene, a woman was squatting on the river bank with her skirt pulled up and her underwear on the ground. She was taking a dispassionate poop. We awkwardly made eye contact, but she was unperturbed. Perhaps this was a regular routine. Baffled, we continued to walk along the waterfront and away from Miss Excrement.  

Thomas, Jesse, and I proceeded to sit on a bench and admire the vastness of the river. A rustling noise was heard in an adjacent trashcan. “What was that?” we wondered. An oleaginous creature swiftly emerged from the bowels of the garbage can. It scuttled down the metal rails, sprinted across the walking path, and hid in the grass. Beady eyes poked through the damp blades of greenery. The animal waited cautiously and then scurried back to the trashcan. Upon further examination, we realized the creature was a rat. With ease, the rodent climbed back to the top and dropped inside for a late-night snack. Jesse aptly named the rodent, “Pat the Garbage Rat.” We began cracking jokes and analyzing the rat’s every move. 

To many, rats are grotesque animals with little to admire. However, for us, this rodent was a source of entertainment. Being from Alberta—proudly proclaimed a “rat-free province”—the resourcefulness of the rat impressed us. Travelling inadvertently broadens your perspective both in trivial and meaningful ways. I can’t say that admiring a rat or witnessing a woman poop on the side of the Mississippi River were necessarily enlightening experiences. However, what I can say is that stumbling upon something foreign is memorable. I’m sure one day my friends and I will reminisce about Pat the Garbage Rat. For better or for worse, these images, sounds, and feelings will be etched into our brains for years to come. It’s these unusual experiences that form the foundation of an unforgettable trip.

Thomas Henderson at Parasite DIY Skatepark. New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Ooti Billeaud

Hank Williams wears a helmet. You should too. Montgomery, Alabama. Photo: Justin Schwanke

No Margaritas in Margaritaville

Our nighttime walk eventually took us to New Orleans’ renowned Bourbon Street. We sought to find a bar that had the hockey game on TV. Our hometown team was competing in the NHL playoffs for the first time in 11 years. It was Game 7 of the 2nd round. If the Edmonton Oilers won, they would move on to the Western Finals. If they lost, that would be the end of their season. We understood that the chances of finding a hockey-supporting bar in New Orleans was low. With perseverance though, Thomas convinced someone to display the game for us. 

As we entered the saloon, we were greeted by sweaty middle-aged adults belting out Jimmy Buffet tunes. They sloppily drank and swayed to Margaritaville for what was likely the millionth time. We pushed our way through the sticky bodies, headed upstairs, and entered a relatively vacant room. We sat at the bar and asked the bartender if she could put the hockey game on. She unenthusiastically fulfilled our request. 


Wand R Deep South Thomas Florida 2

Thomas Henderson at Waterboyz Skatepark. Pensacola, Florida. Photo: Justin Schwanke

It was the final period of the game. We screamed in panic as the puck glided to and from the Oiler’s net. The bartender was perplexed with our disposition. Three young men were losing their sober minds over a game of hockey in N’awlins while ambient electronic music played in the background. Ultimately, the fate of the Edmonton Oilers was sealed as the Anaheim Ducks scored their 4th goal. They would go on to defeat the Oilers 4 to 3. Our excitement suddenly died. We quickly exited the bar with our heads low and spirits even lower. 

Disappointed, we decided to return to our vehicle and call it a night. Along our way, we noticed that the first floor of the previous saloon encapsulated much of Bourbon Street. In one ear I could hear an Eagles cover band. In the other ear I could hear crocked dads on balconies hollering at women below. With open liquor and open floral shirts, they shouted obscenities. My impression of Bourbon Street is that it’s a place where middle-aged adults go to party like they’ve just reached the legal drinking age. As we walked towards our minivan, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all. These 40-somethings had departed on a $500 flight to get as far away as possible from their minivan at home and indulge in debauchery. Meanwhile, us 20-somethings had boarded the same $500 flight to go on a peculiar BMX road trip in a minivan. Some may argue that things will change with age, but I just can’t imagine myself “wastin’ away again in Margaritaville.”

Baton Louge, Louisiana. Photos: Justin Schwanke

Gator Street

Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana’s state capitol and those slanted brick walls you’ve probably seen in BMX videos, but don’t recall the location of. We visited each of these attractions, but were rained out shortly after. As a minivan full of BMX riding foreign nationals, we planned the logistical next step when slick pavement threatened our two-wheeled acrobatics. We hightailed it to the nearest nature conservatory with the hopes of seeing alligators. 

Thomas—who was driving—was initially too engrossed in shrieking at the malevolent Garmin GPS to notice the sudden deluge of water that was overtaking the streets. We were in the middle of a torrential downpour. The raindrops pounded the roof of our minivan with such speed that it sounded like deafening white noise. We wondered, “Was this normal for the region? Was our windshield going to break from the violent force of the rain?” Amidst this chaos, our natural response was to laugh hysterically. We howled as a small sedan drove through what was probably two feet of water in a turning lane. We would later find out that mother nature even unleashed a brief EF-1 tornado in the area. 

Despite our rather nominal efforts throughout the trip, we did not see a single alligator in the Deep South. National Geographic Jesse was the most disappointed. During the downpour, I’m sure he was envisioning Baton Rouge’s roadways being overtaken by coarsely scaled swamp monsters. These alligators would prey on urbanites in convertibles. Lurking in the street’s murky waters, they would sneak up on unsuspecting yuppies. Without hesitation, a violent human lunch order could be fulfilled. Unfortunately for Jesse, his apocalyptic dream did not come true.

Wand R Deep South Whiteboys

Pasty white and/or sunburnt red. Dorky and/or weird. Photo: Justin Schwanke

‘Til Next Time 

The saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” rings true in the case of the southeastern United States. The Deep South is indeed an atypical destination for a BMX trip. Nevertheless—regardless of a few mishaps along the way—our gamble paid off. Beyond the false stereotypes and dismissive anecdotes, we met approachable and genuine people, saw incredible sights, found amazing spots, and captured some wild clips for our upcoming DVD. On and off the bikes, this trip opened our eyes to what the south is really like and the experiences it has to offer. Perhaps in the future we will see more BMX riders travel to this unjustly neglected region of America. No matter where you go though, with an open mind and an appetite for all things weird, adventure awaits you.

Previous

DIG's Top 10 Videos Of 2017

The Best From The World Wide Web

Related Content

At Home With Justin Schwanke Backyard2016Videostill
Play Button

Weird & Revered - At Home with Justin Schwanke

"My usual audience is the assortment of birds and gophers..."

10 Mar 2017
Weird Revered In The Deep South
Play Button

Weird & Revered in the Deep South

Atlanta, Georgia to Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida taking the road less traveled

28 Dec 2017
Indoor Refuge Thumbnail
Play Button

Weird & Revered - Indoor Refuge

Surviving and thriving through the Edmonton winter

15 Jun 2017
Weird And Revered
Play Button

Weird & Revered: FIENDING 4 FUN Mixtape

From California to D.C.

26 Apr 2016
Weird Revered Serious Business Mixtap
Play Button

Weird & Revered - Serious Business Mixtape

"We only do bangers and we never smile. BMX is serious business. "

19 Jan 2017
Weird Revered Country Livin
Play Button

Weird & Revered: Country Livin'

Some elbow grease and making the most of what you have

20 Oct 2016
Weird 4 Life
Play Button

Weird 4 Life

Brodie Gwilliam and Justin Schwanke

3 Aug 2016
Weird Revered Park Mix
Play Button

Weird & Revered: Total Nonsense Mixtape

Skatepark Nonsense

19 Dec 2016
Weird Revered Island Boys
Play Button

Weird & Revered - Island Boys

10 days on the Hawaiian Islands

12 Apr 2017
https://kinkbmx.com/collections/frames/products/kinetic-frame

Latest Content

Au ZG Bf nu C Yhqdefault
Play Button

DOG DAYS 001

Day trip in the heat of Austin, TX

9 Oct 2024
Q N8k Ttuot Ehqdefault
Play Button

BOTTLE KIDS - 'TRAINING DAY'

Mikey Andrew, Ison Bogosian, Chris Kerrigan, Riley Smith, Mike Brown, and special guests

9 Oct 2024
Orm LDZ7t Dohqdefault
Play Button

KANODE KNOWS - PAT FREYNE

Living the BMX and Photography Dream

8 Oct 2024
GY Gq U Kg DH Xwhqdefault
Play Button

CODY WHEELER - WELCOME TO PUSHER

New squad member

8 Oct 2024
W2gluu Kq A Bkhqdefault
Play Button

Hard Yards 3 - Raw Cut

MORE BACKYARD MAYHEM

7 Oct 2024
Px L7exujv Qhqdefault
Play Button

'FREESTYLEFEST'

Madrid, Spain

7 Oct 2024
Ws9 Uf Oh AU Uhqdefault
Play Button

DIEGO BRAVO - KEEP IT DOWN

Essential Viewing

7 Oct 2024
Xbqw6p Wq BC8hqdefault
Play Button

"Kopenschaden" - A kunstform team trip

Kunstform in Copenhagen

7 Oct 2024
0p8a Rbsb W Ehqdefault
Play Button

Backbone Mixtape 3

BMX AT ITS CORE

7 Oct 2024
M Gj Nit AU Bk Qhqdefault
Play Button

EMERGENCE - EDDIE BAUM

Lock up your rails!

6 Oct 2024
W6 Jxchnl HW Ahqdefault
Play Button

'BEFORE SUMMER' | DIG LOCALS

A BCN Mixtape

4 Oct 2024
0 N9 Qu6410 X Ahqdefault
Play Button

DIG Partner stores

More Dig This

SUNDAY Silvawave Frame 3 Q web

PRODUCT DROP: Brett Silva's signature SUNDAY 'SILVAWAVE' frame

"It was only a matter of time before Brett got to call the shots."

26 Sep 2024
Osomatsu 4

SETUPS - Kazuei "Osomatsu" Oimatsu - ALIVE INDUSTRY

A Ben Lewis signature frame stacked with Animal parts

12 Sep 2024
20240907 BOH 019 perris

BATTLE OF HASTINGS 2024 - Everything you need to know

Schedule, livestream links, highlights, results & more...

2 Sep 2024
Garrett ss24

SIMPLE SESSION 24 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Highlight videos, schedules, results and more

24 Aug 2024
Volume frames 2

PRODUCTIVITY - NEW VOLUME JASON WATTS & KRIS FOX FRAMES

Certified for roasting - THE SMOKO & THUNDERHOOF

6 Aug 2024
Efise leader results

WHO WON THE €22K at E-FISE 2024 WOLVERHAMPTON?

The results are in!

12 Jul 2024
Kink 2025 bikes

PRODUCT DROP - KINK 2025 BIKES

That New New!

12 Jul 2024
DSCF5547

MIKE MASTRONI AND THE STORY BEHIND THE 'TELOMERE' VIDEO

Backstories behind the clips

24 Jun 2024
X Games California 2023 Kevin 2

X Games Ventura 2024: BMX Preview

Who, what, where and when

15 May 2024
Hannah roberts dsc00340

X Games Debuts Women’s BMX Park at Ventura 2024

This year, X Games is adding Women’s BMX Park to the schedule, and Hannah Roberts is leading the charge.

10 May 2024
S1057107 2

MONSTER ENERGY 'CASH UP' 2024 SERIES ANNOUNCED

5 Jams - 5 Countries

25 Apr 2024
Nick wave

IN MEMORY - NICK COOMBES

A true renaissance man in every sense of the word

24 Apr 2024