Quick Tip, Homemade number plate

I got the inspiration for this blog from a question that was asked in our own ATV Magazine Forum.  A forum member needed a solution for a quick, cheap, and easy number plate so he could participate in a race coming up soon.  Here is my condensed response.

Materials needed:

White 5 gallon plastic bucket (can probably found in the trash or thrift store)

Tin snips, heavy scissors, or grinder with cut off wheel (basically any tool that will cut thick plastic)

High temp heat gun or propane torch (use caution with the torch!)

400-600 grit sandpaper (optional, for prepping the plastic for paint)

Spray paint (optional, depending on if you need the back round color other than white)

Process:

Start off by cutting out the desired shape of the number plate from the side of the plastic bucket.  Once you have the shape the way you like it, carefully take the heat gun or propane torch and gently heat the plastic to make it malleable. Keep the heat source moving to prevent melting or burning, take your time and be patient. Once the plastic is malleable start to flatten out the piece using the heat when necessary as the plastic cools. Once the plastic is as flat as you can get it, set a heavy block on top and wait about an hour or so for the plastic to fully cool. The heavy block will keep the plastic from having a “memory” and curling up on you. It must be noted that it will be nearly impossible to create a perfectly flat piece of plastic, but it will be flat enough for mounting on the ATV.

Now comes the optional part of the process.  If you chose not to buy a $7 pack of vinyl numbers here is a way to put numbers on your plate with a little bit of time and effort.  There are several ways to paint numbers on your plate, free hand, stencil, or masking.  I would advise against free hand unless you have a steady hand and can paint well with an artists brush.  Stencils can be picked up at most hobby stores but if your still too cheap to spend $5 on pre-made stencils you can make your own at home with items you already have. Using printer/copy/card stock draw and cut out numbers creating a “negative” that you can apply on the plate. Use the 400-600 grit sandpaper to rough up the plastic to give the paint something to “bite” into. Clean the plastic well before the next step. Using tape and some children’s glue sticks stick the stencil on the plate and paint over it using light coats (especially with printer paper as there is a risk of bleed through). After the paint is thoroughly dry, remove the stencil and clean off the glue with some isopropyl alcohol. You can also achieve the same effect by covering the entire plate with blue painters tape, then cutting out the number shapes (on the plate) with a sharp razor blade or hobby knife. Paint and remove the tape to complete the job. For extra protection you can use a clear coat over your finished work.

ATV Super Stars to Attend Winter X Games

Indeed it’s true…brothers Caleb and Colten more, widely known for their high flying freestyle motocross acrobatics, have secured invitations to compete in this years Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado.

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Video killed the magazine star?

Action sports videos are all the rage these days (specifically in our sport). It seems that the segment of the video market has boomed in just the last 5 or 10 years. I attributed it to the drastically lower prices on consumer based video production equipment compared to years ago. DV, MiniDV, hard drive, flash media versus 8mm and 16mm Cellulose acetate film or Polyester Film, gone are the days of film splicers, Moviola’s, and dark rooms. Now all you need is a inexpensive DV camera and PC with the correct hardware to produce a DVD worthy video. Oh and not to mention some sort of creative talents.

With the drastic cut in start up and post production costs for an aspiring action sports film maker, the industry is literally flooded with video releases (all at $15-$30 retail I might add) how does the armchair ATV or motorcycle junkie pick a video from the sea of videos in Motorcycle parts catalogs, on-line stores, and dealership shelves?

First it might be informative to introduce some of the pioneers in what is now the action sports genre.  The two most prominent names that come to my mind are, Warren Miller and Bruce Brown. Warren Miller known for Ski Films releasing one feature length documentary style ski film a year since 1949, and has developed an intense following among the winter action sports segment. Bruce Brown first claim to fame with feature length surfing films starting in 1958 with “Slippery when wet” and his most popular break out film “Endless Summer”. But the film most of us offroaders identify him with is 1971’s “On Any Sunday”. More on this later.

With video entertainment media such as this, everything is very subjective and everybody has their preferred style and or wants from an action sports video. I will break them down into 3 categories of (self described) genres. Keep in mind I personally lean toward documentary, lifestyle or educational videos of these type.

Action/Freestyle

This genre is basically wild stunts, some racing footage, and epic locations with professional riders set to popular heavy metal or alternative music of the day. The videography is usually very stunning and some are almost like a travelogue of popular destinations around the world. The downside of this genre is the whole movie is just a bunch of short segments (about the length of the song used in the back round) filled with jump cuts and fast edits. There is usually no cohesive “plot” or storyline to keep the viewer engaged. These types of movies appeal best to the enthusiast and are best watched in a group in the garage bench racing with your buddies and some cold ones. Non riders or casual viewers will find these movies boring after probably the first 5 minutes. Typically these movies are not feature length lasting only around 40-50 minutes (with some exceptions). Biggest take away is these types of movies are not very timeless and are not generally that memorable. I love the Crusty Demons and H-Bomb series but I cannot say there is one memorable movie or segment that stands out from all the rest.

Best picks from this genre

Fleshwound Films (Dana Nicholson and Cami Freeman) Crusty Demons of Dirt series (currently 14 films to choose from)

H-Bomb Films (Wes Miller) Huevos series (currently 12 films to choose from)

 

 

Race Documentary

These movies narrowly focus on either one race or series of races. Typically these movies mix a small amount of “back story” on the riders or race and lead into the current race or series they are documenting. Filmed somewhat in a reality show style, they follow the top riders in the race or series highlighting the ups and downs and any other drama to build the characters and storyline to culminate to the finish of the race or finally of the series. These films are fairly niche based requiring a bit of knowledge of the race, racers, or series history to fully appreciate the videography and drama of the characters. These films will mildly appeal to the casual viewer as most do a good job of bringing the viewer into the drama and suspense of “whats going to happen next” although to fully appreciate the movie some riding experience is necessary. These movies do stand the times a bit better as they are more like a time capsule and are fun to watch from a historical aspect years later.  Typically these films are feature length.

Best picks from this genre

The Great Outdoors video series (2002-present), documenting the National motocross circuit

Enduro at Erzberg (2005-present) documenting the Erzberg Enduro

Motorsports Documentary

There are very few  films in this category.  These films take a general overall look at motorsports as a whole and condense it down to a feature length film.  The good ones that stand out do a good job of explaining each motorsport discipline in layman’s terms while highlighting the achievements to the exceptional riders from each sport.  These movies tend to be more palatable to non riders and casual viewers as they teach as well as entertain, trying to answer the universal question of why. An example of this is with the movie On And Sunday I can show this movie to nearly any non rider or casual viewer and they stay almost glued to the tv and come away with a sense of “wow, I understand why you love the sport so much”. Its a film that has aged gracefully and I consider it required viewing before even buying a machine.

Best picks from this genre

On Any Sunday (1971, Bruce Brown) updates: OAS Revisited, OAS Motocross, Malcom, and More

Dust to Glory (2005 Dana Brown)

Honorable mention:

Dirt (1979 Eric Karson) A rare gem not seen by most motorsport fans, features lots of 4 wheel racing.

Well there you have it!  My take on the whole action sports video genre as it applies to my favorite sports.  Every body has an opinion on their favorite film or film series, so let us hear about yours! Leave a comment below or visit the ATV Magazine forum. Also to watch some of my own videos follow the link to my Youtube page.