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A while between drinks’ was filmed in the transition of moving from Canberra ACT to Melbourne Victoria - and what a ride that was. 262-ish days of lockdown in Melbourne, a fractured foot and ribs, torn ankle ligaments and still a bunch of awesome times sprinkled throughout...

- Jack Gruber

Jack Gruber has been riding for the shop since he was a young 16 year old royal rat. He's 23 now, and despite his phenom abilities on the BMX, he has developed quite the eye for photography. Quite the eye, indeed.

Starting down the route of photos of BMX, Jack's subject matter has expanded to his other passion; music. Jack has found himself a gig shooting photos of gigs. And his photos are nothing short of epic.

Jack's photos even found their way into the finals for the Monster Children photo comp late last year - I wouldn't be surprised if that happens again this year.

It's cool to see someone pursue the things they love while still maintaining their love for BMX (and tearing it pieces).

Jack thought he'd share a couple of photos from his world travels, plus a page from his journal, all handwritten cause he's nifty like that.

Long icepick. Portrait and riding photos by Anthony Bowler.

Midnight Oil.. Photo: Jack Gruber

Living.

Jack Gruber, where to even begin with this dude!? We sold him his first BMX bike, now he's out there, riding for United and absolutely shreddddinngggg.

We really like that Jack is always out there on his bike, but he isn't too concerned with filling up his instagram with the latest and greatest move. He's more into saving his quality stuff and making it into a video that is an awesome watch, like this one.

Jack has been riding for United for almost a year now, stoked that this video is a reminder of why.

The pre-order for our first ever custom race jersey is nearly closed so if you are wanting to slip one of these on in a few weeks, get your order in before midnight on the 24th of September (AEST)!

Camo/Black Jersey Pre-Order here

Black/Black Jersey Pre-Order here

Here's a few more shots of the jersey in action below. Photos by Jack Gruber.

Before we round the corner into the second half of the video tomorrow, we thought we'd start to get the sections to the video in order. For those that don't own our video, this is a chance to get a feel for the way the video sits as a cohesive piece. Sitting down and watching a BMX video is an experience. It feels different. You give it more attention - you can appreciate the way certain sections and songs move into the next.

When the video was being pieced together, we, with Brendan, spoke in depth about the way the video would start, what sections would go where, as well as how it would feel with the rider's song moving into the next section. It was important to us that the video didn't get too overshadowed with one type of riding, or one type of music, as it played through.

So, have another play through - we'll be adding sections to the playlist as it happens.

Jack Gruber, the young gun. When we first got together and started talking about the idea of filming for a video, a young 15 year old Jack Gruber was on the Royal Rat squad and asked if he would have a full part. We said to him 'we're not sure, but start by filming and we'll see.' Jack started filming, kept filming, and pretty soon it became apparent that he would have his own part. His dedication to the whole process is what made Jack get bumped up to the team and put on the Odyssey Australian team - his part speaks volumes. The young gun did good. Jack rips and we couldn't be more stoked to have him a part of the team and the video.

Filmed and expertly edited by Brendan Boeck with additional filming by the crew, with the song coming from one of the best Canberra band you've never heard of (yet!), TV Colours. Go buy their music now.

Jack Gruber, the young gun turned Royal Rat turned Back Bone video part filmer turned mad man. We've watched Jack rise from the young kid who walked in and got his first complete bike from us to now just killing it with us and Odyssey looking after him!

Jack fired out a rad minute web edit and a couple of photos, as well as answering a top five - so take a second to watch, read and learn about our brother Jack!

TOP 5's with JACK GRUBER

Places on the bike:

• Tuggers skatepark
• Cruising around the City
• Fadden Bowl
• Woden
• Anywhere with a good crew of dudes

Places off the bike:

• Byron Bay
• Civic Pub/ Knightsbridge
• Transit/Phoenix Bar for the good gigs
• Troy Harradine’s house
• Anywhere with a schnitty special

Jack with the AM tooth hanger. Photo Tyson JP. 

Music to ride to:

• Any Smith Street Band song
• Gang of Youths: What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out
• Kendrick Lamar.. Too many to name
• Patti Smith: Rock and Roll Nigger
• Ty Morrows Deadline song part ( Wicked Lady: War Cloud )

Music to hang to:

• Any Smith Street Band song
• Ocean Alley: Partner In Crime
• Camp Cope: Footscray Station
• Kendrick Lamar.. Same story, Art of Peer Pressure if I have to name one
• Courtney Barnett: Out of The Woodwork, Gang Of Youths: Knuckles White Dry, Cindy Lauper: Girls Just Want to Have Fun , Julia Jacklin: Pool Party , Slayer: Jesus Saves, The Preatures: Rock and Roll Rave… Top 10?

And an over oppo hanger on the same ledge. Tyson JP photo.

Bike parts:

• Odyssey R32 Forks
• Fiend Reynolds Frame
• Odyssey Hazard lite rims, how mine are still round is a mystery
• ODI longnecks. With Flanges. Always need the Flange
• Division drive side hub guard. Saves you every time

Riders:

• Garrett Reynolds
• Troy Harradine
• Nathan Williams
• All the boys (Jack O’Reilly, Zac Miner, TJP, B-dog) and everyone else we go out and film with
• Garrett Reynolds?

BMX memories:

• Every ACT JAM
• Back Bone DVD prem night
• Latest Victoria road trip with the Back Bone crew.. good times
• Getting Zac Miner to sign my 2008? ( I would have been 11/12 ) 2020 cover. Now the mans chasing me around with a pen and paper every weekend.
• All the times we get a good crew and go film or just hang out.