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Downtime

rob@otbphoto.com — 2010-04-12T15:02:59-07:00

Sorry sports fans, but OTBPhoto will be taking some downtime for a while. Time to focus on the bike. I will leave you w/ one last pic from Worlds, and may eventually post a few more to Flickr.

Worlds!

rob@otbphoto.com — 2010-03-26T08:25:02-07:00

First day for me was total mess, I guess there is a bit of a learning curve to all the gear I brought. Also learned a press pass get’s you in the building, but you need a vest to get on the track...and there is pecking order to getting vests. I guess the UCI doesn’t consider OTBPhoto as a top tier news agency. I will be posting some shots to my Flickr account, then will eventually post all of them to my Smugmug. Shelley races the scratch race tonight, (about 12:30pm California time), and the points race on Sunday. You might be able to see live coverage on Universal Sports.

Coming Soon

rob@otbphoto.com — 2010-02-26T18:55:10-08:00

Not much racing action this winter from OTBPhoto, but let me assure you plans are being made for an exceptional coverage at Track Worlds (late Mach in Denmark). Namely a D3s + 300 f/2.8. Bling! Hopefully I can crank out some videos. Also, once I get Aperture 3 I expect the general production value to go up around here. I have been snappen a few, mostly messing w/ strobes and the faux studio. Most these were done in haste, but ultimately I was happy w/ the results, below are a few of my favorites. Check out our new OTBPhoto facebook page, all the cool kids are fans.

Jack Bobridge

rob@otbphoto.com — 2010-02-03T00:03:22-08:00

Props to Jack Bobridge for riding a 4:14! It's such a crime we won't see the Phinney/Bobridge show @ the Olympics. This shot is from his silver medal ride @ 2009 Worlds. FYI OTBPhoto will be in Copenhagen this March to bring you the World Record showdown: Phinney vs Bobridge vs Boardman.

Not Bikes!

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-11-13T00:15:54-08:00

Hung our w/ one of the OG team WB members Adam Smith. He was doing a one month artist residency @ Djerassi. This place was insane, I felt like I was in an episode of LOST. The location is deep in the pristine Nor Cal coastal mountains between Woodside and Pescadero. Adam killed his project, it was totally insane, check it out. This was really fun, I really only use my camera at bike races, clearly it’s time to branch out. The fire breathing shots were kinda random, it started by him pointing @ the sunset, then I realized it looked like fire was coming out of his finger. Check out the rest.

Bay Area Super Prestiege Night Race

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-11-14T00:12:30-08:00

Coming soon, pics are posted.

Surf City #2 - Halloween!

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-10-31T23:01:57-07:00

What’s better than shooting pics on Halloween? That was clearly the highlight my my day, Pamela snapped a great pic of me that just about sums it up. Check out her Halloween set, very cool stuff.

Surf City Cross #1

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-10-11T16:33:00-07:00

I left quite a bit glory on the table this year, so what better way to de-tune than cross season full of deteriorating fitness? The lighting today was pretty cool, perfectly filtered through a mix of clouds and fog. Notice the lack of shadows. Great for portraits. I only took a few pics.

Track Nats: Sat & Sun

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-10-04T16:17:45-07:00

In true OTB fashion I ended my lackluster season by failing to make either the scratch or points final. This gave me plenty of time to shot some pics. Nothing is harder than shooting ADT. The super warm (yellow) lighting coupled w/ the cold (blue) flash makes white balance nearly impossible. The lighting is so poor you have to flash for everything...or drop 5-8K for a full frame camera. ... Needless to say I missed a bunch of great shots late Sat and Sun (madison) because my flash was dying. ...Thank you Larkspur Hotels Belamar for the accommodations! Pics from Sat

Track Nats: Friday

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-10-03T10:09:14-07:00

Friday pics are posted, todays racing shots turned out much better. I left before the sprint finals, but got everything else.

Track Nats: Thursday

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-10-02T12:39:26-07:00

Shelley takes her 2nd Scratch title! Proman lit-up the race big time. Thursday pics posted here.

Fremont Peak Hill Climb

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-09-20T12:26:00-07:00

According to local legend Eric Wilhelm, Fremont Peak is the only true Hors Category climb in Santa Cruz County. Greg Bloom who specializes in promoting sufferfests, and asked me to come out and document the suffering. I blew it by riding to the top, and missed most of the first wave of riders, however once I nailed down my spot I got some great shots.

Crit Nats

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-08-21T18:38:22-07:00

I took a few shots in haste on Sat @ the Pro-AM, then continued my sucking less and less streak by finishing the mens race...eventually I may have to rebrand as packfillphoto. Kat Carroll won the Pro-AM w/ a solo move, she is easy to great shots of...always on or off the front. She also won a 2 hour victory solute training session w/ Coryn Rivera and Daniel Holloway, courtesy of OTBPhoto. The National title race was turned inside out after Tibco had Kat jump the lead-out train, all hell broke loose as Colavita and Team Type-1 scrambled to chase. It all came together w/ half lap to go, and Tina Pic made it 6 by winning the hectic bunch sprint. ...Mattis was in the big 20 rider split early in the race, then they gave it to Adam Bergman who was killing it off the front in the peak of the treachery. With about 10 to go, two riders (including eventual winner Justin England) had 10 seconds on the bunch, a few laps later they had three riders and 15 seconds, then five riders and 20 seconds... two to go. ...The rain delayed pro race was a race of attrition, I only took a few shots then bailed.

FSA Grand Prix

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-07-26T19:41:46-07:00

This is one of my favorite races of the year, Dave does a great job promoting, packing the 400m track full of fans, beer and music...and the races with cash. Brian (Peterson) and I took 3rd in the madison (thanks to Brian’s savage final sprint), I crashed out like a fool in the miss-n-out, but bounced back and almost duped the sprinters in the scratch...ended up 5th. ... Carney essentially put on a clinic in all the mens races...is it true he has never lost a miss-n-out on American soil? Meanwhile, Shelley had her game raised by Australia’s Laura McCaughey, there is no way around it, that girl is straight up fast. Now Shelley is off to Bend to test her new found love for the long game @ road nats. I took a descent amount of shots both days, but spent most the time dealing w/ my own racing. The first day I was really focused on using my flash w/ the sun in the background, it gives you some cool effects and highlights like this and this. ...The white track and high noon sun blew out the background...makes it look like she is in a studio, no photoshop here.

Davis, Oakland, San Rafael

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-07-17T18:33:41-07:00

Nor Cal racing is in full flight. Meanwhile Shelley was off in Italy dipping her toe into the Euro road race scene @ the Giro Donne (women’s Giro di Italia). I would have loved to be taking pictures like these, but stuck around Nor Cal for some mid summer glory. I only really took pictures @ Davis, camera never came out @ Oakland, and I only had time to get the shots that mattered @ San Rafael...fortunately no OTB’s for me, so no pics of the men. The 45-12 Hit Squad assassin Coryn Rivera wins the P1/2 woman’s race in San Rafael. Starla Teddergreen comes around Carol Irving right on the line @ Davis in the P1/2 woman’s race. Ruth (or “Roof” according to Cav) Winder winning the W3/4 race @ Davis. James LaBerge wins the Jr Race @ Davis.

Off the Back Photo

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-07-03T19:02:00-07:00

Way behind w/ posting these... Nevada City Jr’s and Pro Women American Velodrome Challenge (AVC) @ Hellyer. I am proud to say I lasted 70 min longer than the last time I did Nevada City (so I hung for 75 min)...so I am the only person in the house that left w/o a shot of Lance...but I got some good ones of Shelley! Larry Rosa took the day one pics of AVC, and this one below of moto-master Peter Bohl.

God Dam Glory

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-06-22T22:04:37-07:00

It might take me another day to these posted...

Jr State Championships

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-06-17T07:51:17-07:00

Posted some pics from Saturdays Jr. State Track Championships. I got there late so only got a few of the races, and a bunch of podium shots.

Tulsa Tough Pics

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-06-01T22:28:39-07:00

FInally got pics posted, check them out (below). I hardly took any of the P1 mens races, I was too haggard from my races, and more interested in cooling down and eating...but I did get Ramsey killing the last few laps of Tulsa Toughs crown jewel: The Riverview Crit. What’s more savage than a 5 to go move on a super selective course? The pack was breathing down his neck out of the last corner, perhaps the most exiting finish I have ever witnessed, crowed loved it. The underdog team outfoxing the best. I kinda blew the finishing shot, I should have held the camera horizontal. Stage 1: Blue Dome Crit Stage 2: Brady District Crit

A Champion is Born

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-06-01T09:23:58-07:00

2 for 3 plus the Omnium! I have tons of great pics, but wont get them up till tonight. I blew it on the radio, w/ 2 to go the last thing I said (before I ditched my radio for a chamois) was “Marple is riding away w/ it, work, work, work.” So Shelley thought she was sprinting for 2nd...hence the lack of victory solute. Anyone want a draft?

Documenting Glory

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-30T21:14:11-07:00

(null)

Tulsa Blue Dome Crit

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-30T11:37:20-07:00

Not much time to post, Shelley had some positioning trouble on the last lap, working herself through traffic into 5th. I took a $250 prime w/ 9 to go, then launched my signature 2 to go attack...only to get spit out the back a lap later (also part of my signature). Honestly I was a bit scared, people were imploding everywhere, so I decided if I saw the front again I was going. Todays course is a bit safer. Patience, patience, patience. Yesterday Shelley was frustrated (board) playing the pack sprinter, so I think she is going to throw down today and really race. It’s a tuff call cause there are not many sprinters here...but in the words of Jens Voight, “If you try, you might loose, but if you don’t try, you will never win”. I have all sorts of good pics, will post later when I have more internet.

My Fiance the Dominator

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-25T22:44:40-07:00

Epic weekend, I got over my Panoche vaginitis just enough to take Shelley on a MTB ride and pop the question, we had a surprise party waiting back at the house, perfect day. ...Hamilton...well Shelley did, hangover or not I know better, and drove the sag wagon. She took 3rd in a stacked field, just the long game validation she needed leading up to Philly, NVGP and the chick Giro di Italia (July). We both raced Memorial Day Crit on Sunday, Shelley won, making it 3 for 4 this season...and I lost...making it 0 for 4. ...Thursday we are off to Tulsa Oklahoma for our favorite Tulsa Tough...3 days of BIG money crits...real payouts, not like the races this weekend, where masters got the same and/or better payouts than the pro Women. ... How many masters are trying to make a living racing? 3rd place for the Pro women didn’t even cover the entry fee. ...Check back later in the week for Tulsa pics.

Rocktape

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-19T22:36:40-07:00

Busted out the strobes for a Rocktape shoot. Got some pretty good results, still learning the proper technique. I was using a single 250W strobe shooting into an umbrella. Below is Nikka Van Den Dries displaying mad style w/ her Rocktape, BMC and Proman colors.

Fri Night @ Hellyer

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-09T10:00:40-07:00

Great turnout for the first Fri night @ Hellyer. I only snapped a few pics, mostly so I could mess w/ my new ghetto remote triggers (i.e. not Pocket Wizzards). Ever since I saw what Farid was doing @ the track and cross races, I have wanted to mess w/ remote flashes. He took one of my favorite pics of me @ Hellyer Districts 2006 w/ a remote set up. I had a few reasonable results, the shadows are a bit much. I think it will look better as a fill flash @ sunset. Below is Daniel Farinha crushing, this kid is swift!

Cats Hill: Smugmug

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-03T12:43:45-07:00

We have both lived within a mile of the course for the last 5 years, and consider this the crown jewel of Nor Cal racing. She took 4th her first Cat’s Hill w/ the 3/4’s in 2005, and after winning the first prime of the Cat 4’s in 2003 (on my cross bike), I was quickly spit out the back. Shelley has since gone on to the pros and taken 6th in 06, and two 2nd place finishes on 07 and 08. ...In 2004 we had a stacked Cat 3 Village Peddler Team, my teammates Josh Snead and Mike Telega took 1st and 2nd in a display of total domination and glory. ...My next memory, is amongst my finest. 2005 was my first year as a Cat 2, and there was a stacked field...pro McGuire, Sierra Nevada, pro Webcor, a young Cozza and Euser... I was scared shitless going into this race, and really had little expectations of finishing...then I did, and it was the greatest thing ever. ...This year I was cued up for a reasonable result...then w/ 2 to go I got stuck in a seam in the road and ate shit. ...We are now using Smugmug (note the new tab up above), I think this offers a superior user experience, and makes it easier for me to distribute pic’s w/o watermarks...not to mention make a little coin to fuel the bottomless pit that is this hobby.

Cats Hill: Glory and Peril

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-05-02T23:51:45-07:00

Coming Soon

Santa Cruz Crit

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-04-05T22:58:23-07:00

I have failed in the last 2 out of 3 SC Crits, so wisely decided to sit this one out and snap some photos. Below is our favorite hometown hero Ben Jacques-Maynes, we like how he attacks and checks the damage like a trackie. But we also like the real trackie, Holla, and his appreciation of glory. The rest of the pics are posted here.

Track Worlds: Saturday & Sunday

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-30T05:47:16-07:00

They overcame a few obstacles and road aggressive the entire race, they launched what ended up being the winning move and shattered the filed in the process, only the Danish (Saxo Bank) team of Michael Morkov and Alex Rasmussen were able to stay on terms in the thick of the chaos, earning the World title in the process. ...No points late in the race forced her to look for a lap, with 14 or 15 to go she got into a promising three rider move, took a pull, swung up track then right back down into Lizie Armestead...who was heading up track rather than pulling through. It’s hard to place blame, Shelley was in full gas attack mode and came down hot...assuming the other riders had committed. She had no chance, her front wheel overlapped big time w/ Lizzie and Shelley came tumbling down hard in a spectacular replay worthy crash. I ran across the infield assuming the worse, only to find Shelley up on her feet checking her bike and body for functionality. She was thrown back in a lap before the 10-to-go sprint, then attacked w/ Cali Willams w/ 7 to go. The field gave them a bit of room for a few laps, but got back to business as 2nd and 3rd place were still up for grabs. ...The rest of the night included Taylors omnium ride, the woman’s keiren, and the epic battle between Gregory Bauge and my new favorite sprinter Azizulhasni Awang.

Track Worlds: Sat (Session 1)

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-28T08:44:43-07:00

Posted some pics of the morning session, the men were riding their 200’s, and the women riding the omnium. Canada’s Tara Whitten is my new 2nd favorite rider, she manhandled the group in the scratch, bridging up to a group of two, then attacking them and leaving them for dead w/ about 6 to go. She held on for the win by 50m w/ the pack closing fast behind, while the other two were scooped up by the on the last lap...ouch! Bravo Tara!

Track Worlds: Friday

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-27T16:44:09-07:00

Much better day of photos, figured out the white balance and put some more time into the fisheye. Shelley put on a great show in the scratch, attacking solo mid race and getting up to 1/2 lap, eventually two bridged across (Canada’s Tara Whitten and Spain’s Leire Olaberria)..the Spanish girl started f-ing around straight away, and 2 more bridged up...6 is way too many, and organization broke down. It was a shame, cause the original group of 3 was the perfect mix. Tara W was very impressive, her and Shelley were the main aggressors, everyone else was pure negativity...and sure enough they all got worked by the Cuban in the end (she was the hands down favorite for a bunch sprint). Shelley was cooked in the end and rolled in 12th, not contesting the sprint. Up next, madison. Taylor rides the omnium on Sunday and Shelley has the points on Sunday.

Track Worlds: Thursday

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-27T06:02:42-07:00

I never got a photographer pass, so I can’t get on the track...but I can get on the infield, so will focus more on shots of people warming up and such. I rented a few lenses...2.8 fisheye, 50mm 1.4, 24-70 2.8...plus my 70-200 2.8. I shot all day underexposed and w/ incorrect white balance...thats why they are all a bit yellow, hopefully I will get that sorted out today. I was also trying not to use my flash, there is almost enough light to get away w/ it. Daniel raced the scratch last night, a group of 6 lapped, so that ended his race. Shelley races scratch tonight, stay tuned. Pics posted here.

Ride Worlds!

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-22T11:08:36-07:00

After a heroic bridge to certain peril in the scratch I quickly found myself OTB...so I got a few pics of the scratch, a couple shots of people, and Tim got a few of the madison (but I gave him my camera w/ some funky flash and shutter speed settings that made it almost impossible to get proper shots...but he did manage to get a few good ones of me;) I leave for Poland on Wed, and have a bunch of cool glass lined up...although I am still waiting to hear about press credentials.

Bring on the Portraits

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-17T21:36:04-07:00

Got me some strobes (big ass flashes), this changes everything, I might have to start taking pics of things that don’t have wheels...watch out Pendleton!

A Day @ the Track

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-03-09T19:49:11-07:00

I brought the hog out to Hellyer for some pre-worlds moto-pace action. The Proman girls had their new Hit Squad kits, so some photos were in order. Below is Nicola showing off her new TT position. Thanks to all the sprinters who let us hijack their session! And Tim Brennan who snapped some shots while I was driving the hog. I am working on a press pass for Poland, hopefully I can get on the track and document some glory. Stay tuned. Also, don’t forget about RTWC on Thursday March 19th.

Tour of California: Stage 1/2

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-02-18T22:19:35-08:00

I shot w/ my 70-200mm the entire day, now I can stand on the outside of corners. ... Rachel Lloyd held it down for the Proman Hit Squad, grabbing 3rd place and the appropriate share of the $15,000 booty. ...The men rolled in and we cheered Mancebo like we voted for Bush...blinded by ignorance. Many people asked me why I was booing selected riders, rather than rattle off the various “mistakes” made by the Floyds, Tylers, Lances and the Rock and Republics, I simply explained that because of these guys, the real hometown heros are watching the race at home. Lance has us so good, it’s not even about doping anymore, if you say anything bad about Lance, it’s like talking trash about cancer. Monday we rode up to the top of the KOM, finding shelter just in-time for the 100 year storm to unleash it’s fury. True to form, BJM manned up for a long one, knowing his hometown was awaiting all along the climb and into the finish. I failed to take any good racing shots, I was banking on my flash...that apparently doesn’t like to get wet.

Tour of California: Prologue

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-02-14T23:05:07-08:00

I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am, she put some serious work and dedication into this result. I think this locks her a spot on the Worlds team...if so check back in late March for OTB coverage of Track Worlds in Poland. ...It actually kinda sucks, people are less worried about the race and cheering, and more concerned about getting a picture w/ thier shitty camera or cell phone. ... NBut let me tell you, the Lance effect is in full force, he needs to come out w/ his own brand of Kool-Aid. ... I want a real champion, one I can believe in, one I can get choked up about, one I can tell my kids about. ...Shooting w/ the new D2X was really fun...although I struggled w/ the 70-200 f/2.8 VR, even on the monopod. ... The majority of the pics I posted today were taken w/ a 24-70 f/2.8, using the flash seemed to be the key, between the clouds and buildings the light was difficult all day. This set up is light years ahead of my old kit, I expect the quality @ OTB Photo to rise exponentially as I figure this out.

Nikon D2X

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-29T08:36:37-08:00

All sorts of upgrades going on @ OTB Photo. The latest addition is a Nikon D2X (upgrade from a D70), just in time for Tour of Cali. OTB Photo: We specialize in bringing you yesterdays technology, today.

Apeldoorn

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-11T15:30:43-08:00

Never made it to the cross races, we both caught a bit of a cold...clearly we are soft from too many 60 degree winter days in California. Rater than stand in permafrost for hours while I snap pics, we headed to ride in the comfort of a brand spanken new climate controlled 250m indoor track in Apeldoorn. When we first rolled up I was convinced we had the wrong place, it looked to be the size of a football stadium (note Shelley for scale). The place was amazing, complete with a full service bar and restaurant. The construction was so new I could still smell the sawdust. Word around the track is 2011 Worlds will be there. ...Final thoughts on the Netherlands...on a shitty 20 degree day, there will be more people riding bikes to work than on “bike to work day” in the states. Apparently I need to dig a little deeper into my suitcase of excuses, time to start riding to work.

Rotterdam 6-Day (Day 6)

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-08T12:13:27-08:00

More of the same on day 6, Shelley just misses out on another victory in the miss and an out, I think she saw me celebrating in turn 4 when I snapped this pic and eased up just enough to get beat on the line by Koedooder. Bummer. Madison was much of the same, Koedooder and Wild took a lap at will, shattering the pack in the process. Another missed throw cost a lap, the rest is history. I got some pics of the sprinters today, including the lean and mean Theo Bos (below), but went up to the stand to watch the men race. Some of you may recognize this guy as well. This weekend we are going to try to catch Vos racing the Dutch cross championships, see if she can beat everyones favorite (well at least mine) Daphny van den Brand. Then I am back home, and Shelley is off to Beijing for the next World Cup.

Rotterdam 6-Day (Day 5)

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-06T15:25:25-08:00

Much better day from a photo perspective, but worse day from a results perspective. Shelley got a bit too comfortable playing the devil and got herself boxed in w/ only 6 remaining, nothing is more frustrating than going before your time in a miss an out... I know the feeling all too well. The madison was ok, but another missed exchange cost another lap. Good news is all this suffering will pay dividends @ the next World Cup in Beijing (Jan 16/17/18).

Rotterdam 6-Day (Day 4)

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-05T15:55:20-08:00

She won her elimination (miss and out) and got to ride the lap of glory! She sat back and played the devil most the race, coming around the last girl to take the victory w/ ease. The madison was much better as well, only one poorly timed missed exchange cost them a lap, finishing the day 1 lap down (we forgot to check the overall results, but I don’t think they moved much). The speed of the madison was very impressive, it looked much faster and more aggressive than any World Cup race I have ever seen. The mens derny race was insane, each rider gets a moto, and somehow there is always a come from behind victory. ... I have the moto, now I just need to get old and fat...and euro. ...Most everything in Europe is scaled down compared to what we have, small coffee’s, meals, cars...but it was not till I bought a .25L beer that I realized exactly how gluttonous we Americans truly are. Come to think of it, I have not found a single European complaining about a “thyroid problem”.

Rotterdam 6-Day (Day 3)

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-04T13:15:53-08:00

I am struggling w/ the focus on w/ the new lenses, they are great for portraits, but just don’t focus fast enough. ...Women started racing today, each day they are doing a miss and out and a madison. ... Shelley started the day off hot, taking 2nd in her elimination (miss an out every 2 laps), she was coming around gilrs like she comes around Holloway. Unfortunately she experienced some growing pains in the first madison, her and Sissy never got a chance to practice any throws, and went into the race cold. ... The race was about as sketchy as a madison can be, eventually shattering at the onslaught by former Jr. ... Only two teams could limit the damage to one lap, the British duo of Alex Greenfield Katie Colclough and uber world/olympic/cross/road/track champ Marianne Vos and teammate Henning. Shelley and Sissy ended up missing a bunch of throws early, and had to chase all day, eventually going down 3 laps, and finishing in 8th place (of 13 teams). ... They felt better together by the end, and should be right in the mix the rest of the week.

Rotterdam 6-Day (Day 2)

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-03T13:29:37-08:00

Day 2 of the 6, all sorts of drama in the last days. The girls are doing 4 days, so no racing till Sunday. Shelley’s teammate (Theresa Cliff Ryan) ended up missing a connection and got stranded in Chicago overnight. Looks like she wont make it here in time for the race, so we have been scrambling to find a new partner. Shelley will be riding w/ Sissy van Alebeek, former national Dutch Road Race champ. I got a few pics from today, mostly from warming up and the U25 race. I will be in the infield the next couple days, but need to wear a suit to get on the track and take pictures...l actually do own a suit.

Amsterdam Velodrome

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-02T15:15:32-08:00

It finally all came together and on Friday we got some track time at the Amsterdam velodrome. ... The venue is actually quite small, but oozes with history...of which I regrettably know none. This was my first time on a 200m, laps go by real quick! A bunch of the other girls who are racing Rotterdam were there, including former Dutch National champ Sissy van Alebeek. There was a huge turnout, guess a morning @ the track is quite a viable substitute for a 27 degree road ride. ... The slow riders ride in the pole, it make is easy to get on and off in traffic...and riding a the blue makes the lap longer. This was my first time shooting the 50mm @ an indoor track. ... I think a flash will still be key, and started using it when they got going fast.

New Years Alone in Amsterdam

rob@otbphoto.com — 2009-01-01T14:51:00-08:00

Shelleys paper tickets never arrived, so she missed her flight to Amsterdam in time for New Year Eve. It was pretty lame, just me and my new lens left to wonder. I had no idea where to go, just hopped on a cruiser and rode for hours. The place was insane, 6 hours of unsanctioned firework displays. Kids had bottle rockets that were as big as baseball bats. ... The guy I rented the bike from said don’t leave it locked up alone, kids like to blow shit up and I waived the insurance. By the end of the night the street was littered inches deep w/ fireworks. I liked this photo, it looks like a scene from a video game.

Peak Season

rob@otbphoto.com — 2008-12-23T23:49:00-08:00

Rode down the street to Dave Gill’s “Peak Season Cyclocross” series. True to form, the weather turned for the A’s race. The course looked fun, some tack, some skills, some suffering. See all the action here.

50mm f/1.4

rob@otbphoto.com — 2008-12-28T21:56:16-08:00

Here are some shots from the first day w/ my new lens. It’s wild how bright this lens looks in otherwise horrible lighting conditions, it’s going to be great @ the indoor tracks.

Rotterdam 6-Day

rob@otbphoto.com — 2008-12-26T20:59:00-08:00

Stay tuned for pics from the Rotterdam 6-Day. I just got a new 50mm f/1.4 lens, and I am renting a 85mm f/1.4. Low light speed will be central to good shots. Check out how crazy it gets...

Welcome!

rob@otbphoto.com — 2008-12-18T21:07:08-08:00

Welcome to the new OTBPhoto! Many stories of battle, suffering and glory lie within these pages...the next chapter will soon be written.