The 'Etched' photo that we ran as part of the Spring 2010 campaign was a last second salvage op. The original concept for the shot featured Ernie 'E-Dub' Vigil launching his Hypermotard over a propane fed firestorm. We would accomplish this photo via a distinct lack of respect for Ernie's bike and a crudely hewn wood ramp. With our trusted photog Hamiester pressing the shutter, the concept seemed solid.
However Ernie's Hyper had other plans. On the second test launch we heard a sharp metalic 'Snap!' as the Hyper's already fractured motor mount went from hairline to full compound. Apparently Tereblanche never accounted for 'Icon' when the original design was penned on the Café della Bologna cocktail napkin. If Ernie had hit the jump again, the motor would have surely unsuspended itself upon touch down. To his credit - Ernie was still willing to do it ... f'in core!
Enter the Mangler.
As fate would have it, Kurt had yet to find a buyer for his once beloved but now estranged 1999 KTM 300EXC psychomoto build. Fifteen minutes later the Mangler was on location, dusted off and filled with two gallons of the finest pre-mix. One kick and it fired to life - an angry life marked by the painful sting of abandonment. The Mangler wanted blood and we needed the damn photo. A deal was made. The Mangler would give us the shot we needed - all smoke and fire and reckless abandon. In return we promised it a new owner whom it could kill with it's proclivity for highsides.
The jump location - a closed and condemned superfund site - tetanus boosters were mandatory
Nick and Ernie crafting their kicker - it's kinda like digging your own grave
Test flight of the Hyper
Oh snap! Motor mount failure imminent
Icon's 'Plan B' always includes the Mangler ... and fire
A wicked production shot caught by Mikey - Mike, you may be on B Camera, but you are the B Camera leader
The final 'Etched' art for the 2010 Spring campaign -
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