I had started this post right after we filmed our Bike for Kam promo video but it got lost in the shuffle. I thought I would post it anyways.

In April I met my friend, Stephen, in Venice to bounce some ideas around for the 2012 promotional video.  He had created our 2011 video, and was on board for another one.  We came up with the idea of doing it in Big Bear.  Our 2011 video was filmed with a typical LA beach backdrop, so we wanted something different.  It was also just Viet, Andres and I in the 2011 video and so this year Stephen and I wanted all the guys who participated in the 2011 ride to be in this video.  It sounded like a good idea.  Beautiful scenery, cabin camping and trees - all the guys were in.  

Scheduled for Saturday morning filming, we all stumbled up to Big Bear in our own time. Stephen invited his friend, Scott, an old art school classmate and colleague, to aid in some of the filming.  They drove up on Friday night so they could scope out the area and be ready for a long day of filming on Saturday. I didn't know, but they had never been up to Big Bear.  

Like me, Scott and Stephen are Michiganders, and some good midwest nature and trees had been something they were missing in the sea of Los Angeles. Scott was equally as cool as Stephen and it's nice absorbing all these new friends through Bike for Kam.

Since I mostly hang out with guys it means I have to be cool with being ready at a moment's notice.  I wasn't quite sure when we were driving up. 9pm on Friday, Ben texts me and says, "Let's  head up at midnight".  Cool.  On Friday Viet, Ben and I drove up into the Big Bear mountains at midnight and the rest of the guys staggered in between 11 and 1pm on Saturday. Jason didn't come. We all stayed in my friend's cabin and it was cozy and nice.  Call it the midwest girl, but I love anything with alot of people in one area, relaxed while enjoying food and each other.

The day of filming on Saturday turned out great.  It was a great day.  Big Bear took advantage of its last days of winter and we were handed a beautiful backdrop.  The weather was perfect and the sun was sensitive. We trekked around Big Bear following Stephen and Scott's lead as they peppered camera angle ideas between themselves.

Stephen and Scott were really happy and literally hugging trees.  

Again, you don't see trees in LA. Palm trees don't count. Kidding. Sort of. They were really into their work and genuinely excited about filming this video. I was really appreciative. Not just for their passion and excitement towards their craft but because of their dependability.  Knowing this video is a big project and that Bike for Kam is such an important project to me that requires serious dedication, it makes me feel encouraged when others treat it with the same seriousness.  I was fulfilled knowing they had the same work ethic that I do.  

Dependability is important.  It says alot to someone.  It's cool to be a free spirit, but when it involves a friend, showing up is important.

It was an important day to me. Our promotional videos have become our kick-off, a B4K mascot, a visual that displays the seriousness and tone of the project, and I was serious about rallying the riders in and making sure they showed up to support the friends, Stephen and Scott, who were  supporting me in probono fashion.