Macaframa fixed gear dvd set to release alongside San Francisco premier

Colin Arlen pops a wheelie.  Photo by Jason Rosete 

 "I'm working macaframalama even if I'm in da slamma," once a clever lyric by Sacramento rapper, X-Raided, in which macaframa means "someone who has mastered the art of conversation," this simple play on words has now evolved into the name of the most highly anticipated high definition film about city style bicycling, set to release on hd dvd in mid May as well as a final SF premier.

Macaframa was started by Colin Arlen and Colby Elrick through a medium paced evolution beginning with short skateboarding videos, which then became short track bike videos posted on websites like youtube.com.  However, once the amount of views began to rise, so did the duo's aspirations.  In 2007 the two decided to come together to create a full-length film that promotes fixed gear bike riding and also homaging to San Francisco and it's scenic views.

In the two years since the start of this project a considerable amount of notoriety has built up behind the film, which has been well-received at premiers around the world and is shaping the entire track bike community as it is known.  Arlen and Elrick as well as their considerable list of riders have been featured in magazines all over the world and have even enlisted legendary pro skateboarder John Cardiel for a part in the film.

Colin Arlen & Colby Elrick review footage in San Francisco.

 But, it has all come down to a final last push by Arlen and Elrick which has resulted in almost two consecutive weeks with no sleep and constant frustrations.  The work won't be for not though, expect the dvd to have over four hours of bonus footage as well as hidden, short films strategically placed to make them hard to find (but well worth looking for).  This along with a Criterion Collection inspired dvd case with an eye-catching layout and short booklet with information on team riders and photographs should make this dvd desirable whether one rides track bikes or not.

And if you still want to see the film on the big screen there is one more (free) premier of the film, in its final form, scheduled for May 4, 2009 at The Independent (8pm).  Look for the oversized packs of locked-up bikes on the sidewalk and if you see Colin or Colby, just see if you can out-converse them.

 For more info: macaframa