This is my third–and most ambitious so far–Uni-cablecam video today, and after another 6-7 hours on trails, I had nearly an hour of footage to edit down to an action packed 5 minutes!
One of my favorite parts has me getting into a “race” with the rig! With the cable cam perched about 15 feet above me, it began its 200 foot-long descent, down to almost ground level, screaming down the cable at a blistering 15mph, almost instantly!
I was going as fast as I could (On my 24" MUni w/150mm cranks) to try to beat the camera to the end of the cable line, where I had to make a crazy sharp right turn down this drop at the last second, then try to “duck” under the line–before the rig passed–or HIT me! Suffice it to say it took a few takes, and some nasty bails!
I really enjoyed the creative aspect and the challenge of staging these new shots, so I hope you enjoy. I love to hear from you all so please comment and let me know what you think! Thanks! )
PS: I’m now taking a well-deserved break in making/posting new videos…I NEED the rest!
Thanks. At 2:56, just as I was about to beat the camera to the finish, I tried to duck under the cable line, but snagged it with my helmet! I fell off my uni, and twisted my ankle-I thought only slightly-but kept on riding for more than an hour after, with only slight discomfort.
I didn’t realize the extent of the sprain until I got home and looked at it! t looks like it’s broken! No real pain, but it’s swollen like a cantelope! I guess I’m out of commission for a while! :(:(
Nice video as usual. Owie, I’m so sorry about your ankle! This is where life sucks. I’ve been out on a hamstring pull now for a month. I have 2-4 more weeks but I started to rollerskate easy a bit. lol. I am hoping in another week the uni wont bother it and I can start to ride some…
This is a really cool setup, and I really couldn’t even see the cable in some of the shots. I especially liked the parts where the camera passed between the branches of several trees.
Hamstring injuries HURT! You’re smart to be taking to easy while it heals. Hope I can ride again soon too!
Thanks. I’m getting new spectra cord that will be less visible, but also much lighter, stronger and with no stretch.
Thanks Jerrick. I’ve done that drop tons of times, but for this shot the cable line was in the way, so I took the detour to the left and down, ducking under the line at the last second.
Here’s an older pic of me doing the drop. In the cable-cam shot, the line was running directly over the landing area, which is a pretty narrow patch of ground. :o
First of all your ankle looks quite bad and I hope you get back on the Muni soon.
That would be very good because seeing the cord destroys much of the “illusion” of a flying cam. In addition to that it would be cool when you could make the “zipping”-noise more silent, so that you can hear the Muni’s noises but not those from the camera sliding down.
I am really looking forward to seeing a vid which combines standard filming techniques and your cable cam.
Thanks. I think in these early stages while I’m developing my uni-cable-cam and making these initial videos, I wanted to show at least some hints of the cable so people would actually get a glimpse of the apparatus. You’ll also notice that in many of the same shots where the camera is *following" me, you do not see the cable. And of course, you never see it when I’m following the camera, or when action is shot from the side, even slightly.
As for the “sounds” of the camera zipping its way down the line, I really liked it, and indeed, increased the volume intentionally, lol! I felt it gave an added dimension to the whole process, giving the viewer a good sense for just how fast the camera was moving!
But I appreciate your comments and plan to keep developing and experimenting with my new filming technique.
Btw, in case you haven’t seen the pic I posted in RSU (I searched an older “Ankle” thread rather than make a new one haha), I just posted a current pic of my ankle showing significant improvement! In fact, I plan to do a nice little coker ride later today…on smooth, flat beach bike path!
My feet are probably a lot cleaner than the counter top most of the time haha!
I went for my first “post injury” ride today and I was surprised there was zero pain or discomfort! I guess the spinning motion of cycling is so totally different than the twisting motion of the ankle sprain, that I can tolerate it. I guess if I was a runner, or played tennis that would be a very different story. Lucky for me I ride a uni! Here’s a pic from after the ride. I can’t believe how fast it’s healing!
Oh, btw, that cord material is $1.22 per foot! I use about 200-300 feet so that is just plain crazy lol! My best best is dacron 500 lb test. Plenty strong, low stretch, CHEAP and lightweight. Cost: 15 cents per foot! Easily replaceable. And besides, the rig only weighs about 3 lbs, so even 500 lb breaking strength is overkill.
90 min. after injury:
2nd day: Swelling down a lot
3rd day: redness dissapating and can see my ankle bone again!
)
I have 2-4 more weeks but I started to rollerskate easy a bit. lol. I am hoping in another week the uni wont bother it and I can start to ride some…
