"Praying Mantis Grabbin Gearzzzzzz!!"

Rat Rod Rockers Trailer

Rat Rod Rockers Drag Race Footage!!!!COOOOOOOOL!!

Fun Drag Race Video... cool!!!

Here is a fun vid I found on you tube.. check it out!!

"Mississippi Queen"

I found this on you tube, it just gets the blood flow'in!!!!

"MIDNIGHT MANTIS RUN"

"Listen to the jingle of the vertigate linkage"...... I had the glove box open for light, then everything flew out when I grabb'd 2nd gear...


****Do you have any in car gear-grabb'n videos? We would like to see them!!****

"I Want a girl and a Hot Rod"

"Runnin Moonshine on Hwy 9"

Mantis makes it out to Belfair, WA for a motorcycle ride

Ron got the bikes ready in the trailer for the journey to Belfair. The trailer houses a Honda 70 and two Honda 450 dirt bikes-with a lot of room to spare. Steve hasn't been on a motorcycle for 30+ years-and the last time he rode one-it was his Honda 50. Everyone understands that a 450 has a tad more power than a 50, but with a quick 5 minute tutorial-Steve made it to 2nd gear! We got in a little over 3 hours of riding-and the trails are unbelievable. If you haven't been on a dirt bike in a while-it's something Mantis highly recommends. Take a look at Cycle Barn for ideas of some great gear and rides.

Check out the photo of Ron, Steve and Max half way through their ride. Mantis would like to thank Nic for allowing us to video his jumps. Make sure and tell your friends you made it on Mantis Rodz Nic....Thanks!

Last day of Ski School at Snoqualmie

On the last day of ski school Mantis took to the slopes the extreme sports way-by foot. Maybe that's the foolish way, but it's still a great way to see a spectacular view and get some great exercise. Max and the ski school students sure had an action packed, fun-filled time. A special thanks to Ski Maters Ski School.

Planning the next motorcycle ride!

If you haven't been on a motorcycle since your Honda 70 thirty plus years ago, is it a good idea to try and hop on a Honda 450? Well, that's what Ron is planning for the Mantis run next weekend. Ron is the master behind the bike and will give some pointers on how to make it happen.
Max of Mantis is 8 years old and rides a Honda 70. We will make sure and get some video clips of the ride. Check out the sweet set-up in the photo. The trailer does some great work hauling the bikes (two Honda 450's and a Honda 50 and 70) to some great destinations. Hey Ron, we are sure looking forward to the ride-thanks for the invite! Take a look at Honda Motorcycles.

Mantis meets VW Bus cruzin in Bothell, WA

The Mantis is always on the hunt for cool ridz! Sometimes we are at the right place at the right time. This VW Bus was probably on the way to a beach somewhere. Mantis got flashbacks to "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Check out the Vintage Bus for some VW Buses.

Meet future racing stars Hunter and Peyton

Mantis wanted to thank these future racing stars Hunter and Peyton for talking about their adventures in racing. Take a look at the Washington Quarter Midget Association and find out more about the events. Mantis Rodz knows it's all about the kids. Thanks again Hunter and Peyton!

Playboy Playmate Sara Underwood at the Seattle Roadster Show

Mantis Rodz had a booth at the car show-and of course had the "Praying Mantis" '55 Gasser Wagon on display. One thing that Mantis didn't miss out on was Sara Underwood-the 2007 Playboy Playmate of the Year! Steve's daughter-Brittany had to wait in line just to take a picture for him.

Hot Rod Shows, family and fun!

It's awesome to go to a hot rod show and see an entire family participate in the fun. Checking out classic cars, mingling with the crowd, getting some grub and meeting some new friends-this is what it's all about. Mantis Rodz had the opportunity to meet some great people from the 2008 Seattle Roadster Show. Thanks again for stopping by our booth. Looking forward to seeing you on the site soon!

Mantis Rodz booth-Seattle Roadster Show

It's the Mantis Rodz booth at the Seattle Roadster Show. Check out the Mantis Family (top photo) with Kevin, Barb and daughter Terra. Brittany Lazar got her face painted by Colorific Kids. It's the '55 Praying Mantis Gasser Wagon. Barb is wearing one of the Mantis Rodz T-Shirts. Dutch-with Colorific-did an awesome job. Look what he did with Susan out of Seattle! Mantis will be hooking up with Dutch on some future projects.

Mantis Rodz is about family and kids!

Mantis wants to give a special thanks to the families that stopped by our booth at the Seattle Roadster Show. It's always great to see smiling faces-and being able to pass a little something along for the kids-is a lot of fun. Here is a photo of just one of those families-the kids were great! Thanks again for stopping by!

My favorite little guy making it happen on the slopes!

Max of Mantis Rodz is blasted all over this site. It's about the kids after all! He's a huge fan of sports, hot rods, family and having fun. He's such a great sport about everything. Max-make sure and show/tell your friends that you are a super star skiing machine! His ski school is just about over-and then it's time for baseball....

Snowboarders biting it up at Snoqualmie

Here are a couple quick clips of snowboarders crashing. Mantis has some other clips of successful jumps in the next blog. Enjoy the clips. It's all about entertainment! This site is for the snowboarding fans.

Snowboarding Snoqualmie

Mantis spent an afternoon up at the slopes watching Max's ski school and seeing the snowboarders get some air. Enjoy the clips-and a special thanks to the snowboarders!

Little Old Lady From Pasadena-Dodge Muscle Cars from YouTube

Motorcycle club "Getting Lost" on Whidbey Island

Mantis had the opportunity to capture a motorcycle club making a run to Coupeville, WA on Whidbey Island. Dave Preston is Public Relations for the Cycle Barn Motorsports Group-and he welcomed photos of the club. This group met at the Mukilteo ferry landing on Saturday-February 16th-with 31 members from three different groups. Dave said that they were going to get lost on Whidbey Island and meet up for lunch in Coupeville. They sure picked a great day for a ride. Thanks again for the photos Dave-great choppers! Check out Cycle Barn.

Tuskegee Airmen of World War II

Mantis would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tuskegee Airmen for their outstanding service during World War II. Steve, with Mantis Rodz, had the fortune of meeting several members of the Tuskegee Airmen at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA on Memorial Day in 2007.

Steve met several airmen-including Captain Luther H. Smith, Jr., Lt. Col. Walter McCreary, Captain Richard Macon, 1st Lt. William Hollomon, and Lt. Col Alexander Jefferson. He had the Tuskegee Airmen sign a P-51 "Mustang" that is displayed in his son's room. The wood base has the words Tuskegee Airmen. The plaque reads, P-51D "Mustang" Tuskegee. The Army Air Force began training African-Americans as military pilots in Alabama at Tuskegee's Motion Field and Tuskegee Army Air Field. The Tuskegee Airmen completed 15,500 missions, destroyed over 260 enemy aircraft, sank one enemy destroyer, and demolished numerous enemy installations. Bomber crews named them the "Red-Tail Angels" after the red tail markings on their aircraft. A Distinguished Unit Citation was awarded to the 332nd Fighter Group for "outstanding performance and extraordinary heroism" in 1945.

Steve would also like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, Air Force (Retired), WWII POW. Lt. Colonel Jefferson signed a book for Steve's son, Max. The book, Red Tail Captured, Red Tail Free...The Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and POW by Alexander Jefferson (Lt. Col., USAF, Ret.) is a great book to have in any library. Please check out Tuskegee Airmen.

Having the opportunity to meet the Tuskegee Airmen will always be a cherished moment for Steve. He served in the Army from 1983-1986 and was proud to make the rank of Sergeant.

Thanks again to the Tuskegee Airmen!

Modesto, CA has an American Graffiti Parade.

The rodzrookie found a decent video to fit in the lifestyle section. Try and name as many makes, models and years of these classic rides that cruise by the spectators. Enjoy the clip!

Rockabilly Rave from YouTube

YouTube is full of great clips...The rides and songs bring back some great memories for a number of people. Recognize any classics that you once had in your possession?

Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Orphan Cars

As a car buff, I am really intrigued by the "orphan cars." An orphan car is any car that is discontinued by the manufacturer. My dad had an Essex, which was produced by the Essex Motor Company and then by Hudson Motor Company. Boy was it cool.

I wanted to find a list of orphan cars and found these:

>Orphan Cars<
Torq-O

But the best thing I found was this funny video about "orphan cars," enjoy!

Kite Surfing: Extreme Sports Exposed!

Mantis Rodz spoke to Scott, an extreme kite surfing expert, at Richmond Beach in Shoreline, WA. What an intense sport this is! It was ice cold, wind howling like crazy...a perfect atmosphere for the avid kite surfer.

A surfer said that he could hit approximately 20mph. That's smoking! One also said that the only time a kite surfer gets cold is when one steps out of the water. For you "wanna-be" kite surfers check out KiteSurfing Now.

Mantis would like to thank the kite surfers at Richmond Beach.

"Buckets" Blakes with the Harlem Globetrotters

Steve with Mantis Rodz had the opportunity to meet "Buckets" Blakes with the Harlem Globetrotters in Woodinville, WA at the local Top Foods grocery store. Steve recalls seeing the Globetrotters over 30 years ago-watching the greats Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal play the game in Seattle.

Here is the ever popular Harlem Globetrotters site. Check out the local grocery locations for Top Foods.

Here is "Buckets" Blakes in a quick video clip displaying his talents. Steve was also able to sneak in a quick photo with the Globetrotters star.

Anchorage Inn - B&B on Whidbey Island

February is a great time of year to visit bed and breakfasts around the country. This British Columbia resident with a cool ride spends time at the Anchorage Inn B&B in Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

What a great place to visit during any time of the year. Whidbey Island offers a lot. Check out the B&B Anchorage Inn for more information.

National Guard Hummer at Snoqualmie Pass

Max took in another 1/2 day in ski lessons at Snoqualmie. He met a member of the National Guard on his recent trip. Levi, the Career Counselor for the Washington Army National Guard, was happy to take a photo with Max next to his patriotic Hummer. Mantis Rodz thanks the U.S. Armed Forces for protecting our country. Thanks again, Levi!

Here is the 1-800-Go-Guard link to get more information on the National Guard and Go Washington Guard for the local info. Go to Hummer for all of you cool terrain vehicle fans.

Mantis meets Osmosis Hummer

The Mantis Lifestyle link is just that-lifestyle. It's about passions, hobbies, interests and family. When Mantis spotted this Osmosis Mint Water Hummer-Eric-the owner/rep-was on his way to a Lynnwood, WA gym. Isn't that great advertising-an awesome rig representing a good healthy beverage-with an owner that's hitting the gym. If that isn't a lifestyle, Mantis isn't sure what is? We'd like to thank Eric for allowing us to photo his ride. Here's this healthy Osmosis Mint Water that his Hummer is advertising.

Stongest Man in the World karate chop!

Max's recent visit to New York allowed him to witness a member of the "Strongest Man in the World" perform an amazing feat by breaking bricks by foot with a 360 roundhouse. This man was a part of a two-man team that toured the country doing things in front of crowds just like the one shown here. This event was performed live in front of the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Center. For you NBC Today Show fans visit here.

Mantis visits Snoqualmie Pass for Max's Ski School

Mantis understands that cruising hot rodz and classic cars can be a great thing year round in certain parts of the country, but unfortunately in the Pacific Northwest one can't cruise all the time. Some of us take it to the slopes during the winter and try out some different kind of entertainment. Here is Max of Mantis getting ready for his second year of ski school. Mantis also saw some rides trying to make it up the mountain and wasn't sure why a Mustang was giving it a shot? This was probably the most rugged ride that Mantis spotted-the Defender-Land Rover pictured here. Check out the license plate-this rig is from Massachusetts. Here are two great sites for the above topics: Land Rover USA and Summit at Snoqualmie for some great information.

Some Snoqualmie videos

Mantis made it up to Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State to capture some random videos. The Snoqualmie Ski Patrol made some comment, but Mantis continued to video while on the slopes. It captured some snow-boarders on a short clip performing a 360. It also saw some backwards manuevers from others on the slopes. Mantis will be sure to capture some rad jumps on the next visit.

Mantis, Max and his "Motor Scooter" video clip

Santa sure surprised Max with a new motor scooter this year. Because Max is a 7 year old-his family gets nervous about his ambition on hitting the dirt with his motorcycle or the road with his scooter, but how does one learn the ropes? The Nike slogan " just do it" comes to mind. His family keeps a watchful eye on him too-and gives him room to roam. For you motor scooter, go kart, ATV's enthusiast-etc, check out Motor Scooters .

Mantis found a great event in Bellingham, WA!

Mantis members and rodzreaders will enjoy this feature. First of all Mantis would like to thank Mike and Mike's R/C World Indoor Off-Road Racetrack crew and members for inviting us to this spectacular event. If anyone wants to see an action packed event-don't miss out on this indoor race with a number of different remote control race cars and trucks. Mike, Penny and the crew sure put together a class act-they even have some great food and soft drinks available for purchase. Mantis could not believe the showroom and how many items it inventories. It sure is not lacking any parts for remote control enthusiasts. The racetrack is located in Bellingham, Wa and is near the Bellingham Airport. To get more information about races call Mike at 360-733-3662-he also mentioned to check out the website RC Tech for a thread to his racetrack happenings. Mantis hopes that Mike and Penny can share more about this race and upcoming dates for future fun. Thanks again Mike!

Photos from Mike's R/C World Indoor Off-Road Racetrack

Mantis captured some pictures from Mike's huge event. The racetrack, showroom, and other areas of the buidling is very user friendly. Putting on a race like this one sure takes a lot of time and effort from everyone involved. Mantis appreciated Mike's invitation to check out the race. Thanks again Mike and Mike's R/C World members.

Mike's R/C World members getting ready for the event!

Now here's an awesome event! Check out Mike's R/C World Indoor Off-Road Racetrack's members making the final touches to their rides before hitting the dirt. Kids, teens, adults...boys and girls particpate in this action-packed fun. Mantis enjoyed talking with all the particpants and was thankful to snap some photos. Do any of Mike's R/C World members spot some familiar faces? Thanks again Mike and R/C World members-hope to see you again soon!

Mike's R/C World Live Video Feed from Bellingham, WA

Mantis was amazed at Mike's Indoor Off-Road Racetrack and tried to get some video footage. The event ran from 2:00pm to nearly 2:00am on December 29, 2007. The participation was incredible with the different classes and heats. This particular day attracted racers from Vancouver, WA to Vancouver, Canada-with over 100 particpants. It was a real hopping place. Mantis would like to thank Mike and his crew again for the great time. Hope Mike's R/C World members can spot their cars! Mantis wonders how it feels to dodge several remote control cars going 30-45mph? Hopefully Mike's R/C World crew members can tell their story!

Life is a Highway

Hey Hot-Rodderz,

A big part of the car community (heck, a big part of life) is great music!

Our lives have a soundtrack.... and songs become milestone markers that we associate memories of all kinds with.

Here is a favorite milestone song of mine, "Life is a Highway."

Enjoy!

Is this guy giving Lance Armstrong a run for his money?

Mantis wasn't sure if this bike should be on Pimp My Ridz or Unique Whips.....What do the readers think? Unfortunately Mantis didn't get an opportunity to find out more about what ride this person was training for. This form of transportation could not be denied an entry. More power to this one of a kind ride!

Rides in Berlin!

Gear Abby loves to travel too!

I took a whirlwind trip to Germany last year, to trace the historical origins of the National Socialist Party and do some research on the Holocaust. While in Berlin, strolling down one of the world's more famous thoroughfares, Unter den Linden, I stopped to take these pictures. The dealerships are very different from here in the states. There aren't any huge car lots, just a show room with no more than one or two models of a car. But I couldn't resist taking pictures of cars.... and after all, Germany is known for its high performance vehicles.

The first couple of pictures at the store-front of an unknown manufacturer (to me), that was displaying "green cars" and futuristic models like these.

The next picture is, of course, a couple of brand new Ferraris! Unfortunately, the glare through the window is a bit bright! I would have gone into the dealership to see this car, but they weren't open that day.

Hope you enjoyed my car pics!

While in Germany zipping around in my Mercedes rental car, I saw a lot of sweet rides, but most of all, I enjoyed the little Smart cars and their sometimes colorful and hilarious paint jobs. If I thought they were safe enough for American byways, I would snatch one of those little commuters up!