MXoN fans on tour: Oakley & Fox
What Lommel is to European motocross, the center of the industry, southern California is to the American SX/MX scene. But bigger and sunnier. As a motocross rider or cross enthusiast, it is not every day that you get the opportunity to look behind the scenes of this dream world. However, it is that unique experience that West Coast Travel Adventures has been offering to Dutch and Belgian fans for years!
Over the past 30 years, the American SX scene has not only taken over in the sporting field. What happens in the US in our sport simply sets the tone. The AMA competitions have the largest budgets, the Monster Energy SX competitions attract the largest spectators and American companies have grown into world leaders. Oakley and Fox are so much more than icons in motocross, both brands are Californian in origin and have grown into important players in the field of action sports. For MCLB Inter Greg Demeulemeester and his girlfriend Sharon Vandenabeele it was a special day. After all, as fans of Fox and Oakley, this was the pinnacle.
“Before we started the day, we headed to Panera Bread for breakfast. Very different from the pancakes from IHOP that we had the day before, but definitely worth it. You can compare it a bit with Starbucks, although there is much more choice to eat. Delicious and also with fast service!
Walking into Oakley is a bit like walking onto a film set, so impressive are the exterior of the building and the quirky lobby and shop! Our guide talked about the fairytale development of the brand using a timeline. Started in 1975 with one product: grips for BMX, followed by groundbreaking glasses for motocross riders and skiers, as well as sunglasses. While looks are always important, Oakley sets itself apart through its emphasis on performance. Throughout the tour it becomes clear how the brand strives for uncompromising quality. Contrary to what you might expect, Oakley does not produce its glasses in a low-wage country but here in Irvine, California. From melting the plastic for the glass to checking the lenses - by Oakley employees, not by robots - for scratches and air bubbles, to cutting the lens, the iridium coating and the assembly, we get a good idea of the entire production.
Finally, we can take a look at the test lab. All aspects that determine the performance of Oakley products are maniacally examined here. Everything is tested in the search for innovation and improvement. How can you make motocross goggles work as well as possible when you sweat or when you have to deal with vapor? How can goggles better protect riders or soldiers against flying projectiles, whether they are stones on a cross track or pieces of metal on the war front? The setup that literally involves shooting at glasses at speeds of over 600 km/h speaks volumes about the quality. The material is developed in such a way that it bends but does not crack to optimally protect eyes. After the tour we can shop in the factory store, the hefty discount is clearly appreciated by many fans!
In the afternoon we go for a bite to eat at Wahoo's. A very relaxed surf restaurant in the area. The cool and sporty decor is popular. You can also eat very healthy there, but we are not big fans of Mexican and spicy food. So check the map carefully!
The tour at Fox follows in the afternoon. Here too, the building has a remarkable entrance. After all, you enter through an angular entrance in the typical shape of the mouthpiece of a Fox helmet. The inside of the building is sleek and modern. Here and there, however, you see references to the rich history of the brand with the fox head: the zebra motif with which Pete Fox put the brand on the map, a collection of motorcycles with which Fox riders wrote history, and so on. Because nothing is produced here, it is mainly a breeding ground for Fox's design and marketing departments. Unfortunately we don't get to see everything because the work on the future collections is of course strictly secret. Outside, Fox has a beautiful garden to relax in, but the individuality of the brand is also reflected here because they even have a magnificent pit bike circuit! Here too, Fox treats our group to a very nice discount in the factory store.
After our two company visits it is time to enjoy the beautiful weather and the charming coastal town of Laguna Beach. Although it is very friendly, this is a more exclusive neighborhood. A beautiful beach with an unforgettable view of the Ocean, nice art galleries and cozy restaurants make Laguna Beach a real winner. Wonderful for walking, swimming, bodyboarding or just having a nice meal. But America wouldn't be America without crazy or eccentric people! On the way to the restaurant we laughed with a dancing man on the street who greeted everyone. The mood was also good in the evening, we enjoyed the excellent food and the fantastic decor of “The Cliff”. Without a doubt a very nice place, with a nice kitchen. This rounded off a fun day in the perfect way.
Tekst: Sharon Vandenabeele
Photos: Gino Maes
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