Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums
Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: NaturalWonder83 on November 28, 2010, 04:55:08 AM
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friend came back from Venice,CA-review of Bob Bowl and the overall weirdness
So a friend spent some time in Venice Beach. Went to Gold's Gym, ate at the firehouse, lived the dream.
I asked him about it.
He said: there were many rvs in the parking lot that he believed people lived in...some were very very shady he said. there were also many nice cars in the parking lot-porches, corvettes, etc
a certain ifbb pro who trains at Golds kept slapping his ass... he was not aware that this famous pro was gay until I told him.
Charles Glass was always there he thought... he looked homeless. He said Carl Weathers was doing cardio w/ sunglasses on. He saw Lou Ferrigno sometimes... he looked big.
Stan Mcquay was looking big. He once saw Dexter Jackson... he looked angry. Tony Freeman was also spotted-very tall, small waist, all the women kept coming up to him.
He said the Firehouse was good...he liked the buckwheat pancakes and the egg white turkey scramble. He tried a Bob Bowl. He said it was overpriced and bland.
Max Muscle was like a lame GNC he said. Not very exciting.
Many tattoo shops everywhere. Lots of healthy smoothie shops.
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Are planning on going there as well Gene? I have been not too impressive.
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Are planning on going there as well Gene? I have been not too impressive.
It always was a dumpy area.
I went out there 30 yrs ago. Met Dave Dupre working out at the outside gym aka Muscle Beach.
He bitched about Wieder not paying the magazine fee for his split biceps article and said he was living with his mother at the time ( I am 100% serious ,no joke) He took off in an old beater with smoke comming out the back.
The gym was pretty hardcore and had a great atmosphere. A few guys were living in vans parked out back or in a lot nearby.
It was pretty obvious to me that the majority that went for a "career" in bodybuilding would end up as bums.
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It always was a dumpy area.
I went out there 30 yrs ago. Met Dave Dupre working out at the outside gym aka Muscle Beach.
He bitched about Wieder not paying the magazine fee for his split biceps article and said he was living with his mother at the time ( I am 100% serious ,no joke) He took off in an old beater with smoke comming out the back.
The gym was pretty hardcore and had a great atmosphere. A few guys were living in vans parked out back or in a lot nearby.
It was pretty obvious to me that the majority that went for a "career" in bodybuilding would end up as bums.
I have seen Dave's pics he had some good biceps split like Boyer Coe's. That had to be be cool seeing some of the old guys back in the day but sad at the same time. I trained with Mentzer there in 2000 before he died same thing old beat up car and a bunch of bums around.
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I have seen Dave's pics he had some good biceps split like Boyer Coe's. That had to be be cool seeing some of the old guys back in the day but sad at the same time. I trained with Mentzer there in 2000 before he died same thing old beat up car and a bunch of bums around.
I actually saw Robby Robinson in there working back. Incredible V taper on that guy.
I had spoken with New England physique champ Len Achembault (spell?) about the Venice/muscle beach scene before I went out there at the AAU Mr Bay State. He had just spent a few months out there and felt that only real advantage was access to the latest drugs from Europe.
He cautioned me to enjoy bodybuilding for what it was as a fun hobby and not get too carried with the drugs, etc. GREAT advice I was greatful to hear as a young guy.
My 1st contest in 1978 in Greewhich , Conn, was MUCH better bodybuilding experience then going to southern Cal .
I met Mike Katz, Dave Johns,Chirs Dickerson, Bill Pearl , Bill Grant and pumped up back stage beside Benny Poda who really won the overall. 1978 AAU Mr E Seaboard.
Thanks to Benny I finally moved into a cave hehehehe
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I actually saw Robby Robinson in there working back. Incredible V taper on that guy.
I had spoken with New England physique champ Len Achembault (spell?) about the Venice/muscle beach scene before I went out there at the AAU Mr Bay State. He had just spent a few months out there and felt that only real advantage was access to the latest drugs from Europe.
He cautioned me to enjoy bodybuilding for what it was as a fun hobby and not get too carried with the drugs, etc. GREAT advice I was greatful to hear as a young guy.
My 1st contest in 1978 in Greewhich , Conn, was MUCH better bodybuilding experience then going to southern Cal .
I met Mike Katz, Dave Johns,Chirs Dickerson, Bill Pearl , Bill Grant and pumped up back stage beside Benny Poda who really won the overall. 1978 AAU Mr E Seaboard.
Thanks to Benny I finally moved into a cave hehehehe
Yes Benny sounds like your mentor. ;D
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Yes Benny sounds like your mentor. ;D
He was and is my idol.
On a serious note, he had some seriously thick muscle.
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I actually saw Robby Robinson in there working back. Incredible V taper on that guy.
I had spoken with New England physique champ Len Achembault (spell?) about the Venice/muscle beach scene before I went out there at the AAU Mr Bay State. He had just spent a few months out there and felt that only real advantage was access to the latest drugs from Europe.
He cautioned me to enjoy bodybuilding for what it was as a fun hobby and not get too carried with the drugs, etc. GREAT advice I was greatful to hear as a young guy.
My 1st contest in 1978 in Greewhich , Conn, was MUCH better bodybuilding experience then going to southern Cal .
I met Mike Katz, Dave Johns,Chirs Dickerson, Bill Pearl , Bill Grant and pumped up back stage beside Benny Poda who really won the overall. 1978 AAU Mr E Seaboard.
Thanks to Benny I finally moved into a cave hehehehe
cool story, Howard
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(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach%3Btopic=34116.0%3Battach=34147%3Bimage)
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cool story, Howard
Thanks , here is another you might like.
Before the awards for the teen class at the Mr Eastboard, promoter Mike Katz came back stage and asked the teen finalist who we wanted to get our trophy from; " You have your choice of Miss Nutmeg State or Mr Universe Chris Dickerson."
It was Mr U by unanimous vote ;)
After that, my first contest in '78, it was all downhill for me as a bodybuilder ;D
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(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach%3Btopic=34116.0%3Battach=34147%3Bimage)
benny won the overall open at that show in '78.
Really friendly, funny but gruff and blunt guy.
He was pumping up back stage with one of those old school chest crushers.
Between pumping I asked him what he did for his massive legs.
His answer was pure Poda!
" Get in the fuckin squat rack and rep out until you puke . Then, do some more"
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In before howard has an orgasm over a bbing related thread..... :-\
So Gene, the bob bowl was overpriced and bland? Isnt that an ironic metaphor. :D
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He was and is my idol.
On a serious note, he had some seriously thick muscle.
Yes Benny knew society was fucked up way back in the day hence moving to a cave and hanging rocks off his balls.
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1) who was the gay bodybuilder in question?
2) At what point in your life does just having a good orgasm not suffice and you have to resort to wearing one of these
(http://shechive.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/weird-fashion-12.jpg?w=500&h=374)
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howard tell the benny from san diego
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a certain ifbb pro who trains at Golds kept slapping his ass...he was not aware that this famous pro was gay until I told him.
Your friend must be gay himself. I mean, really... it took you telling him the pro was gay as opposed to your friend thinkin', 'Why does this man keep slapping my ass?' and not do anything about it?
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So a friend spent some time in Venice Beach.
Went to Gold's Gym, ate at the firehouse, lived the dream.
I asked him about it.
He said:
there were many rvs in the parking lot that he believed people lived in...some were very very shady he said.
there were also many nice cars in the aprking lot-porches, corvettes, etc
a certain ifbb pro who trains at Golds kept slapping his ass...he was not aware that this famous pro was gay until I told him.
Charles Glass was always there he thought...he looked homeless.
He said Carl Weathers was doing cardio w/ sunglasses on.
He saw Lou Ferrigno sometimes...he looked big.
Stan Mcquay was looking big.
He once saw Dexter Jackson...he looked angry.
Tony Freeman was also spotted-very tall, small waist, all the women kept coming up to him.
He said the Firehouse was good...he liked the buckwheat pancakes and the egg white turkey scramble.
He tried a Bob Bowl. He said it was overpriced and bland.
Max Muscle was like a lame GNC he said. Not very exciting.
Many tattoo shops everywhere.
Lots of healthy smoothie shops.
I know it's the "mecca" and all, but there are better gyms out there. That Golds (like all golds) have became so commercialized I don't consider them any better than the local 24hr fitness.
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Coach. what are the better/best gyms in SoCal these days?
Thanks
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Coach. what are the better/best gyms in SoCal these days?
Thanks
It's going to be the more privately owned gyms, MetRx and Milos' gym come to mind as well as a gym called "Lou Greenburgs San Gabriel Gym" "Bulldog Gym" in Glendora (if it's still there). The gyms that the old school guys have and have stayed with, they are still very successful, it's also the smaller warehouse gyms (like the one were planning) and garage gyms where people can train the way they want with a "Hardcore" feel where they can still use chalk, do strongman, etc. Society has been brain washed by the advertising and media attention of the "fitness" gym and makes people think you have to train in place like that to get in shape.....if they only new. BUT the good news is with all of these little gyms still staying in business and the "hardcore" (underground) warehouse/garage gyms opening, you just might see more people migrate to it, not so much the soccer moms but rather their kids possibly opening a new resurgence in training coming full circle to back where it used to be before the commercialization.
To me opening a gym that maybe only 2-3500 sqft and if you install say a 30-40 sprint track with turf 5000sq ft would be more than enough.
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Cool story bro
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Hey Howard,Roger Aiudi from Central City Gym in Springfield contracted Dickerson to guest pose at that show in Conn.
I was working the desk in the gym when Roger brought him in and introduced me to him...........good days!!
Remember a kid named Jeff McBride................. .teenager with an awesome build?
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vencie is the greatest place in the world, best place to live, it is the best
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So a friend spent some time in Venice Beach.
Went to Gold's Gym, ate at the firehouse, lived the dream.
I asked him about it.
He said:
there were many rvs in the parking lot that he believed people lived in...some were very very shady he said.
there were also many nice cars in the aprking lot-porches, corvettes, etc
a certain ifbb pro who trains at Golds kept slapping his ass...he was not aware that this famous pro was gay until I told him.
Charles Glass was always there he thought...he looked homeless.
He said Carl Weathers was doing cardio w/ sunglasses on.
He saw Lou Ferrigno sometimes...he looked big.
Stan Mcquay was looking big.
He once saw Dexter Jackson...he looked angry.
Tony Freeman was also spotted-very tall, small waist, all the women kept coming up to him.
He said the Firehouse was good...he liked the buckwheat pancakes and the egg white turkey scramble.
He tried a Bob Bowl. He said it was overpriced and bland.
Max Muscle was like a lame GNC he said. Not very exciting.
Many tattoo shops everywhere.
Lots of healthy smoothie shops.
who is the ass slapping ifbb pro?
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Haha, no offence dude but Venice as with most of LA is a shithole.
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He tried a Bob Bowl. He said it was overpriced and bland.
I tried the Bob Bowl last month. Came with a free Pirate shirt
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Hey Howard,Roger Aiudi from Central City Gym in Springfield contracted Dickerson to guest pose at that show in Conn.
I was working the desk in the gym when Roger brought him in and introduced me to him...........good days!!
Remember a kid named Jeff McBride................. .teenager with an awesome build?
WOW, that is so cool, small world and yes I know of Rodger,and he seemed like a real good guy.
I think I competed in the same show as Jeff M, perhaps it was the Mr Bay State in Worcster, Mass?
He had great legs as I remember. Did Mr A ( 84-84??)Jeff King train your gym in Springfield?
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Bob Bowl is still pretty good, but much more expensive that it was a few years ago.
A lot of people still go to Gold's Venice to train. As for campers in the parking lot, that I havent seen.
The Max Muscle is no longer where it was, close to the Firehouse - they moved to Rose & Lincoln.
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Bob Bowl is still pretty good, but much more expensive that it was a few years ago.
A lot of people still go to Gold's Venice to train. As for campers in the parking lot, that I havent seen.
The Max Muscle is no longer where it was, close to the Firehouse - they moved to Rose & Lincoln.
In the Rose Cafe?
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In the Rose Cafe?
Rose and LINCOLN...
Rose Cafe is on Rose and Hampton
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WOW, that is so cool, small world and yes I know of Rodger,and he seemed like a real good guy.
I think I competed in the same show as Jeff M, perhaps it was the Mr Bay State in Worcster, Mass?
He had great legs as I remember. Did Mr A ( 84-84??)Jeff King train your gym in Springfield?
Jeff King,Rich Roy(Mr. World),Pat Hayes(70`s Mr.A contestant),Joe Gomes(NABBA Mr. U and Mr. A contestant),Jim Jarvis(Mr. Bay State),Larry Tyler(Teen Mr. A Class winner),Matt Dufresne(Mr. America,Mr. USA,Mr. Universe,etc.),Rick Sampson(NABBA Mr. U contestant),Chris Gordon(of Pumping Iron fame),Ray Wilson,Arthur Prince,(Mr. Mass. and Mr. A contestant)etc. etc.
A real hotbed of bodybuilding.
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Max Muscle now at Rose and Lincoln... Cheaper rent I think.
Pretty close to the freeway entrance heading east (I-10).
Lincoln would be 10th Avenue if it was not called "Lincoln" (or would it be 11th?)
Long ago the Rose Cafe, now situated across the street from the Firehouse, used to be located on Rose.
Hence its' name!
Do you realize that old Route 66's western end is the Santa Monica Pier?
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Venice is a weird place. If you haven't been here, it's kind of shocking. You get used to the bumbs shitting all over the sidewalk, junkies wigging out, dead people laying around, bumbs fucking on the street, bumbs having a party on 3rd street, did I mention bumbs?
It's gross, but has some interesting character to it, if you can put it that way. I train at Gold's Venice for the convenience, it's still got decent equipment, I just get in and get the fuck out as soon as I can. Way too many weirdos doing weird shit in there. Stay away from the up stairs bathrooms unless you want a trib session or see some old dude hanging out with his saggy balls.
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Jeff King,Rich Roy(Mr. World),Pat Hayes(70`s Mr.A contestant),Joe Gomes(NABBA Mr. U and Mr. A contestant),Jim Jarvis(Mr. Bay State),Larry Tyler(Teen Mr. A Class winner),Matt Dufresne(Mr. America,Mr. USA,Mr. Universe,etc.),Rick Sampson(NABBA Mr. U contestant),Chris Gordon(of Pumping Iron fame),Ray Wilson,Arthur Prince,(Mr. Mass. and Mr. A contestant)etc. etc.
A real hotbed of bodybuilding.
no offense dude, but didn't most of these dudes die of old age?
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no offense dude, but didn't most of these dudes die of old age?
Not funny !! ;D
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GOOD QUESTION, Man! Old age or otherwise.
I did see Jeff king within the past couple of years (or was that his son?). Nah, it had to be jeff because we did talk about the birth of his son who was almost due while helping us promote a show someplace.
But the rest, I'm not sure of.
Gonna ask around though, so "STAND BY, Trooper!"
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stunt,Jeff is doing well,still training and is a lean 195-200 pounds.
Works as a physical therapist as well as a state police officer.
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Howard, the bodybuilding world used to be really small and I bet I even know you or have met ya or possibly punched ya in the nose for some invalid reason.
I'll PM ya one of these days to determine when out lives crossed paths. I'm almost sure they have.
If you go to AA meetings in So Cal. I'm that quiet asshole sitting in the corner who never says anything because I'm not an alcoholic and have been told by the real alcoholics to keep my mouth shut and have a cup of coffee and wait till they are finished to get a ride back home.
They need me to drive them, otherwise they stop in the neighborhood tavern on their way home for a couple of congratulatory snorts.
The Circle Bar in Venice used to be their favorite inebriation hide-out but once they decided to make an attempt to sober up, it appears that that hide-out has closed down.
You know that place?
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Thanks, Wes! Jeff competed against my good friend and fellow Marine back in the early 80's and I think I met him around that time.
Just tried to find a Jeff photo on the net but apparently none exist.
Oh shit! I'm talking about Jeff McBride here.
Thanks for the Jeff King info. Great guy! I'll try to contact him for old times' sake!
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Stunt,was your marine friend........Ernie Santiago?
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"Rose and Hampton" that's right, I get those confused, been a while since I was there.
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Stunt,was your marine friend........Ernie Santiago?
Man Ernie looked good too
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Wes, Ernie and his family have been friends of mine for many years, But since I moved, I have not seen them much,
Ernie, email me if you are reading this.
Semper fi!
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Why do I have yellow stars? What means that?
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Venice is a weird place. If you haven't been here, it's kind of shocking. You get used to the bumbs shitting all over the sidewalk, junkies wigging out, dead people laying around, bumbs fucking on the street, bumbs having a party on 3rd street, did I mention bumbs?
It's gross, but has some interesting character to it, if you can put it that way. I train at Gold's Venice for the convenience, it's still got decent equipment, I just get in and get the fuck out as soon as I can. Way too many weirdos doing weird shit in there. Stay away from the up stairs bathrooms unless you want a trib session or see some old dude hanging out with his saggy balls.
sounds like a great experience. :-X
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Rose and LINCOLN...
Rose Cafe is on Rose and Hampton
bob,
does chris cormier still train at venice?
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I;ve done a lot of posting regarding Venice and Santa Monica in the old days which might be of interest to some of you GetBiggers but I have no idea how to find them old submissions.
Suffice it to say that back when Muscle Beach was popular in Santa Monica, Venice Beach was a quiet Jewish community consisting of very old folks sitting on benches and a few Synagogs and the beach was seldom occupied except for the old pier area with the Lawrence Welk type dance-hall.
Actually that beach south of the SM Muscle Beach area was seldom occupied with the exception of a couple of private beach clubs until the Hippies invaded and turned it into their own nudist tanning and smoking area.
And then the bongo players turned up by the hundreds yo pay tribute to the setting sun in a haze of marijuana dew.
We used to ride the electric trolly from the SM Pier down to the vicinity where the Venice pit is presently located and return for about a quarter .... and many times I'd hop off that trolly and run beside it for most of that 2 mile route. And I'd often beat it back to the SM Pier when it stopped to drop off passengers along the route.
Good, fun days back then.
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I;ve done a lot of posting regarding Venice and Santa Monica in the old days which might be of interest to some of you GetBiggers but I have no idea how to find them old submissions.
Suffice it to say that back when Muscle Beach was popular in Santa Monica, Venice Beach was a quiet Jewish community consisting of very old folks sitting on benches and a few Synagogs and the beach was seldom occupied except for the old pier area with the Lawrence Welk type dance-hall.
Actually that beach south of the SM Muscle Beach area was seldom occupied with the exception of a couple of private beach clubs until the Hippies invaded and turned it into their own nudist tanning and smoking area.
And then the bongo players turned up by the hundreds yo pay tribute to the setting sun in a haze of marijuana dew.
We used to ride the electric trolly from the SM Pier down to the vicinity where the Venice pit is presently located and return for about a quarter .... and many times I'd hop off that trolly and run beside it for most of that 2 mile route. And I'd often beat it back to the SM Pier when it stopped to drop off passengers along the route.
Good, fun days back then.
How old are you ?