Timbuk2

Mike Hamel
Los Angeles

Born in Rhode Island, raised in Atlanta, back to Rhode Island...with a couple lifetimes in New Orleans, it was back to Providence for the duration...then on to Los Angeles. Mike started riding bikes and skateboards when he was 7, to then in later life be a bike messenger for 7 years, splitting his time between Providence and Boston. He dealt with the weather of snow and sleet to be able to have a profession that kept him outside, out of cars, and on his bike. On a dream of a band that could make it, Mike moved to Los Angeles.

The band didn't work out quite as expected, but he was able to rediscover himself artistically within the art world of LA. Having excelled in art in school, but letting it sit on the back burner while focusing on music, it was quite a relief and release to be able to return to the introverted craft. Mike now works with a collaborative group best known as the crew at the Ghetto Mansion in downtown Los Angeles. Within this he works with the companies Praise the Lowered and Black Van helping bring artistic flavor back home to convenience and fashion for bike riders, snow boarders, and to those men who enjoy a little fun in their hoodies. Mike also is a pro builder at I Martin Bicycles that specializes in high-end bikes for those that really know about, and enjoy riding. While he loves building his personal bikes from the frame up; working on them and keeping them for years at a time, he always has respect for any that truly love riding. Refusing to drive a car, even in Los Angeles, he's a part of the midnight riders and the fixed gear obsessed. It's been a great honor to be able to participate in anything involving Timbuk 2, which has always been the bag of his choice.