RIDING IN LA COMPTON GANG ZONES AND I WAS LEFT SHOCKED..

John Hicks
23 Apr 202438:36

TLDRThe video follows a thrilling ride through the streets of Los Angeles, particularly in the Westlake and Silver Lake neighborhoods. The narrator discusses the harsh realities of the area, comparing it to South Central, and shares personal anecdotes, including a near-accident due to a driver running a stop sign. The channel's upcoming events, including an Ultra Be winner announcement, are teased. The video captures the essence of urban exploration on a Suron bike, highlighting the city's alleyways, graffiti, and the notorious fake ID area around MacArthur Park. The rider also touches on a recent shooting incident and the general sense of lawlessness in certain parts of the city. Throughout the video, the viewer is taken on a dynamic journey that includes navigating through traffic, avoiding off-leash dogs, and experiencing the chaotic yet exhilarating nature of the city.

Takeaways

  • 🚴‍♂️ The narrator is riding through various neighborhoods in Los Angeles, noting the differences in conditions compared to South Central.
  • 🗓️ The date, April 20th, is significant for some people, but the narrator does not partake in the activities typically associated with it.
  • 🏆 There's an upcoming announcement for an 'Ultra be' winner on April 24th, which will also be posted on the narrator's website.
  • 📦 The narrator is expecting two new sirons in the mail, which will be featured in future videos.
  • 🌇 The ride starts in West Lake and heads towards Silver Lake, with an aim to keep moving until sunset.
  • 🚵‍♂️ The narrator mentions the challenges of making a one-hour long video, despite the activity seeming straightforward.
  • 🚗 A near-accident is recalled where a driver failed to stop at a stop sign, almost hitting the narrator.
  • 🚴 The condition of the narrator's bike tires is discussed, noting the need for new ones due to wear.
  • 🏥 A mention of St. Vincent Medical Center and an exploration of an unfamiliar side of it.
  • 🚦 The narrator talks about the chaotic nature of the city, the need for caution while riding, and the presence of security measures like barbed wire and gates.
  • ⏱️ The video ends with a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of appreciating every moment.

Q & A

  • What was the narrator's initial impression of the neighborhoods they were visiting?

    -The narrator felt that some of these neighborhoods were worse than the ones they had seen in South Central, and they were really in the 'trenches' when out exploring these areas.

  • Why did the narrator decide to avoid the skate park?

    -The narrator avoided the skate park because they didn't want to be there when it was full of skateboarders, and they were concerned about the potential for collisions due to the combined weight of the bike and themselves.

  • What was the significance of the date April 20th for the narrator?

    -April 20th was significant for many people, but not for the narrator as they did not partake in the activity that the holiday was centered around.

  • What was the narrator's goal for the ride in the video?

    -The narrator's goal was to keep moving the entire time until sunset, aiming to hit the 1-hour mark for the video.

  • What was the narrator's concern about their bike tires?

    -The narrator was concerned that their bike tires were in poor condition, with the rear tire almost bald, which could make riding risky and cause loss of traction.

  • What was the narrator's experience with a near-accident involving a car?

    -The narrator almost got hit by a car that did not stop at a stop sign while making a left-hand turn. This incident happened a few weeks prior to the video recording.

  • What was the narrator's observation about the alleys in Westlake?

    -The narrator observed that there were not many alleys in Westlake and the ones that existed were quite chaotic and wild, making them seem more dangerous than those in South Central.

  • What was the narrator's reaction to the amount of trash in the alleys?

    -The narrator was shocked by the amount of trash in the alleys, noting that it had gotten worse over time and that it contributed to the lawlessness and chaotic nature of the area.

  • What was the incident that occurred at MacArthur Park, as mentioned by the narrator?

    -The narrator mentioned a recent incident at MacArthur Park where a man was shot during an argument, resulting in him being paralyzed from the waist down.

  • What was the narrator's opinion about riding in downtown Los Angeles?

    -The narrator found downtown Los Angeles to be less exciting and more corporate, preferring the neighborhoods for their activity and stimulation. They also mentioned that downtown was not as fun to ride in when alone.

  • Why did the narrator decide to edit out a particular segment from the video?

    -The narrator decided to edit out a segment where they had a crash because it was an embarrassing moment, and they did not want to include it in the video.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Exploring Trench-like Neighborhoods and Upcoming Channel Events

The speaker starts by comparing the roughness of the neighborhoods they are exploring to South Central, emphasizing the reality of being in the 'trenches.' They discuss the unfortunate incidents that have occurred nearby and introduce the channel's activities, including an upcoming announcement for an 'ultra be' winner on April 24th. The speaker also mentions new sirons arriving and the challenges of creating content, especially aiming for an hour-long video. They express their intent to ride freely around Silver Lake and West Lake, avoiding crowded skate parks due to the size and weight of their suron, and share a close call experience with a car at a stop sign. The paragraph ends with a commentary on the need for new tires for the suron.

05:01

🚴‍♂️ A Ride Through Westlake and MacArthur Park's Alleys and Experiences

The speaker describes their experience riding through Westlake, noting the deceptive nature of the neighborhood's streets which can be as busy as a non-residential area. They share their observations about the local environment, including a cat playground, a couch with graffiti, and their typical route into MacArthur Park. The paragraph details their enjoyment of downhill riding and their growing skills in trials riding. The speaker also discusses the presence of glass bottles on the ground, which have made their rides slower, and the various events happening in MacArthur Park. They mention a tragic incident that occurred recently in the park and the speaker's decision to explore the alleys of Westlake, which are less common than in other areas.

10:02

🚦 Encounters with Crime and the Reality of Riding in the City

The speaker recounts a news story about a shooting incident that occurred around 9:00 p.m., involving an argument that escalated to gunfire. They express their amazement at the chaotic state of the city's alleys, filled with trash and gang graffiti, and compare them to the more peaceful areas of South Central, suggesting that the alleys are a 'free-for-all.' The paragraph also includes the speaker's observations of a customized BMX bike covered in etchings and a Lancer car, as well as their appreciation for Westlake as a favorite place to ride despite its dangers. They also mention a secured area that seems to be protecting residences and the sighting of a driverless car, adding a touch of the unexpected to their ride.

15:02

🏞️ A Tale of Two Parks: MacArthur Park and Its Vicinity

The speaker begins by warning about the potential dangers of riding near tarps that could hide unexpected threats like dogs. They recount a tragic story of a road rage incident on the 22 freeway where a 6-year-old was killed. The speaker then describes the contrast between the two sides of MacArthur Park, one being a clean and family-friendly area with a new playground, and the other being a 'hellscape.' They also talk about their content creation process, expressing gratitude for the freedom their audience gives them to create on their own schedule. The paragraph ends with the speaker's decision to explore a skate park and their surprise at finding it to be a new and clean area.

20:11

🛴 The Dynamic Streets of LA and a Suron Rider's Adventures

The speaker talks about their experience riding through the streets of LA, noting the various activities happening around MTH Park and the food being prepared for people. They mention the presence of a train station, which is often the center of crime in MacArthur Park, and the recent installation of gates. The paragraph includes the speaker's decision to avoid a particular alley due to the presence of toxic substances and their thrilling experience riding through the park, showcasing the capabilities of their suron. They also discuss their dislike for off-leash dogs in the city and the contrast between the peaceful and chaotic halves of the park.

25:12

🛵 A Suron Crash, City Exploration, and the Ebb and Flow of LA's Streets

The speaker admits to having a crash while riding their suron but assures that no one was hurt. They describe their feelings after the fall and their decision to edit the footage out due to the embarrassment. The paragraph details the speaker's continued exploration of the city, their surprise at the suron's ability to handle unexpected terrain like stairs, and their enjoyment of the breeze while riding. The speaker also talks about the persistent smell of 'LA cologne' during their ride, their brief detour through downtown, and their observation of the city's cleanup efforts, including the removal of tents and camps.

30:14

🚲 A Cyclist's Perspective on LA's Downtown and Westlake

The speaker shares their thoughts on the differences between riding through downtown LA and the neighborhoods, expressing a preference for the latter due to the lack of corporate atmosphere and the presence of alleys that provide mental stimulation. They describe their experience navigating downtown, noting the risks of ending up on a freeway if one takes a wrong turn. The paragraph includes the speaker's decision to return to Westlake, their observation of a bike shop with excellent mechanics, and their enjoyment of riding through the area despite the traffic and street vendors. The speaker ends the paragraph by reflecting on the passage of time and the importance of cherishing loved ones.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Trenches

In the context of the video, 'trenches' is a metaphor used to describe the challenging and potentially dangerous urban environments the speaker is navigating while riding. It suggests a sense of being in the midst of a struggle or a difficult situation, which aligns with the theme of urban exploration and the raw experience of being in certain neighborhoods.

💡Siron

A 'Siron' refers to an electric bike or e-bike, which is the mode of transportation used by the speaker in the video. It is significant as it allows for easier traversal of the city's diverse terrain and is a central element in the video's exploration of Los Angeles' neighborhoods.

💡MacArthur Park

MacArthur Park is a real location in Los Angeles, mentioned in the video as an area with a stark contrast between its two halves—one being a peaceful family area and the other being chaotic and potentially dangerous. It serves as a symbol of the diverse and sometimes conflicting nature of urban environments.

💡Gang Zones

The term 'gang zones' refers to areas within a city that are controlled or heavily influenced by street gangs. In the video, it is used to highlight the rough and unsafe parts of Los Angeles that the speaker encounters, adding to the theme of urban exploration and the realities of life in certain neighborhoods.

💡South Central

South Central is a region in Los Angeles that has a reputation for being a challenging area with high crime rates. The speaker compares other neighborhoods to South Central, suggesting that some parts they visit might be even worse, emphasizing the harsh realities of urban life in the city.

💡Tire

The condition of the tires on the Siron is mentioned as a concern in the video. Worn-out tires are a safety issue, especially for an electric bike being used for urban exploration. This detail underscores the practical challenges and maintenance needs associated with the speaker's mode of transportation.

💡Trials Riding

Trials riding is a form of motorcycle sport that involves navigating obstacles and terrain with precision and control. The speaker mentions getting better at trials riding, which is relevant to the video's theme of navigating through the urban environment and overcoming its challenges.

💡Downtown

Downtown refers to the central business district of a city, in this case, Los Angeles. The speaker expresses a preference for the dynamic and lively neighborhoods over the corporate and less engaging atmosphere of downtown, which reflects the video's exploration of different urban experiences.

💡Alley

An alley is a narrow street or passageway between buildings, often associated with urban exploration. The video frequently mentions alleys, which are depicted as chaotic, risky, and full of character, contributing to the video's portrayal of the raw and unfiltered side of the city.

💡RV

An RV, or recreational vehicle, is mentioned in the context of seeing the same one in downtown and then again later in the video. This serves as a narrative device to highlight the speaker's familiarity with the city and the recurring themes of homelessness and urban living conditions.

💡Bird Scooter

A Bird Scooter refers to a shared electric scooter service found in many urban areas. The mention of Bird scooters at Home Depot adds a note of humor and reflects the video's theme of the unexpected and quirky aspects of city life.

Highlights

The narrator describes the harsh realities of certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles, comparing them to the infamous South Central area.

The channel's host is preparing to announce an 'ultra be' winner on April 24th, with the winner's name to be posted on ham.com.

Exciting new content is teased, including a video about a 2024 version of a siren and a new Ultra be.

The host embarks on a free ride through Silver Lake and West Lake, noting the beauty of the evening and the significance of April 20th for many.

A near-collision experience with a car that ran a stop sign is recounted, highlighting the dangers of the area.

The poor condition of the Suron's tires is discussed, with the host noting the need for new ones for safety.

A notorious alley known for its gang graffiti and lawlessness is explored, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the area.

The host shares a tragic incident where a man was shot and paralyzed in a dispute, underlining the violence in the neighborhood.

A unique feature of the area is highlighted – a store dedicated to selling Bible-related items amidst the chaos.

The host rides through a stark contrast of environments in MacArthur Park, from a clean playground to a 'hellscap'.

A tense moment is described where the host narrowly avoids a potential confrontation with an aggressive individual.

The host expresses his love for the viewers and the freedom his online presence gives him to live life on his own terms.

A reflection on the past, when the host had a regular office job with a long commute, is shared, contrasting it with his current lifestyle.

The host takes a fall while riding, which is edited out of the video due to the embarrassing nature of the incident.

The Suron's capabilities are praised as the host navigates unexpected obstacles and terrain with ease.

The downtown area is briefly visited, with the host noting a lack of excitement and a preference for the neighborhoods' energy.

The host discusses the city's homeless situation, observing the recent cleanup of an underpass and the movement of tents.

A detour through Home Depot leads to musings on the presence of bird scooters and the unpredictability of city life.

The video concludes with a reminder to cherish time and loved ones, emphasizing the rapid passage of time.