etnies and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) worked together to bring the etnies GvR skateboarding contest to the Skate 2 video game, and to create an etnies Skate 2 RVM shoe for real world skateboarding.  The etnies RVM Skate 2 shoe will be available when the game hits stores in early 2009.

Drawing inspiration from etnies skate heritage, the RVM features the classic etnies Rap styling with a slimmed down mid-top silhouette on a vulcanized outsole and a tonal Skate 2 logo on the outer heel.  The RVM also features STI System G2 gel in the heel of the outsole to absorb shock and prevent heel bruises.  The shoe will be sold at Zumiez in the United States, and it will be available at select retailers internationally.

“Skate 2 is a celebration of skateboarding and it’s really amazing how this game has brought the culture of skateboarding to so many kids.  I really liked being a part of the original Skate, and it’s cool that they included me in Skate 2.” said etnies team rider, Jason Dill.   “The game is pretty realistic.  I think it is funny to play a virtual me on a video game.”

As for the game’s story, Skate 2 picks up five years after the original Skate, a period marred by an unspeakable disaster that left San Vanelona in ruins. Within that time, Mongocorp rebuilt the city but their zealous protection of private property has put a damper on the once thriving skate population. Equipped with double the bag of tricks, gamers are tasked to rebuild their career and revive the New San Vanelona skate scene. With their ability to get off-board to move objects around and with help from a crew of locals, players will embark on a mission to take back the city, one spot at a time. Along the way, they’ll need to get coverage, earn sponsorships, own challenges and enter contests, including a coveted invite to etnies GvR competition

Check out the video of Jason Dill speaking about his involvment in Skate 2 here.

The new Fourstar tour film is up and running on thier site.

Massan is a photographer and member of the Mash SF crew. When he lived in SF, he was known as the fastest dude in the city. He’s known for tackling the gnarliest hills, too. Check out the Mash video for the documentation that backs up his rep.

When did you take the brakes off?
I started in the year 2000. I’ve always loved riding all types of bicycles, but I started riding track bikes because I liked the way the bike looked.

What was the hardest part about adjusting to a fixed gear?
Not being able to coast. I still like to coast once in a while.

What kind of bike are you riding right now with what parts?
White Giant Omnium with a Dura Ace crank, Zen chain ring, black Phils, that sort of stuff.

What is your favorite city to ride your bike in and why?
San Francisco because of the hills and the weather. I’m liking New York now, too. It’s a different style of riding. Instead of hills, there are six-lane one-way streets that’re like 100 blocks long. Catching all green lights is like catching a wave.

Do you or did you ever skateboard? If so, did that affect your biking in any way?
I skate, but these days I ride my bike more. Skating taught me how to slam. Once you learn that, you can push yourself to do more.