Santa Ana, California, December 6, 2007 - Black Market (Blk Mrkt), is proud to announce the addition of Steven Bafus and Thomas Hancock to the team for 2008. The 2008

Blk Mrkt made members are:

Blk Mrkt will also continue its’ grassroots program for up and coming for up and coming shredders. Known only as the RIOT Squad, these members of the Blk Mrkt family are local riders who have attracted our attention and support. We are working on having a wrap sheet for each rider in what will be our list of “Usual Suspects.”

Blk Mrkt will also be co-sponsoring the Chain Reaction Cycles World Cup Team for 2008; stay tuned for the team roster.

source: mondo@blackmarketbikes.com
www.blackmarketbikes.com

Cyclists all over the world ride to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS;
Hosted by Until There’s a Cure Cycling Team

LOS ANGELES - Dec. 4, 2007 - Thousands of bicycle riders from around the world acknowledged World AIDS Day on December 1, 2007 by cycling 27 miles in recognition of the 27 years that the pandemic has been in existence.

For photos of the event, please contact Brian Hodes at brian@teamutac.com.

source: brian@teamutac.com

December 4, 2007 - Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) announces today the hire of Amy Luther as their National Program Coordinator. This newly developed position will engage Luther in all facets of OIWC business. Luther will work closely with the Executive Director to coordinate OIWC events at the Outdoor Retailer, Interbike, and SIA trade shows. She will also coordinate the efforts of the many volunteer based committees that serve the OIWC.

Luther is no stranger to the outdoor industry or the OIWC. Many know Luther for her position with leading on-line retailer, Backcountry.com. With the organization for six years, Luther raised through the ranks to become their Softgoods Division Manager. Her professional career also includes significant involvement with the OIWC as a volunteer, events committee chairperson, and a board member.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amy back to the OIWC. She was a huge asset during her tenure on the Board of Directors, and we are confident she is the right person to help us reach our goals of providing professional development to women in the outdoor industries,” states Sally Grimes, OIWC Executive Director.

“I am more than excited to be able to be a part of this organization,” states Amy Luther. “It is a position that allows me to be involved within the industry I love, while working for a cause that I am passionate about. I look forward to supporting this incredible group of ladies in helping them to achieve their goals.” Amy Luther can be reached at aluther@oiwc.org

http://www.oiwc.org/

OIWC is a non-profit corporation focused on the mission of equipping women to achieve their success. OIWC is sponsored at the Gold Plus level by EMS, Fox River, REI, and W.L. Gore & Associates. Gold level sponsors are CGPR, JanSport, Mountain Hardwear, Womenspecific.com, and Yakima. Silver level sponsors are Backpacker Magazine, Burton, GearTrends/SNEWS, Giant Bicycles, Hi-Tec, Interbike, Marmot, Outdoor Industry Association, Outdoor Retailer, SIA Timberland, and Tubbs Snowshoes. Bronze level sponsors are Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, Black Diamond, Camelbak, Cascade Designs, Chaco, Columbia, Contourwear, Filson, Fuji, GoLite, Guyot Designs, Kokatat, Manzella, Nuun Active Hydration, Osprey, Outdoor Research, OutdoorMind, Primaloft, QBP, Schoeller, Shimano, Sierra Magazine, Specialized, The North Face, Thule, and Turtle Fur. Friends of the OIWC include Chaos, EarMitts, Kiss My Face, Wallaroo Hat Company, and the Trade Association of Paddlesports.

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source: Elayna Caldwell-Grim, foxracingshox.com

For Immediate Release - December 6, 2007
Diverse slate of bicycling adventures includes several late-winter and early spring offerings

Missoula, Mont. - Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest bicycle travel organization, has unveiled its schedule of guided group rides for 2008. With 36 distinct tours and events, along with seven education courses, it is the most comprehensive ride roster in the organization’s 32-year history.

“The hallmarks of Adventure Cycling rides are our seasoned leaders, affordable prices, and relatively small group sizes,” said tours director Rod Kramer. “Beyond that, the rides take place in a wide array of formats, spectacular places, and seasons.

“We’re particularly excited to be offering a greater number of early season rides than ever before,” Kramer said. “These include the weeklong California ‘Winter Warmer’ event ride beginning in San Diego on February 16, another weeklong ride in southern Arizona beginning March 8, and a self-contained tour across the country on the Southern Tier beginning March 22. Come April, we’ll also be running weeklong event rides in Virginia and the Texas Hill Country.”

Each of Adventure Cycling’s 36 tours falls into one of two categories of travel, explained tours team leader John Weyhrich: either self-contained or supported. Each category offers a wide variety of great variation in locations, durations, riding surfaces, and more.

“For instance,” Weyhrich said, “our self-contained trips include rides as relatively tame as a 10-day spin through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and as wild and wooly as our 10th edition Great Divide expedition.” This 82-day adventure follows dirt roads from Banff, Alberta, to the Mexico border through some of the most remote and magnificent landscapes in the West. The Great Divide route, developed by Adventure Cycling in the 1990s, is considered the longest mountain bike route in the world at just over 2,700 miles.

“The supported tours also provide an incredible amount of variety,” Weyhrich added. “Several of them — Cycle Utah and the Sierra Sampler, for instance — are weeklong event rides serving from 40 to as many as 120 cyclists. Others offer a more personalized level of service and are limited to just 14 participants — notably, the 15-day Great Parks South trip and our first-ever van-supported, 76-day ride across the country on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. That tour will give seasoned cyclists a chance to cross the U.S. without having to haul anything but their bikes and their bodies.”

Finally, Adventure Cycling’s education courses are aimed at two categories of riders: those wishing to learn the ins and outs of bicycle travel, and those who want to lead tours for groups of adults or young people. Of special note is the first-ever Pedal Pioneers training to help youth group leaders develop tours for youth in the middle-school and high school age ranges. The course will be based on the acclaimed curriculum developed by Adventure Cycling in 2006 (available at www.adventurecycling.org/outreach/pedalpioneers.cfm).

To learn more about these courses and all of Adventure Cycling’s tours and events, visit www.adventurecycling.org/tours or call or email to request a copy of the 2008 tours catalog. The Tours Department can be reached at 800/755-2453 x3 or tours@adventurecycling.org.

Adventure Cycling Association is the largest bicycle membership organization in North America, with more than 42,500 members. Its mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. The nonprofit organization researches routes and creates maps for cycling in North America and publishes the best bicycle travel information available, including Adventure Cyclist magazine and The Cyclists’ Yellow Pages.

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source: Aaron Teasdale
ateasdale@adventurecycling.org
www.adventurecycling.org

Commencal bicycles and Vallnord Bike Park announce their official collaboration for the World Cup stop in the Principality of Andorra.

Only a short 5 minute ride from the Commencal International Headquarters in Andorra nestled in the Pyrenees’s lies the Resort of Vallnord. This bike park has grown to an international level with Cedric “the entertainer” Gracia living across the road and helping them build the best bike park possible. Cedric will also be key in helping develop the DH and 4X tracks so you know to expect something extra special. Commencal and Vallnord look to host a an extra special World Cup for all, we hope to see you there.

For more information:

www.vallnordbikeparkworldcup.com

source: Peter Appleton

The 2008 Dirt, Sweat and Gears 12 Hour race (http://www.dirtsweatandgears.com/) will be the most fun you can have on a mountain bike and participants will also be helping to maintain high quality trails in the Southeastern United States. DSG is making a strong statement about its commitment to mountain biking advocacy through an innovative partnership with SORBA, IMBA’s southeastern affiliate. DSG will make a $10 donation to SORBA on behalf of every SORBA-IMBA member who participates in the 2008 event. To sweeten the pot and show their commitment to trail advocacy efforts, the team at Ergon is offering the first 25 members who register for the race in a free pair of Ergon GP1 grips, as a special gift. As an added bonus Team Ergon’s Jeff Kerkove will be on hand at the event to install these grips and answer questions for racers.

“Dirt, Sweat and Gears is all about sharing good times with like-minded cyclists while supporting a good cause. As SORBA / IMBA members, we support SORBA’s efforts and recognize their vital importance in the effort to create trail opportunities for mountain bikers,” says, Race Marketing Director Grant Castle.

Jeff Kerkove, Marketing, Event, and Athlete Relations for Ergon USA (and Team Ergon MTB Endurance Racer) said, “It’s easy for Ergon to get involved with DSG and SORBA to help promote racing, bicycle culture, and most importantly…trail advocacy. DSG is special because they’ve built and they maintain freakish trails on private land. You can ride this outstanding course when they open it up for this one, you-gotta-be-there-weekend, while at the same time they are doing their part to improve public trails. That’s leadership Ergon wants to associate with.”

Tom Sauret, SORBA Executive Director, says ”this partnership is an example of how race promoters, the bike industry, and advocacy groups all recognize that we are essentially one family working as one to fertilize the bike culture.”

SORBA

The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), IMBA’s regional presence, is the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeast. SORBA members work with land managers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy. Through advocacy, education, and recreational opportunities, SORBA carries out its mission to promote land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in order to enhance mountain bike touring, racing, fun, and fellowship for all mountain bicyclists in the southeastern United States. For more information visit: http://www.sorba.org/

IMBA

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) creates, enhances and preserves trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 32,000 individual members, more than 500 bicycle clubs, and 400 corporate partners and dealer members. For more information visit: http://www.imba.com/

Dirt, Sweat and Gears

Dirt, Sweat and Gears is a 12hr Mountain Bike Race and Festival that takes place on the weekend of May 2^nd – May 3^rd 2008. Last year DSG hosted racers from 31 states competing for a $10,000 purse and walking away with loads of schwag including 3 complete bikes, 4 frames, and most importantly, great memories! Each year this event also supports a charity with a portion of proceeds going to The American Cancer Society for 2008. An addition to DSG, SSUSA will take place on May 2^nd and will feature an XC style Single Speed Race with all the requisite shenanigans. For more information, please visit: http://www.dirtsweatandgears.com/

Ergon Bike Ergonomics

Ergon is made up of specialists in different areas. There are bike experts, racers, sports scientists, ergonomics experts, engineers, and industrial designers. The aim at Ergon is to develop products that offer the best ergonomics for cyclists, which combine the best scientific principles with practicality. The performance of Ergon products is tested in scientific laboratory studies, in the technical institutes, and with the sweat and tears shed under the most extreme race conditions. Cycling press editorials, international design awards, and the hardest race conditions in the world confirm that Ergon is at the cutting edge. Learn more about these great products at: http://www.ergon-bike.com/

source: Jeff Kerkove, Ergon USA

Santa Ana, California, December 13, 2007 - Black Market (Blk Mrkt), is proud to announce the release of the .357, the companies’ first complete bike offering. The .357 bicycle is built upon the geometry of the now infamous MOB frame and is available at authorized Blk Mrkt dealers around the world. As well as the .357 complete bikes, Blk Mrkt is also proud to announce the release of the 2008 MOB frame, made in Santa Ana, California, at the famed S&M Bikes factory. The MOB frame is constructed of True Temper Super Therm butted-steel tubing and is available in stock and custom colors. A custom top tube length is also available at an additional charge.

Visit http://www.blackmarketbikes.com for more information. For dealer inquiries contact Mondo Aguilera at BlkMrkt directly at (714) 835-3400 x239 or at mondo@blackmarketbikes.com.

Decline magazine in the June, 2006 issue calls the Blk Mrkt MOB “The nicest hardtail we have ever ridden.”

which makes for reliable screw tightening. The right tool for the professional and day-to-day maintenance of bicycles.

Gainesville, GA, December 3, 2007: In recent years, bicycles for personal use have changed dramatically. Safety, drive dynamics, and comfort are being continually improved. More and more new high-tech materials, such as composite fiber materials or titanium are being used. This means that it is not uncommon for torque values to be indicated for screw connections on bicycles. With the PB Torque® Tools, bicycle fans are properly equipped for high torques. PB Swiss Tools, a leading partner for quality tools world-wide, has released the new generation of PB Torque Tools with digital displays. These convenient tools make it easy to check screw tightening torques, and lie comfortably in the hand thanks to their ergonomic shape and high quality handle materials.

These exclusive PB Swiss Tools brand torque screwdrivers feature a digital display at the end of the handle, which shows the torque setting. This means the tool is ideally suited for controlled screw tightening to the specified torque. The torque screwdriver is suitable for small series production, but above all it is outstandingly suitable for one-off assembly operations, for which the specified torque can be set quickly and easily. When the maximum torque is reached as the screw is tightened, the tool triggers audibly and by touch. The ratchet mechanism prevents the set torque being exceeded The screwdriver is then again immediately ready for use. In addition, screws that have already been tightened can be undone with up to twice the maximum tightening torque. The measuring accuracy of +/- 6 percent ensures optimum security.

New generation
This innovation from PB Swiss Tools is the first on the market in this form. The tools permit the customer to set the desired torque quickly and easily. This is done using the supplied 3mm hexagon L-wrench, within any of the ranges from 0.1 to 16 Nm (0.89 in/lbf – 11.8 ft/lbf).

Power-saving and handy
The integral battery-saving mode is particularly clever: The digital display has a touch screen, which is activated by finger pressure on the display. After about 20 seconds the display automatically switches itself off. This means that the battery lasts for years. The ergonomically shaped handle means the screwdriver lies exceptionally comfortably in the hand. In addition, the handle has a Santoprene coating, which ensures reliable transmission of torque with only slight application of force, even with wet or oily hands. The PB Swiss Tools torque screwdriver with digital display is robust and offers impressively long working life at an optimum price/performance ratio. The comfortable and secure grip makes it ideal for everyday use.

Flexible capability
The PB Swiss Tools torque screwdriver is available in four torque ranges: 10-80 cNm (0.89-7.08 in/lbf), 0.4-2.5 Nm (0.3-1.84 ft/lbf), 1-5 Nm (0.74-3.69 ft/lbf) and 3.2- 16 Nm (2.4-11.8 ft/lbf). The newly introduced 3.2-16 Nm size has a pistol grip for especially smooth application of the high torques.

PB Swiss Tools offers over forty different types of interchangeable blades and bits. The range includes Phillips, Pozidriv, Hex/Allen, Torx®, Torx Plus®, Socket, ¼“ bits, and more. Ingenious details round off this practical tool including: printing the measurement range on the handle and the capability to switch the torque units
between Nm and ft/lbf.

The PB Swiss Tools torque screwdriver is also available without the digital display. This version is supplied from the factory pre-set to the most frequently required torque, and has a field where the customer can write the torque value he has set.

Torque screwdriver Item No. 8320 & 8325 (8315 Pre-set without display) Interchangeable blades Item No. 215, 225, & C6

PB Swiss Tools specializes in high quality hand tools that are designed for anyone requiring ergonomics, precision, and optimum performance. All products are backed by an unlimited lifetime guarantee, so you never have to worry about buying another tool again. We are familiar with the demands that professionals and DIY enthusiasts place on these first-class tools that are in daily use in over 30 countries world-wide.

www.pbtools.us

source: media@cotinc.com

MONTEREY, Calif. (December 3, 2007) The Sea Otter Classic, A Celebration of Sport, celebrates its 18th year April 17-20, 2008. Since 1991, the Sea Otter Classic has been the springboard from which companies launch innovative products and athletes boost pro racing careers, like those of world champion Tom Boonen and Olympic gold medalist Julien Absalon. Next year, the Sea Otter Classic will set an even greater stage for an audience determined to get the most out of what Sea Otter has to offer.

Racing - Challenge yourself. Mountain bike, road, BMX, and gravity racing spans all categories from teenaged juniors to masters 60 and over, beginner to elite and everyone in between.

Recreation - Do something for yourself. A Road Tour, benefiting the Davis Phinney Foundation, and an Off-Road Tour, benefiting IMBA California, each travel throughout the Monterey Peninsula and beyond and explore the scenic surroundings of the Monterey Bay area. Each Tour ends with a barbeque and a raffle overflowing with essential gear.

Demo area - See it, try it. A new pump track has been added to a redesigned demo area. Even better, the track’s interior will hold one of Sea Otter’s main attractions, the Ride Zone, where cyclists get a chance to try out their skills and gain new ones on a variety of carefully crafted obstacles.

Expo - Be the first to market. Sea Otter is often the first place where consumers get a look at never-been-seen before products. To accommodate the volume of exhibitors who bravely face 60,000 curious and/or veteran visitors to Laguna Seca over the four-day event, Sea Otter has had to expand again for 2008.

Kids’ events - Play: there is plenty of active entertainment. Sea Otter’s Kids’ Carnival, Bike Rodeo, Sea Otter Egg Hunt, and Ride Zone promise to return weary children to grateful parents at the end of each day.

The Sea Otter Classic has always been an international zone for pro racers, some who have gone on to perform spectacularly on the world stage. Tom Boonen raced at Sea Otter before pulling on the rainbow stripes that distinguish a world champion. Julien Absalon finished sixth at Sea Otter in 2003 before he went on to claim the Olympic gold medal at Athens in 2004.

“The Sea Otter Classic is a big classic at the beginning of the season, same as Roc d’Azur in France is a classic at the end of the season,” said Absalon. “We don’t have a lot of races in the US. Sea Otter is the only international race of the season, so maybe it’s the only chance to race in the US for European riders.”

The atmosphere that some of the world’s most celebrated athletes bring to Sea Otter can be felt throughout the event, especially when the random sighting or chance to ride elbow to elbow with some of these luminaries presents itself.

“Sea Otter thrives because the sport keeps evolving,” said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO. “The dedication of cyclists to strengthen and grow the sport has inspired and motivated organizers of the Sea Otter Classic to respond in kind.”

About Sea Otter Classic Inc.
The 18th Annual Sea Otter Classic will be held April 17-20, 2008 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, California, USA. The four-day “Celebration of Sport” is considered the world’s largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans. The Sea Otter Classic benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation, which supports Parkinson’s disease research and wellness, and California IMBA, which organizes advocacy and trail-building efforts statewide and strengthens California mountain bike clubs. More information can be found at www.seaotterclassic.com or by calling 800-218-8411.

source: wendy@seaotterclassic.com

“Check out Mtbr.com’s coverage of the 2007 Sea Otter Classic”